RENDCOMBIAN

Rendcomb College, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 7HA England Telephone: +44 (0)1285 831213 e-mail: [email protected] rendcombcollege.org.uk (Contact details updated April 2017 NSP) © Old Rendcombian Society, Rendcomb College oldrendcombian.org.uk [email protected] Table of Contents

EDITORIAL & REPORTS 6th Form Art Trip to Cardiff ...... 37 Editorial ...... 3 Brewery Arts Trip ...... 37 Staff Leavers ...... 3 Psychology Event ...... 38 New Staff...... 4 Drug Awareness Day ...... 38 Founder’s Day...... 4 GCSE PE Trip ...... 39 Chapel Reflections ...... 8 Business Management Day...... 39 Bursar’s Report...... 8 6A Biology Field Trip ...... 39 School Council ...... 9 Intermediate Maths Challenge...... 40 Life in Old Rec/Goodman...... 10 BEYOND THE COLLEGE Gap Students ...... 10 Uganda...... 40, 42 & 43 Walking the mile together ...... 12 Block Printing in India...... 41 HOUSE NEWS Interview with Commander Hodkinson...... 44 Stable ...... 12 60 Year Re-union ...... 45 Lawn ...... 12 Chris Jeffreys’ Travels ...... 46 Old Rec ...... 13 Music Courses at Rendcomb ...... 46 Ultimate Shopping for Christmas 2003 ...... 47 SOCIAL EVENTS l-3rd Form Disco...... 13 Galanthus ...... 47 Hands-on Rural Day ...... 48 Halloween Disco ...... 13 Chinese New Year ...... 14 SOCIAL, CULTURAL & SPORTS TRIPS 3rd-5th Form Outing ...... 14 Theatre Club Trips ...... 48 Hockey Dinner ...... 14 Drama Tour to London ...... 48 Stitch ...... 15 1st Form Adventure Weekend...... 49 6th Form Christmas Dinner ...... 15 German Trip ...... 50, 51 & 53 Gatsby Night ...... 15 & 18 Wimbledon...... 52 Fireworks ...... 16 Barcelona Rugby Tour ...... 54 Talent Quest ...... 16 SPORTS PERFORMING & CREATIVE ARTS Rugby ...... 55 Bouncers & Shakers ...... 16 & 20 Girls’ Hockey ...... 59 Oliver ...... 17 & 22 Boys’ Hockey ...... 62 Equues ...... 19 Lacrosse ...... ,...... 66 The Crucible ...... 19 Netball ...... 67 Music Teachers...... 21 Cricket ...... 67 Music in Michaelmas Term ...... 21 Tennis ...... 70 Stars from the East ...... 21 Rounders ...... 71 Amahl and the Night Visitors...... 21 Sports Day ...... 71, 78 & 79 Music in Summer Term ...... 23 Individual Achievements ...... 71 Mr White’s Last Concert ...... 24 ACTIVITIES Creative Writing The National Game...... 72 Astrid Elsen ...... 24 Inter Schools Horse Riding...... 72 Harry Frost ...... 24 Shooting ...... 73 Aimée Schofield ...... 25 Duke of Edinburgh...... 74 Richard Whittles ...... 25 Oliver Richards...... 25 THE RECORD Leavers’ Weekend ...... 74 Alex Staines...... 25 60 Years On ...... 74 Tanya Wells ...... 25 Salvette & Valette ...... 76 Chloe Slater...... 30 Academic Record...... 76 Art Gallery ...... 26 to 29 Officers ...... 80 Art Report ...... 30 JUNIOR SCHOOL ACADEMIC TRIPS, EVENTS & VISITS Headmaster’s Report & Staff News ...... 81 Public Speaking ...... 32 Music & Drama ...... 82 & 83 3rd Form trip to Stratford-Upon-Avon...... 33 Jest ...... 84 World Book Day ...... 33 Cheltenham Festival ...... 34 Special Days ...... 85 Reception Class ...... 86 & 87 Journey’s End...... 34 J1 ...... 88 & 89 The Importance of Being Ernest...... 35 J2 ...... 90 & 91 Othellophobia ...... 35 Sport ...... 93. 34. 95 & 96 Poetry Live! ...... 35 4th Form Natural History ...... 35 J3 & J4 Art ...... 97 J3 ...... 98 & 99 2nd Form Science Trip...... 36 J4 ...... 100 &101 1st Form Science Trip to Cheltenham Festival...... 36 J5 ...... 102 & 103 6B Geography Trip ...... 36 J6 ...... 104 & 105 A2 Geography Trip ...... 36 3rd Form Visit to Imperial War Museum...... 37 J6 Leavers ...... 106 & 107 J5 & J6 Art ...... 108 past so no surprises were anticipated, Editorial however no-one had expected a human whirlwind! He also stated & Reports that he wanted to encourage students to enjoy music and he felt that his Editorial role would be that of a guide. Well there is no doubt that he has done Welcome to The Rendcombian 2004. this par excellence. The clarion call last year was for more creativity in this year’s He arrived with his wife Judy, his two children, one of whom attended magazine. I hope we have achieved Fourth Form: this. Not only is there more original the school and an interesting car. Matt Hook The mini was painted with flowers work in the form of art, creative Alex Staines writing and photographs but I hope and the words “Love is all you need” that you will notice that there are Sixth Form: on the doors. Was it a reference to very many more articles written by Heather Roper the Beatles or was it one of David’s students. And not just straight Jess Weston guidelines for life? David quickly forward reports either! There are Matt Nichols made his mark at Rendcomb by some marvellous flights of fancy in Claire Taylor involving as many pupils as possible here as well and I have been very Caroline Wells in music and by providing a great impressed with the originality my variety of music for the school Next year I think we will go team has displayed. The editorial community to hear. innovative! Not quite sure what that group changed somewhat from last means but I’ve got the summer to Thom Gilbert (who was at year and Alex and Matthew didn’t think about it. Rendcomb from 1992-1999) wrote quite know what had hit them as the in the Old Rendcombian newsletter whirlwinds from 6B spilled out at If you have any comments or about this small man of enormous top volume into the multi-media thoughts about the magazine please presence, unstoppable energy and room! I’ve never seen the castors on contact me through school or by commitment as follows: those computing chairs move so e-mail at [email protected] quickly to deliver high octane “Most of my fondest memories of gossip to anyone who would listen! Staff Leavers Rendcomb involve the extraordinarily Matt and Alex looked on with eccentric musical life of a wonderful quizzical gazes and perhaps > DAVID WHITE place which holds enormous wondered what the world was David White retired this summer significance to everyone who is coming to and how did we ever after 15 years of dedicated service fortunate enough to be part of it. manage to hold onto an empire for to the College. The college was so David embodies this unique musical so long! lucky to attract David White to the culture, which has shaped an post of Director of Music from John overwhelming enthusiasm for music I must extend my thanks to all those Bentley School in Calne, where he in me and countless others.” This who have contributed articles, had accumulated a wealth of view was reinforced when many Old pictures or original work. A special experience in teaching and in Rendcombian musicians attended a thanks to those who helped proof organising choirs and large musical party organised for David by his read the magazine (blame them for events. He told the editors of The dedicated group of instrumental any mistakes) but a special thanks Rendcombian at the time that he teachers. At this event Colin Shiner, to my team who took on the wished to be thought of as gently who also retired this year, spoke of challenge to produce articles that eccentric. Rendcomb had experienced the music staffs enormous respect had a little bit of sparkle. eccentric directors of music in the for David’s aims and for his musical talent as a performer. There is not room here to list all of the musical highlights of David’s career at Rendcomb but they would have to include the school choir singing in Bristol and in Gloucester Cathedral, Fauré’s Requiem, the Nelson Mass, Handel’s Messiah, two versions of “Oliver”, “Bugsy Malone”, formal recitals and informal concerts, which sometimes included every member of a selected year group. David has always been able to see the potential in people and make the seemingly impossible happen. Thankfully for so many Rendcombians, he has done this throughout his time at Rendcomb. Second generation Old Rendcombian, Paul Sumsion hit the nail on the head with this summary. “Music flows in David’s veins where the NEW STAFF rest of us have to make do with blood.” In addition to his school Andrew Gunning commitments, David was the Hugh and Rosalind Marsden conductor of Cirencester Choral Penny Clements Society for several years. Melania Clements In 1995 Chris and Penny Wood Nicky Welfare handed over the keys of the Old Rectory to David and Judy, pleased that the helm was being taken over by a couple who believe in the Godman House will testify. Often original Rendcomb values of there was the picture of Naomi kindness, absence of class, walking around the campus with individuality of thought and high girls hanging onto her like limpets. standards in work. David and Judy As a member of the Music Staff, she realised the importance of this in particular took charge of the housemastership and set about technology side of things and many encouraging the young pupils in are the students who have benefited their care to develop into hard from her expertise and the working and responsible boys. unlimited time she gave to helping Despite Judy’s sudden disability in and advising in the use of 1996, they both continued to work technology. She was the kind of so very hard at the Old Rectory until teacher who preferred to show as their retirement. David would much as was necessary and then always strive to maintain standards allow students their head. A lot of in the music department and to composition work happened ensure that the Old Rectory ran because she switched on and the smoothly. Even after a hard day in students, fired up, finished the race. the department, he would be seen Recordings of events were often in outside the Old Rectory with a big the hands of budding engineers. It smile on his face, exuding levels of was like that with the Rock Concerts energy that most people can only do she masterminded - pupil input was at the start of the day. Many pupils, the hall mark - composing, setting parents and staff are extremely up groups, engineering though at grateful to David and Judy for what the same time making sure the best they have achieved during their nine facilities were on hand, bringing in years there. They now hand over to outside expertise when necessary. Alex and Amanda Brealy, the Old Naomi was responsible for the Rectory’s fourth set of houseparents, setting up and pioneering of since its inception in 1966. curriculum music in the Junior Founder ’s D ay The college has been extremely School and for playing a large role fortunate to have benefited from there as an active music teacher. “What, a Bedouin tent in the gym? David’s talents, enthusiasm and One of the reasons why Naomi was Awwwh....that’s no fun! Part of the dedication for so long. He has been so much wanted at Rendcomb was Founder’s Day tradition is counting referred to as the personification of her multi-faceted talent. She was the number of tennis balls in the “Quo Lux Ducit”. Well the light now not only a musician, but a dancer cricket netting above the speaker’s leads to Wales and he will be and a drama enthusiast. She was head!” given her head at the end of her missed! David and Judy moved to Not, I’m glad to say, a typical Builth Wells in July and the first year to produce, virtually single handed ‘The Little Shop of response to the all-new improved Rendcomb community wishes them Founder’s Day. There has been a both a long and happy retirement. Horrors’, the summer musical of 2003, a spectacular affair which feeling for a while that our CW brought out the talents of Founder’s Day has lacked a focus. Parents were unsure how to fill their > NAOMI GIBBONS unsuspecting thespians. Naomi Gibbons came to Rendcomb She will be greatly missed both as a College two years ago fresh from lively teacher but primarily as a her specialist training in Oboe at the lovely person who earned all our Birmingham Conservatoire and a affections. She leaves to gain short spell of teaching in an inner further qualification and teaching at Birmingham School. As an Old Farmor’s School. Rendcombian her appointment was particularly poignant and she soon Other Leavers include: fitted into the school earning the Naomi Gibbons affection of all the children and Mary Plint older students with whom she came Jo Hadley in contact. Hers was a shoulder to Jacqui O’Sullivan cry on, as many grateful girls in time between dropping students off certainly recognized all those years and the start of speeches, students ago: that a Rendcomb education is a were at a bit of a loose end and staff process, not an outcome.” just wanted the holidays to begin! So, a committee was formed to look The Headmaster then went on to into how we might re-vamp outline the college’s academic Founder’s Day a little and create a performance last year, which was more meaningful and enjoyable day excellent (95% pass rate at A level, for students and parents alike. I 92% A-C at GCSE level.) think that all those who attended However, the Headmaster was at really enjoyed the changes that we the local pub: pains to stress that league tables have introduced. The treats on offer and examination statistics do not were many and varied: “Three weeks ago, one lovely give the complete picture and that departmental displays and play summer’s evening, Liese and I success should be measured in a rehearsals to peep in on; an popped into our local pub after a much broader way. He went on to enormously well supported auction, particularly idyllic walk across the emphasise some of the other a thriving parents’ association stand fields. We quickly found ourselves successes of the previous year: the and a bijou French cafe selling hot in conversation with a delightful introduction of lacrosse and pop coffee and tasty croissants. Over a old gentleman who was propping up lacrosse, an unbeaten U14 rugby hundred students were occupied by the bar of ‘The Bathhurst Arms.’ We team and a silverware winning a mixed seven-a-side soccer had been chatting for fifteen soccer side. County honours in tournament which flourished minutes or so, when suddenly, and hockey and international honours in despite the weather and other without any warning he asked: rounders. Drama was as strong as sporting activities were taking place “So tell me, where do you teach?” ever, ‘Bouncers and Shakers’ being around the campus. Finally, the recognized as one of the best more formal part of the Somewhat taken aback by this productions in recent memory. proceedings; the speeches in that question I eventually replied: GCSE and A level drama performances mentioned elsewhere in this magazine were excellent and the year ended with the mammoth production of ‘Oliver’ which spanned both junior and senior schools. In music everyone marvelled at the fantastically atmospheric ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ and the Lent term concert in Cirencester Parish church was a triumph. Shooters and riders were once again very successful and mathematicians performed well in national competitions. There were trips to Germany and Spain, adventure weekends and cultural visits. The headmaster went on to emphasize the ever increasing links between the junior and the senior school and illustrated his point with an anecdote concerning the visit to “At Rendcomb College.” Bedouin tent. A shame about the a junior school maths class by the tennis balls but on the whole “Ah yes,” said the elderly senior school Director of Studies, something of an improvement on gentleman, “my son used to go Mr Dodd: previous years I think! If you would there many years ago, before your “Some four year olds had just been like to feed-back any views you time I suspect.” introduced to the concept of money may have about Founder’s Day, “Probably,” I muttered. “And tell and they were busy using fake please contact Mrs Dodd through me,” I added. “What did he learn money to add up totals. As always, the school. Here’s to next year during his time at Rendcomb the ever-helpful Mr Dodd, keen to which we hope to make a still College?” gauge the quality of learning in the grander affair! class, tried to check that one little There was a long pause. Below are highlights of some of the four year old girl had grasped the speeches from Founder’s day, “Learn? Oh, it’s far too early to tell,” point. Mr Dodd asked her: beginning with the Headmaster’s the gentleman replied, “He’s only “If I have ten pence in one hand and address: fifty-two.” five pence in the other hand, what PJ What a wonderful observation and a do have?” poignant reminder to us and one The four year old paused for a The Headmaster began his address which our founder, Noel Wills, with an observation about a visit to second or two and then replied: “Big hands!” change is also broadly understood, apart from by those who do not The Headmaster went on to talk want to hear about it: how we about the new Houseparents who generate energy while fossil fuel will be starting next term and he resources diminish and demand also referred to the ever-increasing increases is another conundrum; but significance of our twinning with damage to the diversity of life of Lord Meade School in Uganda. which our species is a small but James Stutchbury has written about immodest part has somehow his visit to Uganda elsewhere in this escaped most public attention. All magazine. We will be welcoming these issues are interlinked, and all our first teacher from Lord Meade Our visiting speaker, Sir Crispin concern the future of humanity. School in September and the Tickell GCMG KCVO, spoke to us headmaster hoped that links about the global challenges facing Then there is the way in which we through G.A.P. projects would the next generation of school treat each other. There is a widening develop over the years. The leavers. In his stimulating address gap between the world’s rich Headmaster praised the Sir Crispin told us about a time and the world’s poor, and international outlook of the college capsule he and others planted at disproportionate consumption of referring to our Russian dancer, Kew in 1994. He speculated about the Earth’s resources. At present Hong Kong fencer, German tennis what those who opened it in 2044 about 20% of the world's people players and Japanese 1st XI would make of how we had fared in consume between 70% and 80% of cricketer! the intervening years. Sir Crispin its resources. That 20% enjoy about thought the prospects rather 45% of its meat and fish, and use The headmaster ended his address gloomy. However, he outlined the 68% of electricity (most generated with the following observations: areas where the next generation from fossil fuels), 84% of paper, and “What do we want for our children should turn their eye and pointed 87% of cars. The dividing line as they go through our schools? Of out that in his view all the problems between rich and poor is not only course we want them to be good: were solvable. Sir Crispin ended between countries but also within good at history, good at maths, with the following words: them. There are the globalized rich “bien” at French, good at games, “For the moment there are six main and the localized poor, and good at music; but surely as we look according to the latest report from to our children’s future, what we things for us to think about: human really want for them is that we want population increase; degradation of the United Nations Development them to arrive at being morally land and accumulation of wastes; Programme, the gap between them good: good people, good workers, water pollution and supply; climate is ever widening. good wives, good husbands, good change; energy production and use, What should we do? When our citizens and good company. I am and destruction of biodiversity. Of capsule is opened in 2044, will sure that as our leavers reflect on these factors population issues are people think we got things wrong? their time with us, whether they often ignored as somehow too have been at Rendcomb two years, Will there be any need for an five years or seven years, they will embarrassing or mixed up with apology? Were the problems as see their Rendcomb experience as religion and the ideology of alarming as we thought in 1994? By the first stage of their educational development; most people are nature I am an optimist. All the journey, rather than their last port broadly aware of land and waste problems are solvable. But if I am of call. problems, although far from an optimist of the intellect, I am a accepting the remedies necessary; As I said, education is a process, not pessimist of the will. People tend an outcome.” water issues have had a lot of not to do anything until the last publicity, and already affect most moment, and the last moment can GH people on this planet; climate sometimes be too late. They need a unique character and allows friendly catastrophe. Not too big, different year groups to interact but not too small, and preferably with each other. He ended with the not affecting anyone in this room. following words: So what should, our, your, priorities “When Mr Holden interviewed me, be? Here are mine: before coming here, he asked me this question: • First recognize the problems and grasp the linkages between ‘If I were to give you £1,000 pounds them; now, how would you spend it?’ • Next feel some responsibility for same. Nick suggested that this I can’t remember my answer but doing something about them at essential nature centered on typically, he still hasn’t given me all levels: individual, family, friendship. Nick recollected how he the money! had enjoyed this friendship from the community, national and even But I have received a lot of other global; first day when he arrived from a large school in Southampton where, things from Rendcomb and I will • Next, and perhaps most take away memories, friendships in his words, “at times there, it was and increased self-confidence. important, get our values right. sink or swim and I was drowning”. Wealth is less good than well-being. Though, in Nick’s words, a ‘townie’ I would like to take this opportunity, As the ruler of Bhutan once from Southampton, he was accepted on behalf of all the leavers, to thank said, let us aim less for GDP into the Rendcomb family. Nick all who have supported us through (Gross Domestic Product) than then talked about how Rendcomb’s our time at the college and to wish for GDH (Gross Domestic size is part of what gives it its the school and the leavers best Happiness). That means wishes for the future.” measuring things differently with a view to the long term. In a phrase, my message to you today is: Think Differently. Don’t swallow the conventional wisdom. It is for you to make your own wisdominstead.” The College was then addressed by the Head Boy, Nick Evans.

He began in this way: “Standing here today reminds me of the first Founder’s day I went to four years ago. I remember listening to the Head boy’s speech and thinking to myself.... ‘Thank goodness I won’t ever have to do anything like that!’ How wrong I was!” Nick went onto to mention the recent visit by Old Rendcombians who were at the college 60 years ago and how, though conditions may have changed, the essential nature of the school remained the Sarah Rudderham, the Head Girl Harry Evans - a big thank you to offered the vote of thanks and she him for all his hard work. too talked warmly about the > MEDICAL CENTRE friendships she has developed since Our thanks to our two RGN's, Sister arriving at the school. Julie Pritchard and SisterJudy Hunt whose quiet professionalism, makes C hapel R eflections a world of difference tothe health What price a good education? It’s a and well being of the Colleges’ good question, especially today. pupils and staff. We are also all What should we, as parents, expect especially grateful to Sister Julie thank Mr David White. from our schools? One answer Pritchard for her tremendous work comes from John Gay, the Church of However, there are some who might behind the scenes for our England spokesperson on Religious question whether children should be productions; she sewed and altered Education who recently wrote, exposed to any form of worship. To over 300 costumes for “Oliver”. “Religion is a universal dimension them I offer these words as food for > CATERING, DOMESTICS, of human life and without an thought, written by Bishop Michael LAUNDRY, HOSPITALITY understanding and appreciation of Marshall: “Real education must it a child’s education is short­ include an appreciation, as well as Mop and Bucket, Shirts and Socks, changed.” an experience, of the transcendent, Pots and Pans. This academic year in our Chapel spiritual values and an inner life; of Another year is over for the reflection and meditation which assembly we have considered in the Catering, Domestic and Laundry point beyond the superficial to the Senior School the following themes: Staff, but as they say “there is no valuing ourselves and others; foundations of morality and culture, peace for the wicked” as the stories Jesus told; and living Any educational system worthy of academic staff say “Have a nice the name will give space and time responsibly in a community. summer” with a smile on their faces. to develop this as being an integral Members of the 6th Form and seven part of holistic education. What have the “Little Seen” been up members of staff have contributed to during 2003-2004? Well not only and we also welcomed a visit from A world without wonder and have we been cleaning the the Gideons. But by far the most worship is too horrific to corridors, hunting out the owners of memorable assembly was when contemplate, since what we worship unmarked clothes and keeping Dominic Mulcahy entered church determines our whole value system, hungry mouths fed, we have been playing the bagpipes to illustrate which is but one reason why our looking after Opera Singers, helping the fact that in God’s eyes each one children need, through art, music, to raise £12,500 for the local Cancer of us is special. faith and worship to be ‘schooled’ Cobalt Unit fighting Breast Cancer, and trained in this most human of In the Junior School the infants hosting the National Snowdrop all qualities, namely, worship as the have enjoyed readings from ‘The Conference, Supporting the foundation of an enriched life.” Lion Storyteller Bible’ and OHP Chedworth Singers, The Red Cross, illustrations of ‘The Christmas Tree’s I hope we as parents will continue Save the Children and fund raising Tale’; stories from the video ‘Luke to want Rendcomb to develop the with Discoveries Travel. We have Street’ and a series on God as ‘A opportunities for worship and also been the support system for Special Friend.’ The Juniors have spiritual reflection so that our Weddings, Christenings, and actively participated in a series children can enter the adult world Birthday Parties. “No” we have not called, ‘Telling Tales’ and we have enriched with a broad appreciation had a Wake yet, but there is time. explored the events surrounding of what it means to be human and Oh yes, then there is the multitude Easter and the life of Saint Paul. to be created in the image of God. of College Hospitality. At the service for boarders on CJ We have seen some comings and Sundays we have welcomed guest goings of staff during the year from speakers from Dean Close School, Bursar ’s R eport 2004 the Domestic Staff. Jeannie Puffit ROPE (Relief for Oppressed People from Lawn House has departed and Everywhere), the Cheltenham Ladies > BUILDING AND GROUND STAFF been replaced by Mary Telling, Kay College and the YMCA and Ben Drew and Terry Batemen have Smith from Stable House has supported the following charities - joined the team and I would like to departed and been replaced by ROPE, Lord Meade’s School in pay tribute to them both for all their Janice Watton and Sandra Carter Uganda, The British Legion and hard work. Some of the projects has, after 15 years, left to work with Cirencester Housing for Young that have been undertaken were the the Social Services caring for the People. Our themes have included Junior School Art Room, the less able in the local community. Old Testament characters; people reorganisation of the Art The Sports Laundry, based in Jesus met and signs Jesus performed Department, refurbishment of rooms Godman House has a new Chief from St. John’s Gospel; and a series in the Stable Block, the Swimming with the departure of Jenny Davies of meditations based around the Pool surround and the myriad tasks and the arrival of Margaret Sharpe events of Easter and Pentecost. required to keep the Campus in in a new Multi-Tasking Role. Mary There have also been three special good order. Many people have Cairns has added to her duties by services for Remembrance Sunday, commented on the grounds this taking on the role of House Master’s the Advent Carol Service and the year, and although all the team play Assistant in Stable House. Clive Carol Service at St. John Baptist, their part, the leading light with the Waldron has come back for a third Cirencester, for which I particularly flowers and gardening on the site is time to join his sister Dawn and mother Anne in the Catering Rendcomb College. Department, Mark the Head Chef says “It’s his magnetic personality" > INFORMATION, but I just think he likes the food! COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT It has been a busy time and all the Shani Hawkins has taken over as staff have “taken the bull by the the ICT Technician at Rendcomb and horns” and risen to the challenges: has done a superb job of supporting to cap the year off, Cotswold both the Junior and Senior Schools. District Council have just awarded I would like to thank her for her the Catering Department the hard work during the period when Platinum Food Wise Award and at Rendcomb. The expansion of the Darrell Hayward was ill, as she rose only five other Catering outlets in College to include a Junior School to the occasion with great aplomb! the whole area achieved this highest with many new parents to look possible standard for this award. after, let alone the salaries of the We are all pleased to see Darrell new teaching staff, was handled by back and his skills as a Network I must close now as another Kay and her part-time assistant, Sue Manager mean that we have a weddingapproaches, followed by 10 Thomson, without a murmur. Even system that has very few faults - days of the Royal International Air the Inland Revenue at Cheltenham well done the team! Tattoo Management Team, another have a good relationship with us, Summary: I have been at Rendcomb wedding,for an ex student and four which is a great tribute to her for ten years in September 2004 and weeks of Scripture Union Holidays professional approach. Her decision for children from inner cities so my it seems like ten minutes! The huge to emigrate to Spain with her progress that has been made in ramblings must finish and a little husband Geoff and her mother is a supporting the teaching staff, and planningcommence!!!! sad day for Rendcomb College. the fabric and buildings of the MN We welcome her replacement, Susie College is because the non-teaching staff are hugely dedicated and > ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Watkins and we wish Kay and her family the best of good fortune in professional. I would like to give When Kay Collins told me that she them all, in my tenth year, my was emigrating to Spain with her her new life and a happy and personal thanks for their support to husbandand 97 year old mother, I rewarding time for Susie at me and their sense of humour and thought she was joking; sadly she Rendcomb. We are very pleased dedication to Rendcomb College. wasn’t. Kay and her family will be that Sue Thomson will be here to departing from the UK at the help Susie Watkins and we would JG beginningof September to live their like to thank Sue for all the new life in Spain. tremendous support that she has School Council given Rendcomb in the past year. My predecessor, Commander >- SECRETARIAL SUPPORT The School Council met every Edward Thring, said two things to calendar month this year and was me as he left in September 1994: The team now consists of: Christine Johnson, the Headmaster’s Personal chaired by a different prefect each • One was unrepeatable! Assistant, Carol Endersby, the time. We were extremely good at Bursar’s Secretary, Ann Slark, the eating the Headmaster’s biscuits as • The other was to make sure that well as thinking of new and Admissions Registrar. Dawn I looked after Kay - she knows interesting ideas for living together Freegard is Secretary to the everything about Rendcomb and as a community. Katya Edwards was its finances. Headmaster of the Junior School, and Diana Whyatt and Pam a particularly vocal councillor with Kay has become an institution at Ruthenbury share the job of many interesting suggestions, especially the talking rubbish bins, Rendcomb. She told me the other Receptionist. Sadly; Pam has day that she has been here 24 years, decided to leave Rendcomb to help while Leo Wong could always be relied upon to be late! eleven months and three weeks, her daughter with a new grandchild. which is a long time to be We thank her for all she has done However, we did formulate some anywhere. She first arrived at for Rendcomb. We welcome useful initiatives: Rendcomb in September 1979 as the Maureen Dancer on a part-time The Talent Quest Assistant to the Domestic Bursar. basis to take her place. The new school scarf She then went on to become the Alton Towers Trip Salaries and Accounts Clerk in 1984 We are fortunate to have such a dedicated team who provide the Repair of various items and with her excellent attention to around the College secretarial support at Rendcomb and detail and her hard work, she had Sixth Form ID card we would like to thank them for all soon made a name for herself. She Food Committee restarted that they have contributed for the became the College Accounts Security lighting College, both Senior and Junior Manager on the 13th January 1998, Form 5/6 Social Schools throughout this year. after doing the job for a Assembly by Prefects on Bullying considerable period before the title > LABORATORY TECHNICIANS was agreed. We welcome back Rachel Hall from We also enjoyed an Open Forum with the Headmaster when he maternity leave and we would like Throughout the time that Kay has answered questions about a wide to thank all the laboratory been here, her kindness, integrity range of topics and we also had a technicians, for all their dedicated and willingness to go the extra mile tour of The Tower which is normally hard work to support the Science to get the job done, have been a out of bounds to students. shining example to many employed Department in the Senior School at out of bounds to students. it is so friendly and welcoming. As well as being able to be myself, I’ve So, next year why not be a School really enjoyed the challenge of Councillor? Be part of the decision learning in small classes with making process! teachers who know me very well. DD I’ve also been able to pursue my hobbies, particularly the trips to The Life in Old R ec & Godman Talland riding school. We have great fun in Godman House, Charles Daly and Jasmine Barkes whether it’s our mad singing and talk to J6 about joining The Senior is where we build our dens and dancing, watching DVD’s, or being School. hideaways. At break-time we play ever so slightly naughty, but I won’t These two students spoke to the ‘British Bulldog’ which involves a go into that here! We have ‘in- assembled parents of J6 and were lot of boys running around and House’ parties and sketches at certainly the highlight of the falling over. Christmas which are great fun as are evening. Below are some excerpts the trips out to places such as the In the evening as a full boarder we Chocolate factory and Longleat. from what they said: have some quiet time, do our prep “Hi! My name is Charles Daly and and then supper of burnt toast. There is a House committee in Godman and we discuss nitty-gritty issues such as chocolate spread and the purchase of DVDs’. On a more serious note, we also have a ‘mentor’ system to help new first formers to settle in. There are sometimes problems to do with friendship groups and homesickness but with the help of sensitive teachers we try to find our way through. As I came through the Junior school, I was familiar with the hectic Rendcomb day and I knew some of the more senior students. This is a particularly unique feature of the school: Older students know and get along very well with the younger ones. To sum up: I’d say that life at Rendcomb is very busy but with a little help from your friends, the support of the staff and the fun times at Godman House, you learn to take everything in your stride.” Jasmine Barkes

