Editorial VOLUME 50, NO.2 APRIL. 1963 LIVING and moving among the .inmates of a grammar school for some six years, one is struck above all by the mental attitudes of intelligent young people today. Gradually the environment in which he finds himself transforms the unsuspect- ing junior school pupil into a mentally tough, hard-bitten, cynical character, wary of being caught with illusions, ashamed of his ideals. Occasionally this outward inhibItion spreads throughout the mind, becomes a philosophy of life, amoral and dislllusioned. More often the idealist remains submerged, the sympathetic element remains with a genuine love of humanity, carefully concealed by the waters of Mammon. The dangers of this vacuum of ideals are open to question but the lesson of modern history would seem to be that when it is associated ..vUh economic privation, it is a most dangerous breeding ground of extremist dogmas. Why are young people caught in this predicament today? Without question, the scientific emphasis of education seems a most powerful factor. By this is meant not only the conventional .. sciences" but the new attitudes towards the humanities them- selves. English literature Is dismantled and analysed by pupils reared on the endless" comprehension" tests and all sense of organic beauty is lost. History is no longer the "true epic poem" of Carlisle, has lost all sense of purpose in the world today. Year after year in this vein creates in the pupil an attitude of suspicion and doubt. As the poet W. H. Auden puts it: Learn their logic but notice How its subtlety betrays Their enormous simple grief; Thus they shall teach you the ways To doubt that you may believe. The enormous sensation of frustration which this attitude creates, its betrayal of a vision of a better world, is all too common today. Yet it is not only the result of this attitude of doubt with which the pupil is imbued, but the all-prevailing values of the middle class which create this frustration. The timorous retreat into convention, the worship of the hierarchy and its own" rat- race" in life, the eternal and ubiquitous mediocrity, the grey morality, the ugly compromise with life; all these produce that 1llimitable longing for" la grande geste," for the person who will laugh in the teeth of disaster. It is painful to watch the brilliant boy of work(ng class background forced out of the grammar school because of his inability to accept the middle class values of the institution. One can only hope that the future historian of the grammar school will not conclude: "They erected common sense into a code of living-." 53 SCHOOL OFFICIALS-SPRING TERM, 1963 CAPTAIN OF SCHOOL: G. D. LEAK. PREFECTS: A. J. P. AYRES, T. S. BEACOCK, J. CHARLESWORTH, D. A. NEWSTEAD, R. CORNEY, J. GWYTHER, P. JARDINE, A. S. WILLFORD, G. D. LEAK, K. MARSDEN, K. S. PROCTOR, R. H. HARVEY, M. STOCKS, R. B. TAYLOR, R. G. TRUBRIDGE, K. W. WOOD, R. DEW. CAPTAIN OF FOOTBALL: C. SUTTON. VICE-CAPTAIN OF FOOTBALL: R. D. STOKES. CAPTAIN OF CROSS COUNTRY: P. JARDINE. CAPTAIN OF HOCKEY: R. B. TAYLOR. "THE BRIGGENSIAN": J. CHARLESWORTH (Editor), J. M. ASHTON. A. MILLER, J. A. RICHARDSON, Mr. RICHARDS. HOUSE CAPTAINS AND MASTERS: ANCHOLME R. B. TAYLOR (House Captain), M. STOCKS (Captain of Football), Dr. HENTHORN. NELTHORPE J. GWYTHER (House Captain), K. MARSDEN (Captain of Football>, Mr. MORRIS. SCHOOL A. J. P. AYRES (House Captain), A. S. WILLFORD (Captain of Football), THE HEADMASTER,

SHEFFIELD G. D. LEAK (House Captain), . C. SUTTON, (Captain of Football), Mr. PIMLOTT. YARBOROUGH T. S. BEACOCK (House Captain), R. DEW (Captain of Football), Mr. JARVIS. SPORTS COMMITTEE: HOUSE MASTERS and CAPTAINS, Mr. WATTS ~Secretary). THE LIBRARY: J. CHARLESWORTH (Senior Librarian), R. E. WALTERS, K. W. WOOD, Dr. HENTHORN. 2nd BRIGG SCOUTS TROOP: Mr. JARVIS, A.S.M. MUSIC SOCIETY: THE HEADMASTER (Chairman), Treasurer: Mr. WATTS. Secretary: Mr. RICHARDS. Committee: Miss CHATTERTON, Mrs. BERRESFORD, Mr. ALLISON, Mr. CRAM, Mr. MAILING, Mr. MORRIS. SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY: K. MARSDEN (Secretary), Mr. PIMLOTT. DEBATING SOCIETY: J. CHARLESWORTH (Secretary), A. J. P. AYRES (President). CAMERA CLUB: P. PEDLEY (Secretary), A. J. P. AYRES (Treasurer). Mr. JONES. CHESS CLUB: D. A. NEWSTEAD, Mr. JARVIS. FISHING CLUB: S. E. NEWSTEAD (Chairman), M. K. GRAVELING (Secretary), J. COLEY (Treasurer). NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY: THE HEADMASTER (President), Mr. MOORE, Mr. SEAWARD (Vice-presidents), K. S. PROCTOR (Chairman), J. C. J. ROBINSON (Secretary), J. GWYTHER (Treasurer) . MODEL RAILWAY SOCIETY: A. MILLER (Secretary), Mr. TURNER. BIRDWATCHING GROUP: P. PEDLEY (Secretary), Mr. HOLMES J. S. HARRISON (Field Secretary). ORGAN SOCIETY: A. J. P. AYRES (Secretary>. S.C.M. ACTION GROUP: G. D. LEAK. 54 School Notes

THE weather has been a main feature of the term, with the field out of action for the greater part of the time. So far only one hockey game and no football game has been played. The latter is most disappointing for the XI was gaining in experience and confidence. It is a long time since we have had so complete a staff-room. Mr. Longden, happily back with us, is gaining strength all the time. Mr. Robertson has remained with us a further term and we are grateful for the admirable way he has filled the vacancy. We have been fortunate in having Mr. Roberts and Mr. Smith, students from Hull, who have fitted in well and have been of great help. Mr. Roberts will return permanently next year to teach chemistry and physics. If games activities have been limited, musical activities have thrived. The Music Society held two well-attended concerts; a party of junior boys have been to Westmoor School for an R.A.M.C. band concert and a party of seniors visited the High School for a concert by the Dorian Trio. These last two have been arranged by the Authority to whom we are grateful. Visiting speakers to the Sixth Form this year have so far included Mr. Magrath, Clerk to the U.D.C., Mr. Billington, of the Theatre Royal, Lincoln, Mr. Rex Russell, of the Workers' Educa- tional Association, Mr. Readman, Principal of Riseholme, Mr. Dram, of Appleby-Frodingham, Mr. Smith, of the Royal Insurance Co., Dr. James, of Hull University, Mr. Curtis, of the Yorkshire Electricity Board, Mr. Oliver Kingdon, Old Briggensian and Director of the Tilling Group, and Mr. E. Dodd, of the Lin- colnshire Times. We have also had visits from liaison officers of the Army and the Royal Air Force. The Youth Employment Officer, Mr. Linder, has been here on four occasions to talk with and interview boys. Parents of Upper Fifth and Sixth Form boys came to a Parents' Evening on March 11th. The cross-country rajces on March 13th were held under pleasant conditions; some excellent team performances marked the day, and the innovation of an intermediate division appeared succe1:sful. Five new school prefects have been appointed: R. J. Dew, R. Harvey, D. A. Newstead, A. S. Wilford and K. W. Wood. J. 55 Charlesworth has been awarded an Open Exhibition at Jesus College, Oxford, and A. J. P. Ayres an Open Scholarship at Brasenose College, Oxford. G. D. Leak and P. Jardine have been selected for Voluntary Service Overseas. R. E. Walters was a successful entrant in a Hansard Society Essay competition.

NEXT TERM'S DATES Term begins: Tuesday, April 30th. Bishop of Lincoln's visit: Thursday, May 2nd. Sports Day: Saturday, May 25th. Whitsun Holidays: Saturday, June 1st to Monday, June 10th. Main "A" Level Exams: Monday, June 17th-Monday, July 1st. Main "0" Level Exams: Wednesday, June 26th--Friday, July 5th. School Fete and Old Boys' Cricket Match: Saturday, July 20th. Term ends: Friday, July 26th.

SCHOOL FETE WE intend to hold a fete on Saturday, July 20th in aid of the School Fund. This wll! be the same day as the Old Boys' cricket match and we hope the occasion will be strongly su!)ported by Old Boys, parents and friends. We shall pUblish further details in the press. Meanwhile please reserve the date and, if you can give any help beforehand, it will be most welcome. Small prizes for sideshows, used uniform clothing or games kit, second-hand books-these are some of the items which would be appreciated.

