As the world outside the high to its onlookers. The old crest the older boys in the school, walls of The Courts progresses, has been replaced by a 16th as has the famous iSAMS robot for better or for worse, so Century governor's seal - the (parents: picture something does Sherborne. While many picture is a modern and out of Orwell's '1984' and still like to cling to the either contemporary one but it is a you'll have a rough idea of romantic or cynical view that symbol which shows that, while what this entails) but even this Sherborne School is an insular the school embraces the 21 st has shown that administration and detached establishment century, it does not forget its is always easier when in the which fosters regimented ancient and distinguished past. hands of something which beliefs and values, the reality Of course, Sherborne boys undertakes the role effortlessly. is very different. love their tradition and in this The reality is that while times respect the new logo could be change in the state education In my four and a half years at said to represent the best of sector, in Britain and in the the school I have observed a both worlds - it is both world, Sherborne is naturally great deal of change, most of progressive and time­ obliged to follow suit it consistent with that which honoured. The rationale appears in society itself. This behind such an image, while at Of course, in the world today, year, for example, has seen a first controversial, is clear to we continue to witness radical overhaul in the image see Such changes have been unprecedented alteration. This that the school aims to project subjected to some criticism by November, Americans elected their first black President, last spring. Nowhere is the in the wilderness, and sport in while the economic downturn questioning of the old-school general continues to illustrate apparent in this country is status quo depicted more the huge depth in commitment certainly something new to the eloquently than in Victor and ability within the school. boys of Sherborne. While Hugo's novel, and the team Last year's GCSE results were parents and staff may recollect which produced the show did the best ever and this year's the financial crises of the 1970s a stunning job (this coming Upper Sixth contains more and the early 1990s, the boys from someone who loathes Oxbridge hopefuls than ever of this school have lived musicals). The play was before. The mettle of through sustained economic evocative, powerfu I and Sherborne's 18 Course will be 'boom'. The 'bust' years which fantastically performed by a tested for the first time next may soon come are likely to Joint cast of Sherborne, SG summer. In areas of excellence, have a massive impact on a and Leweston pupils The be it sporting, dramatic, great deal of Sherborne pupils orchestra which supported it artistic or academic, certain and families. What now was, arguably, the most thi ngs never seem to change remains is for the school to impressive part of all What at Sherborne. Such excellence show its resilience and, change this production showed was is something which can be aside, to deal effectively with that Sherborne, despite the controlled by members of the the challenges posed by changes that I have school, and a pragmatic factors well out of its control mentioned, continues to foster approach to external issues a great deal of talent. This coupled with our pride in As the cover of this magazine talent is by no means confined Sherborne as an establishment denotes, Sherborne witnessed to the stage. This Michaelmas can be seen only as a recipe a rare masterpiece in the term has seen a renaissance in for success

production of Les Miserables 1st XV rugby, after some years George Alien

I

TAKAYUKI KANABOSHI

2 OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE PLACES

The Following have gained places at Oxford and Cambridge on the basis of their A level results:

House Name College University Course

f Yile Feng Trinity College, Oxford Mathematics d Nicholas Siu St. Peter's College, Oxford Chemistry d Alex Ronaldson Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge Engineering c James Weston St. Hugh's College, Oxford Classics Those listed below were awarded Bugbird Prizes for gaining three or more A grades at A level:

House Name A Levels

Yile Feng Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Further Mathematics (Additional) d Nicholas Siu Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, g Raashad Hasan Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, Religious Studies g Hugh Knudsen Economics, Mathematics, Physics, Further Mathematics

e Wilfie Odgers English, Mathematics, Economics, History m Crispian Poon Electronics, Mathematics, Physics, Further Mathematics d Alex Ronaldson Electronics, Mathematics, Physics, Further Mathematics b Edward Capel Economics, Geography, Politics e Alexander Cernaianu Biology, Business Studies, German b James Cochrane-Dyet Economics, English, Politics

Johnnie de la Moriniere Spanish, Mathematics, French

Thomas Dillon English, History, Latin b James Eddlestone English, Mathematics, Physics m Max Hobbs History, English, Spanish c Sam Jenks Mathematics, Physics, Geography a Ollie Kesley Spanish, French, Economics e Theo Knibb Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry g William Salbaing Business Studies, French, Economics m Rollo Skinner Spanish, Mathematics, Art d James Stockings History, English, Religious Studies b Alexander Sumption Biology, Geography, Chemistry c James Weston English, Latin, Spanish d Charles Whitcombe Mathematics. Physics, Economics e Cheuk Wing Wong Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry d James Carmichael Biology, Chemistry, Economics SCHOOL PRIZEWINNERS

COMMEMORATION SPEECHES LISTS

Tom Dillon Wildman Latin Alexander Cochrane-Dyet Alexander Hill Leweston Ancient History Francis Illes Junior English Tom Oxenham Bereny French Jamie Burke Whittingdale Classics Joe Metcalf Fletcher German Hugo Gent Palmer Classical Civilisation George Chattey Fifth Form French

James Weston Aston-Binns Spanish George Chattey Fifth Form Spanish James Weston English Andrew Quaile Fifth Form German James Weston Marson Greek Andrew Glennie Kirby Mathematics Tom Carr Fifth Form Chemistry Yile Feng Plumptre Mathematics Ameer Rashed Fifth Form Biology Alex Sumption Ridout Biology Ameer Rashed Fifth Form Physics Alexander Ronaldson Turing Physics Guy Carmichael Nicholas Siu Driver Chemistry Paddy Whelan for improvement in Physics Nicholas Siu Morcom Science and Mathematics George Buckingham Crispian Poon Electronics Fifth Form School Electronics

Henry Comyn IB Progress Max Hobbs Alison Blenkinsop History Edward Pickup Philosophy Hugo Sutton Geography Edward Capel Government & Politics Hugh Hopkins Harold Blair Runner Up Hugh Knudsen Economics Tom Gowan Davis-Weston Missionary Jamie Cook Business Studies Laurie Blair Bowen History 1st James Stockings Harold Blair Divinity Ben Massey Bowen History 2nd Ludo Hughes Bowen History 3rd George Berthon Longmuir Art Rollo Skinner Drawing Charles Howes Derek Jarrett History Theo Jenkins Crean Award for History of Art (SG) Laurie Edwards Fifth Form Geography Daniel Jones Wingfield Digby Senior DT Luke Mackay Lyon-Parsons Divinity

Andrew Quaile Ros Boyd Art Edward Hughes Headmaster's Special Contribution to Music Laurie Edwards Wingfield Digby Junior DT Adam Smith Top Music performer Harry Onslow Fifth Form Music (academic) James Boughton Music Technology William Smibert Keyboard Senior Crispian Poon Strings Senior Laurie Blair Stuart Hargreaves Drama William Leith Harley Woodwind Senior Henry Comyn Stuart Hargreaves Drama Andrew Bulman Harley Brass Senior Jamie Excell Gerald Pitman Cup Oliver Longland Kitson Vocal Angus Rance Richard Eyre Drama Jamie Excell Clive Carey Vocal Senior James Weston Senior Guitar Gordon Whitley Edwin Davies Services (CCF) Benson Herbert Senior Percussion Gordon Whitley Tom Bugbird Sailing Award William Cunliffe Senior Composition Jamie Payne Theodore Irvine Keyboard Junior Vigilando for Ambassadorship in School Sport Harry Fielder Strings Junior William Clarke Harley Woodwind Junior Jeremy Maclver Wailer Heads of School Henry Ritchie Harley Brass Junior Angus Rance Wailer Heads of School Luke MacKay Clive Carey Vocal Junior Jamie Burke Junior Guitar

5 Anthony Pollen Junior Percussion Edmund Haynes Max Radford Junior Composition Third Form personal project first in set

William Dain Edwin Davis Services Thomas Hopkins Third Form personal project overall winner Robin Irving Marsh Cricket Edward Hughes Music - Halliday cup Daniel Jones Bow Award James Francis Cricket - five wickets - three times James Kipling Cricket - five wickets

OTHER AWARDS Edward Day Robinson Cricket - five wickets Harry Foot Cricket - five wickets Tom Carr Fifth Form good grades Robin Irving Cricket - five wickets Ed Bonnell Fifth Form good grades Andrew Glennie Fifth Form good grades Jamie Payne Athletics colours Toby Lane Fourth Form good grades Edward Gidney Tennis Colours Luke Nelson Fourth Form good grades Andrew Bulman Tennis Colours Charlie Leach Fourth Form good grades Jeremy Maclver Tennis Colours Charlie Hensher Fourth Form good grades Nicholas Glasse Third Form good grades Freddie Horne Polo Colours Charlie Dennis Third Form good grades Toby Hannam Polo Colours

Ben Huntington-Rainey James Jenkins Sailing Colours End of Story competition 1st prize Harry Saunders Sailing Instructor Ties Tom Carr End of Story competition 2nd prize James Trotman Sailing Instructor Ties Alistair Hughes Ben Massey Sailing Instructor Ties End of Story competition 3rd prize James Jenkins Sailing Instructor Ties

James Weston Sir John Weston Poetry Prize James Edwards Sailing Instructor Ties Jack Lewis Sir John Weston Poetry Prize Ben Young Sailing Instructor Ties

Hasan AI Hawachi Chemistry Olympiad certificate James Porter Ten Tors 45 CCF team Nicholas Siu Chemistry Olympiad certificate Ludo Hughes Ten Tors 45 CCF team Harry Wills Ten Tors 45 CCF team Alexander Ronaldson Debating - senior prize James Sanderson Ten Tors 45 CCF team Hugo Sutton Debating - senior prize Edward Pickup Ten Tors 45 CCF team

Nick Glasse Harry Fielder Ten Tors Lyon team medal Third Form personal project commendation Harry Hughes-Onslow Ten Tors Lyon team medal Tom Acland Tom Jackson Ten Tors Lyon team medal Third Form personal project commendation Chris Pudner Ten Tors Lyon team medal Archie Murdoch Third Form personal project commendation Stuart Alien Ten Tors Lyon team medal Christopher Pitman Third Form personal project commendation Charlie Hensher Ten Tors 35 CCF team (leader) William Johnson Nicholas Boughton Ten Tors 35 CCF team Third Form personal project commendation Christopher Knipe Ten Tors 35 CCF team Hugo Crabb Peter Chalwin Ten Tors 35 CCF team Third Form personal project commendation William Gibbon Ten Tors 35 CCF team Thomas Laycock Ten Tors 35 CCF team Harry Robins Third Form personal project first in set Henry Comyn Army Scholarship Kit Bridge Third Form personal project first in set Harold Busby Army Scholarship Charles Freeman Third Form personal project first in set Oliver Kesley Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award Alexander Warren Third Form personal project first in set Daniel Jones Chapel - Head Chapel Warden Vitaly Gan Third Form personal project first in set Toby Hannam Chapel - Head Server

6 We are delighted to print the following poem, written by Sir John Weston, reflecting on his time both as a boy and, more recently, as Chairman of the Board of Governors. Starting on page 49, we print the winners of the inaugural poetry prize that Sir John has generously funded.

SESTINA FOR SHERBORNE

How does one measure the risk of falling in love with a place? We have probably all seen it happen, or felt the pain of parting: a founder letting go of some prized new creation, the epic voice above Isaldwana silenced with a shot, the farewell of a Mr Chips from lessons that have spelled a life-time.

The Abbey chimes another day to life Time for would-be new boys to sit and be tested on our love of irregular verbs. Whether we've fared well buff telegrams will reveal later When I happen to score with the lucky ones, it's as if a voice whispers 'Here is the race's starting-line. Now, gol'

Five summers long, the butterflies come and go. Will the cane sting? Did the ringside bell call time? Is this a dress rehearsal? Shall I find a voice? 'Odi et amo' said Catullus: and if it were love, would that first kiss in the Abbey be how it would happen? Or is growing-up learning to strip a Bren gun well?

But 'all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well'. Slowly we found we did not want to let go of lines remembered or books that might make things happen to put the world to rights in our own life-time. Friends were for always Masters taught us to love the Idea for itself. We shouted the hymns with one voice ..

not always hearing the few who would quietly voice their loneliness, or a sense of loss that the 'Well of Life' would never quite assuage. Should one un-love a place for that? Not I, for whom leaving was letting go of a father I'd never had, after the time of my life: without which, the rest couldn't have happened.

So I came back to School to learn how it happens fifty years on, when we reinvent the voice, the music to set old values to modern time. A risky call, to venture 'All's fair, all's well'; Safer no doubt to stick to 'Steady as we go'.

But feel the generosity, feel the love I

We recognise a farewell when it happens: Letting go is easier once you find the voice to express a love that has lasted almost a lifetime.

John Weston

7 ROGER GIBSON

In 1970 I retu rned from two do, enthusiastically, what he happened to coincide with an years teaching in Australia to says he will do appalling bureaucratic find a new biologist had been tsunami, as GCSE and later A appointed to the department. In the early years A Level Levels insisted on coursework After a couple of pre-term Biology allowed students to and assessments of every little meetings I had appendicitis put in a practical project which feature of students' work. and went into hospital before could contribute to their Every practical became a teaching a single period. So grade. Roger inspired many a nightmare of paperwork, with Roger faced his first term as a student, helping them through endless boxes to be ticked or teacher without a Head of the difficulties inevitably crossed depending on every Department, and having to encountered in research. student's move. Of course take on some of my teaching Many of his students have mountainous files had to be on top of his own. Needless become lifelong friends, and kept with great care, as boys' to say he tackled the whole several went on to Oxbridge futures could depend on their situation calmly and efficiently. to study Zoology, which was papers being lost. After the That has been his style ever his special subject. set master assessed the levels since and I cannot think of a of their boys, the Head of more reliable colleague. After ten years he became Department had to check that Roger is a man who will always Head of Department. This we were all using the same very complex standards It still remember a time when he has boys' essays. I do know that makes me sick to think of the not been a tutor in one of the Roger often had very short demanding finicky, painstaking Houses. Again, he would nights when the pressure was work that had to be done. make sure that he saw all his on. Indeed 24/7 could be a Roger did all this to perfection tutees as often as was term invented for him. and I am glad to register my expected He would be firm, gratitude to him for this, as I encouraging and helpful in From 1997 - 2001 he joined a know it would have driven me untangling the muddles that team of school inspectors. As round the bend and the whole boys are wont to create. you would expect, he never department was dependent on talked about this at all - just him. Being a considerable athlete got on and did it. I expect it himself, he inspired many boys has to be confidential. This may paint a picture of a to become excellent long­ boring pen-pusher. Having distance runners and From 1999 to 2005 he took on been on several quite hilarious orienteers. Orienteering is a the unenviable task of field trips and short courses first-rate challenge, since it arranging cover for absent with him I can say that he has a demands both mental and teachers. I know that warm, ironical sense of humour physical effort. It is the perfect whenever he could, he did the which is difficult to quench. education, following the cover himself. I can remember He is a man I would gladly principles of Rousseau, who earlier members of staff have joined to go on a saw that it should be a tackling this job and getting biological expedition into the drawing out of the best parts fraught with the vagaries of Amazon rainforest. of the 'noble savage'. colleagues but during Roger's Although it took whole reign it all seemed to flow At Sherborne, Roger has weekends of his time, I never along most smoothly. always been committed to the heard a complaint that it had wider Iife of the boys. I cannot delayed the marking of his

10 I have mentioned that he is a He also started the very were feeling that my efforts to considerable athlete. Even in successful 'DocSoc'. This make nettle soup were recent years he has taken part group of aspiring medics, vets inadequate for their needs. in huge feats of endurance in and dentists was composed of Roger: loyal, reliable, cycling. When you might ask both U6 and L6 and I am sure uncomplaining, inspiring. The him what he was doing for the made all the difference school will miss him. I think weekend, expecting a bit of between success or failure of Carole too should be gardening and some marking, its members in getting the mentioned in this dispatch. A he would casually reply that he vital offers for such huge support at all times, but would be cycling to York and competitive courses. especially I remember her back l Twice he has completed excellent hospitality when he Paris-Brest-Paris within the 90 I end with a story that was running the Biology hours allowed. epitomises Roger. I was taking Society. Carole would produce a group of natural historians a delicious meal for both the For the last seven years he has down to the barn we had on visiting speakers and the most been a very supportive Exmoor. I gave a boy a large relevant boys and staff. member of the Careers box of food to put in the Behind every great man. department. He has always transit which he put down JRL been there on the afternoons beside the vehicle. When we he agreed to spare for us and arrived in the back of beyond much underestimates his in Exmoor we had no food. ability to extract from boys Whom did we ring? Roger l He what they really wanted to do arrived totally uncomplaining or study. with our food just as the boys

11 .:...... - .... -.... -. -.... "'...... - .. • •• • • . . of his many talents. - . -. I I: ... I.

swiftly established

-. I •• maste~ in charge of .. ... -- . .. .- •• .. . • • -.. take ove~ Abbeylands, • •• .- . . - .. • rapport with tne •• • •• - . • -. . • . .. .. II -. • • • .-. . .. --.. ..- ..- . . -. - •• • - • - •• - • . • • . • - .. •• • ..

HEATHER SAVILLE

It was absolutely typical of her Heather's leaving Sherborne. illustrate various parts of the care and thoughtfulness that it In her time here she brought syllabus, not least her special was weeks after Heather had many gifts to the students and study of the apocalypse. She left for Aberlour School in staff. She came to Sherborne cared passionately about the Scotland with James and the from the state sector and there progress and potential of her family that we should be the was a rigour and freshness in students, cajoling them, recipients of her benison and her planning and grasp of the offering extra tuition, taking bounty. With the other curriculum which was wonderful care over her members of the Upper Sixth appreciated by the marking and nurturing the Religious Studies, I sat department and her classes. more easily bruised pupils, nibbling away at a tablet of She worked tirelessly to making sure they had their purest chocolate on which prepare her lessons, drawing moment of success and were inscribed in resources from a vast spectrum achievement. confectioner's sugar the word of research and scholarship. NIRVANA. The present had Her classroom was a riot of Nor was the classroom the sole arrived by post in the first colour and artefacts from the focus of her attention - she week on a new academic term. religions of the world, was scrupulous in obtaining Bless. beautifully exhibited with an placements for the Community eye to stimulating the Service which she believed was 'All things must pass' proclaim imagination of those who a crucial extra curricular the sages of the Eastern passed through. Her video adjunct to a Shirburnian's religions and thus it is with a library was the envy of all: she education, in that it mixture of sadness and had collected an impressive encouraged the students to understanding that we mark library of films with which to look outside themselves to the

12 contribution that they could Two features of the latter part marked for the exam boards; make to the community in of her time at Sherborne, she had coached hockey; she which they lived. however, made her positively knitted with a Kaffe Fassett glow. The birth of Harry and intensity; she was a model of She was unstinting in her Isla brought a sense of happy couture and sharp dressing; loyalty and support for James, fulfilment which was shared by she was a reader with a who worked at the Prep all. I believe that she was the voracious appetite. School, and indeed part of the first woman teacher at move to Scotland was to allow Sherborne to have been given She was a professional teacher him to take up a position maternity leave but she of integrity and honour whose which she believed would bounced back after the births companionship was valued and provide him with a stimulating with renewed energy, ready to respected. In going to challenge. But together, they do battle again. The second Scotland, she goes, with her also provided Sherborne boys source of happiness was her family, to a land that has with an invaluable nexus as acceptance into the Roman always held a fascination and pupils came on with a sense of Catholic Church which gave attraction for her. All who knew continuity and confidence to her a sense of coming home. It her wish her well and hope the 'big school', knowing there gave her teaching an enriched that life at Aberlour will bring would be a friendly face and dimension. new challenges and someone who knew their achievements.

anxieties and worries, There were many other aspects DPKC someone to whom they could to her life here. She was an turn readily. assiduous House tutor; she

MIKE WADE

When I met a prospective not always make a good parent recently, we were teacher; the attributes of discussi ng the fact that there is dedication, the willingness to always one boy in the year go the extra mile and the group whom everyone else enjoyment of seeing young looked up to academically. This people succeeding in their parent, an old boy, then chosen field are also some of proceeded to tell me that in his the qualities Mike possesses in year at Sherborne, that boy was abundance. Mike Wade. This was of little surprise to me and when one Mike joined the staff of looks at an academic career Sherborne in 1999 following a that includes a Ley Scholarship semi-speculative letter seeking to Jesus College, Cambridge employment. As an ex-Head of and a degree in Theoretical House of Westcott and tutee of Physics at Durham, it is clear John Mitchell we knew, to an that Mike is a man of strong extent, what we were getting. academic pedigree. That said, No-one, however, could have qualifications as they stand do expected a member of staff so

I ) committed to the boys in so true with the offering of extra Galapagos Islands. Mike has many areas of school life. modules to help boys fulfil a enjoyed being a part of all of Whether it was in the desire to gain even more these trips: it is an area of School classroom, on Dartmoor, in front Mathematics qualifications. With life where one can be part of the of a lens or on a hockey pitch others, he has helped the group as much as leading the Mike would unstintingly give of department to establish an group and Mike always found the his time and energy. During nine environment where boys want to balance necessary for the boys to years at Sherborne, Mike learn and are prepared to go develop their own skills without­ established himself as a beyond the minimum required for most of the time - getting too Mathematics teacher of some A Level Mathematics. hopelessly lostl repute He took a particular Despite an unbridled passion for interest in helping our best his subject, Mike is always With such a time consuming mathematicians realise their happiest when he is outside, commitment, it would be potential and would hold a usually up a mountain and he has understandable if one were to number of extra lessons to shared this passion with many distance oneself from other areas cover further modules or to help boys during his time at of school life but, typically, Mike's boys overcome difficulties in Sherborne. As Head of Outdoor involvement did not stop here. particular areas. In many respects Activities, he oversaw and ran a He is a keen hockey player, this gave Mike the opportunity to number of expeditions, either as latterly representing Yeovil and do some of the more 'interesting' part of the Duke of Edinburgh Sherborne himself and enjoyed mathematics; stretching both the programme, Ten Tors or as trips coaching the 3rd XI; he was students' and his ability. He in their own right. With over thirty always willing to be the extra would not be confined to the D of E expeditions, a number of player if the teams were syllabus and enjoyed looking at boys have Mike to thank for the imbalanced. An excellent sprinter what he called, 'hard sums' and progress in this very worthwhile himself. he worked with the 'even harder sums'. As the exam award and this has taken him all School's sprinters and helped season approached, Mike would over the country in all kinds of them to develop their skills on often hold revision sessions for weathers He has also managed the track. His name does still any boy that wanted help and the Lyon House Ten Tors team feature on the School's Athletics would do this very much at the and accompanied overseas trips record on display in the Sports boys' convenience. This was also to the Pyrenees and the Hall.