Gap Students > GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: THE HEADMASTER’S REFLECTIONS ON THE GAP I'm the unlucky one who has been Lights out at 9.15 p.m. My dorm STUDENTS OF 2003/4. picked to talk to you about life ion gets on really well so we lie in bed The Headmaster wrote an article ‘The Old Rec’ or The Old Wreck’ as and talk for a while, then drift off to early in the year that appeared in we call it... The house is where first sleep. Next year I go up to the older the ‘Times Educational Supplement’. and second form boys live and it is boys’ house so I wish the new boys In it he explored the different very much like its own community. coming in to this one luck. Good experiences of some GAP students We have Mr White, Mr Brealy, Mr luck also to Mr and Mrs Brealy as Morgan and Mrs Lees, who is like a they take over from Mr and Mrs with whom he was very familiar; his big mum to us. We have a games White!” godson, Nigel Riley and the two room, television but most students we had at Rendcomb last Charles Daly year, Bonnie Stanway and Kirsty importantly; food! We have our own McIntosh. Below are some extracts kitchen where we can eat, drink and “Good evening. My name is Jasmine from the article: talk... Nearby is The Wilderness Barkes and I’ve been at Rendcomb where we’re not supposed to go but College since September 2001 with The Headmaster began his article in we do anyway and you can see my younger sister and older brother. the following way: badgers and squirrels up there. This What I like about Rendcomb is that “Separated by thousands of miles, three very different 18 year olds Junior School as gap student for the have finished their gap years. year 2003-2004. She soon became Bonnie Stanway from New Zealand an invaluable member of the team and Kirsty McIntosh from Australia and was always ready to help out spent a year at Rendcomb. After and ‘muck in’, wherever and finishing his A-levels, my godson, whenever required. Her cheerful Nigel Riley, former head boy at disposition and unfailing patience Bristol Cathedral school, spent six made her very popular with the months teaching at St. James school pupils and cries of ‘Miss Mackie’ in Jinja, Uganda.” were often to be heard in the playground, classrooms and The Headmaster went on to outline let you all make up your own minds! corridors of the Junior School. the experiences of the different Kirsty proved her worth as an able students and they all highlighted FAREWELL: AN ODE assistant both on the sporting field some of their more memorable and in the classroom. She listened moments. The Head’s godson I’ve grown in mind, I’ve grown in size, to readers, helped with Art and DT, commented about his experiences of was an extra pair of hands on teaching in Uganda: Because of my experiences outings and was responsible for a “The rooms that serve as and all the kitchen pies! wide variety of administrative tasks laboratories during the day double Neither of which in the office. We were very sad to as dormitories for girls at night... I’d dream to regret, bid her farewell and we wish her But the pupils’ enjoyment of well with her studies in Australia. For these are the things learning something new and their AH sheer enthusiasm is, at times, I don’t want to forget. overwhelming.” Moments of anger, > GAP STUDENTS 2004/2005 moments of glee, In January, we welcomed two new He went on to add: GAP tutors from ‘Down Under’ to “My six months in Uganda have When you’ve made me cry assist in our Junior and Senior helped me to appreciate that and tee, hee, hee! schools. Miss Chloe Marshall came learning is a privilege, not a God Rendcomb, Thank you, from Miss Stanway’s old school St ordained right.” Good luck and Goodbye, Peters, Cambridge and brought with her a cheery smile, a love of Kirsty, the Aussie ‘gappie’ at It’s now time for this Bee to fly... children and a keen delight in the Rendcomb talked about playing Bonnie Stanway soothing qualities of a good sport and coaching in her new afternoon tea! home: Bonnie, Bon Voyage and good luck for the future! Miss Alice McClymont, from “It wasn’t easy being an Australian Orange, New South Wales has been at a rugby-mad school, but I was The editor a valuable asset to the Drama, Art able to teach the students the finer and Games departments with her points of netball and hockey.” > KIRSTY MCINTOSH FAREWELL Kirsty McIntosh, Our Aussie ‘gappy’. no-nonsense, ‘can-do’ approach. Bonnie, our Kiwi ‘gappie’ helped out We were very privileged to have She has directed “The Crucible” and in sport and drama and choreographed Kirsty McIntosh join us in the been a key figure in the production a memorable ‘Theatre Sports’ night. team for “Oliver!” She summed up her time at Rendcomb in the following way: “This year has given me unprecedented opportunities, including the chance to co-direct the senior school play. If someone had told me last January that this would have been possible, I would have laughed at them.” All three students gained a huge amount from their gap year and the Head ended his article with this observation: “What do I think? These people embarked upon their year abroad as sixth-formers. By the end of their year, they had become adults.” GH & PJ > BONNIE STANWAY: FAREWELL The ‘Gappy’ from New Zealand for 2003, thought she was a poet: we’ll Fortunately, her escapades with the contributions from Joss Acock, fire engine on the Drama Tour to George Lawson and Ed Hutchison, London have been captured on but Seb Goffe remains to keep up film!! (See Drama Tour report). the beat. DD Louis Leung has competed in National Schools’ fencing competitions, and on the stage we had major contributions from Tom Ruddy, Joss Acock and James Tarleton in “Bouncers” and a large Management team were called number of 3rd form boys took part together; Jessica Wells, Claire in “Oliver”, in particular Ed Taylor, Heather Roper, Matt Nichols, Cumberpatch as The Artful Dodger, Sarah Zheng, Jonas Roos and Mark Gunner as Mr Sowerberry and Rachel Hardy were summoned to a splendid James Hill as Mr the Conference Room to deal with a Bumble, with James Bladon major School Emergency. A major providing piano accompaniment. disaster had occurred, a coach crash on a motorway with fatalities and There are several initiatives for the the Headmaster was away at a coming year, not least a campaign conference. For three hours the to save energy, led by fifth form, team dealt with the press, parents and the possible creation of more and pupils in a continually space for recreation. changing situation before the It remains for me, on behalf of all solutions were reached. This was an the boys in the House to thank all exhausting experience! In the those very special people who work evening appraisal took place in Walking the Mile so hard to look after us, and as I studies, local restaurants and Together - The Sixth enjoy my holiday I can look forward houses. Much was learnt and the to continued progress in September. Form Shadow Day students appeared to enjoy the work experience, certainly it was an BLN One of the innovations this year in interesting insight for both parties the Sixth Form Programme after and it could well be come an annual Lawn their return from modules was to event. ‘walk the mile together’. Alongside Well, here we are again at the end of the start of A2 courses, visits to PD another year - and what a good Bristol and Oxford Universities, a year it’s been too, with so much life skills day, careers talks, going on. We came back in repainting of the Green Room and a House News September to a freshly-painted visit to London, there was a need to House (no more dark green!); and offer an interesting and stimulating Stable also a big thank-you must go to the programme. We hope we achieved this. In fact the job shadow idea With seventy one boys in the House originated in a late night this year and closer to eighty for conversation in the Bar, few realised September 2004, Stable continues to that it would become reality. be the largest house in the school. Students were given the opportunity As difficult and dangerous as it is to to approach members of the indulge in generalisations, it is safe teaching, administrative, catering to say that with rare exceptions, and maintenance staff to ask boys work hard and enjoy whether they could shadow them considerable academic success. and experience the realities of On the games field there have been running the College. The tasks major contributions and the vast undertaken varied considerably: majority of boys has represented the teaching various classes, to College at some time, many over all spending money on inset courses, three terms. In the fifth form five clearing out the Art Room, boys played 1st XV rugby, four unblocking sinks, attending played 1st XI hockey, and three Departmental meetings, painting the played 1st XI cricket. set for ‘Oliver’, preparing School lunch and accompanying music The U14 rugby team won every lessons. Pupils attended Chapel with match, a remarkable achievement. their staff member, a set of Staff Boys have also been to the fore in Notices were delivered at morning Rendcomb music, Mark Gunner, tea in the Conference Room and James Bladon and Edward lunch was enjoyed together. Cumberpatch in particular, and the In the afternoon the Shadow Senior house also boasts at least two rock bands. We shall miss the musical RCPA for the great new VCR, DVD amazing experience that everybody player and huge TV they bought for should enjoy. On the Lawn outside the main common-room: now we the House we usually play British can see Orlando Bloom, Johnny Bulldog with lots of other years Depp et al even nearer to life-size! which toughens us up for the rugby season. When the Third Form join in We echoed the theme of the House’s Mr Mann gets scared. We play new, more feminine colours, with a football on the playground next to Pink Party in the dark days of the the squash courts. The new X-box middle of the year - I think it has been very popular in the living brightened things up considerably. House. room. Life in the Old Rec is fun. Not only was all our food and drink There are all sorts of things to do. varying shades of pink (food On the sports field we have had a We have been to Lyneham Airfield additivesand E-numbers? what are really good year, too. Established where we were shown around by they?), everyone wore pink too. games such as hockey and rounders Chris Cooke’s dad who flies And each year group had to dress have had some excellent results; Herculeses. Skateboarding this year two of their number up to look like and we have all thoroughly enjoyed has been very popular with Mr Barbie and Ken, with some fantastic learning lacrosse and taking part in Brealy bugging us about helmets: results. What excellent sports our Rendcomb’s first lacrosse matches. before we were banned, we used to Barbies and Kens all were, and who It’s a very fast and exciting game, fly down the hill incredibly fast and can ever forget Holly Taylor in her and the boys are quite jealous! it was great fun! We went through a fairytale pink ballgown, and Kirki And finally to the thank-you’s. craze when everybody brought in Matthew in her wonderfully tongue- remote control cars for “The Big in-cheek outfit (Kirki, don’t ever go First of all, a heartfelt thank-you to the Lawn team, and an extra special Race” (which never happened) The more than a few shades lighter with Old Rec has been around for many your hair, will you!)? I am sure that thank-you and goodbye to Mrs Brealy who has been Deputy here in years like Mr White has. I will miss the real Barbie dolls that were given the Old Rec because it has been like out as prizes for best-pink-dressed, Lawn for nearly two years - she is of course moving on to help run The a second home to me. Goodbye Old and best Barbie, will be treasured Rec and Goodbye Mr White. for years to come... Old Rectory. Another big thank-you goes to all the outgoing Lawn House Will P. Harley, On a more musical note, we have Fifth-Form Prefects: A Collins, Alex H-Gaskin, enjoyed all sorts of entertainments, Chloe Slater, Sammie Malik; and of Max, Guy, Henry includinga trip to London to see the course Hannah Kay, Deputy and musical “We Will Rock You.” Other Hana Lawrence, Head of House. Lawn entertainments have included You have all done a wonderful job. Social Events take-away meals and big-screen Lastly, congratulations to the film-showings in the common-room incoming Lawn House Fifth-Form 1 - 3rd Form Disco at weekends, and still on the theme Prefects: Head of House Carra of junk food, we mustn’t forget the Williams, Deputy Amanda Graham, On Saturday 21st September there McDonalds breakfasts - always a and Prefect Jade Harrison. I very was a whole-school disco, held in popular outing in a teenage girls’ much look forward to working the Dulverton Hall. Mr Hayward alongside you. was in charge of the turntables. Everyone was looking forward to VH having a good old dance. There was a really good variety of music to Old R ectory suit everyone there (including the The Old Rectory this year has been staff!) and groovy lighting/visual very enjoyable and fun. I thought it effects as well. There was an was a good year to be starting at excellent turn-out, and everyone Rendcomb. It is a good place to be got into the disco mood really spending most of our free time quickly. Mr Hayward took a lot of during the day. You have enough time preparing everything, and room and your own private space everyone truly enjoyed themselves - both in the Prep Room and in the it was a real success. Thank-you changing room so you never feel Mr Hayward! you have to be around people all the Hazel Kay. time. The Old Rectory has been good this year for second years too. Some Halloween Disco of us were very excited to be going Witches, Ghosts, Ghouls and up to the second year, there have Mummies were seen wandering been good times, playing at the rock concert for the first time, playing at through Rendcomb village on Halloween. They were heading to a the talent contest. When it snowed disco in the village hall organised everybody had a huge snow ball by Mrs Fielding for years 1-3. The fight - it was great. No-one could evening was universally acclaimed get up the hill in their cars so as a “howling” success. people had to board. I was snowed in at school! Boarding is an Matt Hook End. We arrived in the nick of time, taking our seats just as the curtain went up to reveal a stage set for a night to remember. The show blew everyone away with the music, choreography and somewhat ‘original’ storyline. After an amazing first half of dancing, Rendcomb had to return to their seats for a sit-down and a rest completely different from England’s during the interval; in the second New Year; that’s why so many half the whole audience was up and people celebrate it. Therefore our dancing with us by the end of the school had a party especially for first song! I don’t think our Chinese New Year on Wednesday rendition of “We Are The 28th January. All the Chinese Champions” will get us into the students including our two Korean charts, not even with the help of the students were very busy special glow-sticks we had bought celebrating! Cindy Cheung for the occasion - but at least we organized the event. We cooked weren’t lacking in effort. Huge Chinese food. Everyone was so thanks to Mr North for organising diligent and tried to cook delicious the trip and the members of staff food for the guests we invited. At who took us and helped make the this party we could invite our whole evening such a success. friends and anyone else including Alexandra Collins Japanese, German and English students. We also had some staff Hockey Club D inner join us and of course the Headmaster and his wife came as ‘The Green Dragon’, this year’s well. Because this year is the year of venue for the renowned girls’ the Monkey, our dining hall had a hockey club dinner, the place to be Monkey balloon on each table. They (if you are a girl...who plays were very cute. During that time we hockey). Dressed up, ready to paint talked to each other and listened to the town red, and the enthusiasm Chinese music that made us feel like brimming over, especially after we were in China. We enjoyed it and Lechlade (Laura Burley) had The Chinese were very pleased to have this kind smuggled in a few skittles and was N ew Y ear Celebration of party. If our International well and truly hyper. students were homesick we could Chinese food is very popular in the have a party like this to let us forget world. Also more people celebrate about it. This party was fabulous, Chinese New year as it is getting successful and fantastic; I have no more popular now. Chinese New words to describe how it was. This Year is different from normal New party scene still stays in my mind Year in the world. Every year’s date now. is different. It is based on the Finally I have to say thank-you to Chinese old calendar to calculate it. everyone who helped us organize Chinese New Year is really different this party and who teaches us in for English people; also it’s EFL as well. Our great teacher, Mrs Stutchbury, took a lot of time and care for this party. We’d love to have this party again. Christine Xu After a delightful, traditional Christmas feast followed by a not so 3-5th Form traditional chocolate torte, the girls, Christmas Theatre especially Lechie, felt ready for a few speeches ...... Luckily Harri Trip Kingsford, Alice Barefoot and On Wednesday 10th Charlie Cumberpatch had December a group of 3rd, 4th anticipated this need and even and 5th form boys and girls luckier for us Lechlade hadn’t ‘rocked’ down to London to managed to get a speech together. see the Queen “We Will Rock The Barefoot-Kingsford combo You” musical at the delivered a masterful round of Dominion theatre in the West speeches, not only incorporating the renownednicknames of the hockey basically a fun time was had by all, team, but also some stolen then at 11 they announced that the Christmas paraphernalia. A few party was over! Well, that’s what tears were shared when the reality they thought! The mass of hooligans of the near departure of most of the that we had become, retreated to hockey team dawned on us. Park common room for an extended However, the discovery of Christmas party with the masterful DJ-ing, this cracker treats cheered up everyone, time from the Sky music channels! even the staff table. Mr Morgan One unnamed yobbo decided to bring spoke in true Mr Morgan fashion, in the tricycle which had been music with a professional flair and a foolishly left outside Park and the passion that set them apart from the rioting began! other bands to catch the attention The Christmas dinner had truly of the judges. The judges made lived up to its reputation and a comments such as: “Musically fantastic time was had by all, and strong and stirring stuff...really thanks must go to everyone who serious and professional” and they made this night the great success added, “I want to see Stitch again - that it was. to see a band really rocking together is quite special”. Heather Roper Soon after the inspiration of the The Gatsby Evening victory carried them forward to do a fantastic gig at Corn Hall in Thursday 29th January 2004-for Cirencester. “Stitch”, as well as two most of the world a day like any other Rendcomb bands NFU and other, but for the English students Tragic Slab gave a two-hundred at Rendcomb something bizarre was strong crowd a remarkable about to happen. While the with “constructive criticism” for performance. The band is going unsuspecting human race continued most of the team! But gave a few from strength to strength and with their 21st Century lives, a heart wrenching words, and of the performances will go towards small area centred around the house course a thank-you for his truly their GCSE’s. of chez Dodd was transported back through time and space to 1925 unique present: yellow socks and PJ gloves. Charlie spoke on the New York - right in the middle of Seconds hockey team with real the Roaring Twenties: the era of th orm vigour, aided by a particularly 6 F flappers, jazz and most importantly fetching plastic moustache (yet C hristmas Dinner F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous novel, “The Great Gatsby.” another Christmas cracker treat.) The annual Christmas Dinner for It was a wonderful evening, enjoyed Park House had previously been the by all and thanks must go to all the event of the century/term team coaches, especially those brave (apparently), and this year was no enough to endure the mini-bus exception. With a black tie do on cabaret on the way home, I think the cards, the girls were suffering Lechlade had saved a few skittles from the usual rigmarole and near specifically for that journey. depression of having to find the Another year gone, another great perfect outfit! The lads had no such dinner and many high hopes for dilemma. A few bevies in the nextseason. common room lifted everyone’s spirits, spirits being the operative Heather Roper word. Then we headed over to main college to an immense curry delight, Stitch accompanied by more bevies. Mr The four members of the essentially Slark spoke some touching words, Rendcomb based band, ‘Stitch’; Joss with a main focus on the Barefeet clan and of course Jade’s parallel Acock, Seb Goffe, George Lawson Well it may seem more suited to a and Ben Humphreys (from Farmor’s parking expertise. The bar was opened and the party was in full Hollywood blockbuster than a School), have had an excellent few Rendcomb theme night, but the months, culminating in an awesome swing, Rachel Hardy having taken prime position....behind the bar. spirit certainly wasn’t lacking. And victory at the battle of the bands the reason for this strange competition at Marling School. Ten Jess Weston rounded up the guests with her “lucky” balloon (her date occurrence? Well it’s possible that bands played in the competition for Mr Dodd was joking when he said a first prize of four hours in a for the evening) and we really got our groove on. The masterful DJ-ing we could come to his house dressed professional recording studio, DB as flappers (the girls that is...) for a studios. Stitch emerged as clear of Mr Kiggins rekindled some truly momentous times, even Mr Gunner champagne party, but once the idea winners and walked away with the was out, there was no going back. great first prize. Stitch distinguished had let the rhythm take over his themselves by playing their own soul...so to speak! The teachers were After a period of champagne-fuelled seen “bopping” in the corner, so socialising, the time came for our entailed some cultural flavour with presentations. Each member of the Christine and Cathy’s song for 6B English set had to present China. Sam Slater had the audience something relevant to “The Great gagging for more with his unusual Gatsby” and explain its significance talent of drumming with spoons- a - just look at the photos and you’ll clear winner of the night. Taking get the idea! My personal out the dancing category, was the favourite was Charlie Cumberpatch’s very saucy ‘Spice up Your Life’ disturbingly convincing impersonation where Tanya and Nicki Wells, Holly of a slapper, I MEAN flapper. Taylor, Samya Malik, and Emma (Perhaps our editor Mr Jennings has band of Parents’ Association helpers Couch gave spicy impersonations of another candidate?) did sterling work behind the stalls the Spice Girls. While the Prefects had the tough job of deciding Next was the evening’s feature film and following the Bursar’s master winners for each category, Mr which was...you guessed it...“The plan, as marshals in the car parks. Mann gave a brilliant performance Great Gatsby.” At this point another We are indebted to everyone who of U2’s ‘One’. Other highlights of the incredible transformation took place worked so hard to make it run smoothly. evening were Luke Lester-Powell’s - the room full of 1920’s Americans dare devil skateboard tricks off the suddenly became expert film critics, Our prayers for good weather were stage that Mr Holden could not able to spot even the slightest answered. Parents relaxed and compete with even when the crowd discrepancy between film and book. chatted while pupils enjoyed was cheering him on with the A great time was had by all, even themselves. A great success; it famous Jerry Springer chant, ‘Ger- Mr Dodd. certainly made some of the other rry! Ger-rry!” A fantastic night that displays around look a bit tame! was enjoyed by all- we look forward “And so we beat on, boats against Now let’s start preparing for next to the next wave of talent in 2005! the current, borne back ceaselessly November... into the past.” A Mc Richard Gunner Matthew Nichols (Parents' Association) Performing and Fireworks Talent Quest N ight Creative Arts The fireworks are the high point of The Dulverton Hall was booming the Parents’ Association’ year but with Saturday night fever when “Bouncers and Shakers ” it’s a juggling act to get things right Rendcomb College put on their first for so many people! We are only ever Talent Quest, on the 8th of In the Michaelmas term, the drama allowed a thousand in the audience, May. The calibre of entertainment department focused on their double due to fire regulations but we know would have blown the likes of Pop bill play, “Bouncers and Shakers”. how many people think this is the Idol out of the water! Simon Cowell, After the period piece of best display in the area. You get eat your heart out! Talent scouts food, a bar (for parents), a chance to were definitely needed! The night meet friends and a breath-taking began with Mr Jennings’ torrent of pyrotechnics! charismatic jokes that kept the In 2003, the Cairns team again audience rolling (their eyes!) in synchronized their magical minutes, laughter. Setting a very high and Mark Naylor co-ordinated the standard as the opening act was the festive food and drink. The happy band ‘Lucky Thirteen’, with a very rock’n’roll number. The night also

“Dangerous Liasons”, it was felt by most of the ‘luvvies’ that it was important to contrast historical periods and acting styles. This was most definitely achieved. The play relied on simple staging: an illuminated sign, furniture for “Shakers”, four handbags for “Bouncers” (yes the boys) and eight actors with the ability to bring the scene alive and to present a range of different characters. The scenarios and language were both “Oliver!” hard-hitting and bluntly contemporary. “Is it worth the waiting for Till we get to eighty four” and so “Food, The playwright John Godber Glorious Food” begins and we did observed that ‘the greatest wait for ages for the ominous challenge for actors in these plays is evening when after ten weeks of not the laughter but the pathos rehearsal we would finally get onto beneath the surface’. He added that the stage, (all 108 of us) and the actors must be able to reveal perform for an audience. and portray the deep sadness and emptiness of the characters whilst compact aggression which “Oliver!” started as a modest project also acting these people in a contrasted wonderfully with Rosie in Mrs Haas and Mrs Dodds’ minds realistic manner. Certainly a and her heartbroken disco and then, like the cast size, GREW! challenge for the Rendcomb acting experiences. Not content with lots of people we troupe. James Tarleton was a very decided to have Brad the pony, believable Judd whose basic Rosie, the most determined sheep in violence was offset by Plain Elaine England and Polly the bull terrier with one GCSE in metalwork. His who was so convincing as Bill Tamper Feat dancing was always an Sykes’ dog, Bullseye. There were experience. Edd Kiggins was from also 350 costumes from Sister the beginning of term, in full Pritchard and buckets of mud from control of Eric, probably the only our makeup mothers to make us all Bouncer with a brain and Maureen, look uncared for. That was the best the chain-smoking, fun-loving girl. part for some of our younger ones!! Eric’s monologues revealed his How our stage managers, Alex, essential sadness at the drunken exploits his team were compelled to observe. Edd managed to convey the aggression, humour and sadness of all his roles. Congratulations should also go to the production team; makeup from “Shakers” showed us four young Mrs Brealy and her team, Hana women all rather disappointed in Lawrence and Jo Scott providing us life. Judith Scmidt played the with disco lighting, Guy Tatham- determined and educated Carol with Losh and Chris Scott recording an sensitivity, clearly showing her role energetic sound track which was to be as peacemaker between the often a commentary on the previous girls. scene’s themes. Laura Evans and Nicki Wells played her namesake Emma Couch calmly stage managed with bubbly enthusiasm, especially form the beginning of term and when the legendary Andy King was worked very well in keeping the cast involved! (especially the girls) from going Carra and Amanda managed to get hysterical with worry. us on and off the stage all at once Caroline Wells was the hard-bitten Miss Stanway, who left at the end of we’ll never know but excellent Mel with the secret she could only organisation was the key. They were share with the audience and she the Michaelmas Term co-directed and contributed her wisdom to both ably assisted by Max Webb-Dickin, showed her confident stage Ryan Watson, Lucas Bliss and Anna presence throughout this play. casts and Mrs Dodd who every now and again began to worry on the Steffen. Lauren Lees portrayed the fragile progress of the piece. It is On stage, Finn Brennan was a young mother Adele, with impossible to praise her enough for convincing Oliver who sung with sensitivity and managed crying on her input. sensitivity and could look suitably cue on Saturday evening-twice, a Some may have seen the choice of lost until angered by Noah’s taunts. rare talent. this play as controversial. However, He was particularly touching in the “Bouncers”, although written with a what is the point of always final moments of the play when he similar structure was a far more presenting a ‘parent proof play? kissed the dead Nancy good-bye. obviously comic creation. Meeting ‘Bouncers and Shakers’ allowed us Sarah Lockyer brought a gentleness and seeing a professional cast at the to present a piece illustrating some to the wonderful role of Nancy and Everyman Theatre undoubtedly more contemporary issues. sang “As Long as He Needs Me” with helped the development of this play. As a regular luvvie and keen real maturity. Tom Restorick was Rendcomb theatre ‘thesp’ said soon delightfully quirky as Fagin Joss Acock played the judo expert complete with beard and mittens Ralph with confused belligerence after the show, “it was one of the best productions I’ve ever seen’. and received a well-deserved and the delightful Sexy Susie with ovation from Saturday evening’s excellent comic timing. There you go, ‘Bouncers and Shakers’ in a nutshell. audience after his masterful Tom Ruddy played Les with a rendition of “Reviewing the Caroline Wells/DD