SALVETE U.V.A.: JONES. T. L. (Yarborough). VALETE V.V.A.: DARBYSHIRE, G. (Ancholme). PALFREE, C. G. (Yarborough). U.V.B.: .JONES, A. J. (Yarborough), IlIA: ATKINSON, J. (Sheffield). GOODALL, S. J. (Nelthorpe).

56 House Notes

ANCHOLME UNDOUBTEDLY our most outstanding achievement this term was our performance in the Junior cross-country race. This has been one of Ancholme's most successful seasons for many years in this particular sport. However, mention must first be made of our unrecorded footballing activities at the end of last term, when we played Yarborough House. The Seniors drew and the Juniors lost. This was a rather disappointing display by the Seniors, who should have won easily. In spite of this, we finished third in the foot- ball table, which is quite a creditable performance. In the cross-country results we were first in the Junior division, third in the [ntermediate d!vision and fifth in -the Senior division. This gave us an overall position of second, which we shared with Yarborough House. Our special congratulatlons must go to Jones, McColl and Schultz who were first, second and fourth, respectively, in the Junior race. In this race" Anchors" occupied ten of the first fifteen places. The Intermediates ran well and gained third place, although if more members of this division had taken part in House practices, we might have done better. Dodds was the first Ancholme home in fourth position, followed by Broome in eighth position. The performance of the Seniors was rather disappointing and this was undoubtedly due to the lack of training. Speed was first home for the House in fourteenth position; he was followed by Fuller in seventeenth position. However, in all three races there was a good turn out of members from the House. Next term we are confronted by athletics, cricket and swimming. We have a good deal of potential in athletics and swimming, and with practice our cricket teams might be persuaded to do better than in previous years. With House spirit and enthusiasm at its present high level we should do well; so let's roll up our sleeves, pull up our shorts and show 'em what Anchors can really do ! B. R. TAYLOR. NEL THORPE WE began this term with the prospects of having a football match against Yarborough House. The match, however, was never played, leaving the House bottom of the football table with five points. After this virtual football failure the House looked forward, somewhat apprehensively. to the cross-country race. With few fi7 recognised runners the prospects did not look too bright and, to add further to the misery, three of the four House practices that had been arranged were cancelled because of the weather. The House, however, passed with flying colours. In all three divisions the teams were placed second and as a result of this all-round consistent performance the House won the overall championship. Although everyone performed exceptionally well, it is difficult not to mention the names of Rennie, Oglesby (Junior), Johnson, Pickering, Berresford, 1. (Intermediate), Gwyther, Barker, Ward and Palmer (Senior), all of whom came in the first ten of their respective divisions. Moreover, in this year's race 85 per cent. of the House turned out and everyone tried his hardest and did all that was asked of him. Apart from this major sporting fixture the term has progressed quietly with no outstanding achievement by any House member, apart from Ian Clapham who, after gaining a Dartmouth Naval Scholarship last year, is now on an Outward Bound course at Aberdovey, North Wales; and I hope the less active members will take good note of his example. Next term sees the upper part of the House in the midst of G.C.E. examinations and I should like to wish everyone con- cerned every success. Next term also brings a full sporting calendar, including athletics, cricket and swimming, and it is now up to every member to keep up the high standard attained in cross-country. J. GWYTHER. SCHOOL CHANGES in the House are unusual in the middle of the year, but there are two to record this term-we welcome Groves and also Mr. Burgoyne as successor to Mr. Jarvis who left last term. I should like, on behalf of the House. to wish Mr. Jarvis a full and happy retirement. As has been recorded elsewhere, the weather this term has been bad. although this has not vitally affected the House. Indeed, one feels that the members of the House enjoyed demonstrating that fifty boarders could consistently beat a two- hundred-strong horde of day-boys in snowball fights. The only major drawback to the cold spell has been that so much hot water was used for hot water-bottles as to leave insufficient, on occasion, for the prefects to bathe in, The House did not have the success it might have had in the annual cross-country race-perhaps this was due to the effect of the weather on training, or perhaps even to the inability of the Sports Committee to understand a simple system of counting standard points. In the Senior race our first eight were White 11th, Murray 12th, Ayres 15th, Groves 16th, Duffield 19th, Dad.

5R R. A. 22nd, Miller, A. 25th, and Giiby 27th. This is good packing-- it is a pity we were not a little nearer the front. We Gommiserat¤ with Jardine, our captain, who was not able to win because of severe cramD. Neither the Intermediate nor the Junior divisions came quite up to expectations, although there was some quite goed individual running by Covington and Bond and Gome pleasant surprises. It was on cross-country day that the Headmaster managed to retrieve his saw from Miss Bowden who had con- fiscated it after finding it near a saw-cut in her beloved fence of segregation. The House seems to have been thriving socially. The choir, now larger than ever continues to meet regularly. It will lead a congregation in Geoffrey Beaumont's" 20th Century Folk Mass" early next term. Several boys are involved in the school play. Boarders constitute a large section of the floor in Debating Society meetings. One boy attends A.T.e. and is now learning to glide. We have a contingent at the Glanford Players and at the Brigg Choral Society. Inevitably, as Spring approaches, the fairer sex are eagerly sought after-all signs of great social activity in the House. There is still room for more House societies-for example, in 1922 there exIsted boxIng, debating, drama, and dancing. It would be an easy enough matter for anyone interested to start a new society. Preposterous though it may seem, the athletics standards next term are to be " fiddled" so that School House's lead is cut down to a mere fraction of what it should be. We shall therefore :and it more difficult to win. May I exhort all members of the House to enter every possible event-both in athletics and swimming. Let us try to beat our own record, set up In 1959, when ninety-nine per cent. of possible entr:es were obtaIned. We are not at present particularly well placed fOe the Cock House Cup, but we are still very much in the running with our best sports still to come. To win, however, will require a concerted effort of the first magn:- tude. I am sure the House wiil rise to the occasion. A. J. P. AYRES. SHEFFIELD MY last House notes contained more than a hint of a Sheffield House revival and the footballers reached expectation in easily winning the Football Cup, the Seniors winning all their matches and the Juniors three out of four. The Sheffs.' prestige on the sports field collapsed on cross- country day when the House finished fourth. The overall position is no indication of the strength of the Seniors who took first, third, fourth. fifth, ninth and tenth positions. Although these

59 positions were attained by fine packing and team running, the House must congratulate certain individuals, namely, East, the eventual winner, Sutton (who has captained well both the Senior football and cross-country teams to success) and Cranidge and Jackson who have trained hard and run for the school on many occasions. The House must not be too disappointed with this result, for. although our sheer ability leaves much to be desired, our spirit was strong. An indication of this was the number of boys of all age groups who turned out at night to train in Scunthorpe in spite of stares and ridicule from ignorant passers-by. Members of the House are evident in many other spheres of school activity; it provides the core of the rugby team, two play for the hockey team, four have taken part, with great success, :in inter-school debating competitions, three are members of the school chess team and the House is well remesented in the school play and orchestra. This is an impressive record and who would say that Sheffs. are decadent? In spite of these recent excellent achievements Sheffield House may be beaten in the future, not by athletic prowess, but by scarcity of numbers as we are now the second smallest House. But you, Sheffs., have made it quite evident to everyone that Gherp is no lack of House spirit. If full co-operation is given to the captains of athletics, cricket, and swimming, Sheffs are still capable of being Cock House. Whether we succeed or not is entirely up to you. GODFREY D. LEAK

YARBOROUGH UNF'ORTUNATELY, owing to the very bad weather crJnditions suffered by all sporting activities throughout the winter, W,2have seen very little of the encouraging results obtained last year in football, and had in the end to split the points obtained with Nelthorpe House. Credit must be given to the Juniors, whose enthusiasm helped to gain the position of runners-up in the the Football Cup, The Seniors gained one point throughout the season, against Ancholme House. Cross-country displayed cJn- siderable talent, especially amongst the Intermediates and I must congratulate Towler and Day on their performances. I hope that next year will see some pleasing results amongst Seniors and the newly-founded Junior division, Yet we did reach the positlOn of joint second with Ancholme House, which is very encouraging. May I conclude by looking to the athletics season in whiep. we did so well last year, and hope that again we may show the same enthusiasm and ability. R. G. TRUBRIDGE. fiO Sport