14 When Mike invites you to view the School has been respects, Mike has been a the photographs of his latest trip, exceptionally lucky to have this all schoolmaster of the highest be prepared to be amazed at the done free of charge when it could calibre. He is prepared to give up sights of some of the most have represented a salaried all of his time for the School and spectacular landscapes on the position on its own. would do this at his own personal planet and be aware that his cost. His decision to take a break 'photo album' does not contain a Looking back on successful from teaching to explore the handful of snaps. Throughout this schoolmasters, it is unusual for wildernesses of the USA and New magazine, there will be a sample someone of such commitment Zealand is brave yet exciting. To of the photographs of School life not to have given pastorally to receive an email recalling his that he has taken during the last the life of the school as well. Mike encounter with a bear showed us seven years. In all, he 'estimates' is no exception to this rule. As a all that he made the right (for the benefit of not wanting to Resident Tutor in The Digby and decision: everyone needs time for know exactly how many, although then a tutor in Lyon house, Mike themselves, not least Mike. He he does!) that he has taken in has given and gained much from will be missed by boys and staff order of 17,000 photos of school his tutees and the House alike but I know that, deep down, activities. This, in itself is a community. Easy to talk to, boys we may still meet up with him remarkable feat but if one looks would respond to his from time to time although this is at the time to download, sort and encouragement and always knew as likely to be up a mountain as file all of these photographs as that, should they face a problem, anywhere else. well as tweaking the colours and their tutor would be there to MAP settings for all those published, guide them through. In all

ALL THOSE WHO HAVE WORKED ON THE SHIRBURNIAN WILL SHOUT A LOUD 'HEAR HEAR' TO THIS ENCOMIUM, AND WILL SAY AGAIN HOW INDEBTED THE MAGAZINr HAS BEEN TO HIS EYE FOR A GREAT PHOTOGRAPH, AND HIS GENEROSITY WITH TIME: THANK YOU WE WISH MIKE WELL IN HIS NEW JOB Ar SHREWSBURY

15 ROBERT GLEN

In memory of Robert Glen, who died on February 23 this year, we reprint the tribute that appeared in tribute to him in The Shirburnian of 1991, when he retired. Readers can be assured that retirement did nothing to stop Rev Glen's many activities: having been assistant chaplain at the School, he threw himself into the life of the Abbey, where he became rural dean. He worked for the Benefice of Yetminster, Ryme Intrinseca and High Stoy, and was local chairman of Macmillan Cancer Relief. In his last years, he was still available to provide individual Latin lessons.

In an age of specialization but closest to his heart is the rather to work with the raw such as ours, when the aim of drama of the Fifth Century, of material that he had signed many seems to be to know which his knowledge is up. Sometimes (but all too more and more about less and encyclopaedic A distillation rarely) he was persuaded to less, the polymath is indeed a of his views on that subject take a small cameo part rarity. But if you take Robert found expression - and a himself; no-one who saw Glen's first in Classics at publ isher - under the title, The Dandy Dick could forget his Cambridge, add to it degrees Two Muses. marvellously sneering portrayal in Physics, Theology and of Blore, the butler. English Literature, and throw in Opportunities abounded to for good measure turn this passion for drama For fifteen summers, he has qualifications in Archaeology into reality. He directed presided over the staging of and Operatic Direction, the school plays, house plays, staff productions by Dorset Opera. resulting heady mixture is an plays, Commem plays, in Big From the very first highly example of polymathy sans School, in his classroom, in the charged performance of pareil. Powell Hall, in the Courts Smetana's Bartered Bride (sometimes two at once) (which enjoyed royal All this versatility was placed at cruising through a melee of patronage) to the bold choice the disposal of his pupils for electricians wiring, designers of a little known Donizetti, the best part of a generation. painting, carpenters successive vintages from the His wide knowledge of the hammering and chorus schools of Sherborne revelled classics stirred the interest of chattering, serenely, that is, in the chance to take part in the beginner and satisfied the until the moment called for the what became a priceless curiosity of the specialist. almost ritualized explosion, institution, and Robert's magic Proceedings in his classroom timed carefully to summon up wand has unfailingly turned were unstuffy; an air of relaxed the blood and focus the mind. gauche or gawky novices into and creative informality From musicals to melodrama, subtle Spanish courtiers for prevailed. Massive volumes from pageants to Pinero, from Don Car/os or the unbending might have weighed heavily on Sophocles to Shakespeare, the children of Camberley into the shelves, but he wore his variety of works that he staged credible Hebrew slaves for learning lightly. Discussion ran the whole gamut. The text Nabucco. took place in the withdrawing always had primacy, but his part of the room, where management of crowds was 'We must find an evening,' he tutorials and theology sets met masterly and delightfully said in recent years. He to hear him talk, in practice, humorous pieces of stage perused his Parson's about anything under the sun business linger in the memory. Pocketbook and with a frown or beyond it. His enthusiasm Rehearsals were never confided that there was one for all things Greco-Roman obsessively numerous; as likely free some seven weeks away. (less of the Roman, I think I as not, he had head-hunted no You see, there was Interpretes hear him warn) was infectious, star performers, choosing and Philosophes, Epicureans

16 from Greece were reunited time, a pianist was needed at there to exchange the last minute to provide photographs and recollections incidental music for this of sunrise over the peaks of production of The Frogs: he Delphi. On high days the would do it, provided that cooking was his own; Robert's there was nothing more specialities were soups ­ modern than Dvorak. A 'cellist delicate things involving lemon was required to add weight to and parsley. the bottom line? he would oblige, provided that he could It is hard to believe that in the find his 'cello They're short of midst of this activity he was tenors in the Musical Society? also Housemaster of he would fit it in. Did a tea Abbeylands for a decade. The and concert have to be breadth of his vision and his arranged for pensioners? he concern for the ultimate would cope. objectives of education largely prevented him from becoming So many hats. Despite an passionate about the astounding capacity for what composition of the clothing list anyone else would call work, or the changes in the I.b.w law. he always managed both to Instead he was affronted by appear and to be leisurely, inconsiderateness, intolerance with time to help the new and a closed mind and was colleague who was feeling his determined to discern the best way, or the youngest third­ in all. Somehow there must former whose books had have been further interstices in disappeared They would both this day. Every Commem for respond to his calm and gentle years there was the Prologue humour and when they knew to ghost. As guests were him better, they would value and Dionysiacs, evening welcomed and the year light­ his impatience with mere prayers and House heartedly reviewed, a hilarious fashion and pretence, and his Communions, confirmation profusion of puns, conceits, conviction. With only slight classes and extra tutorials .. double-entendres and epic exaggeration, Virgil says For he was as lavish with his outrageous rhymes threatened somewhere 'Hardly could time and wisdom as he was to burst the metre apart. The twelve strong men such as the generous with his hospitality. same sort of verbal fire-works earth produces in these At Devan Haye, an enchanted sometimes invaded his degenerate days shoulder such bungalow that never reached sermons, especially in the a load'. Yet Robert shouldered Bengal and seemed to be parentheses; such a succession it without strain beyond the entirely supported by c1ematis, of throw-away remarks, some normal term and even then there was open house to all. acerbic, some provocative, was reluctant to set it down. Both while he was head of some merely true, ought to Friends, pupils, audiences, department and after he had have kept the Lower Sixth on casts, Abbeylanders, handed on the torch, the edge of their pews in case colleagues, congregations, Interpretes met there; casts they missed a sally at this fellow-townspeople, all owe were rewarded there with prejudice, or a side-swipe at him much gratitude. celebratory teas; travellers that sacred cow. At another Chris Knott

17 LES MISERABLES

In his Director's programme poses particular challenges for and the outstanding note, Mark Waldron quotes a individual performance, performances of Theo Jenkins description of Drama as 'the staging and direction, and the and Jamie Excell were biggest team game of all'. If Sherborne Schools' production fundamental to the success of this statement applies to responded brilliantly in its the production. From the almost any stage production, response. moment in the first scene in how true it is of such an which Javert immediately enterprise as Les Miserables The opening scene establishes imposed his powerful presence which can only be made to the confrontation between to the final soliloquy in which succeed by seeking out, Inspector Javert and Jean his framework of values harnessing and pushing to the ValJean which is to be a crumbled into self-destructive very limit a wide range of mainspring of the action: confusion, Jenkins talents. This is a work which, in Javert representing authority communicated powerfully his its essence, combines the based from the outset on character's sombre and personal and the public and unquestioning belief, ValJean a threatening force. The role of expresses intense emotion man who grows through a Valjean requires great range, experienced both at an series of moral crises into the both musically and in terms of intimate level and in terms of possessor of towering moral emotion; there are songs of large-scale political aspiration authority. These are two great tenderness such as and conflict. In this sense it extremely demanding roles 'Bring him home' but other

19 moments of sharp professional production. One innkeeper's role was introspection and decision scene in particular will not developed. such as the climactic 'Who am fade with the figures of his I?' and Jamie Excell met these dead companions in the Still, for the real strength of varying demands with a background, he delivers the this production we should look dramatic sense and a presence deeply touching 'Empty chairs further. In a large cast many on the stage which were at empty tables'; the figures others made telling and often immensely impressive. disappear as his voice soars to versatile contributions. The a peak of emotion and he orchestra, under Jamie The rich score of Les remains alone in the darkness. Henderson's direction, was Miserables offers unusually Unforgettable, too, are the excellent and it should be wide opportunities to the cast: scenes at the barricades, with pointed out, for example, that, Charlotte Diffey impressed the group of students working alongside several with the well known 'I dreamed (including Tom Oxenham as professional musicians, George a dream' and Jessie Smith the exuberant Enjolras and Barker played an important injected enduring warmth and Ben Huntington-Rainey as part on percussion. It is also pathos into the role of the self­ Grantaire) so central to the important to emphasise the sacrificing Eponine. The gentle work as a whole in their intense visual qualities of this emotion of the trio in which expression of an ideal production. Exploiting to the Marius (Oliver Longland) and sustained against inevitable full the possibilities of a small Cosette (Charlotte Trepess) physical - if not spiritual ­ stage, Mark Friend's set design express their love in Eponine's destruction; the great chorus was superb. The use of colour presence will be one of the 'Do you hear the people sing?' was, moreover, imaginative production's abiding will long echo in our heads and exciting. From the very memories. There are several and in our minds. In sharp first moments of the such memories, however, and contrast Laurie Blair and production the colours of the the performance of Oliver Habibah Alao were memorable tricoleur filled the stage, Longland as Marius will be too as Thenardier and his wife, colours which were to mark responsible for no few of moving on from their cruelly other critical moments (for them; his voice was surely such comic duet as the grotesque example at the climax of the as to do justice to a and sinister aspect of the 'One day more' scene Just

20 before the interval). However, Gavroche sings for a second identity to the appearance of there were many other time of the strength of 'little the judges by whom an moments when the effective people'. This production innocent man is about to be use of lighting and colour indeed offered visual images tried in his place. Transition achieved powerful effects: to linger in the mind, some from one scene to another was such as the grotesque and with the sharpness of a canvas rapid and seamless, whether brutal sensuality of the 'Lovely and with some moments at the this involved the appearance ladies' scene brought out by barricades evocative of of a cart on stage or a transfer the contrast between Delacroix's vision of Liberty. of the action - as the gauze is light and dark; the drawn aside - from the sudden descent Above all, this was a Thenardiers' inn to the into blackness production marked by pace seething and emotion-filled the biggest which marks and by movement. Paris streets. It would be all tcan1 gan1e Fantine's Fundamental to this was the too easy to forget the sterling death; the rich skilful staging of scenes such work of the back-stage team, ufall combination of as the 'One day more' chorus among whom Angus Rance gold and red which succeeded in creating deserves particular mention. (beneath the flag an impression of the confident of freedom) as onward march of the swelling Imaginatively conceived, Eponine's lifeless body is forces of the people, or the planned with rigour and carried from the stage; with orchestration of movement performed with immense the smoke of battle now and gesture in the scene in the energy, this was a production cleared, the glow of evening Thenardiers' inn in order to of which Sherborne can be lanterns as the students and communicate a sense of pace immensely proud and which their companions sing the and vitality. Effective too was none of us will forget. nostalgic 'Drink with me'; and, the shifting from action in one as a bitter prelude to death, part of the stage to another, as PTS the abrupt change to the cold in the rapid movement from blue of the scene in which Valjean's revelation of his

21 INCIDENT AT VICHY

Lights up. The set is but a few contrasting emotions of fear benches and a wall specked and hatred into a twisted with sinister, Nazi propaganda. tapestry that depicted the The mood is immediately set feelings of the audience and, as a troupe of men in towards the Nazis. period dress march on at gunpoint, there is silence. The Commandant (Fred Whittell) was spectacularly well As the evening unravels one played as the confused but by one each victim is plucked proud German who could not away into the unknown. There bear to see his country making are interjections from various war in such horrific ways The crisply dressed scientists and internal battle in his mind of chillingly upright soldiers, but patriotism and disgust was otherwise the characters face contained for the majority of the unknown on stage, alone. the play until he is confronted The faces of the cast are by the captives with a mind to familiar but unrecognisable in escape. Performed in such an climactic moment allows for character; all of them have efficient way, the explosive our hero, having passed the something to lose if they outburst of the Commandant 'inspection', to give up his attempt to fight or flee, and left the audience clinging, freedom for his neighbour who none of them knows why they white knuckled, to their seats. most certainly would have are there. The terror of such a Metamorphoses of many of disappeared into history like scenario was imitated, the players gave for an so many others. The act of brilliantly, by the cast. Class uncertainty that could not be ultimate sacrifice for another divided the characters, and the overlooked and the conclusion man was delivered with heart dialogue itself, into short, of the first and final act left, and belief that convinced the sharp bursts; the subtle body like a taste in the mouth, a audience to fall completely language created an intensity feeling of bitter injustice of the silent for many moments after which could almost be tasted. Vichy betrayal. the curtain.

The tight control of casting, The nobleman (Harold Busby) Many others have contributed acting and line delivery remained seated and tranquil to the production of Incident allowed the audience to sense throughout the performance at Vichy, by Arthur Miller. The the change in atmosphere having been flustered. A well­ costume department, those within the presence of pressed and perfectly creased who helped to consider and authoritarian characters. In the suit matched his temperament. create the set, and the director case of the businessman (Phil He watched and listened as can all take much credit for the Hammickl. and the police of the light-hearted mood of the evening. the Vichy regime it was hungry Jewish painter (Luke efficient and almost robotic. Mackay) developed into fearful This piece of theatre was an The other characters dread as the engineer excellent choice for such a expressed themselves in (Cameron Henley) told of his group of actors; a compelling unorganised flurries of panic, experiences at the train yards. script has armed these players rumour ridden rants and The relaxed and ever-watching with a weapon to inspire guilt argumentative attacks on each prince gradually partakes in and fear when the fate of the other. The conflict between more of the dialogue between characters is considered in sets of players weaved the the fearful accused. The hindsight. Ludo Hughes

22 DON JUAN IN SOHO

Without prior knowledge of the performance does real justice to convincing remorse he shows, story and no real understanding the character he portrays. but this is quickly extinguished of the characters I did not know Immorality and mindless when he exclaims to Stan: 'Of what to expect in Patrick exploitation of those who are course I didn't mean itl That Marber's Don Juan in Soho. This virtually powerless to prevent it load of bollocks?' was an entertaining, shocking are second nature to a man who and exciting production and an cares only for himself. This In the final scene, a return to extremely adventurous choice priapic sybarite seeks only to Soho Square where, ironically, for a house play. It was, however, expand the bounds of his own Don Juan first appeared to see brilliant. pleasure, and those he hurts reason, he is stabbed and killed along the way mean nothing to by the Irish brothers Colm and Ben Huntington-Rainey played him - his dejected wife Elvira is Aloysius (Chris Quaile). Also the lead role, Don Juan, the testimony to this. ironic is the consideration that it wayward son of an Earl who, was here, earlier in the play, that against both the pleas of his However, though the underlying Don Juan saved the life of Colm father and his loyal chauffer, message of the play is from a gang of violent thieves. Stan (Theo Jenkins), spends his undeniably shocking and As the lights dim the audience is life squandering his distressing, it incorporates a struck with a final thought. considerable fortune on great deal of comedy also, from Although, at face value Don prostitutes, drugs and alcohol. Don Juan's being caressed Juan is depraved and decadent The play opens in the lobby of a through a medical curtain by to the extreme, he does have a chic Soho hotel where we almost one enchanted, track-suited girl sense of (albeit warped) morality. immediately learn that Don Juan (reminiscent of Vicky Pollard, When he offered the vagabond is 'hard at work' with a Ukrainian albeit thinner), to the antics of a his watch on the request that he model Meanwhile his loyal pair of Eastern European blasphemed, he in fact gave it servant, Stan, is left to explain prostitutes in his flat (wonderfully to him for his resolution in the circumstances to his played by Alice Evans-Bevan refusing not to. When the newlywed wife, Elvira (Nancy and Jo Dorey) in front of his brothers give him a final chance Daniel) and her harrowingly indignant father (Tom Hussey). to save his skin by apologising, pious (and very Irish) brother, The entirety of the production he refuses it. Is this because he Colm (Rollo Skinner). The maintains much mirthful fun genuinely believes that he has opening scene was a little while upholding a strong sense done no wrong, or because he wooden and awkward. The of moral delusion on behalf of no longer believes his life is characters had not yet found Don Juan. When Stan worth living for all the evil he has their feet and the first night reproaches his behaviour in committed? nerves were clear to see. But, Soho Square he replies, whilst following the entry of Don Juan holding one of the Abbey Friar's Don Juan in Soho was a fantastic himself, they settled and the finest to his eye: 'You are now production. It was funny, stage was set for a masterpiece. rendered invisible by one small, captivating, scandalous and fat chip. Perspective, odd isn't heart-rending. The acting was One is immediately struck by the it?' excellent, the lighting and music nonchalance of Don Juan and incredibly effective and the his complete disregard for those From a talking statue (Max scenery extremely successful who love him, care for him and Hobbs) to a dedicated Islamic Full credit must be given to the work for him. Stan is the ever­ tramp (Luc Guralp) the audience cast and stage crew of The present voice of reason but, until is continuously surprised. In the Digby and most importantly to the very end, remains too weak penultimate scene Don Juan Mr Hedison, the Director. resolutely to stand against the finally apologises to his father atrocious behaviour of his and to Stan, resolving to Mr Brooke will undoubtedly be master. He threatens resignation reconcile himself with his wife delighted with his first House on several occasions but never also. For a moment, the Play, and rightly so. succeeds until the very end. Ben audience must concede to