Situation”. Sarah Tarleton is a real “Equues” Coco was particularly find for Rendcomb musical theatre commended for her innovative and as she has a lovely young voice and threatening set design. The horses showed us glimpses of it as Bet, were played by GCSE students and Nancy’s young sidekick. Edd they were very disciplined in their Cumberpatch used his wry smile to choreography. good effect in the comic role of PJ Dodger. Sinead Brennan and James Hill had great fun as Widow Corney andMr Bumble. James showed his “The C rucible” stage confidence from “Little Shop the sympathetic accompanying On Friday, 14th May, Fourth Form of Horrors” and Sinead grew with piano playing of James Bladon who GCSE Drama performed extracts each performance. Henry Pullen was showed enormous maturity and self from their set text “The Crucible” by a wonderfully menacing presence as restraint as we mangled some of the Arthur Miller. This dramatic play Bill Sykes always delivering his tunes! No matter what we sang examines the mass hysteria which lines with clarity and precision. James would pick up on it and play occurred in Salem during the witch Mark Gunner and Sophie Arkle something to help us. What a star! trials. eventually had great fun as the Miss Gibbons and Mr White shared Miss McClymont directed the macabre Sowerberries taunting Mr the musical direction and with rehearsals which at times were Bumble with their off-beat views desperate last minute advice we frustrating and sometimes hilarious. about funeral directing! eventually could sing most of the The key feature of any play is the songs right! Mrs Dodd was her usual Other characters also showed necessity to learn lines early enough determined self as she devised promise: Catherine Sharpe was a but this challenge was not met by complicated rehearsal schedules and suitably harsh Charlotte. Richard everyone. Ultimately, this affected asked everyone for that last little bit Pass looked distinguished as Mr the performances of some of effort. We knew we had done well Brownlow, Rebecca Hutchison sang characters but it was a valuable if we saw her clap and clap she did beautifully as the motherly Mrs lesson to learn in your first year of on the final night. Whew!! Bedwin, Charlotte Stedman was GCSE Drama. superb as the lead soloist in “Who So, thanks to all who performed in, On the night, fine performances Will Buy?” Richard Collins was a or helped with, this huge project. It were given by several students but fine Dr. Grimwig and Tom North was such a worthwhile team effort the top marks were gained by enjoyed the roles of Noah, Mr Percy as Lower and Junior Schools worked Amanda Graham as the noble, long- Snodgrassand chief sheep handler! as one and learnt so much about suffering Elizabeth Proctor, Carra each other. Fagin’s Gang had a great sense of Williams as the conniving minx fun throughout rehearsals and DD & PJ eventually got “Be Back Soon” right

- what a relief! Both Junior and ‘Equues’ Lower school choruses practiced with good spirit and tried hard to Drama students studying for A perfect their scenes. “Who Will levels performed an excerpt from Buy?” and “Food, Glorious Food” this very challenging play. Edd stand out as favourites for many in Kiggins, Caroline Lay and Coco the audience. Cheung performed a harrowing All the performers were guided by scene from Peter Schaffer’s

Abigail and Alex Holden as the flawed but determined John Proctor. Harry Frost was an impressive prosecutor and Maya Chester- Master was a convincing victim of Abigail’s murderous tyranny. Overall, a useful project which taught us some much about rehearsal and performance techniques. musicians were quite surprised to DD see themselves as performers especially the guitarists, while Music Teachers and seasoned performers put in some Parents C onsultation startling turns - Alex Holden Meeting C oncerts. managed a Baroque aria a little bit of jazz piano and even a bit of back to Handel but whatever the It became something of a record - singing at the piano, one item after source the end results were always first there were two concerts a another. There was a coda as well sheer delight and thrilled a packed night, then there were three but this when Laura Holmes, Rupert Uzzell, audience of supporters and host year for the first time ever there Nick Clements and Matt Nichols families in the Reading Room. were four simultaneous concerts as finished the whole evening off with Performers showed how they had part of an evening devoted to some very polished singing. And parents and music teachers getting this was basically just a business to know each other. Everyone went meeting..... home rather pleased with DW themselves and some parents were quite surprised how well their off­ spring were doing. One family had a Music in the lion’s share of one of the concerts - Michaelmas Term Amanda and Katie McCourt managed several combinations of There has been another full their various programme of music events this talents. term. On Tuesday October 21st we Some were treated to a brilliant concert by the music scholars. Notable performances came from James Bladon, who opened the musical event with a spirited rendition of ‘Fanfare for the Common Man’, Rupert Uzzell, Charlotte made huge progress in their studies, Cumberpatch, Laura Holmes, whether they had been absolute Edward Cumberpatch, Mark beginners on a new instrument like Gunner, Amy Bladon and Simon Malcolm Ikawa or seasoned players Wong. Amanda Graham and like Yuki Minezaki on saxophone. Rebecca Hutchison also sang a Cindy Cheung gave a hint of the radiant rendition of “We’re a pleasures to come when she played couple of swells.” But the highlight some Schumann to be included in of the evening was Peter Liang’s her own solo recital later in the virtuoso performance on the year. The evening was rounded off violin. In the previous week there most appropriately by a group of had been a riveting concert by the Japanese students joining the first and second form together to sing a couple of songs musicians. Another busy and together, looking quite delightful in successful term. their traditional Japanese costumes. Food at the end of the evening was Stars from the East what some members of the audience were really looking forward to and This was a very distinguished were keen to explore traditional evening of musical performances. Japanese flavours. There was an extensive range of DW standards from the very modest but exquisite piano playing of Leo Wong to the accomplished “Amahl AND THE performance of a Mozart horn N ight Visitors” concerto movement by Madori It was Christmas magic. Clock Hall Usami. The music itself swung from was turned into an otherworldly Clapton to Finzi, from Disney and scene. In the darkness of a wintery

career at Rendcomb and it was felt that it would be a good idea to repeat her fifth form glory and play a piano recital at the end of May, which coincided neatly with the founder’s Day weekend. This she did with huge success. It is hard to imagine how such a slender and delicate flower can produce such a big sound at the piano. She played a the stable. The Kings - Rupert hugely demanding programme, first Uzzell, Matt Nichols and Alex of all it was Beethoven’s Pathétique Holden - were clearly differentiated, Sonata - three big movements with Alex having the plum comic which makes very great demands on part of the deaf king. Mat Nichols the pianist both physically and Rendcomb night, dreamy drapes and pointed the moral of the tale with mentally. She finished the recital dusky colours conjured up by Mrs his resonant aria just before the Blackwell suggested a Biblical hovel end, while Rupert remained somewhere in the Middle East. The magisterial and aloof throughout. stairs were a Jacob’s Ladder down Laura’s Mother was mature and which came the three Kings on their sweet toned in a most demanding way to Bethlehem. Their entry from musical and dramatic role. far away was unforgettable. Stephen’s Amahl shone throughout, Somewhere from among the stars his performance elevated by his came this disembodied sound and pure and strong treble. Sam Slater then slowly they processed down was a wonderfully over the top the stairs and came to a halt outside slave who had the daunting task of

with Ravel’s delicious Sonatine which is anything but a little piece as its title might suggest - it has a real virtuoso finale which left us, in the audience, all gasping. Around these big pieces Cindy played little sonatas by Scarlatti, some Brahms and Schumann, all of which completed a picture of tremendous pianistic and musical range. In the middle of the piano playing Midori Usami rounded off her year at Rendcomb with a performance of the whole of Mozart’s 3rd Horn Concerto. Again it was extraordinary to see such a wisp of the house where Amahl (sung by singing and saying nothing at all a lass managing the physically Stephen Lockhart) and his Mother until ten minutes before the end. demanding business of playing a (Laura Holmes) made their abode. Maria Odintsova not only whole concerto on that most Up in the window shone the guiding entertained the Kings but the intractable of all instruments, the star. An opera on the stairs! audience as well with a thoroughly French Horn. The fact that she folk-like dance and the Junior played the whole of the concerto at Rendcomb’s architecture had hardly one standing was an object lesson ever been put to such a wonderful School produced lots of gossiping and tumbling shepherds. in musical industry and the and romantic use. audience - which was a large and The opera “Amahl and the Night Christmas began early this year! friendly one- was duly impressed. Visitors” told the story of the stop It also marked in another way the over of the three kings on their Music in the Summer Term ending of her teacher’s career at journey to visit the Christ child. Rendcomb. Mr Shiner received his Composite recital by Cindy Cheung appreciative round of applause as Amahl - a disabled boy - was and Madori Usami miraculously cured and well unscripturally joined the party to It was a case of tying up ends. DW Cindy has had a brilliant musical Mr White’s Last C oncert. Finally a full circle was completed with Haydn’s Nelson Mass sung by It was a very grand do. All the the College Choir joined by staff, performers were dressed up in and previous singing students. Why dinner jackets and standing in a circle? It was the work with which serried ranks on the platforms in the Mr White began his Rendcomb Parish Church. career some fifteen years before, with, believe it or not, Mrs Morris in The audience filled the church the same brilliant coloratura nicely, too many to pack into a soprano role. Another neat home patch. Anyone who was conclusion was a bass soloist who anyone was there - a clutch of melodies sang from the keyboard. reached even further back into Mr governors, a collar full of chaplains, The poignant second movement was White’s past along with some a fistful of headmasters - Mr and gently dealt with and the gaiety of members of the orchestra. Mrs Tolputt included - and friends the finale dispatched with panache. of Rendcomb music stretching back Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto - an The choir sang with relish, hardly believing they were part of something quite so special “Are you giving your all?” was hollered at the choir in rehearsal and in the evening they did just that - glorious Papa Haydn singing joyfully and positively of divine things and giving praise - exactly what the whole evening was all about. DW

C reative Writing This year we have a selection of creative writing extracts in the magazine. Astrid Elsen of the fourth form described coming to the end of a train journey. She evokes a past age very well; “I leaned my head closer to the window, resting my hand on its cold surface, breathing a patch of condensation on the rattling pane. The beauty of the countryside flashing past the window always takes my breath away. The noise of the conductor calling down the train “Dollar Station”, brought me back to my senses. I adjusted my hat in the reflection on the window and gathered together my luggage as the train pulled up into the quaint little station. I slid the door to my compartment shut behind me and stepped out of the train onto the platform.” well over a decade. Old Boys and unheard of Rendcombian student Girls came back to sing and brought Harry Frost of the fourth form wrote experience - was launched with an epic saga for his coursework. their families with them. Nostalgia passion and brilliance in equal ruled supreme. There is too much to include here measure by Peter Liang who had but perhaps just the song his thief Meanwhile the music....? The been commissioned to give the sings ‘that kept time with his concert was a White special with performance well over twelve pounding feet’: one of his beloved Mozart Concertos months before. Strong as twenty oxen, to start with. James Bladon, a very He did not disappoint and his serious and controlled pianist, took Tall as any tree virtuosity and fervour will go down As cunning as a fox am I command of Mozart’s 23rd. Scales in the annals as one of the greatest rippled from his fingers and Nay, there’s none so lithe as me. of Rendcomb moments Dance ye merry watchmen, Feel the beating of our feet and Freddy were going to pay to the Arrest ye not our hastened flight empty house. Stay ye out of every street. Peter and Freddy both had their Tonight we rule the rooftops, hoods pulled up high over their Beware our darting knives heads. As Peter’s eyes fidgeted Remember us but not our deeds nervously around, he could see the Or we shall claim your lives. breath coming out of Freddy’s nose Tonight we have a message and mouth. It was going to be a Harken those who can cold and unforgiving night. Peter Edmund Black and Francis Waters could hear and feel his heart Require the Heart of Man.” And the clouds wept like mourners pounding faster and faster as they Now, to decipher what all that’s at a funeral. approached the house.” about; ask Harry if you can read his The rain hit her face like needles novel! And it’s an acrostic! “Stand from the sky, Fast Brother”. The boulders braved the ranting Alex Staines of the Fourth form wind like warriors. wrote a very original piece entitled ‘Journey’s End’. It was futuristic, it And the leaves waved like pages in Aimée Schofield from the third form was philosophical and frankly it had a book. was given the task of describing a me flummoxed. There were some room. Most students described a It was a stormy night. lovely cameo moments and this is stereotypical haunted house type one of them: room, Aimée went for something Each student offered a simile to add A character is roaming, searching much more frightening: to the poem. for their ‘Journey’s End’. This “I got home from school to find that extract comes from the end of my newly decorated room wasn’t Alex’s piece when the main quite as I had expected. Richard Whittles of the fourth form character meets the Reverend wrote very convincingly about a Panglass: I opened the door slowly at first and scene from the First World War: then I threw it open. I was blinded “And then I look up and towering by rays of colour. I recovered my “Frontline” over me is the Reverend Panglass; eyesight and what I saw was so “With the crack of a rifle I awoke, holding a bible and reciting horrible, so terrifying that I almost covered in an oily sheen of sweat something softly with his eyes feinted. PINK!! It was everywhere: and with mired vision. A sudden closed. He is a tall and stick-like pink walls, pink carpet, pink chest grapple with sleep to retrieve my man, who walks with a slight of drawers, pink desk and even a gun, my stick, my composure. imbalance due to a stroke he had pink television...You couldn’t tell Blearily I look at the men stumbling years previously. His hair is always where the wall ended and the floor down the steps carrying the sentry, dishevelled, his jacket always began. PINK! I couldn’t breathe. The who, even when viewed in a sleep creased and his shoes always colour was like a disease: pinkitis.” addled sate, is quite definitely dead. unpolished. He has a round face He lies there unmoving, un­ completely out of proportion to his 2nd Form Poem breathing. The red stain on his body and his grey eyes are dreary, yet always trying to look jolly.” The Stormy Night grubby uniform has ceased to spread. Somewhere in the distance, The trees were bent like a giant a fanfare of deep booming barks archer’s bow, heralds the awakening of the enemy. Tanya Wells (fifth form) wrote In the next section there is a damp A flag flew away like an eagle and beautifully about her earliest thump. Then, in the trench, outside, memories of growing up in India. The sky was bleached and a rendering of earth and the vision The extracts are from the start of marbled like spilt paint. outside the door is screened by a the writing and the end: cloud of dust and smoke that The wind screamed as if someone billows down the steps, to settle At The Foot of the Himalayas was being throttled, Lightning over the occupants of the dug-out.” flashed like a London air-raid. “The air was hot and the sun beat down on me as if determined to And the house roared like an melt my bones. The occasional angry lion. Oliver Richards of the third form breeze swept through my hair and The wind whistled like a wrote about being persuaded to do caused my body a warm, lonesome freight train, something that you don’t want to comfortable sensation, allowing me do. This is the opening to his story: to happily close my eyes. The wind The rain drizzled down like pulled me back and made me feel a dripping tap. “As Peter and Freddy walked briskly like it could carry me along with it And the thunder boomed like down the pavement, it was just as if I were a speck of dust. cannons at war. beginning to get dark. It was Halloween night and Peter, though I ran my fingers through the dry, The house was shaking like fifteen, was as frightened as any red coloured soil; why is it red? I a terrified boy at sea, young child might be. Peter didn’t questioned myself. I gathered a like the idea of the ‘surprise visit’ he small hill of it and cupped it in my The wind screeched like car wheels. hand, gently allowing it to slip

away through my fingers and I Art R eport watched it follow the movement of the wind. I could hear laughing > ART DEPARTMENT 2003-2004 children from somewhere I could IN SEARCH OF INSPIRATION not see, which re-assured me that I wasn’t alone. I felt calm, peaceful What a rollercoaster of a year in the and empty of thought: I felt happy. I sat alone on my rock. This was a place where I could go to be on my own. It was slightly beyond the school boundaries but I didn’t care. eye, I can see the doorbell. My Only I knew about this place: brother and I always used to race keeping it secret from my friends and argue over who would ring it and my sisters made me feel like I first. The big old door opens, the was different and almost special. warmth, a wall of hot air rushes My ‘getaway’ was a giant, granite towards me and encircles me. I step rock which was slightly hidden inside. Granny is standing there. behind a short, slender tree. The She is robust and determined as she always was. Her frail looking branches were so strong and solid in exterior was always deceiving, place yet from a distance it looked wasn’t it?” so weak, leaning to one side, supported by my rock. On a hot day “...Past the long hall that leads to the branches would reach out as if the garden. Down there is a little protecting me from the burning sun. room full of string and secateurs Art and Design Department. Big The place was my sanctuary. I and things to do with gardening. On changes - moving on - old doors would go there whenever I could, the shelves was one of those lines of closing and new ones opening - a bringing my favourite toy; sitting in little paper men all attached. microcosm of life. peace, gazing as life went by at the Blenkinsops they’re called. I can foot of the Himalayas.” still remember Granny teaching me how to make them. When you Tanya ended her reminiscence in the became immobile, you used to sleep following way: down in that room, do you remember?” “I sat again on my rock and gathered a hill of the red sand, I hope you've enjoyed reading some cupped it into both of my hands, of the students’ creative work. took a deep breath and like a fountain of magic dust, I blew it away and watched it follow the movement of the wind. I fixed my eyes; watching it until it ended its journey. It spread out in different directions until it landed, painting a bush of deep green leaves a dark, dusty red. I looked out at the rolls of hills, where sheep were white dots moving slowly together. Behind the I could write a lot about the hills were the crisp peaks of ice. The enthusiastic and determined sun gave the everlasting snow a individual artists whose talent golden shimmer making it look shone this year but instead I want to magical. I sat comfortably in peace, concentrate on INSPIRATION. gazing; as life went by at the foot of Everyone needs little extras to get the Himalayas.”

Chloe Slater of the fifth form wrote very movingly about visiting her grandparent’s house. It is phrased as an imaginary letter to her grandfather. Here are a couple of extracts from her GCSE piece of writing, which scored full marks: “...It was all so comforting. The other night, I was lying alone in the dark encased in my thoughts, when suddenly I was back there. Standing in the huge, looming porch; waiting. Out of the corner of my National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery to look at differing styles of portraits for their own self portrait project. Meanwhile 6B visited the impressive collection of the Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House and 6A went off on their individual quests to such places as the Imperial War Museum, Tate Modern etc. Then 6A started by visiting a local gallery in Stroud, Dyers Mill, to see Half term arrived and Ms Hockley an exhibition of prints by Julian was inspired to enter a competition Trevelyan, John Piper, Mary Fedden in St. Ives which she won in her and Graham Sutherland, among costume “Maid to Measure” which others. she then wore and paraded through the town. their creative juices flowing.... so...... The following week, well-known for those taking Art exams, either local artist, Anthony Hodge came to GCSE or AS and A2 we planned to Rendcomb to give 6A an inspiring “hands-on” session with oil paint and colour. The next week we took 6A to visit Anthony Hodge’s studio in Nailsworth where he showed them his own expressive and colourful paintings and the exhibition of flower paintings in the gallery below. 6A had sessions of life drawing with our professional life model, Gilda Naumann. Drawing figures from life is the ultimate challenge and an essential part of any student’s portfolio if they are considering applying to Art College. At the end of this busy Christmas In October we took 6A, 6B and the Term 6A made presentations of their 5th Form to London to see the Earth work so far to each other, Mr broaden their experience, expand from the Air exhibition outside the Dodd’s English class and the art their horizons and challenge their Natural History Museum - a staff - a useful exercise in reflection thinking. supreme collection of photographs on what they had achieved so far taken all over the world by Yann and where to go from there. Drawing, the all-important core Arthus Bertrand. skill, is how the students began the At this point I flew off in search of year. The 5th form also visited the inspiration to Laos and Southern Thailand. In January we kept up the momentum with more life drawing sessions, 6B now joined in to take up the challenge. We took 6B to Brewery Arts in Cirencester to visit Ms Hockley in her own textile workshop and to see the work of textile designer Jilli Blackwood, whose vivid, cutting edge digital techniques were inspirational. Then I flew off to India in search of more inspiration. It was cold coming back in February but off we went to Cardiff to visit the National Gallery of Wales to see their excellent collection which is particularly strong on very beautiful Impressionist and Welsh paintings At this stage both Mrs Blackwell Academic Trips, and Mr Mann went off on courses themselves - always a good idea to Events & Visits go and be students for a day. Public Speaking and Then, in the springtime, Mr Mann Debating at R endcomb went off in search of inspiration to Paris and the Musées D’Orsay, C ollege Rodin, Marmottan and Cluny, and This year Public Speaking and Ms Hockley flew off for her 6B went off to be inspired by St. Debating took off for the first time inspiration to Sri Lanka. I went off Paul’s cathedral, the Millennium at Rendcomb. We fielded three to St. Ives and Newlyn who have a Bridge, Tate Modern and the Tate to teams into national and local “school of painting” of their own Tate river boat decorated by Damien competitions. Locally, Sam Slater, mostly exhibited in Tate St. Ives. Hirst, while the 4th form got Maya Chester-Master and Laura Then there was a long gap while themselves across London, (I am Evans represented the school at the exams were prepared for, exams glad to report they stylishly took debate sponsored by the local health were taken, exams were exhibited themselves off to Harrods for lunch authority that took place at the and exams were marked. rather than sink to McDonalds), to stunning new University of see the “Art of the Garden” Gloucestershire campus in Summer half term came and went - exhibition at Tate Britain to round Gloucester. We were up against Mr Mann sought his inspiration up off their year’s work. much older and more experienced north in York Minster, Fountains teams and though we didn’t win our Abbey and Durham Cathedral. As this busy year ends I hope all our pupils will have their own inspiring heat, we did make a very good Meanwhile the up and coming 4th experiences during the summer account of ourselves with Sam at form were bussed down the hill to holidays which they will be able to, least raising a smile from the very see the beautiful garden belonging literally, draw upon in the coming earnest audience. to Sir Michael Angus (our Chairman year. The art staff, meanwhile, will We then moved onto the national of Governors) at Cerney House, carry on searching for their Mace Public Speaking competition. where they were welcomed by Sir inspiration, Mr Mann up mountains Matthew Hook, Alex Staines and Michael and then allowed to roam in the Alps and on an ocean going Louise Bowen took to the floor at and draw among the lush borders yacht, Ms Hockley in the decoration Winchcombe School, Matthew and intricate pathways of this of her new, very old, house, and me presenting a speech with the classic English Garden, thus off painting in the south west of controversial heading: ‘Why we inspiring their Summer Term France and tending the flowers in love to hate the French’. Alex then project: Painted Gardens my garden. questioned another team about their We also mini-bussed 6B over to OED Inspiration - A breathing or speech and Louise chaired another Gloucester Cathedral to gaze on it’s infusion into the mind or soul. talk. The combined performances exceptional Norman, Early English were then added up and a winner and Perpendicular architecture and SB emerged. And...in only our second to look at Tom Denny’s stunning outing into debating and public stained glass windows, inspired by speaking, it was us!! This meant the idea of Creation. They are the only 20th century glass in the cathedral and are the original versions of the designs he gave to the school which are at the top of the main staircase. The fan vaulted cloisters at the cathedral have featured much in the corridors of Hogwarts. As I write this we have just returned from another trip to London in search of more inspiration for 6B and the 4th form. First we went to the Victoria and Albert Museum, for the 4th form to draw David’s hand in the sculpture hall, and for 6B to see, firstly, the Vivienne Westwood exhibition, she being arguably the greatest British fashion designer, anarchic, with roots in the Punk era but still at the forefront of fashion today, and secondly The “Other Flower Show,” an exhibition of sheds adorned by 10 contemporary artists including Tracey Emin. Then that we were then through to the county finals to be held in Cheltenham in February. In the final we performed exceptionally well in the rather intimidating surroundings of the Council Chamber. Louise had gained in confidence and her opening and closing remarks were far more assured. Matthew’s speech was the last one of the night and lifted the a go at this most challenging of rather serious atmosphere of the exercises. My intention is to evening. It was humorous, ironic develop debating and public and very well received. One judge speaking at the college so we can be said that he couldn’t give the prize challenging in all the national to us because we had just competitions. entertained him! I didn’t quite PJ understand the logic of that remark! stomachs we were almost ready to Alex questioned the speaker from rd orm rip to go. Balcarras School about the arming 3 F T of the police and we later Stratford -upon-Avon After five hours of sitting, standing, discovered that Alex was the second walking and listening, Our note On Wednesday 5th May, the 3rd taking that had begun so placed questioner on the night, form gathered in El for a briefing which was a very creditable and costume check. Armed with performance. umbrellas, and our handy dandy Overall, it was a very stimulating notebooks, we boarded the bus and and rewarding journey and at least plugged ourselves into our CD two of the team are keen to have players. another go next year. Well done to The journey was long and the them all. sandwiches soggy, but after a little In between this we also turned out a traffic trouble and a persistent low Team to participate in the national murmuring, we’d arrived. Mace Debating Competition, again We made our way past the other held at Winchcombe School. Our slightly ‘different’ schools, and into team this time was Stanley Marshall the Shakespeare Trust. After a long and Harry Frost. They were up period of note taking and lectures in against very stiff competition of the birthplace and then at New year 12 and 13 debaters and though Place, we were given an hour for it was quite a daunting experience, lunch. We paraded up the sidewalk I think that both Stanley and Harry thoroughly, was now degenerating. en masse to McDonald’s and Pizza learnt a lot. Hut, or, for the shallower pockets, It was actually quite fun, and we all Well done to all those who have had the fish and chip shop. With full learned more than a textbook would tell us, including what the medical tools of torture upstairs at Hall’s Croft were used for! Thank-you's must go to Mr Dodd, Mr Jennings, Miss McClymont and Ted, the bus driver! Now all we have to do is make the pages of notes into a project! Rebecca Hutchinson

World Book Day This year the celebration occurred on Thursday march 4th. In previous years we have done fairly straightforward events; last year was autobiography. Fortunately, this year we had some new blood and our big summer signing from The Cotswold School, Miss Gallon, played a blinder (apologies for the appalling football analogies): a literary quiz. Quotations started to appear in the most unlikely of places; “Harry Potter” on Saul, memorable as well. “1984” in the dining hall and In the first lecture about Evelyn “Rebecca” over in The Stable Block. Waugh, we met Waugh’s very own You had to match the opening line grandson and Lord F.W. Deedes, a to the novel in which it appeared... close personal friend of Waugh’s. And lots of people did! We Both people offered us a sense of shamelessly resorted to bribery and Waugh’s character and personality. corruption to get people involved We gained a greater understanding by offering a substantial first prize of the humorous side to Waugh's (we also had runners-up prizes as nature. Young”. There we heard the likes of well; we were able to extend the In the second lecture, Sebastian prizes on offer thanks to the kind Melvin Burgess and Kate Cann discussing what subject matter is Faulks talked about “Birdsong” and suitable for young adults to read his other novels. As you can about. The highlights of the week imagine, actually hearing a novelist were, perhaps, the visits made by describe the themes, ideas and the Sixth Form. They heard speakers emotions in his book was incredibly talking about Evelyn Waugh (they helpful and interesting. are studying “A Handful of Dust”), The third lecture, although the least they heard Sebastian Faulks talking directly relevant to our studies, was about “Birdsong” and on the truly an experience which will Sunday they heard letters from the never be forgotten by any of us. first world war being read out by This is because...and if you haven’t actors. Included below are a couple listened to anything I have said so of articles from the students who far, you must listen to this. O.K? Are went on the trips, including a very you listening?...This was because, moving and heart-felt address given after hearing a selection of very by Alexandra Andersson of the emotional and heart-wrenching Upper Sixth which she read out to letters from the soldiers who had the whole school at Headmaster’s fought in the First World War, assembly. something very special happened: a First Form trip to see Gillian Cross: very elderly man sitting in the front row was pointed out to the On Monday 13th October the first audience. He was 105 and a First form set out to Cheltenham to hear World War veteran. Our relatively Gillian Cross talk about her books. inexperienced class of 17 year olds She started by saying that she had the absolute privilege of support of Mr Graham and library couldn’t tell us how to write a hearing him describe, with funds). novel, (I think some of us were a bit astonishing clarity, his memories of disappointed!). Gillian Cross battle. When his 105 year old legs Well done to all those who took part continued her talk by explaining struggled to the stage; the very and congratulations to the overall how she researches her novels. For same legs which strode through the winner who was James Bladon of “Wolf,” her research took her right trenches 90 odd years ago, there the third form. into the heart of a pack of wolves! It was a standing ovation and tears This year we had about 30 was courageous, even though it was were shed. Thank-you, Mr completed sheets, let's have a few at the local zoo! Jennings, for taking us to hear more next year folks. Have a go! Finally, we got to ask Gillian Cross him.” My thanks to Miss Gallon for some questions. The trip was really Alexandra Andersson. organising the event. inspiring, educational and fun. Thank-you to Mr Jennings, Mr “Journey’s End” PJ Dodd and Miss Stanway for taking us. In March there was an additional C heltenham Literature theatre visit added to the very busy Emma Foley and Hannah Richards. Festival 2003 programme: the fourth form went > 6TH FORM up to London to see the highly This year several groups of students TRIPS TO THE FESTIVAL acclaimed production of ‘Journey’s visited the Cheltenham Literature Alex Andersson read this report out End’ which is currently enjoying festival. The first form saw Gillian in Headmaster’s assembly: huge success in The West End. The Cross talking about the inspiration fourth form are studying this play “In October, the 6A English crew for her writing whilst the second for their GCSE English Literature form were thoroughly entertained attended various talks and course. by performance poets John Agard discussions at the Cheltenham and Brian Moses. This session was a Literature Festival. After preparing We set off in plenty of time because real treat. A select group of the third ourselves for a weekend of boredom of recent experiences of going into form went to an intellectually and concentration problems, we London and being caught in challenging evening about teenage were greatly surprised to find that horrendous traffic. Of course there fiction entitled “Too Much too our three lectures were not only is a certain law that applies here informative but profoundly and yes, we arrived with over an hour and a half to spare as every ‘Poetry Live!’ readings at the single car in the South East had Colston Hall. Mr Jennings had told somehow magically been towed us all how good it was, so naturally away and put in a secret car-park in we were worried it would be boring. Stepney. Anyway, an hour and a However, with the likes of John half to kill in central London with Agard, Carol Ann Duffy and John 40 Gloucestershire students. Cooper Clarke reading their diverse forms of poetry, we were quite Inspiration: we went to Trafalgar surprised at the excitement Square and ‘people-watched’ for an generated by 6 hours of poetry. hour. Lots of climbing on lions and watching the world go by. Very the Theatre Royal in Bath for an The venue was absolutely packed pleasant despite Maya constantly unusual theatrical evening. The and it was sometimes difficult to asking if she could go on a performance was not in the main hear but it was a rewarding visit shopping spree! theatre but in the Ustinov studio and helpful for our GCSE poetry theatre round the back. It was work. Onto the theatre and wow! What a intimate and very intense. The production. It was perfectly company had edited the play and Alex Staines realized, totally convincing and very moving. They saved the best for last and the final tableaux was simply chilling: the actors stood on stage not bowing but frozen, almost like wax-works and projected behind them in bright white light was the roll of the dead. It was stunning. I think that the students found it a very moving experience and they behaved impeccably, as ever. I hope they gained an extra insight into Sherriff's powerful play. PJ