FOOTBALL HAVING closed last term's notes, hoping that some combination would be found and goals would be scored more easily, I am pleased to say that my wish has been granted since we have won our last four matches and have scored twenty-one goals :in these. We had two fixtures to play when the notes were submitted last term; those we won, and in continuing the season, after the long break due to the weather, on Saturday March 23rd, we won our first match of the year. November 24th v. John Leggott (away). School: Allcock; Sanderson, Speed; East, Stokes, Graveling; Fuller, Plumtree, Trees, Sutton and Parr. Two goals down inside five minutes, School looked set for defeat, but in a match, where the mid-field superiority of School was the deciding feature, school settled down to play some really attractive football and goals were quick in coming, after Trees had twice gone close before opening our goal tally. Won 8-3. Scorers: Trees (4), Plumtree (2), Parr, Graveling. November 31st v. Old Boys (home). School: Allcock; Sanderson, Speed; East, Stokes, Graveling; Fuller, Plumtree, Trees, Sutton and Parr. School, anxious not to have to suffer defeat a second time at the hands of the Old Boys, were rather worried at the prospect of facing a much stronger side than that which had previously beaten them 3-2. But clad in a new strip, powder-blue and white, they set about the task in admirable fashion, and by play- ing team football made the" Old Boys" look like old men. Trees opened the scoring, a goal which was pulled back by Rose. Then Graveling put School in the lead again, a lead increased shortly afterwards by Fuller. Rose scored the Old Boys' second goal. Won 3-2. Scorers: Trees, Graveling, Fuller. March 23rd v. Wintringham G.S. (away). School: Allcock; Sanderson, Speed; East, Stokes, Gravellng; Fuller. Plumtree Trees, Sutton and Parr. School started otI this game, a fixture that we could only manage to draw when we met Wintringham last October, by scoring four early goals through some direct football, and the game never Eeemed in doubt although the Wintrlngham attack pressed heavily at times. After Wintringham had scored two

61 goals, it seemed probable that they might get back into the game but a revival secured victory by seven goals to three. Scorers: Parr (2), Sutton, Trees, Plumtree, Fuller, one o.g. We still have two outstanding fixtures, but with luck we may still finish the season with only one defeat. Probably the finest personal achievement this season has been that of Trees, brought into the first team as a final effort to find someone who could score goals. He has more than justified his nlace with some fine opportunist goals. E;ast, too, has had J. successful season in his new role as half-back. C. SUTTON.

CROSS-COUNTRY NOTES AS MANY people are no doubt aware, we have been be:;et with some rather poor weather for much of this term. Normally this would not have much effect on the amount of running taking place, but unfortunately the exchequer makes us dependent on the football teams for transport and footballers; it seems to have little affinity for poor climatic conditions. Hence, since I last wrote these notes, we have won no matches and we have lost no matches because, and I think I have the answer here, we have had no matches. We have, however, had representatives in two meetings, the Scunthorpe and District trial and the County trial. The former was not an outstanding success for our men, but Day in the Juniors and Cranidge in the Intermediates are to be congratulated on gaining places in the team. The latter meeting was heid on Lincoln Common, one of the most exacting courses, physically and mentally, I know. Cranidge in the Intermediates and Jardine, Jackson and Ayres in the Seniors all ran well, if not brilliantly. Our commiserations to Day who was smitten by an itinerant bug and had to miss the race. Finally our thanks to the coach driver who took us to Lincoln by the most fascinating and imaginative of routes. P. JARDINE.

CROSS-COUNTRY RACES WE ran three races this year, junior, intermediate and senior, which gave greater enjoyment both to competitors and 10 spectators. In pleasant Spring weather 112 juniors set off on the new two-mile course of Wrawby Road, Brickyard Lane and Grammar School Road, and 18 mins. 14.5 sees. later T. H. R. Jones, of 3 Alpha, returned, followed by McColl, another first-year boy.

62 The Intermediate race followed the old junior course of :H miles. Dodds and Towler set a fast pace but they were soon joined by a small black and white dog which, anxious to show how good it was, led the field home by a good 100 yards, and appeared set to show the seniors the way before It was eventually captured. Towler showed good form (no doubt stimulated by his brother's telephoned threats the evening before), winning the race from Johnson, Day and Dodds. There was much conjecture as to the outcome of the senior race, Gwyther, Jardine and Sutton appearing to be the favourites with White a possible outsider. At WrawbY Gwyther and Jardine were in the lead, but Jardine had the ill-fortune to suffer a bad attack of stomach cramp and was out of the race. East came up into second place and after losing his shoes and socks in the morass of mud at the bottom of Mr. Herring's field, came through splendidly to win from Gwyther and Sutton. A feature of the afternoon was the good packing of Sheffield House in the senIor race with six runners in the first ten, and also the fine team effort of Ancholme Juniors, having ten runners in the first fifteen home. In conclusion, this was a pleasant and successful afternoon with good keen running in all divisions. It is interesting to note that, had School House reduced their scores by four in the junior race and two in the senior race, they would have tied for the House competition with Ancholme and Yarborough.

RESULTS Junior: 1st-Jones, T. H. R. (Ancholme). 2nd-McColl, P. (Ancholme). 3rd-Covington, R. G. (School). Intermediate: 1st-Towler, R. (Yarborough). 2nd-Johnson, M. (Nelthorpe). 3rd-Day, A. (Yarborough). Senior: 1st-East, R. S. (Sheffield). 2nd-Gwyther, J. (Nelthorpe). 3rd-Sutton, C. S. (Sheffield). House Points: Junior Intermediate Senior Total Po~ition Ancholme .... 56 8 144 3 276 1 12 2= Nelthorpe .... 201 5 116 5 146 5 15 1 School. . . . 204 3 249 2 147 3 8 5 Sheffield. . . . . 297 1 272 1 76 8 10 4 Yarborough. . 238 2 115 8 271 2 12 2=

63 INTER-SCHOOLS CROSS-COUNTRY RUN

THE race this year was held at De Aston Grammar School, Market Rasen, on Wednesday, 27th March. Although it raIned lightly during part of the race, .it had been dry beforehand, and the course was in fairly good condition. The course was set on Forestry Commission land, and con- sisted of a wide cart track and fields sloping upwards to a watch tower at half-way, and then down all the way back. The course included two six-foot water jumps and many half-hidden tree stumps to catch the unwary. Since there were no tricky parts in the course, the race was destined to be fast. 108 runners, representing 18 schools, started on a very small picnic ground with about 40 clear yards between the start and the first gate. It seemed imperative to be first out of the gate- and this Gwyther and Jardine realised, followed by Plumtree at about twentieth. The rest of the team was distributed evenly over the neld. By the half-way mark all the very fast starters were begin- ning to flag-indeed Jardine and Gwyther had slipped back to thirtieth, although both were still running comfortably. East had moved through the field to about 22nd. Plumtree was still at a consistent 35th, while Barker and Jackson were moving up through the field. At this stage Jardine's lunch bothered him and he had to fall back considerably, although he did regain much of his lost ground later. At the second water jump East was still 20th, followed by a pack starting with Gwyther at 35th and ending with Jackson at 46th. The positions did not alter much between here and the end. A mile from the end Hutchin from Scunthorpe was leading. whJe Hiscock, of John Leggott, was third. Hiscock did a mag- nificent finish and finished first equal with Hutchin. Hiscock';.; school, John Leggott, won the event with only 22 points-a score commendably close to our own record of 17 poInts. Brigg's first runner, East, came home 18th, just over a minute behind the winners. The other positions for Brigg were Gwyther 34th, Plumtree 36th, Barker 44th, Jackson 49th and Jardine 77th, all with a good spurt at the end. The team finished sixth-a very worthwhile result, especially when it is remembered that four of the team have not run an inter-schools' race before. A.J.P.A. and R.H.H. HOCKEY

OWING to certain well-publicised weather conditions we have played only two matches this term.

However, two matches remain unrecorded from last term. These were against Normanby Park II and Appleby-Frodingham II. We lost on both occasions but put up a very good display against the strong Appleby-Frodingham XI, losing 1--3.

On March 9th we played our first match of the term against Grimsby British Railways. We travelled to Grimsby imagining that, after all our cross-country training (?). we should certainly be the fitter, if not the more skilful of the two teams. We were wrong and, despite our having as much of the playas our opponents, we were unable to make any appreciable impression on their defence. Our defence, on the other hand, was unable to control the many break-away attacks in which the Railways scored a number of goals.

On March 16th we played Appleby-Frodingham II. The result was a goal-less draw, which was a very ereditable per- formance by a revised defence, but the forwards lacked accuracy in front of goal. We had more of the play than our opponents and we were unluckY not to have scored on a number of occasions. We have still three matches to play this season, including th0i3e against the Staff and the Old Boys.

Although our record has not been outstanding this year, the team will have relatively few changes for next season and should gain a good measure of success. With the pleasing prospect of a hockey pitch at school, the future teams should go from strength to strength; and perhaps one day there will even be a second eleven!

I should like to thank Mr. Robertson and Mr. Mailing for their valuable assistance when we have been short of players; and finally I should like to express my sincerest thanks to Mr. Barker for his unfailing help and encouragement throughout the season.