Huntington-Rainey's captivating being fooled by the remarkably George Alien BAJARSE AL MORO (GOING DOWN TO MARRAKESH)

Bajarse al Moro was performed in apartment in Madrid where Helena Gardaconvinced us as a Spanish by Lower Sixth IB Jaimito (Jordy Pacheco Mafia), a gum-chewing, street-wise young students from Sherborne School drug-taking anti-establishment drug-trafficker, and Kate Hamilton and Sherborne Girls. The figure, and his hippy cousin Chusa (Elena) made a startling transition international nature of the (Helena Garda) live alongside from a demure middle-class, production was underlined by the Alberto (Robin Shackleton). a butter-wouldn't melt in her mouth contributions of two Ecuadorians, policeman. Alberto represents the senorita to a sensuous man-eater a Colombian, a German, an traditional Spanish authoritarian in the scene where she attempts Italian, a Russian-speaker and four figure but he, like the society of to seduce Alberto the policeman. British students. which he forms part, is evolving. Jose Antonio Cornejo Jacome as Thus his life is something of a Nacho and Muzaffar Rakhmatov For a school Spanish play this microcosm of that society, which as Abel (two addicts in search of production entered the (for the is learning to tolerate and indeed drugs) conveyed a convincing Spanish Department) uncharted coexist with new social models. degree of menace. waters of late twentieth century Spanish drama and the Bajarse at However, the play does not mire Congratulations to James Moro cast and production team us down in deep sociological Edwards for ensuring the smooth should feel proud of their efforts realism, and the humour is there staging transitions and to Caspar in tackling a challenging and for all to appreciate, with von Hodenberg for his skilled diverting piece of theatre. moments of out-and-out farce to work on lighting and sound. delight in. The cast admirably The playwright, Jose Alonso de succeeded in conveying this: Dr Such the director and Sylvie­ Santos, sets the scene in post­ Robin Shackleton's stiff Anne Taylor certainly put their Franco Madrid, where traditional policeman's bearing certainly actors through their paces and society's values are being amused the audience, as did the delivery of their lines in challenged by a new wave of Matteo Verdun's playing of his Spanish was a testimony to their hedonistic, anti-authoritarian role as Dona Antonia, a seemingly and the actors' dedication. conduct which has been down-to-earth stereotypical Mention should also be made of unleashed in the new democracy. middle-aged working-class lady Mrs Cracknell's work on the The two mind-sets implied by this whose behaviour, attitudes and costumes, which helped the juxtaposition of values is five o'clock shadow defy the performers bring their roles to represented (with contradictions) cliche. life. within the four walls of a seedy DCB

24 • •

Although our p-erf• p-reRaration fo~ the trip- that more entertaining and ...... mere week ot tlie ...... - ... .. haggis was eaten, • -. • .- .- . . .. .-. • • • • • were forced to do tne .- I': - ... • endured a tiring j • • irhis triR allowed ...... •• • first night went well. • see a wonderful city ...... - - . . extent of our eXRerience ...... -...... - . - . . eXRerience and c productions) was shown to experiences of tne . . fine thespians of tne .- - .- • •• • ... Sherborne irheatre C. ..

2') THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE

This term's Lyon House production was shocking, extremely funny, and at times thought provoking. Hubert Mainwaring-Burton and Ed White played a pair of hilarious rural Irishmen bent on spiralling into a never ending whirlpool of misfortune. The two combine in a brilliant partnership as the lead roles.

They were supported by Ed Withers, a lunatic vigilante and member of the INLA, and Freire Selwood-Miller, a wannabe Irish nationalist whose protests to date concern the blinding of cattle with an air rifle from 60 yards. Alex Koban, Harry Fielder and Chris Pudner (Christy, Brendan and Joey respectively) represented the authoritative arm of the INLA and spend their time hunting Padraic (Withers) who has decided to form his very own splinter group. This trio were hugely entertaining - they spend most of their time comparing the murder of cats to the bombing of chip shops - but also brutal in the extreme. As is pointed out in the director's note 'the crusade for freedom can become an excuse for exploitation, humiliation and corruption'.

We were given a snapshot of the darkly comic horrors that come at the end when Padraic is found torturing a minor drug dealer (Toby Gibbs) by extracting his toe nails and then moving on to his nipple - there is much debate as to whether the left or right is preferable.

The central story to the play is the death of Padraic's cat whilst in the care of Donny, his father (White) and Davey (Mainwaring­ Burton). The two call him to tell him that 'wee Tommy is off his food' and proceed by stealing a neighbouring cat and disguising it with boot polish. Padraic returns to the aid of his pet and finds the pair in a state of inebriation with a half painted cat in wee Tommy's old bed. The discovery leads to violence, riotous recriminations and plot twists, involving the cat-hating wing of the INLA.

This play was quite excellent. It was testimony to the considerable acting talent that lurks within Lyon House and a collection of brilliant Irish accents, particularly on the part of Donny and Davey, exaggerated the excellence of both the plot and the performance. As observed by Mr Carling, this piece was 'strong meat but flavoured with the piquant chilli of comedy'.

The Lieutenant of Inishmore was well executed, well choreographed and effectively supported by some elegant lighting and stunning (mostly revolting) effects - real cow carcasses included. It was an excellent production by both the staff and the boys of Lyon House and special congratulations are in order for the director, Mr Carling, and the producer, Mr Hudson. Mr Briere­ Edney will no doubt be delighted with his first play at the house.

George Alien

27 TALKS DEBATING

Michaelmas Term opened with Neil Hanson, a most versatile If it surprises you to learn, as a musical talk from the local writer (author, inter alia, of lan even now you read this article, early-music specialist Francis Botham's autobiographyl) who that the Senior Debating Eustace, who spoke (and spoke movingly about the Society here at Sherborne is played) to the lower school, Unknown Soldiers of World only a few years old - yes, her theme was Eustace, Count War I. We then had Lord really, I do mean that - and so, of Boulogne. Then the whole Armstrong, Secretary to the quite lamentably, there are no school heard from Sir Jeremy Cabinet in the 1980s; mindful ancient volumes, recording Isaacs; fresh from a celebration that his successor, Lord Butler, motions from time of his career at the BFI the had given the Steven Lawn immemorial, no legendary previous night, he talked Lecture on the Gulf War, Lord 19th-century debaters, not about television over the last Armstrong gave us a even a Latin motto for the fifty years. Next was Tarka fascinating and uniquely well­ Society, then I myself should L'Herpiniere, explorer informed history of the seek to proffer no sound extraordinaire, who spoke Falklands War. Then in Trinity excuse for this lamentable about his trek along the Great Term, we were pleased to shortcoming. So, culpable we Wall of China Hektor Krome welcome Patrick Barlow, writer, are; and yet, if we need to came back to entertain the actor and raconteur; best make up for our oversight, in Lower VI about independent known in his comic role as that, at least, we can hardly be travelling, and then Tom Desmond Olivier Dingle, judged remiss Hodgkinson (Editor of The Artistic Director of the Idler) spoke in defence of National Theatre of Brent, Standard, four person debates idleness to a sympathetic Sixth Patrick spoke entertainingly continued to be our staple this Form audience. Julian about life in the Arts (he is due year, and many were the Thompson OS spoke about to return soon to Sherborne, impassioned arguments from the Falklands War from the to the Powell Theatre, as speakers and crowd alike, as perspective of one right in the Desmond, reading from his we addressed such burning middle of it The term finished celebrated oeuvre). issues as the teaching of with a return visit from Martin happiness, religion's benefit, Taylor, who wowed the Sixth It has been a very varied year, Christmas' relevance (with Form with his hypnosis lecture slightly beset with problems mince pies for all attending), and show. Boys in the lower surrounding unavoidable Scotland and Britain's part in school are already pestering cancellations, but stimulating. slavery. me to get him back. The coming year promises still more variety: we have an And yet, even as I write, they In the Lent Term, with the award-winning Science all fall back, outshone, cast MacNaghten Book Prize in columnist from the Guardian into the history books, as they mind, we heard from a couple and a Radio 4 comedy writer defer to the Banning of of writers. Daniel Hahn, editor this term, as well as our own Immigration debate, which, of a number of reference Chairman of Governors, to although not entirely blessed books, including the very speak on the USA Election; with the first fruits of popular Ultimate Book Guide, also promising to come from intellectual rigour, was at least spoke about what makes the political world are Dr Vince outstanding in argument, books good, showing real Cable MP and Michael Crick, humour and the gratuitous use passion for literature; political editor of Newsnight. of Swiss National Front afterwards, he had lunch with PMR propaganda; and it drew a members of the library's 'Read hearty rabble to cheer, inquire On' group. We heard from and, of course, to vote.

28 Ah, the voting. Much of it was many of the other debates on, But George Alien, as Barack good for Sherborne this year: and added to them, with our Obama, was the winner, and as for the rest, well, let's contributions. This the judge despite the will of Mr Waldron face it, it was wrong. So, as we conceded, and, although we and Mr McGinty, who were move now to look at the would never complain, we outvoted by a fearsome crowd external competitions, it would were left wondering what more big enough to fill the O.S.R. be fair to say that, if we came we could have done exactly, as out of it all not entirely we returned to our stony The second Wimbledon of the steeped in plunder and silver, home, defeated. Thank you, debating world occurred in our ankles, were, at least, though, to Laurie Blair, Edward Trinity, and was about world moderately wetted in the stuff. Hughes, Oliver Longland, leaders, and which of them George Alien, Benoit Wells, was the best. Alex Ronaldson First, there was the Cambridge and Alex Clark for taking part just seemed so right as Union competition, in which, of in a most enjoyable day. Vladimir Putin, and no-one two teams entered, the one of could resist the will of that the irrepressible Mr Sutton and But what of our debating fearsome glare or perfect the collected Mr Hobbs made development? What of the logic; even Ahmedinajad, the second round: a laudable Society's outreach? (Do forgive Brown, Bush, Chavez and achievement, and they me.) We now lose the Sarkozy. certainly better than I did. combined might of the 2008 leavers. How will we find new Still you ask for change? Still Then came the Rotary Public blood? Balloon debates were you cry for reform? How about Speaking Competition, an important part of drawing this: we hosted our own reserved for men of steely new crowds this year: these are tournament, the 'Sherborne nerve; and, in reaching the competitions in which several School Debating Tournament'. second round, Mssrs Sutton, debaters defend a person, Invited to the inaugural Hughes and young Master country, argument, etc, and are meeting were two teams each Day-Robinson proved gradually, and mercilessly, from the Gryphon School and themselves thus. voted off until one stands, Thomas Hardye's School. At basking in the glory and the least one of the teams from Later Max Hobbs distinguished undeniably potent cross-school each school competed against himself in reaching the finals of admiration which, as everyone at least one of the teams from the Historical Association knows, is the fortune of all both respective other schools. Great Debate. Well done to orators. It was a contest of unseen him. motions, including debates on Our first one of these world­ an exam-free Lower Sixth year, Then there was the European rocking (or at least, school­ on our welcoming the London Youth Parliament. Being an mildly-trembling) events was Olympics, and our welcoming event for the then Lower Sixth, the US primaries debate At Tony Blair as the first president it brought several new that time, there were seven of the E.U., but it was our very debaters into the fold. We, men and women in contention own Sherborne team, of having prepared thoroughly for the presidency, so seven George Alien and Edward with several briefing sessions, speakers, with Mssrs Alien, Hughes, which took the and all much mindful of the Hughes, Sutton, Blair, and laurels, winning a most curious need to become Europhiles Ronaldson being final motion: 'This House for the day, presented a supplemented by the SG Would Take Risks'. Indeed, the thoroughly well-researched presence of Miss Charlotte vagueness of this motion was topic in our speech, moved Trepass and Miss Habs Alao. all too much for Mr Ronaldson,

29 but he was somewhat mention. We really are comforted, as we all were, by a all so very grateful to him rather nice debaters' dinner at for the time he has invested the Rajpoot, held that evening; not only in 2007/08, but in all for me at least, it represented the years, and many years yet one tradition that, having been to come. created, must be retained. Simply put, he makes this all Yet my last words must be possible, and there could be reserved for Hugo Sutton and no higher praise than that. Alex Ronaldson. Their tireless and long service to the But to finish, I feel compelled Society, be it in organisation, to say that, in all seriousness, chairing (they did almost all of with clarity of thought, and it), or speaking, meant that with sound judgment, and a they truly exceeded by far the piercing, steady eye, the requirements for the School senior Society, as we have Debating Prize, which they seen, has a bright future at shared. There could have been Sherborne. Long may it no other solution to Mr continue. Hudson's dilemma. In fact,

though, his will be the last Peter Day-Banks

10 IAN MCKELLEN, SHERBORNE AND ME

I realised I was gay when I was wholeheartedly accepting and I chose against it. I did not want 13. I was in my last term at Prep supportive; I am very lucky to to look back and think that I had School working hard for a have them. given up; I wanted to make a scholarship to get to Sherborne. difference, to change things for It was not a sudden change that At times I have found it very the better. panicked and confused me; it hard being gay at Sherborne. was my mind catching up with was very unhappy for a long One night I was talking to a my body, finding a name for period of time throughout 4th friend of mine from Prep School, what I already partly knew. That and 5th form. Because of a whose father happened to be a summer I told my closest friends tangibly oppressive atmosphere film director. I was telling her and they were extremely I felt like it was wrong to be gay that I was having a hard time supportive. Through their in Sherborne, that it was a when she suggested asking her friendship I became more secure subject that was hardly talked dad to put the school in touch and happy with myself. It took about, except in ridicule. This with Sir lan McKellen to discuss me a couple more years to made me feel very alone, I had homophobia and to talk about come out to my parents; I was no one in school I felt I could homosexuality, as well as his afraid what their reaction would talk to, and I was constantly in career as an actor. I leapt at the be. They were shocked initially fear of being found out. I used idea that he might visit the but have since been the school counsellor as an school immediately, being a fan outlet where I could vent my of his acting career and his work frustrations and talk openly campaigning for gay rights. about how I felt at school It However, for one reason or got to the point where I another nothing came of it until, was seriously almost a year later, my dad kick considering started the process and moving schools suggested that the Headmaster after GCSEs contacted Sir lan again. This Thankfully time a date was reached and a visit was booked, I was beyond excited. The day came, and at 8:30 in the morning I sat in Mr Watts's living room with a then

WILL WHITEAWAY

31 Upper 6th former friend of mine, awaiting Sir lan's arrival. We had a slot of under an hour to discuss with him homophobia in Sherborne, the problems we, and inevitably others, were facing and, most important, what we could do about it. We ended up talking with him for nearly two hours, in awe of his presence and friendliness. He explained that to achieve anything the school must make a continued commitment to doing just that, and not let his visit be the end of it. He gave a junior chapel talk, conducted fascinating acting and sonnet workshops, met with staff to that made it so much easier to Clearly not. 'How many gay discuss what could be done to be 'out' at school. I was happier members of staff have you got?' alleviate homophobia in and more comfortable in being He had no idea. And this was a Sherborne and finally gave an myself, without feeling the need concerned man. There is a need excellent talk in the BSR, to hide. However, inevitably to make it clear that there are answering questions with great there are a number of boys at gay kids in school.' It is for these enthusiasm. His message Sherborne who are not so happy kids that I instigated Sir lan's emphasised the need for us to and secure. Just thinking visit, it is for these kids that I accept and celebrate our statistically, there will be a regularly met with the differences and to fight sizeable number of gay pupils at Headmaster to discuss methods homophobic attitudes and Sherborne and yet I am the only to eliminate homophobia, and it bullying wherever we see it. one who does not keep it secret. is for these kids that I write this When the discussion came to a That suggests to me that many article, to recount the actual close and Sir lan McKellen was are still afraid of the reason why Sir lan came, which being guided out of the packed consequences of coming out or was not mentioned in the BSR, my friend in the Upper 6th that they are not entirely sure in Sherborne Review and on the and I were pleasantly surprised themselves of their sexuality. lan School Website, and to once when he came up to us and McKellen mentioned Sherborne, again openly raise the issue of shook our hands. It is a moment my friend and me in an interview being gay at Sherborne. As he I will never forget. in last September's issue of wrote in an email to me earlier Attitude magazine, saying, this term, I am not unique, there The visit was fantastic for all 'One school invited me down, as are others going through what I involved and was successful in two pupils had come out and have gone through, perhaps raising the issue of being gay as the Headmaster didn't know worse, and there is no reason a legitimate talking point, not an what to do about it. I said: 'How why that should continue. ignored taboo. This was a big many students here are gay?' and welcome change for me and he said, 'Just these two. ' Ed Cri pps RESUME