“The Importance of Being Earnest ” On the 24th February 2004, 6B English scholars went to Bath to see a very enjoyable production of did it at a fair old lick. It was 4th Form Visit to The Wilde’s classic comedy, ‘The tremendous. There was dance and N atural History Museum Importance of Being Earnest’. The threatening martial arts and the version we saw was very true to the actors were working their socks off. The fourth form made their annual original text, so it was helpful for I think the students got a lot from pilgrimage in the name of Biology the students who are studying the the experience, no minor success up to London to the Natural History play for ‘AS’ level. There was a was for them to see how Museum. Below are some musings strong cast led by Wendy Craig as Shakespeare can be interpreted in from the students about the day: Lady Bracknell (some of us older challenging and stimulating new folk will remember ‘Butterflies’!) ways. and there were great supporting performances as well. The humour In the following term we went back was sharp and crackling and a to Bath and had a more traditional thoroughly enjoyable evening was ‘spin’ on Shakespeare’s domestic had by all. tragedy: four relentless university style lectures at the Bath pavilion. Thanks to Mr Jennings and Mr Not as much kung-fu but impressive Dodd for taking us. in their own way! Thanks must go Claire Taylor to Caroline Wells and Heather Roper for making my ears bleed on the return journey as they took the “Othellophobia ” front seats of the mini-bus and “Othellophobia”, the advertisement gossiped for England! said, is where: PJ “Shakespeare meets ‘The Matrix’” 4th Form ‘Poetry Live!’ Yesss.... I had my doubts but, ‘in for a penny, On Wednesday 21st of January, the in for a pound’ and off we went to 4th form departed for Bristol, to see “I really enjoyed the human biology to go skiing and “Two became one”. section and I think that that’s where We deposited Joe at Pembroke I learnt the most. There were so station, a jolly affair consisting of many different things to see and to just a track and a platform, only to touch and lots of interesting facts find him wandering down to the about how our bodies work. I also local chippie 2 minutes before his thought that the mammal exhibition train was due!! was amazing, from the huge blue On the third day I battled on, doing whale in the ceiling to the tiny a river survey with the other ferrets. The dinosaurs were clever, schools. A highlight of this day was moving when you went near and inventions and a new material that an in depth look at the sewers of the the video was very informative. I is now used for making Olympic centre, a truly memorable event, think that the highlight had to be swimmers’ outfits. Then after that, and being told that there was a the ecology exhibit with its jungle, we went into the main building to possible risk of catching rat barn and amazing facts about the do some “hands-on” science. There syphilis. We then saw where the environment. were things like finger print apparently “treated” water was Cheers, Mr Stutchbury for taking machines and quizzes. There was pumped back into the river. (From us!” also a robot who asked you that moment on, the marigold questions! gloves were kept tightly on). Ben Morris Emma Foley and Lucy Heyman. On the last day we went to a beach “It was a great trip to the Natural and analysed groynes...... (Of the History Museum; we first saw the eography ield geographical sort of course!!). We ecology exhibition and then the 6B G F looked at coastal management, mammals. I feel that I learnt a lot.” work, Pembrokeshire erosion and analysed the Ivan Ho During the Easter Half term the 6B ‘roundness’ of pebbles - truly mind Geography group set off for a boggling stuff! The trip then drew “I enjoyed the Natural History voyage of discovery in the delights to a close as the geographers said Museum a lot particularly because I of Pembrokeshire. Mrs Gill led the their farewells and returned home learnt a lot about ecology and the team which was brimming with for the well-deserved rest of half human body. My favourite section excitement and hysteria-the group term. A big thank-you must go to was seeing the T. Rex skeleton and consisting of Me, Joe and that was Mrs Gill for managing such a large appreciating how huge this dinosaur it! When we arrived at the centre we and boisterous group, and for was. I was pleased that I wasn’t were both disgusted and enabling us to learn such a large living with the dinosaurs and disheartened as we heard that there amount of geography in such a possibly ending up as lunch! Overall would be a lesson that evening until short space of time. Also, a big I had a great time at the museum 9pm. Although this was clearly past thank-you to the pupils who and I would like to go again.” our bedtimes we soon joined in with attended the trip - ho!! ho!! Stephen Lockhart the other schools, and were taken over by the wide-spread Jess and Joe (“The dynamic duo”) 2nd From geographical spirit. Science Trip to @Bristol Our first day was spent looking at sand dunes where we collected data On July 5th the 2nd Form went on and analysed the zonation of plant a trip to a science museum called species across a dune. When we got “@Bristol”. This was a lot better back to the centre we then used than an average museum because it statistical techniques to interpret is a “hands on” museum with some the data, which was very useful for interesting attractions. me because I was doing my My favourite thing was the IMAX coursework on this topic. Theatre because it was in 3D and it The second day was spent at salt was interesting watching the movie marshes, which was Joe’s topic for ‘Bugs Alive’. his coursework. This day basically Rhys Thomas consisted of sitting in mud, again analysing the zonation of plant species. A highlight of the day was 1st Form Science Trip when a man walked past us with a On a very hot day in June the 1st gun, but this excitement did not Form went to the Cheltenham deter us from the job in hand as we were assured that this was a regular Festival of Science. First we sat in A2 Geography Tour of a very hot black tent and listened to occurrence in this part of the world! a interesting speech on Science in We also managed to lose Mrs Gill THE CENTRAL COTSWOLDS who wandered off and became very sport. The speaker’s name was Geoff The morning involved the study of Parsons and he was an Olympic excited, going crazy with her digital camera. Then came a tragic event the socio-economic changes high jumper. He showed us lots of occurring in the ‘rural’ society of video clips of famous sportsmen that would affect the lives of the geographers for a long time: Joe left the Cotswolds. The group witnessed and talked to us about new the manifestation of the social and economic changes to the area at The next excitement was that the Bibury, Northleach and Bourton-on- spectre of football hooliganism had the-Water. The case study will prove caused the restaurant we had very useful in illustrating their planned to eat at to be closed under essays on this topic (the changing police guidance. After a stressed resource base of rural areas). and slightly emotional Mrs Blackwell pulled some strings (her ASB criminal contacts), we settled for a ‘slug and lettuce.' Yum! Yum! (the 3rd Form Visit to The restaurant!!). The delicious meal Imperial War Museum their last visit to France. Finally, rounded off a very successful and our groups had an opportunity to memorable trip, especially if it goes On Wednesday 14th June forty-two on Mrs Blackwell’s record. pupils and four members of staff set visit other parts of the museum. off on the long coach journey to The coach journey back was Although the date meant that it was London to visit The Imperial War enlivened by the video - now our opportunity to propose to the Museum. The traffic was heavy and working - showing ‘Master and males on the trip, we regret to the video didn’t work but spirits Commander’ which at least inform you that neither Ryosuke nor were high and all enjoyed the sights represented naval warfare from Mr Mann will be wed this year. of London along the Embankment, another era. We stopped to refuel at Jessica Weston and Claire Taylor across Lambeth Bridge and finally at Reading Services before finally (and a hint of Heather with a to the museum. After refreshments making it back to Rendcomb. All touch of lime). and the bureaucratic procedures seemed to have had a splendid day necessary to gain entry, the pupils and the group are to be Art Trip to were divided up into four groups to congratulated on their impeccable The Brewery Arts C entre visit different displays. All tackled behaviour throughout, especially in with enthusiasm the task of filling full gaze of the general public at the On the 22nd of January the 6B in the complicated set of questions museum. They were a pleasure to artists set off for a trip of a life on their clipboards. Especially take on such a trip. time; to Cirencester Brewery Arts! memorable were the stunning DHM Firstly we went to see Miss Hockley, pictures painted by first world war a textile designer who teaches at artists, including the giant canvas Rendcomb; we were feeling very of “Gassed” by John Singer Sargent. 6th Form adventurous! Her studio was full of The huge artillery pieces and the Art Trip to C ardiff fabulous fabrics and imaginative First World War tank drew similar designs. Our favourite was of an On the 29th of February the 6th attention and the highlight for outfit she had designed for a form artists set off to the Cardiff Art many was the first world war fashion show in Cornwall, which Museum, joined by Mr Mann, Mrs display, including the very smelly was made out of clothes patterns, Blackwell, Miss Hockley and the recreation of a front-line trench. papier-mâchéd on to an old clothes ‘gappies’. The journey down was dummy. Continuing her textile After lunch all groups went through occupied by a very complex boys’ video, which no one understood, theme she then made a wig from tape measures, which was truly not even the 5 boys on the bus. The inspirational (groovy). Next we museum itself boasted a whole went to an exhibition by a designer variety of famous artists' work, called Jilli Blackwood. She had including Rodin’s “The Kiss,” designed ceramics, furniture and Monet’s Venice masterpieces, Cezanne’s still lives, as well as a clothes and we were told about some of the techniques she had whole bunch of ‘Art Mundi’ (modernist art). applied. The most interesting technique was the use of digital Each pupil has been working on a printing where she had designed a personal project all term so small piece of fabric and then everyone had a particular painting scanned it onto a computer, the to look at, which would aid their design was then enlarged and work. We then had some free time printed on a larger scale. The where we were bombarded by some resulting fabric looked as though it 80,000 football fans who were had a lot of texture but when felt it celebrating Middlesbrough’s was very smooth. All very mind League Cup final victory by boggling for us globe-trotters! We deafening us with hooters and also bumped into Mrs Boyd, an old the special D-Day landings whistles. Their presence meant that but youthful face of Rendcomb, a exhibition which was linked to the many armed police officers were - real treat for those of us who sixtieth anniversary commemoration monitoring the area. Mrs Blackwell, remembered her. After a brief visit services which many had seen on who had just bought a large copy of to the cafe, stuffing ourselves with television a few days earlier. There one of Monet’s masterpieces, was cake and burning our mouths with were even a few war veterans thought by the police to have stolen hot chocolate, we returned to strolling around the museum who the original (we are still waiting for Rendcomb full of inspiration and had obviously just returned from the date of her court appearance). creativity (and only slightly late to English - sorry Mr Dodd!). in different year groups about Jessica Weston drugs. Below is a summary of her with a teeny-weeny bit of help thoughts about the day. from Claire Taylor The fifth and Sixth formers sat in the reading room bright eyed with Psychology: anticipation about what our visiting FROM TOP TO BOTTOM speaker Tony France would have to say. He began with an attitude test A Link Between and 6B J1 which revealed views about drugs In early November 2003, the 6th ranging from the very liberal to the As the task made ‘human sense’ to form psychology set descended on very conservative. A consensus of the children, 75% could carry out J1 of the Junior School. We had opinion had to be found and then the task successfully, as opposed to been studying the development of three groups had to argue in favour 20% in the previous task. children’s internal mental worlds. of legalising certain drugs and three Overall our results proved strong groups had to argue against The thinking of children aged from evidence for the theories we have legalisation. The final three groups 2-7 is still primarily dominated by represented government agencies the external world and by the been studying for the past term. Our time in the Junior School was who had to ask questions of the appearance of everything. Children thoroughly enjoyed and provided us speakers. in this age range therefore show with a clear insight into the ‘egocentrism’ - the difficulty of A lively debate ensued, with Edd understanding what others think, cognitive developmental approach Kiggins arguing a strong case in see and feel. of psychology. favour of legalisation. Astute and Thank you to Mrs Harford and to articulate questions came from a Psychologists over the years have Mrs Brealy for arranging the time number of students but Heather developed many ways of testing the for us to do the experiments and Roper and Caroline Wells were egocentrism of very young children. their time for helping us carry it particularly strong. An example of this was a man call out. Jean Piaget, who used a mountain Later in the day the younger scene to test children about how Hannah Bishop students were involved in group they could describe the scene from activities to explode myths and different viewpoints. This was part Drug Awareness Day offer accurate information about the of what our psychology set was issues surrounding drugs. exploring. On Friday 17th October, Mrs The third and fourth forms were Westhead invited in two guest involved in the afternoon and after A scene of three mountains (thank- speakers to talk to the whole school you, Art Department!), was discussing their attitudes towards arranged on a table and a child was selected from J1 to look round the scene and then to sit at a certain point facing the scene. A doll was placed opposite the seated child, who then had to choose from a selection of five views, which was the view the doll had of the scene. Results were interesting, finding that only 20% of the children tested chose the correct view. This was strong support for Piaget’s experiment and shows that children aged between 5 and 6 have difficulty understanding another’s point of view. Another experiment was also carried out on other children of the same class. This experiment was first carried out by Hughes. Hughes demonstrated that children aged 3½ to 5 years old could overcome their egocentrism if the task they were being asked to do made ‘human sense’. We asked children to hide a little boy doll, in a specific layout of walls, from a policeman and fireman dolls as the boy doll had been ‘naughty’. drugs, they went onto reaching construct a tower which could consensus on attitudes towards the support a mobile. Most felt that issue. Later they discussed in groups Cindy Cheung’s origami skills gave the advantages and disadvantages her team a clear unfair advantage! of changing current legislation on drugs. This was an excellent The final task was to be a PR company and produce a conclusion to a very challenging promotional presentation for either but informative day. a new band or a cafe which SW/PJ provided us with an interesting insight into advertising. BS GCSE P hysical Education Thanks must go to all the guest On Friday 19th Sept, the 5th form Business Management Day business professionals who fought GCSE P.E. group went climbing at through challenging weather the Warehouse, followed by a trip to The 6th form business management conditions and to Mr Slark for the new Gloucestershire University day on the 12th March was organising the event for us. campus at Oxstalls in Gloucester. seemingly unproblematic until of Heather Roper course the freak blizzard hit We were given the full guided tour Rendcomb. of all the new sports science 6A Biology Field Trip facilities, including the hydrostatic After fighting through the snow we were amazed at the turnout and we > BETWS-Y-COED, weighing tank and the SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK environmental chamber, used by began the day with a survival athletes to prepare for competition exercise which revealed some The hardest decision we had to face in different climates. interesting things about the on our journey to the field centre in importance of a cosmetic mirror, if Snowdonia was to decide who had We were also lucky (!) enough to ever stuck on a desert island (more what seat in the minibus. We all have the opportunity to try two likely a snow storm!) packed ourselves in next to the vital major sports science experiments; The next exercise was based on an supplies from the Rendcomb The V02 max test, performed on a office scenario where team work kitchens. Our ‘home’ for the next treadmill with gradual increments and organisation were essential. week was to be a cottage, with en- of speed - to MAX! This test Each team was then given certain suite facilities, on the edge of an analyses oxygen intake and the specifications and materials, paper ancient woodland, complete with results indicate the performer’s level clips and paper, with which to stream and waterfall; all very cosy. of cardiovascular endurance. Chris Scott finished the test at a staggering speed of 17k.p.h. - marathon pace - with an oxygen uptake of 62 ml. of oxygen per kg. body weight per minute. This means that his heart and lungs can take on board an enormous amount of oxygen to create energy. Well done Chris! We all, (including me, after much cajoling!), did the Wingate Test- another ‘max’ test that involves pedalling ‘all-out’ against a resistance for 30 seconds-doesn’t sound like long but it’s the longest 30 seconds I’ve ever known! The test measures leg power in watts. James Tarleton and Jamie Burley both managed to hit 1,000 watts of power before collapsing off the bike! Again - phenomenal achievements. Well Done! We would all like to extend our thanks to the staff at the University for making us feel so welcome. Now the students know what I had to go through to graduate - hopefully we have some future sports science graduates in our midst! Many thanks to all pupils who rose to the challenge! Well done. Beyond the College______

The Launch of the link between R endcomb C ollege and Lord Meades Vocational C ollege, before having the best bacon butties Jinja , U ganda 2004 ever; Tom, Ralph, Mike, Amanda, As I reflect on my two weeks in Meg, Charlotte and Cindy packed Uganda, I feel I can only really them in as fast as any spaniel describe the tapestry of experiences would! as a wonderful, magic carpet ride; Tired and in need of a shower, we taking me to many inspiring highs arrived back at Rendcomb after a in contrast to some soul shattering The theme of the trip was to collect most enjoyable trip. lows. I still wonder how such a the data and to start the write up of beautiful, lush and hospitable Thanks to Mr S. and Lily for taking nation can have such levels of the Unit 6 investigation. Pete, our us on such a well organised and fun tutor, complete with tight leggings, field-trip, we know the projects will was superb; clearly very be good. knowledgeable about the topic and on very good form in the lecture Well done to all the 6A Biologists of room. 2004; the clan of 2004 are one of the best. Our first full day was spent with millions of different types of moss Compiled by: JS, Richard Burden, in the woodland by the centre: star Ralph Aspin, Meg Barne, moss, tree moss and kate moss to Cindy Cheung, Charlotte Ellis, name but a phew! This was turning James Groombridge, Michael Arkle, out to be much more fern than we Tom Davies and Amanda Lomax. had expected. Lunch was spent lying under the trees on the bilberry Intermediate Mathematics patches wondering if it might snow C hallenge 2004 that day. (International Round ) The second day was spent in a river that two weeks previously had been Alex Staines performed well in this in flood more than five metres invitation only round and missed a above our heads. We kept a sharp Merit award by only three marks. poverty that almost go beyond eye out for flash floods! Richard B Next year, he will have the comprehension: I would not have caught a ‘tiddler’ in the ‘kick’ net. In experience to do even better. believed it unless I had witnessed it fact it turned out to be James G! Junior Mathematics Challenge: for myself. Now we were on our own to get on The key objective of this ‘linking with the project. The hand-outs from On Tuesday 27th April this year, pupils from forms one and two took trip’ was to forge the connection Mr S. made the project quite ‘do­ between the two schools and to able’ and each student devised a part in this challenge. Most were awarded certificates as follows: encourage a symbiotic relationship separate and different title to which will benefit both institutions. investigate. We then set off to the Bronze: Rebecca Cooke It is hoped that in the future there pub in the woods: Ralph ‘King-of- will be staff exchanges, GAP Alex Dawkins the-pool-table’ Aspin showed he projects and eventually cultural was capable of multi-tasking by Katya Edwards tours between the two schools. drinking and potting the blue at the same time. Now it felt like we were Thomas Hopes The driving force behind Lord Meades Vocational College is the really well into the field-trip Hannah Richards experience. inspirational headmaster, Godfrey Rachel Watson Kigana, a highly personable and Time slipped by and before we knew charismatic man with a mission in Silver: it, it was the last day. We sorted all Emma Foley his soul: he wants to help his pupils the statistical information and then Eleanor Whittles develop in a world where they have went back to the pub and ended the seen or experienced sights and Gold: day by jumping on our beds before Megan Dally events that no human should have packing our kit for the return My thanks to Mrs Forshaw and Mr to cope with. 80% of his pupils are journey. Before we finally left Brealy for preparing the pupils and orphans; either because of AIDS or Betws-Y-Coed, Mr S. took us into of course, to all those pupils who because of wars in Northern the real mountains to see the glacial participated. Uganda. valleys and the view to Anglesey. We couldn’t leave the car-park JW Godfrey enabled me to see Uganda not as a tourist but as a most sounds, smells and tastes that welcome guest of his school and his colour life in Rajasthan. We friends. This allowed me to travelled...... by bicycle, bicycle experience many aspects of Uganda rickshaw, auto rickshaw, 50’s that allowed me to appreciate both Ambassador taxi, minibus, jeep, air- the beauty and yet the genuine con coach, camel, cart, elephant, poverty of this third world country. overnight sleeper, Shatabti Express My experiences included a trip to see the source of the Nile at Jinja, white water rafting, teaching classes of up to 70 pupils and red dust rides visit the dyers and block printers to visit local villages. I particularly who decorate all the cloth that is remember picking exotic fruits as then made into the clothes and soft we rolled along. Most important of furnishings for sale in their shop, all the trip allowed me to appreciate Cargo. the ‘bigger picture’ and made me Wood block printing is the oldest reflect on the cosseted lives most of and most traditional method of us lead here in England. getting pattern onto cloth. Many 1 look forward to maintaining and coarse medieval linens, 18th century developing the links between the silks and early Liberty prints were two schools in the future and I urge block printed. William Morris, post students at Rendcomb to think industrial revolution, revived the art about GAP projects to Lord Meades: of carving wood blocks and using it would be an experience that they them to print his complex, flowing, would never forget. naturalistic designs for furnishing fabrics still popular today. Block JS and our legs. We gazed at soaring Rajput and Mughal architecture in Wood Block Printing and the form of palaces, castles and OTHER ADVENTURES IN forts. We ate and drank: lots of rice Rajasthan , Land of the and dal with fresh lime sodas, Kings , N orthern India . Thumsup lemonade, Kingfisher beer, Back in the dark days of February I sweet chai and big pots of coffee. flew off to the East with a small We wandered in teeming bazaars band of excited teenagers and and winding alleyways among adults, including an old friend from crowds, not only of men women and our wild designing days of Fashion children, but also seemingly and Textiles at St. Martin’s School itinerant dogs, pigs, goats, chickens, cows and monkeys, who all had babies. Our “Oi-Tin-E-Rari,” as Will put it, was Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Agra and back to Delhi. In the PINK city of Jaipur we tried printing by hand is very labour hard to bump into the Maharajah, intensive and, in the western world whose father had died on the Polo is, sadly, fast becoming a dying art. Ground in Cirencester but Fortunately in India, where there unfortunately he was busy showing are many hands, this form of skilled an important Minister around his craftsmanship is still highly valued ancestral palace at the time but we and cloth continues to be produced had a delicious lunch there using traditional methods. One serenaded by a handsome musician wonders for how long, though. and his dancing boy. Modern silk screen production and digital technology are there already In the BLUE city of Jodhpur I and block printing may soon follow revisited old haunts of a previous the same decline as in the West. So visit 7 years ago. Not a lot had - go and see it now. changed, just as dusty and polluted, of Art in London. Our group leader but still fabulously full of colour, was Will Chester-Master, a long India is a fabulous country. I had craftsmanship and amazing time India hand, who runs, among been before and longed to go again. buildings. other things, their firmly established The only down side for me is that in import business in Cirencester with this land of small, beautiful and In the sprawling industrial city of his wife Hilary, and children Becky, delicately boned women I feel like Agra is concealed the Taj Mahal, Tom and Maya. Our wish was to the Great White Woman of built in the 17th century by Shah experience India through their well- Cirencester! No matter! We were off Jahan in memory of the wife he travelled eyes and, in particular, to to soak up some of the sights, loved. It stands on the banks of the

River Yamuna and it is as stunning new Green Room, to set up a as everyone tells you it is. The most temporary print workshop there. Mr striking thing is its great white Holden very generously allowed me marble domed shape against a pure a few days off school to enable me blue sky. In the gardens we saw to go to India and since then I have Indian kingfishers and crested done lots of talking and Hilary has hoopoes, both a treat to an artist’s done lots of planning and the eye. printers ARE coming, visas In Delhi we shopped till we dropped permitting, at the end of September. (G & Ts in the hugely grand Imperial In fact by the time this magazine is Hotel), and Maya had her hands hands at printing using all the published they will be nearly here. decorated with mehndi. We blocks that create the Cargo prints. AND the big plan is that various whizzed about through the leafy We spent a great day pattern­ groups from this school, and one or broad streets of the Lutyens making and as we left we were each two others, will be able to go over designed area of New Delhi and given a beautifully carved block to to the farm and have their own through the ancient bustling keep. We then visited a village “hands-on” day, with the Indian Chandni Chowk bazaars of Old called Bagru where traditionally all printers, drinking chai, listening to Delhi. On our last morning Will the families make their living dying Rajasthani music and generally took us for a fascinating walk to and printing cloth using vegetable getting a tiny taste of another visit a Jain temple, a Sikh gurdwara, dyes, such as Indigo and Madder. world. Of course all of this will be a Hindu temple dedicated to the god The colours are of a much lower key well worked into their coursework! Shiva and the great Muslim mosque than the chemical dyes now used the Art Department will be full of universally, they are subtle and Indian textiles and who knows what harmonious. By chance I just else will be up our sleeves by then! happened to be wearing a waistcoat SB I had bought in Anokhi years ago and hadn’t worn for a long time and Interview with as I walked into the printers’ house he looked at it and said “I printed C ommander Hodkinson that cloth” and sure enough there On the 15th January 2004 were the blocks to prove it. Commander Hodkinson of the Royal Serendipity. We had a lovely day: Navy left Rendcomb for the second lunch up on the rooftop looking time. On this occasion he was down on great swathes of blue dyed literally flying! Last time he was cloth stretched out on the ground to here, in an era of bad hair do’s and dry in the sun, lengths of yellow even worse music, Rendcomb was a cloth draped over the wall of the very different place but has next door house. There was always anything really changed? According a shopping opportunity too. to the Commander, “not Mr Wood!” We all had a lot of fun, the Chester-Masters of Old Delhi called the Jama Masjid. made our time in These crowded places of worship for India so thousands daily all had the smells, memorable. bells, offerings, singing, chanting, Through them prayers, readings, flowers, signs and we were symbols that are common to so introduced to many religions. One establishment people and housed a hospital for wounded things well birds, another offered round the outside the usual clock chapatis, dal and shelter for tourist the hungry and homeless. It was a experience and, humbling experience to witness for that, very such faith and good works woven many thanks to into the everyday life of a city them. where millions of people don’t have much of anything. To get back to the beginning. In the middle of all this adventuring Hilary Chester- we also visited the printing Master has workshop outside Jaipur set up by always Hilary Chester-Master where the 3 harboured a plan to bring her or 4 printers and their families live Although the 80’s may be long printers over to England. Her gone, his nostalgia was very real. in a small compound beside the burgeoning “other” business; The workshop. We were welcomed with Organic Farm Shop on the family Commander Hodkinson had flown cups of chai and then were given farm outside Cirencester, has to the school aboard a Lynx the run of the print tables to try our provided her with the space, her helicopter from HMS Southampton, the ship he now commands. He atmosphere was something that he pretended he had come to talk to the sees now in his navy life as part of school about life in the navy and to HMS Southampton. describe some of the challenges of The final and perhaps most the job, when in reality he had come significant memory he had was of a back to have a nosey around and colour: battleship grey. Perhaps of see how the old place was the rooms or the food, he wouldn’t surviving! He admitted to some specify and so neither will we! nervousness as he flew over the Perhaps here lies the deep college but he was very keen to psychological clue to explain his future career... or maybe not! Thank-you very much to the Commander and all his crew for a wonderful experience for all, even those Junior school pupils floored by the blast as the helicopter took off! Matt Nichols, Heather Roper & PJ