B. R. TAYLOR. 65 RUGBY

.. I DON'T know whether they'll frighten the enemy, but by God, they frighten me." This was said by the Duke of Wellington after reviewing his troops, and of course bears no resemblance at all to the pleasant gentlemen of Brigg Grammar School Rugby Team.

The rugby team maintained its run of victories (two) when defeating Scunthorpe Colts in a very tight and hard fought game. Scunthorpe underestimated the strength of the Grammar School chaps who beat them at their own game, a rough forward fight.

But all good things must come to an end, and, as is common, our fine record was given a splendid burial by the church. We were defeated by the College of the Resurrection which we visited with the S.C.M. group. Although some of the college were veritable Friar Tucks, most were Little Johns and, in spite of conceding at least a stone per man in weight we held the College until the last quarter when the College crossed our line three times, the final score being eleven-nil. We fought a good fight with all our might. . . . and a return match has been arranged.

I must, I am afraid, end on a more serious note, that is the establishment of rugby as a minor school sport. The school at present does not recognise our game in spite of the obvious enthusiasm, which enabled us to continue training during the bad weather, when other sports were in hibernation. The school is recognised at county level, one member having played for the county team for two seasons (more than the football team can boast) and yet the school still turns a blind eye. Surely it is the duty of the school to provide as many sports as is possible in order that more boys can have the honour of repre- senting the school. We fully realise that economic considerations are at play and even if the school fund is not bursting at its seams, the panels of our only rugby ball are.

GODFREY D. LEAK. 66 Library Report

OWING to the appalling weather this term, the libraries have been excellently used. Issues from the Senior Library have reached almost record numbers, though the punctuality of the return of books has become distinctly worse. A large number of new books has been added to the shelves so that the library is veritably bursting at the seams and demanding more shelf- space. In particular, the welcome additions to the modern English literature section have proved themselves immediate favourites with the Upper School and the appearance of such names as

Steinbeck, Camus and even Salinger have put paid to the crIticism once expressed that our literature ended with Thomas

Hardy.

We must also express our thanks as usual to Mr. Moore and

Mr. Jones for" Hockey News" and" Cumbria," to Mrs. Richards for" Gardening" and to Mr. Haynes for" Musical Times."

J. CHARLESWORTH. 67 Societies

MUSIC NOTES

THE proximity of Christmas and the New Year together with the accompanying festivities of a week or so seem to create for many of us a peculiar temporal barrier, beyond which the memory becomes somewhat hazy. Add to this the fact that thi! school has had a three-week holiday since the last edition of this magazine, stir well, and any event during last term will seem, to say the least, .. a long time ago."

However, administer the necessary stimulant and you will recall a school concert on the 19th December. We were also able to offer a varied programme to a large audience and I have since heard many favourable comments reflecting the success of the evening. Although it was not an actual" Christmas Concert" this time, several items were included in the choral and vocal music, and the audience were invited to join in the singing of one or two carols at the end. There are at the moment so many capable musicians among the boys that, much as we dislike the idea, a selection had to be made to keep the programme to a reasonable length. Of those who did take part I must refer to no one by name, since they all did exceedingly well and, I feel sure, enjoyed it in the process.

There have been two concerts arranged by the Music Society this term. Unfortunately I was not able to see" La Traviata." but I understand (at a certain amount of risk, I refuse to divulge the source of my information!) that this operatic venture was yet another feather in the cap of those who arrange these operas in Brigg. and was much aupreciated by those who saw it.

The other concert was given at the school by the Camden Trio on January 24th. This trio is one of many small groups in this country consisting of players who are recognised as soloists in their own right, and who occasionally join forces to play ensemble music. Members of this trio are Evelyn Rothwell (Lady BarbirollD, oboe; Archie Camden, bassoon; and Wilfrid Parry, piano. lTwo more well-known ensembles of the same kind, but

70 working on a larger scale, are the Melos Ensemble, consisting of about a dozen players, and a far larger body altogether, the Philharmonic Orchestra.]

This concert had a very informal atmosphere and reminded one of an eighteenth century Mozartian .. Divertimento Session," or perhaps one of Rossini's celebrated" Soirees Musicales." During the concert Miss Rothwell and Mr. Camden explained briefly the mechanisms of the instruments, at the same time offering a few hints to the would-be virtuoso. In his introductory remarks to the pieces Mr. Camden's wit was just about as keen as his playing, but this is not so surprising from a bassoonist, since the instrument he plays, by reason of its unique sound and capabilities, is often called the clown of the orchestra.

The first part of the concert was devoted largely to .. music of the masters." It is almost inevitable that on the majorIty of concert programmes one must expect to find, from Bach, Handel. Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms any permutation of at least two from six. On thIs occasion we heard a Divertimento by Mozart, a Trio by Handel and a Beethoven" Theme and Variations" for oboe and bassoon only. The second part of the programme, I am pleased to say, consisted entirely of twentieth- century music. This is music which few artists dare serve up in such large quantities. but In this case the perpetual sour noises which offend the ears of the uninitiated were safely masquerading under the name of Wit. An interesting set of pieces were the" Vignettes" by the American negro composer William Grant Still. This collection was written especially for the Camden Trio and draws on material from the folklore of the Mid-West, incorporating such titles as .. Voodoo" and" Johnnie Banjo." The concert ended with a lively trio by the French composer Poulenc.

As a closing remark I refer not to the music here, but to what appeared on the programme. It is significant that since the turn of the century musical terminology has no longer relied exclusively upon the Italian language to express dynamics, speecl etc.; German, English and French are gradually ftnding their place, though as yet, only side by side with the !taUans. Thus th e move men ts of the Poulenc trio are headed: Presto: Andante can mota: Tres vi!. Let's hope that EngUsh composers of the present and future will not be slow to realise the expressive qualities of our own language, and. as far as music is concerned, to keen abreast of the times for once! C. W. MAILING. 71 SCOUT NOTES AT the end of last summer term, the troop tramped off to Coniston in the Lake District (the next in the rota of three camps we use). The weather was inconsistent; one afternoon it would be very hot and the next morning one would be awakened by the patter of raindrops on the canvas. All the same, we had a good time, climbing Scafell Pike and Coniston's Old Man among others, and visiting Tarn Haws and Coniston Lake. The beginning of the first term of this school year presented a whole host of youngsters, who were welcomed and then dis- tributed among the patrols. The following part of the term was full of hard work to get the youngsters through their tenderfoot before the Christmas party. (The tenderfoot is the first stage of their scouting careers.) At the Christmas party the tenderfeet who had comuleted their tests were invested and consequently initiated. The party went down well, food and all, with sketches by the P.Ls. and the Senior Scouts. Since the beginning of the second term, we have been in the gymn3s:um, tecause of the lack of facilities in our hut to cope with the intense cold of the winter. But now, with the coming of spring and the lengthening evenings, we are back to normal, and are already looking forward to the coming of the next term and camping. G. N. JARVIS (P.L').

THE DEBATING SOCIETY DESPITE examinations this term, the society has continued a flourishing existence. However, most of our energies have gone into the Poirier cup debate, and we have had time for only two internal debates, though it is proposed to hold a third before the end of term. In th~ first internal debate, Miller and Brewer successfully o)posed the motion that" this House would sit in candlelight with DOYle," against the very able proposition of Anderson and Keeling. Secondly the house debated the controversial motion that it "would abolish the grammar school." The staff provided the opposition in the shape of Mr. Adams and Mr. Gray, who carried the day by thirteen votes to three against the proposition of Keeling and Ashton, a poor attendance for a debate In which we had a chance of discussing our cwn .future. The Poirier Cup debate at the John Leggott Grammar School proved to be quite an occas:on. Brewer delivered an admirable speech for the proposition that this house" believes that capitalism is a necessary part of a capitalist economy." The confused and muddle-headed speeches of the opposition were further reduced to chaos by our slightly exotic seconder, Leak. Keeling, despite forgetting his notes, delivered a sound and etfective summing-up and the adjudication of Mr. Frost gave us a clear victory. This year we look forward to regaining the Poirier Cup, there being only one more debate, our first at home, against the Girls' High School, on April 2nd. J. CHARLESWORTH. THE SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY OWING mainly to the pressure of senior school exams in February, the Society's activities have been confined to the second half of this term, commencing with a talk by Mr. Moore on March 5th. He explained very clearly the processes which are carried out at Nitrogen Fertilisers, Ltd., of Flixborough, which factory we visited the following day. The value of his talk was then really felt, as each huge piece of apparatus could be related directly in the mind's eye to an equation or diagram on the blackboard. I sincerely hope that such preliminary talks will become a more regular feature in the future. On March 18th Peter Robinson (L.Vl) gave an excellent talk on "The Fundamentals of Radio," while on March 20th a party of 20 boys visited the Farmers' Company factory at Barton. The term's activities concluded with a Film Show, when three excellent films, made by the Shell Film Unit, were shown. Visits to Courtaulds at Grimsby and Rowntrees of York have already been arranged for next term, and the initial reaction to these has been extremely satisfying. K. MARSDEN. JUNIOR SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY THIS term has seen the inauguration of yet another new society: a scientific society for the lower school. The aims of this society are to show boys interesting experiments which are not on the school syllabus and to supply them with the chemicals and equipment with which they can do the experiments at home. By buying in bulk it is possible to reduce the cost by a large amount and in this, the first week of the society, half a stone of chemicals and half a gallon of dilute acid have been sold. The first talk by three boys from the Sixth Form was entitled "Expe:iments with Copper, Ferrous and Ammonium Sulphates." At the next meeting, Mr. Moore will talk about glassworking and later it is hoped that some members will give a talk. J. R. MAGUIRE.

