THE ELLESMERIAN 2006

Contents VOLUME CXVI Prefects ...... 2 2006 Captains of School School Notes ...... 3 Head Boy: A. M. James Head Girl: E. V. Swinnerton Speech Day...... 12 School Prefects H. E. Baxter Prize List ...... 17 L. S. Button L. E. Clewlow D. J. Goodwin House Notes ...... 18 S. H. Griffiths M. J. Hinks Saints Houses ...... 26 N. P. James S. J. Lamberton Pupil Notes...... 29 S. F. Ng T. L. Salmon B. E. Sym Out and About ...... 34 D. R. Thomas J. C. E. Upton In and Around...... 38 C. E. Wigginton

The Editor wishes to thank Sportsman Dinner ...... 42 all contributors.

Charity Events ...... 43

CCF ...... 47

Gold Duke of Edinburgh Expedition ...... 52

The Chapel of Saint Oswald ...... 54 www.ellesmere.com

Music ...... 55 The College Website is updated regularly with information on sports fixtures, what’s on and Drama ...... 57 news items.

Art ...... 60 What would you like to see on it? What do you think of it? Your views would be much Sport...... 63 appreciated. Please contact us with your House Sport ...... 89 suggestions.

Shooting...... 92 By email at [email protected] or call 01691 626505 Lower School...... 93

Cover Picture Lower School In and Around...... 94 2006 Lent Term Y7 &Y8 Play The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe White Witch - Charlotte Shearer Lower School Music ...... 96 Edmund - Oliver Thomas Dwarf - Jacob Edge

Inside Cover Picture Lower School Sport...... 97 Year 10 GCSE Media Trip to Euro Disney 2006 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Prefects

Ashley James, Head Boy & Elizabeth Swinnerton, Head Girl

School Prefects

2 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 School Notes

Various arrivals in September 2005 were noted in the last DEPARTURES edition. In January three antipodean Gap students arrived in the form of Caitriona Cotter, Sam McKelvey and Laura Morton, TERRY LOWRY and they have been a lively presence ever since. As the year progressed there were new arrivals in the Davies and Thomas families, for which we offer them all our warmest congratulations. Marie Thomas has now decided to take a break from teaching, whilst her young son progresses and we wish her well for now, in the full expectation that such an innovative and enthusiastic teacher will return to the profession before too long. The end of the summer term also brought a number of other departures. These included Neil Price, who has been Head of Lower School for six years. Neil is a man of great energy and enthusiasm and these qualities have had a massive impact at Ellesmere. He loves sport and has fostered the success of Lower School teams tirelessly. For the Common Room he has been a stalwart of most sports teams that we run and I know that it gave him particular pleasure to open the for the Ravens this summer in their first ever victory over the First XI team in the annual 20 over match. We wish him and his family success and happiness in Warwickshire, where Neil has become Headmaster of Bablake Preparatory School. Martin Digby OE returned to us for all too brief a period Terry joined in 1993 following 30 years in the as Housemaster of St John’s for its first three years. A Armed Forces. His last job was to be Commander of Finance and dedicated young man of great stamina, Martin successfully re- responsible for the finances of all 3 Armed Services in Cyprus, launched Lower School boarding, whilst concurrently making a from which role he retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. huge contribution to the extra-curricular life of the College in athletics, cross-country and the CCF. Most especially Martin Following those 30 years he embarked upon his second career loved the adventurous training that he did with the cadets, and as Bursar at Ellesmere College. When he joined the school its he has left teaching to become a professional instructor. We financial fortunes were “flat”, and during his time at Ellesmere he helped put the school on a sound business footing from which it wish him and his family all success in their new life in the reaps the rewards today. beautiful Highlands of Scotland. Peter Wei from the Republic of China and Dan Sunderland our IT Gap student completed their Terry oversaw 2 major projects in his time at Ellesmere, the year in the summer also. Both have been very hard working construction of the Lower School in 1999 and the Sports Hall in and positive contributors to the life of the Common Room and 2004. He was rightly proud of the fact that both projects came in we wish them well as they continue with their studies. on budget: not an easy achievement for buildings costing in excess of £1m each. It is a measure of the scale of the task that In September 2006 we were very pleased to welcome Terry undertook that, upon his retirement, the decision was taken Sheelagh Abbots (English), Lynn Gunter (French), Bill to replace him not with one person but with two, and hence he is Hutchings (Head of Lower School), Gareth Owen (PE and the last Bursar of Ellesmere College, as he has been replaced by Housemaster), Ian Roberts (PE), Suzanne Ryan (Humanities) a Finance Director and an Operations Director. and Paul Swainson (Chemistry). Robin Townsend has now Throughout his time at the College he was ably supported by his become a full time class teacher in Lower School. Also arriving charming wife, Sheila, and we wish them all the best in their were IT Gap student Dinesh Makhija, Tao Hong Yin from the retirement – not too far away – in Lyneal. Republic of China plus Maura Van Voris from Tabor in BJW the USA to help with drama. During the year Terry Lowry retired as Bursar and we are very pleased that he and Sheila are living in the area and we hope to see much of them in the future. Terry’s role has been split so that in the spring we were able to welcome Ken Brockless as Director of Operations and Nick Howarth as Director of Finance. We wish all new arrivals success and happiness here. GH

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NEIL PRICE 3 years as head of boarding at Formarke Hall (Repton Prep School), where he had also taught maths and science. On applying to teach maths at Ellesmere he was immediately asked to become head of the new lower school boarding house. He accepted and returned to his former school. Teaching Maths, setting up a new boarding house and moving to a new house were not enough for Martin. He immediately joined the CCF and got involved in as many outdoor pursuit activities as he could. He had always enjoyed these activities when he had been a pupil but had not carried them on when leaving. He soon realized what he had been missing. After completing the Snowdon run, the 15 peaks challenge, CCF Easter camp, CCF summer camp and all the expedition days, Martin realised that the outdoor life held a greater attraction to him than teaching. His last year at Ellesmere saw him give up the teaching side of his job and concentrate solely on the boarding house. This freed up his time, allowing him to gain further experience in mountain walking and climbing. From here his next step was obvious; to become an outdoor pursuits instructor. Martin left this year to follow his dream and has now on a one year training instructor course with the Neil arrived at Ellesmere six years ago bringing a wealth of Abernethey Trust in Scotland. He will be trained in winter experience, innovation and desire. He immediately set about his mountaineering, climbing, skiing, canoeing and any other vision working with energy and vigour. He has been at the helm activities that come his way. Martin would never have been able during a period that has seen tremendous change, as the Lower to follow his dream with out the support of his wife Hazel and 3 School has developed its own identity. Lower School has moved children, Emily, Alfie and Charlie. They leave behind many friends through several phases since it was made up of just 20 boys 21 both in and around college and we all wish them well. I am sure years ago, and this most recent period with Neil running an that once qualified, we may well see Martin returning once again excellent team of teachers has pushed Lower School through to to Ellesmere, for the third time. the next level. The achievements of Lower School pupils in all RC areas; sport, drama, music, academic, behaviour have steadily risen to the point where Lower School deservedly holds a reputation amongst the best in the area for educating this age TREVOR BRAZIER group. Neil had a strong influence in the area of sport, five years ago there was one rugby team and one cricket team, now we can field 6 cricket teams against a local prep school similarly in the rugby term at the top level beat all the local prep schools. The girls have done the same in fixtures and tournaments and the effect of this in the region is enormous. Neil is a born entertainer and his ability to see the world spinning around him provided some lovely moments. Neil and Kate and your children as you leave to take on the next challenge in your lives at Bablake School in Coventry, I am sure everyone here will join me in saying “Good luck and many thanks.

PAG

MARTIN DIGBY

Trevor Brazier and his family spent two years at Ellesmere. He joined the College as Housemaster of St. Patrick’s and to teach physics. During his time at the College he was involved with rugby at the senior level and coached the 2nd XV. A very keen rugby coach he also worked for ‘RugbyClass’ as an instructor during their course held at Ellesmere and acted as activities coordinator for the first foreign language school to be held at the College. Trevor left at the end of the summer term to return to the South West of . We wish his family well as they settle into their new home.

MDTS

As a former pupil, Martin settled right back into life at Ellesmere, when he was appointed 3 years ago. It must have been a little strange at first, as some of his former teachers were now his colleagues! Before taking up his new position he had completed

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MARIE THOMAS HELEN IVES

Marie joined us in September 2000 and was appointed year 6 teacher in Lower School. She had originally trained as a drama teacher in but later retrained to teach Primary years. Whilst During her four years at the School, Helen fulfilled a number of here, her dramatic talents were displayed in her role as Lady administrative roles. She was the support behind the scenes at Bracknell in the Common Room production of ‘The Importance of many School events, including the Appeal Receptions and Open being Ernest’. She also directed many plays at Days. During her time at the School, she supported Carolyn including ‘Trolls’ and ‘The Good Time Boys’. Marie Hennessey Newbold, the Senior Mistress, Terry Lowry, the Bursar and Andrew became Marie Thomas after her marriage to Rod at the Chapel here Corish when he took on a marketing role. From September 2003 at the College, with Father Trevor Harvey taking the service. Marie she was the Assistant to the Business Development Director and was always good fun to be with and certainly this came across in in this role, her administrative support was also directed to the her teaching. She made many friendships at Ellesmere and I know Lottery, School Magazine, OE Support and a variety of new she is thankful to all those who have held her in their thoughts. income generation opportunities for the School. One of her SEM highlights of her time at Ellesmere College was when the Sports Hall was officially opened since she had been part of the Appeal GLADYS THOMAS team from its launch. Whilst slowly recovering from an unfortunate car accident, Helen decided to change direction and concentrate on other personal interests that include cookery and more recently her 2007 wedding plans. We wish Helen and Tony much happiness in the future. HJW DANIEL SUNDERLAND

After twenty seven and a half years at Ellesmere College Gladys Thomas, Bursar’s Secretary, has decided to give retirement a try. She first arrived, back in 1979, to a very different place where the offices were heated by coal fires and the Ledgers were literally that – big books full of hand written entries. After fourteen years in reception she became Secretary to the Bursar, Terry Lowry, when she took on not only the daunting Miss Knibbs, Accountant, but also the computerized Fees Ledger. Her mastery of this important part of the school administration was second to none and her rock-like reliability ensured that all the Daniel Sunderland joined us in July 2004 on a one year placement school bills were produced on time to a supreme level of accuracy. from Manchester Met. University. He had already completed two She provided loyal and invaluable support to Terry, who would be years at the College. His Computer Science course required him the first to admit that he couldn’t have managed without her. And to gain one years experience in “the real world”. Dan as he all this with a smile - for surely this must be what we all remember preferred to be called, soon settled into the IT department and about Gladys – her warm and sunny disposition. Never a day was giving his help on increasing the facilities of the department. would go by without a smile, a laugh and some cheerful remarks He enjoyed his sports and was often seen playing football with the combined with a common sense understanding of the way of the staff on a Friday evening. After thirteen months Dan has left us to world and wise words for us all to take to heart. return to university life and complete his studies for his final year. She will be greatly missed by all at the College, teachers and Dan brought new ideas and practices to Ellesmere and will always support staff alike, and we wish her well in retirement. be remembered for his work on the College intranet. JMB MC

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ARRIVALS

CATHY ALLEN ROGER PAUL

Cathy joined Ellesmere College in September 2005 as Head of Roger grew up in south London and went to Archbishop Tenison’s the EAL Department. She came to Ellesmere from the School – the one that always gets a mention at the Oval test International School of Duesseldorf in Germany where she was matches. From there he went to UEA in Norwich to study for a Head of EAL for 10 years. Prior to working in Duesseldorf Cathy degree in Music and met his wife Rebecca. His first post after worked in international education in Zambia, Cyprus and university was none other than Ellesmere College, where he Ethiopia. Since coming to Ellesmere she has started the taught drums and percussion from 1988 to 1995. Roger returned College’s Green Team which is working to make the College more to Ellesmere to take over the Music Department ten years later environmentally friendly. In December the Green Team won the having worked at for Girls as Assistant Eco Schools’ Bronze Award. Director of Music. When injury-free he is a keen but not-very- good sportsman who supports QPR (somebody has to!) and lists his golf handicap as “driving, iron-play, putting, chipping…..”.

HELEN GOSS KIM RIPLEY

Helen took the position of Head of Girls’ PE/Games in January 2005 after having worked at School for 4 years. She did her degree in PE/Sports Science at Chester and then her PGCE at University of Wales Institute, Cardiff. She started her teaching Kim is a lass returning home. Her first teaching post was career in a state school on Anglesley but took the opportunity to at the all boys RGS Worcester. She moved to Christ College, Brecon work in Private Education. where she spent a fantastic 7 years. She is now at Ellesmere Helen brings the experience of playing a number of sports from teaching biology, joint Assistant Housemaster St Patrick’s and Head recreational, county and national levels. Most recently, she took of Meynell. Outside the classroom her proudest moment was up playing cricket for Cae Glas Ladies when she first moved to representing Great Britain at Triathlon at the World Championships. Shropshire. From there, she has played for Shropshire and then She has now retired from this sport and has taken up windsurfing Wales. She is currently the Wicketkeeper for the Welsh Team. Her and kayaking. Her ambition for 2008 is to learn to kite surf! biggest achievements are touring the West Indies back in 2005 Her partner Simon is an Old Ellesmerian, Talbot House 1976-1979 and having been chosen to tour South Africa in October 2006. and his father is an Old Ellesmerian too!

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PAUL RICHARDS his training was for secondary, he transferred to the primary sector and taught for six years in Telford before supply-teaching in North Shropshire for two years. As a committed Christian, Robin is active in a local Church where he is an elder and leads the music group. He is an avid follower of both football and manned spaceflight! PETER WEI

Paul Richards joined the Maths Department in September 2005 from . He completed his degree at City University before joining Land Rover as a graduate recruit in their commercial division. After some years he went travelling and worked in Spain and New Zealand. After returning to the UK, Paul worked in computing and commerce until he realised his ambition to train as a maths teacher. He has enjoyed teaching for some years and looks forward to helping pupils at Ellesmere appreciate the power of mathematics; and on the In September 2005, Peter Wei joined Ellesmere College from Fujian sports field to playing hard while playing fair. Province in the South-East of China where he was working in Fujian Paul’s main hobbies are playing football and tennis, and singing in Huanan School. In China, Peter teaches English and he shows and bands. immediately impressed us all with his excellent command of the English language. IAN TOMPKINS At Ellesmere, Peter’s main responsibility was to assist the Chinese students in the school. He also joined in with many activities at the School. Most memorably for the Lower School he showed them how to do a dragon dance so that they could lead the Chinese New Year celebrations. He also held sessions with Lower School where they learnt about China; it was great to hear these young people greet Peter in Chinese when they passed him on the corridor! Later in the year, Peter started up our first Chinese lessons for non-Chinese students – three eager 6th formers found time to have lessons with him. Peter was also a key member of Ellesmere College’s Green Team – helping to organize the groups and being a vital leader of our recycling team. Peter had many duties within the school and proved invaluable in the last term when he helped to run the Library. We hope Peter has gained as much as we have from his experience After studing for undergraduate degrees in Classics at Oxford in the UK during this year, and that his English is even better than it University and in Theology at the University of Manchester, I was before. He has enjoyed experiencing a new culture and returned to Oxford where I completed a doctoral thesis in ancient participating in a new school environment. Peter certainly made the history, specialising in the church in the later Roman empire. I then most of his time in the UK, forming friendships with many locals. worked for over 11 years in the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, Every weekend, Peter explored the countryside around the College firstly as a Tutor in Classical Studies and then as an administrator by bike. Many a Shropshire resident has been surprised to see a in the University’s Academic Registry. Before coming to Ellesmere, Chinese man wandering their country lanes and has stopped for a I was a Senior Assistant Registrar of the planning office of the chat and invited Peter into their home for a cup of tea. All his country University of Sheffield. My other interests include researching my explorations have left Peter with a real love for the Shropshire family history, collecting books, and hill-walking. landscapes, which we hope he will revisit one day.

ROBIN TOWNSEND GAP STUDENTS JOIN ELLESMERE COLLEGE FOR A YEAR

Robin trained for teaching after 21 years as a Computer Three young people from across the world arrived in January to Programmer and Systems Analyst on British Railways. Although spend their GAP year at Ellesmere.

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As part of a well established programme of visits by students from Nick has come all the way from Scotland to join us, together with Australia and New Zealand, Ellesmere College welcomed Laura his wife Gail and their two young children Elinor and Kate. He was Morton, Caitriona Cotter and Sam McKelvey. selected to be our first Director of Finance and Clerk to the Laura Morton is from Merimbula, Australia. She decided on a Governors and has been with us since Easter. With a background gap year in order to meet new people, travel and experience a in finance and having previously been the Assistant Bursar at different culture. She enjoys tennis and running, both of which she Dollar Academy he has slotted well into the role. continues to pursue whilst at Ellesmere. Despite being away from Nick hails from Cheshire and Gail from Meirionydd, so the territory her beautiful beach town, she is thoroughly enjoying the is not unfamiliar to either of them. In fact Ellesmere is strategically experience and the company Ellesmere College provides as well and diplomatically placed equidistant from both sets of parents/ as the travel opportunities around the country and Europe that are grandparents. They have settled in Whittington. now possible. When she returns to Australia in December, Laura Having been members of The National Trust for Scotland, since will be studying nursing at University in Wollongong. moving down to Shropshire the family has joined the Woodland Caitriona Cotter comes to Ellesmere College from her home town Trust and has enjoyed exploring the local countryside. The girls will in Sydney, Australia with the intention of traveling across Europe even have an opportunity to plant a few trees of their own in the and gaining a greater cultural experience. With her enjoyment of family’s new garden. netball, swimming, sailing and football she has every opportunity to assist in these areas of the College. At the end of the calendar year, Caitriona will return to Australia to a cadetship with Ernst and CAROLINE GRIFFITHS Young, whilst studying for a Bachelor of Commerce degree. Sam McKelvey, is from Pukekohe, a small town on the outskirts of Auckland, New Zealand. His interests include rugby, rowing, cricket, hockey and most sports. He decided to take a Gap year to experience an English school but not as a pupil.He enjoys the opportunities presented at Ellesmere as well as the travel that he plans to complete before returning to New Zealand in December . In 2007 he will completing a double degree in commerce and law at University.

SUZANNE BELLIS

Caroline arrived during Easter 2006 as the new part time Receptionist. Caroline has lived in the Ellesmere area at Cockshutt for 19 years. While her children were growing up she worked with under fives but when they left school she felt like a new challenge and took on the task of running a charity book shop for 3 years. When this came to an end Caroline decided to try her hand at something completely different again and was delighted to be offered her role at the College. Caroline’s hobbies include: Badminton, Cycling, Walking, Reading and Crosswords.

Suzanne Bellis arrived at Ellesmere during the Summer holidays when the College was very busy and full with lettings. Suzanne KEN BROCKLESS previously worked in major financial institutions in various roles, the latest ensuring that a team of UK corporate network staff were fully trained in the use of a customer relationship and sales management IT package. Suzanne lives just over the Border in Wales with her husband, daughter and mother as a neighbour. Outside work Suzanne leads a very busy life including finding time to become a fully qualified Aromatherapist and Reflexologist and looking after four Bedlington Terriers.

NICHOLAS HAWORTH

Ken is married to Elizabeth with 2 children Lauren (15) and James (12) arrived in May 2006 fresh from the RAF. Previously he had served for 19 years in a variety of roles including as a helicopter crewman, a Search and Rescue winchman and latterly as a Forward Air Controller and operations officer in a variety of locations. A very keen sportsman, including outdoor pursuits, he was heavily involved with RAF rugby, and is now assisting with College rugby coaching and as a rugby referee; whilst hoping to continue playing on weekends (age permitting!).

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ADDRESS MAY 18TH 2006 commitment to it was total. It was my privilege to work with him for the last years of his career there and in that time I had THE FUNERAL MASS OF FR. MAURICE GRAY occasion to send many pupils to see him for pastoral care. I can “Behold I shew you a mystery” says St. Paul in his letter to the honestly say that I cannot remember a single one that did not Corinthians. The New Testament understanding of a mystery is return better for having spent time in his company. Indeed there that it is a truth of divine origin, which may be disclosed in God’s were several cases of parents who had hit the financial rocks good time. Life itself is a mystery and death is the greatest mystery finding that their bill for that term had been settled anonymously. of all. When our nearest and dearest pass away we feel that we I know this because it was my bank account that Maurice used to are brought very close to that mystery. Indeed, in a very real way launder the money for some of them. He was the living the mystery of death becomes part of our lives for in the death of a embodiment of a schoolmaster-priest for which the Woodard loved one a part of us dies with them. And so it is that in the initial Schools became renowned, always stage of bereavement there is an conscious that in his handling of overwhelming sense of loss which is worship, in his handling of pastoral what the very word ‘bereavement’ really care, in his handling of people that he means and that is what I’m sure is felt by was nurturing riches that were not his many of us now as we gather here today. own, riches that had stamped on One Sunday evening, just 3 months ago, them the image of God. Maurice was Maurice was engaged in one of his responsible for the rebuilding of the favourite activities i.e. singing in the chapel after the disastrous fire and for Choral Society. The occasion was the all that went on in it for nearly 30 reopening of Welshampton Parish years. Ever faithful to the founder’s Church after the recent restoration work. intention the chapel was the heart of At the end of the service Maurice came the college, not just physically but in a up to me and asked me if, when he real sense spiritually. It was somehow “joined the angels” as he put it, I would the hub around which everything give the address. Now that certainly ‘set revolved, from the voluntary daily me back’ a pace or two but before I could Mass in the Lady Chapel to the stop spluttering he gave me some very corporate daily prayer before morning personal reasons as to why he made this school culminating in the Sung request. On reflection it seems Eucharist on Sunday. The major appropriate that he should ask me such a festivals were always dignified with question in Welshampton Church for it the appropriate ceremonial. He would was there back in 1963 that Maurice and gleefully say beforehand, “There will I first met. The vicar was taken ill and the be smoke and lots of it”, followed by new Chaplain of Ellesmere College came that famous chuckle. Indeed on one bounding in, wearing a white alb barely Whitsunday the service was concealing his rugby kit, to celebrate the broadcast live on BBC1. (Would the Holy Eucharist. Little did I think then as I BBC take such a risk nowadays?) knelt at his feet that I would one day Then at Christmas there was the carol return to Ellesmere College to teach service conducted with as much Divinity and once again find myself decorum as any at King’s College serving the altar for him on a regular Cambridge. Maurice was an Anglo- basis. Catholic firmly of the old learning and It certainly is an impossible task. It has when the History master would, rather been a wonderful pleasure and privilege wickedly, send sixth formers to to have known, and better still to have innocently ask him if he was Catholic been known by, Maurice but incredibly or Protestant the answer would be difficult to try to do justice to his memory unambiguous and they would gain an in a few minutes here today. Each one of insight into the position of the Church us has been left with a treasure store of of England that they would never memories, memories that now are forget. precious and in many cases very Then on his retirement nearly 14 personal. For thousands of staff and years ago he became what I can only pupils that passed through Ellesmere describe as a ‘collegiate priest’ at the College and parishioners of the town of Parish Church here at Ellesmere. The Ellesmere there are memories of a Fr. Maurice Gray Bishop quickly made him Rural Dean, priest, a pastor but most of all a friend, 1928 - 2006 and, as such, his pastoral care was whose unique personality radiated extended to the whole Deanery. He warmth and generosity to all who came in contact with him. became a priests’ priest helping in vacations, interregnums and He often stated that he was not a theologian: his discipline was supporting in parish life. Then latterly, in failing health, he helped Mathematics and it was the subject he mainly taught; his sport was and supported when and wherever he could. When Jesus met rugby and his recreations were music and bridge. Indeed he had Nathaniel he proclaimed, “Behold an Israelite indeed in whom is a distinguished career as a mathematician and for many years was no guile”: the same could be said of Maurice. That guileless heart on the Oxford and Cambridge A level awarding panel. In his earlier spread its influence wherever he was and one instinctively days he was equally well known as a rugby coach. After Oxford he recognized in him qualities of absolute worth: integrity, trained for the priesthood at the Community of the Resurrection at compassion, honesty and justice, things without which this life Mirfield then, after a short curacy, he was appointed as Chaplain at can have no meaning, they are like jewels that shine in their own Ellesmere College where he was to remain for nearly 30 years until light revealing to us something of the mystery and meaning of life. his retirement in 1992. This really was his life’s work. For Maurice it was never a job or a profession but his vocation and his But what of that greatest mystery of all, the mystery of death?

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Here Maurice’s example of faith is surely instructive. From my when Bunyan’s pilgrim crossed the river, all the trumpets conversations with him I know that he understood the paradox sounded on the other side. that death and bereavement brings, that in the pain and grief we And so upon that other shore and in that greater light our dear old are brought in a very real sense closer than we were before both friend takes his place among that great multitude that no one can to the departed and to each other. Isn’t that really what brings us number and whose hope was in the Word made flesh. Now it together today? This combination of pain and suffering with love remains for us to pray for him who prayed so faithfully for us and and compassion lies at the very heart of the Christian Faith. That for so many of our loved ones; Requiem aeternam - Rest eternal this life can be understood at its deepest level through suffering grant unto him O Lord, and let the light perpetual forever shine is perhaps the most profoundly meaningful thing that any human upon him. being can learn. On this point Maurice would quote one of his heroes, Cardinal Newman: “The flame of the everlasting love doth (Reconstructed from Christopher Jobson’s sermon notes by burn ere it transform”. Maurice completely understood this “deep Olwen Purslow) magic from before the dawn of time” that causes “death itself to start working backwards” to quote another of Maurice’s heroes, C. S. Lewis. Easter Day, destined to be his last one on earth, significantly found Maurice once again at the altar of Welshampton Church celebrating the Holy Mysteries for the last time. Always very conscious that he was joining his worship here on earth with angels and archangels and the whole company of heaven he said, just few days before he died, that it was his sole purpose for living. How appropriate that his last Mass should be on the great Pascal Feast, the Resurrection, which is the very heart of the Christian Faith, the Faith in which Maurice lived and died and which he directed us to celebrate today. In so doing surely Maurice was simply reiterating what St. Paul said, “Behold I show you a mystery” – the greatest mystery of all – they mystery of death itself.

Bill Beaumont and Fr. Maurice Gray at the Opening of the Sports Hall, December 2005

Fr. Maurice Gray and Andrew Clitherow, taken in 1968

In my last conversation with him we talked of the Easter services and I told him that I had played the organ at Colemere and my son had played,‘The Trumpet Shall Sound’ at the end of the service. “I should like to have heard it”, he said. Well, dear faithful old friend, surely you heard the trumpet sound as you passed over, surely in that mysterious moment, “in the twinkling of an eye” when the corruptible changed to incorruption, when the mortal put on immortality, when death changed to resurrection, you were changed from your frail human form into that glorious spiritual body that St. Paul promises. Then surely, as happened

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INTRODUCING THE DAVID HINKS – GROUNDSMAN Dave has been with the College since September 1999 and is GROUNDS TEAM married to Sue Hinks, College Housekeeper. Dave’s role is looking after the amenity areas and the Headmaster’s garden. IAN MORRIS – HEAD GROUNDSMAN Outside the College Dave is a classic car and vintage tractor enthusiast.

MARK CARSLEY – GROUNDSMAN Mark’s role is the general groundcare of the College, he has been with Ellesmere since November 1989. Mark’s interests include DIY, motorbike racing, computers, family activities and metal detecting.

COLIN BROADBENT – GROUNDSMAN Colin has been keeping all the amenity grass areas mown since March 2000, together with aboriculture work and also maintaining the College machinery. Colin holds NPTC Chainsaw Certificate, Fire and First Aid Certificates. Even outside College Colin has in interest in machinery Ian Morris and his Bert Bond Award maintenance and repairs, plus sampling fine ales. Ian has worked at the College since September 1977, his main role is managing and maintaining the College grounds. In February SCOTT BRIGHT – TRAINEE 2006 Ian won The Bert Bond Award for Services to the Institute of Scott has been a Trainee at Ellesmere since July 2006, he also Groundsmanship Midland Region. Ian is IOG Midland Regional attends Walford College on day release to study Horticulture. Scott Vice Chairman and IOG Shropshire Branch Secretary, Past plays football for the U17 Boys Club, Oswestry. His other interests Chairman IOG Shropshire Branch. Ian is also a member of the include playing snooker, camping and socialising. Oswestry Show Council which organises the annual Oswestry Show in August. Outside College Ian is a Manchester United season ticket holder and attends home and away matches. JAMES HAND James, who lived in Shrewsbury, undertook a seasonal contract at RICHARD BARNETT – DEPUTY HEAD GROUNDSMAN the College from April through to September 2006. He was Richard has been with the College since September 2005. responsible for mowing and strimming The Terraces and grounds. Richard's duties cover all areas of ground care and he acts as Following his spell at Ellesmere he returned to Chester University Head Groundsman in the absence of Ian. Richard’s outside where he is studying Law and he is hoping to come back to interests include fishing, working on cars and motorbikes and Ellesmere next year. In his spare time he enjoys playing football watching Shrewsbury Town FC. and going on activity holidays.

L - R Mark Carsley, David Hinks, Scott Bright, James Hand, Craig Mountain, Richard Barnett, Ian Morris & Colin Broadbent

11 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Speech Day 2006 The Headmaster’s Speech

Custos, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to be here to “I offer the following answer to the question how long can a report on another very positive year at Ellesmere College. human being live for if their sole source of food or drink is The notion of a theme to my report, beyond it being a record of the beer: I’m 39 and still alive.” achievements of members of the College becomes more However, it was the second answer which brilliantly combined, beer, problematic to me every year. The problem I face is not that I cannot dieting, friendship – usually regarded as a component of happiness come up with a theme, but that the most important themes are quite – and health (although this is not the most tasteful of points): simple and there is a great danger of repetition from year to year. “I once put myself on a beer and cabbage diet. I can vouch Last year I emphasised the virtues of optimism, and if there were one that I lost weight, friends and control of my lower bowel, often characteristic that I would wish on all Ellesmerians for their adult lives simultaneously.” it would be that. However, I said quite enough about optimism last With regard to happiness, confidence and achievement, I am year, so although this is an optimistic speech – for there is so much reminded of Oscar Wilde’s claim that “nothing that is worth to be optimistic about – I will not labour that theme. Along with knowing can be taught”. This is a typical Wildean overstatement comments on a particular football team it is, however, a fairly for dramatic effect, but taken in the right way it has more than a inevitable feature of some parts of my everyday conversation. grain of truth in it. There is much that it is vital to know and to learn The issue of catchy phrases and effective themes was brought – preferably during one’s formative years – that cannot be sharply to my mind by a conversation I had with Mr Goodwin some acquired through narrow academic study.There are an awful lot of weeks ago. He challenged me to come up with three words that sum things worth knowing and worth learning that are not found up Ellesmere College, rather than my usual, rather more long- through classroom teaching, although the government and most winded summary. schools seem blissfully unaware of this fact. The obvious phrase that will leap to mind for many will be “all-round A recent initiative in one independent school to teach happiness education”, but – frankly – that’s pretty hopeless. Some of the lessons gloriously illustrates Wilde’s point, while at the same time narrowest schools in the country proclaim their commitment to an all- missing the point about happiness completely. Happiness is surely round education – usually delivered through a small number of select not a body of knowledge that can be taught. It might be thought sports teams and an elite musical programme. We certainly don’t that happiness is a state that can be achieved, but I prefer want to be associated with such schools, and in any case describing Aristotle’s notion that happiness is neither a state nor a body of Ellesmere as all-round is a bit like describing Greenland as “cold”: it’s knowledge to be taught – a particularly silly idea, in my view – but true, but so obviously so as to be redundant and utterly an activity. Happiness certainly arises out of activity and I believe unilluminating. it is the varied and essentially social nature of the many forms of A lot of schools will go for a word like “excellence”, but I’m not happy activity at Ellesmere College that make the school such a happy with that, as it frequently unpacks itself to mean to the pupils that if place. you’re not excellent you won’t have a happy time here unless you Confidence cannot arise in a school which only values one thing, become so. So “excellence”, although relevant, is also ruled out whether it is academic, music or sporting success. Too many because of its overtones. schools value only academic success, and the consequence of The first word that I settled on comfortably – and to be honest I’m still that narrowness is that relatively academically able pupils are thinking about my three words – was “achievement”. It comes close made to feel like failures in such places. If all your friends achieve to “excellence” but I don’t think it has the unpleasant overtones and A*s at GCSE and only academic success matters then your grade it is a word that can be applied to individual effort. Achievement As will make you feel pretty inadequate. Such a feeling is hardly a comes in many forms: it might be an A* grade, but it might be a C good preparation for adult life, but many schools increasingly grade; it might mean starring in the first team; it might mean turning seem to see what they do as an end in itself without reference to in your personal best performance in the C team. Achievement is the future. Ellesmere is the opposite of a narrow monoculture, and individual and it is something that we want for all our pupils. there are so many ways to develop and such a strong commitment Achievement develops confidence, and confidence feeds to focusing on individual success, without reference to what others achievement, so my second word is “confidence”. Not all Ellesmere might achieve, that it offers a much better environment for pupils are confident upon arrival, but I hope all develop appropriate confidence to develop. levels of confidence during their time here. I will say little of achievement at this point, for much of my report My third word, and the most fundamental one, is “happiness”. is a celebration of achievement – understood properly, for the “Happiness” joins “confidence” and “achievement” in a virtuous pupils, not for the glory of the institution. triangle with each quality feeding off the other. Last summer’s results are almost a memory, but there were some For me, “happiness” is the most interesting word. What does it very pleasing achievements for Ellesmerians. Virtually all mean? I know someone who claims that beer makes him happy; on departments achieved 100% pass rates, and overall 40% of the other hand, much of the mass media suggests that dieting will grades achieved were top A/B grades. A particular mention goes lead to happiness. to last year’s Head Girl, Jennifer Sampson, who achieved four grade As and is now at Edinburgh University studying As it happens I saw these two concerns combined in a set of Engineering. It was also very pleasing to see the success of a question and answers from the New Scientist magazine. Two of the pupil who joined us from Lakelands School in Ellesmere for the shorter answers to the following question caught my eye: , Michael Jarvis, who has spent time travelling – “How long can a human being live for if their sole source of particularly in the Himalayas I understand – before going on to food or drink is beer? Do different beers – ale, lager, stout, mild read Medicine next year. – confer a better chance of survival?” At AS level Kim Fawcett scored maximum marks on two English The second part of the question is what gives it away as from the papers and one General Studies and one Geography paper. New Scientist, of course. Jonathan Bevan similarly scored top marks on one English paper The first answer – from someone in St Albans – was amusing, but and Mike Thornhill achieved the same feat on one General implausible: Studies paper.