60 Y ears Re-union . Nineteen Old Rendcombians, who attended the college between the years 1941 to 1946 returned to school to celebrate their 60 year re­ union in October. Following a special service in the Church, where they were addressed by the Headmaster, they were taken on a tour of the school by the head boy and prefects, who were mildly surprised to hear of a few unusual things that went on in the 1940’s! The Old Boys then retired to ‘The Bathurst Arms’ for lunch as a finale to an enjoyable day of reminiscence, memories and anecdotes. Subsequently, I received a lovely letter from one of our illustrious visitors. Michael Petter who now lives in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire wrote to ask for a photograph of the have a tour around. very stimulating Q. & A. session, he made specific reference to the day. I would like to quote a section We interviewed the commander atmosphere of the college and its of the letter he sent: about what life had been like here unique blend of camaraderie and “I was one of the 1940’s vintage old all those years ago. Commander family values. He felt that this boys who visited the college on Hodkinson had particularly strong memories of the dreaded corridor in Old Rec and waiting there to be seen by Mr Knapp (the eighties equivalent of Mr Dodd) for some misdemeanour or other. Indeed it turned out that the future commander of one of her majesty’s warships was anything but a model student! He had clear memories of detentions and extra work. Commander Hodkinson went on to talk about the changes he had noticed most notable of which was the development of several new buildings and the introduction of new subjects. In fact when he talked to the assembled 1-3rd form in a October 12th 2003. May I thank with black-snouted cobras, you, and through you, the boomslangs, puff adders, scorpions, headmaster and sixth formers for a spiders and wasps. most enjoyable visit. The programme you provided was In his report Chris went on to excellent and it was very good to explain the terrible decimation of see the College evidently flourishing Africa’s lions: in 1980 there were fifty years on.” 230,000 lions recorded in Africa and the number has now reduced to Michael also filled me in on some of approximately 15,000. In his the ‘daring-do’s’ of his day. article, Chris explained that there Apparently one of the initiation substantial rustling in the bushes are three main reasons for this rites was to climb to the top of the close to my tent is something I shall reduction: cedar tree in front of the Art Block. never forget. These noises were not Obviously, it wasn’t quite as tall as being made by a dog or a rodent or • Loss of habitat it is mow! The other ‘rite of passage’ even a human. As I got out of bed • Trophy hunting was too scary to relate but I was and peered through my mosquito delighted that all the madmen of net into the moonlit African bush, I • FIV: a feline version of HIV. 1940 lived to tell the tale! noticed what I thought was a Since the project that Chris worked silhouette of a very large, very solid T.P. Denehy also wrote to us to on began, only 10 out of 104 cubs looking animal. It was an elephant have survived to maturity. Chris express his thanks and enjoyment in no more than 20 feet away. It was the day. He made one apology: concluded his report with the grazing on some palm scrub”. following paragraphs: “I’m sorry I took my slippers off as Chris had gone to do research on “I experienced a way of life in I shuffled along with your lions in Botswana and had found prefects!!” Africa that is just so different to himself in a small town called anything over here. The people are He went on to complement the Maun, on the edge of the Okavango very “chilled out” but every now sixth-form students that he met: delta, one of Africa’s few remaining and again something happens that wilderness areas. Chris was staying could only occur in Africa: “Would you, [headmaster], please with some family friends who had thank all the prefects for the way gone out to Africa to start a new life Road-kill: African Bush Style: that they handled the ‘geriatrics’; in 1995. Somehow they had ended “Not far from the lion camp, there’s amusing, interested, sophisticated up studying wild lions. In his and well balanced.” a wild dog camp where there is a report, Chris went onto describe the light aircraft. One day we got a (I think he meant the prefects, not camp where he stayed: radio call from their camp saying the visitors!) “There were 2 large tents with space they had had an accident. When we It was a memorable day for those of for a kitchen, sink, dining room and got there we saw the wreckage of us who have been connected to the even a TV which could play videos. the plane and dozens of vultures: college for many decades or for two There were tents for each person to we feared the worst. As we neared minutes; and, a sucker for history, I sleep in and a shower with hot the plane, we could see that the enjoyed the reminiscences running water. Through the curtains vultures were sitting on a semi- enormously. of your tent you could see impala decapitated carcass of a giraffe. and kudu munching on vegetation”. Unfortunately, it had bolted in front PJ of the plane as it was taking off Chris went on to describe his from the dusty run way. The skill of C hris Jeffreys’ Travels experience of tracking lions: the pilot meant that the crew “Every day we went out using what survived but the giraffe was less Every year students in the sixth looked like a handheld TV aerial fortunate”. form are offered travel bursaries to attached to a radio that could be go off and explore the world. All we Edited highlights of Chris Jeffreys’ tuned to the individual frequency of ask in return is that they tell us travel report. He ended his article by about their experiences. We then the radio collars that the lions wore. thanking the O.R’s for the bursary We were studying three particular print their accounts in the magazine that had helped his travel plans. prides of lions named after varieties and show the pictures...or not in of wine! They had become very Chris Jeffreys /PJ Chris Jeffreys’ case because he had accustomed to our vehicle and we his camera and film stolen. All we were often close to running them Music C ourses at R endcomb have are the words he wrote. I over. However, I was reminded by taught Chris English for two years Kate Kat not to be complacent when Every year visiting groups of people and I am proud of the way in which she told me to wind my window up use Rendcomb College for holiday he expresses himself in the report because if the lions wanted to they lets. This April it was a musical that follows. What an experience! could be through my window before week and Talaylin Zeppa from The report is an edited version; if I knew it.” London applied to the headmaster you wish to see the full version for a special bursary to participate there is a copy lodged in the school Chris went on to describe his in the week of music at the College. library. experiences with elephants, She was successful and crocodiles, impala, (“the carnivores’ Chris’ story begins like this: subsequently wrote an article for favourite fast food snack”) and the magazine about her experiences “Being woken up by some fairly leopards. He also had to contend on her music course in April. Talaylin began with the following The other delegates arrived for words: morning coffee and the conference took place in the Dulverton Hall. "When I was first asked to write Later there were plant sales and a about my time on the music course visit to Rodmarton. at Rendcomb, I confess that I was a little apprehensive! I had just spent the last two weeks simply gushing to anyone and everyone about the most amazing and rewarding week of my musical life. However, when it came to relaying my experiences Their were 50 stalls with a variety on paper, I found it rather difficult of tasty, delicate and beautiful gifts to present them successfully from succulent olives and fruit and without them seeming like the savoury pies to chic hats, jewellery ramblings of an over enthusiastic and pashmina scarves. I was child.” informed that the scarves are made from the belly hair of Nepalese Talaylin went onto describe what capra hircus goats. How one she felt when she first arrived at manages to get a goat from Nepal to Rendcomb: part with his or her belly hair I “...as I stood in awe of the really do not know!!! picturesque scenery, I instinctively Rendcomb College gave the knew that my week at Rendcomb facilities and support services to aid would be magical.” the Cobalt Appeal, which they have Talaylin explained how the week done now for the past eight years. was divided into music lessons, This charity fundraising event has group sessions, seminar work and become very much a regular slot in technical preparation. The students the Michaelmas half term calendar also did yoga, breathing exercises and indeed for 2004 it will be held on 28th and 29th October a date for and discussion classes about stage- Well what have I learnt during this work. your diary and a shopping opportunity not to be missed! exercise? Don’t mess with the Talaylin ended the article with the Galanthus girls and guys when it following words: The Fair raised £10,569.35 for the comes to Snowdrop shopping! We charity and is targeted at the new are lucky to live in an area so rich “I would like to take this breast scanner and facilities that are in Galanthus and much of this is opportunity to thank all the to be installed at Linton House in down to the great pioneering plant wonderful directors and tutors Cheltenham. Your support for this hunter, Mr Elwes from Colesbourne. involved with music at Rendcomb local and important charity is very for creating the most enjoyable and much appreciated. Must finish now, go home and take inspiring week of music, education, MN a second look at those shy little fun and friendship and for white flowers growing in large constantly renewing my enthusiasm Galanthus (or Snowdrops clumps in my garden and give them for my vocal studies and musical at R endcomb) a little more T.L.C. Perhaps one of aspirations. the clumps is the £80.00 variety...... I “Galanthus?” What’s he on about? wish! And whilst my final thought is neither profound nor unique, it has to Galanthus gala, 2004. Alright, MN be said that my time at Rendcomb snowdrops to the uninitiated; a was truly one of the best weeks of gala of snowdrops in fact. This is my life.” what Rendcomb hosted on February 14th, 2004. A conference, lunch and Talaylin Zeppa plant sale for 240 enthusiastic Galanthus guests Snowdrop U ltimate Shopping for collectors and plantsmen and C hristmas 2003 women from all corners of the world; we had Russians, Americans The Cobalt Appeal Fund (Crack and Turks and a whole coach from Cancer Campaign) held their Holland. Shopping for Christmas Event at Rendcomb College on the Evening The day began with the arrival of a selection of specialist nurserymen of Thursday 30th October and all who set up shop in The Reading day Friday 31st. Those who came Room complete with thermometers had their cars parked by Lord and humidity testing equipment. Apsley and then were welcomed There was much procrastination as with a champagne and canapé the room warmed up and the sun Reception. The evening was opened came out.; ‘open the window!’ cried by the local novelist Joanna one, ‘Too much draught cried Trollope. another’. ‘Hands -On’ R ural Day at Drama Tour To London R endcomb C ollege On the 21st March 2004, 5th and On a cold but sunny Sunday Sixth Form drama queens (and afternoon in March, local families Kings), set off for London and the were invited to take part in a second annual Rendcomb Drama ‘Hands-On’ Rural Day at Rendcomb Tour. College. Nearly fifty children and their parents attended and enjoyed Wearing our jet black polo shirts the opportunity to take part in a and slicked back hair (at least variety of outdoor activities Ruddy’s was), we climbed aboard including clay pigeon shooting, golf Everyman. Some of us refused to and a treasure hunt. All these watch the heart-stopping activities took place in the beautiful conclusion but all thought that “it College grounds under the guidance was just the best”. The next outing of staff and pupils. was a far more cerebral experience for our Sixth Form Theatre Studies Everybody had a very enjoyable students as we saw Sophocles’ afternoon followed by a traditional Ancient Greek tragedy “Antigone”. cream tea in the Reading Room. As one of our set texts, it was very LH valuable to see it performed on stage with the bare minimum of set and props. An Everyman Youth Theatre production of “The Social, Cultural Crucible” also helped our Fourth Form Drama class see the potential & Sports Trips for their set text on stage. Theatre C lub The Summer Term saw us travelling the oldest National Express bus ever to The Royal Shakespeare Company to see paying customers. Two hours Once again, the key word for in Stratford to see “Macbeth”. later we were in the bustling Theatre Club this year was “variety”. Buckets of blood, stunning laser metropolis of London trying not to A good mix of tragedy, comedy and lighting effects and intriguing lose each other on the tube. musicals meant that regular clubbers saw a wide range of Our performance for this first evening was The Reduced theatrical performances and talents. Shakespeare’s performance of “The The Michaelmas term began with a Complete Works, (Abridged)”. visit to the Everyman Theatre, Lots of audience participation and Cheltenham to see “Bouncers” the lead took a particular shine to which was particularly valuable for Hana Lawrence, not difficult as Edd, Tom, James and Joss as they Rendcomb had the first two rows. met the cast members before curtain This feast of fun was a comical up and could glean ideas for their experience like no other and even own performance later in the term. the most embittered anti- “Instant Wit” has become a regular Shakespeare lobby would have to feature for Theatre Club and once admit that it was tremendous. again they did not disappoint with their finely tuned improvisation Dinner in Planet Hollywood, skills on display. Their wonderful followed by an impromptu Karaoke off-beat songs were a particular session rounded off our first tiring favourite. “Creaking Shadows” at day. Bed beckoned as breakfast was the Sundial Theatre helped between 8 and 9.00 a.m. introduce Fourth Form Drama to the performances by three very quirky Day two was the day the more potential of working with masks witches showed us the potential of sophisticated and mature boys were and it had its scary moments with a this famous tragedy. looking forward to; our workshop haunted house being its central Next term we look forward to the with one of the lead female actors tenet. We finished the term with a World Premiere of “Mary Poppins” in from Les Misérables. As we walked good old tear-jerker “Whistle Down Bristol and “The Complete Works of into the famous pineapple studios, the Wind” at the Bristol William Shakespeare”, (Abridged) in several jaws dropped but the ever Hippodrome. We enjoyed singing Cheltenham. chivalrous James Tarleton “No Matter What” along with the managed to outdo himself when he well drilled children’s chorus! DD exclaimed, “well, she’s not that fit.” The Lent Term began with the The class was instructive, energetic utterly terrifying “The Woman in and fun. Black”. Even the more macho of After lunch we headed off like clubbers (Jamie Burley and Tom maniacs on The Drama Tour theatre Ruddy), found themselves screaming hunt, a treasure hunt of fiendish along with the girls as the evil ghost complexity dreamed up and worked her way around the copyrighted by Mrs. Dodd. Lauren and Jess’ team won (‘Only because school?” they ran’; sore loser Mr E. Kiggins). Answer: “Nahhh!!!!! There are no Later that day we went back-stage real drama schools in Denmark and at Les Misérables and were they only take eight students a fascinated to see what a tight year.” squeeze it was back there. In the evening we watched this stirring And my particular favourite: epic which was made a bit special “I know, children...let's do that song, because we had met Epinine earlier. you know, the one; how does it A brilliant performance by the start? whole cast and by Tanya Wells who words: “I love a man with a big axe” rounded off the show by exclaiming but it would be churlish of me to ‘Soft detty... dumm... dee., errr... very loudly, “HE’S DEFINITELY reveal the identity of the speaker. [I errr... errr’ LOOKING AT ME!!!!!” when ex S- have the name in a sealed vault and Does anyone know how it goes? Club 7 hunk, Jon Lee took his bow. am willing to let people see it for a small financial consideration (The I am doing a dissertation on musical We hung about the stage door like theatre so I know everything-go on! groupies and congratulated our Just ask me a question!!!!”) instructor. But all eyes were on Jon Lee and Emma Couch just couldn’t In the afternoon it was off to “The control herself when he appeared Phantom of the Opera” and some telling him in no uncertain terms: ritual blubbing from Mrs. Dodd. It "Oh my God!! I love you!!!!” Back to was one of the most fantastically the hotel and so to bed for a good staged plays that we had ever seen. night’s sleep. After the performance it was a serious yomp across town to the Or not...... coach and three hours later we were You see there was the small matter back in the rural idyll of of four fire alarms that went off in Cirencester. We were all exhausted, the middle of both nights! Good apart that is from Nicki who training in the boarding houses at managed to tell her life story to an school meant we were out on the unfortunate Indian couple who had sat next to her on the coach! She pavement outside Burger king in no editor)]. time at all. Apart that is for Jamie even sang them some traditional and Edd who arrived some time When Tuesday appeared we were Indian songs to while away the later fully clothed and with the hair tired but ready for the exciting hours. gel on. Unfortunately, there was events ahead. We went to the Many thanks must go to Mrs some rather foolish behaviour when theatre museum and had a class on Brealy, Miss McClymont, and Mr make-up and then a costume class Jennings but especially to Mrs. from a psychotic Danish woman Dodd who organized the whole whose lack of knowledge or extravaganza! Thank-you and meaningful preparation was more here’s to Drama Tour 2005! than outweighed by her mad use of the non-sequitur. Lauren Lees, Caroline Wells, Edd Kiggins & PCJ

1st Form Adventure Weekend 2003 The First Form took to the Forest of

(“I have directed four...NO!! the strapping firemen arrived most three...NO!!...NO!!...two...NO!!...one! notably from Mrs. Brealy and Miss ! play, mostly things with young Mclymont who seemed to go a little people, pantomime, I didn’t know feint and managed to disport what that was but it was fun!!!” themselves on the front bumpers of the huge red engine. Someone was or: heard to utter those immortal Question: “Did you go to drama

Dean and found themselves! It took all the challenges of the weekend to get them to gel and explore their emotions and to enjoy the exhilaration, apprehension and joy of achievement. Each adventurer undertook to explore the bedrock of Symond’s

Holly Barn/Wyedean, Mrs Brealy, Miss Gibbons, Johnny, Mr Mann, Miss Stanway, Mr Holden, Mr White, Meg Barne, Sarah Colson and Edward and Eleanor Brealy for getting stuck in; but most of all to the First Form for their endeavours Yat by caving as well as climbing; over this physically and emotionally this was complemented by battling demanding weekend. Hopefully, the with both the currents of the River staff will just about recover in time Wye and their kayak! Finally, it was for next year! time to head above the ground and Miss Stanway primed them for seek the lofty heights of the tree acting out some skits; the roof was AB tops of the Forest of Dean zip wires certainly raised by the laughter of to take you from place to place. seeing each other do their thespian Wimbledon 2004 thing. If that was not enough, the On the 2nd of July 2004, the Saturday evening saw the pupils’ My thanks go to the Centre staff of more creative side; Mrs Brealy and Rendcomb tennis team went to lovely weather there. There was a Wimbledon. Other tickets scattered story, though, of an evil goose, who throughout the courts were taken up patrolled the track. The story was by people not involved in the right, but luckily it didn’t peck us! I "Oliver” production under the think Mr Holden scared it away!!! supervision of their parents. With a After the excitement of tobogganing two hour journey ahead of us it was we all went to Bonn to visit the city very exciting. Expert driving from and do some shopping! In the Mr Stutchbury meant that the evening we played skittles. I think it journey went very quickly. was a great experience with some good team and KLUB participation! With pairs of tickets given out at Henman Hill to decide if we were “Henman Hill” we all went our going to stay or leave. Due to the > SUNDAY 28TH separate ways. I stuck with my mum bad weather some people from On this day we spent some time at and a few friends. As play didn’t Rendcomb decided to leave. My the ‘Drachenfels’ in Knigswinter. We start till 1.00pm we took a look mum and I were luckily offered a walked down the side of the hill and around shops, restaurants and of lift with some friends so we stayed admired the view of the Rhine. The course indulged in a breakfast of on. Play did resume at about 6pm. best was coming up though, as we strawberries and cream. Soon we We watched Federer take two sets were taken up on this little train! At had to make our way to our seats on from Grosjean and reach 4:3 in the Aqualand, with its rapids and giant Court One. I first saw a doubles third set before play was rained off rubber rings, we had great fun in match; Jonas Bjorkman and Todd for the day. Luckily the second the afternoon. There were a few Woodbridge v Wayne Arthurs and men’s semi, Roddick v Ancic, was more slides, but not as intense as Paul Hanley. We enjoyed three transferred to court one in order to the rapids! games before the covers were pulled progress the Championship in spite > MONDAY 29TH over the court to protect it from the of the rain so our friends got to see that too. It was Mark’s Birthday!! So when rain! After a while the game nearly we woke up in the morning we recommenced with the players A wonderful day was enjoyed by decided to send him back to school. warming up, but then it rained everyone in spite of the rain. Thank The German school that we went to again! We explored Wimbledon and you Miss Bell for giving us this was in Bad Neuenahr Ahrweiler and stood looking at the practice courts opportunity. it was also a boarding school. The when to our delight (especially to Sian Clift English teacher, Frau Fishbach, Harley Phelps’ delight) Maria welcomed us and she was really Sharapova came out to warm up for German Trip nice. She led us into the school that her singles final the next day. What looked like Hogwarts! First of all we a bonus! On Thursday the 25th of March, 30 had a ‘zweites Frühstück' (second Soon we left the court to wander of the First and Second Years set off breakfast). We enjoyed our meal around celebrity spotting in the very early to Germany. Very excited with some of the school’s third rain. Then Mr Schofield spotted we made ourselves at home on the years. Then we went to break, where Ross Kemp from “EastEnders!” So I coach for our long trip ahead. we watched England vs Germany. ran over to have a picture with him Watching one video after another Germany won with quite a bit of (Ross Kemp that is). He was so we finally got to Dover where we help, by letting their 5th years join friendly and patient as it took my caught the ferry. The ferry journey in, we suspect! Then we went for a mum three attempts before the went quite quickly. When we got walk down one of the German picture was just right. Very off, it was back onto the coach children’s favourite paths ‘The exciting! Then it was our turn to again with our coach driver, Trevor. Lovers’ Path’! After the walk we swap our tickets for the one pair of More and more videos led us to our were shown around some of the centre court tickets we had between youth hostel, where we arrived just school’s facilities e.g. indoor us. It was so exciting to be in that after 8pm. Then, when we had swimming pool! Afterwards we had famous place I have seen so many found our rooms, we sat down to a to say a sad goodbye. Then we went times before on the television - even cold buffet. to a local park for a picnic lunch if we were just looking at the rain and guess who was there? THE covers! But then the covers were > FRIDAY 26TH SCHOOLKIDS!!!! So we swung on removed, out marched the ball boys Well, the next day we visited Linz the swings and just played. Then we and girls followed by the umpires in am Rhein on a ferry, which was really had to leave but it wasn’t so military style. Out came Federer and great fun. Then at 1 o’clock we went bad as we were off to the brewery. Grosjean to warm up for the semi- to Nürburgring, which is an The brewery was good, especially final. It was so exciting. We amazing Formula 1 theme park. We the tasting at the end (coke and ice couldn’t believe the power they use also went go-karting. After that we cream, of course!) We got a big free to hit the ball. Then, of course, the went back to the youth hostel to bottle of beer each. Unfortunately it referee came out to check the have a hot buffet. was for our parents! When we went conditions and signalled for the > SATURDAY 27TH back to the youth hostel we had a covers to be pulled on again. With This day we went to the surprise for Mark. A big birthday amazing efficiency the court was ‘Sommerrodelbahn’ in Altenahr. party. We had a huge cake and all of covered up in an instant. Why they This place is where we went our presents, which we had spent a took so long to remove them when tobogganing! With some quick massive 1 Euro each on, were put on the sun came out though remains a speeding down the track, we kids a table for him. Mark put all our mystery. Soon we had to meet up at really enjoyed ourselves! We had presents into categories, and there was a winner for each category. We all ready and packed we set off. On had a great time! the way home we stopped at Cite Europe in Calais for a break. Into > TUESDAY 30TH The day before we had to leave, so another big department store and we made it a good day. First of all we were shopping again, which we visited Cologne at around 10:00 wasn’t a bad thing! There were and went across the river on a cable plenty of clothes shops and there car to admire the view. Then we was a Disney store, a “Toys-R-Us” went to a huge cathedral, seeing and many more places to buy who could climb to the top! Mrs things. Mr Holden studied the wine Fielding didn’t make it and blamed museum we went to its shop. in the supermarket and some other her bump! On the way up there was Chocolate as far as the eye can see unusual buys! Then we set off some singing from Harry, Louis, led us to buying nearly the whole again. On our way back we ate at Guy, Jeremy and myself and many contents of the shop. We had a great Wimpy, then by 9pm we were at more people sang on the way down time! Back at the youth hostel we Reading. Some friends hopped off from the top of the cathedral; it was had pizza for tea. Now, for the last and said their goodbyes and before much more fun than counting steps! couple of days the teachers had we knew it we were off again. By been playing April fool jokes on us. 9:45pm we were at Swindon where By 12:00 we were having lunch by I must admit they were very good, some more people got off. Last stop the river. Then we went on a boat but throughout the week what we Rendcomb. This is where the last of trip down the river Rhine! This was had to plan for was not a joke. We the troops got off. We said our a fun experience! Then after that we had to create a sketch of anything, goodbyes and thanked the teachers did what every girl and maybe some with anything we had! Well, people for an unforgettable trip! boys wanted to do, SHOPPING!!!! came up with some very good ideas. I would like to say on behalf of We all had a search in a huge So tonight was the performance department store and also we had a every pupil that went thank you Mr night! Jokes, kissing contests, plays Holden, Mrs White, and of course browse and a buy in a few shops in and bottle blowing made for a great the town too. People like April had Mrs Fielding, who organised the night. It was a competition and the trip. Thanks again!!!! huge suitcases with them, so bottle blowing song won with shopping bags just added to the myself, Alex Dawkins, Ava Sian Clift luggage. Then came the highlight of Carpenter and Sinead Brennan. the trip, the chocolate factory! It Amazing, as we only practised for 5 R ugby Tour: had great information on the minutes. Then we went to our rooms Barcelona 2004 history of chocolate but I think and reminisced on what a great time many of us students preferred the we’d had in Germany. The tour started with an early bus at chocolate fountain! Yummy melted 8:30 am on Sunday the 15th chocolate on a wafer and we could > WEDNESDAY 31ST February. After a delayed flight have as many as we liked! Then We had an early departure at 8am from Gatwick we arrived in the after our adventure in the chocolate but we all got up O.K. After we were different atmosphere of warm weather and palm trees in Barcelona. A quick trip into Barcelona and then the drive to Lorret de Mar for a drink before