73 CHESS CLUB OWING to the bad weather conditions, we have played only one match this term, against Scunthorpe G.S., which we won 3!-2~ (D. A. Hutchinson, N. A. Hutchinson, A. R. Gowers won; D. A. Newstead drew). The Junior chess tournament has now reached the semi- final stage. The draw for the semi-final is: Mace v. S. E. Newstead; Sims v. Dodds. This year we lose D. A. Hutchinson and A. R. Gowers who, by their consistently good play for the chess team, have both done the chess club great service. D. A. NEWSTEAD.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY AT the beginning of term a film was shown in the Biology Laboratory. This was well attended. At t;he present time, plans are being made to show further films towards the end Of the term. The Natural History Society's" Annual Pet Show" will be held during the summer term as in previous years. Plans and preparations are already being made by senior members of the Society. It is hoped that as many helpers will come forward from the rest of the school as have in past years. The Society also hopes to have a record number of entries for the pet show this year. At the Society's preserve at Twigmoor, during the Easter vacation, Mr. Seaward will be instructing a party of Lower Sixth Form bLologists in the basic principles of an ecological land survey. During the term, J. C. Graveling and M. R. Duffield have given several very interesting talks on the main hormones of the human body. These talks, with the complexity of their content, have, of necessity, been restricted to members of the Upper Sixth Form. J. C. J. ROBINSON.

CAMERA CLUB ALTHOUGH membership has increased this term, it has not, however, brought a proportional increase in attendance at meetings. Just after half term, Mr. and Mrs. Atkin very kindly presented to the Club a quantity of photographic materials and paper. There are some very useful chemicals and a large 74 amuunt .of bramide paper, all .of which are .of great value to the Club. I should like ta express our gratitude ta Mr. and Mrs. Atkin far this generous. and extremely useful gift. An end is now in sight over the difficulties in pracessing the cine film and we hape that by the time this article is printed we will have been successful in developing the film. The Club is hoping to purchase a new enlarger in the near future and with this abject in mind we' undertook ta pracess the passport photagraphs far the boys gaing ta France, Luxembourg and Germany. After a few mishaps, these were campleted successfully and the profits have gane tawards the new enlarger. I hape the Camera Club members have not forgatten the campetition, and naw that the sunny weather has returned they will have an .opportunity ta take same really gaad photographs. P. PEDLEY. THE MODEL RAILWAY CLUB THIS term has seen feverish activity on the part of club members in effarts ta extend the madel. Membership has increased and much ambitious work undertaken. A large sum of maney was collected by the sale of same old stack which we had been given. With the proceeds, a rake of caaches was bought, and further extensions to the layaut are planned. The layaut is now aver twenty-five feet lang and advanced scenic effects are being attended to. We still have for sale some pre-war 3-rall gauge" 0 " electric stock - many collectars' pieces - rails, points and a lacamative. If anyane is interested in buying any .of this, he should visit the Art Raom any Tuesday after 3-45 p.m. THE BIRD-WATCHING SOCIETY THIS has probably been the most successful term yet for the Bird Watching Graup. A good start was made during the Christmas holidays with a two-day course at Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve on the 7th and 8th January. We slept the night at the observatary and did all our awn caoking. Many interesting birds were seen and a dead, ringed, snow bunting was faund an the shore. Twelve boys attended the course and, despite the bitterly cold weather, all enjoyed these two days and returned hame in good spirits. The next excursion made by the Graup was a walk along the coast from South Ferrlby to Barton on 27th January. As the ice on the River Humb8r was beginning to break up it was thought there might be a number of birds on the river. We

75 were not disappointed, for large numbers of duck were seen, as wen as hooper and mute swans. Although it was rather foggy, the trip was well worthwhile, even just to see the huge ice-floes swirling down the river. The last field meeting held this term was another walk along the riverbank at Burton. Here, large numbers of widgeon were seen and later two of our senior members returned to photograph the birds, using a hide. As a climax to our activities the R.S.P.B. film "The Island of Birds" and" The Woodfeeders" were shown in the school hall on Tuesday, 5th March. This was a rather bold venture but due to the most generous support given to the project we managed to cover our outlays and the film was a great success. Now that the cold weather has at last gone, the Group can look forward to seeing a greater number and a greater variety of birds in the coming nesting-season. P. PEDLEY.

S.C.M. ACTION GROUP FOR some of this term the action of the S.C.M. Group has been conspicuous by its absence. This has been due to a reorientation of this new group's aims. It was felt that weekly discussions greatly encroached on boys' limited time and on the activities of the debating society. A more permanent tradition of action must be substituted. This was achieved twice towards the end of last term. The visit of Jeffery Beaumont, the" Hanky-Tonk Monk," amazed and amused the most ardent critics of religion. The High School and Glanford School were invited to this talk and the S.C.M. arranged an equally successful one at Scunthorpe in the evening. A work camp was also arranged during the Christmas holidays at Thorpe Hall, Louth, a forerunner to a large Anglo-Dutch Camp this summer. The work consisted of sawing down trees, and the leisure time of eating and music-making. The Group has now established a firm link with the S.C.M. work-camp movement which enables young people to do a useful job of work and enjoy themselves during the holidays. This Easter, the Group is running its own full scale work-camp, being led by a member of the Group, the only school affiliated to the S.C.M. to do so. The Camp is at the Mountain Training School and Rescue Post at Hathersage and will be attended by twelve members. At the beginning of this term the excellent film" Rennie's Mill" was shown and at the beginning of next term the film 76 "We arc the Lambeth Boys" will be show.n. The group has also paid a visit to the Community of the Resurrection at Mirfield, where, after a rugby game with the students, we were shown round the Monastery. The main energies of the Group will now be devoted to Christian Aid Week. All the churches in Brigg are to combine for this function and the Group is playing a leading part by constructing a refugee hut in the Market Place. G. D. LEAK.

THE ORGAN SOCIETY

" WE repaired to the Cathedral where organ and voyces did well agree." And thus at Lincoln the Organ Society began last summer, although we heard .only the organ, not the voices. Mr. Hewis, the assistant organist, was kind enough to demonstrate the instrument to us-it is a four manual affair recently rebuilt by Harrison & Harrison with some exceptionally beautiful diapasons from the original organ. From the Cathedral we went to st. Swithin's where the organist allowed us to play all after.- noon on the three manual extension organ installed there. Extension is a principle whereby instead of building an 8 ft. diapason rank and a 4 ft. diapason rank (which sounds an octave higher), you make the 8 ft. diapason play an octave higher, thus doing the jOb of both. The organ impressed us by its flexibility but we thought it lacked somewhat in variety. This term we have so far been only on one visit, to Gains- borough where we visited Jubb's organ works and the Parish Church organ. We found at Jubb's that craftsmanship still exists even today. The joints in the woodwork have to be looked for to be believed! The Parish Church is lucky by virtue of its three-second echo. This gives the organ-a largish three manual instrument -a Cathedral-like quality. Again the organist, Mr. Snowley, was kind enough to leave the organ to our mercies for an hour or so. We are indebted to Messrs. Gwyther and Berresford for kindly transporting us on the day. One visit remains this term and three or four are projected for next term along with recitals, etc. If any member of the school would like to join (playing or non-playing) he has only to contact an existing member. There is no entrance fee or subscription. A. AYRES. 77 Old Briggensians' Association