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As if those performances were not impressive enough, Matthew merit of being true: I didn’t need to convince the staff to go along White achieved full marks on one Mathematics paper and all three with this (unless, and the thought has just struck me, after ten years Electronics papers, achieving an impressive 300 out of 300 as the in post I am now completely impervious to alternative points of view basis on which he progressed into the A2 part of the course. . . . well, I hope that’s not the case); the College staff were open- GCSE results saw College candidates achieving an A-C pass rate minded and then enthusiastic about the IB. of just under 90%. Individual mention is warranted in the case of The International Baccalaureate is not like A levels, a school Sarah Haynes who achieved 7A* and 2 A grades, and Robert cannot simply decide to offer the examination. Instead we had to Simms with his 6 A* and 3 A grades. apply to the IB office in Geneva and be inspected, a process which Results league in a good number of cases leads to schools not being authorised tables are not at the first attempt. Our inspection report was tremendously something in which positive, and it was clear from very early in the process that we we place a great would achieve accreditation, which is a tribute to the hard work of deal of store at Mrs Pritt-Roberts as Deputy Head Academic and Mrs Scarisbrick Ellesmere, as it is as the future IB co-ordinator. One standard part of the IB often the case that accreditation visit was cancelled: it is normal for the IB the higher a school accreditation team to hold a briefing meeting for the staff of schools ranks the less it being inspected to ensure that they are well-informed about the cares about the programme. This element of the visit was cancelled as there was achievements of its no point in briefing the staff who were found to be “exceptionally pupils as well-informed” about the programme. individuals, which is The IB is for next year. This year saw the introduction of GCSE most definitely not Media Studies, taught by Mrs Zoe Fisher, which has immediately our approach. It proved very popular. I am sure its popularity is not linked to the field was, however, trip to EuroDisney in any way. I gather the trip was very successful interesting to see despite a French air-traffic control dispute which meant that the the Shropshire flight home was cancelled; necessitating a free – non-study – day Sarah Haynes county GCSE at the theme park, a night in a good-quality hotel, and a day trip to performance tables Paris. this year. There are some famous and high-quality schools in Other academic trips have been many and varied.There have been Shropshire with rigorous selection policies designed to maintain a Classics trips to Wroxeter, Bath and Cirencester, and Geography high position in such tables, so we were – as a school with an trips too numerous to mention. The Lower Sixth History trip to interest in individual achievement – amused to find ourselves Venice proved very popular, and the regular Year 9 and Year 10 ranked third in the county, beaten, if that is the appropriate word, by History Battlefields trip proved particularly poignant this year. Today two girls’ independent schools. However, if the Ellesmere girls’ marks the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, and GCSE results are looked at in isolation it becomes apparent that several members of the party were able to visit family memorials in they top the table. Belgium and . Of course, as long as the College is committed to developing This year has seen the introduction of an Academic Cup to individuals, results may well fluctuate from year to year. However, encourage further academic endeavour, and congratulations go to what this particular table shows is that a largely non-selective the members of Wakeman-Lambart House for winning this school such as Ellesmere can, through excellent teaching, prove inaugural competition. more than a match for schools that rely much more on initial selection for their success. It would seem appropriate here to say Once again this year, pupils at all levels of the College have thank you very much indeed – on behalf of the pupils, parents and achieved great success in the English Speaking Board Governors of the College – to the teaching staff for their hard work examinations. From Year Six to the Lower Sixth there has been an and excellent teaching throughout the year. It is not just in the extremely high percentage of top grades which confirms classroom, however, that the teachers at Ellesmere work very hard Ellesmere’s reputation as a school where communication skills are and very successfully, as will be clear from much of this report. valued and nurtured: it’s difficult to be confident without them. At university entrance level there continues to be a complete lack of Debating is becoming ever more strongly established under the evidence of top universities and admissions tutors for in-demand guidance of Mrs Claire Clewlow and this year included a staff courses discriminating against Ellesmerians.This year we had three versus pupils charity fundraising debate and particular mention candidates for Medicine, and all three have received good offers; should go to Jonathan and Christopher Bevan for their contribution the same is true for our two Law candidates and the two candidates to debating in the past few years. for Physiotherapy – an exceptionally popular and oversubscribed I have been delighted by the ever-improving standard of music this subject these days – have also received good offers from high- year, after a couple of quiet years, and credit must go to our new quality universities. Director of Music, Mr Roger Paul, and Miss Bethan Jones, for some Future Ellesmere university candidates will have their options very hard work. increased by the introduction of the International Baccalaureate The Choir has gone from strength to strength and this year’s House Diploma programme (usually referred to as the IB) alongside A Singing was marked by tremendous effort – and occasional levels. This rigorous and highly-regarded course will offer accuracy – from all the Houses. The Choral Society had one of its opportunities for Ellesmerians to access university education world- most successful performances of recent years with Handel’s wide, and its addition to the extensive range of A level courses Samson, and Feather Boy – of which more in a moment – was increases further the attractiveness of the College’s Sixth Form given excellent support by a pupil and staff band for its provision. performances at the College. Continuing with the band theme, the It is interesting to note, on the International Baccalaureate front, Battle of the Bands – a new initiative to give a platform to all those that Ellesmere appears to be somewhat unusual as a school who learn guitar, bass or drums at the College – proved to be embarking on the introduction of this course. A number of other hugely successful and popular. Eight bands representing all the Headmasters have asked me wistfully how I managed to persuade age ranges of the College from Lower School to the staff performed the staff to go along with the new programme; it is obvious that a to a sometimes frenzied audience of over 200. good number of Heads would like to move in this direction but face Lower School music has been very strong in recent years and staff resistance. My answer does not convince them, but it has the performances this year maintained the high standards set. The

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Lower School Choir and Orchestra both came first in the Oswestry of tournaments including the North Shropshire Tournament, the Festival, and – having won it last year – the Choir were runners-up Packwood Tournament and the Shropshire Sevens. This last one in the Chester Festival. This year has seen the introduction of the took the seven a side team through to the Midlands round of the College’s Media Action Group for Senior pupils. Expeditions have National Championship where they eventually went down 3-0 in the included film-making courses in Liverpool and a three-day semi-finals to the team that eventually won the national title. residential course at Aberystwyth University. Sixteen short films The U16 girls’ Hockey side won the North Shropshire tournament were recently shown in a film festival in the Arts Centre and three of and there were Shropshire selections for Emma Johnson, Georgina those films have been selected for screening on the new BBC Adams, Amy Fokinther, Zoe Evans, Emily Lewis and Alex Fearn, Shropshire television service. Plans for next year include a with Emma lucky enough to play for the County in a fixture in showcase of Ellesmere student films at Shrewsbury’s Market Hall Holland; Emily Lewis was invited for a Midlands trial. and a bigger and better student film showcase next term. The girls’ U16 Netball team won the North Shropshire Tournament Drama continues to be a source of pride for all associated with and the U14s reached the semi-final of the same tournament but Ellesmere. The Michaelmas Term saw a very entertaining House went out after extra time at that stage. The First team were similarly Play Festival which was reviewed by Garth Bardsley, a former star runners up at U19 level. This year the Firsts enjoyed playing most of of Phantom of the Opera. Mr Bardsley returned later in the term to their matches in the Sports Hall, where they received considerable lead an excellent musical theatre masterclass which – as part of the and vocal support. As with the Hockey, the U13s proved a very College’s Arena programme – was opened up to pupils from other strong side, winning all their regular matches and the North local schools. A Level Drama students performed a promenade play Shropshire tournament. To this they added victory in the North in the gardens of Erddig House. The first term ended very Shropshire rounders tournament. successfully with the Year 10 pantomime for staff children and local Tennis has proved hugely successful again this year. The boys’ and primary schools, and the Years 4, 5 and 6 Christmas show. mixed teams got through to the last sixteen in the country in the Last term saw a very high-quality Lower School production – quite British Schools’ Competition, with the girls’ team going further and a topical choice given the release of the film of the same name: The winning through to the last eight. The girls also performed very well Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe; as with most College plays this in the Aberdare Cup, another tough national competition, in which was performed for local schools as well as a home audience. The they recently won the North West Area finals to qualify for the end of the Lent Term saw the excellent Feather Boy, a musical play, National Finals – again through to the last eight – in Hertfordshire. and – for my money – the best production in my time at Ellesmere. Charlotte Shearer and Toby Blake were successful at an individual This play was the College’s entry into the National Theatre level in the North Shropshire tournament. The U13 girls’ and boys’ Connections Festival Competition, and for the second year running teams each finished second in the North Shropshire Doubles the College entry was selected for performance at the Lowry tournament, and we retained the U19 North Shropshire trophies for Theatre in Manchester. The Ellesmere performances were followed another year. by a very successful tour of , Rhode Island and New Staying with racquet sports James Mackay has played squash at York. Highlights of the US tour included a rooftop performance just Cheshire U19 level. off Madison Square in New York, and a performance at Plymouth Football is a relatively recent introduction to the College – although College in Rhode Island where an appreciative audience stormed it was Ellesmere’s original game back in 1884 – and, in this the stage at the end of the show. incarnation, continues to strengthen. Nine teams at various age The A and AS Level performance showcase before half-term was levels have been fielded and over 100 boys have represented the thought-provoking and entertaining in equal measure. The year has school. Positive results – from what is an extremely demanding concluded with an enjoyable dramatisation of George Orwell’s fixture list – have been over 50% which represents excellent Animal Farm, which has been performed at a local primary and in progress. Special mention goes to the U11 team who competed in the Arts Centre and will see its last performance at Strawberries an all-Shropshire event and did not concede a goal, but lost out on and Champagne after Prize-giving and Last Chapel, taking place goal difference; we also entered the North Shropshire girls’ below the tennis courts: I hope that you will be able to support it. tournament – at U14 level – for the first time. Ellesmere’s prowess at games is almost becoming a problem as it This year has seen possibly the best season in the College’s Rugby gets harder to find enough decent opposition. This year nearly 500 history, taking into account the performance at all age groups. At “A” inter-school fixtures have been played in 17 different sports; there and First team level, from the U13s to the Firsts, only four matches have been inter-house sports competitions in 12; and over 25 were lost in the whole season. The First XV led the way with an different sports have been played at some level this year. unbeaten season, scoring 457 points and conceding only 49; the Second XV were also unbeaten. Over the last two years only one The year began with a successful and enjoyable trip to the Isle of match has been lost at First XV level. For personal reasons I saw a Man with victories for both the girls’ hockey and boys’ rugby sides, lot of the U13As, who played more games than any other team and and set the tone for much of the year. lost only one; they are a terrific prospect for the future and a team The most successful girls’ team this year has been the U13 Hockey that will only get stronger. It is a measure of the strength of College Rugby that we have agreed next year that our fixtures against and Rossall School – two good schools with strong sporting traditions – will continue on the basis of Ellesmere’s second teams at all age-groups playing those schools’ equivalent first teams. At an individual level, Head Boy Ashley James was selected for the Wales U18 squad, and the Llanelli U18s, although he was unlucky with injuries. Sam Lewis was selected for the England B U16 side. To concentrate just on the older part of the school in mentioning regional and county selections, we had Alex Whittle, Peter Thomas, Patrick Gorman, Richard Oliver, Stephen Bannister, Rob Kellett and Dan Thomas selected for Shropshire, with Jake Asplin selected for . Nick James, Will Blackwell and Matthew Hinks played Emily Lewis scoring at the Midlands Tournament for Shropshire and the North Midlands; as did Danny Matthews, who also played in the England Regional Trials. James Farrell XI who, for the third year in a row, went through the season played for Shropshire and also North Wales, in which team he was unbeaten, this year without conceding a goal. They won a number joined by Aled Ellis.

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In cricket the U13 side won the North Shropshire league, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme celebrates its Fiftieth something that has been achieved by successive U13 sides for Anniversary this year, and this was marked last weekend by a D of E several years. With Lower School cricket so strong it is not reunion at the College. Ellesmerians continue to achieve awards surprising that there are county selections at this age and Joel through this scheme and Mr Michael Lowe, the High Sheriff of the Maddock-James and Joe Davies have been selected to play for County presented eighteen Bronze and eleven silver awards earlier Cheshire, and Ben Pearce selected for Shropshire. this year. Twelve Gold Awards have been gained, which is an The Senior cricket programme carried on past Speech Day last impressive total. The summer Gold Canoe trip to France is – I am year because of the Woodard Festival in the summer holidays; the sure – looked forward to with great enthusiasm, and I hope that it proves very successful and enjoyable. final outcome of the season saw the First XI losing only one all- day game in 2005, and have only lost one in all day school There were two ski trips this year, and both proved highly popular matches this year – although they did lose to the staff team in a and successful. At Christmas, 31 pupils from Years 8 to 10 went to shortened limited overs game. Switzerland, and at Easter 16 pupils from Year 11 and the Lower Sixth had a week’s skiing in Italy. I was very pleased to receive a Nick James has averaged over 50 for two seasons, and has been letter from the tour operator of the Italian trip complimenting me on selected for Cheshire U19s and also nominated for the Senior the conduct and demeanour of the Ellesmere pupils: as he wrote, Cheshire minor counties side. Patrick Cudmore and Alex Whittle he is “not often moved to write positively” about school skiing trips, have played for Shropshire and George Forgrave for North East but felt that the Ellesmere group stood out for their good manners Wales. Fourteen different teams have turned out for Ellesmere this and friendliness. year, and over 150 pupils have played representative cricket for A new initiative within the College’s activities programme this year is the College, which represents a doubling of numbers since 1999. the Green Team, a practical environmental group led by Ms Cathy An honourable mention goes also to the Staff cricket side, who are Allen. The impact of the team has been considerable, and recycling undefeated this season and defeated the First XI for the first time at the College has gone from virtually nothing to over six tonnes of ever. recyled waste in just seven months. I’m not sure – given the current open air nature of our pool that we can claim much credit for swimming achievements; but there’s no harm in trying, and in that spirit I am pleased to report that David Main took Silver at the 100m breaststroke in Midlands trials and achieved two national qualifying times in 100m and 200m breaststroke; Lower School pupil, Kate Parry, swam for Shropshire. The has been as vigorous as ever, following its excellent David Main Inspection report last year. The Army section had what The Green Team was described to me as a “great week” at Dundonnell in Scotland Fundraising at the College has been as various and vigorous as climbing in early April, and was fortunate enough to have snow ever this year and a recent Lower School sponsored walk for every day: I believe that does count as good fortune, although it may environmental concerns in Ellesmere and school buildings in not appeal to everyone. The RAF section enjoyed two excellent Madagascar cost a number of us relatively dearly, albeit in aid of camps, one last summer at RAF Lossiemouth and more recently good causes. The St Aidan’s fashion show proved very successful and more locally at Easter at Cosford. The Naval section attended and the College’s support of Save the Children, particularly through the presentation of the freedom of the City to HMS Manchester, the Arena Arts programme, continues to develop. which is the affiliated ship for the College. Our cadets stood point as The College’s own fundraising towards the next stage in the sports the ship’s company marched on parade outside Manchester Town facility developments was focused on a Sportsmans’ Dinner in early Hall. Christian Green deserves special mention as the first winner of October. 250 guests turned out to hear speeches from a variety of the Blake Hartley memorial trophy for the best cadet in the people including former England rugby internationals Geoff Probyn contingent. and , and generally have a good time while at the Staying with martial matters shooting has enjoyed an excellent year. same time raising over £30,000. My heartfelt thanks go out to the Twenty-two pupils have shot for the College. The A team won two committee members of the Dinner who worked so hard to make it BSSRA Divisional Championships, with the D team winning one such a success. The money raised will go towards the completion of championship. The College shooting 8 won their Division at U14 the pool project, something on which I hope we will move quite soon. level and are promoted to Division 1 for next term. The most notable Every year it is not just pupils who leave Ellesmere, but we must achievement was made at the Prep Schools Rifle Association also say goodbye to some of our colleagues. Centenary Championship in the Presence of His Royal Highness Although not a member of the teaching staff, The Bursar, Lt Col Terry the Duke of Wessex, when the College fielded a large team of pupils Lowry, retired at the end of last term after thirteen years’ service to the in what was for all their first major shooting championship. The A College. The Bursar’s job is an unenviable one as it combines a team finished second overall, with George Baxter coming second in requirement for financial knowledge and management with a high level the individual championship. From this Championship four pupils – of people, service and estate management skills. We wish Terry and the most from any school – were selected for the international his wife Sheila all the best in their retirement, not too far away in match that followed it. George Baxter competed for the England Lyneal. team and Jake Taylor, Henry Cureton and Guy Cooper completed for the Wales team. Following that success Henry, Jake and Guy Upon the Bursar’ retirement, the College Council agreed to my have been selected, along with James Sambrook-Jones and suggestion that the post of Bursar should be split, and I am very Matthew Steggles, for the Welsh Junior Rifle Squad. grateful to them for supporting this idea, as I am sure the new

15 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 arrangement will significantly professionalize the non-teaching Coventry. Neil and Kate and their children will be much missed part of the College and – through the improved support provided from the College community, but I am sure that they will keep in – raise further the performance of the College in its prime activity, touch. Neil leaves the College with considerable personal thanks the care, development and education of the pupils. from me for his support and my heartfelt best wishes for his future Mr Peter Wei joined the College for one year as our regular visiting career. teacher from China. He has integrated himself thoroughly into the I hope you will join me in applauding all that these teachers have life of the College, supporting our students from China and Hong done for the pupils of Ellesmere College and in wishing them all Kong and offering Chinese language classes to English pupils. He the very best for the future. has also integrated pretty successfully into the life of the town of So: happiness; confidence; achievement. Ellesmere where I believe he is well-known and well-liked. I am told that one of the many things he will miss as a result of his Happiness can come in many forms and sometimes arises despite return to his homeland is English food, which is not something painful circumstances. I had the good fortune to be at this year’s many Chinese people miss! FA Cup Final and as Liverpool’s goalkeeper saved the final penalty to secure the Cup I found myself both happy and in pain. Mr Martin Digby first joined the College in 1988 as a fourteen-year The happiness will be obvious as I am a Liverpool supporter; the old pupil in Mr Sampson’s House. Following university, marriage pain arose as – at the moment of the goalkeeper’s save – I found and jobs in three prep schools he rejoined Ellesmere in 2003 as a myself pushed over by my son into the next row of seats teacher of Mathematics and as the first Housemaster of St John’s. downwards and ultimately onto my back. Pain and loss of dignity I was quite pleased with myself, to be honest, with regard to his dimmed my happiness not one bit. Happiness comes from appointment, as one of the reasons Martin was looking to leave absorption in and commitment to an activity and while pushing the his previous job, Head of Boarding at Foremarke Hall prep school, Headmaster over a row of seats is not an experience generally on was to reduce his boarding responsibilities. Persuading him to offer – save for one guilty Ellesmerian – the College offers plenty take on St John’s meant that he did not quite achieve the result he of opportunity for absorption and commitment through more set out for. Martin left the Mathematics department last year to wholesome and less painful – for me – activities. enable himself to retrain, but retained his responsibility for the running of St John’s. He now gives up St John’s as he moves with Confidence is something which I hope we instil in all our pupils. his family to a remote part of Scotland to begin a career in There is plenty of reason to be confident about the College too. At adventurous training, a passion he developed during his education a time when many schools are facing falling rolls and changing at the College. We wish Martin and his wife and children all the their intake or their entry point in response to their weakened very best in their new lives. circumstances, Ellesmere continues to be strong. The College is the largest that it has been in its history, and it will probably be Mrs Marie Thomas joined the College in 1999, as Miss Marie larger next year. An indication of confidence can be found in the Hennessey. Many people will know that Marie and her husband’s fact that over the summer we will be spending several hundred lives were touched by tragedy with the sudden accidental death of thousand pounds on a variety of projects: there will be a new her first son. Marie’s second son was born earlier this year, and building for the Learning Support and EAL departments to situate she has decided that full-time motherhood should be her vocation them closer to where most of the teaching in the College takes for the immediate future. I am very sorry to lose Marie’s services place. Middle School day boys, who suffer in comparison with their from the College: she is an excellent and popular teacher who female counterparts as they are often currently accommodated in contributed very positively to the life of the College and – in studies not designed for the purpose in the Nankivell Block, will particular – to the life of Lower School. move to much better accommodation in the Study Wing. Nankivell Mr Neil Price joined the College as the first Head of Lower School will be altered internally to reduce the number of rooms from sixty in what we might call its “mature stage”, in 2000, following to twenty, but this will allow for a significant increase in the quality pioneering work in its development by Mrs Carolyn Newbold. Mr of the new larger rooms to provide additional accommodation for Price took on the hardest sort of job, as Mrs Newbold was the Sixth Form boarding boys. Furhter ICT facilities will be provided for classic “hard act to follow”, and Lower School was already seen as teaching and Sixth Form use, following on from the completion of a successful operation. However, Neil has fully risen to the ICT connectivity – mostly wireless – throughout the College; and challenge and the academic life of the Lower School has the Sixth Form social facilities will be refurbished and extended. continued to go from strength to strength. He has increased As I noted at the beginning of my speech I don’t really need to say enormously the cultural and extra-curricular life of Lower School, a great deal about achievement: it is obvious, but it is not just the as can be seen from this report and its noting of very considerable pupils who achieve, but everyone associated with the College. Lower School successes in Music, Drama and Sport. Mr Price is well-known for many things – all positive, I hasten to add – but Mr Pride is often thought of as a vice, but that – I think – is only if it is Price’s general joie de vivre is one of his greatest attributes: he is personal. Looking backwards is not something I am usually a hugely positive person, a quality which will stand him in good inclined to do: it seems relatively pointless, and if one looks stead as he takes up the Headship of Bablake Junior School in backwards for too long one tends to walk into things as one moves forward. However, if I indulge myself for a moment and look back on my first ten years as Head at Ellesmere, and particularly look at the College as it is today, I have to confess to an enormous sense of pride that I am associated with such a happy and positive place. I am very proud of our pupils and all that they achieve, and extremely proud of – and grateful to – the teaching staff who help them achieve it. I suggested that the keywords for a three-word only description of what we are trying to achieve at Ellesmere were “confidence”, “happiness” and “achievement”. If this report shows anything it shows that Ellesmere is working strongly towards those qualities. We mustn’t think that we’ll ever reach our goals – that would be deadly to ambition and very boring – but it is clear to me that the members of the College community – parents, staff, pupils, governors – have a common goal: that is a rare and valuable thing in a school, particularly when the goal is so worthwhile, and I Presentation to Neil Price thank everyone for their efforts and their support.

16 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Prize List 2006

YEAR 7 PE Beth Clewlow Art VickyVon Hoven Performing Arts (Drama) Joseph Denham English Freya West Physics Jamie McBrien French Tom Draper Spanish Jarmo Willemse Geography Freya West LOWER SIXTH History Michael Kelly Art Sarah-Jane Beswick Freya West Biology Peter Heath Mathematics Freya West Business Studies Carrie Zhang Science Katherine Newry Chemistry William Norris YEAR 8 Design & Technology Laura Bernhofer Art Dominic Lam English Sarah-Jane Edwards English James Leahy EAL Stephanie Oeking French Oliver Thomas French John Brodie Geography Douglas Forster General Studies Sarah Haynes History James Leahy Geography William Norris Latin Douglas Forster History Sarah Haynes Mathematics George Baxter Information Technology Henry Fletcher-Brewer Science Douglas Allsop Latin Madeleine Horn Mathematics Candy Yang YEAR 9 Music Toby Dell Art William Bevan PE Richard Oliver Biology Rebecca Britton Physics Robert Simms Chemistry Freddie Herzog Politics James Jarvis Classical Civilisation Nicholas West Sociology Sarah-Jane Edwards Design & Technology James Gould Spanish John Brodie English Freddie Herzog EAL Juan Duran Vara UPPER SIXTH French Rowan Dell Biology James Heald Geography Freddie Herzog Business Studies David Goodwin Graph Comm. Emily Wicks Chemistry Ben Russell History Chris Johnson Design & Technology Arabella Scott Information Technology David Main English Kim Fawcett Latin Rebecca Britton EALM Raymond Ng Mathematics Joshua Boswell French Jonathan Bevan Music Sam Clewlow General Studies Jonathan Bevan Performing Arts (Drama) Harry Valentine Geography Samanthan Lamberton Physics Freddie Herzog History Bryony Sym Religious Sam Clewlow Information Technology Christopher Steggles Spanish Rowan Dell Mathematics Matthew White MusicB Alex Robinson YEAR 10 PE Ashley James Art Stephanie Platt Politics Kathleen Benner Biology James Norman Sociology Mike Thornhill Business Studies James Norman Chemistry Colin Fergusson SPECIAL PRIZES Classical Civilisation Amber Lewis-Bolton James Merrick Cup Christian Taylor English Catherine Wignall Art Sarah-Jane Beswick EAL Max Wjtynia Drama Ashley James French David Anders-Richards Services to Drama Alex Robinson Geography James Norman Keith Smith Historical Essay Sarah Haynes Graph Comm. Todd Evans Jebson Shield Christopher Johnson History Ashley Whittle Lovel Prize for English Literature Samantha Lamberton Information Technology Harry Christie-Bennett Instrumental Music Bettina Fritz Mathematics Joseph Chu Garnett Prize for Creative Music Jamie Cartwright Media Studies Charlotte Lewis Baulcott Organ Prize Pittawas Tulamathorn Music Benny Lau Services to the Choir Nicholas Kenny PE David Anders-Richards Marsh Cup for Musician of the Year Alex Robinson Performing Arts (Drama) Rhian Davies GCSE Science Coursework Prize Jamie McBrien Physics James Norman Talbot/Woodard Science Prize Robert Simms Religious Studies Tessa Fawcett Colin Russell Prize for Spanish David Morris Endeavour in Biology Mike Thornhill YEAR 11 Mark Willis Science Prize James Heald Art Robert Coates The Woodard Board Prize Iain Disspain Biology William Bartlett Gledhill O.E. Prize for Leadership, Business Studies Hannah Jones Initiative and Excellence Ashley James Chemistry William Bartlett The Old Ellesmerian President's Cup Jonathan Bevan Classical Civilisation Jarmo Willemse ICT Cup David Main English William Bartlett Sportswoman of the Year Elizabeth Swinnerton EAL David Nip Sportsman of the Year Nick James French Jarmo Willemse Headmaster's Prize: Head Boy Ashley James Geography Jamie McBrien Headmaster's Prize: Head Girl Elizabeth Swinnerton Graph Comm Rachel Harrison History William Bartlett Information Technology William Bartlett Mathematics Jamie McBrien Music Rachel Harrison

17 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 House Notes - Meynell

If the atmosphere at the House 6-a-side was electric it was nothing compared to that at the end of term for the rugby Head of House: competition. Will Blackwell came into his own and organised Dr. J. K. Ripley teams and practices to ensure we were prepared. On the day we House Tutors: were outclassed in the junior boys, closely competed for the Mr. R. P. Boswell, Mr. T. Brazier, Mr. P. J. Hayes, intermediate boys but ecstatic at winning the senior boys’ Mr. S. B. Mullock, Mrs. S. Owen, Mrs. S. Phillips, competition for the fifth year running where Stephen Bannister Dr. I. Tompkins, Mr. I. L. Williams scored 4 tries in the final against Wakeman-Lambart. It was a fantastic performance from all three age groups. Captains of House: I was shocked and horrified at the news that as part of the inter- W. R. Blackwell & B. E. Sym house competitions there was a singing competition, not that I doubted the talents of the Meynell student, more at the thought that I might have to “do” something. I need not have feared as I was extremely pleased when, following my appointment as a Bryony with her usual efficiency ensured that an appropriate biology teacher, the headmaster phoned to ask if I would consider running Meynell House. I certainly did not however appreciate what a daunting task that was until I began hearing all about the history and of the legend that was Al McClure. My first assembly followed and a sleepless night! However may I add that the enthusiasm and ‘cheese’ (as it is known by the other houses) of Meynell has not been lost, and I will certainly look to build upon our somewhat ‘keen’ attitude in the years to come. I was very fortunate to be helped to settle into the house and helped every step of the way this year by Will and Bryony. The term was only a week old when the Wednesday afternoon “fun” competitions started with a 6- a-side soccer in the sports hall. The atmosphere was quite something. Mark Pearson did an excellent job as of the junior boys’ team and Will was brilliant at leading the senior team into battle. I must admit that seeing a slightly timid Rob Coates take to the pitch against some huge Sixth Formers I did fear for the worst but he played skilfully and with real heart and was an asset to the team. House Play - The Temptation of Faust Alongside the continuing rewards of soccer the casting and the rehearsals for the House Play began in earnest with song was chosen for the unison and for the part song. She took Bryony in her element as director. The lead character was played over House Assemblies and organised numerous other by Captain of School and Welsh U18 rugby star Ashley James. It rehearsals. The is testament to his talent and commitment that he managed to night of the learn so many lines and make all the rehearsals. It is possible that competition was he was, in some people’s opinion, upstaged by a frantically camp fantastic. If asked performance by Patrick Cudmore! We put in a superb performance to pick a highlight of in the House Drama Festival and thought the criticism of the play the Meynell year I somewhat harsh. think that this must have been it. Every single member of the House sang brilliantly in the unison and we were judged winners. This was bettered by the part song which was breathtaking and won special praise from the judge and another first place. Well done to all who were House Play - The Wedding Scene involved. Hadleigh Roberts

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House Cross Country saw us struggling to find volunteers at one stage but as usual the old faithfull Meynell pupils stepped in and we fielded full teams in all age groups. Special thanks to Charlie Butt, Todd Evans and Harriet Devonald who all stepped in at late notice and gave spirited performances. In the girls’ hockey we a had a slightly weak junior team but all of the girls played well and gave a spirited performance

Bryony Sym proved a double edged sword with our true athletes thrusting in their record bids but the less confident relieved that the pressure was off. It did turn out to be a very exciting afternoon. The competition was fierce and the novel events proved to be a great leveller. The support from every member of the House for those competing was second to none. In the ‘track’ events we tied second place with the inclusion of the ‘field’ events. Sports day really was a great event and importantly saw the emergence of the Meynell Captains for 2006-7 as my initial choice was reinforced by the amount of organisation they put in and therefore may I express my thanks to both Stephen Bannister and Sarah-Jane Edwards. It has been a fantastic first year as the head of Meynell but it has been extremely rewarding. I would like to thank all members of the House for their support and to give a special thanks to the Captains of House Will Blackwell and Bryony Sym. JKR

Will Blackwell and the winning trophies against stronger opposition. The senior girls led by Bryony were so competitive and were unlucky to finish second on goal difference. It was a good afternoon of competition with all who competed acquitting themselves well, with an outstanding performance by Sarah Griffiths. House Football passed in a bit of a blur and we were unfortunate to be beaten out of first place in all three age groups. The spirit was however undaunted and the performances were of credit to all involved. In the Summer Term the tennis competition had nerves stretched to breaking point. We had some talented players and all matches were closely fought, special mention to Steph Perrrin and Valerie Zelger who performed to her full potential on the day and did not lose spirit. The constant rain saw a huge change to Sports Day which meant a switch from the traditional Ellesmere College format to an indoor abridged version. This Meynell Sixth Form pose for the camera

19 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 House Notes - Talbot

was not enough as the loss of one game (against play) resulted in Head of House: third place for the seniors. The juniors suffered a similar fate and Dr. R. Chatterjee also came third. House Tutors: High hopes were riding on this years’ rugby intermediates Mrs. C. Allen, Mr. M. Coats, Mrs. Z. J. Fisher, following on from their success of last year. We were not to be Mrs. S. A. Hooper, Mrs. V. Howle, Mr. G. Hutchinson, disappointed as our scrum-half Henry Hackett and prop Marco Li Mr. R. J. Macintosh, Mr. H. B. Orr, once again put in great performances. George Brereton at inside Mrs. J. E. Purcell,, Mr. P. I. Richards Captains of House: N. P. James & T. L. Salmon

The competitive House system is now well established and Talbot has continued to compete well on all fronts. The new year welcomed fresh faces and new captains. Nick James and Tiffany Salmon took on the prestigious role of running the House, ably supported by Helen Baxter and other members of the sixth form. The senior girls made an excellent start to the indoor 6-a-side Hockey Tournament. They beat Meynell 3-2 and were looking strong. However, due to so many other sporting fixtures the senior competition was never completed- obviously we would have gone on to win! Talbot junior girls performed well in all their matches. Emma Johnson playing strongly in mid-field and Amber Lewis- Bolton with Holly Liversage providing a formidable defence. With the rest of the team playing well, this resulted in no losses, and Triumphant Rugby Intermediates overall joint 1st place. The boys football matches did not go so well with the seniors coming 4th and the juniors coming 3rd with centre and Lewis Wantling as pack leader proved to be a force to only one win between them. be reckoned with. Once again the team took 1st place. Unfortunately our juniors and seniors could not match this. The Talbot House play saw John Bevan make his directorial debut. In directing King of the Castle he took on a very difficult and hard hitting play about post traumatic stress suffered by a war veteran. The lead role was ably played by his brother Chris Bevan. So as not to be left out William Bevan also appeared in the play even though only in Year 9. Fellow Year 9 students, Sam Clewlow and Johnny Pescod also made their debut for Talbot. The rest of the cast all put in strong performances making the play a huge success. This year’s Ellie awards presented to Talbot were for best use of props and for best dance, performed and choreographed by Helen Baxter.

Junior Rugby Team

This year’s Christmas Carol Service was again well supported by parents and pupils alike. Although there was a joint service with another House, the readers were mainly from Talbot as they were very keen to play their part in the service. The readers included Kathleen Benner, who spent one year in the Sixth Form as an exchange student from the USA. After Christmas, House singing practice was the order of the day. The unison song ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’ being sung, hummed House Play and played at every opportunity. Toby Dell led the rehearsals, enabling the House to benefit from the full range of his musical Girls’ field hockey was strongly contested in both the senior and expertise. In addition to the live singing, live music for the song junior sections. In one match Beth Clewlow scored two great was played by Toby Dell and Tatsukuni Asaba. In my expert goals and was ably supported by Tiffany Salmon. Abigail Merrill opinion (!), we were the best House on the night but once again distributed the ball well throughout the competition. However, this the judge did not quite see it my way.