the evening gave some of us time to think that this was our last match in Rendcomb colours! We were playing one of the best teams in Spain and they played a very physical forward orientated style. Rendcomb were awesome in defence but wave after wave of their attack meant that something had to give. Our time on the ball was limited and we had few attacking opportunities. A few say! Well, in the wilds of the going to our hotel/Log cabins at attacks went through but were held Club Aire Libre. Gloucestershire countryside similar up over the line, and the final score levels of preparation and dedication Our first full day started with a was 28 nil to the Spanish are being shown. Over one hundred training session early Monday champions. We played with desire boys represented the College in the morning which established the and pride with everyone putting in Michaelmas term. A game of fifteen pattern for the whole week. That 110% which is all that I could have players means that a school the size afternoon a walk into the local town asked for. of Rendcomb does not find it easy of ‘Tossa de Mar’ where we relaxed Friday we returned to a sunny to compete and some of our sides at the only open cafe by the beach England for a change; struggled this year, but they never on a wet and windy day. After a after enjoying a very successful gave up and that dedication will casual drink at the hotel bar, off to rugby tour to Barcelona. eventually bear fruit. bed. A big thank you goes to Mr Slark We ventured into a more On Tuesday we went into Barcelona and Mr Dodd for arranging and challenging fixture list this year, for some cultural sights and sounds playing on equal terms with at MacDonald’s and some quality Monkton Combe and moving into shopping. The match we would have fixtures with Marlborough College had that evening was cancelled due and King’s, Worcester. I would like to the pitch being waterlogged. We to thank my fellow coaches Messrs: returned to our log cabins at around Brealy, Graham, Essenhigh, midnight. Williams, Ford, Jefferson and Slark, Wednesday was the hottest day and we were shorter on numbers this after training we went to the beach. year and this put the pressure on the Here we had the shock of seeing our Rugby Club, but we survived and I front row on a pedal boat in a bay would particularly like to thank Mr on a deserted beach in the middle of Tim Lawson for his excellent the Mediterranean. That evening we refereeing and support throughout played our first match. It was under the term. floodlights which was the first for The overall results were: some. It was also on artificial grass which suited our fast attacking taking us on the tour. STATISTICS game, but unfortunately there's as Ralph Aspin Played Won Lost Drew well. It was a fast flowing, even game but they just got ahead 45 20 24 1 towards the end, winning 24 points SPORTS - Rugby Special congratulations should once to 15. After the game, a long drive again to the 1st XV who had a to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. Overview winning season under the expert Thursday was a tour round the Nou- coaching of Mr Slark and the Camp ‘socca’ stadium in central 2003 will go down as a momentous inspirational captaincy of Ralph Barcelona followed by some real year for the sport of Rugby Union. Aspin and the Under 14 XV who sights and sounds like Gaudi’s To be crowned as World Champions remained unbeaten throughout their Gothic vision of a Cathedral. A bit was a momentous achievement for season under Richard Collins’ more souvenir shopping and then to the national side and it showed that guidance. Yet in the reports that our second match. with thorough preparation, follow there are many other dedication and a will to succeed highlights and I’m certain every A long walk from the changing anything is possible. What is the player will have their special room to the pitch again at 8:30 in relevance of the above I hear you moment they will cherish for the Mr Slark has been our coach again season. this season: without him this tenth winning season in a row would not The excellent season of camaraderie and fellowship was celebrated at the Rugby Club Dinner; one of the unique traditions of Rendcomb where Mr Ford spoke passionately about Welsh Rugby and the highlights of the season were ruck and maul and put his body on the line when it counted. These two had a brilliant season and were improving with every game. The flankers Michael Arkle and James Tarleton also had great seasons. Mike, despite his size put in big hits and James often broke away from the scrum and annihilated the have happened. I’d like to thank him unsuspecting fly-half. enormously on the team’s behalf Nick Evans, my vice-captain has put and congratulations to him on his all into every game; being so having a decade of consecutive determined to win. He has given so victorious seasons. much support and controlled the Well done to all the players and celebrated by all. Many a referee forwards with absolute authority. good luck for next season! commented on the level of He is a great player and I hope he sportsmanship that was shown by goes on to play at university as his Ralph Aspin our boys and I hope they enjoyed power and height will take him far. 2nd XV their seasons. Scrum half is a very difficult PD position to play; Jamie Burley has The best team never to have won a performed very successfully in this game! position. He has done so well, and 1ST XV What an epitaph for the season being only a fifth former, he can 2003! But for the Rendcomb 2nd XV The 1st XV rugby season was build on his already well developed that was true. Often outplayed, always going to be tough, having to skill in the years to come. occasionally tactically outwitted, Edd Kiggins has needed to be able always physically challenged, yet tackle, catch kick and run at never did the players surrender or fly-half and he has done this at a fail to give 100 per cent. very high standard. He tackled For the record, the season began ferociously and kicked with precision with his ‘new boots’! Chris Barefoot and Thomas Davies dominated in the centre putting in crashing tackles; these two were both so solid in defence not letting anything go through. Both of these men gave everything to this season and played a follow such a successful previous massive part in it being a season. winning one. The front row of John Adler, The wingers, Jae San Lee and Matthew Nichols and Peter Liang Geoff Hulbert were again were superb in scrums as were all superb in attack and defence; the forwards. John so powerful and with the pace they have, any lifting well in the line-outs, with form of attack is possible. Matt and Pete holding up the other Many tries have been scored side of the scrum with great because of these players. strength were all vital to the team. Graham Hulbert has also The second row consisted of Jimmy played on the wing and has Yu and George Lawson. They were played very well, both tall and very useful in the contributing enormously to line-outs. Jim got stuck in at every this team and season. of rugby players who have been a credit to themselves and to Rendcomb College. Well done! Team from: J. Groombridge, R. Murahashi, J. Drysdale, J. Roos, S. Kwok, Y. H. Seo, J. Acock, S. Wong, E. Hutchison, W. Drewett, W. Thwaites, B. Forshaw, C. Scott, C. H. Ho, S. Schofer, R. Hooper, T. Ruddy. CJ cost us the match 36-0. However, given the circumstances the team U15 XV played very well. The Under-15 boys’ rugby team, On to Sir Thomas Rich’s whose No.5 A.K.A. “The Entertainers” (for all against a powerful and much larger was taller and broader than Mr neutral and opposition supporters), Abingdon School 3rd XV comprised Dodd who kindly refereed the game! did not have one of the most mainly of sixth formers. Although This was undoubtedly the rugby successful campaigns in the result was 33-0 to Abingdon it game of our season. Exciting and Rendcomb’s history. The team’s first was an outstanding performance in outstanding performances from the game was against Marlborough, and terms of courage and commitment. Captain James Groombridge, Chris it was lost by a depressing 65 points Away to Leighton Park our technical Scott (narrowly missing with a drop to nil. Then, a similar score-line was flaws were exposed, but despite goal), Simon Wong (the fastest achieved (if achieved is the right losing 25-5 (try: Murahashi) the hooker all season), Will Thwaites word) against King’s Worcester. team were never disheartened. (unlucky not to score again), Ed Nevertheless, the team did improve Hutchison, Will Drewett, Joe and in the third match, the team Losing to St. Edward’s, Cheltenham Drysdale and especially Rupert only lost by ten points. 14-0, however, because of dropped Hooper enabled us to produce a or misplaced passes, was series of controlled passing moves Unsurprisingly, this “success” was disappointing. And it was slow which nevertheless couldn’t quite short-lived. The following 2 passing in the backs which make up for conceding 3 breakaway matches both resulted in heavy prevented us from scoring more tries. The better team came off the defeats. At this point in the season, field having lost 19-0 but with their the team’s stats were: Played 5 Lost heads held high. 5. There were 6 games left to turn it around. Before the next game, Mr So to our final match against Ford gave his own version of the Kingham Hill. Leading 3-0 until the uplifting, “Once more unto the final minute of the first half, breach dear friends,” Speech: final Kingham then scored and soon after score: 54-0 to the opposition. the break were awarded a penalty Clearly new tactics were needed. try. Thereafter we spent the rest of the match chasing the game and Five more to go. After a gallant eventually lost 24-3 (penalty: Scott) performance in our next match, the despite the best efforts of Ben referee couldn’t really remember the Forshaw and Tom Ruddy. score at the end, but it was something big to nil. I don’t want to Seven matches and seven defeats dwell on the disappointments of the but the team grew immensely in season, but there is nothing else to confidence and attacking play as dwell on. So, to put it bluntly: The the season progressed, and by the next three games consisted of no finish were unrecognisable from the wins, no draws, and 3 defeats. one which had taken the field at the Rather arduous defeats at that. But beginning of term. Because of this, never mind. The team was so fired it has been a pleasure to coach such up before the final game that they a committed and courageous team could’ve smelted a small barrel of iron ferrite. They wanted to demolish their local rivals King’s Gloucester. The match was cancelled. So, Played 10, Lost 10, Points for: than one try against Sibford. Final 62, Points against: to the power of! score 17-5 (try:Aspin). In other words, it was not a very Away to Monkton Combe we arrived successful season. No players with only 13 players including a deserve special mention over any totally new front row. Will Thwaites others, as all played with courage was unlucky not to score with a and with valour. However, this piece of inspired individualism but could not win a game, and the team sadly, poor positional defending was left thinking hard about changes for next season. games was a major achievement, but more than that they won every On behalf of the team I would like game making them the most to thank Mr Ford for being such a successful team of the term. These stoical coach. This season was certainly a steep learning curve! are moments the boys will cherish for the rest of their sporting careers Alex Staines

U15 XV R eport, the Alternative Version them fool you; this team has made At the serious risk of annoying any as much progress as an asthmatic number of parents of boys from this ant with a large quantity of heavy year group I have decided to publish shopping.” excerpts from Matt Hook’s rather scurrilous summary of his year in Matt Hook the U15 rugby team. Please Matt’s address can be supplied if remember it is a creative piece of you would like to discuss the finer writing! points of rugby with him. The editor U14 R ugby R eport 2003 “This year, the U15 boy’s netball team, sorry, I mean rugby team What a marvellous season this was! embarked on one of the least On the final Saturday of the season successful campaigns in the history the scene was set for the final of Rendcomb. In fact, it turned out episode; a match against King’s to be one of the least successful Gloucester, the only team to have campaigns in history, since King defeated this talented set of boys

and shows what makes team sports such a vital part of education. The season however started in less than encouraging circumstances: at half time in the first game of the season at St Edward’s, we were losing 19-0, a stern half time talk and the season then started, Philip Ellis’ penalty winning the game 27-26, a remarkable comeback showing once again the sheer determination of this team. On our first visit to Marlborough College when the pitches were still hard, we triumphed 14-5; against a physical and tough Leighton Park outfit 22-5 and against a cultured Abingdon team 17-0. Farmors and Sibford were defeated comfortably before the major challenge of Monkton Combe arrived. Here, against their top team, a gigantic tussle ensued; in the gloomy light of a Saturday Olaf the Hairy, high commander of last year. With great courage, evening we scraped home 10-7, one all the Vikings accidentally ordered determination and sheer guts the of the most encouraging facets of 80,000 helmets with the horns on team held on to win a famous this team was its ability to win close the inside.” encounter by the narrowest of matches. Kingham Hill met the same margins 10-5. The celebrations and Matt went on to summarise the fate as all our other opponents sheer euphoria that followed was before the cup final day at King’s. performance of the team which is equally as memorable as the 1st XV covered elsewhere. He finished in celebrations the year before, on the Throughout, this was a team and this rousing fashion: same ground and on the same squad effort, they trained hard, kept “No doubt, someone will attempt to Saturday. Parents raced on to the fit and realised that to achieve brainwash you with the view that field, boys hugged and even the anything in sport one has to work this season was a “steep learning coach was seen to shed a tear! very hard. Richard Collins led the curve” for the team. However, do (I don’t believe it!!(Editor)). side with great maturity and experience, he was at the centre of not under any circumstances let To remain unbeaten over nine all that was good, he was ably players: Harley Phelps’ captaining supported in the back-row by the style of ‘leading by example’ was dynamic Henry Pullen who always crucial in the encounter - it was crossed the gain line and Matthew necessary for himself and the others Richards who was always to put in some very big tackles to aggressive. Our front row scared ensure the sweet taste of success. The pace at which the players got to the breakdowns, put the ball through their hands and rarely missed a tackle was impressive - devastating effect, Richard Mason these were no longer boys, but used all his experience to marshal young men who ran on to the rugby the rest of the backs including field! Callum Johnson, Joseph Scott and Richard Pass. Charlie Stutchbury The season was a ‘winning’ one but developed into an aware and it has been equally important for increasingly confident full-back. the players to have raised their game to a new level; whoever What of our wingers? New to the coaches the U14s next season will game in September, they were have a group with a lot of potential match winners by October and to realize. sealed our success in December. Yoshia Mori and Mitsutaka Hattori As for the seven First formers who learned to love the game and some were involved in the squad - they of their tries were heaven to behold! all gave a very good account of themselves and this bodes very well The signed match ball from King’s for next season. and a card with the inscription: The coaches would like to give a big “The Great Escape”, thank-you to these fine young men summed up the season, but it is the for their commitment to the cause quality teams who win the close of playing hard, fast and effective many an opposition into encounters. Thank-you to all the rugby. submission; Sean Edwards was parents who supported, Mr AB quick on the heel, Max Rushton Essenhigh for his fitness sessions made several dynamic runs as did and to the boys for their loyalty and James Hill and both were excellent dedication. My final plea is to stay Girls’ Hockey props. The rest of the pack all made with this great game, train hard and valuable contributions, Malcolm look beyond: this is a game that can 1st XI Ikawa, Sean Finneron, Oliver bring great pleasure! Richards in the second row and the Expectations of girls’ hockey at An emotional PD bloodied James Bladon in the back Rendcomb are now extremely high; row. The lynch pin in this team was STATISTICS Played Won Lost Drew 9 9 0 0 Points For 200, Points Against 53. U13 XV “It’s a game of two halves!” and the team read this as meaning that it had to be a season of two halves. After two rather unimpressive defeats it needed a trip to the enchanting city of Exeter to get them to play exciting and determined rugby. The coaching sessions started to bear fruit as the we aim for a level of skill and an the remarkable and diminutive overall playing standard that would Jonathan Barkes at scrum-half rucking and mauling became so much more effective - a hint of have been out of reach a few years whose excellent distribution was so ago. When judged against such important to this team. Philip Ellis dogged determination was also seen that day. criteria the results for this season controlled the tempo of the game at may seem a little disappointing but fly-half, kicking so many crucial It was after the half term break that we are competing on a strong penalties and conversions. In the the wheels were firmly bolted on to circuit of fixtures and standards centres the rugged Luke Lester- the U13 rugby machine. Without a have risen equally quickly Powell destroyed opposition doubt, the match against Monkton elsewhere. We faced numerous defences and he tackled with Combe brought the best out of the county, divisional and even national schoolgirl players amongst our opponents and our girls did well to contest every match. They won five times, including two victories, home and away, over local rivals at King’s School, Gloucester. The best performance probably came in the fixture against Swindon College, who included several experienced first-class club players, and we deserved more than a 3-all draw in 6A, ably supported by three from after such an outstanding display. 6B and one fifth-former. Emma Unfortunately the defence conceded Medus kept goal with increasing some weak goals at crucial moments confidence and made some good against the stronger sides we played saves. In front of her Heather Roper and this made things difficult even was outstanding at sweeper, making when we were scoring freely at the the tackles and getting away the other end, as in the Christ’s College, clearances although sometimes Pate’s and St Edward’s games. caught out of position. Sarah Overall we did score more goals Colson was a very good right back than we conceded through good and worked hard to assist the others team play and outstanding in the defence while Jade Finn when finishing, particularly from fully confident was the best marker Charlotte Ellis. Her final short of an opponent. Laura Burley corner against King’s was as hard a battled hard with illness and injury shot as I have seen in girls’ hockey. yet still produced her customary The team was selected mainly from efficient performances. In midfield the experienced group of girls now Alice Barefoot had her moments, including dashing runs down the

right and scoring some fine goals, despite many frustrations when things did not go her way. Harriet Kingsford and Meg Barne tidied up the middle by getting through an immense amount of work, tackling with determination and trying to set up opportunities for the forwards. Hannah Bishop settled down to play increasingly effectively on the left even if she would have preferred to Played Won Lost Drew stay up front. Alex Andersson had 9 7 0 2 more opportunities to play for the team this year and showed a real Goals For 38, Goals Against, 6. improvement but Sabine Armbrecht Jade Harrison was unlucky to have fewer chances and never quite demonstrated the impact of which I think she is U14 XI capable. Up front Jess Weston In many ways, the under 14’s had a relished her new opportunity to go great season. With increased for goal while Charlotte Ellis caused promoted to the 1st XI, showing strength in all areas compared to problems for all of our opponents their commitment both technically last year, the line up looked with her pace and skill. We also and tactically. Well done to all the impressive. Unfortunately, we had appreciated the occasional girls and I look forward to their to share most of our key players appearance of the talented Carra skills developing further next year. with the U15 team, however our Williams when we could secure her team was still relatively strong and SB on loan from the Under 15 XI. we fought hard until the end of each My thanks are due to Miss Shiells U15 XI and every match. and Miss Bell for organizing all the We started on a good note, drawing fixtures and assisting with the The under 15’s have had a vintage 0-0 with St. Peter’s and we were coaching and especially to Harriet and victorious season, playing 9 determined to compose a ‘hockey Kingsford and Alice Barefoot, challenging games and coming out masterpiece’ by the end of the captain and vice-captain, who never undefeated. Our first match, away at season. Well, our season was not stopped giving encouragement and Christ College Brecon, was a success exactly a “Mozart” but more of a kept the team going even when and set the ball rolling with a 7-nil “Beethoven”, with many tight things were a bit of a struggle. win. After that we played many games often involving tumultuous Overall, it was a good season, made demanding games and managed to end to end play. St. Edward’s and especially enjoyable by such a draw against much bigger schools King’s Gloucester expected pleasant group of girls who have such as Wycliffe and King’s walkovers and we were delighted to served Rendcomb’s hockey so well Gloucester. In our third match disappoint them. We even scored over three seasons in the 1st XI. against Bloxham, (who are usually first against a very strong Dean DM very strong), we won 5 - nil. We had Close A side. The main point is that to have a re-match and we were we pushed the opposition hard and STATISTICS sure that they would come back played our best on every occasion. Played Won Lost Drew with a much stronger side. After showing some serious determination Our drive came from Mr Wood, our 14 5 7 2 and some outstanding skill, we coach, and we worked well as a managed to win the match 6-nil! team, keeping a smile on our faces Goals For 39, Goals Against 32. when times were tough. Well done All the team have put in 100% effort to the whole squad, which included v Bournside School L 0-2 this term and everyone has really v Christ’s College, Brecon (H) L 3-5 three talented players from the improved their hockey. A special second form. v The King’s School, Gloucester (H) W 3-0 mention must go to our excellent v Farmor’s School (H) W 4-0 Aimée Schofield v Cotswold School (H) W 2-0 v Bloxham School (H) L 0-3 v Colston’s School, Bristol (H) D 1-1 v St. Edward’s School, Cheltenham (A) L 4-7 v Swindon College D 3-3 v Westonbirt School (H) W 11-0 v Wycliffe College (A) L 0-3 v Pate’s Grammar School (H) L 3-4 v The King’s School, Gloucester (A) W 4-0 v Bloxham School (A) L 1-4 Team from: H.S. Kingsford (capt.), A.Andersson, S.Armbrecht, A.J.Barefoot, M.E.Barne, H.Bishop, L.J.Burley, S.M.Colson, C.L.Ellis, captain, Carra Williams, who has J.E.Finn, E.Medus, H.L.Roper, played superbly throughout the J.J.Weston, C.Williams season. Also to Katie Ruddy, playing a year above herself and proving A COACH’S PERSPECTIVE 2nd XI her natural aptitude for the game. These girls were a delight to coach. The 2nd XI proved to be a solid Huge thanks to Mr Stutchbury for They always gave matches their full team who worked well together being such a fabulous coach! attention and they never moaned under pressure. By the end of the about useful players being taken by term many of the players were STATISTICS the U15 side. In addition all of the R.Hutchison, K.Ruddy, A.Turner, R. Watson, S.Arkle, A.Sinclair, S. Hamilton-Rushforth, L.Snow, H.Melvin-Bath. STATISTICS

represented the school showed promising skills and tactics through- out the season and it would be hard to select anyone for a particular mention. However some superb individual skills were displayed by Rachel Watson, Jess Melia and Jaz Barkes; with outstanding levels of improvement in play from Alex Dawkins, Elbe Whittles (GK), Ava Carpenter and top goal scorer Sarah Lockyer. Well done to all the girls. BS

U12 XI Played Won Lost Drew The Under 12 XI girls hockey team 6 1 2 3 showed a very promising start to Goals For 6, Goals Against 10. their hockey career at Rendcomb College. The team gelled quickly with individual strengths combining well to make some excellent team Boys’ Hockey work. Meeting some tough 1st opposition in, amongst others, St XI Edwards School Cheltenham and “Vis unita fortior” (Strength united Kings’ Gloucestershire, the under is the more powerful) 12’s rose to the challenge and played with commitment. All 18 of the players that have represented the 1st XI have Showing some excellent individual personified this motto. Certainly, skills during the season were Lucy there was at least one nadir in the Lent Term but for the most part they have held firm in their belief of not girls improved their hockey skills enormously. Aimée Schofield captained the side with tact and efficiency and always led by example. Tessa Couch showed feline reactions to make many impressive saves and this often kept her team in the game. There were countless other outstanding personal performances but sadly there is not enough room here to recount them. CW