Hon. Treasurer: T. R. D. O'Neill Hon. Secretary: Hon. Asst. Treasurer: A. Turner, S. C. Dickinson, The Grammar School, c/o Taylor, Patchett and Co., Brigg, Lincolnshire. 40 Bigby Street, Brigg. The annual general meeting and 37th annual re-union dinner were held in the Angel Hotel, Brigg, on Saturday, January 5th, this year. J. C. Baggott (chairman), officers of the Association and about twenty Old Boys attended the meeting. The minutes of the 1962 A.G.M. were confirmed and signed by the chairman as a true record. J. C. Baggott reported the deaths of four older members of the Association, Mr. Daughton, Mr. Knight, Mr. Gregory and Dr. Baker, during the year. He reported that Mr. T. N. Sumpter had had to retire from his post through ill-health and recorded the Association's regret. The proposed revisions of the rules were presented to the meeting and were adopted. The treasurer informed the meeting that the balance had increased by £ 15 and that £50 was earmarked for use by the school. The following officers were elected in accordance with the rules: President: Col. O. S. Nelthorpe. Vice-Presidents: Re-elected en bloc. plus J. Baggott. Chairman: G. C. Cook. Vice-Chairman: J. Cheeseman. Hon. Treasurer: T. R. D. O'Neill. Hon. Asst. Treasurer: S. C. Dickinson. Hon. Secretary: A. Turner. Hon. Asst. Secretary: A. Farmer. Hon. Auditor: R. L. Patchett. Committee: Messrs. A. 1. Morris, R. Coulthurst, E. Urry, W. Good, W. Bains, E. Nixon, G. Robinson, R. Spring, A. Lyon, D. Bains, J. Baggott, A. Wood, S. Cranidge, M. Tierney and the Headmaster. The new chairman reported that Co1. O. S. Nelthorpe and Mr. T. N. Sumpter were absent through illness and the secretary was asked to convey to them the Association's sympathy and good wishes for early recovery. 79 The Association's Golf Trophy was won by J. P. Kemp. The meeting closed at 6-45 p.m. to be followed by the dinner. The toast of The School" was proposed by the Rt. Rev. the " Lord Bishop of Lincoln and the Headmaster responded. Kenneth Scott, Esq., M.A., Ll.B., of Cambridge, proposed" The Association" and the chairman, G. C. Cook, gave the response. The toast to "The Guests" was proposed by Lt. Col. R S. Nel- thorpe, J.P., to which R. S. C. Readman, Esq., B.Sc., the Principal. Riseholme Farm Institute, replied. Members of Staff and Old Boys present were: The Head- master, A. 1. Morris, F. Henthorn, S. G. Jarvis, T. G. Richards. H. Pimlott, W. Watts, A. Turner, J. C. Boulton, T. S. Burkhill, W. Brown, A. J. Borrill, W. Bains, D. Bains, D. W. Brown, J. C. Baggott, A. Briggs, W. A. Parker, A. A. Coulson, J. R. Cuthbert, J. H. Cheeseman, J. E. Cox, G. W. Cooke, B. W. Clark, G. C. Cook. S. Cranidge, I. Clayton, R A. Conboy, H. A. Clark, J. R. Gurnell, S. C. Dickinson, B. D. Dauber, A. Disney, J. R. D. Disney, J. Eccles, A. F. J. Faulkner, F. Flear, G. W. Fieldson, J. Gwyther, M. Grimble, A. Gilliatt, W. Good, J. Gregory, J. T. Gilbert, D. Gllgallon, G. C. Hurst, O. Hartley, T. E. Havercroft, E. W. Hollister, R. G. Haines. E. P. Haines, R J. Harrison, J. W. Henderson, I. P. Kruys, J. p. Kemp, J. Jarvis, D. Leaning, R. R. Lawson, J. F. Laverack, A. Lyon, F. Lazenby, R Mackinder, J. Morton, D. Middleton, Lt. Col. R. S. Nelthorpe, R. O'Neill, E. Nixon, E. Naylor, A. O'Boyle, K. O'Boyle, R. A. Osborne, F. Ranyell, D. 1. Rose, M. Pickering, A. C. Pieroni, D. H. Potts, J. Rose. N. Russell, G. A. Robinson, R. L. Patche\tlt, D. Rawlinson, T. Raby, K. Smith, A. Stevenson, R. Spring, G. Sampson, D. W. Shaw, J. Sennitt, R. L. Stevenson, R. Taylor, M. Tierney, E. Urry, A. Weston, H. Wright, O. Kingdon, F. Woodcock, C. Wind ass, G. W. Brocklesby, B. Brocklesby, R Sumpter. Christmas greetings came to the staff from Mr. and Mrs. Brian Thornalley in Cyprus, where he is teaching the children of men serving with the RA.F. Also, as usual, from F. W. Gant. of 20 Queen Street, Wellington, New Zealand, from Gordon Hogg now teaching at Jarrow, and from Peter Hall 0935-1943) of 3 Carolyn Close, Newcastle 12. G. W. Walker was awarded the Fitzhugh Memorial Prize in Pharmacy as a result of his B.Pharm. degree at Nottingham University in 1962. Ivan Kruys, L.D.S., B.D.S., is now an assistant in the dental practice of R. W. Porter in Woodhall Spa. He was a house surgeon at Sheffield University for one year. 80 Congratulations to Geoffrey Jackson and Mrs. jackson of 22 Hillcrest Road, Deepcar, near Sheffield, on the birth of their daughter, Andrea Elizabeth. John Davenport is manager of Lawn Farms (Epworth) Ltd., an off-shoot of the corn merchants, Hirst and Hodgson's, wIth whom he has been since leaving school. He has four acres of tulips, four of daffodils and three-and-a-half of iris. J. G. T. Eccles has retired as managing director of his group of firms known as Eccles Slag, but remains chairman. His sons, John and David, are directors and the former is now deputy chairman. Arthur Lyon is now assistant managing director. I. Glover, after appointments with the Brigg U.D.C., at Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, and Warminster, Worcs., has been appointed clerk to the U.D.C. at Dodsworth, Yorkshire. R. H. M. Markarian is joint author of .. Vamos a Hablar Espanol" recently published by University Tutorial Press Ltd. Two companion books are projected, on French by Markarian and his collaborator, and on Esperanto by Markarian himself. M. Robertson has been teaching at School since September. Next term he will teach at Horncastle Grammar School and in October begin a dental course at Birmingham University. J. C. White, whose review of R. H. M. Markarian's book appears in this issue, was busier than usual in March, being responsible for the Unliv~rsity of Madrid's" W,eek of English Cultural Activities." This included lectures by Professors from London, Harvard, Michigan State and Madrid Universities, play- readings in English of .. The Living Room" and" Richard II" and two actual performances of .. The Importance of Being Earnest." Congratulations to R. A. Clarke (1957-62) on his engagement to Miss Maureen Joan Whelpton, of Brigg. E. P. Haines has been teaching at Brumby Secondary Boys' School and goes to Saltby Training College, Birmingham, in September. K. G. Smith is now Assistant Traffic Manager with the Farmers' Co. Ltd., at Barton. Congratulations to J. S. Scarborough on his marriage to Miss Diane E. Slater at St. Mary's Church, Broughton. A very good friend of the School and an Old Briggensian, T. N. Sumpter. M.B.E., father of Robin and David, died at his home in Normanby on March 31st. Generations of Briggensians will remember him as a judge at Athletic Sports and as a member of the Old Boys' Cricket XI. We offer our sympathy to Mrs. Sumpter and the family. Visitors to the School since the last issue of the Briggensian have included A. P. Bains, V. Jeffrey, G. A. Chapman, J. Trubridge, J. Clark. P. Aelberry, P. Bains, O. Kingdon, H. B. Gregory, J. S. Rowley, J. F. Colin, R. W. Carter. 81 TO THE EDITOR

Oxford Union Society.

To the Editor,

Sir,-One goes to University to work. This is done by listen- ing to boring lectures and writing essays for bored tutors. Lectures are always better outside one's own subject; A. J. P. Taylor's on History are better than anyone else's (even scientists say so). History collects most of the best lecturers; Theology has its bright spots; for the rest you might as well read their basic textbooks.

Tutors are unpredictable characters: varying from the work- hound to the gentle dilettante gentleman. Of my own the economist is at Nuffield doing research; he resents taking us, treats us as though we ought to know as much as he does and proves in two-hour tutorials (normal tutorial length one hour) that we know nothing; a conclusion we had arrived at quite independently. My constitutional history tutor doesn't believe the subject exists, so an atmosphere of "let's pretend" pervades the essays of us all, while the tutorials end up as dialogues between him and myself on the impulses lying behind political actions. Tutorials, by the way, occur when one person of two or three reads out his set essays and has it criticised while the others hand their essays in for consideration. Does the system work '( Well, it depends on the tutor: in general they are tending to get older and less forceful as the years go by. They might be a dying race, which could be a pity, for a good tutor can stimulate excellent work. But a bad one can kill the interest.

The general level of work here varies from subject to subject. It is far harder than anyone will admit to in conversation: it Is just possible to cruise along but exceedingly unwise. For many, Prelims. can be a hurdle; in my own subject, P.P.E., Philosophy, Politics and Economics, the examiners have decided to reduce the 350 people studying each year to something smaller, so it is a real barrier.