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Sport in the Lent Term included indoor basketball and the main and Tiffany not showing the slightest hint of nerves. The Dinner also school sports. A closely fought netball match in the senior girls saw saw the presentation of a large number of House Colours. Having Tiffany Salmon shooting well, with great defence from Helen Baxter. the support and presence of parents, made this a little more special This resulted in a 3 way tie for 1st place, the result being decided on than usual. goals scored. This was not in our favour, but you couldn’t get a closer The biggest event of the summer sporting calendar was of course result than this. The junior girls also played well and gained a very athletics, with nearly everyone from the House taking part. However, respectable 2nd place. The boys football matches were on at the it was not to be our year. Talbot inters did the best with a number of 1st places form Emma Johnson and Harriet Tomlinson, giving the team 2nd place overall. The juniors and seniors were unable to match the pace and our overall standing was 3rd. Over the past few years senior cricket has always resulted in a place in the final, only to go down on the day. However, with Nick James at the crease success was finally to be ours. With falling easily to Tim Courage it was a final to remember. The juniors went one better than last year and got to the final. However, with our top cricketers having to play in a school match, we were up against it as we took to the crease. We batted strongly but with the loss of a few easy wickets the game swung in favour of the opposition. Ewan Crispin needed 22 off the last four balls and nearly made victory possible with a six and a four but could not close the match. A new competition for the summer was House Sailing. Commander Relaxing after a good win of the fleet was Toby Dell, who led Helen Baxter, Jamie Tyrer and same time and spectators were torn between which competition to Henry Fletcher-Brewer to victory, over a superior Wakeman-Lambert watch. The senior boys put in an excellent performance, with Nick side. A victory to savour. James leading from the front and a strong no-nonsense defensive Academic success is another Talbot strong point. With the new play typified by Charles Chambers. This led to 2nd place, which was Academic Cup being trialed in Year 10, the early success was ours. a good result considering the opposition. The junior team ended the Next year the Cup will be run across all year groups and we should day in 3rd place although they only lost one match and this was by go from strength to strength. The Sir Noel Davies Trophy for the best 1 goal. George Bereton and Ewan Crispin combined well up front annual average Period Grades in Year 9 was won by Rowan Dell. At with excellent support from the rest of the team. Cross Country was ‘A’ Level, Kim Fawcett gained perfect As, allowing her to study law. the biggest event to organise and it is a credit to all that it ‘ran’ so Jonathan Bevan also gained top grades, which have secured him a smoothly. Good performances by all age groups meant that Talbot place to study medicine after a gap year. Jake Asplin, and Peter were not only outright winners in the Juniors, but with two 2nd places Heath have been equally successful at AS. Top GCSE results were for the inters and seniors we were the overall winners. With 30 awarded to Jarmo Willemse and William Bartlett. Special prizes runners involved, it really was a team event. went to Bettina Fritz, who won the Instrumental Music Prize, Jonathan Bevan who won the Old Ellesmerian President’s Cup and The Summer Term quickly got underway with House Debating. This Nick James who won Sportsman of the Year. has always been a favourite for Talbot and the senior team started as firm favourites. The first round went our way, although the final was Special mentions must go to Sam Clewlow who starred in the school very close. Jonathan Bevan, Chris Bevan and Will Bartlett all argued production of Feather Boy and to Sam Lewis who was picked to play well, with no sign of weakness in any of them. Proposing that, ‘There rugby for England’s U16s. is no such thing as a ’ was extremely difficult, but This year the Poll Cup, an award previous experience gave them the edge. This means that the Bevan for endeavour went to Peter name has been inscribed on the cup every year since its inception. Heath who not only completed The junior debating team had a tough time against a much more some arduous winter experienced side and went out in the first round. mountaineering routes in Scotland but also took part in the The tennis got underway with some very close results. There were Snowdon run. This was in aid of boys, girls and mixed matches, played over the whole of the summer the Chernobyl Continuity fund term. Matt Hinks and Abigail Merrill played some great tennis for the and was a relay from Ellesmere seniors but the overall result was 3rd place. Ewan Crispin and to the top of Snowdon. Along Harriet Tomlinson played well throughout the junior matches and with Peter, Stephen Johnson, helped win the mixed competition. Jamie Tyrer, Matt Hinks, Tom The House Dinner was a great success, with the Captains of House Bohn, Niall Crispin and I also making the main speeches. These were a great success, with Nick took part from Talbot. Once again Talbot have shown that we have depth of field, from Peter Heath personal endeavour to sporting achievement and academic success. All this is only possible with team spirit and friends to back you up. Talbot has this and long may it continue. Finally I would once again like to thank the House Captains for their support this year and wish them and all the rest of our leavers well. Leavers: Emma Adams, Simon Britlin, Marcus Mohr, Eleanor Moss, Callum Rickerby, Simon Unwin, Jarmo Willemse, Bettina Fritz, Helen Baxter, Kathleen Benner, Jonathan Bevan, Kim Fawcett, Christian Green, Matthew Hinks, Nicholas James, Oliver Platt, Tiffany Salmon, Arabella Scott, Jonathan Suckley, Danny Tse, Karl Waldbauer. Talbot Seniors at the House Dinner RC

21 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 House Notes Wakeman-Lambart

and adventurous rugby and were worthy winners. Head of House: The House play ‘Cinderalfred’ by C.R.Cook was absolutely Dr. M. T. Gareh outstanding and yet again provided another high point in the House Tutors: Wakeman-Lambart calendar. The commentary given by Garth Mrs. D. Joyson-Brooke, Mr. M. P. Clewlow Bardsley was short and decidedly sweet. He heaped praise Mrs. J. Cowan, Mr. J. H. Cowley, Mr. D. W. Crawford, upon the whole cast and awarded the director, Charlotte Mrs. J. Davies, Mrs. E. Lewis, Mr. S. F.W. Purcell, Wigginton, the ‘Best Director’ award. This reflected the hard Mr. P. A. Wood, Miss. E. Williams work that both Charlotte and her stage manager Laura Clewlow put in to the production. The response from the audience was, I Captains of House: am sure, enough to reward the effort that every member of the J. B. Heald & L. E. Clewlow cast put in. However, I would like to offer my congratulations also. The commitment shown by all was to your credit. A special mention must go to Dafydd ‘Hairy Fairy’ Roberts for his brief Another year and a fresh set of challenges for Wakeman- appearances both in rehearsals and on stage – it must have Lambart to face have arrived. Could we win the indoor football been seen and heard to be believed. A House play debut for competition again, what would the play be this year, could we Flora Croysdale as the step-mother was both powerful and a improve our house singing and would the new pupils in the little scary. On whom did she base her character I wonder? house be able to cope with the pressure? These and many other James Heald was ‘majestic’ and Rebecca Owen, completing the questions would be answered. Year 9 contribution to this year’s production, put in a ‘royal’ The emphatic answer to the first question was yes for the senior performance. Well done everyone. boys as they won all their indoor football matches. A thrilling 3- 2 victory against Meynell was won by a coolly executed back heel from James Farrell. Oliver Munday and James Heald scored the first and second goals and Laurence Cartwright, playing in goal, took pity on a dejected Meynell by generously passing them the ball on several occasions. The matches against Woodard and Talbot were more convincing with goals from the remaining members of the team, Rick Valentine and Tom Burrows, helping us to a clean sweep. The junior team got off to a fine start with a 9-0 victory against the Woodard team. Harry Valentine picked up 4 goals, George Forgrave 2 goals, Ahmad Sesay, James Norman and Ben Mitchell each scoring once. The second match against Meynell ended in a 2-0 defeat but the team bounced back with a 4-0 victory against Talbot, sealing second place in the competition. Freddie Anderson got off the mark scoring once along with goals from Mitchell, Sesay and Forgrave. The girls had a tough time in the indoor hockey competition as the senior competition was abandoned due to lack of time House Play available to play all the matches and the junior girls managed a draw and two defeats, placing them fourth. However, the junior Preparation began in the Lent term for the House Singing side (Nin Cooper, Amy Cooper, Alice Denham, Corby Rodda, Competition. Unfortunately, our talent was not appreciated by Flora Croysdale, Chloe Minshaw and Amy Fokinther) should the adjudicator, according to his rather dismissive comments. take heart in the narrowness of their defeats, shown by the fact However, our rendition of the Vengaboys classic,” We’re going to that they conceded only six goals to the six that they scored Ibiza” as the unison song, was well rehearsed and everyone overall, definitely an improvement over last year. This pattern performed well on the evening. The part song,” I want it that way” was repeated in the House hockey matches with the senior girls by the Backstreet Boys was extremely good and warranted conceding 4 goals over the three matches, which ended with one second place. Perhaps next year’s adjudicator will appreciate draw and two defeats, placing them in fourth place. The junior the hard work put in by all over a very short and busy period of team were again unlucky to be placed fourth after Talbot House time. in third, on a goal difference of one; having managed two draws The boys’ hockey produced a well deserved win (on penalty and one defeat. Perhaps we can go one better next year! flicks) against Meynell in the semi finals. The match against House Rugby is always a hard fought competition and this year Woodard in the final was played in good spirits but ended with a was no exception. The senior team, after beating Woodard 7-0 victory for the opposition. in the semi finals, lost to a strong Meynell side 0-24, to be placed Following our success in the indoor football, we felt that we were second. The intermediate team also narrowly lost to Meynell 0- favourites to win the House football competition. This confidence 5 and ended the competition in third place. The juniors proved was not unfounded as the senior team won all three of their to be the superior Wakeman-Lambart side in this competition, matches in some close fought games (1-0 vs Woodard and Meynell beating first Talbot by a comprehensive 31-0, then Woodard in and 2-0 vs Talbot). These victories highlighted the Wakeman- the final by a stunning 30-0. They played some very entertaining Lambart senior team’s dominance of football at this level.

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the audience just for the practice. It was clear from this that they were a much stronger team than last year and had learnt some valuable lessons. The final was against Woodard and was something that the team should be very proud of. They spoke well and complemented each other. The tension was high while we waited for the adjudication but the team felt that they just had the edge in the debate. The adjudicators agreed and a memorable victory was awarded to a jubilant Wakeman- Lambart team – a just reward for the preparation they put in. Tennis did not seem to be our sport in the Summer term and the least said about this the better. However, the same cannot be said for athletics. Despite the split indoor venues forced upon us by the poor weather, the Wakeman-Lambart machine geared up for the final major competition of the year with the scent of victory in the air. Our distinctive shirts were present in good numbers and the supporters were as The junior side knew that their enthusiastic as ever. We had main threat was posed by the representatives in every event, Meynell team and after a something that not every House could comfortable 4-0 victory against manage and a reflection of the Woodard in the first match the excellent team spirit that exists. The time had come to avenge the exceptional performances were too indoor defeat of the previous numerous to mention but, as the term. It was a hard fought game recipient of the Victrix Ludorum, Nin which ended in a 2-2 draw, Cooper deserves particular mention. leaving the Talbot match as the Her performance was mirrored by only obstacle to a Wakeman- many of our junior and intermediate Lambart clean sweep in this athletes and resulted in very competition. The junior side convincing overall victories for both obliged by delivering a 2-1 victory teams. The seniors battled hard but against Talbot and securing the were narrowly beaten into third place. second trophy for themselves. However, they did take valuable points Both the senior and junior girls Junior Debating Team from the other Houses in key events struggled to find their form in the Alice Denham, Freddie Herzog & Virginia Cooper and this meant that when the overall House Netball competition. They points were added up, Wakeman- played with good team spirit and enjoyment but unfortunately Lambart House emerged as the very clear overall winners of the both teams only managed fourth position. competition. This rounded off an excellent year in the very best fashion and made me very proud to be associated with the After a good performance in the House Cross Country House. My thanks and best wishes go to all the leavers and I competition last year, there was much to look forward to in this hope they feel that they made a difference. Well done Wakeman- competition. The junior, intermediate and senior relay teams Lambart House. were all placed third in their respective runs, so it was up to the teams running the main races to improve our overall position. MTG After these runs, the senior team were lying in fourth place overall, the junior team had risen to second place overall and the intermediate team of Chris Wallace-Tarry, Matthew Burrows, Nick Foden, George Forgrave, Hannah Edge and Rachel Harrison were the stars of the show winning their race by some margin. This meant that we managed a very good second position in the overall competition. I hope that we will go one better next year; we should have the athletes to make this a realistic goal. A number of new parents attended the House Dinner during which we were able to say goodbye to the leavers. Thanks must go to the catering staff for providing and serving a delicious meal. One competition that we lacked experience in last year was the interhouse debating. However, our senior team of Ben Russell, Iain Disspain and James Healed put up an excellent show against a strong Woodard team and lost by the narrowest of margins – one point! I’m sure Ben’s debating skills were underappreciated by the judges. Despite an embarrassing no-show from Meynell House in the semi-final, our junior team of Alice Denham, Freddie Herzog and Nin Cooper, delivered a very well crafted argument to Victrix Ludorum - Virginia Cooper

23 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 House Notes - Woodard

Head of House: Mr. C. R. Davies House Tutors: Mr. C. R. Davies, Mr. T. C. Howitt-Dring, Mrs. J. Evans, Mr. P. A. Goodwin, Mrs. K. I. Jenkins, Mrs. R. McCarthy, Mrs. J. R. Nicholson, A. Paton, Mr. P. M. Stanway, Mr. F. S. Williams Captains of House: E. V. Swinnerton & D. R. Thomas

The year of course began with the appointment of two new Captains of House and their deputies. This honour fell to Daniel House Play Thomas to captain the boys, and to Elizabeth Swinnerton to Kenny deserves a significant mention here as the stressed captain the girls. The Vice Captain positions were taken by director. The organisational aspect of this role posed huge Alistair Keeble and Louisa Button. Interestingly Daniel and challenges for him and to have seen it through to such an Elizabeth were the first ever captains to introduce the ever outstanding final conclusion was a marvellous achievement. popular ‘Woodard House Challenge’. Throughout the Michael Thornhill revealed his hidden talents as an actor along Michaelmas term this fortnightly quiz taxed even the most with those of Natasha Evans, Alex Deller, David Anders- intellectual House members, whilst arousing the interests of Richards, Miles Howitt-Dring, Aled Ellis, Sarah-Jane Beswick, inquisitive pupils (and staff) from other competitive houses. The Matthew White, Rose Pescod, Henrike Kleinberg and Joshua regular announcements of the winners in house assemblies Boswell and last but not least, the Broadway talents of Mrs L. provided an original opening to the competitive house calendar Paton (guest appearance courtesy of her agent). for Woodard. The first winner of the year was David Anders-Richards who collected his well earned mini- prize from the House Captains in the second assembly of the year. The House indoor soccer was one of the events to be played in the Michaelmas term. It received the usual robust and energetic support from the sports hall balcony – again overflowing with Woodard supporters. The amount of energy that the teams are able to summon up in the confined space of the sports hall never ceases to impress me and always heightens the tense competitive atmosphere of the event. The boys’ and girls’ hockey teams also enjoyed good matches. The House performance represented another staggering display of skill and talent from the Woodard pupil body. It led to the presentation of a number of House Colours for the cast and those who contributed to behind the scenes activities. Nicholas Woodard Junior Rugby

The House Rugby in December pulled the usual crowds of spectators who braved freezing conditions to cheer on their respective teams. All credit was due to the junior team who despite several cases of frostbite and hands that had lost all sense of feeling long before the matches had even begun, still managed to make at least one significant win against Meynell House. The term ended with a lovely carol service followed by mince pies and my gratitude goes to those members of the house who read passages during the service. Once again this year Mrs McCarthy read beautifully! The Lent Term saw the House involved in netball tournaments amongst other things. The Woodard teams again put up with stiff competition from opposing Houses. Sarah Haynes regularly intimidated the opposition with her House Play super accurate shots at the basket.

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a win seemed all too distant, but the house performance was judged to be “fine” by the team captain and by the umpire. Unfortunately, we were not victorious on this occasion. House Sports Day provided some superb entertainment again this year. Contrary to the desert like conditions that the cricket was played in, the shocking rainfall prior to this event forced all teams to compete in a unique indoor competition for the first time. The presence of teams and supporters from all Houses contributed to a deafening roar of encouragement in this enclosed space. The Woodard teams were severely depleted due to conflicting examinations that afternoon and I praise the spirit of all competitors who committed themselves to several events and somehow summoned up enough energy to impress the crowds in each event. Team spirit was, as ever, fiery and determined even though the competition was snatched from our grasp by Wakeman.This has been a trying year in terms of Woodard Senior Netball Team competition and the House has been set upon by a relentless wave of worthy and talented opponents from Meynell, Talbot and The House Singing event never fails to inspire and entertain. Wakeman. Through it all every House member has given 110% Unfortunately, after hard work from the whole house in the weeks effort to ensure that all opponents were given a run for their building up to the event, technical problems on the night of the money. I think that this has been the toughest year I have yet performance stole away our chance of impressing even the most seen and there is no doubt that on occasions, the House teams critical of judges with the unison song. The part-song performers were stretched to their limits. I would like to close by expressing thankfully did not suffer the same fate however and the well-oiled my thanks to the House Tutors who between them bring years of vocal chords of Elizabeth Swinneton, Alistair Keeble, Daniel Woodard experience to the proceedings, and who still find the Thomas, and Chloe Perkins did the house proud with their time in their busy daily schedules to support pupils taking part in rendition of ‘Oom – Bop’. The fact that we did not win, remains to events and attend House assemblies, in order to share in the this day, a tragedy!! successes of the pupils. I would like to thank this years House The House formal dinner provided excellent entertainment for Captains and Vice Captains for all they have done to keep Woodard members and their guests. It was so nice to see so Woodard running smoothly for another year, and for their many supporters of Woodard including pupils, staff, and guests influence over the troops in modelling the correct spirit and present to share the evening together. As always it was the pupils competitive attitude necessary to keep Woodard the enjoyable who rightly received the attention and respect of all for their and successful house that it is. I look forward to another excellent excellent commitment to Woodard during the year and for making Woodard year in 2007. the House the success that it is. The Captains made two very professional speeches which echoed these feelings, and if they were at all nervous on the night it certainly did not show. It was definitely the longest house meal evening that I have experienced since my arrival as Woodard Competitive Housemaster. Mr T. Howitt-Dring and Mr R. Paul are solely responsible for this new record by keeping the festivities going well after all pupils and guests had left! The Summer Term brought with it some welcome sunny weather which was enjoyed by all the teams who were involved in outdoor events. The House Debating Contest however, was an indoor event and it produced some intense high pressure debating from all teams. The junior and senior debating teams were impressive and prepared some fascinating and well-researched arguments which caused the competition to squirm and recoil from the onslaught of the Woodard attack. As the tension in the debating room mounted Joshua Boswell (of the juniors), and Matthew White (of the seniors) delivered some punishing blows which were reminiscent of some of the more ferocious political debates of recent times. The fantastic weather that the Summer term had so far produced was just what the cricket teams ordered. The House Cricket tournament has recently run its course but the blazing sunshine made playing conditions uncomfortable for the players. Several Woodard team members were absent and it was very commendable of the remaining players to rush in and volunteer to take their place. With the odds stacked against them, the chance of Woodard House football team in action

25 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Saints Houses Saint Aidan’s

Housemistress: Mrs. J. S. Cowan Assistant Housemistress: Mrs. R. A. McCarthy House Tutors: Mrs. C. Allen, Mrs. D. Joynson-Brooke, Mrs. L. A. Paton Mrs. S. Phillips, Miss. E. Williams Captain of House: R. R. Huxley Housemother: Mrs. E. Staples

Saint Bede’s

Housemaster: Mr. G. Hutchinson Assistant Housemaster: Mr. J. H. Cowley House Tutors: Mr. R. P. Boswell, Mr. J. H. Cowley, Mr. C. R. Davies, Mr. P. A. Goodwin, Mr. P. J. Hayes, Mrs. S. A. Hooper, Mr. H. B. Orr, Mr. S. F.W. Purcell Captain of House: M. J. Hinks Housemother: Mrs. W. Roberts

26 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Saint Cuthbert’s

Housemaster: Mr. M. P. Clewlow Assistant Housemaster: Mr. R. J. Macintosh House Tutors: Mr. M. Coats, Mr. D. W. Crawford, Mr. T. C. Howitt-Dring Mrs. S. Owen, Mr. R. C. Paul, Mr. P. I. Richards, Mr. P. M. Stanway, Captain of House: C. B. Lewis Housemother: Mrs. S. Carr

Saint John’s

Housemaster: Mr. M. Digby Assistant Housemaster: Mr. C. C. Cawcutt House Tutor: Mrs. C. L. Clewlow Captain of House: No Captain of House Housemother: Mrs. S. Millard

27 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Saint Oswald’s

Housemistress: Mrs. P. M. Fox Assistant Housemistress: Mrs. R. McCarthy House Tutors: Mrs. R. McCarthy, Mrs. J. E. Purcell, Mr. I .L. Williams, Mr. P. A. Wood Captain of House: L. S. Button Housemother: Mrs. L. Embrey

Saint Patrick’s

Housemaster: Mr. T. Brazier Joint Assistant Housemasters: Dr. R. Chatterjee, Dr. I. G. Tompkins House Tutors: Mrs. Z. J. Fisher, Dr. M. T. Gareh, Mr. S. B. Mullock, Dr. J. K. Ripley, Mr. F. S. Williams Captain of House: C. P. H. Chambers Housemother: Mrs. S. Dulson

28 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Pupil Notes

IPOD PRESENTED TO ELLESMERE COLLEGE PUPIL We entered 31 pupils into The Intermediate Mathematical WITH FULL MARKS FOR ELECTRONICS Challenge and they achieved a Gold Award, 7 Silvers and 8 Bronzes. They were: Matthew White gained 100% marks on one of his Mathematics papers and on all three of his Electronics papers in the summer. Gold This meant that as he entered the Upper Sixth and progressed to Deri Russel (Best in School) the second year of his A-level studies in Electronics he had a mark of 300 out of 300. To recognise this success he was presented Silver with an iPOD by his external tutor, Stuart Wisher from Moorhouse Grace Kendal, Joseph Chu, Joshua Boswell, Zoe Haynes Black who provide the video conferencing tuition for the course. Jonathon Pescod, Rebecca Britton, Katie White PAW Bronze THE UK MATHEMATICAL CHALLENGES Benny Lau, Nicholas Sorfleet, James Norman, Tessa Fawcett, Every year over half a million students enter the UK Mathematical Todd Evans, Nicholas West, Frederick Herzog, James Cole Challenges. Out of them about 6% achieve Gold Awards, about 14% achieve Silver Awards and about 20% achieve Bronze Of the 39 students whom we entered into the Junior Challenge, 2 Awards. achieved Silver Certificates and 10 achieved Bronze. They were:

We took part in all three age groups of the competition: The Senior Silver Mathematical Challenge in November for Years 12 and 13. The George Baxter (Best In School) & Dominick Coppinger Intermediate Mathematical Challenge in February for Years 9, 10 and 11. The Junior Mathematical Challenge in April for Year 8. Bronze Thank you to all students who took part and congratulations to all Joseph Cauchi, Dominic Lam, Ross Tattershall, Henry Cureton those listed below who distinguished themselves. Charlotte Shearer, Hugh Wignall, Samuel Phillips, Pupils who achieve significantly high marks are invited to compete Gordon Humphries, Nathalie Pickford, Kallum Johnson in The British Mathematical Olympiad for one of 6 places in the PIR British Team to compete in The International Mathematical Olympiad which has been held in the USA, Japan, Greece and Mexico in recent years. It would be great if we could get to the SENIOR ENGLISH SPEAKING BOARD EXAMINATIONS next stage of the competition in future years. There is a long tradition of excellence at Ellesmere when it comes In The Senior Mathematical Challenge, 21 students entered, and to public speaking and oral communication. In recent years the they achieved a Gold, 4 Silvers and 4 Bronzes. They were: school has gained quite a reputation for the quality of its results in the English Speaking Board Examinations, and this year has Gold been no exception. Matthew White (Best in School) Examinations are taken in Years 10 and 12 so that GCSE students have the advantage of making a major contribution to Silver Speaking and Listening English coursework as well as achieving Louis Lu, Tatsukari Asaba, Raymond Ng, Jake Asplin a valuable free standing qualification. In Year 12, Sixth formers have the opportunity to develop their communication skills in time Bronze for important interviews and to prepare for the demands of Jeiyan Shang, Robert Simms, Daniel Thomas, Shenghia Yang university. Special congratulations go to the following pupils who achieved Distinctions in the Summer 2006 series of assessments:

Year 10 David Anders-Richards, Harry Christie-Bennet, Hok-Yiu Chu, Ka-Ming Chun, Harry Craig, George Forgrave, Hugh Grosvenor, Grace Kendall, Cristian Lewis, Mark Pearson, Aidan Porter, Manhar Singh, Catherine Wignall, Max Wojtyni

Year 12 Abigail Merril, Hadleigh Roberts, Robert Simms, Charles Bushnell, Charles Chambers, Sarah-Jane Edwards, Laura Bernhofer, Bettina Fritz, Madeleine Horn, Sebastian Kunkel, Shengjiya Yang, Jie Yan Zhang SFWP

Matthew White, awarded Senior Mathematical Challenge ‘Best in School’ with John Cowley, Head of Mathematics

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INTER HOUSE DEBATING 2006 Bevan also came out with a strong determination. Both tried to unbalance the other but to no avail. In the end though the clear Senior Competition winners were Talbot who made it three in a row. Woodard v Wakeman-Lambart An excellent competition this year and I look forward to next This House Believes That The Voting Age Should Be Lowered year’s with relish.

Talbot v Meynell A Hat Trick for Talbot as Senior Debate Winners 2006 This House Believes That Only an Englishman can Manage the Jonathan Bevan, Christopher Bevan and William Bartlett English Football Team Senior Final Scores: Woodard 27/45 Final Talbot 38/45 Woodard v Talbot This House Believes That There is no Such Thing as the Special Thanks to the following for all their help with the United Kingdom competition this year:

Senior First Round Judges: This contest was an absolute scorcher this year. Some of the Martin Clewlow, Ros McCarthy and Peta Fox. old relics of the game came back for even more while some new faces emerged from the crowd and demonstrated their skill and Junior and Senior Final Judges: deftness for the public arena. From the outset this was going to Stephen Purcell, Dale Crawford, Jan Purcell and Zoe Fisher. be a fiercely fought competition and the judges had a real job on their hands to decide an overall winner. The event was also Jonathan and Christopher Bevan of Talbot were awarded their special as it was to be twice champion Jonathan Bevan’s final ‘Services to Debating’ for their commitment and enthusiasm. debate. All eyes were looking to Talbot to make it three in a row. The first round was hotly contended by all four teams. James INTER HOUSE DEBATING 2006 Heald, Ben Russell and Iain Disspain laid it on the line for Wakeman-Lambart while Woodard’s Nick Kenny, Matthew Junior Competition White and Chloe Perkins opted for the ’pedantic with semantics’ Wakeman-Lambart v Meynell approach; latching onto every quiver in their opposition’s This House Believes That There is no Such Thing as a Just War arguments. It was truly fierce and special credit should go to Talbot v Woodard Ben Russell for using some of the most extraordinary This House Believes That a Dog is a Man’s Best Friend vocabulary of the evening and to Chloe Perkins for being the only female on stage and maintaining her calm throughout as Final the boys began to play rough. The initial round eventually saw Wakeman-Lambart v Woodard Woodard go through to the final mainly as a result of Matthew Vivisection Can Never Be Justified White’s incredibly articulate arguments and his phenomenal capacity to twist his opponent’s words until they caved under the The standards involved in this year’s competition were higher pressure. than they’ve ever been before. The knock out round saw some fierce debating going on and pupils demonstrated an The second debate was, to use the vernacular, an absolute enthusiasm that was a joy to watch. There were lots of new faces stoater!! Meynell had a tough act to follow coming up against to the competition including the third Bevan brother who has a lot the might of the Bevan brothers but William Bartlett also had a to live up to bearing in mind his two elder brothers have an job to fit into Stephen Evans’ shoes having left the sixth form undefeated role to follow. Unfortunately, Meynell had to withdraw last year following two consecutive triumphs. Bryony Sym came from the first round after they were unable to get a team out with all guns blazing and got a little too hot under the collar together. However, Freddie Herzhog, Alice Denham and Nin at times pulling up the opposition on some very minor faults. Her Cooper were undeterrered as this gave them an automatic bye points were astute and forceful revealing pure determination on straight through to the final. The Woodard team were on fire her part. She was ably supported by Sarah Monro and Sarah when it came to their debate with Josh Boswell, David Anders- Jane Edwards—an all female team against the masculine might Richards and Elizabeth Boffey getting a little steamed under the of Talbot. The Talbot trio were undeterred. The two Bevans were collar at times. However, the strength of their argument and their as ever incredibly articulate, firm in their resolve and committed vehemence and commitment to their argument saw them fly to their cause. William had obviously heeded the words of his through to the final. mentors and delivered a very calm and well-paced speech. While he remained calm the audience could not fail to see that The final competition took place one week later and it was a Bryony of Meynell was having a real impact upon the cool fiercely fought contest. Freddie for the Wakeman team was cool, approach normally adopted by Jonathan. He was evidently calm and collected and was neatly supported by his two team becoming ruffled by the strength of the all female opposition. mates who despite their newness to the venture quite literally However, he did not succumb and for the third year running threw themselves into the deep. Nin, for once, kept things short Talbot went through to the final. and sweet while Alice came into her own and made sure that she put the opposition in their place. Woodard’s team offered a Then came the final and boy what a final. The English football strong response to the arguments launched at them with Josh team should have seen this because this is how teams are finding it hard to keep his bottom on the seat at times. David meant to work together for the best result. brought his coolness to the team’s argument and Lizzie kept her ears open and found the chinks in the opposition’s response and The title of the final debate was such that it required a great jumped straight in to try and knock them off their guard. Their deal of research and dedication and the audience were not efforts were in vain however, although it was a very closely disappointed. Both teams Woodard and Talbot, gave us a great fought battle. The final result saw Wakeman-Lambart lift the performance. All arguments on both sides were strong, well- trophy for 2006. made and delivered meticulously. It was apparent that everyone had done their homework. Matthew White was not prepared to Well Done! take prisoners and went straight for the jugular while Jonathan CLC

30 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006

UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS Name University Course David Adams Bristol, West of England Business in Property Helen Baxter Oxford Brookes Business/International Relations Kate Benner Princeton Political Studies Louisa Button Newcastle Law Laurence Cartwright Liverpool,John Moores E-Business Technology and Management Laura Clewlow Central Lancashire Criminology Charles Coates Liverpool, John Moores Construction Management Ben Cooper Huddersfield Motorsport Technology Kim Fawcett Nottingham Law David Goodwin St Andrews Geography Chris Green Kent Conflict and Peace Sarah Griffiths Birmingham Physiotherapy James Heald Manchester Medicine Matthew Hinks Bristol, West of England Business Studies Miles Howitt-Dring Cardiff Medicine Ashley James Manchester Met. Physiotherapy Nick James Leeds Met. Leisure and Sport Studies Sarah Jarman Leeds Nursing (Child) Michael Jarvis Sheffield Medical Biochemistry David Jones Bath Biochemistry Nicholas Kenny Lampeter Ancient and Medieval History Dimitri Khatskevich Nottingham Trent International Business Sam Lamberton Aberystwyth English Literature Lewis Lu Manchester Civil Engineering James Mackay Napier Univ., Edinburgh Financial Services Oliver Munday Southampton Institute Property Development Raymond Ng Cardiff Human Resource Management Rose Pescod Hertfordshire Paramedic Science Tiffany Salmon Manchester Met.Consumer Marketing Chris Steggles Aberystwyth Business Management Jonathan Suckley Bristol, West of England Built and Natural Environments Bryony Sym Manchester Hebrew and Jewish Studies Daniel Thomas Leicester Mechanical Engineering Michael Thornhill Manchester Chemistry with Forensic Science Danny Tse Liverpool Civil Engineering John Upton Loughborough Applied Design Matthew White Reading Cybernetics Charlotte Wigginton Oxford Brookes International Hospitality Management

Elizabeth Swinnerton Ashley James Helen Baxter James Heald

Kate Benner David Goodwin Miles Howitt-Dring

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SIXTH FORM FUNDRAISING

To kick off their Summer Ball Fundraising efforts during the Michealmas Term members of the Upper Sixth produced a 2006 calendar. At the beginning of the Lent Term the St. Oswald’s girls were busy making cards to sell to staff and pupils for Valentines Day along with roses and carnations. then in the Summer Term pupils and staff were again encouraged to part with their money and vote for a prefect to be dunked in a bath of beans!

February

April

November

Sale of cards and flowers for Valentines Day ‘Beans meanz money’

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THE SUMMER TERM SIXTH FORM BALL

Mr. & Mrs. Clewlow, Laura and Will All Girls Together

Charlotte and Friends St. Bedes Points The Way

The Bevan Family

Will and Bryony

33 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Out and About

EXPEDITIONS Lower School Yr 8 Mr Price MICHAELMAS TERM 2005 Visit to the Boat Museum and a boat ride Senior School Yr 7 – Miss Jones CCF In College drama workshop Army Section – Yr 11 – Lt Digby Yr 6 – Mr Purnell Destination - Nescliffe – Leadership and Order Presentations Visit to the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester Yr 10 – Capt T Gareh Yr 5 – Mr Morgan Destination – Llangollen D E tasks and Self Reliance In College Circus skills activity workshop Navy Section – Lt F R Brooke Yr 4 – Mrs Morgan Destination – London RAF Uxbridge. Naval Familiarisation and Enginuity – Iron Bridge Museum – Rockets Workshop and visit. cultural awareness RAF Section - Flt Lt F S Williams SUMMER TERM 2006 Destination – RAF Cosford – Flying and navigation exercises Junior Squad Yr 9 – Maj Clewlow Senior School Destination – Nescliffe – Self Reliance CCF Duke of Edinburgh Army Section Gold – Mrs R McCarthy Yr 11 Lt Digby + Capt T Gareh & Junior Squad Army Yr 9 Maj Clewlow Destination – Pool Quay to Shrewsbury. Canadian canoe instruction Destinations Swynnerton training area, field training and leadership and camping. skills Silver – Mr P Stanway Navy Section Lt F R Brooke + RAF Section Flt Lt F S Williams Destination – Bala two night expedition of camping and navigation Destination Indefatiable, Anglesey, North Wales, sailing, camping and Bronze – Mrs L Paton other outdoor pursuits Destination – Glyndyfrdny – Glyn Ceiriog – Camping and navigation. Yr 9 Non-Military Squad – Mr J Cowley Bala, Navigation and camping skills Media Studies – Mrs Z Fisher Duke of Edinburgh Destination Manchester and Liverpool Master Class in film screening Gold – Mrs R McCarthy and workshops on film making. Destination – Herefordshire, Canadian canoeing and camping Box Office – Mrs P Fox Silver – Mr Stanway College based – Cultural exercises Destination Bala – Two night expedition of camping and navigation. Stage Tech - Mr R Boswell Bronze – Mrs L Paton College Based with excursions to Salford. Theatre projects and visits. Destination Loggerheads, Mold area, camping and navigation Green Team – Ms C Allen Media Studies – Mrs Z Fisher College based with excursions to local reclamation site. Destination – Aberystwyth University film making Social Services – Mr H Orr Stage Tech – Mr R Boswell College based with excursions to the local community In College activities and a Theatre Trip Green Team – Ms C Allen LENT TERM 2006 Destination Lake District, conservation activities Social Services – Mr H Orr Senior School College based with excursion to the local community CCF Navy Section - Lt F R Brooke Lower School Destination – Liverpool, Sea faring exercise on board HMS Biter Monday Army Section – Yr 11 Lt Digby Yr 4,5 & 6 PGL Baschurch Destination – Nescliffe Leadership and Military Skills Yr 7 & 8 In College activity Yr 10 Capt T Gareh Tuesday Destination – Nescliffe Leadership and Military Skills Yr 4 In College activity RAF Section – Flt Lt F S Williams Yr 5 Chester Zoo visit Destination RAF Shawbury Flying and station visit. Yr 6 Visit to Liverpool Dock & The Beatles Story Junior Squad – Yr 9 – CCF Section – Maj Clewlow Yr 7 & 8 PGL Baschurch Destination – Nescliffe Self Reliance Wednesday Junior Squad – Yr 9 Non CCF Section – J Cowley Yr 4 Visit to Chirk Castle Destination Offa’s Dyke navigation exercise Yr 5 & 6 In College activity Duke of Edinburgh Yr 7 & 8 PGL Baschurch Gold - Mrs R McCarthy DJB Destination Llangollen Mill Canoeing Silver – Mr Stanway Destination Map work around Church Stretton area Bronze – Mrs L Paton YEAR 9 CLASSICS TRIP TO BATH AND CIRENCESTER Destination - Navigation around the Llangollen Valley Media Studies – Mrs Z Fisher South West England is home to a number of very important Roman College based sites. In May 2006 a group of Year 9 Latin and Classical Civilisation Box Office – Mrs P Fox students had the opportunity to visit these. The group was led by Dr College based – Preparation for Feather Boy production Ian Tompkins and Dr Kim Ripley. We stayed at Bath and spent our first Stage Tech – Mr R Boswell day visiting the amazing Roman spa. On the second day we went to College based preparation for Feather Boy production Cirencester, where we visited the museum, which is home to many Green Team – Ms C Allen Roman remains, including some very well preserved mosaics, and Visit to Cae Post recycling plant then the amphitheatre. In the afternoon, we went to see the Roman Social Services – Mr H Orr villa complex at Chedworth, which nestles in the hills near to College based with excursions into the local community to carry out community service Cirencester, before returning to Ellesmere in the evening. The trip was Young Enterprise – Mr S Mullock enjoyed by all the boys who took part, and gave them a great College based exercises and development of their business enterprise opportunity to see the impact of the Romans on Britain.

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SWITZERLAND SKI TRIP NEW YEAR 2006 6th FORM HISTORY TRIP TO VENICE – 2006 It was seven ‘o clock in the morning on New Year’s Day, and This year the sixth form history trip was to Venice, an important instead of enjoying a lazy morning after ringing in the New Year, European power in the 16th century tying in with the Tudor aspect thirty-one pupils (and their parents) and two staff members (Dr. of our syllabus, two and three quarter hours by plane from East Gareh and Mrs. Owen) with their families, were in Manchester Midlands Airport. A bumpy flight later we arrived in Venice where airport preparing for a week’s skiing in Switzerland. the weather was worse than it had been in the UK and battled the Venice commuters on the way to our hotel. By the time we had This was the second time that the School had visited the Haut- reached the hotel everyone was a little wet so a change was in Lac International Centre and for the pupils from Year 8 to Year order before we went out for a walk around Venice and some dinner 10 (some of whom had been on the previous trip in 2004) the

A Grand View

– our first chance to experience traditional Venetian cuisine. There Snow Dominoes was also time for our first ice cream in the late evening by the Rialto Bridge. adventure had just begun. Once arriving in Geneva, a scenic coach ride along Lake Geneva took us into the mountains and The next day was spent visiting the landmarks of Venice, not to the snow. mention the tour of Doge’s Palace following in the footsteps of Heath Ledger in the recent Casanova film. To our delight the sunny After being shown around the centre and unpacking, everyone weather associated with Italy had arrived and it was shorts and t- was allocated to one of four house teams for the week. Fitting shirt weather. We toured the many churches of Venice, and Mr of boots and skis followed and everyone was ready for six days Wood was delighted with the deal for tickets to get into fifteen on the slopes at Saanenm ser, Gstaad. ő churches! The skiing that followed was great fun and all abilities were on This was a hint of what was to come! The graveyard island and show in the various groups. The instructors (also based at another ice cream shop – which claimed to be the best in Venice - were also visited. Due to the nice weather we were able to eat a lengthy lunch in a piazza. That evening there was a slight trek across Venice to get to a little pizzeria but it was worth the walk. Unfortunately when we got up the next morning, greyer skies had appeared and cooler temperatures but there was no rain. We visited the famous St Mark’s Basilica and more churches. Perhaps

Future Olympians?