It is important to open this team practices 'rehearsals' and recent move, these have brief review with the admission stick where possible to warm largely migrated from the BSR that your writer is but a well­ and dry buildings, but they are to the Cheap Street Church, meaning outsider, an amateur surely all the more sensible for and this has been a great who interferes occasionally, that l success. Not only has the making as loud a noise at more intimate venue allowed a times as he can get away with, To write a review of all the greater interaction between but one who at heart looks on concerts given over the course performer and audience but ­ with admiration and of the year wou Id tax even the despite the rather puritan amazement at the fruits the greatest gazetteer, not to pews - it has been a more Music department manages to mention the poor reader or comfortable venue to enjoy produce with our young men. conservationist, but a brief music, in its enormous variety; Looking at the school calendar, summary should give some audiences enjoyed Chamber the longer entries are usually sense of the riches at the Music, Piano, Organ, teams playing matches at disposal of potential Percussion, Singers (including home or other schools, but audiences, all too often the excellent and hard-working there is no less teamwork, nor ignored by the majority. choral scholars), Woodwind, any less regularity and Throughout the year, there Brass, Strings, Guitars, Jazz commitment from our have been the regular Friday Band, Swing Band, and even musicians They may call their Lunchtime Concerts. In a Composers. To all of these, a small but ever increasing audience. As is inevitable in a churches, the dining hall for number of boys come, school such as Sherborne, 'Dinner and Jazz', our summer alongside a loyal and sizeable some houses are more blessed Jazz cafe and, a little more number of townsfolk; the with musical talent than others, exotically, Grenada. Ensemble students taking part in these but each one is proud of the groups also performed out of concerts take a real and talent, enthusiasm and school, both in competition justifiable pride in their sometimes sheer bluster and in the annual Abbey performances, and they give displayed by its members. Festival. real pleasure to members of Some of these concerts also the local community. take place in the Cheap Street The school also played host, Church (where Harper with SG, to the annual Another treat open to all, and originally led, others have conference of the MMA, a real source of pride, is the followed, an unusual musical directors of Music at many of recently developed series of experience for that house I), the country's leading schools. individual recitals. What could and the school remains very This involved events at which be a necessary evil, part of the grateful to the church our boys provided music, in Music A2 course, has community for their hospitality conjunction with the girls of developed into an opportunity to us. SG and Leweston. There was for boys to showcase the fruits primarily Evensong in the of their intense labours. It is a And that isn't all; as well as Abbey, where they premiered a wonderful chance to share with leading the worship in school new work by Andrew Carter, others the individual skills and services, week in and week and an orchestral workshop. enthusiasm of musicians who out, the choir paid its usual This took the form of an at times have to work in visit to Salisbury Cathedral for exhibition rehearsal, a la isolation, and is not restricted Evensong. It is a shame that, Bernstein, with Richard Dickins, to those pursuing the A level. with the otherwise entirely a conducting tutor at the Royal This year, small but fortunate laudable attempt to minimise College of Music (and former audiences were treated to the number of academic prep school orchestra recitals from Andrew Bulman, lessons missed by boys, the conductor of your reviewer ­ William Leith, Jonathan Titchin formerly termly choir trips that was a blast from the past). and Adam Smith, the last of appear to have become As ever, all students from all whom gave his in final annual, especially when now three schools acquitted preparation for his diploma this one trip takes place during themselves excellently, and examination; it is rare indeed 'chaos week' when the choir demonstrated to envious for a schoolboy to achieve numbers are depleted anyway; teachers Just what a reservoir such a very high standard of but perhaps this serves to of talent we have to work with musicianship that he is entitled make the trip even more here. to letters after his name, and special. The choristers made Adam deserves the warmest up, though, for missing their The principal performances of congratulations on this, not services elsewhere by our 'blue riband' ensembles least because of the modest recording a CD in Sherborne were the usual success. The and unassuming manner with Abbey; by the time we go to Choral Society (the artist which he has worn his special print, I am sure the CD will be formerly known as MusSoc) talent. available for all to hear. Out of gave us a splendid evening of school, there have also been a Mozart, climaxing with his Then there were the House number of performances. The Great Mass in C minor, but Concerts, eight afternoons or Swing and Jazz Bands have opening with an unusual treat; evenings where everyone who been doing a lot of outreach one of Mozart's piano wanted it had the opportunity work, performing at the local concertos, performed by the to perform before an Rotary Club event in the Digby professional orchestra with appreciative and supportive Hall, Castleton and Corscombe Edward Hughes (e). Following the Sherborne Concert of a though it was disappointing to doesn't get to play to the size couple of years ago when play to such a small audience, of audience it has come to Gordon Curtis gave us a the level of their performance expect at this stage, but the clarinet concerto with a was most impressive. quality of performance is professional ensemble, this surely more important, and the was a very rare opportunity for The Symphony Orchestra mid-May concert allows for any schoolboy, and Edward finished the year a little earlier slightly less pressure. acquitted himself with than usual, also at Leweston panache. for their Summer concert. The There is bound to be Commem concert seems to be something missing from the That leaves us with the another casualty of the public list. I apologise for any orchestras. The December examination system, whereby omission, but it is testament to concert gave us the the vast richness of the musical opportunity to hear both variety; in most schools, one ensembles together; as has could list exactly what went been regularly observed on without difficulty. It in previous years, most also misses such schools would be successes as RocSoc proud to call the and Concert in the Sinfonia their own, Courts, as well as but we have two all the unofficial, orchestras informal music­ between the three making in the schools (in school. conjunction with the International Sherborne is truly College and The blessed to have such Gryphon School, an a talented, hard­ excellent and worthwhile working and enthusiastic development), both of which Music department, and the achieve a quite splendid level whole school community is of musicality and ensemble. grateful to them for the lead The Sinfonia also gave their the end of the year is they give. Next year, the concert at Leweston in March, crammed either with House Singing Competition and the Symphony Orchestra examinations or other returns after its four-year also gave its Lent concert out important activities that cannot sabbatical, as well as the usual of Sherborne, returning to St fit elsewhere in the year, and regular events, which should George's, Bristol. This is a very something had to give. It is a be interesting. prestigious concert venue, and shame that the orchestra PMR

35

CHAPEL CHOIR

This year has been another brilliant one for the Chapel Choir Under the baton of the indefatigable Director of Music, we have performed such varied repertoire as Sumsion's They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships, Bairstow's Blessed City, Byrd's Ave Verum and Handel's Zadok the Priest. From the atmospheric Advent Service to the uplifting music for Commem, the choir has been at the forefront of Sherborne's busy musical scene.

From the very start of September, we sang twice weekly in the beautiful setting of Sherborne Abbey For most of the Sunday services we were Joined by the choir of Sherborne Girls, enabling us to sing four and even eight part harmonies. In the weeks before half term, we were busily occupied practising for the yearly Choral Evensong in Salisbury Cathedral. I for one found it awe- inspiring to perform in such a magnificent acoustic, especially when our eighty-strong choir was at full volume.

The second half of the Michaelmas term brought the Remembrance Day Service. Although a perennial tight squeeze to fit the choir into the organ loft, there was much enjoyment to be had in practising and performing that old favourite, 'Greater Love' by Ireland. As Advent loomed we plunged headlong into rehearsal for our biggest event of the year. The candlelit Advent service was, as always, an opportunity for us to relearn the traditional male voice repertoire with some arrangements of upper voice pieces such as Elizabeth Poston's Jesus Christ the Apple Tree. The Carol Service, by contrast, enabled us to delve into some new and challenging full choir music. I particularly enjoyed revisiting the lush

37 harmonies of Howells' Spotless the Abbey to be recorded. the high note of performing Rose, with the baritone solo After several nervous minutes Handel's famous Zadok the flawlessly performed by Oliver spent on sound checks, we Priest. As the resounding Longland. launched into our strains of 'Jerusalem' died performance. My strongest down, I could reflect on an The big choral event of the recollection remains the exciting and varied year of Lent term was the annual memory of our flamboyant and choral music-making. Looking Music Society concert. This vigorous rendition of the ahead, the choir looks set to year we tackled Mozart's Mass Gloria in Howells' Magnificat go from strength to strength in in C Minor and the Maria in D. the new academic year, and Teresa Te Deum by Haydn. there are plans already in Exhilarating and lyrical by Early in the term, a small place for a Summer tour to turns, both pieces inspired and Chamber Choir group were Poland entertained choir and selected to perform at an audience throughout. In Evensong service for the It falls to me to thank Mr performance we joined with prestigious Music Masters' and Henderson for his excellent the choirs of SG and Mistresses' Association leadership of the choir, and his Sherborne town, and it was Conference, which was being unfailing vigour and only through the fine held in Sherborne. This enthusiasm. I must also thank conducting of Mr Jenkins that Chamber Choir, joint with the our talented Choral Scholars, the large choir was kept on the Madrigals of SG, were Francis Mote, Alex Penn and straight and narrow l fortunate enough to have a Simon Horner, for their piece commissioned and immense contributions, both in With the arrival of the Trinity composed for them expressly performance and behind the term came the news that the for the occasion, by the scenes. Finally our thanks are choir was to do a recording. composer Andrew Carter. It due to the school organist, Although only an internal was certainly a privilege to Mr Bray, and the organ scholar, affair, the Upper Sixth in perform such a piece of Freddie Brown, for their particular were excited to have contemporary composition in expertise in accompanying us. a CD of their singing to keep front of a distinguished for posterity. After several audience. Edward Hughes weeks of polishing and fine tuning, and with no small The year culminated in the measure of eagerness and Commemoration Service. It anticipation, we assembled in was fitting to end the year on HALLlDAY MUSIC COMPETITION

ADJUDICATOR: Philip Fowke

Philip Fowke adjudicated the 1911 - 1914: after leaving previous Friday lunchtime inaugural Halliday Music Sherborne he joined the Royal recital, and carried the Competition. Having made Engineers and entered Senior Piano Prize, while recordings for EM I, Unicorn, Woolwich in December 1914. Edward Leach (e) won the CRD, Chandos and Naxos, He was joined the 225th Field Junior Piano Prize with a including the Complete Company RE on 1st June 1917 lively and entertaining Chopin Waltzes, the Chopin and was tragically killed in performance of Paul Harvey's Sonatas, and an album of action at Ypres only a few days Rumba Toccata upon whose Piano Transcriptions, in later on the 13th June The final scalic passages Philip addition to working with cup was presented to the Fowke spent much time. conductors Vladimir School in 1925 by RJR Halliday Edward Hughes also won the Ashkenazy, Rudolf Barshai, Sir Esq. in memory of his brother organ class, in a memorable Alexander Gibson and Sir who had loved music. Over performance of Charles Groves, Philip Fowke is the years the cup has been in Mendelssohn's Organ currently Senior Fellow of various uses as a music award, Sonata no 3 in A major with Keyboard at Trinity College of but this was the first time that the audience, following a Music: he is known for his the cup has been given a brief walk down the hill from teaching, coaching and specific competition. the OMS Recital Room, tutoring in which he enjoys packed tightly into the exploring students' potential Philip Fowke's approach was Chapel organ loft (just and encouraging them to one much more of inches from Edward's develop their own individuality. masterclass than shoulders). A moving More locally, he was Benjamin adjudication, with performance of Barber's Davey's piano tutor in encouragement which Sure on This Shining Night the 1980s. developed each by Oliver Longland (e) performance to the delight secured him the Senior Following the enormous of both the audience and Singing prize, and William success of the second annual the participators. Indeed Ayles (f) won the Junior Patrick Shelley Competition for many in the audience were Singing with a very stylistic all advanced instrumentalists, as much inspired by his rendition of Handel's Where the Halliday Cup - dedicated adjudication as were those E'er You Walk. to Piano, Organ and Singing seated at the piano or (and next year to woodwind organ. Edward Hughes (e) The overall winner of the and brass) - involved boys of gave a memorable Halliday Cup was Edward all abilities in being eligible to performance of Hughes, whose organ be awarded Junior or Senior Rachmaninov's Prelude in C# playing had particularly awards. Charles Halliday was minor which had literally impressed the adjudicator. born in 1897 and was a brought tears to some in the

member of Lyon house from audience during the JECH

39 PRO CORDA CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION

Sherborne makes Regional Semi-Final

The newly formed scholars' brass quartet - Max Radford (b), Henry Ritchie (e), Jonathan Titchin (e) and Theo Knibb (e) - took part in the Pro Corda National Chamber Music Competition on Feb 4 at Sherborne Girls, along with the Saxophone Quartet and the Wind Quintet, who made it through to the next round. The brass played the Courante Ooforosa from Samuel Scheidt's Battle Suite and three French dances by Claude atmosphere and received George Chattey (f), Jonathan Gervais. They were joined in many plaudits from both staff Titchin (e) and Francis Mote the latter by James Capel (b), and parents. (Choral Scholar) - in a very percussion scholar, playing the tight performance of Mozart's tabor and tambourine and The Saxophone Quartet ­ Overture to the Magic Flute. giving an authentic William Leith (b), Max Hobbs The adjudicator, Philip Dukes renaissance feel to the (m), Hugh Knudsen (g), William (Artistic Director, Marlborough excellent brass playing. Smibert (a) - performed some College) praised both groups In preparation for the superb Fats Wailer (Aint and was very impressed by competition, the group gave a Misbehavin) and went on to Sherborne's playing: the round particularly moving rendition the Regional Semi-final Round was won by Millfield. of the Scheidt Courante in the on 6th March, at Millfield Abbey at a Sunday night School. They were joined by Compline: their performance the Wind Quintet - William

created a wonderful Clarke (e), Edward Hughes (e), Andrew Fawbert (Head of Brass) COMPOSERS' CONCERT

Throughout all the made the composers' concert performed William Cunliffe's transformations and tweaks to even more warming than usual. 'Mix 'n Match Rag', and the school's timetable, one The boys had no way of conveyed much of the thing has remained so safe escape. They introduced their composer's own exuberance; that it looks as though the pieces confidently, and he had already offered a shape of the week has been sometimes movingly: one reading of James Beckett's crafted around it; and so it composer told us that his 'Wonder or Wander' with should be. The lunchtime piece was the result of a hard quieter eloquence. concerts on Fridays follow on time he'd been having. from the equally fixed fish and Others performed their own chips; they provide boys with a The boys were lucky to have work. Max Radford, a chance to make often members of the music staff on performer who has grown in excellent music in the intimate hand to perform their works. stature through the Unplugged setting of Cheap Street We take these teachers' concerts, provided both music Church. Some might think it technique so much for and lyrics; William Smibert would be good if the setting granted, and it's worth gave both his hands plenty to were less intimate; it would be reflecting how hard it is to play do in 'Through the Mist'; and good if more boys came. The new work so that the then there was Edward offer of free Mars bars a few composers recognise it as their Hughes. Unfortunately Ed years ago enhanced numbers a own. Mrs Drury, Mr Kershaw couldn't be with us, but thanks little. In any case, the audience and Mr Henderson combined to a computer we could hear from the town is numerous, to play Oliver Longland's his fully-orchestrated 'Arbeia' and the pleasure they draw 'Minimalism', a tricky piece to anyway - and regulars of from the boys' performances write at this stage in a Friday concerts might have immediately evident. composer's career, when for caught his earlier work, many, there is no shortage of inspired by mathematics. Here young musicians shuffle ideas but not always a plan for on, seeking to hide behind how to control them. Longland This was the most subdued, their instruments, even if handled his themes with a and most exciting of the they're flutes, and tend to calm discipline. Mr Henderson lunchtime concerts. One of the leave happier. Even better and Mrs Coultas had the best things about it was that than what they learn from challenge of playing sets of the composers' friends came trying out their pieces in variations by Benjamin Craw, to support Like Unplugged, public is learning to bow: it is Luke MacKay and Harry the event enabled people to a gift to be able to accept Onslow; each writer was explore their own feelings in applause with grace, and to developing his own voice, but an abstract way, somewhere share the understanding that then, this voice can change between lunchtime and you've earned it. This is what within a piece. Mr Davey lessons. TWP

41 The Swing band left Sherborne at 6.00 am the Two appearances on 'Good Morning Grenada' morning after the Leavers' Ball - perhaps not an ensured maximum publicity for the concerts and, easy feat for the Upper Sixth! - in order to travel taking place in the week before the Island to Grenada for an action-packed week of Election, attracted viewers and then attendees concerts, sun, island tours and cricket. With a who may not otherwise have been at the base at the Rex Grenadian (where the band concerts. Improvising on I Got Rhythm, Will performed two concerts), and a natural home in Leith (b) replaced the 'Good Morning Grenada' the evenings at the music-lovers' paradise 'True theme tune with a fade-out performance which Blue Bay', the band performed five free public particularly struck islanders and which was concerts and also played at the (private school) probably responsible for attracting many of the Westmorland Girls' School Graduation Prom. very large audiences. A friendly cricket match The island's Ministry of Culture hosted a against the Rex Grenadian staff confirmed that workshop at the state-run Grenada Boys' the Swing Band should keep playing music Secondary School, attended by the Royal rather than cricket, but which was mentioned on Grenada Police Force Band, and which was quite local radio as an island highlight i According to an eye-opener for Shirburnians as they coached 'Caribbean Compass', an island publication, the local pupils who had not had the benefit of any band also raised £5,000 for the Queen Elizabeth instrumental tuition. Children's Home.

ELECTRIC STRINGS

The electric string quartet at Teachers were interested to Sherborne has become hear of the ups and downs of something of a trail-blazer. the pioneering work at Mrs Drury, the Head of Strings, Sherborne: the ups included has pioneered the use of the the wonderful sound effects electric strings in the School available, the trendy with Harry Fielder (g), Crispian appearance of the instruments Poon (m), Alistair Hughes (e), (which, even two years into Rory Gowan (m), Hugh Barnard using them here, still solicit (c) and others playing the excited 'what's that?' electric instruments at the questions) and the mellow Commem Jazz Cafe, Concert sound which is so wonderfully in the Courts and Cheap Street displayed by Harry Fielder in Church. As a result, the Making Whoopee: the downs European String Teachers' include power failure (they do Association (ESTA) invited Miss not work at all if played Drury to be a guest presenter acoustically) and an amplifier at the Education Day of the refusing to work having been

London International Music carried through the rain I Show in May (LIME 2008) Dinner and Jazz saw parents and good wine, various solo performance in Dinner and and their friends take to the musical items provided Jazz came somewhere in the

dance floor as never before I quiet(ish) music during the middle of a calendar which Tickets had sold quickly, dinner. A star performance included 'An evening of perhaps because both the from Max Radford (b), singing Indigenous Jazz' in the OSR in Swing and Jazz bands were in some compositions from his January, a lunchtime recital in such fine form. A new layout latest album and March, a performance at the in the Dining Hall - a narrow accompanying himself on the MMA Conference for some 120 performance stage was guitar, together with excellent Directors of Music, a concert constructed along the side of music from a newly formed jazz for the Public School Lodge the Dining Hall rather than at trio, warmed up the evening meeting in Sherborne, a the clock end - allowed a for the appearance of the Jazz concert as part of the larger number of guests to Band. Sherborne Abbey Festival, and experience the music in a finally acting as the mainstay much more jazz club The Jazz Band had an of the Commem Jazz Cafe. environment. With good food unusually busy year, and their With Director Anthony Ingle's

44 Jonathan Williams

own compositions Too much Leacock (m) - piano, Ed impressive lead solos were stuff and And then featuring Livingstone (m) - guitar, Tom played by Hugh Knudsen (g), amongst all-time Ellington Dillon (f) - bass, George Barker Max Hobbs (m), Henry Ritchie favourite I'm beginning to see (e) - percussion. (e) and Oliver Longland (e) the light and Frank Zappa's After you've gone, Misty and Toads of the short forest, the When the Swing Band started Smoke gets in your eyes Jazz Band were playing at around 9.30 pm, guests added the end-of-evening superbly and much finally took to their feet and smooch before a rousing commented upon. The line­ began dancing. New to the performance of Pennsylvania up, many of them Upper Sixth, repertoire were Ellington 6-5000 heralded encore vocal was: William Leith (b) - alto numbers In a mellow tone and performances by Rollo. saxophone, Felix Stickland (a) C Jam Blues, complemented - tenor saxophone, William by Rollo Skinner (m) singing Cunliffe (m) - clarinet, Max On the sunny side of the Radford (b) - trumpet, Theo street, Orange Coloured Sky Knibb (e) - trombone, Jonnie and Moondance, while

45

WILLlAM MOGOSEANU

48 THE FOLLOWING POEMS WERE HONOURED BY THE JUDGES OF THE INAUGURAL JOHN WESTON POETRY PRIZE

The Wireless

The crackle brings you to life Through the days that have passed As yours slid silently but suddenly away As you played out your done and gone trick

You sit on the shelf or at the table In an old granny's flat Playing your famous tune at two and seven As the Archers flickers into life

It was not always like this You were once the centre of attention Right through the room You were unheard of and fabulous

Cant ..

49

TWO POEMS ABOUT AUSCHWITZ

The headstones stand cold A cold reminder of the doings As cold as the people who lived there Surrounded by mist The dank floor of the courtyard Looked upon by towering monsters Memories never allowed to escape To the outside world Trapped by those monsters The wire harsh and unforgiving No moral to let them escape

And beyond the trap Beyond the trees The line, the coppice Blocking the rumours How do people know? If it was a one way walk. The fate that was waiting Was known only by the grey men The Torah was their belief Some had great dreams And did not even reach bar mitzvah It was their downfall The striped clothes That yellow star The emblem of their scrutiny The reason for their prosecution; As misty as the courtyard

Jack Norris

Everyone is gone A whole race has been exterminated Those who are left feel guilt and shame If you are over 16 then you have a small chance of survival But then, would you want to survive? Just bread and water. Taken.

Hamish Dudgeon

54 TWO LETTERS IN RESPONSE TO WILFRED OWEN'S DULCE ET DECORUM EST

Dear Mary, I am writing to you from the bottom of possibly the largest hole in all Western Europe The months that have passed since my last communication have witnessed the deterioration of conditions to the point where soldiers spend more time fighting rodents than they do the Bosch. The quality and quantity of our rations have decreased, and as the winters fastens its grip, pneumonia becomes more of a problem. Many a man has been led to his death.

One incident stands out in my memory. One which will, I believe, be my abiding memory of this war. We were marching to some much-needed respite from the horrors of the front line. It was hardly a march at all, however - more a weary trudge of young men no longer able to think for themselves All of a sudden the cry came - gas in the trenches. The fumble to get my mask on was the most exciting four seconds of my life. The relief did not last long. As the green mist swamped over us I heard ahead to cry of some unlucky soul; and what an awful noise that was. We stood on helplessly, watching him fight against the suffocating sea of green. As he writhed and choked we managed to get him onto a wagon, but no one doubted that that would be his deathbed. His face as we paced behind the vehicle was on of such unimaginable suffering - his bloody coughs and his white eyes rolling in their sockets. At last he fell still and the relief was framed upon his features. Another has died for his country. But he will have no name when this is all done - he will be another number on the casualty list.

Is this how all those at home see this war? I doubt it. When Vessie Pope sits down at her desk she thinks only of the old lie - that this war is one of heroes and courage and nobility. If only all such deluded people could serve. Just one day would be enough to teach them all that they needed to know - of soldiers without boots, lame with fatigue, many walking unconsciously through an unconscious world.