Leisure-work is all very well, but, as the story goes, it all depends on broadening one's mind. Now, while the dangers of over-specialisation are apparent, it is obvious in Oxford that one can fill one's time with activities and do no work at all. I estimated that one could spend all the day except the mornings listening to music somewhere in Oxford. There are over 170

82 societies in Oxford (the precise number is unknown) and the range of activities is vast. If one is dissatisfied one forms one's own society. The society of Societies is the Union. A rambling building with the eccentric atmosphere of a gentleman's club of the last century, but trying desperately to be alive, it has just admitted women as full members. Confessing myself a reactionary, I did vote against their admittance for the selfish reason that I don't want too many using the excellent Union Library. Besides I don't like the sort of women who would join-but that's another matter! There ought to be some male pre3crvcs somewhere; I haven't noticed women-and-men's institutes being formed. The centre pieces of the Union are the bar (well-recommended!) and the debates, which are variable. I'm told this term's were generally below standard: I hope so. Of the other societies, the political clubs gain notoriety as breeding grounds for future M.P.s. I regret to say their quality is awful, but much depends, I suppose, on the personalities involved. C.N.D. is dead here. Liberals flourish rather point- lessly. The Conservatives drink sherry together. The Labour clubmen flght nasty little battles, Left wing versus Right, and squabble over personalities. Altogether pretty hopeless. Societies vary generally between sharp battles to cosy meet- ings. No real conclusions can be drawn-except that if one is really serious, it is possible to get to the top if one chooses one's club and work assiduously at it. The level of organisational talent is lower than one would expect. Of sporting societies I admit complete ignorance. They take too much time and the hearty rugger-rowing men are boring. If all else fails, one can talk with anyone. The place is filled with talk. Most of it bad. The level of knowledge about the world could be higher. No-one who reads a top paper daily, skips through the classy weeklies and Observer on Sundays with due care, will be out-argued here except on technical grounds or in meeting an expert. These creatures do exist-but there are many semi-experts to be avoided. The topics of conversation idle between sex, religion and politics; subjects it is clear no-one knows anything about-religion especially (but Oxford reJigion's a hobby-horse of mine I'll avoid here). All this is supposed to broaden one's mind. I doubt it. One can be ignorant here as anywhere: indeed worse because one thinks here that one is after all of the elite. For sensitive creatures Oxford narrows the vision to that which is quite clearly true in their experience. Yours faithfully, O. A. HARTLEY.

83 BOOK REVIEW "Vamos a Hablar Espanol" by R. H. M. Markarian and S. Moore. Published by the University Tutorial Press Ltd., London, 1963, at 4s. 9d. Today, more than ever, books on language teaching pour from the presses. A single publisher, Longmans, Green and Co., must publish well over a hundred a year in the field of English alone-grammars, dictionaries, word lists, simplified classics, books on the use of tenses, on stress, rhythm, pronunciation, phonetics. The list is endless, and teacher and student have plenty of choice. Spanish, aliter IEngliish, is the second most widely spread language spoken in the world nowadays, and more and more people are making efforts to learn it. Each year the British Government gives seventy-eight sCholarships to "auxiliares de conversaci6n de lengua espanola" to help with the teaching of the Spanish language in various schools in the United Kingdom. R. H. M. Markarian and S. Moore's new book will be welcomed by all beginners. In a simple form, which is neither childish nor tedious, it sets out to make the student begin speaking. In the last twenty years much thought has been given to the language-. teaching and" Language laboratories" have been set up. (There is one under S. Pit Corder in the University of Leeds.) Modernists no longer concentrate on the teaching of vocabulary, grammatical rules and exceptions to them, and the translation exercises, which still appear in all examinations of a language. They say that, by reading, the student will be able to increase his vocabulary and note the rare exceptions when they occur. Teaching today puts the emphasis on structure and pattern drills in the normal spoken and written language. This is well treated in the present book. Each of the ten lessons is headed by a good pen-drawing of a typical Spanish scene-a farm, a town square, a station. Then there is a short conversation, some questions on it. a reading passage and longer sets of questions, one dealing with the reading passage, one of a more generai nature. After come suggestions for written work and dictations. The lesson ends with a graded vocabulary of new words and phrases used in that particular step. All this is excellent in its way and can be used to great advantage by the discerning teacher. The pupil will be made to read, so getting used to the pronunciation and the patterns of questions, conversation and narrative. The drawings will aiso serve for further practice-the teacher asking questions about 84 them or telling the pupil to describe what he sees in them. Many other things are left to the teacher also, for example, when the two verbs for" to be," ser and estar, should be used, the difference between que and que, cuando and cuando, and what is the exact irregularity in the irregular verbs: we might guess that the first person singular of the present indicative of the verb dormir is duermo, but should we guess that oigo comes from oir, or se from saber? In the Preface the authors tell us that the polite form of "you," usted (ustedes), has been used throughout the book for the sake of simplicity. This, I think, is a great pity as the familiar tu form is used very much in modern Spain, much more than it is in France. Students ought to learn it from the begin- ning of their conversational exercises. A few misinterpretations have crept into this book, mainly concerned with vocabulary. For instance, very few people, unless of a literary turn, would say techado de for" roofed with" but con un tejado de: varios means" several," diversos is the word the Spaniards use for" various": the word bizcocho means " sponge" (cake), whereas galleta means" biscuit." These are minimum faults as compared with the general value of the book as a whole. No doubt the book will have more than one edition and will be added to and emended as time goes on. J. C. WHITE.

ADORED) UNLOVED To create organs from stone, from unfeeling clay Produce vital flesh- Build; mould adoration into a Statue; touch; breathe God On artefact, and quicken. 0 what Beauty might we distil, condense In man; what forms Create! To build the Classic image, give life- To haunt the Acropolis, touch, and see The statue move. Turn Clay to flesh. We could admire, Adore these goddesses that start From nature's death; but could We love, respect That which is made, And therefore understood? R. E. WALTERS. ON SAPARI by A. H. Neale AFTER several hours of monotonous flying, the 'plane descended slowly through the clouds to reveal an expanse of African scrub- land. The tall elephant grass was yellow and the occasional stunted tree barely survived, as the Harmatan had come, being a period of several months starting at Christmas when no rain falls. One, therefore, does not feel very hot because perspiration evaporates easily. Having arrived at Kaduna, Northern Nigeria, I found that my parents had already made preparations to go on Safari with an experienced hunter, a Mr. Sowerby, to a large game reserve in Eastern Nigeria. Bauchi Game Reserve covers one thousand square miles of protected wilderness. As it had just recently been opened, we were some of the first Europeans to go there and still only very few facilities had been put down to suit our needs. However, after planning and preparation, we set off from Kaduna before dawn and arrived twelve hours later at the edge of the game reserve in a battered car. This was Base Camp, consisting of two grass huts and a land rover. Four natives rushed out to greet us, and after much hand-shaking we trans- ferred our equipment into the landrover to set off on the second stage of the journey with the natives into the interior of the reserve, leaving the car behind. Three hours later we reached the second camp, where two large tents had already been erected near a clump of bulbous water-storing baobab trees. By now it was nearly dark, and so working under the light of tilly lamps we settled in, whilst the natives built a large fire on which to cook a meal. We were then led by one of the natives to a very deep clear stream flowing out of a rock face. It was a hot spring naturally heated by the earth's centre. The stream proved to be invaluable for water supply. Whilst washing in it I saw the shape of an animal close by. I shouted with fright whereupon the animal proceeded to bark, showing its long yellow teeth. All my visions of a wild dog vanished when it turned and scampered off and I realised that it was a baboon. During the night we could hear various noises, and found in the morning that our cooking utensils had been tampered with. The intruder had left evidence to show that it was also a baboon. We made it a practice of getting up at half-past flve in the morning, when mist still hangs over the countryside, to do some early morning animal-spotting. We would then return to the camp at nine o'clock for a wash and breakfast and go off again for more animal-spotting in the afternoon and return at sunset. 86 We went by landrover to a river to photograph some hippo- potami. They appeared to ignore us and simply lay floating in the water as massive islands of flesh with their small eyes just above water level. Occasionally one would grunt in content. We stalked all the other timid animals that we saw for closer and better photography. Telephoto lenses helped to solve this problem. We once came across a small herd of Hartebeeste, which are large and very majestic deer with long curved horns. There were also many Duikers, which are a smaller type of bush antelope. They are fawn in colour with a band of dark brown on each side. But perhaps the most interesting was an encounter with a lone Rhino. By keeping down-wind we approached him very closely, relying upon his shortsightedness to prevent him from seeing us. However, every so often he would snort and toss his head to reassure himself that any possible intruders would be frig-htened away! We also manag-ed to photograph a large wild boar who was standing very haughtily by a clump of trees. By crawling on our hands and knees, my father and I reached a small bush thirty yards from him. Just as my father took the photograph the boar saw us. He paused for about ten seconds, during which time he made up his mind whether to charge or not. We were paralysed and too frightened to move, but fortunately the boar turned round and trotted off with its tail in the air.