Haut-Lac) spent each day on the slopes with their groups including supervising lunch and after five or six hours skiing the excellent evening meal left everyone ready for the numerous activities on offer in the evening. Everyone managed to improve their skiing over the course of In St. Mark’s Square the week and the slalom race on the final day was a fitting way more significantly it was also the day of the much awaited gondola to end an excellent week. By the time we arrived back in ride across the Grand Canal. This was the first opportunity for Manchester airport, we were thoroughly refreshed and ready to shopping and getting lost in the maze of Venetian alleyways on the face the next day and another term of fresh challenges at way back to the hotel. That evening we went to another restaurant Ellesmere College! and by that time it had been learnt that the wine in Venice was far MTG better value and nicer than the beer.

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On the final day there was time to visit a couple of churches before the main shopping session of the trip, the last thing to be done before we caught a water bus back to the airport. The trip was a great success both historically and socially, enjoyed by all – with both teachers receiving a rose during the trip! SH DISNEY: AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE FOR YEAR 10 MEDIA STUDENTS! Following a GCSE Media coursework study of Disney as a genre, 21 students and 2 members of staff ‘easyjetted’ from Liverpool to Disneyland Resort Paris for what was to be, as the students described, “An unforgettable experience”. Hotel accommodation was excellent, with pupils being given free time to use the themed pool and slide, the games room and the ice rink. Two days were spent exploring the Walt Disney Studios and Disneyland theme parks with one of the two days being given over Field work really is fun, despite the weather to a series of focused lectures on the coursework topic. The trip which was scheduled to last 3 days was unexpectedly extended by 36 hours due to a strike at Charles de Gaulle Airport. “After a moment of panic I gathered my thoughts and informed the FOLGARIA SKI RESORT group. The news was met by a loud cheer which raised my spirits Easter 2006 and 16 pupils from the fifth and sixth form went for a considerably” said Mrs Fisher, the group leader. The group week of skiing, snowboarding and pre-examination relaxation to returned to Disneyland for another day in the parks and a night at the resort of Folgaria in Northern Italy. We were accompanied by another good quality hotel – funded by the travel company. The the families of Dr. Gareh and Mrs.Owen. On the way to the resort main body of the group then left to return to England early the next from the airport, it was worrying to see that although we had morning. The remaining 7 pupils accompanied by Mrs Fisher, spent come on a skiing holiday, there was a definite lack of snow. the remaining day in Paris visiting the Eiffel Tower and other tourist However when we reached the hotel we could see the pistes sights in sub-zero temperatures. running down the side of the mountain. Needless to say, all were delighted to be back. Exhausted but exhilarated with many stories to share with friends and family back at home. ZJF

BIOLOGY/GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP This year the sixth form went to Malham Tarn Field Centre. This is situated on the Pennine Way in North Yorkshire. The centre is based in a Victorian-Georgian building on the shore of Malham Tarn, which gave fantastic views. There was always plenty of

Fun & Games in the snow We were split into 3 groups, the skiers, the snowboarders, and Harry, who was fortunate to have a week’s personal tuition with a very experienced Italian man who did not let him out of his sight - ever!!! Throughout the week we did 4 hours on the mountain a day, and Tom Burrows’ birthday brought a very nice blizzard for us. When we were not on the slopes, we were either in the hotel New water sampling technique lounge playing poker, or in the local town shopping and enjoying food, especially as you made up as much lunch as you wanted. the Italian pizzerias. The highlight was of course cakes in the afternoon. However, it During the week we travelled to Lake Garda, one of the largest was not all about the views and cake eating! Work started at lakes in Europe, and also to Trento, the major city near the resort 9am and did not finish until about 9pm, or even later at times. we were staying at. There were plenty of breaks, but it was still a long day. The This was a great week, and we all thank Dr. Gareh for organising course covered the ‘A’ level ecology sections of the syllabus and it and making it an enjoyable holiday. allowed project work to be completed. The rivers day saw a number of pupils getting a little more wet than they anticipated, ROBERT SIMMS but was more memorable due to the inquisitive cows that wanted to make friends! All in all, another great trip. Thanks to everyone that took part. RC

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WORLD CHALLENGE - BORNEO 2006 The best way to sum up this expedition was spoken by Kim Fawcett This year three students from Ellesmere College took part in an who said “do we really need to go back”. I am sure we were all experience of a life time expedition to Borneo. These students were secretly thinking the same thing. It will I am sure always bring a Kim Fawcett, Arthur Higgins and Oliver Suckley. Together with smile to our faces whenever anybody mentions BORNEO. students from Ysgol Rhydfelen (South Wales), hey were firstly “An adventure is never an adventure while it's happening. tasked with raising £3000 each for the four week expedition. Challenging experiences need time to ferment, and adventure is After a gruelling 20 hour delayed flight we arrive at Brunei where simply physical and emotional discomfort recollected in tranquillity”. rather than wait eight hours we set out to explore our first taste of (Tim Cahill writer for Outside Magazine) South East Asia. We beat off the boat handlers who kept pestering MC us for a boat ride down the local river. We decided instead to visit the local market for lunch. After lunch we returned to the airport to HISTORY FIRST WORLD WAR BATTLEFIELDS TRIP catch our connecting flight. We arrive in Kota Kinabulu (known as KK) at night. We caught a taxi to our hostel in the centre of the town. The students spent the first day in KK arranging the transport to our jungle survival experience. We started to learn the Malaysian way of life and to get acclimatised. On Wednesday we were transported to the foothills of Mount Kinabulu were we walked to the survival area, in the middle of nowhere? He we were taught to set traps and eat jungle tucker. These included frogs and cockroaches. We learnt about bamboo and made darts for a blow pipe, a cup and how to make matting. With a short break of one day it was off to conquer the second highest mountain in South East Asia called “Trusmadi”. This mountain although not as high as Mount Kinabulu is harder as it is less well used and extremely steep. Most of the group were able to scale this mountain, and were rewarded by some magnificent views. Poring Springs was our next destination.This was discovered during the Japanese occupation in World War 2. They found a hot natural spring. This has been expanded to include a number of “baths” and a VERY cold plunge pool. We spent a whole day here and decided A trip took place on the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the to re visit the next day. The following day we visited the springs Somme and was particularly poignant because of this. On day again and the entire group took part in a canopy walk. This was 51 1 we visited the sites of Ypres and on day 2 the battle sites of meters above the ground allowing us to see above the canopy of the the Somme. A number of students were able to identify graves surrounding jungle. and memorials of relatives who had fought in WW1. On day 3 we went on a cultural tour of Bruges where the students were able to sample the delicious chocolate! LAP

Three 15 year old students at the grave of a 15 year old soldier Treasures from Borneo near Ypres

Another very long bus ride brought us back to KK where we got ready for the rest and recuperation part of the expedition. There are a number of islands off the coast of Kinabulu. We picked one and set off. The island was busy during the day but at night the island was mostly deserted. Here we sun bathed, played football and swam. The sea was clear blue and many different types of fish were spotted. On land we were visited by a monitor lizard! Other water activities undertaken included the banana boat and flying fish. A quick clean up back at our hostel and we were ready to face the 20 hour plus flight back to the UK. The Thiepval Memorial to the missing

37 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 In and Around

Ellesmere Pupils enjoying the snow, March 2006

PERFORMANCE OF “A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM” On Thursday 22nd June Ellesmere College was delighted to welcome back former pupil, James Reynard from The Rain or Shine Theatre Company. James directed A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s forest-based tale of warring fairies and mismatched lovers, performed in Derry Quad. The ten strong Gloucester based professional troupe’s whistle-stop three month tour encompassed outdoor venues across the UK. Rain or Shine Theatre Company, winners of the Buxton Festival Fringe ‘Best Drama Award’ and renowned for their 'exquisite' outdoor renditions of classical comedy – from Shakespeare to Sheridan - delighted the Ellesmere College audience, as part of an ambitious 50 plus date open air UK summer tour. Members of the audience at Ellesmere College were invited to bring Midsummer Night’s Dream their own low-backed seating or rugs and a picnic to maximise their PARENTS’ SOCIETY PICNIC enjoyment of the “al fresco” performances. The Parents’ Society Picnic after the Lower School Sports Day The audience enjoyed the antics of four gorgeous mortal was well supported by over 100 families picnicing on the lovers and six slightly less gorgeous rude mechanicals, as terraces whilst enjoying the late mid summer sunshine. With a they became unwitting participants in the magical Pimms Bar, barbecue, inflatable slide and tug of war the machinations of the immortal world. evening was enjoyed by all.

Parents’ Society Picnic

38 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006

THE YEAR 11 MAY PROM committee can be replicated in subsequent years to ensure that This year saw the inclusion of a new event to the Ellesmere all Year 11 pupils have the chance to experience such a social calendar. wonderful evening! The Year 11 pupils are a lovely group of The Year 11 May Prom was held to celebrate the near individuals and it was a pleasure to enjoy a special evening with completion of the GCSE study period for Middle School pupils. them to mark the completion of an important academic work The Arts Centre was chosen by Mrs Owen, Head of Middle phase. School and the Year 11 Tutor team. Teaching staff had worked SO closely with a pupil committee throughout the year to organise

Dr. Chatterjee shares a joke with the boys Mrs. Hendrikson, Mrs. Phillips & Mrs. Allen enjoying downtime the fine detail of the evening. The event was a great success and the atmosphere was superb. The Arts Centre was decorated in a pink and white theme with balloons and flowers. Photographs were taken by Cheshire Life and Shropshire Magazine and everyone had tremendous fun. The music provided by a live band, a buffet supper and fantastic lighting, music and effects

Four smart men

Rachel Harrison, Hannah Edge, Natalie Hutchinson, Emma Adams Mud & hockey boots swapped for a prom gown - fantastic from a talented DJ were also much enjoyed. The dress code was black tie and this gave Year 11 pupils the chance to show how super they can look at such social events. The accolade being that everyone who could go, attended the evening plus a number of guests. Hopefully the sterling work produced by the pupil

Larry Foster, Lewis Wantling, Matthew Burrows, Richard Tyrer & Chris Wallace Tarry. Watch out for the new James Bond

39 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006

FILM NIGHT PREMIERES AT ELLESMERE COLLEGE A group of students, who throughout the year developed skills as film-makers and 1 put together a 1 ⁄2 hour showcase for their projects during the Summer Term. In May sixteen short films were shown using the cinema screen at Ellesmere College’s Arts Centre. Topics ranged from comedy, politics, spy thriller and natural history are set to leave the audience astounded. The “Media Action” group, as part of Ellesmere’s activities program and under the guidance of Mrs. Zoë Fisher (Media) and Mrs. Siobhan Philips (Art), met once a week. The pupils met with professional film makers and attracted some attention The College through a lens from local BBC television with their short films. Since this activity has only been running for one year, the It is planned for film-making to be developed at Ellesmere and results have been tremendous. that a local schools film festival may be held in the Arts Centre for summer 2008. ZJF

ELLESMERE COLLEGE WELCOMES HIGH SHERIFF OF SHROPSHIRE TO PRESENT DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD Ellesmere College has been actively involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme since the early 1960’s and each year encourages pupils to complete the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of the Award. This year nineteen pupils successfully completed the Bronze Award and another eleven pupils the Silver Award. The presentations were made by the High Sheriff and in the presence of families and friends of the awardees. Bronze Awards: Emma Adams, Jonathan Assar, Matt Burrows, Hannah Edge, Henry Fletcher-Brewer, Nicholas Foden, Larry Foster, Jordan Halstead, Rachel Harrison, Hannah Jones, Sarah Lowe, Charlotte Markham, Eleanor Moss, Stephanie Perrin, Vicky Raynor, Oliver Suckley, Simon Unwin, Chris Wallace-Tarry & Lewis Wantling. Silver Awards: James Bielby, Alice Dapling, Sarah Jane-Edwards, Maxine Fennell, Sarah Haynes, Abigail Merrill, Chloe Mitchell, Sarah Monro, Hadleigh Roberts, Ben Lewis-Thompson & Ruth Wilding-Jones

Michael Lowe, High Sheriff of Shropshire visited the school to present the Silver and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards to pupils

40 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006

GCSE ART EXHIBITION The idea behind having Amy resident in the department was to Siobhan Phillips, Head of Art organised a GCSE Art Exhibition develop pupils’ awareness as to the nature of the work performed during the Michaelmas Term. by a professional artist. By the middle of her first week, Amy has already stimulated much discussion amongst the pupils as to the interpretation of her work with an array of materials and as to the processes she uses to create each piece of work. It is planned for Amy’s visit to be the first of many future visits by local artists’. SP LOWER SCHOOL PUPILS’ SPONSORED WALK On the longest day of the year, The Senior School Green Team at Ellesmere College organised a sponsored walk around the school grounds for Lower School pupils. The walk was in aid of two environmental projects.

GCSE Art Exhibition

Lower School pupils striding ahead

One lap around the course was 1.5 km and students tried to go around as many times as possible in 2 hours. Richard Price set the record for walking 10 laps, a total of 15 kms. Many of the pupils chose to wear fancy dress for the occasion and over £500 was collected by their efforts. The sponsored event raised money for environmental projects in both Ellesmere College and Madagascar. The Green Team is GCSE Art Exhibition planning for Ellesmere College to develop wildlife areas and build willow structures in the area around the Lower School building. In ELLESMERE COLLEGE PUPILS ARE LEARNING FROM Zombitse, Madagascar, the money raised will go towards a new A VISITING PROFESSIONAL ARTIST school building will help create the opportunity for local children to learn how to save their precious, endangered environment for During the Summer Term The Art Department hosted a visit from the future. a local professional artist who helped to develop pupils’ CA awareness of the working life of an artist. Having recently graduated from Staffordshire University with a BA(Hons) Fine Art degree, Amy Owen, from across the border in Flintshire, spent two weeks at Ellesmere College continuing her art practice. Amy is an object maker using domestic items such as cutlery and furniture to make work on the subject of memory, nostalgia and her childhood in rural Wales.

Amy Owen with Sarah Jane Beswick and Dery Russell Lower School pupils enthusiastically supporting the sponsored walk

41 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Sportsman Dinner

Brendan Wignall with Jeff Probyn & Jason Leonard The only girls

On Saturday, 1st October 2005 Ellesmere College held a Sportsman Dinner. The event, held in a marquee on The Terraces was organised by a sub- committee of The Ellesmere College Appeal Committee, chaired by John Hopkins. The event was supported by parents past and present, Old Ellesmerians as well as current and former staff. The guests feasted on a lavish meal prepared by Withenshaw Caterers and were entertained by Jeff Probyn’s interesting and amusing after dinner speech. The Dinner raised a massive £35,000 for the Sports Hall Appeal.

Jeff Probyn & Jason Leonard with the signed England Rugby shirt

42 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Charity Events

ST. AIDAN’S CHARITY FASHION SHOW

During the Michaelmas Term a group of girls at Ellesmere planned a supper and fashion show evening to raise money for a national charity. The auditorium in the Ellesmere College Arts Centre became a cat-walk with the girls in St Aidan’s House holding a Fashion Show for their annual charity fund raising event. The chosen charity was the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The event sashéd elegantly to a start with a sparkling Supper is served wine reception. The show The girls were very fortunate to have secured the support from itself began an hour later some Shrewsbury based companies whose designs were all on after a three course display on the cat walk. supper. All the girls in the The Head Boy, Ashley James and two other members of the 1st House, who come from XV Rubgy Team joined the girls on the catwalk for the second Years 9, 10 and 11 were half of the show. The whole evening was very enjoyable and involved in the show in some raised the fantastic total of £1,300 for the Multiple Sclerosis way, as models, dressers, Society. waitresses or lighting and sound technicians.

‘Bond Girls’ Beth Clewlow and Pippa Rickett

Beth Clewlow, Ailsa Jackland and Ashley James, Will Blackwell & Dan Thomas Charlotte Lewis - strutting their stuff

St. Aidan’s Girls and members of 1st XV Rugby team ‘Window Dressing’

43 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006

CHARITY DEBATE EVENING TEAM 2’S ACCOUNT OF THE SNOWDON RUN Common Room v Pupils There were many reasons why some people wanted to do the This House Believes That Youth is Wasted on The Young Snowdon run. For some of us it was a chance to raise money for a good cause, others an opportunity to challenge themselves To help raise some funds for Breast Cancer Care we held a fun mentally and physically. But in Niall’s case it was a free trip to the debate with several Common Room members taking on the might of our slightly more qualified Sixth Form students in the Debate peak of Snowdon with a free t-shirt. A special thank you goes to Arena. Mr. Martin Clewlow, renowned for his fun-filled Chemistry Peter Thomas for organising the sponsorship of the t-shirts and lessons and a penchant for elongated explanations, agreed to for running so hard. side with drama king Mr. Richard Boswell and the fierce but Half the team started not feeling the fittest, after attending a friendly South African English teacher Peta Fox. They were to certain party to say good bye to some foreign friends. With a Mars take on the undefeated debate champions Jonathan and bar for breakfast Peter Heath and Alex Robinson ran the first leg Christopher Bevan and their cohort for a one time only at 4:30 in the morning. Their fantastic performance beat Team 1’s Steven Bannister’s less than satisfactory start! Then the day rolled on slowly with fair progress for the 12 hour target. Three Mars-bars later team 2 were back where they belong, a couple of miles behind team 1. Team 2 again closed in on “the tri- athlete” (Dr Ripley) with a great and athletic performance by Dr Chatterjee and Steve Johnson. Everyone contributed in the effort including Alex Robinson’s excellent minibus navigation. By about 10:00am people were starting to feel physical pain of running across the Snowdonian Mountains with absolutely no training (Niall AGAIN). A special mention must be given to Miss Jones who had injured her ankle the week before the run. This did not stop her doing the hardest leg, up a road that never ended with every brow of a hill revealing the top of another. The next leg was a quick flat sprint, which Tom Bohn and Jamie Tyrer completed. This was one of the final successful stages before things started to turn upside down. Navigation is key issue wherever you go. Map reading is a skill Common Room: but GPS reading isn’t. Team 2 caught up very quickly to team 1 Peta Fox, Martin Clewlow and Richard Boswell Sixth Form: Matthew White, Jonathan Bevan and Christopher Bevan appearance Matthew White. What ensued was a battle most bloody! At times it was a little unfair with some obvious underhand tactics from the Common Room but the Sixth Form students were undeterred and they gave as good as they got. Mr. Clewlow adopted a very laid back approach to his arguments and assumed his deep voice for the occasion in the hope it would make his opponents quiver. This was not to be though. Matthew White was unruffled by the points thrown his way and although Christopher was obviously getting a little agitated by the somewhat sanctimonious tone of Mr. Boswell’s case he did not let it distract him from his course. Peta Fox, who is by nature a wonderfully charming woman, was almost maternal in her approach but this image was soon quashed when it was revealed that she was actually more of a Black Widow going for the kill. Both teams made their points calmly and revealed that they had thought long and hard about what they were going to say. The youngsters quite rightly played on the fact that the opposition were past their best and could no longer be considered ‘young’, but the older team fought back and threw the points raised straight back. The sweat was dripping down the student’s Jamie Tyrer & Tom Bohn finishing fast foreheads as the Common Room laid back and fought dirty. The judges - Buffy Swinnerton, Catherine Wignall, Freddie only to find that somehow certain (unmentionable ) members of Herzhog, Phillip Wood and Stephen Purcell—had a real task on team 1 had followed the arrow on the GPS (their direction) and their hands to decide the winner. But by the end of the evening, not the line (the route). This unfortunately ruined team 1’s the older, more worldly wise team who have indeed by all chances of hitting the summit in the 12 hour target. We had a accounts wasted their youth won! funny feeling that navigation was going to be a problem Well Done to the Common Room and we’re all looking forward to throughout the course of the day. next year. The next mishap was a combined effort from Sam Mcelvee, Steve Johnson and Peter Daborn. No-one quite knows what happened CLC but they were found in a local pub about 4 hours later! After a long unknown wait at the end of their leg, team 1 and 2 combined to finish the run excluding the stray runners and those suffering both

44 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 mental and physical exhaustion. Tom Bohn and Jamie Tyrer DONATION TO MACMILLAN CANCER RELIEF decided to try and complete the rest of the run with no chance of hitting the target time. Again navigation was a problem with a 20 minute detour through a field full of rather aggressive cows. Running now as fast as they could through rivers and bogs to escape Tyrer’s worst nightmare the next leg was handed over to fitness freak Mr Digby. This was the second to last leg which was powered though in just over 20 minutes (10 minutes shorter than last year). The end was now finally in sight, as was Bob Blackwell. Norris wanting to be a marine had done some tough training. Nothing on the other hand to what he was about to face. He had to run up the Snowdon pipeline with a fresh legged Bob Blackwell and friends. Meanwhile half way up Snowdon Mr Digby, Jamie Tyrer, Niall Crispin, Chris Green and Pete Thomas were nearing completion. At 4 o’clock in the morning you dread the 85 mile run without even thinking that climbing up Snowdon was going to be hard. Mr Digby proved us wrong forcing us to run up the monster to try and beat Bob. Occasionally hearing the England football updates kept us going. Unfortunately the visibility towards the peak was very Head Boy, Ashley James & Head Girl, Elizabeth Swinnerton poor which meant that we ran into mist not knowing how much hand over a cheque for £532 to Elodie Home, MacMillan Cancer longer was left. One minute later we succeeded the challenge in Relief Fundraising Manager for Shropshire, following the Lent 13 hours 45 minutes. Term non-uniform day. The day was a great success that filled all of us with great pride and success after completing, for some of us the hardest physical NON-UNIFORM DAY PROCEEDS TO AGE CONCERN challenge we would have to do in our lives. This was rewarded Besides entertaining local older people with festive singing during back at college with a 12” greasy pizza, a long shower and a bed an Age Concern Ellesmere Day Centre event held in December only to be woken up to army expos the next day! 2005, at the end of the Summer Term, money was also donated to This year funds were raised for Chernobyl Continuity and Breast Age Concern Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin following a non- Cancer Research. So far funds raised this year exceed uniform day at the School. This local charity supports the growing £1,143.44. This is already greater than the last year’s total of number of older people around the county, through various £851.35, which was a very respectable sum. Well done to all schemes to help them to retain their independence and ensure help is available for those who require it. involved, anyone for a little run next year?!!!!! Jamie Tyrer & Niall Crispin

ELLESMERE COLLEGE GIRLS ‘RUN FOR LIFE’

Heather Williams from Age Concern accepting a cheque from Craig Tattersall and Catherine Wignall

Amber Lewis-Bolton, Ashley Whittle and Amy Cooper

A group of Year 10 Girls participated in the Cancer Research ‘Race for Life’ event at Telford Town Park. The five girls who took on the challenge were Georgina Adams, Amy Cooper, Amber Lewis-Bolton and Ashley Whittle. Between them they raised a total of £400. A significant number of Ellesmere College students sponsored the girls. Donation from Carol Services’ retiring collections to Hope House

45 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006

DRAGON BOAT RACE making our boat wider than it was with our oars, because the The summer of 2006 was noticeable for two huge sporting slightest swell of the river or someone leaning too much made our events. One was The World Cup. The other? The Severn Hospice fragile craft lurch violently to the side. I “Braced” rather Annual Dragon Boat Race of course. enthusiastically as I didn’t want to find out if my hairy nun friend had been trying to wind the opposition up or had been telling the Having been seconded into the team by Hazel, Jayne and I set off truth about the depth of the water. As we tried to paddle slowly to on a warm, pleasant Saturday morning to her house, just a short the start line, it soon became apparent that our team tactics talk distance from the banks of the Severn, where this event was hadn’t gone well and that none of us had listened to the instructor taking place. I had the impression in my mind of a few dozen on the quay. With oars flying in all directions I was soon soaked competitors and a straggle of spectators for this fundraiser, before we had even started. huddled around a knot of hastily erected gazebos, complete with We lined up, a klaxon sounded, and we were off! Well, the other a mobile barbeque. That was until we got nearer, then the teams in our heat were. With shouts of “IN! OUT! IN! OUT!” from enormity of this event started to become apparent, in no small our friendly helmsman, sixteen oars flailed in the water as we part due to the fact that we had already pushed our way through drenched each other unceremoniously without moving an inch, hundreds of people in various fancy dress guises. By the time we with Gary beating a drum that none of us were listening to. reached Hazel I realized that the turnout was on a much grander Unsurprisingly we finished last in our first heat, but we were scale than I could have imagined. cheered on enthusiastically from the banks by the sympathetic There were literally thousands of people there, either competing crowd. They’d evidently seen it all before. They’d prepared their or lining the banks of picnics safe in the the calm river. Fancy knowledge that dress came from all seventeen people, walks of life. If I totally unprepared looked left, there for the day ahead, was Elvis. To the would fill their digital right was a horde of cameras with Indian warrior girls. enough amusing Even Superman had photos to keep many put in an appearance. a family party It was then that I amused. spotted the dragon The break afforded boats themselves. us time to drown our Huge, low-slung sorrows with a can of crafts with, aptly, coke and a burger large carved dragon’s from The Boathouse. heads at every bow. I Assembled once tentatively enquired again for the next as to the depth of the race, with our bellies water, somewhat full and our naively believing that confidence high, we this stretch had been set off with a new especially chosen for instructor who its shallowness. How ‘The Team’ instilled a killer wrong I was. “If you instinct in each and every one of us. The klaxon sounded again, fall in, you will go under without touching the bottom,” was the and this time we set off with a purpose and a desire to win, each reply from a rather large hairy nun with burger in his hand. of us shouting “IN! OUT!” perfectly in time with every beat of Our team had been kindly sponsored by Tony Randall, Heritage Gary’s drum, our oars scything the water in unison. We still came Glass and Patrick Nolan, Business Telecom Support. Apart from last. By now we had all come to realize that it was the taking part Jayne and myself we also had, from the College, our organizer that mattered the most. Hazel, our Director of Finance Nick Howarth, our I.T. technician And that was the most important part of this day. Taking part, Chris Brown, Gary Santry (sometime peripatetic teacher – today enjoying ourselves and raising money for a well deserved cause. our drum major), seamstress Janet Davies and her partner, Gary, And we didn’t capsize and end up in the river like some, which and St Cuthbert’s Housemother Suzanne Carr and her husband, was hilarious to watch. My enduring image is of seeing a Viking Dave. My son Jack was to be the official flag bearer, his brief to warrior sink under the water, his horned helmet floating off his run along the bank waving us on. After assembling at our tent we head, only for him to reappear five yards later as his helmet donned our “College Ravens” T-shirts and caps, had our bobbed merrily away. But we did raise £1,000 for Severn Hospice photograph taken with the Mayor of Shrewsbury, then huddled for on a glorious day attended by literally thousands of people our team tactics talk. After a few minutes, and listening to such prepared to give up watching that other sporting event to raise comments as “Will we get wet?” and “Have you seen how long the money for a cause which could touch each and every one of us. course is?” I started to feel a little bit nervous. Suddenly staying at home and watching the England match seemed an altogether Hazel worked tirelessly to arrange this important event, so hats better proposition. (or caps) off to her, even though she sat in front of me for every But too late, our team was being called over the tannoy and we heat and soaked me to the skin, even when we weren’t racing. I headed for our pre-race debrief. Waterproof jackets were donned, have promised myself revenge somehow, maybe next year. paddles issued, and we stood in a line, seventeen of us, listening Thanks from the whole team to our two local company sponsors, to the instructions and safety tips. Then it was time to board our Heritage Glass and Business Telecom Support. given craft. It wasn’t until I sat down that I realized how close we Will I be involved next year? You can bet on England not winning were to the water as we held our paddles out to shouts of the next World Cup that I will be. “BRACE!” from our helmsman, a large, scary looking man with a beard and a ponytail. We soon discovered what “BRACE” meant, TG

46 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 CCF Report 2005-2006

Officer strength has been healthy in all Sections this year, with the addition of 2Lt Ranjit Chatterjee to the Army Section and Fl. Lt. Kim Ripley to the RAF Section. Both are very keen on adventurous pursuits and the Contingent is fortunate to enlist their help. 2Lt. Chatterjee is a climbing instructor and he has recently become a Summer Mountain Leader, whilst Fl. Lt. Ripley recently qualified as a level 1 Kayaking instructor. Lt. Digby has also recently become a Summer Mountain Leader, and we are sad to lose him as he departs to acquire more qualifications in Scotland next year, which he will use in his new career as a professional AT Instructor. All sections completed some excellent training during the year, as will be seen in their separate reports. The annual adventurous training camp during the Easter vacation was based at Dundonnell JSMTC in the Wester Ross area of the Highlands of Scotland. Old hands UO Christian Green receives the R. B.Hartley Trophy regarded this as a truly vintage year for the snow conditions and all from Mr. Richard Hartley there had a truly wonderful week of mountaineering. All cadets completed the An Teallach traverse, which was summed up by them in one word, “Awesome!” The final day of training included the construction of a Tyrolean Bridge in order to enable a stream crossing. In the Summer Term the Contingent held a Final Parade to say goodbye to our Senior Cadets, and the occasion was used for the inaugural presentation of the R. Blake Hartley Memorial Trophy, which has been instituted in honour of 2Lt. Blake Hartley, who was senior Army cadet in his last year at Ellesmere. The trophy goes to the graduating cadet who has contributed the most during his time with the Contingent. This year’s winner was Under Officer Christian Green, who also won the trophy for Best Army cadet. Best Navy cadet was Able Seaman Jed Denham, and Best RAF cadet was Sergeant Rose Pescod. CCF AWARDS Mr. Richard Hartley was at Ellesmere College on Thursday 22nd June 2006 to award the R Blake Hartley Memorial Trophy to the senior cadet Christian Green with Mr. Richard Hartley and who had contributed the most to the College Combined Cadet Force Blake’s mother Mrs. Sally Perrin during his time at the school. Mrs Sally Perrin, Blake's mother and Mrs Sue Hartley also attended the ceremony. This was the first time the CO: Lt. Col. G. Hutchinson Trophy has been awarded since the tragic disappearance of Blake 2IC: Maj. M. P. Clewlow near Chamonix in August 2004 whilst leading a group of Sandhurst Navy Section: Lt F. R. Brooke & Sub Lt. R. J. Macintosh Cadets. Army Sect: Maj. M. P. Clewlow, Capt. M. T. Gareh The winner of the Trophy was Cadet Under Officer Christian Green, Lt K. B. Hilton, 2Lt. R Chatterjee & Lt. Col. (Rev’d) R E Williams who also won the trophy for Best Army Cadet 2006. Jed Denham won RAF Section: Fl. Lt. F. S. Williams, Fl. Lt. D. Joynson-Brooke the cup for Best Navy Cadet and Rose Pescod Best RAF Cadet. & Fl. Lt. R K Ripley Mason Gascoigne won the Bosun's Whilst Award for the Navy Section. Navy 2005-2006

Visit to HMS Manchester Saturday 17th February The Navy CCF was invited to go along to visit HMS Manchester in Liverpool, to go aboard and look round the ship. We only had a small number of places to fill as the event took place in half term break. Only four cadets who live locally were able to attend: Cadet Petty Officer Richard Valentine, Leading hands Jed Denham, Peter Thomas and I, Jonathan Steggles. Our RN section Officer Lt. Frank Brooke was in charge. We set off early Saturday morning at 1000hrs for Liverpool; this was because the ship could not make it down the river to Manchester, as there are too many low bridges for HMS MANCHESTER to sail under. We were in Liverpool in no time. However when we got into Liverpool we did get lost, but we made it there spot on time in the end. When we got there all I can On Liverpool Dock next to HMS Manchester, CPO Richard remember thinking is ‘It’s massive’. Valentine, Leading Hands Peter Thomas, Joel Denham & The ship is a type 42 destroyer, the main object of which is to Jonathon Steggles and Lt. Frank Brooke

47 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 protect British ships against aircraft, unlike a frigate which PARADE FOR THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY concentrates on anti-submarine warfare. We were not alone as we Sunday 18th February had about 50 other cadets with us, all from the Manchester area. On Sunday we were actually going to Manchester, so we had a When we got on board we were split up into three groups to make very early start indeed. We set off from College at 0730hrs and it easier to show us around. We had photos taken of us with the made our way there in very good time. We had about an hour so Captain and officers in our different units to start with.I cannot tell we set off to find somewhere for a second breakfast. At 1030hrs you what the other groups did but I will now explain a bit about what the ship’s company arrived with about 200 personnel and officers I did. I started with the helicopter, a Lynx, which is what most of the and all the cadets who were with us yesterday. There were also navy fleet carries around with them. The Lynx is used for anti- many of the general public as well as family and friends of the ship’s company. The church service was in memory of people who died but formerly belonged to HMS Manchester. The service lasted about an hour but we had to leave early to set up for the parade outside Manchester Town Hall. We made our way down to the Town Hall early to find out what we were going to be doing in the parade. After a lot of waiting we were placed as markers for the ship’s company to march onto. As they came around the corner they turned in between the two lines. There were 200 strong together with a 50 strong marching band. We had to stand still throughout the whole parade which was very nerve wracking as people from the public started to stand and watch us all there. The brass band was very good especially when they played The Great Escape, which scared me to death as I did not realise they were right behind me. By this time it was getting cold, but we had to come back to attention as they were on the move again through us. This time instead of staying there we had to join on the end of the parade and had to march down the street to the back of the Town Hall with everyone watching us, behind CPO Richard Valentine, Leading Hands Peter Thomas, two very big horses. We said goodbye to the officers and thanked Joel Denham & Jonathon Steggles the cadets for putting on a great day for us all. submarine defence. It is able to fold in its rotors and its back rotor I would like to personally say thank you to Lt. Brooke for arranging blade enabling it to fit into the hangar for storage. I then went onto it all for us and giving up his own free time to drive to Liverpool and the small arms “pistols and rifles” on the ship. There were four Manchester, to see and take part in this once in a lifetime different types which they keep on board. The most basic was the experience which we will never forget. Flare gun, which is there for emergencies to call for help and for Leading Hand Jon Steggles signalling to the Lynx or other ships. The second were two 9mm pistols; these are very rarely used anymore on ship. They are now used for shooting competitions mostly. The third were heavy NAVY EXPEDITIONS OCTOBER 2005 machine guns known as GPMG’s which are mounted on the front We set off from the College on Wednesday, 19th October and and rear of the ship for when docking at other countries to stop any travelled for about five hours down to the RAF transit camp in terrorists and for guarding the ship. Uxbridge. We left soon after and headed into London and saw the The final one which most people will know is similar to the cadet’s Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. We went to see HMS Belfast weapon the SA80 but it can be fired on automatic. This is used on the River Thames. It was extremely large and it had many huge mostly for guard duty. While we were having this tour there were guns which were very interesting. We looked at it for most of the four people from the ship’s crew carrying this weapon on guard afternoon and it was very enjoyable. Then we headed off to the making sure nothing happened to us or the ship. London Eye and went on it. The views were impressive especially as it was at night because there were many lights, also there was We then went into the ship and had a briefing on the fire safety and a lightning storm going on around us which was impressive and it damage control on board. We learned that every person on board lit up the whole area. We then headed back to the RAF camp and knows how to use all the equipment needed to control damage or got a good night’s sleep. put out fires. This means that whoever finds the fire normally puts The next day we got up relatively early, had breakfast and got on it out when they find it instead of waiting for people to help. Fire is the coach. We went back into London and Lieutenant Brooke gave the biggest problem they have on ship, as I bet you understand us a guided tour of Central London. There we saw Princess Anne why? coming out of Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard. We then went onto the observation room, which is where the We also saw an Admiral and other high ranking Naval Officers near navigation and tracking and weapons targeting all happens. It is Admiralty Arch. We all thought we were very lucky seeing all this. the most important place in the whole ship, if this went down the We headed on to Greenwich where we had lunch and we then ship could not know were the enemy were and would not be able went up to the Royal Observatory where the Greenwich meridian to fight or communicate with other ships. line goes through. There were impressive views of London and the Millennium Dome and Canary Wharf. We then went to the National The final place and the best I personally think was the bridge. It is Maritime Museum, which was intriguing and very informative and where the captain sits and where they command and steer the all of us learnt a lot. Then we headed back to RAF Uxbridge. We ship. You can see out all over the front of the ship and I got to sit quickly got changed and had dinner before getting on the bus and in the captain’s chair for a few seconds, which I have to say was travelling to the London underground station at Uxbridge. We very nice. After this we met up again with the other groups on the travelled on the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden and we went to flight deck. Here we were given a present from our liaison officer, Aldwich Theatre. We saw a play called FAME which everyone Lt. Rich Bowen RN, who gave us a framed photograph of the ship thought was excellent and we all enjoyed ourselves. We travelled and some posters and newsletters. So I would like to thank him back on the last tube train to Uxbridge and walked back to the from the navy section here at Ellesmere College for his kindness. camp. This was a very exciting and informative day.