This war has robbed millions of healthy young men of their lives. It has also robbed our 'great' county of a generation. How many more must die before people realise what a mistake this all was? If I go tomorrow, I will know that mine was no hero's death. It will be in the knowledge that I had become nothing more than a statistic, robbed of my humanity. Horace wrote, 'dulce et decorum est pro patria mori'. No longer is this true, and it never shall be again.

Yours, Wilfred

Tom Gibbs

55 Dear old chum,

I hope you take a glance at my article in The Times tomorrow and I hope it realistically shows up what you thought of those fields of death. Sassoon and I worked on it together, so let's hope it will awaken the public to the horrors of the trenches and let that ghastly 'poetess' from the Daily Mail realise that she is sending hundreds of thousands to their deaths. So I'll give you an early preview. It begins with British soldiers leaving the trenches and like 'old beggars under sacks' they walk out of the battlefield. It is truly appalling that they are enduring such horrors as to be reduced from a lively youth to a beggar within a year. How cruel the world is, and the people who dwell there Many lost their boots but walked, their feet encased in blood.

There is suddenly a gas attack. Everyone fits his gas mask on in time, except for one, whom I can still see drowning in that green mist, his soul imprisoned in the mighty panes of glass. I will forever be haunted by this sight. You and I both experienced throwing our comrades on the wagons and this one was no different. How the white eyes stare in death at you, how a river of blood trickles from his mouth and the froth on his lips and dribbles down his chin.

I left her a message to reawaken her conscience, and to make her feel a pang of guilt for what she is doing ­ not making children ardent for some desperate glory. Then I used the old phrase, du/ce et decorum est pro patria mari. Isn't it sweet and glorious to die for one's country? Even if it was true when Horace wrote it, it is far from true now.

Your dearest friend, Wilfred Ben Craw SHERBORNE ABBEY

As a student at Sherborne of 'All Hallows' sometime in bought the church and all its School one often fails to the 14th Century. This was lost chapels and the remaining recognise and appreciate the sometime after 1530. outbuildings were put into stunning architecture and different use. Parts of the building techniques of the The Abbey that we recognise Abbey were destroyed such as structures that are our today has been heavi Iy the east and south east bays of classrooms, our houses and damaged and rebuilt in the the Lady Chapel and much of our places of worship The past hundreds of years. the interior design that exists Abbey is one of the finest Significant dates in this de­ today was, albeit altered since, ecclesiastical buildings in the and reconstruction are 1437 built just before this South-West, and yet to the and 1450 although many other destructive change. boys it symbolises an hour of minor alterations beforehand. sitting on hard pews and These dates mark a point in The interior as well as the singing multi-versed hymns In history when the town of exterior is an awesome sight. order to understand what the Sherborne quarrelled with the The distinguishing feature to building must have meant to Benedictine monastery to such the interior of the Abbey is the the surrounding population an extent that the abbey was fan vaulting above both the and the church at the time, I burned down in a fire after a nave and the choir arcade. The researched into its surprisingly vicious riot of the Choir vault is nearly seventy exciting history and hazarded a townspeople. The rioting was years older than that of the visit to the top of its tower. part of nationwide revolts over Nave vault which was built in failures of the Hundred Years 1490 by Abbot Peter Originally an Anglo Saxon Wars and gross Rampisham or Ramsam. If Abbey from 705 to 1075, the misgovernment at home. It observed at close quarters it is Abbey Church of St Mary the targeted the bishop, who was possible to see evidence of Virgin was the headquarters of the lord of the manor to most this in the form of his initials the see or diocese of inhabitants of the town, and on the bosses of the vaulting. Sherborne. This was founded the abbot, who was their The most recent adaptations by King Ine of Wessex, and the rector. The evidence of the fire to the interior of the Abbey now canonised Aldhelm was is shown on the stones concern the casualties of the given the position of Bishop of themselves in the form of a red First World War and the Sherborne. This Anglo-Saxon stains on the walls of the Abbey's affiliation with the Cathedral stood over the crossing section and the choir Dorsetshire Regiment which opposite end of the choir part of the abbey. These were has given many gifts to the seating (although another rebuilt around 1485 and the building. The ambulatory just Saxon tower stood where the church buildings remained the behind the Lady Chapel holds current tower is situated) same until the dissolution. a sculpture in dedication to overlapping the nave with the Despite the fire and the repairs those who fell in the Great foundations still visible today; the abbey remains the same War. the extent of the buildings structurally as the Norman almost reached the Abbey church which was When entering the Abbey from Close housing. A Saxon tower 'perpendicularised' sometime the north-easterly side near stood over this reverse end in the early 1400s. The the vestry to reach the spiral and a north westerly transept dissolution marked the end of staircase one must walk along would now connect the entire the Abbey's official existence the north isle parallel with the end of the library to the abbey. as a Benedictine abbey and choir seating past Bishop This part of the Cathedral was the crown sold off the Roger's Chapel and across the adapted and transformed into buildings to individual buyers nave crossing. The door to the what was known as the church for small price. The town itself staircase stands to the right of

57 SHOULD HEALTHY PEOPLE TAKE DRUGS TO IMPROVE THEIR COGNITIVE ABILITIES? the Chapel of St Sepulchre As technology and scientific understanding progresses, our and to the left of the south ability to alter brain function is growing, enabling us to treat transept holding the Digby mental dysfunction in people who are ill but also enhance the memorial. The narrow upward mental processes of healthy individuals. The concept of passage leads to the roof of cognitive enhancement raises many ethical issues including how the south transept which must far we should take it, what is safe and otherwise morally be crossed from the inside loft acceptable. Many scientists are predicting that the 21st century under the lead roof. The next will be the century of neuroscience. If our ability to alter the part of the journey up to the function of our own brains proves successful it could well shape tower becomes narrower and history as powerfully as metallurgy in the Iron Age or the chamber housing the bells mechanisation in the Industrial Revolution. This prospect calls for also houses an unsafe looking an analysis of the benefits and dangers of neuroscience-based metal-framed spiral staircase technology to consider whether, when and how society should which must be climbed to intervene to limit its use reach the summit. The exterior of the Abbey is shown in its Currently, 'neurotechnology' spans a wide range of methods and entirety from the roof and the stages of development ranging from the use of neurosurgery to view of the town is stunning. the implantation of devices and tissue as treatment for mental The town of Sherborne has illnesses. On the leading edge of neurocognitive enhancement grown immeasurably in the is the science known as psychopharmacology. It involves the use past five hundred years and of chemicals which modify the availability of neurotransmitters, the sight of such a building hormones and enzymes by improving the oxygen supply or by from the surrounding hills in stimulating nerve growth. The drugs which achieve this are contrast with the smaller known as nootropics, which in Ancient Greek means 'mind buildings which existed then benders'. For the majority of the time these drugs are would have certainly provoked prescribed to treat neurological and psychiatric illnesses, so a feeling of awe in any there is little controversy surrounding their use. However, traveller. The idea that this psychopharmacology is increasingly being used for magnificent structure was 'enhancement' - for improving the psychological function of hand-built with primitive tools individuals who are not ill. and construction machines is astounding The improvement of cognitive abilities by pharmacological methods is already a fact of life for many people. A study in the All over the Abbey there are USA by the psychologist Lawrence Diller showed that the hidden or obscured parts of proportion of boys taking methylphenidate (stimulant used to history that will elude all those treat Attention Deficit-Hyperactive Disorder) far exceeds the who have not been informed highest estimates of the prevalence of ADHD, demonstrating of their existence. It must not that it is being used to target typical childhood boisterousness be that these parts of the town and disruptiveness to improve performance in schools. and school's past are ignored Moreover, sales of nutritional supplements which guarantee or forgotten. improvements in memory have recently rocketed, creating a

Ludo Hughes billion-dollar business, despite varied evidence on their effectiveness. In contrast to other hypothetical neurotechnologies, pharmacological enhancement has already begun.

The capabilities of the nootropics which are currently being developed and tested are surprisingly extensive. Drug designers are now taking the science advantages which they could have upon society. further by trying to influence the specific A large proportion of offenders fall into the processes of memory formation which could lower range of cognitive ability and inhibitory reduce both normal and pathological declines in control Using drugs in the criminal justice memory The improvement of standard executive system to correct offenders could be a successful function is also an area where nootropics can and feasible way of reducing the high level of have positive effects, especially drugs that target crime within the UK. Furthermore, as the science neurotransmitters. Methylphenidate, in addition of psychopharmacology develops, the to improving concentration, can also enhance effectiveness of the drugs will constantly people's ability to carry out tasks which require improve. This has the possibility to account for logical and reasoned responses. These huge leaps forward in the capabilities of prospective effects of nootropics raise a mankind as a race including new number of issues for many discoveries, inventions and surges different constituencies. in industrial and economic output. Undoubtedly, if nothing is Using drugs in done to limit the use of At present, we have nootropics for cognitive the crilninal justice adopted a laissez-faire enhancement, every system to correct approach towards individual will have to neurocognitive make the decision offenders could enhancing drugs which whether to take the be successful must be amended soon drugs themselves, with parents will have to psychoph armacology choose whether to give becoming ever more them to their children, and so present and potent in society. on. With the advent of widespread Scientists have compared neurocognitive enhancement, enhancing psychological function with employers and educational establishments will drugs to improving a car's performance by face the serious moral dilemma of having both making adjustments to the engine. However, one enhanced and unenhanced candidates to select might consider this is a very crude analogy from This will then cause the problem of because unlike modifying engines, tampering coercion as employers recognise the benefits of with the brain affects who we are as people. It a more attentive, less forgetful, perhaps more appears that nootropics, like genetic intelligent workforce; and teachers will find engineering, could be another means of enhanced pupils more receptive to learning. intersecting with our understanding of what it Remaining in school or in a job could depend on means to be a healthy human, to do meaningful taking drugs, pressuring reluctant people into work and to value human life in all its enhancing their cognitive abilities. imperfection.

However, in spite of the ethical issues surrounding nootropics, there are many Hassan AI Hawachi

'it) TO WHAT EXTENT IS GEO-ENGINEERING THE SOLUTION TO THE CLIMATE CHANGE PROBLEM?

Geo-engineering is a relatively carbon dioxide from the could take us back to square new approach which has been atmosphere are an option. A one. paid more attention recently. It solution of sodium hydroxide tackles global warming by flows through the trees and Instead of imitating targeting either the carbon absorbs carbon dioxide photosynthesis, the real dioxide in the atmosphere or forming sodium carbonate. process can be used. This is the sunlight reaching the However, in order to release the principle of the next earth. Many methods have carbon dioxide, the carbonate method, which is to pump urea been proposed, but none of must be heated, which, unless into the ocean to promote the them has been implemented a green energy source is used, growth of phytoplanktons; on a large scale yet. This is would undo the effort made to microscopic organisms that mainly because of the collect the gas in the first form the base of the marine unknown consequences of place. Storing the gas is food chain. An advantage of meddling with earth's another problem. Although this process is that it can be environment, as well as the injecting the gas into some controlled easily; absence of international geological formations, like phytoplanktons would not last regulation for such methods. saline aquifers and depleted for so long after the urea The best role that geo­ oil fields, is claimed to be a supply had been stopped. If engineering could play in the safe manageable option, the to succeed, however, this global warming combat would long term effects of the process should be done only be to work alongside with the process are unknown. in areas which already lack reduction of green house gas phytoplanktons. This is emissions in order to buy us because the death of these more time. organisms stimulates the growth of decomposing For years, we have been bacteria, which causes a tackling global warming by shortage of oxygen in the trying to increase energy system, affecting other marine efficiency and reduce organisms. The major concern greenhouse gas emissions about this method is that (mitigation) During that time, meddling with the equilibrium another approach, which Sequestration; storing carbon of an ecosystem has, on many involves modifying earth's dioxide in solid minerals, is a occasions, yielded devastating environment, has been similar method. For example, consequences. simmering on the back burner. serpentine is a type of rock Could 'geo-engineering' make found in quantities sufficient to Other geo-engineering any difference in our combat store the carbon dioxide techniques aim at cooling the against global warming? produced by the world's entire earth by reducing the amount known fossil fuel reserves. The of sunlight that reaches it. Some geo-engineering absorption of the gas by the Volcanic eruptions cause the techniques attack the root of rock yields magnesite, which temperature of the earth to the problem, carbon dioxide, can be used in bricks. The cool down because of the head on. Artificial trees which, energy needed to process and massive amounts of sulphates like real trees, can absorb transport the rocks, however, released, which have the

60 ability to reflect sunlight Methods which involve using means possible. Another issue Therefore, using rockets to space lenses or mirrors to would be Who has the right to release sulphates into the deflect sunlight were also make a decision for all earth stratosphere has been suggested. Not only do these inhabitants on which remedial proposed. Nevertheless, this methods cost a lot, but they action to take? It is unwise to process could damage the also could go wrong at any allow private companies to act ozone layer. Moreover, if stage What would happen if erratically on their own; we released in low altitudes, we lost control and ended up need an international legal sulphates may cause acid rain with a lack of sunlight? If we and political framework and a and respiratory diseases. decided to destroy the lenses, global committee of scientists the debris may scatter sunlight to make such critical decisions. A less risky method would be and cause more problems. cloud seeding. Special yachts In short, geo-engineering could be used to spray tiny It is worth noting that methods techniques should not be droplets of sea water into the that target sunlight have no regarded as ideal solutions for atmosphere to promote the effect on carbon dioxide. global warming, due to the formation of clouds, thus Therefore, the new planetary uncertainty surrounding their increasing earth's reflectivity conditions (Iow sunlight and consequences. However, if we (albedo) This process is eco­ high carbon) might have failed to reduce our carbon friendly and could be stopped unknown consequences emissions to safe levels within at any time. Perhaps the only the next few years, it would impediment is the unknown Another aspect to consider is make a huge difference if we effects of this process on the ethical aspect. Do we have had powerful backup. These rainfall patterns. the right to mess with our techniques should be tested planet in these ways? I think and developed to make them we do. Whether you believe viable to play that role when that a divine power created needed, but they should not this planet, or another cause, replace the current goal of the case is one: we have reducing greenhouse gas already, and by our own emissions.

actions, messed up our James Burke atmosphere. Therefore, it is our responsibility to remedy what we have done in any

THESE TWO ESSAYS WERE AMONG THE WINNERS OF THE IMPERIAL COLLEGE 2008 SCIENCE CHALLENGE ESSAY COMPETITION. HASSAN AL HAWACHI WON THE COMPETITION AND A CHEQUE FOR £2,000. JAMES BURKE WON A RUNNER'S-UP PRIZE.

61 EULOGY TO GEORGE MACDONALD-FRASER

On 3rd January 2008 a great British author died. immediately after expulsion from Rugby and George MacDonald-Fraser created Harry joins Cardigan's 11th Hussars. From here he Flashman, one of modern literature's greatest excels himself in Afghanistan, being the sole anti-heroes, and is a writer no doubt close to the survivor of the retreat from Kabul, managing to hearts of a great number of Shirburnians. dispose of any witnesses of the atrocities he commits along the way. He goes on to play a MacDonald-Fraser produced a number of the central role in events such as the Schleswig­ finest comic novels of the last century: The Holstein Question, where he fights Bismarck at Pyrates, for example, in which he managed to fisticuffs, and the Charge of the Light Brigade, compound almost every legend of 18th-century where he replaces Captain Nolan as the ill-fated buccaneering into a single, brilliantly messenger and infuriates Lord Cardigan (by now stereotyped thriller. In the realm of non-fiction, an old enemy) with his terror-induced flatulence. he also wrote compelling memoirs concerning his experiences in the Second World War, most As he ages, Flashman becomes yet more notably Quartered Safe Out Here, describing his scheming and pusillanimous. He narrowly avoids military career in Burma. He recently published a full scalping while 'fighting' alongside Colonel Black Ajax, the story of Tom Molineaux, the Custer at Little Big Horn (the Apache Indian in legendary black prize fighter who, as a slave, question turns out to be one of his many was stolen and thrust into the world of Regency illegitimate children) and appears, in full flight boxing. from a Zulu horde, at Rorke's Drift.

But his brilliance was not confined to paper only. By the time Flashman actually writes his MacDonald-Fraser wrote the screenplays for such memoirs, he has picked up a knighthood and a historical productions as The Three Musketeers, VC in addition to a long list of imperial and The Prince and the Pauper and, perhaps most foreign honours. He writes his story with famously, the James Bond film Octopussy. uncharacteristic honesty, revealing the reality of his 'heroic deeds' and concedes that in every However, it is not for these works that he is instance he was merely in the right place at the remembered most fondly. It is for the genius right time and so named the hero of the hour. behind the extension of Flashman, the cowardly No doubt he never expected the memoirs to be bully of Tom Brown's Schooldays. In a series of published twelve exciting and hilarious fictional memoirs, MacDonald-Fraser traced the progress of Flashman across the British Empire and through the ranks of both the Army and Victorian Society. Stunningly researched and historically accurate to the tiniest detail, the books provide an insight into the most famous social, political and military figures of 19th-century England. Flashman makes intimate acquaintance with the likes of Lilly Langtry, Mrs Leo Lade, Lord Palmerston, Sir Colin Campbell and the Prince of Wales ('Bert the Bounder' according to Flashman).