We stayed at the game reserve for just over a week, stalking elephants, dangerous wildebeeste and bushcows and taking photographs of all the animals we could see. The bird life was also very interesting. One could see vultures high in the sky, scrutinising the land below, and also many ducks and other water birds by the rivers, including the small birds that pick crocodiles' teeth! But the day of departure eventually arrived. Reluctantly we left the camp for the last time to go back to base camp, where we would payoff the natives, transfer our equipment back to the car and set off for home.

As we left, I looked over my shoulder and saw for the last time the country where only nature played part. I wondered how the game reserve would change as it claimed public interest, and I felt depressed at the thought of better roads and busloads of sightseers, when the quiet enchantment of the reserve would be lost. However, I had seen it and would remember it at its best. But it has great prospects in that it is the only game reserve in West Africa, and the western limit of big game: many people may go there with the privilege of being able to see African wild game in natural surroundings. 87 PREP ARA TION by J. A. Broome First I think I'll do my Latin, Let me see now, where's my text book? Have I left it in the classroom? No, thank goodness, now I've found it. Eo, ire, ivi, ltum. 15 minutes - should be easy. Do dare, dedi, datum- There's the evening 'bus to Lincoln. Lincoln, with its gracious minster Set on high above the city, Looking down on street and river, So. majestic in its beauty! Now, where was I . . . . dedi, datum "Conjugate the following verbs." Appropinquo - there's goes Michael (Has he done his prep. already?) Wonder where he can be going. Funny, thought this prep. was easy, P'raps I'd better try my History. 1773, at Boston- All that tea thrown in the ocean, What a dreadful waste it was! Would have quenched the thirst of masters For another 50 years! Battles raging over Concord, Lexington and Bunker Hill . . . . Poor old snowman's lost his balance, Partly melted by the sunshine. Now his attitude, once jaunty, Seems so sad and melancholy. After April and the Springtime He will be but just a memory- Oh, dear! can that be the right time? I must make an extra effort. History, Art, and Mathematics, English and Biology. Won't be long now, soon be finished, Then to crumpets, toast, and tea! !

88 THE CORMORANT by J. L. McIver

IN Galloway on the coast of Scotland I visited a cormorant breeding ground just over the h1ll from where we were encamped. A walk over rough, boggy land and a climb over two stone walls brought us to Castle Loch and there we could hear the birds which are silent except at their breeding grounds. The loch is not large and the several rocky islets in it are white with bird droppings and on the top of them were the nests, built of twigs, sticks and other material, on which were the young birds. The cormorant is ugly in tUght, flying high with outstretched neck and feet, but occasionally skimming low over the water. However, it can look quite beautiful when sunning itself on a rock after it has been in the water. standing with its wings out- stretched in two semi-circles and its head and long-hooked beak held upwards. The bird is also an excellent diver, not from a height like the gannet, but swimming on the surface and diving from there. If it is scared, it wlll swim with just its head visible. It usually nests on rocks by inland water, but has been known to nest in a tree. Both birds build the nest, help with the incubation and tend the young. They return to the same nest each year and lay and hatch one or two broods of three or four eggs.

DO YOU KNOW HIM? by M. J. Drury

He's a regular dab at athletics, He can row, he can wrestle and box; He's as brave as an African llon, And at all kinds of danger he mocks.

He can bowl a professional" twister," And at football he's simply AI; He can ride like a ranchman of Texas, . And he's quite a crackshot with a gun.

89 And his brain is as fine as his muscles, He has scooped up of prizes no end; But he's not a bit haughty or bumptious, And he's true to the death as a friend, He is built like a "youthful Apollo," With the profile" high-bred" of an Earl; And when he gets riled his eye" fiashes," And his lip is the sort that can" curl." He can fight one to twenty and lick 'em, Yet naught does his prowess avail; For he lacks a substantial existence, He's a boy that I found in a tale, ROMAN LEGACY by M. J. Pearson In 55 BC they came, A visit just to pay, 'Twas near a hUndred years or more Before they came to stay, They taught the natives how to make Fine pottery of clay, Good craftsmen of great skill they were, Perceive it still you may, They built also for us fine roads Of limestone slabs and clay, Straight as an arrow they were built, We use them still today. Two thousand years ago they found That heating should be central, It's taken right from then till now, Before 'tis thought essential. WATER FOR BRIGG by R. W. Pigott THE water source from which Brigg is supplied is almost ten miles away at Barrow-on-Humber. Here water is pumped from a deep bore. The bore, a two hundred and eighty feet long :,;teel shaft, works like a well. Before being pumped to the various villages and towns, it undergoes purifications and softening processes ;n large tanks, each electricaHy -controlled.

90 After this treatment the water is led away through a large pipe or main, twenty-one inches in diameter, to the Stonewall reservoir. This is about four miles from Brigg near Mottle Ash Hill, just off the main Scunthorpe to Brigg road.

From here the water runs down hill to Scawby Crossroads about a mile away. Because it does not have to be pumped along the ten-inch main, it is called" gravity feed." At Scawby Crossroads the ten-inch main branches into seven and nine-inch mains. The seven-inch main supplies a number of villages including Kirton Lindsey, Redbourne, Hibaldstow, Scawby and Broughton.

It is the nine-inch main which supplies Brigg. This is metered and then it is possible to see the rate of water consump- tio.n. Before reaching Brigg the water pressure is reduced from ninety pounds per square inch to forty-five pounds per square inch.

The nine-inch main reachj.ng Brigg is split into a three and four-inch main in the Market Place. From these two pipes, half-inch service pipes hranch off into each house to the kitchen tap. The water going through these pipes can be stopped by turning the "stop tap" off, a job necessary before we leave our homes when going on holiday

Fire hydrants are fitted on three and four-inch mains so that fire hoses can be easily connected to be used in case of fires.

THE POLITICIAN'S BELONGINGS by R. Towler

IF you look at an everyday English politician, it may be observed that he always carries or owns certain items indispen- sible to him. For example a bowler hat, a moustache, an umbrella and a la,rge car. 91 The bowler hat houses a great many things. Have you noticed that it is raised with great difficulty due to its heaviness, not to the politician's physical weakness? Besides a small packet of Daz there is a portable four-minute warning system, as you see even they do not place their trust in Fylingdales. There is also a small, electric computor for working out which party will win the next Generai Election. It usually says that the All Indian Democratic Party will win, but politicians fail to agree except for pandit Singh who is standing for Lower Wigan East,

The moustache is for straining tea, so that tea leaves do not become caught in the teeth. President Kennedy does not have a moustache because they drink coffee in Amerlca.

The umbrella is the chief article of the politician's belong- Ings. If he happens to be caught in the rain it is hard luck because the thing will not open. Therefore he has a battle against catching a cold (a cold war). However the umbrella d.oes have its uses In that it houses a complete set of Language Dictionaries for use at talks. The set includes French-English, Russian-Engilish,. German-English, American-E'nglish, Broken English, Pidgin English and Arthur English Dict:onaries,

The large, fast car, preferably a Rolls-Royce, besides giving plenty of storage reom for smug'g:ed Vodka, allows plenty of room for hitch-hikers. You may think it odd that a Politician would give lifts, but, you see, after being taken for a ride by the Politician they are wre to vote for him in the next election.

The de Gaulle type ncse is very uncommon and in fact I can think of only one man who owns one. Anyway this will not be on sale to Britain in the nea'r future,

The wave can also be very important. An arm held still means the Politician has lost. A vigorously moving arm means the Politician has won. The hand moving and nothing else means that the Politician is definitely double-jointed. The name also is important. For instance can you tell who is the odd one out in the following: Grimmond, Heath, Macmillan, Wilson and Brnwn? You are probably wrong. The answer is Heath becaust his name cOntai,ns no "n."

92 INGRA TI7'UDE by R. W. Tuley When the winter snows are faJing Softly, making earth so even, Birds and beasts, so often hungry, Leave their normal dwelling places; Birds, though far from fearless creatures, Come to feed in quiet gardens, Swallowing hungrily the breadcrumbs Dropped for them by thoughtful humans, Wishing to preserve the wild-life Of the British woods and hedgerows.

But, when snow has gone, and flowers Show themselves above the barren Earth, the birds again are present, Ruining the apple blossom Flinging petals to the heavens, Rooting up the seeds and cuttings Planted there by thoughtful humans, Spoiling seedbeds by the dozen As they hunt for food to live on.

PENNELL & SONS, Ltd. SEEDSM EN and NURSERYMEN (by appointment to the late King George V)

Vegetable Seeds Garden Fertilisers Insecticides Garden Syringes and Too]s

HORTICULTURAL ADVICE AT YOUR REQUEST Service at all times at 68 WRAWBY STREET, BRIGG