48 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006

On Friday we got up very early to go back to the College. It was a quick journey. When we got back we sorted things out before departing. Everyone enjoyed themselves. All in all it was a great expedition. All the Navy cadets would like to thank Lt. F. Brooke, Flt. Lt. D. Joynson-Brooke and Sub Lt. R. Macintosh for such a great time and all the effort they put into organizing it. Jed Denham & Able Seaman Jamie McBrien

NORTH WALES The Navy together with the RAF section went to the Tri Service Training Centre at Indefatigable North Wales. The intention was to sail but unfortunately there was a 5 mile oil spillage in the Menai Straits, so sailing had to be cancelled while the appropriate services cleaned up the mess. However, never to be

Great view from up here

In the trees preparing for the challenge disheartened we split into 3 groups and one went on a walk to South Stack on Angelsey around the coast and had a glimpse of the lighthouse as the weather was less than favourable. The Hi there! second group went to the Conway centre were they were very successful on a high wire confidence course. The leader said that there were three zones in which we live; a comfort zone

Team building exercise

high. The other group used the swimming pool and dealt with a Tree top meditation number of leadership and team-building problems. However, the highlight for everyone must have been the fish and chip run where we are all happy; a stress zone where we do things that we together with the BBQ at the end of the 3 days courtesy of FLt. do not want to but do them anyway and finally a stretch zone Lt. Williams. The cadets were a credit and worked well as a group where we push ourselves beyond our tolerable limit. The course even though we only saw the sun on short occasions. dealt with all three zones and I am happy to say that many staff and cadets were very successful as the course dealt with Lt. F. R. Brooke obstacles only 30cm from the ground up to a maximum of 20m OC Navy section.

49 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Army 2005-2006

The first half of the Michaemas Term was devoted to preparations exercise on Long Mynd, assisted by a large number of Army for the Brigade Military Skills Competition in early October and the section NCOs, and this was augmented by night movement work three day Expeditions at the end of the same month. U/O Chris at Nesscliffe. Meanwhile Y10 under Captain Gareh and 2Lt Green commanded the Military Skills team, which performed well Chatterjee had fairly good conditions in N. Wales for their Duke of in the tactics sections. U/O Green was also the senior cadet Edinburgh Bronze expedition, with only two tents suffering as a responsible to Major Clewlow for the CCF input into the Y9 training result of adverse winds this year! All year groups deployed to group. Here CSMs Buffy Swinnerton and Bryony Sym, and Nesscliffe in March for a one-day exercise, in cold but blessedly dry Sergeants Ashley James and Dan Thomas ably assisted him. The conditions, which enabled all training objectives to be successfully senior cadet for Y10 was Acting Colour Sergeant Alistair Keeble, completed. whilst CSMs Will Blackwell and Oliver Platt took responsibility for Y11. Both Will and Oliver had received good reports from their Leadership courses at Frimley Park during the previous summer holidays, with Will achieving a top grading in every section.

Cadets being briefed by Cadet Training Team

The summer term programme was much interrupted for a variety of reasons, but Y11 were able to complete all the necessary elements of their year. Many of Y10 gained leadership experience by working with Y9 in preparation for the Summer Expeditions at Swynnerton in late June. Unlike previous years a whole unit exercise was not attempted, as more time was needed to practise Y9 in sub-unit operations before many of them attended Summer Camp at Crowborough three days later. This proved to be an excellent week that included a wide variety of innovative training packages in the four broad areas of Fieldcraft, Adventurous Training, Shooting and Personal & Team Skills. The Ellesmere Contingent was voted as the most accomplished unit on the Fieldcraft stands. On the Competition Day Ellesmere was fifth overall with a second placing in the March and Shoot. During the summer holidays a number of L6 Army cadets, who had been prepared by Captain Gareh, successfully completed their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Expedition in N. Wales. These were C/Sgts P Heath and W Norris, plus Sgts C Bushnell, C Cooper, P Daborn, H Fletcher-Brewer, and J Tyrer. Sadly an injury during the trip prevented Sgt C Chambers from completing the expedition. GH

Army Cadets on the Obstacle Course at Crowborough Camp in July 2006

The autumn Expeditions for both Y9 and Y11 took place on Nesscliffe Training Area. Wet conditions in the days prior to the exercise reduced the options for suitable sleeping sites, throwing both units in close proximity, but all managed to work around each other. Major Blackwell and Lt Digby devised a very testing exercise for Y11 with the aim of developing their command and control skills, as a prelude to the completion of their NCOs cadre during the remainder of the year. Y9 carried out their first major navigation Realistic First Aid Training

50 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 RAF 2005-2006

This year we have been joined by Fg Off Kim Ripley. She is an been to spend a day sailing on the Menai Straits, but a slick of avid follower of outdoor pursuits, preferring to run up the Wrekin pollution reported the night before, put a stop to all water borne while most of us are happy to walk. On the debit side we are activities. This was a particular disappointment, when Lt Brooke sorry to lose Cdt Cpl Rose Pescod. Supported by Cdt Cpl Iain and others had trailed many miles with boats to reach the venue. Disspain she has proved to be an effective NCO. Rose was the Instead I took a group for a coastal walk around South Stack with first cadet in the section to study for and achieve a credit in the Sub Lt Richard Macintosh. The seabirds nesting on the cliff B Tech for Aviation Studies. were, as one cadet put it, awesome. Our newest recruit, Greg We have enjoyed three memorable expeditions this year. In Harrington turned out to have a vast knowledge of natural history October we spent three days at RAF Cosford. Here the cadets and was able to point out and name various creepy crawlies of learned how the RAF trains those that keep the aircraft flying, interest. Fortunately the last day did go to plan and was spent with visits to the airframe and propulsion flights. Cadets also conquering our fear of heights and learning new skills on the undertook leadership tasks, a map reading exercise along the magnificent climbing wall at the centre. Ironbridge Gorge and a flight in the Grobb Tutor. A number of cadets attended either an Easter camp at Cosford March saw us at RAF Shawbury with a very packed day. Cadets or a summer camp at St Athan near Cardiff. Both camps had the played with high- usual elements of pressure water at the training with Cosford Fire Section, saw the adding a night last Sea Harriers, exercise at Nesscliff which had just been and air experience retired from the Royal flying. St Athan Navy and listened devoted rather more with amazement time to shooting and when given a tour of a visit to the bombing the Apache attack range at Pembrey helicopter . A Sands. The local particularly interesting cultural element here experience, linked to included a visit to their GCSE history, Cardiff Castle and a was to see a rebuilt trip down a coal Horsa assault glider mine. of the type used during the D-Day The section has landings. But for maintained its links many the highlight of with Newcastle- the day was a flight in under-Lyme School. Hawk Trainer at RAF Cosford a Griffin helicopter They visited us in the which whisked them spring for sailing and back over the college in a matter of minutes. shooting and we joined them in the autumn for a 24-hour escape and evasion exercise.

Training at college continues to be successful with more cadets than ever achieving their leading cadet badge. We remain fortunate in being able to go flying and gliding on a very regular basis, and shooting remains strong within the section. Cadets have been able to participate in more leadership- based activities, culminating in a visit from the RAF Motivational Outreach Team. Cadets were put through a number of scenarios to develop their communication, problem solving and team working skills. My thanks to all those who have made the year such a success, and in particular Flt Lt Debbie Joynson- Brooke, Fg Off Kim Ripley and Lt Frank Brooke for our links with the navy section. Flt Lt Fred Williams OC RAF Section

George Gregory's first flight in a Tutor

We joined forces with the Navy section for our summer expo. We camped at HMS Indefatigable surviving off ration packs with most of the cadets remembering what they had been told about cooking on a hexamine stove. A good part of the programme had

51 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award 2006

The Teams: Mat Osburn (2 stone lighter than last year) was his enigmatic self Patrick Cudmore and Abigail Merrill and lifted the group’s paddling skills tremendously. Tom Burrows and Danny Matthews It has been an excellent year, and we hope to see every one of SarahJane Edwards and Gemma Evans the group complete their Award and meet up again at the Palace Stephen Bannister and Alice Dapling to collect their Gold. Well done team! Henni Kleineberg and Richard Oliver Impeccable! (You need to say this with a French accent for the Robert Peters and James Jarvis true flavour of things). What stars this year have been! After a Sarah Haynes and Sarah Monro couple of early dropouts we recouped with Sarah Monro, Henrike Steven Johnson and Maxine Fennell Kleineberg and Alice Dapling who had missed out on early canoe What a great group! Several have already finished the whole Award training but had made excellent headway into the Service Section (never before known) and their planning and organization have of the Award. The teams navigated without fault, were always on been superb; from route planning to organizing Expedition polo time and where they had said they would be. Early fears about shirts and fleeces to getting to grips with their Service and Skills. the stamina of some of the girls who struggled in the slow waters Some of the group had had some difficulties with paddling - of the Wye were unfounded as they forged ahead on the particularly with the drudgery of the Wye – but coped admirably Dordogne. The expedition was later this year and the rains came. with both Allier and Dordogne. We had very few swimmers (shame P.S. Next year we’re going to introduce cookery classes, as the as it’s always a relief when someone ELSE swims!) and the groups realization that France doesn’t “do” baked beans came as a surprised us by being so frequently on time. shock to a few! Richard Oliver was a tower of strength despite having broken his ankle a couple of weeks before the expedition and paddling the 50 Years of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme whole way (130 miles) in a splint. Patrick Cudmore was most entertaining and was literally so on the return ferry when he and big A small but merry get-together took place on the week-end Mat Osburn – assessor extraordinaire- sang to an audience of 40 of 24-25th June to celebrate 50 years of the Duke of French percussionists on their way to the Notting Hill Carnival. The Edinburgh’s Award, (44 years at Ellesmere College) Sarahs were the route-plan Queens and Henni paddled It was great to see past leaders and “awardees”, including Mr immaculately, was tremendous company and we totally forgot that Viv Homy, who first began the Award Scheme at Ellesmere. her first language wasn’t English. Abi and Sarah –Jane were great team players and never lost their smiles. Stephen Bannister and Interestingly, there have been only 3 people who have run Alice(Alice joined us by train from her holiday in Carcassonne) had the Duke of Edinburgh in those 44 years (pictured). A good an unusual paddling style but got there… Rob and James time was had by all. (following in his older brother’s wake) paddled well, amused us and Rob paddled a well-padded canoe to keep his injured knee safe. Steven and Maxine managed well and skimmed over most rocks and Danny and Tom stopped playing with a rugby ball long enough to finish the expedition. There was also a certain entente cordiale between some members of the group and French acquaintances…. Our driver and gentle giant Big Ant did a little fortune telling on the return journey when one of the group thought it amusing to claim

Duke of Edinburgh in France 2006 there was a bomb on the bus as we approached customs. He saved the student from ignominy as the snap of rubber gloves could be almost heard. The weather was fine enough to ensure a gentle bronzing, and the downpour on some evenings became only a gentle drizzle inside Viv Hony, Ros McCarthy & David Walker DoE Leaders our tents. since it started at Ellesmere College

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Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award Walking Expedition numerous ‘business’ breaks. As we descended, we defied death (CCF NCOs) Summer 2006 as we scrambled down one of Jamie Tyrer’s ‘easy’ routes down - a cliff!! This nearly ended in tragedy when Henry Fletcher-Brewer Following a very successful training expedition over the long May decided that it would be easier to climb down without his bank holiday (see photo), we felt that we were ready for the backpack, and hurled it down the slope straight into Peter Heath, challenge of the 50 mile walking expedition in the Snowdonia who was precariously balanced on a rock 20 meters below. We national park. Our route would take us from the coast at ascended again, through impossible conditions, tired, cold, wet, Llanfairfechan, up and over lots of mountains and then back down chafed (Charles Bushnell), and with groin strains (Charles to the coast at Harlech, over a period of 4 days, with 3 nights Chambers), we struggled through thick fog (again!) to find to our camping out in the wilds of North Wales. delight Dr. Gareh, appearing out of the gloom. He swiftly directed Starting on a damp murky morning in Llanfairfechan on the north us to our campsite, and gently reminded us that he had been coast of Wales, we set off in high spirits Soon we were climbing waiting for more than three hours for us to show up. We gently replied that we had just trekked 16 miles!! It was here that we said our fond farewells to Charles Chambers who decided that his groin was in too poor a state for him to continue. Setting up camp in the torrential rain was not the greatest of experiences, but we were soon dead to the world as the mileage we had racked up caught up with us sturdy adventurers. With another 6am call from Norris (which was not replied to in the politest of words) we got up, breakfasted and were on the road (or in this case a HUGE mountain) within the hour. The day proceeded fairly uneventfully, except for a good lunch break, and the chafing that had now got to extreme levels (Charles Bushnell) we neared our third campsite - or so we thought. The map was particularly hard to read, as it seemed not to show the huge dam that was in our way. Once around this slight obstacle, and only 1.5 km away, Jamie Tyrer and Charles Cooper decided that it might be fun to run up the last hill in order to increase their fitness for On top of the world the rugby season that was about to commence. We erected the through thick fog to our peak of 900 meters, where we seriously doubted that wewould finish the rest of the walk, as we could see very little, navigation was hard and we were getting very tired. Luckily, we managed our descent to find Mr. Blake happily munching on fresh sandwiches, blissfully unaware of the treacherous conditions we had just survived. Tired, cold, wet and with Charles Bushnell in the least pleasant of moods, we reached the campsite as night was starting to close in on us. A swift meal later, we retired to bed, to find that the campsite was on a slope that we had not previously noticed - it was not to be the most comfortable of nights. With a cheery 6am wake-up call from William Norris (who seemed far more lively than the previous morning), we broke camp, and lifted our still heavy burgens onto our sore and bruised shoulders. A few short steps later, we were in a world of pain, as the bags jolted our backs, and our blisters started, once again, to Where are we? rub against our already sodden boots. The prospect of the 16 tents as the heavens opened once more, to give us another (and our final) night in damp/ soaking tents, although this did not stop Charles Bushnell from keeping the rest of the campsite up with the loudest snoring any of us had ever heard ( the E45 cream that Dr. Gareh kindly provided, clearly soothed the pain!!). The final day - we set out full of excitement at the thought of only a few more miles to go. A heart-shattering pace was set as we decided to try and finish the day as soon as possible. A few short hours later, Harlech (our destination) loomed into sight. With feet aching, we stormed the final couple of miles (thanks to William Norris’ slight ‘detour’!!), to be met by Dr. Gareh, and Mr. Blake near the base of Harlech Castle. A delicious meal was scoffed by all, but nearly came back up again as Norris’s feet emerged from his boots! We all retired to Peter Daborn's beach house for a well- earned barbecue, and one of the earliest nights any of us had ever had, full of satisfaction and relief that our trek was finally over. Just over the next hill MTG/P.Heath miles that we had to cover that day was enough, but as we were soon to find out, the terrain that we were to encounter was ‘undulating’ (cheers Paul) to say the very least. At the top of the highest peak for the day, we were anticipating a nice relaxing break, which was soon to be spoilt by one of Charles Bushnell’s

53 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 The Chapel of Saint Oswald, King and Martyr

MICHAELMAS TERM 2005 MAURICE GRAY - THANKSGIVING SERVICE In advance of the Church’s year the College’s year begins in Bishop John Davies, the retired Bishop of Shrewsbury, presided September, and with the autumnal R’s in the months to come at the Thanksgiving Service for the life and work of Maurice Gray, arrived the new Chapel Choirmaster, the then recently appointed Priest and Schoolmaster, in the Chapel of Saint Oswald, King & College Director of Music, Roger Paul Esq. Martyr, Ellesmere College on Saturday 3rd of June 2006 It would flatter him too much to tell of the amazing work he has The present Headmaster and all surviving past Headmasters of done with the Choir and for Ellesmere Chapel music save to say Ellesmere College were present at the service. that he had well earned his Christmas break by December, and the Maurice Gray died peacefully in hospital on 3rd May aged 78, drink the Chaplain bought him after the last Carol Service. after a short illness. He had remained active until very shortly before his death, enjoying singing with two choral societies and REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY playing bridge at the Shrewsbury Bridge Club. The College held its Remembrance Service in November, and it For several years he took his annual holiday on his beloved was good have so many Old Ellesmerians to join us for what was Orkney. to be the last Chapel Service at which Father Maurice Gray would Maurice left no family, but an enormous circle of indebted friends celebrate and preach in the Chapel. to whom he was a faithful priest and pastor. This is particularly true of many generations of Ellesmere College pupils, for he was THE CAROL SERVICES Chaplain here for nearly 30 years between 1963 and 1992. The Church’s year begins with Advent. Advent for Ellesmere After his retirement from the College Maurice maintained an means the Carol Services - yes, services, four of them-packed to active ministry in and around Ellesmere, and indeed he served as the gunnels with visitors, parents, grandparents, students, children Rural Dean for several years. and candles. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. A nervous time this for all involved; Chaplain, Choirmaster, Junior Choir Leader, Organist, Choirs, Readers, Catering Manager REW indeed participants of any sort! Will there be enough of everything? From mulled wine to seats: will there be sufficient? Then some pessimist points out that there could be a power cut! Well life is full of could-bes: there wasn’t a power cut, and anyway there were more than enough candles in the Chapel of Saint Oswald, King and Martyr to light up half of Shropshire. All was set for the first service: All was still: All was calm: When the perilously lonely, brave, but beautiful treble voice of the soloist Sam Clewlow broke through the candle-softened darkness, and transported our hearts and minds once again to the “…royal David’s city…” of Bethlehem. This finest of openings launched a magnificent week of Carol Services: concluded last, but not least by Lower School’s own service. Outstanding readers, superb singing by both choir and congregation alike, a most wonderful atmosphere and ambiance. What better start to the Church’s year.

Presentation of painting by Kate Benner

George Baxter, Bishop of Chester and Zoe Evans

54 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Music

It has been a busy and fulfilling year at Ellesmere and sitting down morning and there is always a full house! This year I have to write this article serves as a pleasant reminder of all that been particularly enjoyed the Assembly performances given by Peter accomplished. There has not been space to mention everything Heath (guitar), Michael Langton (violin), Bettina Fritz (oboe) and but I hope I have not left anything major out! Toby Dell (piano/vocal). There have also been a series of informal recitals this year, primarily to give music examination candidates CHAPEL CHOIR a chance to try out their pieces in front of an audience, but these It has been an important year for the choir. In September we had are open to anyone who simply wishes to perform. I have to say to start thinking about the Christmas Carol Services – I guess we that those who used the chance saw a significant rise in the have something in common with the shops! So even in the early marks they were expected to score. I hope the benefits are clear rehearsals the sounds of ‘Ding Dong Merrily’ could be heard as for all to see. As a teacher it is always satisfying to see anyone we began to build the Christmas repertoire. At school services get up on stage, overcome their nerves and play to their potential. the choir sang anthems once more – in four part harmony. In One such occasion was the November recital when Sam November we held a longer rehearsal after the Remembrance Lamberton produced a lovely rendition of Debussy’s ‘Clair de Sunday service to finalise the line-up for the Carols. I was greatly Lune’ when it mattered, having struggled at rehearsal earlier in heartened by the commitment shown by the vast majority who the day. gave up their time to make sure we would be ready. The promise It has been hard to know what to call the Concert Band this year of a slice of the Director of Music’s birthday cake might have been – it has been more of a chamber group than a full band, but an extra incentive. effective nonetheless. They have been a blend of players across The Carol Services were a great success with some impressive the age range and the range of standard in the group has contributions from Sam Clewlow (Once in Royal solo), Catherine stretched from grade 2 up to grade 8. In the November recital Wignall (Bleak Midwinter solo), Alex Robinson (Bleak Midwinter, they performed the Wallace & Gromit theme and J. Strauss’ Stille Nacht) Michael Langton and Bettina Fritz (Violin and Oboe ‘Radetzky March’ complete with audience clapping in all the right in ‘Wachet Auf’) and Toby Dell (‘Holy Boy’ organ solo). Not to places! These were both tight, confident performances and gave mention of course the various tenors and basses who sang the the younger players a lot of confidence. The May recital played to traditional verses in ‘We three Kings’! ‘Torches’ and ‘Gaudete’ a full house in the Arts Centre and the senior members of the were sung with particular gusto and relish by all and ‘Angels on ensemble came together to give an assured performance of the the midnight clear’, an American carol showed a more lyrical side Dambusters March. Thanks are due to Mr Tex Calton for his to the choir’s sound. grand assistance. There was much praise for the choir after each of the three services, but for me the most telling line I heard was from a fellow member of Common Room; “We’ve got our choir back!” Ex- HOUSE SINGING members of the choir made noises about coming back (some This annual competition took place in February with the theme actually did!) and the choir members themselves gained a real ‘Number 1’s from the 90’s’ which turned out to be a bigger sense of worth and inner belief about what they were doing which challenge for the Houses than I expected. But songs were has been carried through the rest of the year. eventually chosen and rehearsals began. This competition is a Other noteworthy performances followed after Christmas, real challenge for the House captains as it is the only House particularly Rutter’s ‘For the beauty of the earth’ and ‘Steal Away’ event where everyone takes part and I was most impressed with (arranged by yours truly). But the choir’s year came to a fitting the ways in which they motivated their singers to eventually climax with its performances of the Phantom of the Opera participate with the required amount of enthusiasm. The part Medley, a substantial piece weighing in at 11 minutes, inspired by songs were proving problematic as many of the songs available seeing the show on Broadway on the Feather Boy tour. Towards could only be sung in parts with a fair amount of re-arranging. the end of the Summer Term we even found a (tenuous) religious The unison songs however were all sounding pretty good and the link which enabled us to perform the piece at morning Chapel, result was always going to be close. which was followed by a well deserved round of applause which, On the night itself the adjudicator was former Director of Music, to me felt very much like the school saying thank-you to its choir Mr Patrick Larley and Wakeman-Lambart had the unenviable task for all the music it has provided this year. of going first. ‘We’re going to Ibiza’ was particularly memorable for I would also like to add my thanks to this year’s Upper 6th choir the large number of actions and the powerful ‘Whoa!’ preceding leavers; Nick Kenny, Buffy Swinnerton, Kate Benner and Alex each chorus line. Meynell were up next and gave us an accurate Robinson. Thanks for your support and for sticking with it. A huge and tuneful ‘Bring it all back to you’ followed by an arrangement thank-you also goes to Mr Alan Viner for being the choir’s of ‘Candle in the Wind’, significantly the only completely accompanist. Alan has played the organ at all the major college unaccompanied part song of the evening. Talbot’s ‘Don’t look services this year and has done a lot of unseen work behind the back in anger’ featured a backing band and was the loudest scenes. Your support is greatly appreciated. House on the night! Their quirky version of ‘Killing me softly’ was clever and entertaining but was short of parts for a part song! INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC Finally Woodard took to the stage to give us a short, lively There have been so many performances for so many occasions rendition of ‘Mm-bop’. In their unison song ‘Tragedy’ they were this year it is hard to know where to start. The first thing to say is unlucky to be hit by the tragic loss of their backing track, but they that for most students getting up in front of an audience – coped with this impressively and still managed to fit in their big especially the whole school - to play a piece is a daunting finish. prospect. But the college has been lucky to have a number of In the mind of our adjudicator there was only one winner. As ever, brave souls prepared to play and I hope that more and more will there was some disagreement but yet again, Meynell took all pluck up the courage to do likewise in the future. three awards. Looking back, their performances were more Some notable performances have often happened at School precise and polished and it is up to the other Houses to catch up Assembly.This is always a challenging slot as it is first thing in the to their level next year.

55 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006

CHORAL SOCIETY BATTLE OF THE BANDS The Choral Society has had a successful year during which they This was an event just waiting to happen. The college has many have performed regularly. I say this because it is best known for talented guitarists, bassists and drummers, and they were all its annual major concert every March in College, but it has also excited at the prospect of having a chance to perform. I was not been out and about singing in local churches. The first of these really sure how many would come to watch, especially as we were occasions came in November when the society sang evensong at Colemere Parish Church to celebrate the feast of Christ the King, accompanied by another former Director of Music, Anthony Dowlen. The canticles were sung to a fine setting in C by Stanford and the anthem was Handel’s ‘Let their celestial concerts’ from the oratorio ‘Samson’. The same music was used at another evensong at Welshampton Parish Church in January, to mark the re-opening of the church after major repairs and improvements. One of the main driving forces behind the project was former Headmaster David Skipper, at whose invitation the Choral Society sang. The highlight of any Choral Society’s season is the major concert and in March ‘Samson’ was performed in the Chapel to an audience of around 200. The soloists were Alex Robinson in his

The Staff and Pupil Band strutting their stuff

forced to move the event forward 24 hours, but by 7.30pm it was clear that we were going to be full. The 200 plus audience was mostly students but also contained a large number of parents and Common Room! The youngest band was Black Diamond, who were all in Lower School year 5. They played two quick-fire songs to wild applause from their elders. There were impressive sets from The Muscleheads (Yr11/12), DC/AC (Yr 9), Gunnit, the Lower 6th rappers, Boys Aloud (Lower 6th) and an Upper 6th group featuring Ben Russell, Ally Keeble, James Heald and Ashley James, who rounded off the evening in fine style. Yours truly got in on the act playing drums in a staff/student band with Jamie Cartwright on guitar, Teng and Toby Dell on keyboards and Mr John Dover on Bass. There was even a blues slot from Mr John Cowley. What more could you ask for? Thanks are due to Mr Dave Lowe who ensured that everything ran smoothly on the technical side and Father Robert who ensured no-one got thirsty on a hot summer’s evening.

Roger Paul and Alex Robinson first major solo role, Steven Garner, Michael Redfearn, Sasha Johnson Manning and Holly Marland. The Society sang superbly and the soloists commended the choir on the full sound they produced for a relatively small choral society and also their good sense of ensemble. The concert was recorded and the highlights CD, as they say, will be available soon. The post concert dinner was also well attended. The sense of achievement and a job well done was felt by all. In the Summer Term the Society lost one of its stalwarts, former Chaplain Maurice Gray. He will be greatly missed at Monday evening rehearsals and it was a fitting tribute that the Society were able to participate in the memorial service held in June. The Staff and Pupil Band entertaining at the Parents’ Society Picnic I would like to thank Pat Wood for accompanying the weekly Finally I would like to thank all the visiting music staff for their rehearsals with enthusiasm and skill. Thanks are also due to contribution to all that goes on here at Ellesmere. They do much Sheila Lowry for her work as Choir Secretary over the years and to prepare students for the various events throughout the year to Mavis for her sterling work as Librarian. behind the scenes. If you would like to join the Choral Society please contact me at RCP the College or speak to any of the members. Next year’s major concert will feature music by Haydn and Mozart.

56 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Drama

THE 3RD ANNUAL HOUSE PLAY FESTIVAL THE HOUSE PLAY FESTIVAL: A VIEW FROM THE STAGE Woodard - Black Comedy 7 weeks, 7 hectic weeks, to rehearse and develop, to perform and by Peter Shaffer, directed by Nick Kenny perfect. It may seem like an awfully long time to rehearse a Nick Kenny directed this manic farce with great skill and brought performance such as one of these, far from professional yet just as out some wonderful performances particularly from Louisa Button’s entertaining, but there is another view in the theatre and I’m not talking about the galleries or the cheap seats, but the stage. squeaky upper class debutante and Mike Thornhill’s brilliant performance in the central role - a tour de force of timing and September 22nd casting has begun, a director had been chosen from physical comedy. each House. They choose the cast, a make or break time for all of the plays. The cast are the body of the play, giving it character, energy and Talbot - King of the Castle life. I was lucky enough to be cast to perform for my house as an extra. by Christina Reid, directed by Jonathan Bevan The Meynell play was called ‘Faust and Furious’ a hour long epic on the This dark and brooding drama was a brave choice by the director character flaws of a young working class man who sells his soul under and was atmospherically lit and sensitively acted. a contract with a devil’s advocate, informally known in this play as ‘Miss M’. The contract was that he could have anything he wanted in return for his soul when his time was up. There was also a catch to this seemingly perfect deal; he must not give in to the seven deadly sins! I was cast to play the deadly sin: anger. I was overjoyed with this opportunity and as soon as the script was edited by the director, the whole cast and I worked hard to learn our lines.The following 6 weeks flew past and before we even realised, the lines were learnt, to the best of our capability, and the costumes were…ridiculous, which Meynell House plays hold as quite a tradition. But still we trudged onwards, some of the less fortunately dressed actors were particularly brave and still managed to grit their teeth and bite the bullet despite their ridiculous costumes. The following dress rehearsals were a disaster. There is no better way to put it, the actors missed cues, forgot lines and to the director’s dismay did not act to there best ability. We all had a long talk and it was decided, in order to keep the House’s dignity we really had to pull our fingers out and tow the line, we all knew in our hearts we could make it happen. All it Talbot House Play needed was for us to try our hardest and hope to remember Meynell - Faust and Furious everything the director had told us. by Anne Lee, directed by Bryony Sym The night had arrived and we were on first. The curtains drawn, lights dimmed and nerves tingling we all hung on to the thought of A wonderful ensemble performance from the biggest cast in the the encouragement of the director, and tried our hardest to Festival. Patrick Cudmore was hilarious as a camp television remember Mr Boswell’s words of advice from previous rehearsals. presenter. The curtains opened revealing the audience, eager faced with Wakeman-Lambert - Cinderalfred anticipation like a cat pawing its owner before being fed. One would by C.R. Cook, directed by Charlotte Wigginton expect them to hear your heart beat, but when staring out into the expanse of the auditorium, nothing can be heard, just the silenced The evening finished with a wonderfully anarchic parody of hush of expectancy. The first line, the first word, this is the hardest pantomime madness. The lasting image of the festival will surely part of the entire acting experience, looking deep inside yourself, be the sight of rugby playing legend, Dafydd Roberts, in leotard racking your mind for the words, squeezing every last drop of and tutu, fairy wand in hand, in a sultry, smokey silhouette. courage into that first syllable knowing that all the rest will roll off the The commentator this year was Garth Bardsley, star of the West tongue. I opened my mouth and stuttered my first word out, I thought End production of “The Phantom of The Opera”. Garth gave each that I must have blown it but my line spilt out after it like a string of play a full critique and gave the performers the benefit of his handkerchiefs from a clown’s magic box. The play was a success; a knowledge, expertise and experience. few prompts were called to the great amusement of the audience but The Festival was concluded with our prestigious Ellies Awards it’s all part of the House Festival spirit, without the mistakes there ceremony. The winners were: wouldn’t be any learning after all! The performance was a triumph. It may not have been the best play, Best Dance “Thriller”, Talbot but in the cast’s eyes it was victory. Everyone was amazing; the lead Best Fairy Patrick Cudmore, Meynell role played by Ashley James was brilliant and held the play firm all the way through. The double act of trouble ‘Tony’ (Charles Bushnell) and Best Use of Props Kites and Pigeons, Talbot ‘Ray’ (John Upton) was a feature for the audience and they were in Best Stage Kiss Mike Thornhill & Tasha Evans, Woodard hysterics over Patrick Cudmore’s brilliant performance of the ‘camp’ TV host. But of course it wouldn’t even be at the stage where we could Best Costume Dafydd Roberts, Wakeman-Lambert celebrate, or even on the stage for that matter if it wasn’t for the real Best Use of Lighting Blackouts, Woodard star of the show, the director Bryony Sym. You have heard me talk of the work involved, the ups and downs, Best Audience Participation “Oh yes they did”, Wakeman-Lambert smiles and frowns so now it’s up to you to decide for yourself. The Best Use of Extras Factory workers, disco dancers view from the stage was fantastic, from the audience’s critical eye was & wedding guests, Meynell it so exciting? Did it make your heart race? Hit every emotion in your body in the short time you were there? Is the play for the actor or the + Each Director also received an Ellie. audience… in my eyes both can be just as electrifying as each other. RPB Jamie Jones

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THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE The highly talented cast, made up of pupils from Years 7 and 8 was ably led by Sophie Halstead (Peter), Charlotte Boffey (Susan), Oliver Thomas (Edmund) and Jenny Griffiths (Lucy). The cast spirited the audience away to the wintry land of Narnia with a real sense of magic and adventure. The White Witch (Charlotte Shearer) terrified the visiting primary school audience with her commanding stage presence. The Lion, The Witch ‘Featherboy’ wings over New York One of the four performances & The Wardrobe Madison Square Gardens. Activities during their time in New was open to local schools York included a visit to the Metropolitan Musum of Art, a and pupils from Welshampton and Baschurch Primary Schools production of the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, a boat trip as well as Prestfelde all attended. Judith Purnell, Headteacher at around Staten Island Park and a meal in China Town. One of the more unusual highlights of the trip was to perform in costume a selection of songs from Featherboy on the roof-top of the hotel where the cast stayed. During the performance local residents saw the group on the roof-top and notified the police and a few minutes later the audience was joined by two young members of the New York Police Department and were happy to pose for photographs, much to the delight of the cast! This is the fifth time that the cast of a Senior School Play have travelled to the USA, following a visit by group from the Tabor Academy to Ellesmere College. This year’s trip was organised by Richard Boswell, Head of Performing Arts at Ellesmere College and Director of Featherboy and Mr. Roger Paul, Director of Music. Travel arrangements were very well co-ordinated by Mrs. Rebecca Paul It was again a wonderful experience for the pupils who were all most professional in their approach to the The last night of The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe performances. The American audiences responded enthusiastically to both the comic and tragic aspect of the show. Baschurch Primary School commented ‘It was a fantastic production. Our children really enjoyed the performance. Taking on this classic was ambitious but well worth it. I thought the cast spoke with clarity and expression throughout and the simplicity of the set was great.’ The directors, Mrs Zoë Fisher and Mrs Louise Paton were very pleased with the way the production came together. It was an ambitious production, but thanks to the motivation of all involved the performances were really successful.The costumes and masks produced by Mrs Sue Hinks and Mrs Siobhan Philips were superb. The set was simple but effective and the music added enchantment to the atmosphere. All in all we really enjoyed working on this production and look forward to next year’s! ZJF

ELLESMERE COLLEGE 2006 SENIOR SCHOOL PLAY CAST RETURN FROM SUCCESSFUL USA TOUR A group of pupils from Ellesmere College spent part of their Easter holidays in the USA, being hosted by a high school in Massachusetts and visiting New Yo r k ‘Featherboy’ outside The Lowry After hosting a group from the Tabor Academy in Boston, Massachusetts who visited Shropshire last term, the cast of the The cast performed Featherboy again in the Ellesmere College Ellesmere College 2006 Senior School Play travelled to Boston, Arts Centre before traveling to The Lowry Theatre in Manchester performing ‘Featherboy - The Musical’ there and in New York. where they were chosen to perform the play as part of ‘Shell The 10 day trip included performing Featherboy three times at the Connections’, the National Drama in Schools Project sponsored Tabor Academy to school children in the area. A trip to Cape Cod by Shell UK. followed, as well as a day spent in class with their Tabor peers. RPB The cast then flew to New York, staying at the Manhatten Inn by

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ANIMAL FARM PRODUCTION SUMMER 2006