He incorporates Flashman into almost every major event he can lay his hands on and, at times, gives him a central role. The philandering and dastardly coward begins his military career

62 The conviction with which MacDonald-Fraser All twelve of the books deliver excitement and wrote was, at times, uncanny. One finds oneself comedy along with stunning historical relevance. thinking: perhaps the anti-hero was a true It would be fair to say that the work of historical figure? This has, in fact, fooled a MacDonald-Fraser has taught the engrossed number of (American) literary critics into schoolboy a great deal of history as well as believing that Flashman did exist. As a result a providing hours of charming, and not always number of historical works were re-written to wholesome, entertainment. Sir Harry Flashman incorporate the man perceived to be (VC, OBE . etc. .. ) is by no means a great central to them. This of course role model to the aspiring public prompts another, more serious school boy, but his limitless question in the mind of the a writer no capacity to tell a gripping story reader. If such things can be is certainly something to be read and believed, then is doubt close to revered. the history we take to be the the hearts of a truth actually that accurate ­ great number of George MacDonald-Fraser was Lewis Nolan really to was certainly not a reflection blame, or was it someone else? Shirburnians of his creation but has no doubt taught us much about the Throughout the reluctant intricacies of our nation's history at adventures of Flashman, and all of his the peak of its greatness. In an age of other creations, MacDonald-Fraser sticks increasing multi-culturalism he remained religiously to the language of the time. His grasp staunchly traditional to the last - perhaps his of Victorian slang, researched meticulously from books echoed his own reminiscence of Imperial contemporary commentaries and cartoons such Britain. We owe homage to a true great of British as 'Punch', gives a wonderfully authentic air to literature and, in my opinion, history. the narrative. When the likes of Lord Cardigan exclaim 'Fwashman's wife? Her father was a George Alien

Gwasgow weaver I Haw Haw,' one observes an inexplicable sense of faithfulness to the scene in which we observe

63 BOOK REVIEWS

RESTLESS by William Boyd THE TWELVE CHAIRS It is rare that the atmosphere chapter after chapter as the by lIya lIif and Yevgeny Petrov of a novel is so correctly book switches from third to Everyone who considers reflected by a single-word title. first person. This is perhaps an himself to have good taste in Indeed from start to finish, this attempt to seize the intrigue of literature has read or at least book heaves with an the reader and it indeed heard of Bulgakov's Master unsatisfied and tense proves effective in this case and Margareta - a semi­ ambience felt both by a spy and allows for powerful religious, semi-satirical and an effectively unemployed reading. For those interested depiction of Russia in the early mother. The book opens in the in the seemingly far off times twentieth century. Yet in Russia uncomfortable summer heat of war and surveillance the itself another book is as wave of 1976 when the Oxford novel is predominantly Just popular and well-known graduate and single mother that, and although the book is (perhaps even more so) - The Ruth Gilmartin discovers written into Ruth's story Twelve Chairs - written Sally's, her mother's, past as a towards the final few chapters, practically at the same time, spy for the British secret many exciting episodes of but astonishingly different. service. The discovery of her mind games and chases can mother's precedent is be found in the bulk of the First of all, it broke the Soviet reminiscent of the true story of tale. However, one is not to preference for depicting Melita Norwood's exposure as consider the life of Ruth perfect role models, by a Soviet spy in 1999. The story Gilmartin as a mere frame for introducing an anti-hero - a then divides into the that of her mother. Boyd con-man, former inmate, alternately described lives of scatters references to various fraudster, actor, poet, both an all-suspecting agent terrorist or authoritarian smuggler and ladies' man shown in Eva Delectorskaya groups raging in the Ostap Bender. Then he was a (Sally's true identity) and Ruth's intelligence system of phenomenon - definitely not a alleged stagnant existence. seventies Europe; her mother's good Soviet citizen, but This narrative of international tempestuous past spills over likable. Today he's a symbol of espionage and the parallel of into her own placid life and the 'survival of the fittest' the two protagonists (mother creates exciting reading in Russian business world. and daughter) marks the return both halves of the plot. Wherever he goes, he sees of the classic 1930s spy novel Soviet Union's most ridiculous, and also depicts the The reader will most certainly darkest, saddest and most relationship between two care for the fate of the two grotesque manifestations. people who are so familiar but female protagonists in a male­ Every character is a collection know little about each other. dominated genre; the writing of vices; every chapter is a is captivating. Boyd explores sharp satire of the Soviet William Boyd manages thoroughly the relationship community as seen through brilliantly to capture the between mother and daughter the eyes of the outsider. The similarities between the two and allows for anyone to second major character ­ generations in spying and interpret the quality of cowardly, greedy, indecisive struggling to survive with relationship that one shares to and buffoonish nobleman either the burden of truth or someone close to them. Vorobianinov, stands for the

that of a child. He creates a Ludo Hughes past, when things weren't mirror image of the mother in much better. The book is a the daughter and many of their spectacular act of enjoyment attributes and vices are the and laughter at a time when same. Similarly the emotions nothing's working, when an they feel are cleverly mimicked admittedly bad past yet may

64 THE SHADOW OF THE WIND be outdone by uncertain but by Carlos Ruiz Zaf6n terrifying future. The sequel, Zaf6n takes us on a helter­ those he left behind. The Golden Calf, continues the skelter ride through the streets Zaf6n's work is impeccably story of Ostap, as he has to of 1940s Barcelona. We join structured so as to create deal with former intelligentsia, Daniel, the teenage son of a great suspense and, often, underground millionaires, fake bookseller, as he uncovers an apprehension on the part of madmen and other products of epic mystery. Along the way the reader. His descriptions are this illogical but entertaining we meet brilliantly crafted constantly detailed and period of Russian History. characters and are constantly haunting, adding to the held in suspense by general atmosphere of unease. Today these two books are as Zaf6n's great literary cunning. Not only does Zaf6n write a much a part of Russian thriller of great pace and consciousness as Macdonald's At the heart of the city lies the originality, but he includes a and Uncle Sam are of 'Cemetery of Forgotten great many perceptive remarks America's. Hundreds of Ostap's Books', a labyrinthine library of upon human nature and the phrases have been obscure and forgotten titles political system. It is rare that a immortalised as proverbs, When 10-year-old Daniel is thriller can contain so many Jokes and witty pieces of brought there by his father moral truths while remaining a wisdom in spoken language. one cold morning in 1945, he gripping page-turner. And if you want to gain a little sets into motion a chain of insight into what Russian events that will ultimately Zaf6n does not stop at that. people think and how can they reveal a great secret. He is He also perfectly captures the live like that, read the story of allowed to choose one book, emotional struggle of Daniel's a surrealistic land called USSR and from the dusty shelves adolescence, one which begins and the adventures of Ostap pulls 'The Shadow of the to bear unnerving parallels to Bender - the spirit of the free Wind' by Julian Carax. that of the author Carax as the enterprise. Enthralled, Daniel reads the novel progresses. Zaf6n

Rastislav Kamalav book in a day and eagerly intimately explores ideas of searches for more of Carax's love, loyalty and trust which works, but to no avail. torment everyone in their teenage years. Perhaps one of Meanwhile the book is drawing the most subtle and poignant inordinate interest from several threads in the book is the characters, not least from a gradual increase in distance shadowy masked man, whose between son and father. As identity is unknown. As Daniel they drift apart emotionally, delves deeper into the life of the reader is left with room to the mysterious Julian Carax it reflect upon the value of family becomes clear that it holds in between the bouts of many secrets. And while Daniel frenzied action. probes the past, it becomes clear that his actions have It is perhaps the parallels dangerous repercussions in the between the lives of Daniel present. What begins as and Carax which create the literary curiosity turns into a greatest suspense and unease race to discover the truth throughout the novel. In fact about Carax's life and to save this literary cunning is the one

6') feature of the book which him from poverty. He also highly effective in lulling impresses me the most. In few accompanies Daniel the unwitting reader into a other thrillers is this technique throughout and is his main false sense of security, one so successfully employed. And confidante. It is through the which is shattered by the interaction between Daniel tension which follows. in few other thrillers must we and Fermin that Zaf6n can so often change our minds truly explore many of the most The end of the book brings about the facts of the mystery. important themes in the book. the story pleasingly full-circle, The novel is set in a city a fitting finish to such a ravaged by war and civil strife, I must not forget to mention powerful novel, not only and its people bear great the brilliant diction of the powerful through Zaf6n's emotional scars. The city is novel Zaf6n is a master at memorable characterisation ruled by the vicious and relating scenes of darkness and his perceptive corrupt police, headed by the and uncertainty and does so philosophical observations, but fearsome Fumero This with a flourish. The translator, also as a thriller of style, character plays the part of the Lucia Graves, renders Zaf6n's suspense and constant villain, although his tortured imagery gracefully, perfectly tension. childhood brings unexpected capturing the essence of his sympathy from the author. He meaning. This book has the pace of a is typical of the complex and John Grisham, the intricacy of superb characterisation that I've heard but one criticism of a Philip Pullman and the Zaf6n employs throughout the the book: that it begins too suspense of a John le Cam~. It novel. slowly. I sympathise with this is highly original, devastating comment as I too was a little gripping and hugely enjoyable. I would like to introduce you underawed by the opening At its heart lies a mystery of to one other character in the pages. However, the pace of great suspense. Zaf6n presents book, since I believe him to be the story soon picks up and his work with such literary skill one of the most perceptive the thriller begins in earnest. that 'The Shadow of the Wind' literary creations I have yet to In retrospect I believe that the deserves to be called a encounter. Fermin Romero de relative peace of the opening masterpiece. Torres becomes a good friend chapters is necessary to to Daniel after Daniel rescues effectively set the scene. It is Ed Hughes

BOYS IN THE SCHOOL VOTED THIS BOOK AS THE WINNER OF THE MACNAGHTEN BOOK PRIZE, HELD IN THE LENT TERM. MEMBERS OF STAFF NOMINATED THE BEST EIGHT NOVELS IN THE LAST TEN YEARS. THE PROJECT WAS AN AMAZING BOOST TO READING AT SHERBORNE. THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALlER AND CLAY by Michael Chabon

Sam Clay is a lowly illustrator the chains of tyranny and escapes of Sam and Joe would at a novelty products company, injustice', battles Hitler and soon become irritating. until the arrival of his the Gestapo in the comic Chabon also infuses the novel Houdiniesque cousin Joe books, personifying the anger with footnotes, detailing the Kavalier, who has escaped and hatred that Joe and Sam selling prices at auction of from Prague and the threat of (who are both Jewish) feel for various Kavalier and Clay Nazism. Together, with Sam's the Nazi regime. original sketches, and these gift of story-telling and Joe's add to the already startlingly artistic talent, they create their Eventually revenge with a pen realistic picture of the Golden own comic book and is not enough for Joe, and he Age of Comics. superhero, 'The Escapist'. Joins the Navy in an attempt to play a bigger role in world Despite the fact that at times The novel focuses on the events. The novel rejoins Chabon can become too development of their comic Kavalier and Clay after a gap concerned with descriptive book, and how it affects their of eleven years, in a very detail - for example, there are private lives. They both find different situation. about thirty different love, as well as fame, meeting descriptions of the sky Orson Welles and Salvador Chabon's prose ensures that throughout the novel - this is a Dalf on the way. Yet relatively the action unfolds smoothly minute grievance, and one little wealth comes to them, and quickly; his descriptions of that does not detract from a because the novelty products mid-20th-century New York are book that I immensely company that sponsored the so vivid that you can almost enjoyed. This is a story with comic book takes most of the hear the construction of the moments of hilarity followed profits. This is particularly skyscrapers and the horns from by passages of genuine painful to Joe, who is the gridlocked streets, and the sadness; a book teeming with constantly saving his earnings dialogue between the main action and adventure, but still to pay for his brother's escape characters and to the reader ­ beautifully written. from Nazi-occupied Europe. endearment which is vital, as

The Escapist, who'comes to without it the continuously Alex Clark the rescue of those who toil in lucky (and often unbelievable) DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

The past few years, there has travelled to Birmingham to Holt Gallery and invited pupils, been a great deal of change in spend a day talking to schools their parents and our the school's timetable, which who have already integrated colleagues to come and see has brought new opportunities this technology in their just what the year group had for our pupils and offered us curriculum and make a final achieved. The private view greater flexibility in our choice of the machine that was very well attended and teaching styles. In September would be best for our having filmed the event, we Mark Waldron invited the students. We were delighted are now looking to show the department to join a team he to find that the governors had work, through the film, on the was putting together to look at been able to allocate the school's new website. Over our third-form curriculum, and department the funds to buy half this year group went onto to see if it would be possible the laser cutter and this means achieve either an A or A* at to redesign it so that we might that. in 2008/9 we will be able GCSE. At Advanced level I create a stronger foundation to start to introduce computer was please that the students on which we could build more control across the year groups. managed to achieve the rounded, abler students. The With the success of our prep results that they needed to department was specifically school activities, we were enter their chosen courses and looking for an opportunity to approached by a governor at we were particularly pleased offer students more time with Abbey Primary so see if we that Tom Cole secured his Art, D&T, Drama, Music and could provide some Design & place to study Design at Electronics. With the Technology for their 'gifted Brunei next year. compression of creative and talented' year 6 & 7 subjects that can occur in our pupils. This was a perfect With the department's feeder schools as they prepare opportunity to open the involvement in curriculum for common entrance we department up to the local issues, new specification hoped to make a case for community in a controlled implementation, 'Aquaint' days broadening a Shirburnian's manner and from the start of for new pupils, opportunity to explore these 2008 we ran weekly sessions Sherborne@Work days for areas again once they arrived for twelve of their pupils and prospective pupils, Prep in the Third Form. As the year were often Joined by eager School liaison and project came to a close this aspect lay parents. It was lovely for us to support, Abbey Primary 'G&l' at the heart of the proposal have the chance to stretch club and running activities for that the committee put to the these keen and talented boys all our pupils across the common room. We were and girls but also it was great weekday and weekends, there delighted with the outcome to meet so many local hasn't been much time for any and started to design new supportive parents. dust that escapes our projects to help deliver the extraction system to settle on aims of the new curriculum. This year we taught a fantastic the comprehensive machinery fifth form. They were and facilities that the school It was also clear that we adventurous enough with their has developed over the past needed to change tack with design ideas for us to decide five years. our bid to bring computer­ to put together an exhibition controlled machinery into the of their work. Back in the Lent school. Back in November I Term we booked the Oliver PRC

68 RUGBY

It was heart-warming to see so with a very narrow defeat by disappointed to have finished many outstanding individual Wellington College, a good the season with two defeats and team performances victory against Bryanston and a after a real purple patch of throughout the 2007 rugby well-earned, battling draw form mid-season, when they season. Team of the year was a against Millfield in the final won six in a row The Bs had close run thing between the game of the season. an equally fine season, winning mighty Colts C team, who won eight of their eleven fixtures. seven and drew one of their Lower down the school, eight matches, racking up 280 success has been more varied, The junior sides at C and D points and conceding just 19 with the U15 Junior Colts level have all competed with in the process, and the Colts performing well in the Daily heart and determination. With B, who also swept all before Mail Cup before eventually greater consistency of fixtures them winning nine of their ten going out in the fourth Round. throughout the 2008 season fixtures. Senior Rugby in 2008 The U14 Mini Colts A had a further improvements will looks potentially strong with good season after a shaky start undoubtedly be made. this talented cohort moving and the win against a strong up: the Colts A also provided Bryanston side must rank as Lastly, at senior rugby level the some sterling performances their best They will be 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th XVs

69 have all had excellent victories throughout the season. The greater emphasis on pre-season preparation and improved fitness and conditioning levels in readiness for September will help them set themselves higher goals in the future.

The same could be said of the 1st XV who, after a poor start, really blossomed after Half-Term. They were rewarded on the scoreboard for all their hard work and commitment on the training pitch. Not enough of the boys had put in the requisite hours working on their physical conditioning for the forthcoming season, and this showed in the initial defeats at the hands of Bishop Wordsworth's School, Radley, Wellington College and Marlborough College, with Canford the only victory of any note. However, after Half Term excellent victories were secured against KES Bath, Cheltenham College, Blundell's and King's Bruton before a real cracker of a match in appalling conditions versus a strong Millfield outfit who ran out eventual victors by 36 - 24. With the greater emphasis on skills and conditioning training under the new regime of coaches, 2008 looks like a much more promising season as the new structures put in place start to take positive effect. The first senior tour for some time will lay the foundations for pre-season preparation as well as three days spent at Bath University for all the age group A teams.

Lastly, congratulations to Ed Scott­ Bowden who made the South West U16 Divisional Squad and who trained with the Bath Academy alongside lan Williams.

GRM

70 HOCKEY

Overall the School's hockey RESULTS: teams won 55 games, lost 44 TEAM PLAYED WON DRAWN LOST and drew 18. The outstanding 1st Xl 14 7 3 4 season came from the Junior 2nd Xl 13 7 3 3 Colts B, who were unbeaten 3rd Xl 9 2 2 5 until their last match against 4th Xl 6 3 1 2 Marlborough. With the Colts A 11 5 2 4 exception of the Mini Colts A, Colts B 7 3 1 3 all the A teams won more Junior Colts A 12 6 3 3 games than they lost which Junior Colts B 11 10 0 1 augers well for the future Junior Colts C 2 1 0 1 of Sherborne Mini Colts A 13 3 1 9 rill Hockey. Mini Colts B 11 7 1 3 II 111 Illl Mini Colts C 7 1 1 5 We currently Mini Colts D 1 0 0 1 have two TOTAL 117 55 18 44 boys, Ed Mattsand George fact that this facility has been rugby playing boys are playing Ellwood, available has allowed non­ club hockey on a Saturday, and involved in the rugby playing boys to play coming to Club training on a West of England squads. hockey as a games option. In Wednesday evening. The Ed Matts has been a member the past the pressures of benefit to hockey will be great of the HIPAC (High sharing the Hughie Holmes and it will keep the ever­ Performance training squad) pitch with the SG and the Prep growing number of German IB and narrowly missed out on School, as a way to use their hockey players happy. selection for the final 18 in the pitch in the Lent term, country at U15 Level I has forced hockey off the My thanks go to all the hockey anticipate more boys than ever games programme in the staff, who do a fantastic job at playing representative county Michaelmas term. Other coaching and umpiring at hockey this season. benefits include the expansion unsociable hours so that we of the Prep Schools' Under-ll can fully utilise the Astro time

This year, hockey has hockey Tournament to sixteen available. I look forward to benefited greatly from the Schools, now that we have two next season excitedly. school's decision to invest in pitches, and not forgetting the RWH refurbishing the Upper Astro. visual improvement of the We have used the resurfaced Upper as the premier sports pitch for training in the arena within the School. Michaelmas term and all the feedback has been very The school has continued its positive. This facility will allow excellent links with Yeovil and more boys to spend more Sherborne Hockey Club with a practice time on Astro turf; number of Staff and Old Boys that can only be a good thing playing for the club, and an for the future of the game. The increasing number of non-

7I FOOTBALL

We had great expectations of though they were experiencing game. Football has progressed the 1st Team this year, largely travel sickness. The first team considerably in terms of because most of them had beat Warminster comfortably in numbers (200 boys playing represented the school last year the end, but the score line 3 - 2 competitive football). at the same level. But we were didn't really reflect the organisation and fixtures (85 not as hungry for success as we difference in ability as we made during the Lent term) but the had been the year before. mistake after mistake. The standard of play is still much Although the fixture list is School then lost 0 - 1 to Clifton lower than it ought to be. With getting to the stage where College in the last minute and this in mind the boys have been every game is tough, we should went down 1 - 3 against King's engaged in preseason training have won considerably more Taunton in a bad-tempered from the start of the games than we did. Sport in the game which we didn't seem Michaelmas term, and Craig school, rightly or wrongly, feeds very interested in winning. We Hardacre from the fitness centre off the success and failure of its then lost 1 - 4 against a very has been overseeing their first team and is reflected talented Reading side, before programme. Additionally we throughout. Against starting to pull the season have joined forces with Yeovil Marlborough the first team together with a good draw Town FC to a degree and, in started with a respectable draw against Millfield 0 - 0, and then exchange for using some of our but it was an excellent another fine draw coming from pitches for their academy opportunity to start the season behind to level 3 - 3 against games, they will be involved in with a good win missed. The Radley. some coaching of our boys. I U16A team is possibly the most think that the standard of talented group of boys that we The U16 teams reflected the football will rise considerably have had at the school - they same story as the one told by over the next few years but our also drew but should have won. the first team, but the U15s, reputation at the moment is as The following week the U14 who won their opening four an up-and-coming football teams took centre stage against games, then proceeded to lose school against which most the Oratory School as many the rest l The U14s can take schools enjoy playing. There is matches fell victim to the heart from their three victories much more to come yet - watch weather. This very good side but took a beating from an this space. were unfortunately beaten away incredible Millfield team, who SJC at Reading 7 - 1 and played as were playing a different sort of

72 TENNIS

Thanks to a talented crop of young players, this in the continued and rapid progress in this sport. sport is enjoying a period of considerable He has raised the bar and, as a result, the success at the moment. Last summer the 1st VI expectations of the players have fundamentally fought through to the third round of the changed. They have a more professional (National) Glanvill Cup, where they were approach to the sport and demand a certain humbled by Richard Huish School, which is the standard of play from themselves. When this is South West tennis academy. Their coach was not met, they are self-critical and willing to sufficiently impressed by our players that he has analyse their shortcomings. invited us to some training sessions over the winter. This is an opportunity not to be missed This time last year, I commented that we could and will give our players valuable experience of not expect progress to continue at such a rapid playing with some of the cream of pace but I am delighted to report that British youth tennis The 1st VI progress over the past year has only lost to Millfield in their Thank" to a been more rapid. This can school matches and won LIl C 11 tL'd l r0 r () t definitely not continue and eight fixtures, twice as many our thoughts are beginning ) 0 II 11 ~ l'r "', t i as last year Other year PLl Y h to turn to how we can groups were equally ~port is enjoying (1 support this level of successful with two thirds of periud ut performance. There are matches being won. The cunc.,idl Llble numerous avenues by which Mini Colts won all their six we are pursuing to achieve fixtures and won the Dorset B '-'ll<'lC S this. We are delighted that league, in which they were Kester Jackson has joined the competing against players a year older than teaching staff, having moved from a post them. It is clear, therefore, that we have running Sherborne Tennis Club He is a very overtaken the likes of Bryanston, Canford and talented player and coach and, with Jeremy King's Taunton. We are competing toe-to-toe Priddle, will propel the 1st VI to greater success with Bournemouth but we still have work to do next year. Greater links with Dorset LTA should to catch up with Millfield. Beyond that, we increase the profile of Sherborne tennis in the recognise that it is a huge leap to compete at a wider community and may encourage talented national level, where the top players are training players to consider Sherborne School. Better for upwards of twenty hours a week. facilities, such as the recently resurfaced astro, will allow players to train for a greater Again, I must stress the central role that our percentage of the year.