U13 XI Heyman, Ellie Lane, Rosy Barkes and Emily Turner. I look forward to The under 13 XI girls hockey team coaching a team of such potential developed their hockey to a high next season. Well done to all the 1st standard this season. A good form who represented the school. combination of talent and commitment resulted in successful BS matches against Cotswold School and Prior Park, with an evenly matched game against King’s Team from: A.Schofield (capt), Gloucester. Each girl who T.Couch, M.Odintsova, H.Kay, L.Brown, J.Melia, A.Bridgen-Page, only their own ability but of the synergy that comes to those that 2nd XI unite. The facts speak for themselves: played 12, won 4, drawn 2, lost 6 - not at first sight a vintage season but dig deeper and 4 of those defeats were by the odd goal. Indeed the 1st’s have scored almost as many goals as they have conceded. As I have mentioned there have been 18 players in the Will Drewett as central defender squad, which makes it impossible to fitted the role so well, establishing a go into depth about each and every very strong bond with the midfield one; so please allow me to deal with to complement his obdurate the stalwarts of the squad. approach to defence. Starting with the key position of In midfield, Jamie Burley was so, so goalkeeper, Nick Evans has been dominant on the left and whilst he one of, if not the most agile of continues to set very high standards masochists as he has relished the for himself he will certainly cause a opportunities to lay down his body This was a season of ‘nearly’, ‘if lot of problems for defences. Edd only’ and on two occasions ‘why did and soul to thwart the zealots of the Kiggins personifies ‘work rate’ - he opposition’s attack-there may well we turn up?’ A young side of has been everywhere and nowhere predominantly fifth formers performed be high-density foam involved but has escaped his spatial awareness the real substance is in the heart of heroically against often much larger and timing of runs. Tom Davies, and older opposition. the wearer. The back four have been held back by a viral infection at the immense in their courage and start of the season came back The season had started promisingly fortitude: John Adler on the right against the odds to reveal his very with a 2-4 defeat by a very strong has developed into a player who, best in the second half of the season Cheltenham College side, a good 2- whilst he would admit to not being - tackling back with a vengeance 0 win against Deer Park and an the most skilful at stick work, and teaming up so well with the underserved 2-1 defeat by King’s recognises that there is so much next player I wish to mention. Gloucester. The game against Bristol more to the game in terms of using Grammar School was definitely, the full width of the pitch as well as James Groombridge took to the however, a case of men against interlinking with the midfield. right side and flourished. His deft boys, as the much stronger and Richard Burden at Sweeper has been runs both on and off the ball, faster BGS team rattled in 11 goals one of the most improved players of wrong-footed the opposition before without reply. Fortunes fluctuated the season, swooping on anything he released the strikers. James after this but spirit, as one would that managed to get through with Tarleton and Simon Wong should expect of a Rendcomb squad, increasing confidence and speed. also be mentioned as they have remained as high as ever. Another Will Thwaites certainly revealed the made more that just a few narrow defeat to Christ College, qualities of a county player as the appearances and they have both Brecon; a solid 2-2 draw against season progressed and he brought shown pace, awareness and skill. Up Deer Park and defeats by the odd the ball up with growing assurance. front, Geoffrey Hulbert swept in goal to Colston’s and Clifton (with great pace I may add) from the College left the season looking right to penetrate the D with ever- disappointing. Then a major increasing venom, his other role of transformation occurred. Michael deflecting set-pieces into the D was Arkle made an overlapping run also a real asset, producing a couple down the left wing, decided that he of spectacular goals. liked it there and remained in that And so to the captain, indeed the position for the remainder of the consummate captain of season. This gave the attack much Ralph-without his ability to gee up needed width and a regular supply the players, especially when things of dangerous crosses. Simon Wong were tough, the season will not have and Jae San Lee thrived on this and been the success it has been. He has the ball hit the back of the net with certainly brought pace, skill and increasing frequency. Bournside many Argentinean back-handers to School (2-0) and Marling School (7- the astro, even scoring from a few! 1) were powerless to resist the super Fortunately he did remind us all of seconds. Sadly, however, the season his forehand ‘shot’ in spectacular ended with a heavy defeat against fashion to score after only 27 Abingdon 2nd XI, another very seconds against a bemused Hereford strong and powerful outfit. Cathedral School. The overall playing record, Overall, I could not have asked for a predictably, does not accurately better squad to work with in my reflect the commitment and effort first season with the 1st XI. Thank shown by the squad. This was my you one and all! ASB first season of senior hockey and not only did I thoroughly enjoy it U14 XI but I felt immensely proud of the players for their consistency, From an early stage it was clear that sportsmanship and enthusiasm for this group of boys was keen to the game throughout the season. improve and do well in matches. Detailed analysis of defensive CV techniques definitely paid off. STATISTICS However the self-discipline to practise other skills thoroughly was Played Won Lost Drew not always present. Consequently certain individuals did not progress 12 3 8 1 rocking stage dives, the title of as much as they should have done player of the season has to go to the Goals For 19, Goals Against 37. during the season. Nevertheless, one and only ‘James’ from Bristol many made the step up to this level 3rd XI grammar school. The team just of hockey and this provided the ...... *...... wouldn’t have been the same basis of a competitive team. without him. This hockey term sees the end of an Unfortunately the first two fixtures era. Whilst most sport reports can Statistics never tell the true story so were both won comfortably, 8-0 look forward to the next season, I’m I won’t include them here. each and, although this allowed afraid that for the 3rds hockey there practice of mid-field build-up and will be no season next year. Or at A superb season, nonetheless and attacking moves, the defence was least that’s what I’m guessing - if congratulations to all those who not really tested. Not surprisingly it any school in the country is still participated. came as something of a shock when prepared to take their life in their Matt Nichols the defence had to cope with wave hands and play against a team with after wave of attacks by better the likes of Tom ‘the masher’ Ruddy, U15 XI teams, such as the skilful Chris ‘back-of-the-net’ Barefoot and Kingswood side. the criminally insane Stefan This was a very mixed season from Schoffer, I will eat my proverbial the U15’s playing 10 matches in Luke Lester-Powell was the goal­ hat. They too would either have to total, and gaining confidence each keeper for most of the season and he be insane or suicidal (and preferably time. Wins over Dean Close, King’s soon demonstrated that he has both). Gloucester, St Edward’s, and draws cat-like reflexes and a real desire to be involved as much as possible. However: back to this season. against Bristol Cathedral and Bristol Grammar were some of our The defence, made up of George Although our results don’t reflect it, Tatham-Losh, James Hill, Sean the 3rd’s are without doubt the best excellent results. Great performances from our two strikers Edwards, Joseph Scott and Richard team in the school (to be honest Collins made an effective screen in they just called us the 3rd’s to make Paul Taylor and Will Smith enabled the team to secure good results by many matches but their marking the lst’s feel better). With the will have to be tighter next year and blistering pace of Andy Thomas, Ed slotting the goals away. Established skills and possessional play by they need to develop their Hutchison and Tim Snow distribution from set pieces. Collins compensating for the slightly more Edward Jefferson and Ben Crane in the mid-field, really showed a good was the real force in this area and leisurely midfield of Dennis Ho, Hill was the most improved player. Stefan Schoffer, Tom Ruddy and ‘el prospect for 1st VI hockey next year. To their credit they rarely caved in capitan’ Peter Liang, how could we under pressure. lose? Well it’s been suggested that The defence led by Max Webb- I could lie and say we didn’t, but Dickin showed great prospects in The mid-field always worked hard you’d just look at the statistics the closing stages of the season as and gradually became used to what anyway, so perhaps let’s change the Alex Purvis and Richard Whittles others were doing around them. question - why didn’t we win? We showed strong aggression to do the Randal Pakeman developed well on certainly couldn’t complain about job. We had many encounters which the right and will continue to be a the support (to join the Rendcomb could have gone either way, but that very useful player in the future. 3rd XI fan club please see the 5th was the story of the season. It was a Jonathan Barkes, who captained the form girls), and we can’t grumble very enjoyable season and our last side well, held the middle together about Mr Essenhigh, coaching us in one with our year group, but very and demonstrated excellent skills in his ever-dulcet tones, so having memorable with a coach as good most matches. Richard Mason, the considered the sunshine, the and Mr Stutchbury. side’s utility player was most moonlight and the good times, there comfortable in the centre but also was just one thing left: to blame it Team from: Sam Slater, Richard played extremely well up front and on - the boogie ... no, no, no that’s Whittles, George Finlay, Alex in defence. There were times when not right: it was luck, that’s it. Purvis, Max Webb-Dicken, Joe Richard worked so hard in matches Tapsell, Harry Frost, Ryan Watson, that he was exhausted at the final Even though Joe Drysdale worked Edward Jefferson, Alex Holden whistle. Charles Stutchbury soon his wizardry on the wing, Pete (Capt.), Ben Crane, Will Smith showed a real flair for playing on Liang, dubbed as Rendcomb’s (vice-capt ), and Paul Taylor. the left and his stick work improved answer to Ronaldo, performed more Sam Slater & JS with every match. He now needs to step-overs than the average develop a spurt of speed to Brazilian on speed (too bad we complement this. weren’t playing football), and Joss got in plenty of practice for his Henry Pullen grew into the role of target man at the front and he A good learning experience I feel, scored many goals by manoeuvring some good play along the way and I himself for the timely deflection. hope the boys enjoyed it. Philip Ellis also showed exceptional skill with the stick but was lacking Under 14’s next year, keep the pace to get out of trouble. With practising! greater speed he will be able to convert his talent into more A Scintillating Summary successful hockey. of the U13C XIH ockey This group was a challenge to coach Season and with fewer matches, might have Team from: W. Jefferson (Capt.), E. made greater progress. Despite this Brierley, H. Evans, A. Forshaw, L. The U13C’s had an unusual but it was a pleasure to share in their Greenaway, H. Homan-Green, C. largely progressive season. successes, namely second best Kiggins, T. North, H. Phelps, T. Match history developed as follows: record in the school and best goals Restorick, M. Richardson, D. record. One day they could well Stevens. 1st Match: Rained off ! become a major force in Rendcomb 2nd Match: Snowed off !! hockey. U13B XI 3rd Match: prevented by Extreme STATISTICS This was a challenging season and Winds !!! Played Won Lost Drew though results were hard to come by, the boys who represented the 4th Match: (away): Deer Park, didn’t 14 8 5 1 school always gave their best. We put together a full team (but still managed one victory and a couple beat us!!!!) Goals For 33, Goals Against 19. of draws and in one match when we 5th Match: Colston’s Collegiate, Team from: J.Barkes (capt.), were allowed a bit more time on the Bristol (away) put up a team a year J.Bladon, E.Cumberpatch, ball we looked much better and older than us and of higher ability. S.Edwards, P.Ellis, J.Hill, L.Lester- strung together a convincing set of Not surprisingly we were beaten by Powell, Y.Mori, G.Tatham-Losh, passing moves. a score which is somewhat painful R.Collins, R.Mason, R.Pakeman, The most memorable game was to recall: 13 nil!!!!! Two of which H.Pullen, M.Richards, O.Richards, were own goals scored by Tom J.Scott, C.Stutchbury. against Bristol Cathedral School: we had to abandon the match after 20 Hopes. CW minutes because of torrential, 6th Match: played against Bloxham horizontal rain! School (away), a team of equal U13A XI Most players improved their game ability. The Under 13A have had a very and their tactical awareness: Leo Under the leadership of team good season, winning 11, drawing 1 Wong shined in goal and was often captain Oli Tapsell the boys pulled and losing 4 of their matches. They our man of the match (though not together and put up a good defence. have secured some notable wins, as often as he would have liked!) They learnt a lot about using the beating King’s School, Gloucester Rhys Thomas and Jeremy Skelton space on the pitch and making clear twice, Bristol Grammar School and were solid at the back but needed to passes, with the result that we playing superbly in their last fixture be a bit more aware of positional drew!!!!!! to defeat Dean Close 4-0. They also play. Sam Rahman was a solid left 7th Match: played against King’s won the Rosehill School seven-a­ back and James Brittain frequently Gloucester (home) another team of side tournament held in the filled-in to great effect on the right. equal ability. penultimate week of the Lent term, Our midfield centred around Alex coming through five matches Humphrey Gaskin who was Tom Hopes had obviously been unbeaten against teams from tenacious and never stopped biding his time, reflecting on his Beaudesert, Rose Hill and running. He was complemented on previous performance. Tockington Manor. They would have his stamina by many visiting Admirably, he scored both the goals been given a trophy to mark their coaches. Rory Clarke also worked against King’s, securing our first success if the previous winners had effectively in a number of positions. victory! brought it back! The strength of the Down our left ranged James Beck, team has been built on a spine of who was, without a doubt, our most 8th Match: Our confidence was high Dominic Stevens in goal, Henry skilful player. He was ably as this was our final match and was Evans in defence, Will Jefferson, the supported by Max Ellis, Charles at home. However, Pinewood had a captain, and Mark Richardson in Daly and Michael Lockhart. particularly good centre forward midfield and Tom North up front. As a team we definitely improved whom we were sadly unable to Will played outstandingly in most and we scored two or three outwit: we lost but played well; of the games and Tom began to excellent ‘team’ goals, where a good 2:1. enjoy scoring goals-lots of them. He build up led to us actually getting a was ably assisted by the skills of Well done to all the boys for their shot in at the opposition goal­ dogged determination. Andy Forshaw, perhaps the team’s keeper. most promising player. Overall, a Against all odds and particularly very enjoyable season. Credit must go to this team for the elements they played some very never giving up, even in games good hockey. DHM where we were losing quite heavily. RM C heltenham Hockey English Lacrosse Academy Association At the beginning of the Michaelmas Coaching Day, 17th September 2003 term three fifth form boys attended Rendcomb College hosted the trial selection for the U16 English Lacrosse Association, Cheltenham Hockey Academy. Teachers’ Training Day in Jamie Burley, Will Drewett and Will September 2003. Led by two of the Thwaites all made the final selection top English coaches, Karen Hughes into the academy and subsequently and Mark Coups, the day was trained with Welsh and GB watched each of the girls’ teams packed with skills, drills, new ideas midfielder Simon Organ. play lacrosse for the first time: I and new rules. don’t think I have been quite so The two hours of training each Mrs Hayward, Miss Bell and Mrs proud of a group of girls in my life” Friday involved high level skills Brealy joined me to help absorb the practice, game situations and small Miss Shiells went on to praise all vast amounts of information, quite tournaments. The boys have the year groups; the U12’s for their daunting; however we were given excelled, showing exceptional commitment, the U13’s for their full encouragement from the rest of motivation and determination to potential and the U14 team that she the talented and knowledgeable develop their individual and team described as ‘exceptional’ delegates. Teachers had travelled skills. And the boys put all these from as far afield as Scotland to newly acquired skills to the test for attend the day, somewhat awe Rendcomb in the Lent term hockey inspiring when combined they had season. Well Done! some 60 years of experience in BS playing lacrosse! We took to the field and with practice and support we became Lacrosse more and more confident both in our own ability and the knowledge Overview that the girls at Rendcomb will thoroughly enjoy playing this fast At the end of the season, Miss and furious game. We look forward Shiells spoke to the school about the to starting the season in the Lent arrival of lacrosse at Rendcomb Term. College. Before the individual reports, here is an outline of what BS she said; 1ST XII Miss Shiells began by saying the following: The first ever 1st XII lacrosse team “1 have thought long and hard about consisted of both 6A and 6B girls and two 5th form goalkeepers. There were tough matches and tests ahead, most notably against Wantage and Stow where our stamina and commitment were really tested. This was all new to us and in every match we were able to develop our tactical and technical skills. Special mention must go to In the older year groups, Miss Charlotte Ellis in attack where pace Shiells praised the U15s for their and skill drove on many end-to-end teamwork and the 2nd team for attacks. The midfield was dominated scoring Rendcomb’s first goal! by Alex Andersson and Harri Kingsford who ‘gelled’ well The first team were complemented together; their persistence and on their courage and optimism and tackling led to some excellent goals. especially their tenacity. Jess Weston must of course receive Lacrosse is a brand new sport at the a special mention because she has college and whilst it was a struggle written herself into Rendcomb folk­ to get results, Miss Shiells is sure lore by scoring our first ever that this will come in time as lacrosse goal! Laura Burley also students become ever more took to this sport like the proverbial experienced. duck to water and she was resolute PJ and strong in defence: she always led by example. Other vital players just how I was going to put into were Emma Medus, Alexandra words the feeling that I had when I Collins, Sabine Armbrecht, Heather Roper, Lisa Wuller, Charli U12 XII Cumberpatch, Amanda Lomax, Meg Barne, Hannah Bishop, Caroline The start of the Lent Term meant the Wells and me, Sarah Colson. start of a new sport for the whole A big thanks should go to Miss school: lacrosse! We played a Hughes, Miss Shiells and Miss Bell number of matches and though we for their coaching, enthusiasm and were not successful, we leant a lot. commitment. Well done girls on a Miss Shiells, Miss Bell and Miss historical term and keep playing! Hughes coached us and we picked up the rules and the tactics quite Good luck to next year’s 1st XII understandably nervous at starting quickly. We were playing against Sarah Colson a completely new sport. Miss much more experienced schools and (Captain) Hughes was very good at calming us we hope that next year we will be down and encouraging us, for able to win some more matches. 2nd XII which we thank her. SB In the Lent Term, the Rendcomb We all tried our hardest from the girls experienced a fast and furious very first whistle but we clearly had new sport: lacrosse. a lot to learn and there were many Netball tough games! As the season It has been a popular and successful progressed, we grew in confidence N etball Overview change of sporting direction and for and technique and by the end of rookies our statistics weren’t too term we felt that we were really Although lacrosse is now the main bad: played 3, won 2, lost 1. The functioning as a team. sport in the Lent term, there was a highlight was our match against ‘hard-core’ of netballers who carried Tudor Hall which we won 8-1. Katie Ruddy & Sam Rushforth the flag for this sport. We all Emma Couch scored 4 goals, and enjoyed playing in the matches and Carra Williams, Kirki Matthew and U13 XII we had a winning season. Special Nicki Wells scored the rest. The U13’s were quite excited about mention must go to the U14 team Though some students may leave at starting this new game and meeting who won all their matches. Thank- the end of this year and may never new schools in a sporting context. It you to Miss Shiells and Miss Bell for experience lacrosse again, for those took a while for everyone to learn organizing the coaching and the remaining we look forward to next the new positions and roles in the matches. Lent term with anticipation. team but we soon caught on. Well done also to all the captains; Nicki Wells and Emma Couch Ellie Whittles was outstanding in Jess Melia, Hazel Kay and Charlotte goal, not the easiest of positions to Cox. U15 XII play when the opposition are Holly Taylor hurtling balls at you from all angles It was a first for Rendcomb: this and all heights! Charlotte Tapsell strange game called lacrosse. At and Alex Dawkins were extremely times this year we didn’t have Cricket______enough players so we had to borrow strong in defensive positions of from the year below. Thank-you for Point and Cover Point as was Ava Overview all your support in helping us Carpenter holding the midfield of towardsa successful first season! 3rd Man. On The Circle, April Not for the first time I began to Edwards, Rachel Watson, Sinead Our season got off to a dramatic Brennan and Amy Bridgen-Page start when we were dropped into a provided constant and reliable tournament at Malvern right at the midfield support. These are the most start of the term. Though we didn’t exhausting positions because the win, we learnt a lot on that day and players have to attack and defend. it helped us to be smarter tactically Jaz Barkes and Sarah Lockyer were in our remaining matches. All our zealous in attack with support from games were tough but the team Fiona Trumper, Emma Parker and bonded and we feel that we have Sian Clift. learnt an awful lot that will help us nextyear. The team gelled well together and though we often came up against Thanks to Miss Shiells and Miss opposition that was a bit too strong, Hughes for inspiring us with their we have all enjoyed learning this enthusiasm. new sport. Two highlights stand out Maya Chester-Master, from the season; scoring our first Charlotte Cox, goal and our drawn game against Joanne Maxted, Alice Ottley School. Well done to Carra Williams everyone and thanks to the coaches for their enthusiasm and U14 XII commitment. write this report as I look across This was the U14’s first ever Jess Melia Lake Annecy towards the Alps at lacrosse season and we were (Captain) Tallories, sad at the news that opposition - though not from Mrs. Aspin (aka Alex) this time! He matured as a cricketer, batting responsibly while improving his technique. This resulted in him being one of our most consistent run scorers and he played some of the best shots of the season. Geoff Hulbert played a fine innings of 53 against Gloucester Gypsies, enjoyed playing the most eventually fulfilling his potential sophisticated and most beautiful with the bat. Geoff's bowling could game ever invented. be described as liquorice allsorts at BLN times though his efforts and commitment to the team could not 1st XI be faulted. Edd and Jamie were a very reliable This was a season much disrupted opening partnership with the new by the unpredictable British weather ball. Edd bowled a steady line and and the untimely public exams. For length, always making the batsman much of the side this was their first taste of 1st XI cricket and whilst not Yorkshire has been beaten by being the most talented group of Gloucestershire, but pleased that players, they stuck to their task England has won a splendid test admirably. match. The batting was held together Senior cricket has prospered, despite chiefly by Ryosuke Murahashi who the ever shorter season, due to gave new meaning to the word public examinations, and Rendcomb concentration. This allowed the has, unlike so many schools, often likes of Edd Kiggins and the free much bigger than ourselves, scoring Jamie Burley to build some managed to preserve 2nd XI cricket. fine individual innings, particularly The decision, this year, to move U15 memorable were Edd’s innings of 50 cricket to the same games days as and 51* against Bristol Cathedral the senior squad has been an and Tommy Rich’s respectively. unequivocal success, enabling us to Jamie Burley played the two best field both 2nd XI and U15 sides as innings of the season. He top scored play. Jamie generated good pace at well as a 1st XI by enlarging the with 62 against Worcester Gents times and could be a very pool of players available for and bettered that a few days later dangerous bowler if he could find a selection. It has also made it easier making 70 against a Lord Vesty XI consistent line outside the off to promote the occasional U15 boy which included Nick Trainor, a stump. to 1st XI cricket. former Gloucestershire batsman There was much improvement in the who in 1997 scored 121 against the bowling of Nick Evans and Chris Junior teams have also thrived. The touring Australians. We were U14’s have played good cricket, but Barefoot throughout the season, therefore somewhat relieved to get their moment of glory being when have found victories elusive on a him out even though he had regular basis. The U13’s have had they ripped through the Bredon considerable success and will batting, sharing 7 wickets between continue to improve as they them, Nick taking 4 for 6 with Chris progress through the school. taking 3 for 4. In June we once again welcomed There were also some encouraging Victoria College Jersey U14’s for a performances from the more junior three day festival and continued our members of the 1st XI. Rupert friendship of several years. Hooper is a very promising bowler Hopefully, we shall visit Jersey as he can really swing the ball, again in the near future. while Chris Scott could prove to be a more than useful leg spin bowler. My thanks, as ever, go to Matt Hodgson for producing such James Tarleton proved to be a very splendid wickets, to all the catering reliable and agile wicketkeeper staff, who provided early lunches, taking 2 catches and 4 stumpings teas and late suppers, to all the while conceding few byes. parents who give such loyal The ground fielding was of high support, to my colleagues who give battered our bowling attack in standard throughout. Catch of the their time, skill and enthusiasm over making a quick fire 62. season goes to Tom Davies for his such long hours to coach and acrobatic efforts against Swindon umpire and to all the boys who have Ralph Aspin was eventually Wednesday. available to play despite some stem Two Joe Scott moments: 1: In our first game Joe caught an absolutely magnificent catch and as we know; ‘catches win matches’. 2: In a later game, when really fighting for it, Joe skyed one and before he was caught out he was walking back to the the U15 squad. pavilion: catcher dropped it; Joe? Gets run out because he’s All boys made meaningful heading back to the pavilion!!! contributions, in particular Simon Wong, Ben Forshaw and James Bit sharper next year please! STATISTICS Brierly. We look forward to Overall, results have not quite gone continuing the tradition of 2nd XI Played Won Lost Draw our way but the team has been a cricket on a circuit where pleasure to coach and they have 9 2 5 2 opposition is increasingly rare. tried very hard to improve their This was an enjoyable season The U15 team played seven of the game. although only two of the 9 matches nine fixtures with two wins, three PJ were won. There is a good nucleus draws and two defeats. There is real of players remaining and this bodes potential in this year group and U13A XI well for next year. they came together as a team as the season progressed. The U13’s had a good season Richard Burden (Captain) although we only played six William Smith and Alex Purvis Those who represented the 1st XI in matches. This is not enough for this bowled with pace and accuracy, age group who need to play matches 2004: Alex Holden and Ben Crane made to improve their game. R. Burden (Captain), E. Kiggins contributions with bat and ball. Ed (Vice-Captain), R. Murahashi, J. Jefferson is an accomplished James Beck captained the side well, Burley, R. Aspin, Ge. Hulbert, J. wicket-keeper who can also bat, and but is still learning; he also batted Tarleton, R. Hooper, J. Groombridge, Paul Taylor was outstanding with well and picked up wickets with his J. Alder, T. Davies, N. Evans, C. bat and particularly, as a quick left- leg breaks. Forshaw batted well and Barefoot, C. Scott. (Also thanks arm over the wicket bowler. is becoming a good all-round must go to Gr. Hulbert, S. Wong, P. cricketer. Brierley also enjoyed his All those who represented the team season with both bat and ball. Taylor and A. Holden for being played a positive part and we look Jefferson and North are both available to play at the last minute.) forward to their progress in Senior becoming good all-round cricketers Cricket. 2nd XI & U15 XI but they need to think more about BLN the game and listen to advice. Nine fixtures were played in all, several cancelled because of bad U14 XI Homan-Green and Phelps both had weather and two, sadly, because the their moments but must work opposition failed to provide a team. This has been a challenging season harder. Richardson and Evans both for the boys. We have not managed shared the wicket keeping and they We were very pleased to have a to win a game this year though we did well. Richardson is now at last posse of willing fifth-form boys have managed several very who provided the main part of the creditable draws. Throughout the 2nd XI supported by the occasional season Jonathan Barkes has sixth former and some members of captained well with enthusiasm and sensitivity. He has batted well and achieved one big score of 34. Other batsmen who have come on well are Sean Finneron with a top score of 33, Richard Mason with 38 and Randal Pakeman with a score of 31. Indeed, Randal was, without a doubt, our most improved player this year. Bowling has been accurate and consistent. Though we lack depth, our first string attack was very working hard at his batting which is accurate and enthusiastic: Mason, showing promise. Brittain and Johnson, Barkes, Pakeman, Ellis; Hook, the two first years, will have names to strike terror into some learnt a lot this year and will, I batting line-ups. hope, use that next season. Kiggins Golden moment of the season? always did what was needed. Once again we played in the tennis. The whole team played well tournament at King’s, Gloucester throughout the season and a special and played well to reach the final, mention must go to Chiharu Suzuki losing to Randall school in the final who played with Kirki Matthew to but well done to all the U13. make up the third couple. Chiharu, I would like to thank all parents who had come from Japan, played who supported us and most of all to brilliantly, seeing as she had never John Williams, Stephen Clark and played tennis before coming to Ralph Mann. Without their help England. with the whole squad, I could not Charlotte Cox have achieved these results. The 1st Tennis squad had a fantastic and Joanne Maxted season with notable wins against DE Bloxham and King’s Schools. U14 STATISTICS Excellent spirits were maintained at all times with special thanks to the This season the Ul4’s tennis team, Played Won Lost Draw 6A girls who will be sorely missed consisted of Sophie Arkle, Aimée 6 4 2 0 next season. U13B XI SB On a personal front this has been U15 the most enjoyable term of cricket The U15’s have had a great season since 1988. This was made possible this year, winning 3 out 5 of their by having three pitches available matches. The whole team has thanks to Mr North and our improved greatly since the start of groundsman, Mr Hodgson. I have the season and we thank Miss Bell been well supported by Mr Clark, for coaching us. Mr Mann and of course Mr Essenhigh. The attitude of the pupils We were very pleased to win against has also been a big factor, so well Bloxham, Farmors and St. Edward’s, done to them! who were all known to be strong at Unfortunately only one match was played vs. King’s Gloucester away in a 20 overs match. King’s made 119 for 8 in their innings and Rendcomb managed 49 for 6. The Schofield, Katie Ruddy, Amy squad was as follows: Sinclair, Jasmine Barks and Rachel C.Sinclair(captain),L.Greenaway and Watson. Despite our many practices R.Thomas(wkt.keepers), R.Clark, W. we played 3 matches and lost 3 Rathie,J.Medus,W.Trim,A.Humphrey- matches. As sports women we like Gaskin, JSkelton, D.Stevens, C.Daly, to say that we came second. We M.Ellis, M.Lockhart, T.Restorick. would like to thank Hazel Kay and JW Maria Odinstova for jumping in at the last minute as our second Girls’ Tennis couple. Also a big thanks to Miss Bell for her coaching, organisation 1st Tennis of matches and her patience for our amusing tennis playing. Well done to everyone in the team. Aimée Schofield Congratulations to Edwards who Rounders were this year’s overall winners. In closing, a superb day was had by all 1st involved. Lets build on the success of this year and see if we can break This was an outstanding season for a few more records in 2005. the Senior Squad. The team was made up of talented individuals who Congratulations to the following have contributed well to the overall pupils who hold new School team effort. records. Their best performances included they display advanced and accurate NAME EVENT GENDER RECORD victories against St. Edward’s, skills when under pressure in the E. Cumberpatch U14 1500m M 6:02 mins Wycliffe and Pates Grammar game and this combined with their School. technical knowledge produces high S. Rahman U12 200m M 33.00 secs level of performance, such as those A. Bridgen-Page U13 200m F 33.09 secs SB wins against King’s, Westonbirt and K. Ruddy U14 200m F 30.70 secs Bloxham. U15 W. Parker U12 800m M 3:04 mins U12 L. Greenaway U13 800m M 2:48 mins The U15’s have become a solid team M. Dally U13 800m F 3:11 mins with many outstanding This year the U12’s Rounders team performances. With their technical had a very exciting season. We J. Barkes U14 8oom F 2:37 mins knowledge and accurate skills they started off the season well but M. Webb-Dickin U15 800m M 2:39 mins have enjoyed victories over unfortunately no wins. As the term C. Williams U15 800m F 2:54 mins Colston’s and Bloxham Schools. progressed we worked more as a team and we got a few wins. D. Malcahy U12 100m M 15.03 secs SB Overall this term has made us learn M. Dally U13 100m F 15.54 secs U14 from our mistakes and we are R. Cooke U12 High Jump F 1:06 mtrs looking forward to our next season. J. Sweeting U12 Discus F 12:90 mtrs This term’s rounders matches have Rosie Barkes M. Ikawa U14 Discus M 17:58 mtrs been quite successful. We had a R. Watson U15 Discus F 25:66 mtrs fantastic triangle consisting of Hazel Kay as bowler, Aimée J. Melia U13 Javelin F 13:55 mtrs Schofield as backstop and Katie R. Pakeman U14 Javelin M 26:76 mtrs Ruddy as 1st base. Our hitting C. Williams U15 Javelin F 22:38 mtrs improved as the season progressed with the help of Miss Bell and Miss Hughes and we could not have won Sporting any matches without the help of Aimée, Katie, Hazel and Amy. Our Achievements final statistics were: STUDENT SPORT ACHIEVEMENT STATISTICS James Tarleton Rugby County, Trialist Played Won Lost Drew Ralph Aspin Rugby County, Gloucestershire 4 13 0 (U19) Thank you to all the team for Richard Collins Rugby Stroud District participating and to the teachers for Henry Pullen Rugby Stroud District, their help and support. U14 County Amy Sinclair Sports Day______Carra Williams Hockey County, Gloucestershire U13 Some may be forgiven for mistaking (U15) that 2004’s Sports Day as a winter Jamie Burley Hockey County, The U13’s are an excellent team, event but this didn’t hamper the Gloucestershire spirits of the participants. The (U17) initial parade set the tempo for the Will Thwaites Hockey County, Gloucestershire rest of the day and captured the (U17) enthusiasm of those competing. This Lewis Leung Fencing Third in County year built on last year’s success and Junior witnessed twenty-four new records, Championship particularly noteworthy were the Charlotte Ellis Golf Winner, 800m and javelin events. The Gloucester Girls’ success of those competing must to Golf some extent be accredited to the Championship gusto of those on the sidelines. I Rachel Watson Rounders Selected for U13 England would like to take the opportunity Rounders to thank all those made 2004’s Development Sports Day such a success. Squad Squad: Edd Kiggins, Nick Evans, Activities John Adler, Jaye San Lee, Ralph Aspin, James Groombridge, James The N ational Game Tarleton and Simon Wong. ARRIVES AT v Northleach: (w) 5-1 R endcomb C ollege v Tetbury: (w) 7-1 On Sunday 8th February, an intrepid v Lechlade: (w) 8-3 group of ‘SOCCA’ players ventured over to Deer Park School to v Fairford: (w) 4-2 participate in the inaugural birthday party! Defending champions next year- ‘Cotswold Youth five-a-side football always more difficult to retain a title! (As, hopefully, Arsenal will discover). PJ

And to top it all: we won! Played 4, tournament’. won 4. We didn’t really know what to So, we are currently Cotswold expect. Our boys think they’re champions of a particular sport. pretty skilful, they’re certainly Considering this success, is it pretty fit but they are ‘SOCCA’ perhaps the time for a change at Inter Schools Mini One novices. Would they be split apart Rendcomb? like the Arsenal defence and would Day Event C hampionship they be lacking the ‘savvy’ to pit Only joking! their wits against more experienced Held at Stonar School on Sunday Well done to the squad; they were a 16th May 2004. ‘SOCCA’ teams? In short; would credit to themselves and the school. they be cruelly exposed as just what Three horseboxes and a Rendcomb they are: a bunch of big rugby mini-bus of supporters set off at blokes who’d want to pick the ball 7.00 am on a Sunday morning in up and push a few other big blokes May to take part in the Inter over? Schools One Day Event at Stonar Well... no actually. I have to say we School in Wiltshire. This is the played as a team, we worked very second year running we have hard, we looked blessed with great entered a team for this event and we ball skills, we scored 24 goals in the were hopeful we would be able to equivalent of 36 minutes of football follow the success of last year’s and we had the cleanest kit. Not bad team. considering it was the day after Edd The team this year comprised Kiggins and Ralph Aspin’s 18th Edward Cumberpatch on Molly, Sinead Brennan on Bayleaf and The final two shoots were Victoria Cannon on Kiltinane challenging, being a descending Angela. They all performed well in right to left and a ’teal’ on report. their dressage tests with Sinead The team produced a fine total of achieving a particular impressive 182; with Charlie Stutchbury on score. It was then all change for the High Gun with 38/50 on his first show-jumping section which proved outing for the B VI. The Ladies’ Team consisting of Sarah Colson (captain), Harriet Kingsford and Romilly Evans, really Rendcomb College once again fielded an extensive selection of teams, Men’s A & B VI, a Ladies’ III and V and a Father & Son (or Parent and Pupil!) combination. The ‘A’ VI, captained by James Groombridge and comprising of Chris Barefoot, William Thwaites, Max Webb-Dickin, George Finlay and Guy Tatham-Losh, shot a most respectable round of 162 on a particularly tricky set-up. High Gun difficult on the slippery ground. event went to William Thwaites Both Edward and Sinead proceeded to the cross-country phase and Edward was very pleased with his flew the flag for Rendcomb. Sarah clear cross country round. shot a magnificent 30/50, well After all this exertion, a huge picnic supported by Harriet and Romilly - lunch was enjoyed in the sunshine it’s so good to see the girls by all the pupil and parents who competing so well and of course came along to support, including they bring an added elegance to trainer Warren Lampard, a leading shooting. Australian event rider based in To round off a fine day’s Chedworth. competition, Rendcomb College Rendcomb will again be entering a secured two trophies at the Prize team for the Senior Event in Giving. The Ladies’ Team secured September and Sarah Lockyer will 3rd place, a wonderful achievement be representing the school in the on their first outing together and 2nd Schools Dressage Championship with a score of 35/50 followed Charlie Stutchbury and Mr James in late August on her horse Nicholas closely by Chris Barefoot with a Stutchbury won first place in the Nickelby. magnificent score of 34 in his first Father & Son category, their first competitive shoot. competition together, with a score LH The ‘B’ VI shot very well indeed on of 81/100. their first three stands, averaging British N ational This is the sixth year in succession 80%. Matthew Hook captained the that Rendcomb College has secured Shooting C hampionships side and the competition between honours at the Nationals. Well done 2004 Henry Pullen, Richard Pass, Richard to all the competitors and thank you Collins, Charlie Stutchbury and for all the magnificent parental The 2004 ‘Nationals’ were held this support, in all there were six year at the Olympic Targets Rendcomb parents, some shooting Shooting Ground in Bedfordshire on others offering valuable support, the 8-9th May.