The Cast of Animal Farm Cast List Old Major - Jed Denham Boxer - David Anders-Richards Napoleon - Tom Davies Cows - Freddie Herzhog & HarryMcElwee Squealer - William Bevan Sheep - Catherine Wignall Snowball - Alex Deller & Natasha Evans Chickens - Johnny Pescod, Harry Valentine Benjamin - Hadleigh Roberts & Tom Phillips Clover - Elizabeth Boffey Cat - Grace Kendall Mollie - Rhian Davies Dogs - Charlie Butt & Sean Johnson Muriel - Lauren Griffiths Bull - Iain Disspain Narrator - Alice Denham Mr Jones - Chris Bevan

Little Pigs and other roles - Sam Clewlow, Joshua Boswell & Joe Dapling Director - Mrs C. Clewlow Assistant Director - Hadleigh Roberts Stage Manager - Chris Bevan Assistant Stage Manager - Iain Disspain Lights & Tech - Tristam Thomas & Harry Craig

When Mr Boswell first said that he’d like me to direct Animal Farm by George Orwell I thought he was mad! It’s such a complex novel with a lot of hidden meanings. The actual historical facts behind the novel are quite convoluted and tricky and not a field I felt comfortable in. However, I need not have worried! Hadleigh Roberts arrived at the first rehearsal after Easter with a fact sheet for the whole cast explaining in layman’s terms what and who all of the characters within the play represented in Russian History. I instantly felt better. Working with a cast of 25 was not always easy. In fact there were times when it was phenomenally hard (I’m sure the cast will recall the one and a half hour rehearsal where we only got through nine pages of script!!). Getting everyone motivated and able to function as a team unit was the hardest challenge. Conveying the importance of the chorus of animals was really important and also very difficult. The actors who were not playing ‘main characters’ still had to be on stage and in the beginning they would often find themselves switching off from acting and simply watching the main performers. Not great for the audience to witness. But we worked through it, did lots of team exercises and eventually got everyone contributing to the overall performance. The next big challenge was the script! The play is over sixty pages long and cutting the script turned out to be an on going process. You can’t remove huge chunks of the play without having a knock on effect on the story. Very tricky but again I think eventually we did a reasonable job. Now came the fun part - costumes! As we were taking the show to a local primary school and the story is quite complex we wanted to make it as audience friendly as possible. So it just had to be big furry costumes and lots of fun. The sight of Tom Davies in a pink furry jumpsuit is one that will live with me until I die! We took the show to Baschurch primary where we were received with anticipation. The audience were spectacular as indeed were the cast. They adapted themselves to the strange environment quickly and effectively and despite a few glitches put on a really good show. The Year 5 & 6 pupils loved what they saw and came out with some very impressive questions at the end of the performance. It was a pleasure to be there. The second performance was done in the Arts Centre after expos. The audience was a little smaller than we had hoped for but once again despite being fatigued and very hot the cast put on the best show yet. They improvised, knew their cues (mostly) and managed to get a few laughs too. The final show was performed on the Terraces at the Strawberries and Champagne event with the audience sitting on straw bales and the cast moving amongst the audience for a true outdoor show effect. One poor mother got the shock of her life when she turned round and saw a six foot boy dressed as a shire horse standing behind her (David Anders-Richards). The sun shone down upon us and I think everyone lost a few pounds just by sweating! It was a lovely way to end the year and to bring to an end this year’s production. Well done to all involved for giving up their time and for all of their efforts. Already looking forward to the next one. CLC

59 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Art

Paula van Niekerk, Year 12 Bettinia Fritz, Year 12 Chloe Perkins, Year 12

Tatsukuni Asaba, Year 12 Patrick Gorman, Year 11

Gemma Evans, Year 12 Harriet Devonald, Year 12 Madeleine Horn, Year 12

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Alice Dapling Kathleen Chow

Iain Disspain Sarah-Jane Beswick Henry Fletcher-Brewer

Robert Coates Michael Langton

Elizabeth Clewlow Patrick Gorman 61 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006

Year 5 Group Work Matisse Influence

Year 7 Group Work Project based on Michael Brennan-Wood

62 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Sport

MICHAELMAS TERM Results: Team Opponents Result For Against BOYS RUGBY 1st XV Old Ellesmerians Won 59 0 1st XV Won 49 3 1ST XV MATCH REPORTS 1st XV King William’s Won 27 7 1st XV KE Birmingham Won 20 13 ELLESMERE 59 OE’S 0 1st XV Rydal Won 34 3 We were pleased to welcome back from last year’s 1st XV Neil 1st XV Newcastle Won 19 13 1st XV Won 35 0 Morris, Charlie Coates, Todd Fleetwood and Ollie Nevel all full 1st XV Bishop’s Heber Won 50 0 colours players. Last year’s captain Hugh Adams was the team 1st XV Wrekin Won 59 7 coach, unfortunately sidelined due to a shoulder operation which 1st XV Rossall Won 59 0 we hope will soon allow him to return to action. With a number of 1st XV Sandbach Won 48 3 players returning that had previously left in the fifth form, this was 2nd XV Denstone Won 49 3 a team of unknown ability. Although the score line suggests a one 2nd XV Bedstone 1stXV Won 37 0 2nd XV Telford College Won 56 0 way game it was in fact a very good match with the OE’s pack 2nd XV Rydal Won 66 0 proving a very solid, if on occasions, slow unit. 2nd XV Newcastle Won 39 0 2nd XV Wrekin Won 24 5 We started very well with Ollie Platt catching our own kick-off and 2nd XV Rossall Won 50 0 commencing a number of phases that involved good handling to 2nd XV Sandbach Won 13 3 result in a try for Pat Cudmore. This was crucial in terms of 3rd XV Denstone Lost 0 53 settling our nerves and showing the style that we could play to the 3rd XV Stafford Lost 0 20 opposition. Dan Thomas at open side scored a poacher’s try at U15 Denstone Won 41 5 U15 Bedstone Won 46 12 the back of the line-out in the oppo’s 22. Apart from being U15 Rydal Won 12 5 stepped once or twice when tackling head-on Dan went on to U15 Newcastle Lost 18 30 have a fine first game at open side – his pace caused tremendous U15 Adam’s (Daily Mail) Lost 3 5 pressure for the opposition. U15 Rossall Won 54 0 U15 Sandbach Won 27 21 14-0 up after 20 minutes we then withstood tremendous goal line U15 Ludlow (Daily Mail) Won 57 0 pressure from the OE’s as they rumbled time and time again U15 Denstone (Daily Mail) Won 17 5 through the pack. Eventually we cleared our lines after U15 Friary School (Daily Mail) Won 14 12 consistently tackling everything on the fringes and then resumed U15 John Cleveland (Daily Mail) Lost 3 20 U15 Bishop Heber Won 20 5 our attacks further up the field. Pat Cudmore who entered the line U15B St David’s A Lost 7 37 well all afternoon from full-back came through to claim a second U15B Bishop Vesey B Lost 19 34 try just before half time. U15B Stafford A Lost 12 24 U15B Wrekin B Won 49 0 Half Time Ellesmere 24 OE’s 0 U15B Wrekin A Lost 17 32 After the restart Nick James scored the first of his two tries that U15B Denstone A Won 24 5 would lead to his massive personal points total of 25 – a U14A Denstone Won 41 12 U14A Bishop Heber Won 37 5 tremendous achievement. Danny Mathews and Ashley James U14A Rydal Won 39 5 were proving to be a good combination at half-back, varying the U14A Newcastle Lost 12 13 attacking options and asking questions right across the field. U14A Wrekin Won 52 5 Through well executed moves both of our wingers, Rob Kellett U14A Rossall Won 48 5 and Dan Bowden, scored a try each, thoroughly deserved after U14A Sandbach Won 32 7 U14B Denstone Won 34 15 excellent debuts from both. U14B St David’s A Lost 17 27 We maintained our control throughout the second half again U14B Bishop Vesey Lost 17 32 withstanding a 5 minute period of goal line pressure. We had U14B Wrekin Won 42 5 through Will Blackwell someone to challenge last year’s No 1 U13A Denstone Won 32 0 U13A Moor Park Draw 0 0 jumper and we disrupted their line-out. At the same time our U13A Rydal Won 41 0 combination of line-out moves coupled with the accuracy of Matt U13A Newcastle Won 27 0 Hinks’ throwing-in meant we never lost one of our throws all U13A Bishop Heber Won 29 10 game. U13A St Anselms Won 20 5 U13A Sandbach Lost 17 26 Despite altering our side due to injury in the week leading up to U13A Stafford Won 67 5 this game everyone on the pitch did themselves credit, showing U13A Packwood Won 20 0 the ability to play at this level and staking a claim for a further U13A Prestfelde Won 25 10 chance. U13A Winterfold House Won 27 0 U13A Arnold Lodge Won 25 7 A very competent start – well done. U13B Packwood Lost 5 17 Match Stats: Cudmore, James N, Thomas, James N, James N, U13B Prestfelde Drew 0 0 Cudmore, James A U13B Denstone Lost 54 2 U13B Moor Park Won 30 20 Half Time 24 – 0 U13B Bedstone A Won 22 17 5 James N, 2 James N, 5 Bowden, 2 James N, 5 Kellett, 2 James A U13B Sandbach Lost 0 15 U13B Winterfold House Won 55 0 5 James N, 2 James N, 5 Matthews, 2 James N U13C Packwood Lost 5 22 Full time 59 – 0 U13C Prestfelde Won 22 20 U12 Bishop Heber Drew 0 0 U12 Newcastle Lost 17 26 U12 Rydal Won 36 0

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DENSTONE 3 ELLESMERE 49 half just as we were starting to become impatient, James Farrell O Platt, M Hinks, A Ellis, L Cartwright, C Bushnel,l C Chambers, broke through what had previously been a well guarded area down W Blackwell, D Thomas, D Mathews, N James, D Bowden, the side of the ruck and went in under the posts giving us a 10-0 J Asplin R Kellett, S Bannister, P Cudmore lead. It looked as though this slender lead would be all we would The season really got underway with a visit to our fellow Woodard have to defend second half until with five minutes to go we school . Our longest standing fixture dating back to pressurized the King William’s line and took a catch and drive at the 1880’s when it was probably a football fixture is always an number 2 from Laurence Cartwright. As we were about to go over exciting prospect. The Denstone website report from the previous the line the ball was stolen by James Farrell to claim the try. From the season suggested they had outplayed Ellesmere for much of the kick-off with a couple of minutes to go Laurence took a great catch game before narrowly losing 37 – 7. We travelled across, eagerly and drove downfield breaking through their forwards. From the ruck anticipating another close game. Jake Asplin carved through the midfield and then spun the ball wide for Pat Cudmore to go over and provide a 22-0 lead at halftime. We struggled to get going in the first fifteen minutes as the referee tried to sort out problems with the scrummage and awarded three penalties against Ellesmere. He also found a couple of problems in the lineout and so starved of possession we found ourselves 3-0 down. As soon as we won ball we started to punch holes in the defence and quickly ran in some tries. Pat Cudmore began where he left off against the OEs with two tries wide out. Similar running from Dan Bowden and Rob Kellett resulted in tries where the defence was outflanked. Within 20 minutes we had gone from 3-0 down to 34-3 by half time. In contrast to our opponents we were strong in the tackle and able to turn ball over easily.Will Blackwell adjusted in the lineout and successfully picked off the Denstone possession. He also reminded us of his former days at fly-half when he skipped and jinked 40 metres down the touchline, unfortunately in his moment of glory when trying to step the full-back he got nailed. Apart from leaving Laurence in Loggerheads this was one of the highlights of the day. Ist XV - Isle of Man Denstone were struggling to match our fire power and suggested In the second half we began strongly and won a number of scrums stopping the game at half time. Rather than do this we offered to go in the opposition’s 22. We eventually moved the ball directly from Will to uncontested scrums and use the second half for practice. During Blackwell at No 8 out to Steve Bannister who forced his way over in the further 20 minutes that were played Dan Thomas showed his the corner.To score so soon after half time after finishing the first half speed of foot to snaffle two more tries. The game gradually petered strongly knocked the stuffing out of King William’s. It took them a out and proved rather an anti-climax. while to get back on track and try to take advantage of the conditions. Stats: Cudmore 5, James 2, Bowden 5, James 3, Cudmore 5, James Eventually after a good chip into the corner we were put under a 3, Bowden 5, Kellett 5 period of pressure and a succession of line-outs close to our line. Ellesmere v King William’s Isle of Man Although we won the ball a couple of times we failed to clear our lines and in the end gave away a soft try. With fifteen minutes to go KING WILLIAM’S 7 ELLESMERE 27 we closed the game down with good tackling and defence structure We were superbly hosted by King William’s, Isle of Man for the and ended up worthy winners. weekend. In an excellent venue overlooking the sea we stayed in a Stats: James A 3, Farrell J 5, James A 2, Farrell J 5, Cudmore P 5, boarding house, shared with the Ellesmere girls’ hockey XI. James A 2, Bannister 5 Match conditions were awkward with a strong gusty wind blowing downfield. The wind was strong enough to make kicking against it ELLESMERE 34 RYDAL 3 almost impossible and so each half was going to be tactically very With so many of the players knowing each other and with two different. After losing the toss we ended up going with the wind, brothers of the name Blackwell on opposite sides it was an something we would have chosen to do anyway. intriguing prospect to lock horns with Rydal. Ellesmere began well We signalled our intentions by driving over the opposition in the first and put Rydal under pressure from the kick-off. Ignoring the chance ruck after they had caught our kick-off. We then played for position to kick penalties we played to the corners and tested the Rydal neatly before launching a number of attacks. We kicked the first three defence.The opening score came after several phases of play when points after they killed the ball, and then continued to keep the an opening was created for Pat Cudmore to continue his scoring opposition under pressure. We were well tackled in the backs form. A penalty took us to 10- 0 before further pressure close to the although we managed to get some clean breaks out wide. Rydal line led to a first try for Laurence Cartwright after he rescued Unfortunately we seemed unable to finish despite only having the a loose ball that squirted out of the side of a ruck. A 17-3 lead had full-back to beat on a number of occasions. been built from tremendous disciplined pressure from the forwards. The forwards kept a steady supply of possession coming back from Time and again from their restarts Aled Ellis and the cavalry charged both scrum and a well organized lineout. King William’s competed back to take the game to Rydal and leave them with scraps of well in the loose and slowed our ball up well. Halfway through the first possession.

Ashley James sets the backs away against Sandbach

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Rydal then forced some errors and enjoyed a period of pressure ELLESMERE 50 BISHOP’S HEBER 0 that led to a penalty from under the posts. This was followed by a Playing Bishop Heber at senior level for the first time it was good to neat kick into the corner to leave Ellesmere to battle against a 5 welcome over a number of friends from Whitchurch Rugby Club. metre line-out. Having survived the drive we then had to withstand Ellesmere made a very strong start to the game – similar to other two 5 metre scrums which we did and on the third we produced an matches but this time they converted into points. After 15 minutes we amazing piece of rugby. Matt Hinks - currently in outstanding form - were 21 points up. Bishop Heber then fought back and with a big set took one against the head and the ball was delivered back to Ashley of forwards held on to the ball well and retained possession. There James half a metre from the dead ball line in his in-goal area. Under was no further score before half time. In the second half the game pressure he began by jinking past the opposing scrum-half and fly- began to open up and some sweeping moves led to some fine tries. half and then he chipped over the opposing back line. He did not The forwards supported and rucked quickly throughout leaving the quite gather but flipped the ball on for Pat Cudmore to break out of backs to open up some gaps and allow Dan Bowden to score a total the twenty two and race towards the half-way line. Pat released Jake of 4 tries. New players were showing their talents – Jamie Dunn and Asplin from here who ran strongly to the opposing twenty two before Danny Matthews played well at half-back, as did Charles Cooper at being hauled down. A mini ruck was quickly won by Dan Thomas second row who also scored an excellent try. Amongst other scores the open-side flanker with forwards had broken from the scrum. The there was the line-out drive for Matt Hinks, one in the corner from ball was moved right to avoid cover and Ashley James jinked around Steve Bannister after going around Robert Carll, and the other score the one player covering the blind. With the full-back to beat Ashley was from Jake Asplin. A very good performance efficiently and unloaded out of the tackle to put Will Blackwell over for a professionally delivered. magnificent try. This was a crucial score as Rydal had exerted ELLESMERE 35 TELFORD COLLEGE 0 pressure and might have pulled the score back to 17 -10, but instead the length of the pitch try meant a half-time lead of 22 - 3 to A good physical fixture, after a half term break, against a big strong Ellesmere.In the second half we failed to find the sparkle that we side. Initially we were under pressure from a powerful scrummage thought would come once Rydal’s resistance was broken. Fair play and had to clear our line a few times. The game was a bit scrappy to Rydal they never gave up and were physical throughout, without with little good ball for either side. Eventually we managed to apply ever looking as though they would score. In between passages of some pressure and Will Blackwell went over from a five metre scrum. uninspiring rugby we managed to secure a try through the backs From a scrum against the head we moved the ball quickly from inside through Jake Asplin and then followed this with what has become a our own ten metre line and Dan Bowden made ground quickly from trademark try through the forwards from a line-out on the five metre full back to run an excellent line and put Rob Kellett away in the line, dotted down by Matt Hinks in the absence of James Farrell corner. We went on to score further tries from Dan Bowden and a through injury. forwards pushover from the line-out for Matt Hinks. The scoring was finished off with a rare try from Ollie Platt. After finding himself at Stats: Cudmore 5, James A 2, Cartwright 5, James N 2, James N 3, outside centre he managed not to drop the ball and sprint over. Blackwell 5, Asplin 5, Hinks 5 , James A 2 ELLESMERE 59 WREKIN 7 ELLESMERE 19 NEWCASTLE 13 After a wet and windy week playing conditions were perfect for the This match versus Newcastle was always going to be a tough game match against long-standing rivals Wrekin College. From the kick- off and it certainly was. In the first half we started with the breeze in our we attacked and moved the ball through the forwards and backs. favour and we found field position well. Due to mistakes in the Eventually the pressure resulted in Danny Matthews breaking opposition 22 we failed to hold them there and capitalize on the through from scrum-half to score. advantage in full. After a period of pressure we released the ball For the next twenty minutes the pressure continued and a steady wide on the right for Steve Bannister to run over unopposed. stream of scores resulted. Both wingers made the most of the A further period of pressure led to a line-out and a drive over the opportunities with Steve Bannister scoring 2 tries and Dafydd line. The referee was unsighted and did not give the decision our Roberts, in his debut game scoring three. way. Minutes later with Newcastle expecting the same move, we The forwards took the ball to the opposition well and set up clean fast released the ball quickly for Dan Bowden to slice through the ball that gave the backs chance to run straight and directly.The back outside centre channel and score. line really clicked into gear and scores resulted for Ashley James, 14-0 at half-time, we made a good start to the second half by Jake Asplin and also Dan Thomas once he had switched to centre. catching our kick off. We attempted to drop a goal and lost the A very efficient display that saw some excellent running lines and momentum. Further mistakes set us back in our own half. As we lost presentation - from both backs and forwards alike. our cool and our concentration Newcastle mounted pressure and two penalties followed by a try left us staring at possible defeat. At Stats: Tries: Matthews, Bannister 2, Roberts 3, Thomas, James A, a critical moment the Newcastle fly-half chipped possession away in Asplin our 22m and we cleared our lines. We managed to win ball and Conversions: James A 7 move it quickly wide after a break from Nick James that led to a KING EDWARD VI, BIRMINGHAM 13 ELLESMERE 20 second try from Dan Bowden. It was good to return for a fixture that was a long-standing one We wound the clock down and finished the game in some sort of some years ago. There was a strong breeze blowing down the control to enjoy a well deserved victory. We had the edge and pitch, which we played against during the first half. The opening should have finished the game off earlier. half was scrappy with very little good ball for either side making Stats: Bannister 5, James N 2, Bowden 5, James N 2, Bowden 5 running rugby difficult.

Just one more pass would have done it!

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We defended effectively when we needed to against a strong on a failed kick from the fly-half and then Rob Kellett scored running centre recently selected for the England squad. We opened following neat hands from the backs. The first half was completed by the scoring after kicking for the corner, winning the lineout and a try from Ollie Platt. allowing James Farrell to drive through the winger to touch down. The second half saw us relax a little. After an early score in the We then repeated this on the other side of the field after KES had corner from Steve Bannister Sandbach came at us hard for ten levelled the score through a drive down the blindside. On this minutes and we held them with some superb tackling. Eventually occasion James Farrell drove through two would-be tacklers to they spilled the ball from a tackle on our five metre line and Ashley touch down. James pounced on it like a leek farmer to run the length of the field We then resisted a sustained period of pressure after KES ran a tap to touch down. With a number of options open Ashley James tried a penalty from 5 metres out, with some excellent tackling. Towards the crossfield kick - something that had almost worked in the first half, end of the half KES drew level again through their forwards. We but Dafydd had gone walkabout and Ollie was talking to the crowd ended the half level although we had let a lead slip twice. We had – which saw poacher Matt Hinks get onto the dropped ball to get his defended well and cleared our lines from half back very effectively. second of the game. Now playing with the wind it took us fifteen minutes to adjust to the A fantastic finish, to end a superb season. We grew stronger as the notion of kicking the ball into the corner. Once we did this it took games progressed and produced memorable scintillating rugby. another ten minutes for us to stop giving away possession and Tries: Hinks 2, Bannister 2, Platt, Matthews, Kellett, A. James penalties and decide on the right strike moves. From this point the Conversions: A. James 2, N. James 2 tries were simple enough with drives from the lineout leading to another score for James Farrell and also one for Charles Bushnell.We generally controlled the second half well and kept a close check on the danger man from KES with Will Blackwell from No 8 putting in some good covering tackles. In the end without quite producing a totally convincing game we ran out worthy winners and achieved a very satisfying result. Tries: Farrell 3, Bushnell 1 ELLESMERE 59 ROSSALL 0 Ellesmere got off to a tremendous start and with wave after wave of attacks produced quality rugby to move to a 12-0 lead without giving Rossall a touch of the ball apart from kick-offs. The opening scores were from Ashley James and Rob Kellett. Rossall then began a fight back and using the wind put us under pressure in our 22 for the next 15 minutes. They went very close to scoring on a number of occasions, and some excellent defence resulted in our line staying intact. We continued to try and run the ball and got “Unbeaten” ourselves out of danger and scored once more through Will Blackwell. 2ND XV RUGBY The first 15 minutes of the second half were very even. Rossall Denstone Won 49-0 tackled well and we were able to create but then not finish Bedstone 1st XV Won 37-0 opportunities. Playing for position we created a lineout opportunity and then drove over giving the forwards a well deserved try through Telford College Won 56-0 Jamie Tyrer. With 15 minutes to go we were 26-0 up, and then the Rydal Won 66-0 flood gates opened. It was hard on Rossall and for once with the Newcastle Won 39-0 referee being assessed he had to play the full time allocation. We Rossall Won 50-0 then moved the ball wide and our pace began to show. Both wingers Sandbach Won 13-3 Steve Bannister (3 tries) and Dafydd Roberts ran well. Dan Thomas from open side created havoc and nailed a try as did Ashley James Team Members: scoring a second try to finish the game. Captain: Alex Dunn, Vice Captain: William (Wiz) Wright We scored 5 tries in 15 minutes of rugby playing with irresistible Forwards: Rich Oliver, Wiz Wright, Oliver Munday, Mason Gascoigne style. The forwards worked perfect clean ball and the passing and Pat Gorman, Tom Bohn, Will Doran, Ian Disspain, Sam Lewis lines of running carved holes in the defence. Forwards and backs Charles Cooper, Jamie Tyrer interlinked and contributed to a consummate performance. Backs: Pete Thomas, Alex Dunn, Richard Valentine, Freddie Nevel Well done. John Upton, Alex Whittle, Will Norris, Peter Daborn Tries: , A. James 2 , S. Bannister 2, W. Blackwell, D. Thomas 2, A very strong 2nd XV enjoyed an unbeaten season. They scored J. Tyrer 1, R. Kellett 1 Conversions: N. James 3, A. James 4 freely scoring a total of 334 points and conceding only 3. ELLESMERE 48 SANDBACH 3 Denstone: First game of the season with a relatively new look 2nd The opening period followed the same pattern as recent matches XV to the season before. The game started slowly with mistakes with wave after wave of attacks. Although we had a tendency to drop made from both sides. It soon opened up in the second half with the Sandbach kick-offs in all other respects we were extremely some brilliant examples of ‘heads up rugby’ this led to some efficient. The first half saw our best rugby of the game with fluid superb tries which took the game away from the Denstone team. running and accurate passing in abundance. We controlled the ball Bedstone 1st XV: this was a huge challenge for the 2nd XV; playing well at the breakdown ensuring a steady stream of possession. a 1st XV away from home. Despite this challenge, none of the Our first score was from a lineout drive that was perfectly executed players seemed to be phased at all as we still set out the match as we drove over at some speed for Matt Hinks to touch down. The plan to win but most importantly concede no points. next try showed our confidence to turn defence into attack with Like the Denstone game the match started slowly with both teams Ashley James running from 10 metres off our own line. The ball was performing equally in all areas of the game. The only points t0 expertly moved down the line to set Steve Bannister up from the 22. come out of this half was a penalty from Richard Valentine just before He stood the full-back up before blistering round the outside through half time. The second half however was a different story with the the mud. As someone remarked – welcome back Banny! Further forwards starting to dominate in the scrums and lineouts and the excellent rugby saw Danny Matthews and Steve Bannister stopped backs starting to put pressure on the Bedstone defenders by just short of the line on different occasions. Danny Matthews flopped performing moves well with pace and power.

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Telford College: This was a team that we knew nothing about as we lineout was 100% successful on our own ball and we pinched a had not played them in recent years. They arrived with a large couple of theirs. The scrummage was a pleasant surprise given how aggressive team, this did not put the players off as our confidence little practice we had had. Some back row moves worked but we was on a high after the recent victory. Straight from the whistle both were not yet slick enough to take full advantage of our strength here. our backs and forwards seemed to dominate at all areas despite A particularly strong point of our game was our handling. Until we some big hits coming in from some of their larger players. became tired in the second half the ability to move the ball and to Rydal: In recent years the rivalry has grown between Ellesmere and maintain our attacks proved very troublesome to the opposition. Rydal, especially in the 2nd XV where we have had the better of However, we were frequently guilty of overcomplicating things. On results in the past few games. This year was to be no different as several occasions just straightening our attack and passing the ball the strength of our play was reflected by the score line 66-0 our should have led to scores but a tendency to continually ‘step inside’, biggest win of the season. which, whilst it allowed the player to beat the next tackler, simply Newcastle: For us this was one of our biggest games after last year presented a good target for the covering player to take out. However, narrowly losing out to them by 2 points and with it our chance of an all things considered it was a good start to the season. Next up were unbeaten season. Every player was determined to make an impact Adams G S in the Daily Mail Cup. A very close game was lost by 3 and make sure that we won and also to not concede any points. The points to 5. Had we taken our chances the game would have been game began evenly matched with some great play shown by both won. So much for the unbeaten record – now perhaps we could get teams; again it was Ellesmere that came out on top with some down to the rugby! Bedstone provided only weak opposition and a strong defence which was matched by our strong running leading to score of 46 - 12 resulted. We won the match by throwing the ball some superb tries scored. around and by some impressive individual efforts. It was a good Rossall: After the extremely long journey the team were surprisingly game to watch and was enjoyed by all. However, we still did not really still awake and ready to play the game, the journey made us more determined to win as we did not want to travel so far and return without a win. Our no points conceded record was still intact and we were very determined to keep it that way.The team was without their captain Alex Dunn who was injured for the game, which meant that the team had to rely on Wiz Wright who took on the role to lead from the front. Unlike other games we began to struggle against a team who were determined to put in a win against us. After seeing off early pressure the game started to open up a lot more for us as we ran in many tries in a small amount of time. Sandbach: Last game of the season; we knew this was a team who were very capable of putting points on us and even getting a win. This was evident right from the beginning as Sandbach continued to pile pressure on us as we eventually gave away a penalty in front of our posts, this spelt bad news as they got the penalty and took away our record of not conceding points. After the initially disappointment we kept our minds focused on the other record of not losing a game. We were finally able to string some moves together and it paid off with two great tries, followed by a Richard address the business of ball-winning and allowed the opposition to Valentine penalty to seal the game and ensure the win. come into the game towards the end. It was a shame that some very WW poor attempts at tackling allowed them to get on the scoreboard. Rydal, away, proved a tougher nut to crack. From the moment that the opposition charged down our clearance kick and followed up to score it was clear that they were an enthusiastic and aggressive team. We found ourselves under pressure for possession. Whilst the lineout did provide some ball we lost balls against the head in the scrum and our loose play was not good enough to make up for it. We needed a touch of class from the wing to get level when a break led to a foot race to the corner with a happy outcome for us. Staunch defence on the goal line was called for as wave after wave of attacks came in. Fortunately Rydal persisted in a ‘route one’ approach, when moving it wide would surely have led to us being outflanked. The second half was much the same as the first. Our defence was continually tested – the odd missed tackle putting us under pressure. It was our inability to secure our own ruck ball, never mind theirs, that caused the greatest problem in our 12 - 5 win. The last game before half term saw us at Newcastle, an unpleasant ground, open to the public and strewn with litter and worse. However, the fact that we lost by 18 - 30 was down to our missed chances and poor first up tackling U15A RUGBY as well as to their good strong play, rather than the conditions. The match against Bishop Heber saw us back to winning ways by 22 - 5. Taking over a team unbeaten the previous season was a new A few worries surfaced in the first half where we stood off them experience for the coach. Mixed in with the pleasurable anticipation allowing the ‘weight’ of their pack to win the ball and score easily in of players who could ‘do a bit’ was the concern that it might be a the centre. We responded well however and good linking play got us challenge to coach them to develop their style to suit an older age in position for the scrum-half to dive through a small gap to score. group. So it proved. The second half saw a better performance with straighter running Against Denstone we won handsomely by 41 points to 5. Having and more effective support. Another pivot and dive from the scrum opened the scoring we were guilty of sitting back a little. Although our half had put us ahead and a well worked try from fullback made the defence was enthusiastic and determined we missed a couple of game safe. It was good to see the ‘three’s’ make the most of an chances to clear our lines and, eventually, they plunged over. We overload to deliver the ball in front of the player who took it at speed reacted very positively however and soon restored our lead with and finished majestically.The opportunity had been set up by a good strong running and good support play. Our KO receiving routine run down the left wing and correct presentation of the ball. The worked well – once leading to a score straight from their kick-off. The

67 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 difference between a fair side and a good one is the ability to win ball 27 - 21 the fact that we had only one conversion meant that they and present it properly all the time. Having been dismissed from the could win with just one more score. As we re-organised due to cup competition we found ourselves in the ‘Vase’. In the preliminary several injuries it was established that we needed to keep the ball round Wrekin conceded, feeling that we were much too strong for with the forwards to close out the game. The very next piece of loose them, and so we visited Ludlow School and chalked up a 57 - 0 possession was flung out to the backs! Fortunately the outside centre victory. Wrekin then withdrew from our domestic fixture with them for was able to double back towards the forwards and the final whistle the same reason. Rossall, well beaten last year, were made of blew at the stoppage. We played some nice rugby but further sterner stuff and travelled a long way to be beaten by 54 - 0. The improvement requires that the decision makers grow up between the match was cut short once the differential exceeded 50 points so we ears. Tactical naivety nearly cost us the game, arguably it did cost the only played 45 minutes of rugby. We were superior to the opposition two we lost. in all departments. We drove them in the scrum, out-played them in The Lent Term brought the next round of the Daily Mail Vase, away to the lineout, carried the ball to more effect, broke the line in the centre, . We won by 14 points to 12 but it was a scrappy ran round them on the wings and tackled them to a standstill. affair, and, although there were one or two ‘champagne moments’, Denstone returned to Ellesmere a much improved team to confront the game demonstrated that we were not anywhere near our best. us in the ‘Vase’ round two and did tackle and harry us very well.Whilst Round 4 gave us a home tie against John Cleveland College from we always had the quality to win when we failed to convert several Leicestershire. A win would mean that we would be only three games good chances, and it became obvious that it would be a low scoring from Twickenham – but it was not to be. The opposition were big, fast game, one always worries about a silly mistake leading to a and powerful. We were not match fit. The first half saw us pinned in breakaway and a score against. The first try was a good illustration of our own 22 for much of the time but we had started well and could what we needed to do. The openside seized upon a loose ball and possibly have taken the lead if the final passes had stuck. Our tacking made ground, passing to the inside centre before the tackle. The ball and scramble defence was immense and a 0-0 score at half-time was then moved, again before the tackle to the blindside flanker who was no more than our efforts deserved. However, after the break, a was running from deep and at speed and who broke the line to score little sloppiness crept in and the opposition moved the ball well to under the posts. Our last game of the term brought Sandbach to open the scoring. A penalty goal brought us back into things but the Ellesmere. As the cliché goes, it was a game of two halves. We efforts of the first half began to tell and strong running, good close dominated the first period securing the majority of possession and support and the pace of the opposition lead to further scores. We keeping Sandbach under pressure. Lineout and scrum were effective ended the match on the attack but went down by 3 points to 20. I am and it was from a scrum that we opened the scoring. A well not sure whether I feel better or worse in the knowledge that John performed ‘me and thee’ move gave a pass back inside from the Cleveland went on to the final at Twickenham. scrumhalf to the eight who went over almost unopposed. Problems Team from: D. Anders-Richards, G. Brereton, A. Clewlow, with conditions under foot led to a missed conversion - something E. Crispin, T. Davies (cpt), G. Forgrave, H. Grosvenor, H. Hackett, that we very nearly had occasion to rue later on. Our rucking was J. Hart, M. Li, S. McElwee, J. Norman, B. Patterson, M. Pearson, good and we produced some fine attacking ball for the backs to run. A. Porter, T. Roberts, J. Shemirani, J. Sun, J. Thomas, A. Wantling, Two more unconverted scores demonstrated our superiority but did H. Walton, C. Fergusson not put the game ‘to bed’. MDTS UNDER 14A RUGBY This was an impressive year for the under 14A’s as we only lost 1 game the entire season 12 - 13 against Newcastle. We scored 315 points during the season and only conceded 55. We recorded some good wins during the season and showed good improvement as the season progressed. Our first win was against Denstone, whom we lost against last year, where we won 41 - 12. This was followed by good wins over Wrekin and Rydal which were followed by a narrow defeat to Newcastle – we lead the game 12-10 with 30 seconds remaining but were unfortunate to concede a penalty. We showed tremendous spirit for the rest of the season to record good wins over Bishop Heber 39 - 5, Wrekin 37 - 5 again, Rossall 48 - 3 and finally beat a good Sandbach team 32 - 7. Cameron Milne, Oliver Dodds, George Brown and later Chris Johnson formed the front row and were a tower of strength and were able to out scrum most opposition. Cameron especially, showed Jamie Thomas & Alex Clewlow dealing with the Sandbach attack significant improvement as the season went on and became an We thought that we had achieved security when we scored again just excellent scrummager. James Cole and Nicholas West were the before halftime. Having previously used both the ‘crash’ ball and the second rowers and also played some good rugby together. James move out to the fullback joining the line the opposition were at pains was one of the top try scorers during the season, whilst Nick was to cover both these. Their outside backs were up too quickly leaving able to hold many players up in the tackle using his big strong frame. a gap of significant proportions for our inside centre to purr through Josh Maddock-James, Giles Bilborough and Harry Valentine and touch down under the posts. A lead of 22 - 0 at the break should (captain) were the loose trio and formed the back-bone of the team. have been enough.However, after starting the second half well our They supported each other tremendously. Maddock-James was play became over-confident and began to resemble the ‘little-boy’ great in the loose and was able to create much turnover ball style that had caused us problems against Adams and Newcastle. resulting in us being able to counter-attack. Valentine had a Over-ambitious passing, too flat a line in attack, shovelling the ball magnificent season both on defence and attack and was deservedly back under pressure as well as some missed tackles, led us into voted player of the year. trouble and simply served to encourage the opposition to run at us. Matthew Bielby was our scrum-half and showed glimpses of what Two converted tries later and the lead was only 22 - 14. Some pretty he is capable of, but needs to work hard on his distribution skills. pointed words were delivered under the posts and, from the kick-off, Our flyhalf James Webb showed some good touches and was able we reasserted ourselves and after some forward pressure the ball to get the backs going well which resulted in Ahmed Sesay, centre, was moved right giving the fullback an overlap and a further score. getting good ball and scoringav some great tries. Sesay was also Almost immediately however another silly long pass led to the ball on one of our best defenders and sed many tries with some superb the ground behind our threes and our fullback in the line. Sandbach tackles. Henry Mayberry played some good games at outside won the ‘kick and chase’ to score under the posts. With the score now centre and has a great left boot on him. Sam Davies on the wing

68 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 was our most improved player of the season where he showed LENT TERM good pace and commitment. Ashley Hicklin ended up playing on the wing for us and showed great improvement as the season went RUGBY SEVENS SEASON 2005/6 on. Harry McElwee was our fullback and showed tremendous ROSSLYN PARK SEVENS – FESTIVAL TOURNAMENT 2006 courage trying to run the ball as often as he could. Other players selected during the season were Freddie Anderson at centre who Group Matches: boasts a deadly tackle, but needs to do a lot of speedwork. Sean Ellesmere 31 Wellington School 0 Johnson came to the rescue a few times helping us out as a prop – albeit as one of the smallest props that has ever played the game. Ellesmere 29 Haberdashers Askes 7 Ellesmere 27 Davenant Foundation 0 Ellesmere 26 Cranbrook 17 Last 16 Ellesmere 17 Sutton Valence 21 Ellesmere arrived at the Rosslyn Park tournament to compete against 129 other schools. Due to injuries the squad was denied four players who would have been challenging for places in the 1st VII. As it was the squad that we took had begun to show some form with an encouraging performance at the King’s Worcester Seven’s the previous week, the highlight of which was to be leading the eventual winners Warwick by two scores only to lose 24 – 21 in the dying moments. We started confidently, showing plenty of pace and cruised through the opening match. The next two matches were similar and we started to look after possession and move the ball until we scored. We confidently set about the final qualifying match only to find a very physical and intimidating side called Cranbrook who went two Overall, we had a very successful season, but I don’t believe we scores ahead. It was pleasing to overhaul an over-confident quite played to our full potential. If the boys can only lose one game opposition, showing a coolness to play good sevens and deliver playing at 90%, I would love to see just how well they can play, when under pressure.The following day we played Sutton Valence at everyone is giving their all. Well done and good luck next year. Rosslyn Park ground with the other sixteen qualifiers in the knockout part of the tournament. Regular Players: C. Milne, O. Dodds, G. Brown, C. Johnson, J. Cole, N. West, J. Maddock-James, G. Bilbrough, Although tired we again settled into a good rhythm and held the ball H. Valentine(C), M. Bielby, J. Webb, A. Sesay, H. Mayberry, well. After going a score down we fought back well to go 3 tries to 2 S. Davies, F. Anderson, A. Hicklin, H. McElwee, S. Johnson up - 17 - 14. Unfortunately it was not quite enough, and when we let a golden scoring opportunity go, the opposition capitalised to run in CCC their third try and take the quarter-final spot. Sutton Valence then UNDER 14B RUGBY fought through to the main final eventually losing out to Colston’s. The under 14B’s were quite a large squad this year and it was great that so many of the boys got the opportunity to play for the school. Team: A. Ellis, R. Valentine, S. Bannister, D. Matthews, J. Farrell, Under the captaincy of Josh Ford, the team trained hard and D. Bowden, D. Thomas competed well against their opponents. In the first game of the Reserves: N. James, T. Bohn, M. Hinks season the team played with good cohesion to record a 34 - 15 win over quite a strong Denstone side. The team then played a much stronger St David’s side and were out-rucked to a 17 - 27 defeat. Ahmed Sesay single-handedly kept the score-line acceptable with some remarkable tackling. Following that, the U14B’s played a hard match against a stronger Bishop Vesey side and lost 17-32. The final game of the season saw another victory for the team against a disorganized Wrekin side. Many tries were scored that day with Ellesmere winning 42-5. The boys should be pleased with this season’s performance and I wish them well for the future. Richard Macintosh

PAG UNDER 15 SEVENS Although the fifteens season had been a little disappointing, largely due to injuries to key players, there was an optimistic feel to the Lent Term and the ‘sevens’ campaign. Whilst practices had to be on an ‘ad hoc’ basis the core of the team was enthusiastic and several sessions were held. As it turned out however there was not one practice where the whole squad of ten turned out together!