tennis professional, Jeremy Priddle, has played JJBW CRICKET

The appalling weather this machines for each of the three Wandsworth College and summer reduced the number designated practice areas, so Bradfield, but eventually we of matches played by all the that all teams will have this lost to King's Taunton on the teams. It also highlighted the equipment available for their Upper in the last 16 play off. need for all weather practice allocated practice slot. This facilities. Providing good net type of investment has been The Junior Colts 'A' won the practice was an impossible made by most of the schools Dorset Cup and then lost to task, and had it not been for we play. I am convinced that Millfield in the West of the excellent work by John Old this type of practice facility will England play off. As I and his team, we would have help to improve the standard mentioned earlier, six boys had to cancel more matches of Sherborne Cricket. from that team have had an and reduce practice availability introduction to 1st XI and will fu rther. The results have been a little be pushing the senior boys disappointing for the 1st XI, hard for a place this summer. The relaying of the Upper but with 10 leavers in last The Mini Colts lost in the semi square is providing year's team it was a re-building final of the Dorset cup and competitive wickets with process this year. More than 18 struggled to find consistency 'bounce and carry'. The Upper boys played 1st XI cricket throughout the season. has regained County Cricket throughout the season, six of As part of the continued status, with Dorset CCC whom were 4th formers. Robin development, the Junior playing two championship Irving was an excellent captain Squad are going on tour to matches this summer. Fourteen of this young and Kerala in Easter 2009. My all-weather nets, which are inexperienced team. The thanks as always go to Alan being constructed as I write highlight of the season was Willows, all the coaches and this report, will extend practice winning through the group umpires. Congratulations to time and more importantly the stages of the National Ben Sunderland and the Colts quality of the practice. The aim Twenty/20 by beating King B on the only unbeaten is to purchase new bowling Edwards Southampton, Lord season. Thank you to John Old and his RESULTS: team for their continued TEAM PLAYED WON LOST DRAWN TIED ABANDONED efforts on all the cricket 1st Xl 18 8 8 1 0 1 pitches. The pitches are a AXl 2 2 0 0 0 0 credit to them and we are 2nd Xl 7 3 4 0 0 0 always being complimented on 3rd Xl 6 2 4 0 0 0 the grounds by parents and 4th Xl 3 0 3 0 0 0 staff of opposing teams. The 5th Xl 1 1 0 0 0 0 same compliments are always Colts A 4 1 3 0 0 0 heaped on Lucy Earls-Davis Colts B 4 4 0 0 0 0 and the catering staff for the JCA 13 9 4 0 0 0 excellent lunches and teas JCB 7 3 2 0 2 0 throughout the season. JCC 6 3 3 0 0 0 MCA 9 4 5 0 0 0 RWH MCB 8 1 6 0 1 0 MCC 4 1 3 0 0 0 MCD 2 0 2 0 0 0

TOTAL PLAYED 94 WON 42 LOST 47 DRAWN 1 TIED 3 ABANDONED ATHLETICS

The season got off to a slightly personal bests, while a number and School House win the 6th damp start with torrential rain of new boys have been Form trophy, while Abbeylands having its impact on both introduced to the sport. In won in the 4th Form and training and fixtures and with conjunction with an able team remained undefeated in the the Captain of Athletics unable of internal coaches, joined this overall competition. to compete after being injured year by Simon Thomas, Danny in a rugby match. However, Watson, John Storey and Clare Sadly, we are losing a number things rapidly picked up and Gomm, we have been fortunate of people from Athletics this this has developed into a very enough to benefit from the year. Roger Gibson has been a positive year for Athletics at experience of several external stalwart member of the middle Sherborne. coaches this season. Mike Davis distance coaching team over and Tony Harris have returned the years. He has provided The new squad kit helped to to provide insights into the excellent support for the promote the team aspect of this worlds of throwing and middle members of the squad ­ sport and has drawn a number distance running respectively. athletes and coaches alike ­ of positive comments from We have also been joined by and he will certainly leave a observers at various fixtures. several UK Athletics huge gap that will be very have been very impressed with Professional Coaches in the difficult to fill. Mike Wade, the team mentality of the form of Tim Watton (throws), whose school record in the athletes this year. Numerous Brian Camp (jumps) and Bill 4xl00m medley relay still boys have stepped up to Whistlecroft (sprints and remains unbeaten, is also compete in a variety of events hurdles). The enthusiasm and leaving this year. Mike has been and, as a result, our team expertise of these coaches has an excellent sprints coach and placings have been healthy all been hugely beneficial to the the official team photographer season. One of my personal boys and I would like to thank and I know that his highlights was the exceptional them for their hard work this contributions will be sorely commitment shown by those season. missed. We are also losing a athletes who attended the number of committed squad Millfield fixture, where we As well as a number of solid members who have regularly managed to field teams in the team performances in school competed for the school over 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Form fixtures, thirteen boys were this and previous seasons - Josh events. The dedication shown selected to represent North Turner, Tim Dawkins, Hugh by the athletes was impressive, Dorset at the County Williams, Charlie Whitcombe, as was the sight of Ed Scott­ Championships. From these Ollie Marks and Jamie Payne. Bowden completing his section athletes, Will Sutton (shot) and of the U17 4xl00m relay, whilst Jack Nott-Bower (triple jump) Finally, I would like to thank all being cheered on by the rest of were chosen to represent the coaches and boys who have the squad. Dorset at the South West made my first year in charge of Championships in Exeter. Athletics run so smoothly. The The completion of our new Athletics within the school has number of boys opting for this tartan javelin run-up has helped been well supported this year. sport as their Trinity term option considerably and a number of The inaugural Third Form has increased and the years new competitors have House Athletics Competition at currently coming up through developed their skills in this the start of the Trinity term was the school mean that the future event. This, together with the won by the Green and was a looks bright for Athletics at excellent coaching available to very enjoyable afternoon for all Sherborne. boys this season, has ensured involved. Similarly, Sports Day that established athletes have was well attended and saw Lyon CAPTAIN: J Payne continued to push their win the 3rd Form competition VICE CAPTAIN: J Turner CLP

76 GOLF

The season has once again Milton Abbey and against the won 3 - 2, winning the lower been one of enjoyment and OSGS for the Tom Parry Salver. three matches comfortably. frustration; enjoyment because The match against Canford My thanks to all who played, there has been a large number was halved when the Canford as well as the amusement of golfers involved, frustration number one chipped in from caused by James Kipling's golf because the school was rarely off the 18th green at Canford bag becoming attached to his able to put out the strongest to win his match. In the flies in the car park ll side available in matches or quarter finals of the HMC competitions. There were 26 Foursomes the school lost to The Trinity Term again saw members of the School Golf King Edward's Bath in a closely some good golf played with Society in the Michaelmas fought contest. victories against King's Bruton Term, as well as 16 Full Junior and Milton Abbey and a Members of Sherborne Golf The Lent Term saw the team second halved match with Club. The numbers of play at Burnham and Berrow Canford where a birdie on the members fell to six in the Golf Club in the West of 18th at Sherborne was enough Trinity Term because of England Schools' Invitation to save the day for Canford. If examinations. If one takes into event. Yes, once again it was only the School had been able

account that all but one of the Canford in the first round I to put out its best team I Golf Team, in the Trinity Term, News from the course was that Close contests with Bow were members of either Charlie Leach was easily up in House and the OSGS ended in Cricket or Tennis Squads, one the final match and the other narrow defeats, as did the is able to see the difficulties in four matches were all very Parents Match. putting out the best team close. Charlie won, but the possible. As I have said many other four matches all went to My thanks go to Mark Pryor for times before, this is the the 18th with two going on all his help this year and also Sherborne philosophy and one down the 19th. Unfortunately to James Kipling and Robin with which I entirely agree. Canford won them all, but Irving for all their loyalty over In the Michaelmas Term there were given a huge fright. the past four years. A pity were three good victories Downside were beaten in the their undefeated record had to against Kingswood in the first Plate semi-final 4 - 1 and in end on Wednesday 9th Mayl round of the HMC Foursomes, the Plate final Marlborough MJC

SQUAD: JE KIPLlNG (CAPT}, JBD PRALLE, JRE IRVING, RJS BUSH ER, LJ HINCH, CAL LEACH, TEJ LANE, ALSO PLAYED- SJC JENKS, LFT NUNES DA COSTA

RESULTS: WON: 6 HALVED 2 LOST: 6

Michaelmas Term Trinity Term Milton Abbey won 4 - 1 King's School, Bruton won 3-0

OSGS won 4-0 Canford halved 1';'_1';' Canford halved 1 - 1 Milton Abbey won 3-0 Kingswood won 2 - 1 OSGS lost 2-4 (HMC Foursomes) Bow House lost 2-4 King Edward's School, Bath lost 1 - 2 Parents lost 3-4 (HMC Foursomes)

Lent Term West of England Schools Competition Canford lost 4 - 1 Downside won 4 - 1 Marlborough College lost 2-3 (Final of the Plate) FIVES

The introduction of Football insight into the tricky times a better season. One has to into the Third Form has made ahead. The match against say that all have improved it very difficult for Fives to Marlborough proved to be their game and grown in operate from a firm base. As very close, but with the School confidence as the term years go by this will have a just ending up a few points progressed. disastrous effect on the short. A close match with numbers coming through and Blundell's, who took out their As ever, my thanks goes to playing the game at senior top two players, resulted in a Paul Carling and Nick Scorer level. This is a great shame as tie, followed by the first ever for their hard work, coaching the School hosts one of the defeat by King's Bruton, at skills and sheer enjoyment of best facilities in the country. It home. Winchester and The such a great game. Roll on to

is, as ever, good to see the Pilgrims also proved to be too next season I Courts being used for National high mountains to climb. Competitions - The West of MJC England Open Schools There was more encouraging Championships were held in news from the Junior teams early January. with good performances against Marlborough and The season started with an Winchester and victories over enjoyable match against the Blundell's and Kelly College.

RFA - full of Pilgrims i - who proved too strong for the With all the top six players School, but gave them an back next year the hope is for

SENIOR SQUAD: TG PROWSE, WG WHITEAWAY, AJB CLARK, JW BUTLER, RGMH WHEATLEY, THM COLE, JJP TITCHIN, PRG DAY-BANKS, OHMCK ESSEX

SENIOR SQUAD: GEJ MITCHELL, GA GORDON-HEAD, JA LEWIS, TWD LEUCHARS, LRF LAMBERT, HAC LEADER, JEB SMART, TS POPE

RESULTS: WON: 3 DREW LOST 10 1st IV RFA lost 72 - 1S7 1st Iv Marlborough College lost 76 - 90 J.Colts III Marlborough College lost 22 - 78 M.Colts IV Marlborough College lost 98 - 112 1st IV Blundell's drew 96 - 96 J/M.Colts IV Blundell's won 116 - 110 1st IV King's School Bruton (h) lost 108 - 128

2nd IV l' King's School Bruton won 125 - 72 1st IV " King's School Bruton (a) lost 102 - 122 J/M. Colts Kelly College won 141 - 120 1st IV v Sherborne Pilgrims lost 59 - 140

1st IV I' Winchester College lost 42 - 127

J.Colts II l' Winchester College lost 13 - 66 M Colts IV v Winchester College lost 48 - 90

78 SQUASH SAILING

Nic Batchelor boldly captained we suffered a 5 - 0 loss. This This has largely been a very the side (when he decided to was to be motivation for a successful year for sailing at appear at either training or sterling comeback several Sherborne with relatively fine matches) as first seed Theo months later where a narrow 3 weather (sailing wise) and a Cooke played an important - 2 loss showed commitment keen and enthusiastic group of role at number two, and and improvement by every sailors, particularly lower down despite his inexperience, he player. The Millfield 2nd team the school This bodes well for shone through and will were the next opponents; the future of sailing at the hopefully uphold Sherborne however, they were brushed school. squash in the years to come. aside ruthlessly by some Jamie Payne completed the brilliant squash and, perhaps, With the departure of three Abbeylands trio: Just three of by their own over-confidence. more senior boys, the team the many fine players the This led us onto the was rather young and house has produced over the Roehampton Invitational inexperienced. Captained by past five years of Mr Bool's Competition. Sherborne were James Jenkins (c) they reign l Elsewhere in the team overshadowed by such mighty acquitted themselves well in a Tom Gowan and Will Cunliffe schools as Harrow, Eton and number of races. Out of eleven slotted in and continued to Radley, but despite this, the races, two were cancelled due show rapid improvement team held its own. A first­ to bad weather; five were won; throughout the year. Dominic round match against KCS two were lost; and two races Scaglioni also made some Wimbledon sent us into the were cancelled as the appearances and a lot is plate, but an inspired 5 - 0 opposition could not raise expected of him over the next victory against Dulwich teams. When we lost races, four years. Milo Corke played College (Sherborne's first ever this was not due to poor his steady role and consistent win at the competition) sailing or boat speed, but squash at the lower end of the entered us into the plate semi­ inexperience against stronger, team and shall be a vital player final against St Paul's, who more tactical sides. For the in his last year were an unknown entity. first time in a number of years Unfortunately we lost; we had races against The season started with a nonetheless we will have Bryanston and Wellington 'warm up' against Blundell's. confidence for February's College, the latter showing our Sherborne won convincingly retu rn. tactical weakness. If we can and even showed off some add racing skill to our speed young talent with Tim Pope Winter coaching from Tom then we should be a force with and Arthur Chattey winning Pollard and the exciting which to reckon At the their matches (yet more prospect of Gary Shackle Itchenor School's Week in July Abbeylands talent) Every taking over the shackles will the School 420 with Will player in the 1sts managed a hopefully spur the team on Gibbon and Harry Saunders victory, which gave the team through 2008/2009 in the came a creditable 6th out of plenty of confidence for the newly painted squash courts. 17 boats, the best we have forthcoming season. We hope that captaincy by Will managed in years, and this is a Disappointingly, squash Cunliffe and Theo Cooke good sign for the future. seemed to be undermined by taking up the number one role restrictions including priority will hopefully bring some Recreational sailing was again to football, hockey, and in fact success. Despite lacking one very popular, with 30 boys a simple lack of players. unbeatable player, the team attending sailing camp and Furthermore, consistent will show depth and possibly with 58 boys sailing injuries meant that the team we will be relying on those throughout the term, either was chopped and changed lower down the order l during the week, at weekends, week in week out. Next was a or both. The majority were match against Bryanston where Theo Cooke juniors, and it was encouraging

79 to see how many of the new only gives the recipients As ever the sailing is run on intake were both keen and formal qualifications, but also the good will of my could sail. While the weather encourages them to use the colleagues. I am grateful to lacked on sun, the wind, qualifications to instruct and Gillian Pryor (now though strong, was seldom too improve the sailing of younger Powerboat 2 strong for sailing, and the members. qualified). John boys' skills were greatly Mitchell, enhanced in some taxing In addition to the Poole Michael I III conditions. On the back of sailing, there was the ever McGinty, I It t I the term's sailing 13 boys popular Old Boys' weekend Charlie and achieved either level 1 or and a trip to the boat show. Max for all ILLl tul level 2 RYA certificates and two Also worth noting was Gordon of their L 11 tor (ldln~ achieved their level 2 Whitley (e) sailing with Ellen support and 1 'rbOlllt powerboat qualification. McArthur in the Round the help over the t h Four more boys applied for Island Race. Although their bid year. Sailing and were subsequently was unsuccessful, the School does take up a awarded the Yorke Award to should be proud that one of its considerable train as RYA dinghy instructors. recent pupils should be amount of time in the This award has enhanced the working with such an eminent summer and they give of it sailing at the school, as it not sailor. freely. CGBH

as that at Milton Abbey were won comfortably with a tight pack of Sherborne Mud, blood, sweat and tears are not the preferred runners dominating the first ten places. The pastime of many, yet once again this year a Seniors won all of their true Cross-Country significant number of Shirburnians braved the chill matches, and two of the three relays. Only in the winds and driving rains of the Lent term to train Canford Relays, towards the end of the season, for and compete successfully in a full list of were they beaten but it might be remarked that fixtures. For the most committed, training began this is a much harder race than is usual on the in the autumn with a weekly programme of 'reps' circuit with teams coming from abroad to on ever muddier and more challenging slopes compete. The Junior VIII are also to be interspersed with longer runs through some of commended for the determination shown north Dorset's charming landscape. Jerusalem Hill throughout their season. They were less successful was, as always, a favourite route, as was the lovely as a squad, but there were some excellent loop at Up Cerne under the watchful gaze of the individual performances and the retention of the giant. It is a mark of the pleasure to be derived Sherborne Trophy was a highlight. There are from this sport that the term 'Killer Hill' seems to undoubtedly some excellent runners in the lower be achieving ever greater ambiguity of school who will bring strength to the Senior team application. over the coming years.

The match season was particularly successful for Individual mention should be made of Hugh the Senior VIII, and, although the upper places in Knudsen and Fergus Kirkland who competed for the team were dominated by Knudsen, Marks, the school and the county at Inter-County and Stuart-Grumbar, Turner and Whitcombe, National competitions, and of Charlie Whitcombe competition for the remaining slots was fierce and who after a very successful Cross-Country season many boys represented the school in various completed the London marathon in a creditable matches. It is often due to the determination of time. As this goes to press, training has begun for our 6th, 7th and 8th runners that we do so well, next season and there is every reason to be and this was certainly true this year. Matches such confident of another good year. JRS

80 POLO BASKETBALL

Sherborne polo has enjoyed another good year, both The 1st team match against in the arena over the Winter and on grass during the Marlborough College on the last Summer. Weekly practice and many of the matches Thursday of term was much like the now take place at Vaux Park in Wigborough, with whole of the season in microcosm. The coaching from Tim Vaux. With the departure of team had a slow start, taking a long Roger Horne as our coach, parent, co-ordinator and time to warm up. Marlborough indeed founder of the game at Sherborne School, outscored Sherborne by 23 - 5 in the Tim has managed to continue encouraging, first quarter. But after the slow start, enthusing and improving the boys at all levels. things really improved. The team passed the ball exceptionally, moving It is always sad to see the Upper VI leave and in Marlborough's zone defence right Summer 2008 we said goodbye to two dedicated A round the court. When Marlborough team players; Freddie Horne and Toby Hannam. got into foul trouble, the team drove Fortunately we have some exciting new talent in the to attack the basket, and seemed to Lower school. In his first year Jack Taylor has been score at will. The final score was part of both the Under 16 and Intermediates teams 60 - 60, and Lok Chiu, who had scored as the only third former to play with fifth form 41 points, had a shot to win the game: Edmund Haynes and Chris Pitman were also part of a it missed forcing the game into strong Combined team who won their tournament. overtime. In overtime, James Kong scored 3 three pointers in a row to The summer season got off to a slow start due to secure a hard fought victory 78 - 72. poor weather which kept us in the arena longer than anticipated. This meant that we had to take on the The under-sixteen team played just might of Cheltenham College without the benefit of two matches, but a number of players a practice on grass beforehand and, despite a well­ managed to play some time with the fought game, the score ended in their favour. There first team and have grown in are few schools that can produce three strong teams confidence. Their time will come l to play against ours. Millfield, however, is one school that can and on a sunny Sunday afternoon their A Five outstanding players received their team got the better of us. The Band C teams senior colours in Lists at the end of the retaliated and restored our honour directly Lent Term: Jamie Pearmund (captain), afterwards with convincing victories. Other exciting James Kong, Yile Feng, Will Dain and matches were played against the likes of Milton Tim Zhao. Lok Chiu received his Abbey and West Somerset. colours at the end of the Lower Sixth, and leaves as the club's top scorer, In the Schools tournaments all teams have put in a averaging 28 points per game. superb performance of which they should be proud. The A team took on extremely tough opposition in RESULTS: the Seniors tournament and, although they were not 1ST TEAM: PLAYED 9 WON: 5 placed, they held their own against the toughest of U16 TEAM: PLAYED: 2 LOST 2 Division One. The Under 16s breezed through two BAR rounds, beating Stowe and Harrow, only to be overcome by Marlborough College in the final, to be placed second. In The Intermediate tournament they achieved a very respectable third place and all this has helped to further strengthen the reputation that Sherborne has gained in polo.