George Tatham-Losh was pushing the team’s score ever upwards. this made the total group of over twenty, a wonderful confirmation of the exceptional support that the Shooting Club appreciates and enjoys. In conclusion I would like to offer my congratulations to all the competitors. The ‘Shooting Gazette’

Bronze awards. The Bronze Award has been temporarily suspended due chiefly to problems in providing a viable Service option. Expeditions will still continue, however, and a and no campsite too basic for this group of fourth year pupils have intrepid bunch. They tackled been busy planning a two-day everything with enthusiasm and expedition around the Broadway area of the North Cotswolds, which they will execute at the beginning of September. If this is successful an expedition further afield may be carried out in March. The Gold Award continues to published our success in the July flourish. This year’s 6A candidates issue. We are certainly on the cruised around the Black Mountains shooting map! last October, rising to the challenge Way back in December, there was and coming through their four-day also a charity shoot to raise money ordeal with honour. The current 6B for Lord Meades and for ‘Children candidates have so far excelled in with Leukaemia’. This event was their first two practices and may very well supported and shooters of prove to be one of the outstanding all abilities participated. groups of recent years. The first humour and were justly proud of practice in Mid-Wales repeated last James Groombridge & JS their achievements over the four days. One bonus, which will no doubt make previous candidates envious, was the ‘discovery’ of a new campsite in the gardens of the South Wales Caving Club. Instead of a cowpat-caked field with no facilities at Pwllcoediog Farm, this year’s groups met up on their third night at the aforementioned Eden. They had access to showers, toilets and even a lounge with comfy chairs, although they assured me that they did not take advantage of this last facility. The girls were particularly interested in the photographs which showed what cavers get up to when they think that no-one is looking! They will surely maintain the Rendcomb tradition of success in their Assessed Expedition in October. I would like to conclude, as usual, by thanking Chris Wood and our two gap students, Alice and Chloe , The Duke of year’s format of a navigation training day followed by a two-day for their invaluable help in running dinburgh s ward E ’ A expedition, staying at the idyllic the expeditions and to all the As usual the DoE Award scheme has Tyllwyd campsite overnight. College staff who provide the candidates with opportunities to been very busy this year. In March, Their second practice in the Brecon fourteen Fifth Formers completed a complete the other sections of the Beacons, arguably the most award. superb assessment expedition in the demanding and difficult, was an Forest of Dean and the majority of outstanding success. No mountain CV them have now received their was too high, no descent too steep which is reported elsewhere in the magazine. So what was happening in wartime Rendcomb College? I was fascinated by the tone and content of the leader article from Michaelmas Term 1943: “In war-time it is not easy to get renovations carried out but we came back to a building wonderfully spick and span. During the summer The Record holiday a group of boys stayed behind to do a week of cleaning, The Leavers ’ Weekend and in addition a certain amount of urgent re-decoration was done. The weekend of 25-27th June was Minor repairs were effected in the the leavers’ weekend. Lots of changing room and the first floor bouncy castles and swimming and a bathroom, and the parquet floors of magnificent meal in the dining hall. the Halls seemed to have recovered Later ‘The Bar’ and lots of memories much of their polish” and reminiscences. On the Saturday I wonder if we would be inundated there was the church service and a by offers if we asked for a few tremendous address from Mr students to stay behind in July to do Morgan. Lunch followed. Good luck a bit of D.I.Y? to all our leavers; a tremendous year group who have an enormous The war was never far away. The amount to offer. Rendcombian magazine appeared termly in those days and the same PJ Michaelmas edition included this notice: 60 Y ears On “It is with deep regret that we In last year’s magazine we began a record the news that Captain tradition: looking back fifty years to Michael Wills, M.C., eldest son of the Rendcombian of the day and the founder of the college and one delving into the goings on of the of the Governors, was killed in college all those years ago. This action in North Africa on March year we break with that well 16th 1943.” established tradition and look back sixty years. That’s the thing about The magazine regularly recorded the tradition; it isn’t what it used to be! bravery of Old Boys fighting with The reason that we decided to do the allies and the editor of the Lent this is because of the visit to the term 1944 magazine saw what an college of the Old Boys of 1944 important role the magazine had in assisting to maintain morale. He wrote: ‘“The Times’ recently, on its leader page, published an article deploring the curtailment, and in some instances the disappearance of certain school magazines. Scarcity of paper, lack of time and labour, conditions arising from evacuation, bring their difficulties and it is inevitable that school journalism should suffer from the like. The writer spoke with obvious regret, for it is clear that a school magazine, in war-time has many useful functions to perform. More than ever news of Old Boys assumes a greater importance. In many cases the magazine is the only link that keeps the Old Boys informed of each other’s doings, of their rewards and vicissitudes, and of what is happening at the school that sent them forth.” The editor finished with the which occurred on September 19th following words: and was followed by some strange pagan rite known as ‘Potato “The magazine does constitute a Monday’ and we are told that; “the permanent record-the only readily available one-of the school’s festival lasted until Tuesday”. They certainly knew how to have a good activities, and the future chronicler time in those days; a potato festival will be indebted to its files lasting 24 hours; it doesn’t get more whenever any information about exciting than that! It must be the history of the college may be required. We write for posterity, and something to do with wartime food production because the editor we think it well to remind present unfolded: informs us that more than seven readers of this fact.” “Potatoes are a delicate subject in tons of potatoes were dug up. Indeed; how apposite! It is College and there are several Some tiny glimpses into the life of

fascinating looking over the schools of thought” back-copies of The Rendcombian the College in the academic year What on earth was the article 1943/1944. A fascinating record for magazine; a different world of about? The writer embellished and rationing and privation. which we should all be very having read the article several grateful. But it wasn’t all doom and gloom. times, I’m still non the wiser: PJ Oh no! “There have even been authoritative The Lodge race took place as if full statements based on expert scale world war was a minor investigations: the culinarists are of Academic Record inconvenience. For the record it one opinion, and certain happened on 24th March but the agriculturists, we believe of another. GCE Examinations winner was un-named. The Puppet The gourmets have groused, but the Players performed in November and potatoes continue to disappear in John ADLER in December the village came to see large amounts. ‘De gustibus,’ it has C, M, P, B (AS) the College’s production of ‘The always been held - “non est disputanddum,” and we have no Alexandra ANDERSSON Ghost Train’. Apparently it was a A, E, H*, F (AS) huge hit. wish to be mashed.” Apparently all these goings-on Michael ARKLE In the Michaelmas term edition of BS, B (AS), PE (AS) the magazine, this bizarre story occurred after ‘Blackberry Sunday’ Sabine ARMBRECHT Harriet KINGSFORD A E F GM* A BS E G (AS) Ralph ASPIN Simon KWOK G B (AS) BS (AS) PE (AS) CH M* FM* P C (AS) Alice BAREFOOT Caroline LAY A BS E G (AS) D E G BS (AS) Christopher BAREFOOT Jae-San LEE S M P G (AS) C M* FM Meg BARNE Amanda LOMAX A* B* C* M* (AS) B BS G PE (AS) James GROOMBRIDGE Richard BURDEN B C PE (AS) Sunny MENG B* C* G* M BS CH M Edward KIGGINS Laura BURLEY BS* D E PE (AS) Sarah RUDDERHAM F G PE (AS) A* B* H* F (AS) Jimmy YU A BS CH

Key:* grade A Subject Key:A=Art, B=Biology, BS=Business Studies, C=Chemistry, CH=Chinese, D=Drama & Theatre Studies, EL=English Literature, F= French, G=Geography, GM=German, H=History, M=Maths, FM=Further Maths, MU = Music, P=Physics, PE=Physical Education

GCSE Examinations FIFTH FORM ENTRY J ACOCK A* B CD* E* El F M Mu* P L BOWEN A D E El G Gm M scda J BRIERLEY B* C* D** E* El G* Gm Ict* M* P

Cindy CHEUNG B C* CH* M* Coco CHUNG CH* D M MU Nicholas CLEMENTS A* G* H* E (AS) Sarah COLSON A G H E (AS) Thomas DAVIES B C G* E (AS) Charlotte ELLIS A B (AS) F (AS) PE (AS) Nicholas EVANS BS E H Romilly EVANS A E F GM Jade FINN A* E* G* H*

J BURLEY FOURTH FORM ENTRY D* E* El F* g M Pe** ScDA I HO Ch** A COLLINS P KU Ch** B* C* E* El F* G* Gm M* Pe* P* L LEUNG Ch** E COUCH B C* D* E El* F G* let* M P W DREWETT THIRD FORM ENTRY A E El g let M Pe scda L BROWN F** L EVANS A** B** C** E* El* F** G** H** M P* M IKAWA J** D E El* Gm H* M Pe ScDA T RUDDY B FORSHAW B C D** E* El** F G H** M p B C* D* E El F H** Ict* M P Key: Codes beginning with capital S SCHOFER letters show grades A* - C, lower S GOFFE e El G Gm** Ict M Pe ScDA case show d - g, ** = grade A*, B* C** E* El F** Gm** H** M* Mu* P* C SCOTT * = grade A D HO B* C* E El G* Gm let M Pe** P Subject key: A-Art, B-Biology, A b C E El Ict M* Pe P C SLATER C-Chemistry, Ch-Chinese, R HOOPER A** C** D E* El* F* H** M P* D-Drama, E-English Language, B* C* E El f G H** Ict* M* P** El-English Literature, F-French, T SNOW G-Geography, Gm-German, E HUTCHISON B C** D* E* El* Gm H** M* P*; H-History, Ict-Information B* C** E* El* F** Gm* H** M* Mu* P* J TARLETON Communication Technology, H KAY b e D E El F Ict M Pe P J-Japanese, M-Mathematics, A B C E* El G Gm Ict M P Mu-Music, P-Physics, G TATHAM-LOSH Pe-Physical Education, H LAWRENCE E El H* Ict m pe ScDA ScDA-Seience (Double Award) B C D E* El* F* G* H** M P H TAYLOR G LAWSON A** B** C** E* El* F* H** M* Mu** P** Officers b C E El f H* M Mu Pe p A THOMAS Prefects 2004-05 S MALIK A e el G ict M ScDA Head Boys: D E El F H* M Pe ScDA W THWAITES Peter Liang R MAXTED A d El f Ict M Pe ScDA Geoffrey Hulbert A* B** C** E* El** F** G** H** M* P** N WELLS Head Girls: E MEDUS A* D* E* El F* M Mu* ScDA Heather Roper A B C E El F H** M Pe P Jessica Weston T WELLS M MURAHASHI A* D** E* El F G M ScDA Prefect in Stable House: A B C e El J** M P Geoffrey Hulbert S WONG Y PANG B C E El* F G Ict M Mu* P Prefects in Lawn House: A** B C* Ch** E El Ict M* Mu* P Lotta van Rotenhan P RUDDERHAM Lauren Lees Prefects in Old R ectory: Claire Taylor Caroline Wells

Prefects in Godman House: Charlotte Cumberpatch Heather Roper Jessica Wells Jessica Weston

“Welfare ” Prefect: Rachel Hardy

The last day of the spring term began with a thrill as each class was given the opportunity to parade their uniquely designed Easter bonnets. Competition was stiff and the prize for each class went to the bonnet that was made and designed personally by the child with as little help from an adult as possible. Creative ideas abounded and the standard sur­ Who would have passed all previous years, with homemade thought that a cou­ chicks, perky rabbits and beautiful flowers ‘springing’ up in many forms. The parade ple of inches of snow could have caused such chaos? was followed by a very exciting Easter All the children that did manage to make their way in had a Egg Hunt that saw the children search­ great day of playing in the snow, tobogganing down the ing high and low over the extensive slopes and working together to put up a snowy display. grounds of the school for precious ‘egg The second day it snowed there was even more snow, just tickets’ which could later be exchanged for real chocolate eggs. A very fitting end to the perfect for making snowmen and having snowball fights! They morning was the delightful performance of are both days which will remain wonderful shared memories. “Never Count Your Chickens” presented by the Otters, with each child having a special part to play in the production that told the story of a mother hen who lost an egg.

The Otters trip to the Blazing Science show at the Cheltenham Festival of Science provided There was great excitement as we heard and then saw the helicopter approaching. a fascinating insight into the Commander Hodkinson, an way stuntmen work with fire, Old Rendcombian, was as well as an effective pres­ returning to his old school in entation of the requirements his Royal Naval helicopter. for combustion. This proved He allowed the children to to be an entertaining educa­ look around it and even let us sit in it. We asked lots of tional experience. tricky questions. The boys really wanted to know where the bombs were kept! We stood waiting in the rain to J3 & J4 enjoyed the Return wave goodbye. He gave a of the Chemedians at the very impressive fly-past. We made interesting displays in the entrance hall Cheltenham Festival of and corridor with all our paintings and drawings. Science. They especially enjoyed exploring in the Discovery Zone.

The Junior School pupils celebrated World Book Day with tremendous enthusiasm. Each child was asked to dress up as a character from a J5 and J6 went to see Cool Science and were entertained with favourite book and the variety and creativity in the resulting costumes was the effects of liquid nitrogen on different materials and we superb. From The Cat in the Hat, to enjoyed seeing a banana hammer, a squash ball shatter into Danny the Champion of the World many pieces and a balloon inflate on its own. After the show we and Anthony Horowitz’s Alex Rider, spent an hour in the Discovery Zone, programming robotic the characters from well-known machines, making spinners, testing perfumes, giving opinions authors came to life and bustled on camera and much, much more. It was a very enlightening along the corridors. This inspired a morning range of commentaries, book and one reviews, critical reports, letters to we will def- |agony aunts and character i n i t e l y descriptions to be written by our own budding authors. The repeat in day concluded with an enter­ the future. taining performance of an extract from The Wind in the Willows by pupils from the Senior School. All in all, a lot of ‘lit­ erary fun was had by everyone .

U9 RUGBY The U9s had a difficult season and many of the boys were adjusting to playing full contact rugby after having played the less physical tag rugby variation of the game. We played several matches the most notable being against Cokethorpe School. Cokethorpe showed promise by scoring an early try, however Rendcomb fought back and won the game 5-3. OTTERS SPORTS DAY Congratulations go to all those who represented the squad, they all tried very hard and made significant improvements in their skills. The annual Otters Sports Day was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. They also played and trained in some atrocious conditions.______Everyone joined in the various races and there was some excellent running in the parent’s race. A lot of promise was shown by many of U9 NETBALL the Otters and I look forward to seeing how they improve next year. This term the U9’s have had an extremely successful Netball season. OTTERS SWIMMING SPORTS Although we lost one match the girl’s skill and determination took over, resulting in an 8-2 win against Hatherop Castle. Over the term On Friday 2nd July, despite the cold windy conditions, the ottersall the girls have greatly improved and I am looking forward to seeing enjoyed participating in the swimming gala. them play next year.______Parents were supportive on the poolside while pupils took part in activities such as front crawl, woggling and some impressive pencil U9 FOOTBALL jumps. It was obvious for all to see how confident the children had all The U9 season kicked off with a football tournament at Hatherop become and how they all enjoy the water.______Castle. The team all tried really hard and significant development of skill was made within the matches, unfortunately we were knocked U8 FOOTBALL out in the early rounds. The U8’s played one match, this was against Rosehill. The team The squad had two more matches during the season, one was consisted of players from years two and three. The squad played very against Rosehill and one was against St Edwards. well and won 4-0. Well done. All of the boys who represented the school played well and were JUNIOR SPORTS DAY good ambassadors for Rendcomb.______The Junior School held its annual sports U9 ROUNDERS day on the last Friday of the first half of the summer term. Thankfully the rain that was This term the U9’s have had an excellent rounders’ season, winning forecast held off for most of the afternoon. all of their matches. A close match against Berkhampstead ended All of the children were very competitive in with the stronger side winning and we came away having won 12-10. their races, particularly during the egg and Another match was won, this time against Hatherop Castle with the spoon race. final score being 9-8 to Rendcomb.______The parents competed in two races 80m for the mums and 100m for the dads. Both U9 CRICKET races were hard fought for and the parents For the first three weeks of Summer received plenty of encouragement from the children. Congratulations go toTerm we had a torrential down pour of Imogen Meborn-Hubbard and Michael Crickmore who won the Victor rain without fail every Friday afternoon. Ludorum Cup on the day.______Good weather for ducks but definitely JUNIOR SWIMMING GALA not cricket! However we spent the time developing batting and bowling skills. This term the swimming sports took place on a lovely summer’s The U9’s had little experience of using afternoon and theenthusiasm of the pupils and parents created a a cricket crease before their first wonderful atmosphere. The standard of the raceswas encouraging with match. many new individual recordsbroken. Well doneto all the competitors Our first match was against Berkhamsted, this was a friendly training SWIMMING GALAS game and was used primarily for skill development. Berkhamsted Boys and girls from J3 to J6 had the opportunity to compete in were in the same boat as us having not played due to the recent spate several swimming galas this term. We came across tough of bad weather. competitors who swim regularly such as R osehill. Richard Pates and Our second match was away against Hatherop Castle School. The St Edward's. Our individual efforts alwaysoutshone the end result of team played extremely well and there were some stunning wickets the meets.______taken by our bowlers, we were also entertained as our batters hit back and began to hit several fours in a row, much to the dismay of U9 HOCKEY the opposition, Cokethorpe.______The performances the team put on were fantastic, considering that U11 A&B BOYS’ HOCKEY some of the girls had not picked A’s played 2 Won 0 Drew 0 Lost 2 up a stick before September. B’s played 2 Won 0 Drew 1 Lost 1 They valiantly fought in a couple For the first time Rendcomb College Junior School fielded boys’ of matches with some great talent hockey teams in competitive fixtures. Though very inexperienced already beginning to shine both teams played with tremendous spirit and considerable skill and through. Well done girls!______tactical awareness. ended up as valuable members of the A team which was most encouraging. The girls gained a thrilling victory against Rosehill with goals being score by Alice, Andrea and Kate. They had a narrow defeat in the last minutes in the match against Hatherop and a good draw against Tockington. Other matches against Berkhampstead and St Edward’s were closely contested matches. Well done to all the girls for their hard work and determination.

In all of the matches we competed well and great credit was gainedU11A NETBALL by our performance. The ‘A’s’ only lost 1-0 to a very good and Played 4 Won 2 Drew 0 Lost 2 experienced Richard Pate side while Henry Brittain and Oliver PullenThese results perhaps fail to do justice to the standard of netball scored our first ever goals, thus securing the ‘B’s’ draw against King’s played in what was a short term thwarted by snow, inclement weath­ Gloucester. er and two desperately unlucky defeats the first of which was at the A brilliant experience and effort! hands of St. Francis and secondly St. Edward’s. Both losses were a result of nail biting, high scoring, end to end matches where U11A HOCKEY Rendcomb played some fantastic netball only to be pipped at the Played 7 Won 6 Drew 1 Lost 0 whistle by a single goal! Deserving some success, the girls put in This team had looked promising last year as an U10 squad and they solid performances against Richard Pates and Ingleside winning the certainly proved me right as, with an extra year’s experience they former by 9-6 and then finished their season on a high note, outplaying gelled to become a very strong and talented U11 side. Their recordIngleside in all areas of the game to win by 14-0. speaks for itself, completing the season unbeaten, conceding just 4 Tori Cannon captained the side and along with Imogen Meborn- goals and scoring an astonishing 39 of their own. Some of their most Hubbard reformed last year’s successful goal shooting partnership. notable performances saw convincing wins over schools such as Katy Schofield’s incredible ‘reach’ and athleti­ St. Edward’s, Richard Pates and King’s Gloucester all of which are cism was invaluable in defence and there much bigger than we are. was speed and agility displayed by play­ The side was captained by Katy Schofield who led by example on the ers across the mid court game. pitch. Fearless up front, she could hit the target from all angles of the On a skill level, the start of the season D and 24 of the 39 goals are accredited to her. Katy was ably sup­ saw all the girls needing to be more ported by Imogen Meborn-Hubbard in midfield and Tori Cannon and determined in their approach and it was Kate Dally on their respective wings. All 3 managed to add their not long before they transformed them­ names to the score sheet on numerous occasions as well as feeding selves from polite ladies who gave posses­ Katy with good clean ball. In defence, Holly Phelps was rock solid sion to their opponents in any 50-50 situation to and being only in year 5 she will take plenty of experience with her committed netball players who fought determinedly for any loose ball! into next year’s side. Hannah Wood also worked hard in partnership By the end, excellent team work and an increasing ability to read the with Holly at the back. A special mention must also be made of our game and disrupt opponents’ pattern of play was developing strong­ Goal Keeper, Abigail Whittles ly in this side. I hope that the girls will continue to nurture these skills who donned a pair of pads for into their senior schools and above all keep enjoying the game. Well the first time in September. To done! only concede 4 goals was remarkable and many vital Squad; Tori Cannon (Capt.), Imogen Meborn-Hubbard, Katy saves were made with appar­ Schofield, Abigail Whittles, Alice Collishaw, Hannah Wood, Kate ent calmness and ease. Dally, Catherine Sharpe. Thank you also to Alice Colours were awarded to the following: Collishaw, Rachael Jennings Katy Schofield, Tori Cannon and Imogen Meborn-Hubbard and Andrea Haas who willing­ ly stepped in as reserves U11B NETBALL adding their input to the squad’s two tournament successes. The girls in the B netball team worked hard as a unit and their posi­ All in all this was a fantastic season of hockey performed by an enthu­ tioning and accuracy improved as the term progressed. Their first siastic and determined squad of girls. They showed total commitmentmatch against Richard Pates was rather tentative with the Rendcomb throughout, listened carefully to advice given and were eager to girls tending to be a little too polite! The team probably won’t remem­ improve on any areas of weakness. Results aside we had a terrific ber the match but they certainly will remember the blizzard like con­ amount of fun and the girls should all be very proud of their achieve­ ditions that we encountered returning from Cheltenham when we felt ments. Well done! that we were the only vehicle on the road in an arctic wasteland! Colours were awarded to the following: The second match of the season proved to be more of a team per­ Katy Schofield, Tori Cannon and Imogen Meborn-Hubbard______formance and although the Rendcomb team led all the way through U11B HOCKEY the match St Edward’s scored in the final minutes. The standard of play was very good and augurs well for those playing for the Junior Every girl in year 5 and 6 represented the school in hockey matches School next season. Well done! against other schools. A total of five B team fixtures were played and the team improved their skills and positioning as the term pro­ gressed. Some players who started their season in the B squad U11 RUGBY This was an opportunity to experiment in differ­ ent playing positions ready for the St. Played 7 Won 4 Drew 0 Lost 3 Francis tournament the following week. All the squad played with pleasing determination and enthusiasmAlthough they lacked match practice, the and they increasingly gelled to become a good, well-drilled unit. girls put in a fantastic team perform­ From the outset it was clear that the back line possessed considerable ance at this event to come away as the pace and flair, and in matches where we secured a fair percentage ofoverall winners. For many, this was the ball we created many scoring opportunities. Initially the forwards another medal to add to the silverware lacked cohesion and mobility but to their credit the boys worked very already collected this year! hard and they improved considerably and confidence levels soared.This year’s team was fortunate to have a We suffered two heavy defeats, against Rosehill and King’s strong contingent of batters who were able to notch up Gloucester, both of whom completely outsized us up front. All the rounders on a consistent basis. This was the team’s great strength. A remaining matches were very special mention must go to Katy Schofield who, sent many a team competitive and gaining 4 vic­ scrabbling into the hedgerows in search of lost balls due to her tories was a fine effort, espe­ immense hit. She never scored less than 4 rounders in any one cially the 24-12 defeat of match. Fielding was the slightly weaker element to the squad’s game Hatherop Castle. These suc­ and we were still shuffling positions right till the end in an attempt to cesses owed much to the find the best combination. super defensive work of the In my opinion the best achievement of the season however was our team and in particular the match against Cheltenham College. Although the result was a loss in back division. the dying minutes by half a rounder, the squad played some of their My thanks go to all who played, tried so hard and enjoyed the game. best rounders ever, showing terrific determination and team spirit. We Colours were awarded to Tom Dally and Michael Crickmore. certainly made Cheltenham sweat. Well done to all the squad, you listened hard and worked to improve U11 FOOTBALL on the weaker elements of your game. It was a very successful A s played 4 Won 3 Drew 0 Lost 1 season with a cluster of wins and two very close defeats. Squad : Imogen Meborn-Hubbard (capt.), Katy Schofield, Tori Winners of the St. Francis School Tournament Cannon, Abigail Whittles, Alice Collishaw, Hannah Wood, Kate Dally, The team was well balanced and possessed good footballing skillsCatherine Sharpe, Rachael Jennings, Holly Phelps and Andrea and pace. In all of our matches, apart from against St. Edward’s, Haas. where we were physically out-played, we enjoyed most of the pos­ Colours were awarded to the following: session and we were able to attack with width or directly down the Katy Schofield and Imogen Meborn-Hubbard______middle. We were strong in all areas. The goalkeeping and ST.FRANCIS ROUNDERS TOURNAMENT defence was solid while the midfield were both good at On Wednesday 26th May the U11A squad travelled to St. Francis, ball winning and showed much creativity. Excellent Pewsey where four schools took part in a round robin tournament of service was provided to the strikers and their just one 10 minute innings per team, per match. finishing was often clinical. Our first game was against Salisbury Cathedral School. This was a tightly contested match, resulting in a 9½ all draw. The highlight of the season was winning the St. Francis tournament. We Rendcomb played their best rounders in their second match against played one of the first matches and were overwhelmed by a physical Kingsbury Hill. This they won by an astounding 18 - 4. No mean feat Mill School side. Unfortunately we lost 2-1. After a motivational chat our in just ten minutes, with all the team con­ boy’s spirits lifted and we won the next match easily against St Francis.tributing to the score sheet. The final score being 5-1. This performance put us into the semi-final, As we went into the final game and the tension began to mount. The parent supporters were against St. Francis we knew we surprisingly quiet, we won the semi-final. Ironically we faced Mill School had to win to be in with a chance. in the final! Our boys played exceptionally well and we won 2-0. AgainRendcomb lost the toss and went all the boys performed with determination and enthusiasm and wein to bat first. Although some key emerged worthy winners of the competition for the first time. batters were out early, the This was most enjoyable and successful season. Well done boys! remaining girls managed to keep Colours were awarded to Joshua Hutton-Potts and Harvey Rich. the innings alive and score a respectable 7½ rounders. St. Francis U11A ROUNDERS were unable to match this score in their Wednesday afternoons and the summer term seem to mean oneinnings, finishing on a total of 3½. thing - RAIN! It was an unavoidably slow start to the season this year A few tense moments at tea showed that Rendcomb had finished on with adverse weather making the pitches unplayable, resulting in an equal points tally with Salisbury Cathedral School but due to their early matches having to be cancelled. It was shortly before half term outstanding batting in the second match, Rendcomb won the tourna­ when the squad, captained by Imogen Meborn-Hubbard, finally hadment on their total number of rounders scored. their first game, resulting in a convincing win over Hatherop Castle. Very well played to all the girls. It was a terrific whole team effort. weeks later saw a mixed lacrosse team take on the challenging task of the regional Pop Lacrosse Championships. Using the talents of the team and their sheer determination, we left the tournament qualifying for the National Pop Lacrosse Championships, representing the South-West of England. Many training sessions later, we found our­ selves winning our first match at the Nationals. Great sportsmanship and courage meant Rendcomb won the Plate Competition, making U11B ROUNDERS the school and teachers immensely proud of our achievement. Congratulations to everyone and roll on next season. The B team only managed to play one fixture against Tockington, due to poor weather, but what a thrilling match it turned out to be. Many DUATHLON of the rules and skills learnt during lessons could be used in a “real” The first Rendcomb College Junior School Duathlon was run on situation and the girls rose to the occasion. Some very accurate Monday 26th April. A duathlon is a run followed by a bike ride bowling by Sarah Jones and Emily Taylor and some good fielding by followed by a run. The skill of this type multi-discipline race isn’t just the rest of the team showed complete team commitment. Nearly in the race but in transition. Transition is where the competitors every girl scored rounders within the two innings and this gave change equipment between each race. On an elite level this is where Rendcomb a deserved victory: the final score being Rendcomb 16 a closely contested race can be won. Elite competitors can change Tockington 10. Well done to everyone who played.______out of wet suits and be riding their bikes before us mere mortals can UNDER 11 CRICKET tie our shoe laces. The children performed exceptionally well in this part of the race considering this was the first time that all of them had Played 3 Won 2 Drew 0 Lost 1 experienced it. Sadly with two fixtures lost to poor weather only 3 matches took Two races were held, one for the Year 3 & 4s and one for the Year 5 place. This was particularly disappointing as this team possessed & 6s. considerable potential. The distances were: The entire squad worked with great enthusiasm in both general practice and in net sessions and significant progress was forthcoming.Year 3 & 4 Year 5 & 6 Batting and bowling skills improved, especially the latter, while in the Run 335m Run 1,022m field catching, throwing and the reading of match situations alsoBike 800m Bike 2,300m developed well. Run 162m Run 631m

The team was based around two very talented and experiencedI’m not sure if the competitors really knew what they were letting all-rounders, both of whom fully deserved the award of colours, andthemselves in for. they received excellent support from the squad in all departments. Both races were keenly contested and everybody tried very hard. Our bowling attack proved to be very strong with many boys performing Thankfully the weather was kind to us and it turned into a glorious extremely well. Certainly we had good variation in our attack and all evening. three opposition teams struggled to set big totals. The batting was Congratulations go to Lance Baynham who won the 3 & 4 race in a potentially very strong but with only 3 games experience in the time of 5 minutes and 19 seconds, and Michael Crickmore who won middle was limited. the longer and more arduous 5 & 6 race in a time of 17 minutes and Most importantly the boys approached and played the game in the 27 seconds. right spirit and hopefully they will enjoy years of cricket ahead. It really was fantastic to see children competing in an activity which Colours awarded: Matthew Beck and Tom Dally______is still regarded as something of a minority sport.______POP LACROSSE

Pop Lacrosse has been a new sport taken on this year with amazing results. On a freezing Sunday the girls’ lacrosse team ended up winning the Downe House Pop Lacrosse Championship, proving a force to be reckoned with. A few

Rendcomb College & Junior School Near Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 7HA Telephone: +44 (0)1285 831213 Fax:01285 831331 www.rendcombcollege.org.uk [email protected]