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ADAMS’ TOURNAMENT 1st MARCH 2006 1ST XV EASTER RUGBY TOUR v Adams G S Lost 0 - 36 PARIS IN SPRINGTIME v Birkenhead School Won 26 - 12 The short walk from Terminal Three to Terminal Two in Charles de v Bishop Vesey Drew 17 -17 Gaulle Airport passed off without event. A navette service to link v Rydal Won 29 - 0 incoming planes with the French rail service was rather a lot to Finished as runners up in the group and went into the semi-final expect, and some light exercise was just what was needed. On arriving at the RER (Paris Rail Network) platform, the evidence v Old Swinford Hospital Lost 0 - 37 suggested we would be held in airport custody for a little while KING’S WORCESTER TOURNAMENT 19th MARCH 2006 longer. The queues stretching from three automatic ticket machines were substantial, but could not match the meandering line that lead v Millfield Lost 0 - 29 to the main kiosk that held live exhibits issuing tickets. Tasked with v Blundells Won 26 - 24 getting nineteen tickets for the party, I placed agents in various v Solihull Won 26 - 22 queues, but it became rapidly clear that the automatic machines (0 – 22 down at half time) were a diversionary decoy and that human interaction with the v Kings Worcester Won 33 - 19 sweet face of French officialdom was inevitable. Unbelievably third in the group on points difference! A further thirty minutes ticked by and I finally arrived in a position to view the ticket office antics. Although there were three operating NORTH SHROPSHIRE SEVENS 22nd MARCH 2006 positions only two were in service, while the third contained the ‘B’ Seven ‘Chef de Operations’ a position and theme that was to prove v The Grove School Won 12 - 7 recurrent during our four day rugby trip to Paris. The role of this v Won 32 - 5 superfluous worker was to lounge on a swivel chair with his legs v Ellesmere ‘A’ Lost 0 - 38 wide open and hands behind his head and survey the platform chaos, while at the same time entertaining the working troops in ‘A’ Seven the kiosk, most of which centred on a youngish lass that responded v The Marches School Won 34 - 7 eagerly to his subtle caresses and flirtatious comments. v The Grove School Won 36 - 0 As I arrived at the counter she emerged from a position where she v Ellesmere ‘B’ Won 38 - 0 had bent down and placed her head between the Chef de Winners of The North Shropshire Sevens. Operation’s legs to search for more underground maps, a Brian Rix An overall record of played 12, won 8, drew 1 and lost 3 represented like situation that was not lost on either of them, and which caused a creditable performance by the ‘A’ Seven and included several a further short wait while the girl recovered her composure. Once notable scalps. her face had returned to her normal client serving expression, a Unfortunately we always find ourselves having to ‘learn on the job’ at mixture of boredom and irritation, or as the French would say, ‘Tu the Adams tournament. An inability to put pressure on the opposition me fais chier’, I began transactions. Later armed with my tickets I and naivety in attack meant that we simply did not have enough left with a little self satisfied smugness having explained to her that possession of the ball. By the time we went to Worcester some because the RER only did three or five day rail passes, it was weaknesses had been eradicated and, although the Millfield game cheaper to take a five day pass for four days rather than buy a three did not see us at our best, we showed the spirit and determination day and a one day combination. It was a delight to see the needed to be a good sevens team.The win over Blundell’s was more expression on the girl’s face remain unaltered as the Euro dropped. comfortable than the score suggests but the tie of the round was Staff training - heck no time for that, she had to get back to the Chef against Solihull. The opposition cruised to a 22 - 0 lead at half time de Operations. but our ball winning and moving of the ball in attack blew them away Things started to run smoothly with a change in the centre of Paris, in the second half for a great victory. We continued in the same vein a luggage drop at the hotel, and then on to Marne La Valley to stop against King’s running up a 26 - 5 lead at half time. The final score right at the entrance gates to Disneyland. Gaining in confidence, of 33 - 19 gave us a good win but we needed a 38 point differential ‘Follow me’ I said to the group, only to realise within moments that to go through. The North Shropshire tournament was won at a was not such a good idea, as I saw signs for group tickets pointing canter and made for a pleasant end to an enjoyable season. away from the entrance gates. The tourist information office Team from: H. Hackett (Cpt), T. Davies, A. Wantling, J. Norman, confirmed that group tickets were to be collected somewhere out J. Thomas, A. Porter, M. Pearson, G. Brereton, H. Valentine, by the main park entrance and so I set about a major hike in the E. Crispin, A. Sesay, J. Sun direction of Alsace. I travelled through the main car parks using the MDTS escalator walkways, past the animal reception centre – no kidding, no animals but two employees that were very helpful with directions, beyond the wastelands of the coach parking whereupon a deluge hit me from one of the promised showers. Totally exposed I arrived at the group kiosk with wet jeans clinging to my legs, a coat that had worked like blotting paper and my hair in rats tails where it had directed buckets of water down my neck. At this point I had a major sense of humour failure, and demanded to see ‘La Direction’ or boss of the office. Pas de problem – he wasn’t busy and he was joined by two other workers to hear my plight. They seemed pleased to join in the entertainment as there was little to do as I was the only person within two square miles of their office building. They politely and carefully explained to me that this was where coach groups picked up their tickets; it was not possible within two weeks of booking tickets to have them sent up to the park entrance; it was all the fault of the tour operator – my patient wife – and that they were blameless, because this was all explained in the small print of Disneyland literature.

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We had been joined by three perimeter security men – they may leader was starting to flag, and unusual in someone from North have put out a call to come and see the drowned ranting Wales. It was a spoof rendition of a commentary that we had heard Englishman – and all six listened to my protests which finished by at Disneyland Studios when watching the making of a film involving saying how typically French the organisation was, to which one of a car chase and various stunts. The commentator was French, but them gleefully responded, ‘Non, Disney is American.’ The speed at with an American accent he relayed the events in English, which they leapt to blame America for another of the World’s plights attempting to heighten the excitement levels for the spectators with left them all in fits of laughter, and even I managed a smile through phrases such as, ‘OK you guys, so imagine the scene: the baddy gritted teeth, while at the same time thinking about a discussion in the red car is going to drive in the opposite direction to the cops. with them on the origin of Mickey Mouse and the evolution of the We can watch this from all angles, on four different cameras, so term and application in today’s modern usage. Fearing this would here goes…………Hey wasn’t that crazy, we’ve got it for you, it’s a be lost in translation, I accepted a lift from the perimeter security wrap.’ (Red car narrowly misses four black cars. Drivers seem quite men – who by now were satisfied that I didn’t pose a threat or need competent suggesting they must have been imported from a restraining straightjacket – back to the comparable sanity of anywhere other than France or Italy.) Disneyland. While this sort of thing may have got Jeremy Clarkson and the Top Day Two was an absolute delight with a match against Orsay Gear team reaching for their trousers, to your average theme park Rugby Club. That any match at all was taking place was cynic it was as exciting as watching Saturday morning shoppers miraculous, if not least for the injury I almost sustained when parking in Sainsbury’s. It had however made a deep impression on arranging it. Things had not been going to plan when making the Johnny who from this moment onwards became: The Tour Party tour arrangements: of a party of twenty pupils at various stages Commentator with a dodgy French/ American accent. After eight of them had cancelled, a further four had been signed up, spending the whole afternoon just getting up and down the Eiffel flights had been booked, flights had been cancelled, flights had Tower, Johnny took over, ‘OK you guys so imagine the scene: Your been rebooked, and all of this using the automated booking system tour operator visits the Eiffel tower at Christmas and notices groups of Easyjet. If this wasn’t enough three days before departure the can go in separately and avoid the queues. So when he comes sixth month old arrangement to play Massy was cancelled due to back at Easter and pays for an extra ticket to make twenty and their inclusion in the national finals. Included in the cancellation fax qualify as a group, we make him wait. We let all the individuals in was the name and number of a coach of another team in Paris that first and make the groups queue – and he has paid more than they may have had an interest in playing us. Fat chance I thought, and would have as individuals. We have placed four attendants to with so many players missing I had feared that this fax may have control the groups entrance because we know this will get him signalled the end of any thoughts of rugby on this trip. snorting, and then we make him queue again at various levels in As aforementioned previously the injury that I almost sustained order to get up and down, stretching a twenty minute activity over resulted from taking a call from the mystery gentleman while three hours. Look, we can watch his face on four different cameras surveying the building renovation work going on at home from the – this is fantastic – and now he is back down he is looking for a top of a scaffold. Such was my surprise to hear a helpful and toilet,……. there he goes following the arrows we have placed that enthusiastic response that I was left precariously flailing and bring him all the way back to almost where he started, and guess literally clutching thin air. I explained that my team was decimated what? The toilets are shut! Did you see his face? Hey you guys and missing many players, and that we might only be able to field wasn’t that crazy, we’ve got it for you, and it’s a wrap.’ fourteen men, none of which seemed to matter. ‘We can lend you With military precision our smart taxis arrived at 6.00 to take us to players,’ said M. Martin, ‘it is for the spirit of the game, we simply the airport the following morning. We had a minor delay but by want to host you and your boys.’ lunch time we were on the airport transfer bus to take us the fifty Orsay Rugby club were true to their word. We lost another player in metres from the departure lounge to where the Easyjet 737 ‘City of the warm up with a pulled hamstring and we ended up sharing a Liverpool’ was parked. There was time for one last crazy scene: It number of players during the course of the match. The game was seemed that Easyjet’s policy of not allocating seats had stirred the played in a very sporting atmosphere and we came out on top, four cogs of the French bureaucracy into action; once Air France’s tries to two, with all aspects of play politely applauded by an worker allocation of four employees to every client had been appreciative crowd. ‘We had expected an Anglo Saxon fulfilled, anyone else needing a job in the sector could be employed workmanlike pack, not Gallic flair,’ explained M. Martin as we made controlling Easyjet passengers. After eight staff had checked us speeches and exchanged mementoes over a glass of wine after through passport and customs, a further two staff plus the driver the game. escorted us to our waiting plane. After a pleasant evening we renewed our sightseeing with an early The transfer bus left the terminal and travelled the fifty metres start assault on the Louvre. As with the train tickets it was eventful straight past the waiting plane. Passengers exchanged inquisitive just getting in. After twenty minutes we were asked to leave the glances as this was the only plane on Charles de Gaulle tarmac for queue we were in and go to the groups registration point, where as far as the eye could see. Two hundred metres further on we from here we were told that there weren’t any group booking slots turned around a white painted roundabout on the tarmac and until 3.00 in the afternoon – ‘oops désole that one has just gone,’ returned to finish opposite the plane. The front door opened and said the helpful attendant, ‘ no more until tomorrow.’ Fearing a passengers were allowed to get out one by one to make the short major change in the itinerary I asked if we could go in individually, walk to the front steps. Confronted with more delay, a breakaway which wasn’t a problem; we just needed to join the original queue group opened one of the other three exits at the back of the bus we had been in. This we did waiting a further twenty minutes only using an emergency button and pandemonium broke out. As they to find that anyone under eighteen went in free and didn’t need a tried to race across the tarmac to the rear entrance of the plane ticket. I was quietly led away to the Egyptian exhibits by my they were spotted by the two security staff that sprinted to head colleagues who found me frozen statuesquely looking skywards them off. You felt the tension rise as the red tape enforcers through the glass pyramid with my hands - palms upwards - looking screeched into position between the plane and the brigands. There as though they were gripping imaginary Easter eggs. eyes narrowed as they fingered their Hockler and Koch .277 As we walked between the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower it became automatic short range assault weapons, keen to show that nothing clear that we had picked the wrong time to visit Paris, as the should prevent the determined course of French over-regulation student strikes against the Contract de Premier Embauche (hire prevailing. With much arm waving and blocking gestures normally and fire law) were due to escalate the following day. Our only option associated with a Shropshire farmer on a lane, they were all was to bring our flight forward from tomorrow evening to tomorrow rounded up and made to get back on the bus and then leave from morning, and use taxis from the hotel to the plane rather than risk the front entrance one by one. the train. It was at this point that my colleague Johnny Morgan ‘Hey you guys just look at their faces – this is really crazy – we’ve discovered a rich vein of humour – most welcome as the tour got it for you, and it’s a wrap.’

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GIRLS’ HOCKEY King William 0 v Ellesmere 2 Rosie Huxley 1 IST XI HOCKEY Tiff Salmon 1 The following is a quick guide to the 2005 seasons fixtures. A very difficult fixture saw Ellesmere take a very early lead much Sept 10th OE’s won 5-2 against the run of play as Rosie Huxley ghosted into the D to finish Sept 17th Kings won 2-0 off a loose clearance from the keeper. From then on in Ellesmere Sept 21st Stafford G drew 2-2 were put under great pressure but due to the determination and Sept 24th IOM won 2-0 focus of the team they never stopped playing and working for each Sept 25th IOM lost 1-0 other. A similar story continued into the second half but a break by Elizabeth Swinnerton and Bryony Sym led to a ball into the D Sept 28th 7’s T’ment 6th place which Tiff Salmon put away with great finesse. The team worked Oct 5th U19 T’ment 2nd place tirelessly and Helen Baxter put in a solid performance at the back Oct 15th Oswestry won 3-0 to ensure the score remained 2:-0 when the final whistle blew. Nov 2nd A. Bromley won 2-0 Nov 5th Rydal lost 6-0 The Invincible’s 1 v Ellesmere 0 Nov 16th Moreton won 1-0 The Invincible’s sadly lived up to their name but how we may never Nov 23rd Wrekin lost 2-1 know. This game was a complete reversal of the previous games Nov 26th Bedstone won 1-0 performance. Ellesmere started strong and put the home team under heavy pressure for the whole game. The Invincibles only A very hectic and busy schedule has seen the 1st X1 make managed a couple of attacks but a lapse of concentration let them excellent progress this season. in for what proved to be a winning goal. Ellesmere came out the The season began with a change of policy, therefore making the second half and the Invincibles were camped in their own half for 1st X1 open to all years not just sixth form. This resulted in Rosie the entire game. A succession of short corners all narrowly missed Huxley, Jade Brodie and Beth Clewlow coming into the team and the target and the final whistle brought the game to an end. adding a new dimension to the style of play the team developed. The tour has been a huge success for Girls Hockey at Ellesmere. The fixture list was planned meticulously to ensure each game was The girls demonstrated their improving ability and the standard of pushing the ability of the team constantly and this has resulted in the opposition was testament to the hard work and effort which some excellent team performances. every member of the squad put in. SBM The 7’s tournament saw Ellesmere put through their paces by stronger more proficient teams and although the team managed to Ellesmere 5 v OE’s 2 win one of their matches they did not get through to the next phase. Beth Clewlow 2 Tom Doe The following week saw the Under 19 County tournament. The Buffy Swinnerton 2 Steven Evans team played extremely well throughout their 4 matches, winning 2 Tiff Salmon 1 and drawing 2. The final match against Wrekin saw Ellesmere A fun packed and hugely enjoyable fixture saw the 1st X1 play their dominate the game in parts but a 0-0 scoreline resulted in Wrekin opening fixture against a talented OE’s side. Ellesmere dominated going through as area winners. the game in parts and showed a great deal of potential for the upcoming season. Highlights included the debut of new goalkeeper Oswestry 0 v Ellesmere 3 Kate Benner who has shown natural talent and instinct as a goalkeeper and also Beth Clewlow who scored two goals on her Tiff Salmon 2 1st X1 debut. The game highlighted some key attributes in the Abi Merrill team and also helped gel a very positive and encouraging team A slow and sluggish first half saw Ellesmere create numerous spirit chances but the teams composure in front of goal had for a short Kings Chester 0 v Ellesmere 2 time deserted them. Second half was a different story with the Elizabeth Swinnerton 1 Oswestry goal-keeper pulling of some tremendous saves to deny Tiff Salmon 1 the Ellesmere attack. Tiff Salmon finally broke the deadlock with a well crafted turn and shot. Abi Merrill doubled the lead with a gret The first Girls hockey fixture against Kings proved a very difficult but strike from the top of the D which left the keeper with no chance worthwhile match. Kings started much the quicker in the first half and and then Tiff added a third to cement this local fixture. Ellesmere were often chasing the game and failed to keep the ball and put Kings under any serious pressure. A deflected shot from Buffy Swinnerton came off a defender and Ellesmere went 1-0 up very much against the run of play. After some serious half time words the team came out for the second half and dominated the game. The passing and moving was far more effective and this led to a great goal with Tiff Salmon meeting a Buffy Swinnerton cross first time and burying in past the on coming keeper. A superb second half performance the benchmark for the team as the minimum standard of performance for the remaining season’s fixtures. Stafford Grammar 2 v Ellesmere 2 Elizabeth Swinnerton 1 Tiff Salmon 1 A midweek game against Stafford was a dismal affair with the team having one eye on the upcoming tour. A poor performance saw Ellesmere draw 2-2 although the girls knew that they should have won this encounter. The next fixture was the Isle of Mann Tour which was the first time in some years that this was possible. 1st XI Hockey

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Abbots Bromley 0 v Ellesmere 2 1ST X1 GIRLS HOCKEY - ISLE OF MAN TOUR Elizabeth Swinnerton Squad: Kate Benner, Elizabeth Swinnerton, Helen Baxter, Tiffany Abi Merrill Salmon, Sarah Griffiths, Samantha Lamb, Bryony Sym, Laura A long trip to Abbots Bromley brough about another victory for the Clewlow, Abigail Merrill, Sarah Haynes, Elizabeth Clewlow, 1st X1. Both goals were scored in the first half and both came from Jade Brodie, Rosanna Huxley, Chloe Perkins. well worked passing from the midfield. Ellesmere tired second half The team left Ellesmere on Friday 23rd September with great but were resilient at the back and kept that all important clean excitement and anticipation at the weekend ahead. The early season sheet. To celebrate this and Bryony’s birthday we all called in at games had seen Ellesmere beat the OE’s 5 -2 and then a solid 2-0 McDonalds for a birthday tea! Hooray for the king of fast food!!!!!! performance against Kings Chester left the team confident of the Rydal Penrhos 6 v Ellesmere 0 challenge ahead. The one major blot on the seasons review saw a depleated first After a very comfortable journey the team got settled in the team travel without 4 of their regular players due to flu. The game accommodation allocated to the team by King William school. The was not as one sided as the scoreline depicts but greater maturity rooms were ideal for the needs of the group and the girls soon in front of goal may have changed this scoreline but not the result. settled in and made it feel like their own boarding house again. Another home from home! Moreton Hall 0 v Ellesmere 1 Elizabeth Swinnerton It would be difficult to make a comment about each game but with the exception of the Rydal game every match has been played with a desire to win and a team spirit which cannot be faulted. Wrekin 2 v Ellesmere 1 Tiff Salmon A great game but a very disappointing result. Ellesmere played some great Hockey first half but due to some outstanding goalkeeping the game was still dead-locked at half time. The second half saw Ellesmere absorb some strong Wrekin pressure and some well devised wing play gave Tiff Salmon the ball in the D which she dually dispatched in the back of the net. At this point Ellesmere seemed to Rosie Huxley scoring against King William lose concentration and a mad 10 minutes saw Ellesmere not only squander the lead but to go 2-1 down from a short corner routine. The Friday evening gave the team a chance to familiarize Ellesmere pressed again and Tiff Salmon hit the post in the dying themselves with the school’s facilities and to bond as a team which minutes but the score could not be pulled back. they clearly took advantage of. After a brief coach’s session with the team to lay out the itinerary for the day ahead the girls retired to their Ellesmere 1 v Bedstone 0 rooms with the next days task clearly identified in their heads. Sarah Haynes Saturday was a dry but windy day and the morning gave the girls a A bruising and physical encounter bared witness to an incident that chance to get their first practice on the astro pitch that both of their I have never seen in hockey before or will probably never see fixtures would take place on. A very intense practice demonstrated to again. The game was a competitive and hard fought contest with the coaching staff the desire and ambition of the girls and the 1 hour both sides being penalised for their tackling but the score remained session helped give time to practice and work on areas that needed level at half time. During the second half the game was frenetic and to be addresses. at this stage the Bedstone team walked off the pitch refusing to The team then warmed down and enjoyed a leisurely morning either carry on as they felt the game was overly physical. visiting Castle Town, the local area, where they were actually making The team eventually returned to finish the game and a long pass to a film with Andrea Corr from the band the Corrs; sadly Mr. Mullock. the back post saw Sarah Haynes ghost in undetected and slotted failed to see the lovely Andrea and after a while of standing outside the ball away to give Ellesmere the victory they desired. the pub where they were filming he was asked to leave although Special mentions must go to the captain Elizabeth Swinnerton; promising to be back the next day if she was prepared to wait!!! who has led by example this year and has has done much for After lunch the girls went to watch the start of the 1st Rugby match hockey at Ellesmere during her time here. Also a huge thank you which proved to be not only a great game but a real motivational tool to Kate Benner – who found herself in goal down to some excellent which saw all the girls grow with stature and were desperate to go persuasion by the upper sixth. Kate has adapted very well to the and play their game. The team went to prepare for the game and game and has made a great contribution to the success of the after some strong speeches from the staff the girls made their way team this season. to the “arena of fate”. THE 1ST X1 2005 Saturday 24th Sept Every member of the team has played to the best of their ability King William 0 v Ellesmere 2 and has done anything that was asked of them. Rosie Huxley I would like to express my sincere thanks to all involved in girls Tiff Salmon hockey for all their help and support this term, especially the The team arrived and warmed up looking every inch a very ground staff and all those who have supported the girls in their professional outfit. This first impression is an important psychological games. I must also say a big thank-you to the teams No 1 travelling tool and one which is reaping its rewards as the season continues. supporter Mr A. Merrill who has been a great addition on the side- The whistle started the game and from the first tackle it was going to lines and whose comments and continous encouragement has be a very difficult fixture. King William were denied early on by some helped the girls in many of their matches. It been a great seasona excellent defending by Sarah Griffiths and Helen Baxter and this lead and one I will remember with great fondness. to a break by captain Buffy Swinnerton. A missed tackle by King William saw the ball role into the top of the day were Rosie Huxley SBM ghosted onto it undetected a placed it past the keeper and into the Played 11 Won 7 Drawn 2 Lost 2 bottom corner of the goal. Goals scored: 19 Conceded:13 (6 at Rydal) Rosie Huxley scoring the first of Ellesmere’s 2 goals against King Top scorers: Tiffany Salmon 7, Elizabeth Swinnerton 6 William.

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From then on in Ellesmere were put under great pressure but due dedication of the girls was paramount to his success and I was very to the determination and focus of the team they never stopped proud of the way the played and represented Ellemere and playing and working for each other. A similar story continued into themselves. the second half but a break by Elizabeth Swinnerton and Bryony I would also on behalf of all the Girls thank the staff and pupils at Sym led to a ball into the D which Tiff Salmon put away with great King William for allowing us to stay at their school and be very finesse. The team worked tirelessly and Helen Baxter put in a solid hospitable hosts. A big thanks you also goes to Mrs. Owen the performance at the back to ensure the score remained 2-0 when team camera women and Ms Goss, the new Head of girls games the final whistle blew. for her time and effort that she gave to all the girls on the trip. After the game the girls were clearly buoyed by their result and A great weekend and one we hope we can continue to run in the deservedly so. The evening saw the Rugby and Hockey teams take future. a short journey into Douglas. The group hired out a local ten pin bowling club and a really positive and enjoyable evening was spent SBM 2ND XI HOCKEY by all. After some group time the teams reassembled and we made our way back to the accommodation. The girls being as focused as The team was made up of year 11’s and 12’s hence they were ever soon retired as they knew that had another big game the playing together for the first time. Skills were variable and both following morning and soon all were sleeping, well almost all!!! these factors meant it was difficult to form a cohesive unit at the start. A big loss away on astro did not help matters. However, after another defeat against a supplemented 2nds, the team suddenly gelled and started to work really hard on both their stick skills and team unity. They obviously didn’t like loosing. A lesser side would have become defeatist and great credit must go to them for their determination and tenacity. The penultimate match of the season saw a great performance on astro and was an indication of how far the team had come. The crowning glory was of course an 11-0 win at home. Captain: Alice Dapling Players of the Season: Chloe Mitchell & Mary Pescod (goalkeeper) UNDER 15 HOCKEY v Wrekin lost 0 - 4 v Moreton Hall drew 0 - 0 v Oswestry won 3 - 0 (Johnson, Lewis (2)) 1st Team v King William v Rydal lost 0 - 7 After an early breakfast the team stayed together and talked v Stoneyhurst lost 0 - 2 through the tactics and ideas that they wanted to try and utilize v Stafford won 2 - 0 (Evans, Davies) today. The team had a short practice prior to the game in order to Something of an up and down season for the Under 15s saw them warm up but as not to tire the players. The game was against the play well on grass but struggle on the less familiar surface of King William second team, but owing to the excellent results astroturf. In fairness, the two heavy defeats at Wrekin and Rydal Ellesmere achieved the previous day, several 1st team and local saw the team battle quite hard against strong, well-organised club players made up the Invincibles team opposition. The victory on the long grass at Oswestry was a tribute Sunday 25th September to players knowing their jobs and working well as a team; after The Invincibles 1 v Ellesmere 0 taking a first-half lead when Emma Johnson swept home a short- The Invincibles sadly lived up to their name but how we may never corner, the team confirmed their superiority when Harriet know. This game was a complete reversal of the previous games Tomlinson twice escaped down the right-wing and crossed for performance. Ellesmere started strong and put the home team Charlotte Lewis to finish instinctively. There were further creditable under heavy pressure for the whole game. Early attacks saw the performances on the astro at Moreton Hall and in the northern inform Tiff Salmon link up well with Sarah Haines and Beth outpost that is Stoneyhurst before the final match of the season Clewlow who caused many problems for the oppositions defence. saw a comfortable victory over Stafford. The Invincibles only managed a couple of attacks but a lapse of In truth, the team might have achieved a good deal more with a concentration on a 16 hit saw Ellesmere out of position and let calmer attitude to training and a willingness to listen to advice; a them in for what proved to be a winning goal. number of the squad have the potential to make decent senior Ellesmere came out the second half and the Invincibles were players in the years to come as long as they heed the coaching camped in their own half for the entire game. A succession of short corners all narrowly missed the target and the final five minutes saw Ellesmere stay in the opposition 25yard area and a bit of luck would have sent he ball end up in the goal. The team did everything they could but sadly the final whistle brought the game to an end. Although the girls were really disappointed after the game it demonstrated to the coaching staff just how bad this team wants to succeed and how they are not going to settle for second best. After watching the Rugby team play King William Rugby team at Hockey the girls then had a good lunch and made their way back to the sleeping accommodation to prepare for the return journey. The tour has been a huge success for Girls Hockey at Ellesmere. The girls demonstrated their improving ability and the standard of the opposition was testament to the hard work and effort which every member of the squad put in. I would like to say a big thank you to all the girls for what proved to be a very enjoyable and highly successful tour. The spirit and Under 15 Hockey

74 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 given them. Emma Johnson set high standards as captain and Pickering, Disspain and Whittle. The 5 man midfield was well central-midfielder and made the county under 17 side; goalkeeper marshaled by Daborn and Thomas assisted by A. Kunkel, James Georgina Adams also made the county squad and was a huge Thompson and James Mackay. The front two of Seb Kunkel and presence in goal. At one point she was roundly booed at Oswestry Patrick Gorman gave many attacking options with the remaining for keeping out numerous scoring opportunities! Grace Kendall also squad members playing in a variety of roles as and when the team impressed for her sheer mobility and willingness to make limitless needed them. numbers of tackles throughout the game. Natasha Evans took her The pre-season was well disciplined and the season kicked off with game seriously and her mean shot should do some damage further against Wrekin who are usually the end of season opposition. The up the school, and likewise Charlotte Lewis demonstrated a fair eye team in hindsight probably peaked as for the only time in the season for goal. The likes of Tess Fawcett and Elizabeth Boffey ran I had the pick of any of the players in the squad. Later due to rugby themselves ragged in midfield and Ashley Whittle, Alice Denham commitments some key players were unavailable which created an and Amy Cooper battled womanfully in defence, with Catherine imbalance in squad options. The game saw Ellesmere dominate the Wignall and Katrina Westwood sometimes deputising. The wingers, first half with some great astro play and took a 3-0 lead into half time Harriet and Nin Cooper, along with forward Rhian Davies have with Danny Matthews 2 and Peter Daborn 1. The second half saw much potential which they will hopefully realise in senior hockey. Ellesmere put under greater pressure and although Wrekin TFB & SO managed to score 2 goals in the half, another strike form Daborn finished the game and gave Ellesmere an excellent victory in this UNDER 14 HOCKEY very sporting fixture. The first match of the season was played at Abbots Bromley on their astroturf pitch and proved to be a game of 2 halves. In the first The traditional game against the Deeside Ramblers provided half the defence were resolute and following a change in formation Ellesmere with a stiff test and a very competitive and highly at half time (including one to one marking), we held out for a 2-2 enjoyable game resulted in Ellesmere losing 2-1 with the winning draw. Against Rydal Penrhos we held our structure well and played goal for the Ramblers coming from an Ellesmere player who was more coherently as a team and consequently won 1-0. Away at helping out the ramblers – tough justice!!!. Kings we played and defended well but unfortunately conceded 4 A game against Shrewsbury Sixth form was a very significant test goals in the second half on unfamiliar astroturf. At home in the with Shrewsbury having some very talented county players. The following match against Wrekin we defended resolutely and made game started in a wave of hail-stones and with the pitch a complete some very promising attacking breaks which were unrewarded as white surface a very slow first half emerged with both sides having the game ended 0-0. On grass at Moreton we played well and drew chances. The second half brought a more focused approach and once again 1-1. A similar scenario was played out at Stafford in our also the sun. A well crafted break by Ellesmere saw Patrick Gorman final match of the season. The Captaincy was shared. There were score hitting a great first time shot past the advancing keeper to credible performances by Amy Fokinther in goal and marshalling make it 1-0. Shrewsbury put Ellesmere under immense pressure and midfield Becky Britton. Emily Wicks found her role on left wing and only a penalty corner right at the end of the match saw the Ellesmere Sophie Greensmith organised the defence with Holly Liversage goal breached. Overall a good game and ultimately a fair result. and Alice Simpson. Lottie Keeble was flexible and showed great The long trip to Denstone is always a difficult fixture against a strong versatility in the positions she played. Tanya Renner was quick to and very able astro team. This proved to be the case again as apply pressure to the opposition on the forward breaks. although Ellesmere played some good hockey in spells, much of the Squad: A. Fokinther, Alice Simpson, S. Greensmith, game they were left chasing and the difference in astro skills and Holly Liversage, C. Minshaw, Lottie Keeble, Flora Croysedale, overall team play was evident. The team did create some good N. Taylor, T. Renner, A. Jackman, Z. Haynes, E. Wicks, chances second half and with a bit of luck the score could have been very close but Ellesmere did not have enough in the tank to chance A. Smith, B. Britton, E. Evans the game as it went on. It has been an enjoyable season which is all down to the effort and commitment that the squad has shown towards every training session and every match. I would like to thank the ground staff for their hard work and efforts through the season and a big thank you to Dr Chatterjee and Dr Gareh for all their hard work and dedication to the cause. SBM

BOYS’ HOCKEY Opposition Result Score Wrekin College Won 4-2 Deeside Ramblers Lost 1-2 Drew 1-1 Denstone Lost 4-1 The remains of the previous season’s group welcomed some new blood into the squad this season. The appearance of Alex and Seb Kunkel along with Alex Whittle and others enhanced the team and Team/Squad: Dan Thomas (Captain), Jed Denham, Sam Lewis, much can be said for their ability and dedication to the cause. Charlie Pickering, Alex Whittle, Alex Kunkel, Seb Kunkel, With Dan Thomas captaining the team the formation was made up Danny Matthews, Peter Daborn, James Thompson, of Jed Denham in goal, ably protected by a solid back of James, James Mackay, Alex Burley, Patrick Gorman, I. Disspain, N James.