JMS SURFING

This year's surfing trip to Portugal had an the rocky reef which helps the Atlantic swell to unusual start. Stood at the boarding gate of our slow, build into waves and break in a predictable Easyjet flight an official clad in a fluorescent and reliable manner. This year we saw a great orange jacket was explaining that we couldn't deal more of the reef as the tidal range board the flight without the headmaster's considerably larger pushing right up against the signature on one of the many pieces of paper sea cliffs at high tide and dropping back to that we had to wave around to board. Thumbing expose to beautiful flat reef in the evening. As through these sheets, he caught sight of a we left England weather forecasts indicated that consent form signed by Peter Watts, Head of Atlantic depressions had set up a large swell off School House. 'Oh, here it is,' he exclaimed, Newfoundland and the surf camp was buzzing stamping the relevant forms. 'Have a pleasant with talk of 'Big Wednesday', the day that the trip' He wasn't at all puzzled by our open swell was due to arrive on our shores. This gave mouths. We decided it was best not to correct us just four days to get out into the sea and his misinterpretation of the form. make the best of the excellent surf before the swell would become too 'adventurous' for us to We wondered how it would be to return to take on. Portugal's excellent surf camp after Ticket to Ride put together such a great package for us This year's surfers were an impressive last year but right from the outset it was clear international bunch with pupils drawn from a that we were still breaking new ground and were range of countries. From beginners to those in for a different experience. The sandy beach at looking to improve the waves proved, once Riberia de Ilhas drops steeply down to expose again, to offer us all something exciting. As the week progressed so the power in the swell Although the swell dropped, we could still feel built and on Tuesday evening we all watched the the power in the waves when we returned to the sun set knowing that the major waves were water early the next day. An afternoon spent at about to arrive. The next morning, before dawn, a neighbouring sandy beach gave us all an we could feel through the ground that the swell opportunity to swim in the large, dumping waves had built. Once up, we ate a leisurely breakfast and tryout our own 'radical moves'. We were before taking to the cliff tops The bay which impressed with the adventurous boys who all would usually be filled with sets of ordered grilled octopus for lunch, blue waves coming smoothly in despite Will's graphical was now filled by no more description of what this l than two monsters at a It 1..' 11()t r()SSibl dish looked like With time, sucking the sea the final evening upon back off the reef as f( )r y(.) Lt t () b() arei us we took to the they built and water as the sun leaving the whole t 11 e t") 1Cl r1e. '{()U started to set and bay filled with later we climbed dazzlingly white 11111 S t t etIIr11 t ( ) the up on the rocks to aerated water. No schl)()l anli \VC \vill congregate and one could surf watch the sun sink this .. or so we \\Yl~ into the sea sce if l all Muet thought I Around the knowing that we ) l) Lt (Hl t would probably not headland the world­ a fl i g;,11 famous point break t ( )111 () \\r return to this beach called 'Coxos' had started rr() which had provided us with working. The cliff tops had such good waves over the past filled with vans with roof racks and two years. While our minds buzzed the waves were peppered with small black dots, with plans to reach out for Morocco, we turned black dots on surfboards It was a great our backs on the sea and headed off for the opportunity for Will Hayler, the Old Shirburnian beach showers. Once again we are indebted to who co-founded Ticket to Ride, to talk us Will Hayler and Ticket to Ride for putting through just what is meant by 'radical moves in together such an excellent package for us all and the critical part of the wave', a phrase much used to Peter Watts for acting as headmaster, just in surfing competitions. The walk ended as the when it counted most l footpath descended to a sandy beach which necessitated a short jump and a well-timed Vladislav Dzhagaev (a), Yousef AI Qatami (b), sprint across the gently sloping sand to avoid a Bertie Wimble (b), Guy Carmichael (cl, soaking Mobile phones in pockets became Christopher Knipe (cl, Kit Bridge (d), George casualties of mistimed runs. Ellis-Hancock (d), Hugo Leader (d), Benjamin Young (e), Will Ayles (f) £795,000 freehold

NASH COURT Marnhull, Dorset DT10 l]Z

UK. 01258 820173 USA. 001 973 5141085 [email protected]

84 CAMINO DE SANTIAGO

The 'Camino de Santiago' is a Jean Pied-de-Port on 30 June. and little did we know at this Christian pilgrimage travelled As soon as we had stepped point but this was going to be by ninety thousand pilgrims a out of the train we searched our most expensive night's stay year by foot, bike or even for the pilgrims' office, and for the whole trip. We settled horseback. One of the most this is where our journey really down to sleep with the alarm popular starting points nestles started With the help of set for 6:30, ready for what was on the border of France and Benoit Wells's French and to come. Spain in the sleepy French scraps from our GCSEs we village of St. Jean Pied-de­ managed to get hold of our The morning came and we set Port. This is 786 km and pilgrim's passport and off after a light breakfast on to several blister plasters away essential pilgrim's shell which our journey. We had 27km to from the final destination; it is shows you are a pilgrim. The walk before the next albergue, also where we started our profile map showed it was and the locals said the first formidable journey. Its rocky going to be a tough first day, eight kilometres would be the route travels through much of so we set off in search of most challenging on the whole Western Europe into Northern accommodation. of our voyage. Compared to Spain via the Pyrenees, before the rest of the trip few points reaching the final goal of the We came to a small albergue amounted to anything near the resting place of Saint James. (refuge) on the riverside. It effort that was put into the The four of us arrived at St. cost us 15 euros per person, first few hills. Each apparent

I») 86 '7 peak was followed by an breakfast at the first village we pilgrimage. There was an air of endless road spiralling towards came to, but when we arrived regret on missing the festival the heavens. the whole town was deserted. but underneath it all we knew We found a notice explaining we had made the right The first lunch of our journey that the whole village was decision. From there onwards was a desperate time as all closed to be renovated. It the profile map revealed the four of us were exhausted. The soon became apparent to us next 300km to be flat as we first of the many baguettes to that the north of Spain is the were leaving the Pyrenees, so come was consumed before much poorer half of the there were some feelings of we convinced ourselves to country as it was much more rei ief. trudge on. However, it was not simplistic, although this long before we had ploughed seemed to give the Camino After Pamplona came the through the day and we more character. longing for luxuries and the entered our second albergue. desire for a change from Our next destination was our walking. We had spent a week This one was not as private as first town. It was a lonely, on the road, eating mostly the former, since there were sparse town called Zubiri. baguettes and either chorizo over a hundred separate bunk Unfortunately the pilgrims' or jam. Although we were all beds. As soon as we entered menu was above our budget, thankful for the flat roads, they we were told the rules; lights so we took advantage of the started to chip away at our off at ten and you should be vending machines and local morale with their monotonous out by eight. We got our shop for our supper. This night character leading straight into pilgrim's passports stamped was 6 euros where we were the horizon for hours at a time. and treated ourselves to a welcomed by drizzling rain, satisfying pilgrims menu. Here reminded of home. We soon came to our first we met a man who had walked donation albergue, where the to Santiago four times in the By the fifth day we reached our sleeping conditions were fairly last six years; his beard and first city, enriched with culture ragged and consisted of a few hair fell from his chin to his and traditions. It was tatty mattresses, without chest as he told us he had Pamplona and they were sheets and seemed to have a once walked from London, preparing for the 'Running of whole infestation of creatures. putting our prospective effort the Bulls' festival. The festival After showering we sat in shadow. was two days after our arrival outside, recovering after a and the temptation to stay was hard day's walk, the morale a When we returned to our immense. However, this would little low after the heat of the refuge for sleep we were mean jeopardising our chances sun had pounded down on us. greeted by the deep breathing of completing the walk on time In the distance the sound of of pilgrims who had decided and running from a hefty bull some familiar Dutch music to get an early night. The down Spanish streets in drifted over the hill in morning could not have come walking boots would not have spectacular fashion and a van sooner after a poor night's been the most intelligent of flew into view. A man selling sleep with an orchestra of ideas. all sorts of food stopped different snores around us. nearby, relieving our hunger That morning we left our and our spirits. We were the last ones to refuge feeling a pleasant leave, but set off ready for our breeze cooling us as we After our roughest night yet next destination; this day was walked away from the city. We with another chorus of snorers, much easier as it mainly met an American teacher we set off searching for our involved road walking and during our time in Pamplona, next destination on our first paths through shadowy forests. who advised us in the ways of cloudy day. The pace could be We planned on purchasing the Camino throughout the picked up and we covered a vast length of the walk carrying guidebook, there was a our feet as our lead started to on for seven extra kilometres swimming pool and we rushed crumble and, to our dismay, we than we intended, which was in to the albergue to see if lost the match. We thanked the very intense as we only there were any spaces left, in opposition, and hobbled off. managed to make it to the an exhausted and dehydrated On our way back Lewis Hinch refuge in the late afternoon. state. Here we were 'greeted' noticed a giant yellow 'M' This albergue was comfortable, by a very grumpy Italian owner poking through the trees and but slightly overpriced as we who immediately thrust the we were, of course, obliged to decided to invest in the rules of the house and pool go as his Mecca called him. Pilgrim's menu, our worst into our hands before taking decision up to this point. our money and brutally After seeing the sights of Leon stamping our pilgrim's we limped off, after a late start When we left in the morning passport. The night was hot at ten o'clock, with the bitter we were struggling to commit and the pool was not all it was taste of defeat still in the back to our task in hand as we cracked up to be, but we of our throats. We ambled approached our next target. made the most of it as we had along and decided it would be We planned on walking around an improved night, scurrying best to rest our weary legs thirty kilometres on this off at first light. This was when after all; we were ahead of occasion, but due to a slight we finally made it to the half where we expected to be at falling out of certain members way point and the reality that seventeen days. We stopped of our team and the allure of we might actually make it to after not much distance and refreshing dip in the river we our final destination was stayed with a brilliant Italian fell short of that by five dawning at the back of our man who seemed to speak kilometres or so, which minds. every language apart from cancelled out our previous English. At 3 euros each it was day's extra effort. The night After seventeen days of solid one of our best nights sleep resulted in a spell of thunder, walking we managed to reach yet, and after much discussion lightning and heavy rainfall the thriving city of Leon. We we decided to ignore the The albergue was owned by a arrived much earlier than budget just for one night and lovely English lady who had expected and all worries about splash out on another pilgrim's previously lived in Dorset failing were cast away. We menu. We planned to leave in before moving out to Spain. wandered the streets for the morning at six, to gain on several kilometres following lost distance as a 38km day However, the rain had already the yellow arrows to the next was planned. However the dried by the time we albergue. We left our Italian man offered us bread commenced on the following possessions in our room and and a strong coffee and we morning, so the walk was walked off to see the delights could not turn down his relatively cool until the sun of Leon There were many hospitality. After a delayed rose and beat down upon us play-parks for children of all start we ventured out ready for We knew it was going to be ages (including us of course) what the day would throw at tough as Henry (Comyn) had and we took advantage of the us. This was our toughest day's reminded us that there was a astro pitch to challenge some walk as the weather turned 17 km stretch with nothing but locals to a game of football from unbelievably hot to the path and the sun. It was and to show the talent and torrents of rain, hail and the Camino's equivalent of a pride of the English. We lightning falling on us from the desert. There was no water naively played barefooted as heavens. We battled on where until we reached the final our flip-flops would only most daren't go and made it destination of our albergue so hinder in our quest for glory. all thirty eight kilometres to a we filled our water bottles We soon found that our feet mountaintop albergue, where wisely in anticipation. On were being shredded to pieces there were extortionate prices arrival, as promised in the on the astro. Blisters peppered for little value, but we managed to survive. We woke anticipation. The kilometres up the following morning so started to melt away before us Santa Rosa is a small we could watch the sunrise at as the motivation of reaching village situated in the the highest point of the walk our target hung before us. We northern Andes, at an called the Cross of Furra, were only fifteen kilometres altitude of about 2,200 where pilgrims traditionally left away when real fatigue started metres. It is home to an a pebble from their homes, so to set in, we stopped shortly indigenous community, naturally there was a massive for some ice creams and but one which - on collection, and was a sign that moved on with Santiago in account of the proximity our expedition was coming to sight. Forcing ourselves on, we of the town of Ibarra ­ an end. The last hundred kept going battling against does not receive the kilometres were marked tiredness, eventually reaching government subsidies appropriately with previous the city. However we soon allocated to more remote pilgrims' messages of found out there was little in villages. It is a poor encouragement scrawled the way of directions and community and one across it; from then on in there found a tourist office to help which has lacked were posts every half a us on the home straight. We fundamental facilities, but kilometre counting down to stepped inside the final office, in the recent past it has our final destination. exhausted, our pilgrim's benefited immensely passports in hand, ready for from the splendid work of With only 78km to go we our certificates saying our the Fundaci6n Estrella decided to break it down into achievement. A huge sense of Brillante, to which two chunks, one of thirty eight relief washed over us as a both Sherborne and one of forty in that order. month's hard work suddenly and Sherborne Waking up that morning we came into realisation. Girls have made did not expect our longest day generous of the whole pilgrimage. We We stumbled into our contributions. started early to avoid the heat albergue and showered before of the sun and powered off going out and visiting the In August 2008, into the morning fog However cathedral of Saint James. What under the auspices of when we finally arrived at our we had done had barely set in the IB, three boys (Ed planned destination there were as we absorbed the sights and Cripps, James Edwards no spaces and the next sounds of Santiago, seven and Robin Shackleton) albergue was that little bit hundred and eighty six and four girls (Kate further on. So we put our kilometres, twenty seven days, Hamilton, Jess Peel, heads down and churned out a and several hundred euros Auriole Potter and Izzy few more kilometres walking a later. Stewart), accompanied by total of forty and a half, falling Peter and Sylvia Such, just short of the equivalent to We managed to raise around spent two weeks in Santa a marathon. In the refuge £5,000 towards 'Reach Rosa. The main purpose there was a group of Rwanda', a school charity of the visit was to teach Londoners who had travelled which has helped in the English in the local along the coastal route. We development of a school in primary school, and the tucked into a huge pasta Rwanda after the massacres success of this enterprise dinner ready for the final day that occurred. The pilgrimage was evident in the and unsure what our following was a huge effort and an numbers of children - by emotions would be. immense achievement which the end of the week over we greatly recommend to fifty - who flocked After a comfortable night's anyone who enjoys a exuberantly to take sleep we left before the sun challenge. had risen, filled with Chris Player advantage of this opportunity. Equator museum, where success of the visit. We saw Some of our group revealed expertise was gained in just how much Alan Howard themselves to be natural balancing eggs, using a blow­ and the Fundaci6n Estrella teachers and, as games pipe and traditional dancing. Brillante have done to improve alternated with more serious the quality of life in the classroom activities, the We travelled to Ecuador with community and this in itself excitement of learning was the aim of making a real was a wonderful lesson to us. almost tangible. The end-of­ contribution to the life of the We are committed now to course prize-giving, with prizes community of Santa Rosa and going back with new groups of and certificates handed out by this was splendidly achieved. students to build on what we the teachers, was a particularly The happiness of the children have done this year; many memorable occasion. and the gratitude of the more exciting opportunities parents, some of whom await. Afternoons and weekends attended the lessons, gave gave us a chance for plenty of abundant evidence of the sightseeing, though this was not as tourists (we were far from 'Gringolandia' here). The group became experts in the properties of local medicinal plants, attended various presentations from members of the local authorities, gave a live radio interview, haggled for bargains on the markets, witnessed demonstrations of local crafts (from tile-making to embroidery) and tasted local specialities (including, of course, fried guinea pig). In Quito there were visits to the old colonial centre and to the

9l PRAGUE HISTORY AND ART TRIP

The combined Fourth and Fifth form trip to Jewish victims of the Holocaust from what used Prague focused on the artistic and historical to be Bohemia and the nearby areas. The aspects of the place, which is of course what names of all these victims had been inscribed would be expected, its complex and turbulent upon the interior walls which allowed you to try background having given rise to a city of huge to grasp the number of people who died just diversity, most strikingly through the vast range from one area of Europe. of architectural styles. Throughout the 20th century the fortunes of this key state in Eastern We walked from Wenceslas Square to the Old Europe were closely linked to the German Town Square, with its famous astrological clock, takeover in 1939 and the rise and fall of the over the Vltava River, via the Gothic Charles Soviet empire, because of the huge influence Bridge, and to the spectacular structure that is which Russia held over its Prague Castle. Prague Castle has neighbouring countries. Events been home to Czech kings, Holy such as the Velvet Revolution Roman Emperors and various and the peaceful change to Presidents throughout the democracy after over fifty last twelve centuries and years of communist rule the crown jewels of the are therefore of great Bohemian Kingdom are interest to those who kept here. It is one of have been studying the the largest castles in the important topic of world, and through its communism, as part of continuing development the GCSE history course. represents virtually every architectural style of the last We stayed in a comfortable millennium. Perhaps the most hotel which was excellently impressive part of the castle is the located, only fifteen minutes by metro St Vitus Cathedral with its vast stained from the city centre and Wenceslas Square. glass windows and high towers looking out This was the area in which part of the Velvet over Prague. Revolution had taken place. It is now a major feature of the city due to its numerous shops, During our stay we also visited the town of clubs and bars as well as its historic Terezin, which lies in the shadow of an 18th significance. The monumental National century fortress. It is the site of a Second Museum dominating the far end of the square, World War transit camp, the Terezin Ghetto, behind a statue of St. Wenceslas himself, was and a prison used to hold political enemies to one of the most striking buildings we saw in the Nazis. The town is noted for its collection Prague, especially when lit up in the evenings. of monuments. First we looked around the Various museums and art galleries could be small fortress, which was used as the prison. reached from here. The Museum of We soon learnt that it was in fact used to hold Communism concentrates on the totalitarian extremely important enemies of the Nazis, regime, addressing the ideological dream lying many of whom died, such as Vladimir Krajina, behind the political beliefs and the dark reality the leader of a resistance group. The security of what actually occurred. The Czech people of the building was very impressive, built as it had in fact lost much of their freedom and the was as a fortress to defend the Austrian Empire country struggled to develop. Another of the against the Prussians. It had a network of particularly memorable museums was the underground tunnels and a moat around it Jewish Pinkas Synagogue which had been which could be flooded in the case of an attack turned into a memorial dedicated to the upon the fortress. Visiting the concentration

92 FOURTH FORM VISIT TO STRASBOURG AND FREIBURG camp was an extremely sobering experience Taking advantage of 'Chaos week', we based and the image that will always stay in my mind ourselves in Strasbourg for three nights and, will be seeing the drawings of pretty flowers and from there, launched ourselves into Germany for rainbows which had done by children there using a whole day. The entire journey was made by stolen pencils. It was not an extermination camp train - Eurostar to Paris, then the newly-opened and its main purpose was just as a place to keep TGV Est to Strasbourg - and was accomplished the prisoners unti I they were moved on to other in astonishingly little time. Even our day in camps such as Auschwitz. Even so, thousands Freiburg was by train, which crossed the border died here as we saw the crematorium and large as simply as if it were travelling from Dorset to cemetery which were used to deal with the Wiltshire. bodies of the victims. Terezin had also been used to persuade the outside world that the treatment of the Jews was not, as rumours were suggesting, horrific. When representatives of the Red Cross were visiting they carefully arranged the camp in order to make it appear acceptable. For example they used the large number of artists and musicians (many of whom were well What did we learn? Four key findings stand out. known) to put on shows. As a result it was the tower of Strasbourg cathedral is very tall but concluded that their treatment was not overly the view from the top is well worth the effort harsh; this of course was not the reality. expended; cruising along the river I1I on a bright autumn morning is an ideal way to appreciate On the last day we travelled by coach to what the range of architectural styles, from the 14th to little remained of the town of Lidice. A the 21 st century, that compose Strasbourg; monument and museum had been built there in the film 'Ratatouille' in German, followed by a memory of those innocent men, women and sausage-rich supper, can be enjoyed by children who were killed in response to the everyone, not only those learning the language; assassination of Bohemia's overseer during the rubbish-bin on a train is a poor place to World War Two, Reinhard Heydrich, when he was store both passport and spending money driving in his open top car. The resistance fighters who were actually responsible had all There have been school trips to France and committed suicide, but the Nazis still sought Germany before but never a trip to both revenge by destroying random villages. The countries - the fact that 25 boys Joined the sadness of what had occurred there seemed only group proves how popular the venture was. Dare to be increased by the beauty of the grounds we hope that 2008 will bring Sherborne's first­ where the village had once stood. ever visit to Spain, Germany and France?

ARO We enjoyed some delicious meals during our stay including a particularly memorable one in a Czech brewery which involved the reciting of the school song, in response to a friendly group of singing Czechs, led by Mr Reynolds. Fortunately this didn't blemish a most enjoyable trip.

Alex Cochrane-Dyet

9)