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LENT TERM defender allowed the forward to get in and poke the ball home. Kelvin Leung came on up front and his ability to hold the ball up BOY’S FOOTBALL allowed Ellesmere to spend long periods of time in the opposition 1ST XI FOOTBALL half. A slick passing move provided Leung with an opportunity which he coolly put away. This has been another positive year for Ellesmere Football. We H.T 2-1 have fielded nine teams during the term and over one hundred boys have represented the school. Pearson replaced Johnson at left back and did not put a foot wrong. Gascoigne stepped in for Halstead. Shrewsbury started Positive results this year have been over 50% which is excellent strongly but struggled to break down our defence and when Leung progress. We now coach boys from the age of eight and this will finished clinically from a quick break their heads dropped. Farrell no doubt strengthen the senior teams as they move through the was itching to get on the score sheet and he swapped places with school. Bowden to improve his chances. Several shots were blocked but Our current U11 team recently competed in an all Shropshire he got his wish with a low drive from the edge of the box. event and although they did not lose a match and did not let a goal in, were knocked out at the group stage on goal difference. The F.T 4-1 team that knocked them out, finished third in the county. SANDBACH Last year’s Captain of Football, Charles Coates, has just completed a successful season in the Welsh U21 League. This EC 1st………..…2 Year’s Captain, Oliver Platt, is planning to play in the Cheshire Sandbach……....1 league and we wish him well. Ellesmere followed up with a good win against Sandbach School. We also entered the N. Shropshire U14 girl’s tournament for the Despite losing John Upton and Bradley Claxton a competent side first time. took the field. John Steggles and Charlie Chambers came into the 1ST TEAM back four and Platt returned in goal. Tom Bohn partnered Kelvin We had a good start to the season with a 4-1 win over Shrewsbury Leung up front and Bowden, Heald, Halstead and Gascoigne 6th form. played across the middle. EC 1st..…………4 We started strongly, hitting the feet of Bohn and Leung who held Shrewsbury…....1 up the ball and then laid off to Bowden and Heald. Halstead was The opening match of the season coincided with exams. However lively on the left and Gascoigne was solid on the right. We moved we were still able to field a competent team. Alex Whittle made his the ball around well and Leung was a constant threat with his debut in goal and although he began quietly, grew in confidence. pace. Playing down the slope in the first half, Ellesmere started strongly. The first goal came on twenty minutes when Halstead’s pace took Dan Bowden was influential in midfield and drove the team him clear of the defence only for him to be brought down on the forward, john Upton and Jordan Halstead used the ball well and edge of the box. Bowden’s free kick was handled by the wall and James Heald showed some good close control. David Goodwin a penalty was awarded. Heald’s effort was well saved by the made a solid start to first team football under the guidance of keeper but Halstead pounced to open the scoring. James Farrell. Alex Dunn and Stephen Johnson were mostly Almost immediately Sandbach replied from another penalty. The untroubled. ball was goal bound when it hit Gascoigne’s arm and the referee It was no surprise when Bowden surged forward and latched onto quite rightly pointed to the spot. Platt had no chance against a a Farrell free kick. His first touch plucked it out of the air, his coolly despatched spot kick. second smashed a shot which the keeper could not hold and his Ellesmere rallied and enjoyed the bulk of the possession and third slotted the first goal of the season. Shrewsbury replied territory. Leung was lively and had already had a goal disallowed immediately when a lack of communication between keeper and for a marginal offside before he was bundled to the floor in the 32nd minute. His pace allowed him to get across the defender and draw the foul in the box. Heald made no mistake with the resultant penalty. Soon after Ellesmere suffered the blow of losing first centre half Dave Goodwin and then James Heald to injury. H.T 2-1 Johnson moved to left back and Steggles joined Dunne in central defence. Burrows replaced Heald alongside Bowden in midfield. We played some good football and Gascoigne saw his rasping shot saved after a neat passing move. The last twenty minutes displayed our lack of fitness and it was only excellent work from Platt that kept our lead intact. F.T 2-1 We went on to be competitive in all but one of our games and finished the season with an excellent result against what was considered a strong O.E. side. The 8-2 winning score line would suggest that football at Ellesmere is improving at pace.

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The students below received the following awards at the end of Rob Coates played with the skill you expect from that family name season dinner. and also scored twice. Full Colours This has been a great season. Thanks go to Oliver and the other James Heald re-awarded senior players and to Mr. Owen for his skills practices and Oliver Platt, Charles Chambers, Mason Gascoigne commitment to the team. Half Colours Results and scorers Bradley Claxton, Alex Dunn, Stephen Johnson, John Steggles L 1-2 v Shrewsbury Sixth Form (Cudmore) Charles Chambers also received both the “Managers Player” and L 0-1 v Wolverhampton the “Players Player” awards for his service to the 1st team over the season. A total of ten games were played by the 1st XI team. D 2-2 v Concord (Roberts, Munday) Finally I would like to thank all of you that supported the football W 3-0 v Shrewsbury Sixth Form (Burrows, Steggles (2)) throughout the Lent term and I hope to see you next season. W 5-0 v Denstone (Coates, Thornhill, Steggles, Munday (2)) DJM W 3-0 Old Swinford (Coates, Steggles (2)) W 5-0 v Wrekin (Steggles (2), Munday, Coates, von Pfetten) W 3-1 v Stafford (Burrows, McNeil, Steggles) HBO

Charles Chambers

2ND XI FOOTBALL This season was the most successful of any second team at Ellesmere. Under Oliver Munday’s captaincy the side won the last five matches in a row. In total they lost only the first two games and drew the next. We scored 22 goals and conceded only 9. not only that but the results were all deserved and opponents were beaten easily. This was the first time we have been able to field a team of UNDER 15 FOOTBALL footballers, rather than rugby players who are not good enough to The season got off to a good start with a 3 – 1 home win against play 7s. As a result everyone was comfortable on the ball and we Sandbach. We fielded a side that was strong in all departments and played a passing game. The team was a blend of Years 11, 12 and dominated the game. Goals by Wantling, McElwee and Grosvenor 13. and commanding performances from the back four were too much Oliver Munday and Chris Steggles played up front and after a slow for the opposition side that had no answer to Pearson and start became addicted to scoring. Chris in particular with his tally of Shemirani in midfield. 8 goals made a big difference. Chris is difficult to stop when he had The next game was blighted by injury and illness and a 3 - 0 defeat the ball at his feet. His last goal against Stafford was a screamer. was a disappointment as we fought very hard but just could not Picking the ball up from outside the box and with no support, he break down the opposition defence. It has to be said that two of the weaved past a number of players before letting fly with a screamer goals came from very sloppy defending. It was a measure of the that shot into the top corner. Oliver also scored well, 5 goals in total determination of every player, however, that they battled right to the including a great header v.Concord and a belter against Old end, unfortunately to no avail. Swinford. We then took two teams on a very windy day to Denstone College In midfield the other senior player Mike Thornhill was superb all where the A team lost 0 -4 on a very muddy pitch. It was a season. Very strong in the tackle, he would hound down the frustrating game to watch as we had more possession than opposition and never gave up. He also scored a beauty v.denstone. Denstone in both halves but could not score goals. Two of the He deserved to win the players’ player of the year. In defence Nick opposition goals were from breakaways and the manager was Evans and james Jarvis bonded well and were strong. Both read looking for a transfer window in which to acquire a new striker to the game well and made excellent tackles. With those two giving us support McElwee during Grosvenor’s absence through injury. a platform the midfield were able to advance with confidence. Pearson was inspirational as usual and covered every blade of In goal Adam Beech was hardly ever stretched but is a fine keeper grass in his attempt to turn the match round. and we will be lucky to have his services next year. The B team won 4-2. Tom Davies came out of retirement to The year 11 boys were probably the most skilful on the ball. Matt produce an outstanding display in goal and the game was drawn at Burrows, young player of the year, passes well and scored a full time. For the fun of it a penalty shoot-out was agreed and Marco beautifully worked goal against Stafford. Lewis Wantling was able to Li and Jack Sun scored to give us victory. dominate midfield with Mike Thornhill and one of the highlights of the Concorde College were our next victims as goals from Pearson season was Lewis destroying Stafford’s midfield in the last game. and Grosvenor ensured a 2-0 win away from home.

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The season was rounded off nicely with an emphatic 6 – 1 win When we did finally score, we promptly went to sleep as against Stafford Grammar. Goals by Pearson (2), Sun, McElwee, Denstone launched their immediate riposte and only real wave of Grosvenor and Walton demoralised the opposition. Henry Walton attacks of the match; an equaliser was promptly leaked, and a was outstanding with tireless running and well-timed tackles in draw was plucked from the jaws of victory. midfield. Pearson controlled the midfield and McElwee capped an The final game did not bode well. Twelve players were absent excellent season with intelligent runs and superb close control. due to sickness and other reasons, and the opposition, Stafford, It was a pleasure to have been involved with these boys and they were known to be strong. Out of absolute necessity, one or two were a credit to the College in every game they played. I hope players were drafted in from the U15B squad, and a starting that next season they will carry on where they left off and eleven was thus cobbled together. There then followed a continue to learn more about the beautiful game. performance of huge discipline and effort, inspired by the JHC captaincy of Couborough who truly led by example. Stafford never really settled, Ahmed Sesay stole a half – time lead with a solo run and shot, Ellesmere battled hard, David Morris marshalled the defence to a fine clean sheet and Harry McElwee made the result safe with a chipped left-foot shot into the top corner. Always good to end the season on a high! The team deserve much credit for their progress through the term. Due to some prolonged bouts of sickness and unavailability, many players had to play in unaccustomed positions, none more so than Harry Valentine, who it turned out is actually an excellent goalkeeper, both competent and distinctly brave. Joshua Maddock-James played the entire season at centre-back barring the last ten minutes of the Denstone game when he was unleashed to play up front (goals followed at each end within two minutes!) Charlie Clutton was a technically proficient left – back, Toby Blake’s pace and good sense were deployed at sweeper, and Rowan Dell and James Gould vied for the right-back position. Joe Dapling made the holding role his own in midfield, Freddie Anderson and Andrew Couborough ran themselves ragged infront of him, and Ahmed Sesay and Sam Davies looked the part as the wide midfielders. Harry McElwee often ploughed a lone furrow upfront, relying on support from the midfielders. UNDER 14 FOOTBALL My thanks go to those regulars who dug in for the whole season, L 1-5 v Wolverhampton Grammar (Couborough) or at least for as much as their health allowed – I have never known such a plague – ridden term! Also special thanks to L 2-5 v St John Talbot (Sesay 2) fitness coach Peter “Tord Grip” Stanway whose ingenious warm – up routines set the tone for innumerable squad sessions. D 1-1 v Denstone (Sesay) TFB

W 2-0 v Stafford Grammar (Sesay, McElwee)

This was a far from easy term football – wise for the Under 14s, but one that saw a generally upward curve in terms of progress and which ended in something of a triumph in the face of adversity. A small and inexperienced squad was forced to be a collective of fast learners; to a certain extent, the early season defeats were all part of the learning process and did the team no harm at all. Wolverhampton Grammar provided stiff opposition in the season’s first game, and whilst the score-line was a fair reflection of our visitors’ superiority, Ellesmere learned a great deal about concentrating for the whole game and competing for every ball. The game also saw a fine breakaway goal for Andrew Couborough and a magnificent flying save from Cameron Milne. The second game against SJT saw the team having to cope with the rarity of football on Astroturf; here the score-line perhaps does not quite tell the full story – our hosts were certainly the better side but Ellesmere created almost as many clear chances, and better finishing might have seen the winning margin significantly reduced. Against Denstone, however, the team had only themselves to blame for not putting the game well and truly to bed. On this occasion our finishing was simply woeful and numerous clear chances were spurned against a lack-lustre opposition.

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GIRLS’ NETBALL Indoors in the Sports Hall and the atmosphere was fantastic with so many supporters in the balcony at every game. My only Ellesmere College enjoyed another good season on the netball disappointment of the season was losing to in courts. Having successfully extended the fixture list last year, our the final of the U19 North Shropshire Tournament. Tournaments focus this year was to continue developing the netball in the College in order to compete at a higher level and to play more are funny things as earlier in the term we had shown our clear schools with a netball tradition. dominance over our closest rivals at Ellesmere. We again entered a number of tournaments, mainly North The end of season meal was brilliant and enjoyment was had by Shropshire, which are always hotly contested by schools in the all! Tiffany Salmon received Player of the season; Rosie Huxley area. Both the U16 and U19 Tournament saw an Ellesmere College received Players’ Player and Sam Lamberton received Most and Oswestry School Final. Both games were very close and Improved Player. When it came down to awarding colours, it was competitively played and it ended with each school winning one. hard to distinguish between the two as all lasting members had We won at U16 level and were runners up at U19 level. Our U14s been totally committed from the start. From that I decided to award made the semi finals and played an exciting game against Moreton everyone full colours. Hall. After normal time it was even and they had to play for a golden goal after failing to finish after extra time. Unfortunately it Full Colours: Tiffany Salmon, Buffy Swinnerton, was Moreton Hall who scored first. Samantha Lamberton, Sarah Griffiths, Brynony Sym, This year for the first time we entered the U13s into the Shropshire Beth Clewlow, Rosie Huxley, Abigail Merrell. County Netball Tournament. The standard was extremely high and HLG although we only won one match we gained valuable experience from the day. Tiffany Salmon, our Netball Captain, played an influential role. She led the way both in training and on the court in matches. All of the 1st team deserve to be commended on their attitude and passion for playing for Ellesmere College as they act as excellent role models to the younger teams. This year the College was able to field both 1st and 2nd senior squads with the hope of extending this to a thirds next year. All age groups had A and B teams and from this year we will be able to extend the fixture list further. The first team was able to enjoy playing the majority of matches in the Sports Hall, where players had to adapt to a quick and a more competitive style of netball. Matches on Saturdays were popular and were hugely supported by family, friends and staff. There was an excellent atmosphere – Thank you to all who came and supported! I would like to thank all the coaching staff, who in my first year at Ellesmere College made my life easier and enjoyable. They all put a considerable amount of hard work into their teams. Thank SECOND SENIOR NETBALL you! Hopefully next year, we will be able to develop even further and will enjoy another competitive season. Squad S. J. Edwards, L .Brereton, K. Brereton, G. Evans HLG E. Moss, V. Raynor, S. Wolfson, S .J. Beswick, S. Haynes FIRST SENIOR NETBALL This particular season was a memorable one for me as a teacher Results: and coach. It was an absolute delight to work with such a dedicated Opposition Result Score Player of Match and fun group of girls. Kings Chester Won 23-20 Sarah Griffiths The group were completely self motivated, generated their own Stafford GS Lost 22-15 Sophie Adams team identity and were determined to perform well. They had Bedstone Coll Won 22 -8 Tiffany Salmon mutual respect for each other as players and individuals and Oswestry Sch Won 37-11 Abigail Merrill organised their playing time fairly and with great maturity- often not Rydal Penrhos Lost 17-14 Buffy Swinnerton seen in adult teams! The results throughout the season were very Old Swinford Lost 19-41 Sam Lamberton good. A collection of memorable wins and a couple of closely Kings Chester Won 30-14 Buffy Swinnerton fought losses. Wrekin Seniors Won 37-11 Rosie Huxley Training sessions were professional but fun. Everyone worked hard Squad: Brynony Sym, Samantha Lamberton, to extend their skill base. Many of the squad deserved a shot at Abigail Merrell, Beth Clewlow, Buffy Swinnerton, playing for the first team squad. Tiffany Salmon, Sarah Griffiths, Rosie Huxley. It would be super if the same group were to be together next season, however this regrettably cannot be so and people move The 1st team squad enjoyed another good season of Netball. on. I look forwards to next season and hope that it proves to be as Team selection was made difficult as all squad members were good a season as this one was for us. Thank you girls! committed and dedicated from the start. Old Swinford again were the toughest challenge but we learnt a lot from playing such a SO skilful team. We enjoyed all of our Saturday matches playing

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UNDER 16 NETBALL Due to the nature of the netball fixture list, this talented group of sportswomen only come together on special occasions during the season. For the rest of the playing season the Under 16 players form part of the first and second team senior squads. Nevertheless, on the occasions that they do come together they play exceptionally well. The North Shropshire Under 16 Netball Tournament was one such event. After a brief preparation session with hurriedly structured back line and centre pass systems, Ellesmere stepped up to the challenge. This particular event traditionally sees a strong cohort of private and entry. Ellesmere Under 16s played superbly in the qualifying rounds to meet Oswestry School in the closely contested final. Beth Clewlow and Rosie Huxley provided extra ordinary work rates to dominate the opposition in mid court. The link up the court was provided steadily by Sarah Lowe. Katie Brereton and Leonie Brereton applied maximum commitment to defend the circle and to intercept at critical points within the game. Eleanor Moss worked the attacking circle without giving away one mistake. The final accolade must go to Vicky Raynor playing at UNDER 14 NETBALL Goal Shooter, who netted incredible shots at both long and short The highlight of the season was reaching the semi finals at the range. She was so cool under pressure and shot to secure a victory North Shropshire tournament. The girls were finally able to perform winning by a 2 goal margin. (It took some time for parents and the coach to recover from the excitement). Fantastic! to their ability but unfortunately lost 7-6 to Moreton Hall in the last stages. There was a good win on home soil against Abbots Ellesmere 8 Oswestry 6 Bromley – where Tanya Renner was invaluable in her role within Squad: B. Clewlow, R.Huxley, L.Brereton, L.Brereton centre court to feed the attacking team and to stop Bromley players S. Lowe, V. Raynor, E. Moss, M.Pescod, H. Jones SO

Into the net linking a number of passes. The player of the season was Emily Wicks for her drive, enthusiasm and talent on court. Well done to all the girls- they have laid the foundations for a successful U15 squad next year. EJW

U16 North Shropshire Tournament winners

UNDER 15 NETBALL The U15 netball team had a mixed season. They trained enthusiastically under the guidance of Assistant Coach Mr R J Mackintosh. Unfortunately the results went against them. Tash Evans provided an excellent link at centre controlling the pace of the game well. Grace Kendall and Nin Cooper demonstrated sparkle and zest in their match play. The shooters Tess Fawcett, Steph Platt and Georgina Adams made good use of their opportunities. Emma Johnson and Ashley Whittle were stalwart in defence. Liz Boffey was an excellent captain and good sportsmanship was shown by all. Next year the team need to maximise their potential by not giving away possession. Squad: E. Boffey – Captain, T. Evans, H. Tomlinson, N. Cooper E. Johnson, G. Adams, A. Whittle, C. Lewis, R. Davies S. Platt, T. Fawcett BG

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SUMMER TERM In the final match of the season against the MCC the bowlers Cudmore and Whittle at last found the required line and length CRICKET and the MCC only scored 16 off the first 10 overs. James 1ST XI CRICKET REPORT Thompson produced his best spell of the bowling of the season At the start of the season the team was optimistic of a season as and at lunch the MCC were 97-4 off 32 overs and James had successful as last year and indeed matched that record in that taken all 4 wickets. only one all day match was lost, while improving the However the session between lunch and tea was nothing short performance in the National twenty-20 competition. However, of disastrous. The bowlers gave away runs freely and the MCC only one all day match was won, and the defeat against declared an hour later on 194-4. Then the first 5 batsmen played Newcastle was against one of the weaker sides we played. The poor shots to collapse to 30-5. After tea Oliver Platt and Patrick side had an excellent opportunity to qualify from the first round Cudmore led a determined fight back adding 55 for the 6th of the twenty-20, but as in the all day fixtures the bowling . Further resolute batting from James Thompson, Tim generally was too erratic in both line and length to exert the Courage and Richard Valentine ensured that we held on for the necessary pressure in the field. draw, but this was again a match we could have won. It was also a rather unusual season with only four all day Nicholas James, the captain, was also the main batsmen and he matches being played after May 14th. This was unfortunately shouldered much of the pressure scoring important runs in due to the Woodard festival not being held as the four schools almost every match, including a century towards the end of the had different end of term dates. season against Wrekin. Often his own severest critic, he may feel In the opening match of the season against the Gents of disappointed that when placed under pressure to perform he Shropshire, Alex Whittle enjoyed an excellent all round match was unable to produce a match winning performance in the taking 3-26 in his opening spell and then scoring his first half twenty-20 matches against Wrekin or Merchant Taylor’s Crosby. century for the 1st XI opening the batting. During the rest of the In each case it was the opponent’s leading batsmen who played season he usually bowled steadily at the start of the innings in the match winning innings, but they did have the advantage of particular taking 3-19 against Wrekin, but despite reaching 20 in batting first and consequently did not have to worry about a further three innings did score another 50. During the next two maintaining a high scoring rate to stay in the match. He is also a years he should be aiming to score centuries. The College were very talented wicket-keeper, able to stand up to all of our bowlers set 202 to win off 40 overs, a tough target at the beginning of and his five stumpings were often crucial top order players. May, but with Nicholas James and Alex Whittle sharing a James Thompson was expected to be our leading spin bowler confident century partnership victory looked possible. However, and he bowled effectively all season, producing a match winning when both were dismissed the middle order collapsed and we performance against Rydal, but saving his best performance for had to settle for a draw. his final match taking the first four wickets against the MCC. Against Liverpool on a slow wicket we were unable to bowl the However, he did not expect to be promoted from number 11 to line required and allowed their batsmen to score at 5 an over. open the batting. He responded with typical determination and Amazingly despite this we bowled 20 overs an hour and after 2 although he was unable to play a major innings he usually hours at lunch Liverpool were 186-4 from 41 overs. In reply the ensured that he was not dismissed until the opening bowlers had Liverpool bowlers bowled straighter and only Nicholas James completed their spell. and Matthew Burrows looked comfortable, but a determined Tim Courage, only in year 10, had an excellent first season. He display by the lower order ensured that we held on for a draw. was in contention for the bowling award for taking most wickets A similar pattern emerged in the match against Birkenhead, our in the season until James Thompson took four wickets in the final bowlers were unable to bowl a tight line and length and again match against the MCC. He also played some important innings allowed the batsmen to score at over 5 an over. For the second especially after tea against the MCC. George Forgrave, also in match in a row the opposition opening batsman scored a big year 10, bowled well in a number of matches and was unlucky to century. Nicholas James again batted well, but was dismissed for go through the whole season without taking a wicket. He also 28 where after although Daborn, Platt and Forgrave batted showed his promise as a batsman in his innings against the resolutely we were never in a position to chase the target. MCC and Merchant Taylors’ Crosby. With the match on Open Day against the Old Ellesmerians Unfortunately during the first half of term Patrick Cudmore was rained off the side had to wait 4 weeks before the next match unable to play after dislocating his shoulder playing rugby. In the against Rydal Penrhos. Five of the first six batsmen all made few matches when he was available he showed glimpses of form double figures but apart from Peter Daborn then got themselves with both bat and ball that indicated the contribution he could out. Peter went on to make 40, but we failed to use the last 5 have made if fully fit. overs of our allocated 45. Rydal made a steady start but then their opener was run out and James Thompson (4-41) and Tim My thanks go to Chris Morrison for umpiring all our matches Courage (3-18) brought about a dramatic collapse with 7 wickets during the term, to Ian Morris and his groundstaff for their work falling for 37 runs in just 11 overs. preparing grounds both for practice and matches, Jean and the kitchen staff for our lunches and teas, and of course to Colin Against Newcastle although Nicholas James travelled to the Cawcutt for all his hard work with the team. match he was unable to take the field. Although we bowled better than in the matches before half term, we still allowed Newcastle PJH to escape from 124-6 to be able to declare at 212-8. In reply Alex Whittle and Patrick Cudmore were batting confidently at 92-2 but then both played careless shots and we collapsed to 120 all out, which was very disappointing in a match that we should have won. Against Wrekin we batted first and Nicholas James scored a fine century well supported by Patrick Cudmore to allow us to declare at 215-7. Nicholas James made a very smart stumping off Alex Whittle to dismiss their main batsman. Wrekin lost two more quick wickets to be 10-3. However, we never really applied the pressure necessary to force victory and Wrekin were able to end up at 155-5 having been 93-5 at one time.

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SECOND XI CRICKET 1ST XI CRICKET PLAYED 4 WON 1 LOST 3 Squad: N. P. James* (capt), P. R. C. Cudmore*, J. A. A. Thompson*, T. J. Courage +, All matches were played under the rules of overs P.M. Daborn, J. C. E. Upton+, A. H. Whittle+, M. J. Burrows, T. D. Burrows, G. Forgrave, M. Singh, R. W. T. Valentine, L. S Wantling, (*1st XI Colours, + Half Colours) cricket, guaranteeing a result in the four of the Results: Played: 7 Won: 1 Lost: 1 Drawn: 5 Abandoned: 1 scheduled six contests that took place. Wickets were invariably slow as all matches took place in Results - All day matches either April or May, when the weather was not at Wed May 3rd Gents of Shropshire 201 – 7 dec (Whittle 3-26) its kindest. Team selection was subject to the Ellesmere 163 – 6 (James 64, Whittle 57) usual problems of injury, first team calls, and Match drawn examinations, added to the complication of Sat May 6th Liverpool 240 – 6 dec (Courage 2-18, Singh 2-20) fielding two Second XIs on the same Saturday Ellesmere 160 – 8 (James 48, Burrows M 31) against different schools. However the squad Match Drawn took it all in its stride and really enjoyed their Sat May 13th Birkenhead 239 – 4 dec (Daborn 2-34) cricket. Essentially the story of the short season Ellesmere 141 – 8 (Daborn 29*) is largely one of slow wickets leading to low Match Drawn totals, with most matches being closer than the analysis below suggests. Only King’s Chester Sun May 21st Old Ellesmerians match abandoned rain achieved a total of greater than 150 during the Sat Jun 10th Ellesmere 155 all out (Daborn 40) season. Rydal Penrhos 94 all out (Courage 3-18, Thompson 3-41) Won by 61 runs Batters found the conditions difficult and openers Valentine and Beech were duly circumspect. Sat Jun 17th Newcastle-under-Lyme 212-8 dec (Cudmore 3-32, Whittle 3-36) Ellesmere 120 all out (Whittle 36) Both averaged nearly 20 for the term and it was Lost by runs 92 runs their long partnership that set up the one victory against Adams. Gorman is an explosive hitter Sat Jun 24th Ellesmere 215 – 7 dec (James 104, Cudmore 41) who can do a lot of damage in a short space of Wrekin 155 – 5 (Whittle 3-19) time. However his quick 30 not out against Match Drawn Shrewsbury was not enough to overcome a slow Fri Jun 30th MCC 194 – 4 dec (Thompson 4-33) run rate for much of that innings. Agarwal played Ellesmere 137 – 8 (Cudmore 34, Platt 33) some nice looking shots off the front foot, once he Match Drawn had adjusted to English conditions. Senior Batting Cup: N. P. James 266 runs The bowling was very variable in terms of both Senior Bowling Cup: J. A. A. Thompson 12 wickets personnel and quality, the latter coming about as Senior House match: Talbot a result of the former. Foden was the most Junior House match: Meynell penetrative of the usual pace bowlers, with a strike rate of a wicket every three overs at an AVERAGES average of 10.3 runs. He was also relatively Batting inexpensive at 3.7 runs an over. Beech and Name Inns n.o runs h.s 100 50 Av Claxton and Valentine were all reasonably steady James 6 0 266 104 1 1 44.33 as pace bowlers, whilst Gorman was frequently Platt 4 1 74 33 24.66 called on as the fifth bowler. Jaiswal and Asplin Whittle 7 0 143 57 1 20.42 both came into the team at a late stage, and the Cudmore 5 0 100 41 20.00 former quickly found his way into the First XI Daborn 7 1 91 40 15.16 squad due to his consistency. The latter Burrows M. 5 0 70 31 14.00 produced an excellent spell of fierce pace Thompson 6 0 61 19 10.16 bowling in the final match played. Slow bowling Burrows T. 7 2 48 18 9.60 was in very short supply, but Wright’s off-spin Forgrave 4 0 26 20 6.50 developed well in the nets this season and he Also batted: Courage 17*, 8*, 4*, 3* Upton 5, 0 Wantling L 12, 1 unfurled it in our last match, taking a wicket with Singh 18, 1*, 4 Udit 5 Valentine 0*, 5* his first ball, and leaving us all wondering why he Arawal 6, 0 hadn’t tried it before.

Name OMR WbbAv Nick Evans deserves credit for keeping his team Cudmore 29.3 9 78 5 3-32 15.60 competitive when in the field, in addition to Courage 28 4 130 7 3-18 18.57 performing well behind the stumps himself. Our Whittle 56 4 211 10 3-26 21.10 fielding continues to improve year on year. Thompson 81.5 11 302 12 4-33 25.16 GH Daborn 55 11 201 5 2-34 40.20

Also bowled: Forgrave 32-3-183-0 Valentine 12-0-68-0 Singh 10-1-20-2 Burrows M. 3-0-28-0 Upton 5-1-27-0 Fielding ct st James 2 5 Cudmore, Whittle 3 Wantling, Daborn 2 Burrows M., Courage, Forgrave, Burrows T., Singh 1

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TWENTY-20 CRICKET REPORT Fri Jun 16th Ellesmere 110 – 5 National Twenty-20 Tournament 2006 Ravens 111 – 4 Ellesmere were drawn in the first round of this competition with Oswestry, Merchant Taylors’ Crosby and Wrekin. The first match Lost by 6 wkt was played at Wrekin and then as last year Ellesmere hosted the four schools on Sunday May 14th to play the remaining group matches. The first two teams in the group qualified for the next round of the competition. Thursday May 11th This match effectively became a contest between two batsmen Nick James & the Wrekin South African player Pote. The Wrekin opener scored 93 in 19 overs. In reply Ellesmere were ahead of the rate on 110-2 when Nick James was dismissed for 67 in the 12th over and were unable to maintain the required rate afterwards. Wrekin 171 – 6 (Valentine 2-37) Ellesmere 149 - 6 (James 67) Lost by 22 runs Sunday May 14th Morning match: Ellesmere gained a convincing victory over local rivals Oswestry. Oswestry after being put into bat, lost 2 quick wickets and never Wrekin against Merchant Taylors’ Crosby on bottom field really recovered and only managed to score 81 in their 20 overs. Alex Whittle was dismissed in the first over, but Nick James (45 U15A CRICKET not out) and Patrick Cudmore at first steadied the innings and Results then accelerated to add 57 for the 2nd wicket. Nick James Liverpool College 74 all out (Fieldhouse 3-11, Walton 2-11, remained at the wicket to guide Ellesmere home with almost 8 Norman 3-7) overs to spare. Ellesmere 77 for 5 (Fergusson 26) Oswestry 81 – 7 (Daborn 2-9) Ellesmere won by 5 wickets. Ellesmere 83 – 2 (12.1 overs) (James N. 45*) Won by 8 wkts Birkenhead 183 for 1 (off 25 overs) Ellesmere 134 for 4 (Fieldhouse 49 n.o., Brereton 22, Afternoon match: Both Ellesmere & Merchant Taylors’ had lost to Wrekin so the Fergusson 23 n.o.) winners of this match still had a chance to qualify for the next Birkenhead won by 59 runs round on run rate. The Merchant Taylors’ opening batsmen Dawber chanced his arm and despite playing a number of aerial Ellesmere 201 all out (Fieldhouse 122, Brereton 20) shots which just failed to go to hand, rode his luck to score a Rydal 108 for 7 century. In reply Nick James the Ellesmere captain was Ellesmere win by 93 runs. dismissed in the 1st over and although Patrick Cudmore scored 76 not out and added 82 with George Forgrave (18) in 13 overs, Ellesmere 149 all out (Fieldhouse 24, Davies 32 n.o.) Ellesmere were never quite able to score at the required rate. Shrewsbury School 119 all out (Brereton 5-14, Fergusson 2-5) Wrekin and Merchant Taylors’ qualified for the next round. Ellesmere win by 30 runs. Merchant Taylors’ Crosby 159 - 3 Ellesmere 137 for 8 (Fergusson 21, Davies 28, Ellesmere 128 – 5 (Cudmore 76*) Wantling 24 n.o.) Lost by 31 runs Wrekin 139 for 6 (Davies 3-16) Other limited overs matches played: Wrekin win by 4 wickets Wednesday April 26th (30 over match) THE SEASON Adam’s Newport 145 – 7 (Whittle 3-17) An entertaining and decent season was had by the Under 15 A’s in Ellesmere 125-8 (James 34) 2006. They coped admirably with the loss of two of the most Lost by 20 runs talented players from their age group, Messrs Forgrave and Courage, to the First XI; a number of players stepped into unfamiliar roles, most notably Colin Fergusson who accepted the role of captain and navigated the side through a challenging set of fixtures. The opening fixture at home to Liverpool College saw a game remarkably reminiscent of the same fixture a year previously. The visitors were bowled out relatively cheaply, James Norman surprising even himself by mopping up the tail. We then made heavy weather of reaching a modest total – both openers were out for ducks before the captain led us home with help from George Brereton’s entertaining hoiking. Against a strong Birkenhead side a week later our bowlers failed to make any headway as the visitors rattled up a huge total. Pity the Brereton opener who faced the last ball of the innings on 96 n.o. Supposing he had clubbed the ball to the cow corner boundary Peter Daborn bowling against Oswestry in Twenty-20 to bring up his century, he was mortified to see David Anders –

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Richards take the catch in the gloom of the boundary. We were Ellesmere v Corbett Ellesmere 88-5 off 16 over never quite going to get near to their total, but batted well (D Morris 26) nonetheless – Rhodri Fieldhouse leading the way with a Corbett 90 – 7 off 15.4 overs measured 49 n.o. (H.Hackett 4 overs 3 for 5) If Rhodri was disappointed to miss out on a half – century against (N. Sorfleet 3 overs 2 for 6) Birkenhead, then he more than made up for it by his remarkable Ellesmere v Grove Opposition cancelled match innings of 122 that held our batting together against Rydal on a Ellesmere v Marches Marches 161-1 off 16 overs day when there four ducks and only two others made double Ellesmere 76 all out figures. Shrewsbury v Ellesmere Shrewsbury 224-4 dec Against Shrewsbury Bs we did not bat well – four men were after 25 overs and another four holed out to horrible shots – and were reliant on Tom Davies nudging us up to a defendable total. Ellesmere 84 all out. Happily, we bowled a little better and fielded far better; for the This season has been a learning curve for the team but one which bowlers George Brereton did the damage with a five wicket haul. has seen some real development not only individually but also Sadly, the team’s last match together did not see a fairytale collectively as the team has grown together. The team has some ending; a number of batsmen made a start against Wrekin, but obvious individual talent but this has often been sporadic and thus nobody went on to make a big score and our total was a good the team performance has not been as consistent as it should. twenty runs short. Even so, had we taken one of four early half- The season started in earnest with a fixture against Corbett school. chances in the field, the game might have swung in our favour. Ellesmere batted first and after 8 overs the score was 50-0 with Dave Morris and Charlie Butt establishing themselves amongst the THE TEAM Corbett bowlers. (Dave Morris 26) However a lapse of There has always been a relaxed togetherness about this team concentration saw quick wickets fall as Ellesmere found and this did not change with the promotion of their peers to senior themselves on 65-5. The remaining tail ender's kept the wickets cricket. Almost the whole squad was able to bat competently, down and managed to push the score on to a reasonable 88 – and Rhodri Fieldhouse’s steady opening was paired with George although opportunities to push this score were not taken. The Brereton’s aggressive pinch-hitting; as well as stepping up to Corbett team openers set a similar pace to Ellesmere and at the captaincy, Colin Fergusson moved up the order and made a half way stage were cruising to victory. However a couple of quick number of valuable contributions. Tom Davies scored valuable wickets form Henry Hackett and Nick Sorfleet put Corbett under runs, and Ewan Crispin and Alex Wantling chipped in on immense pressure and the runs soon dried up. With one over to go occasions. The latter two were also the front-line bowlers, Ewan Corbett needed 4 and two consecutive dot balls brought the victory having effectively been converted into an opening bowler in the closer to Ellesmere. However the next ball was a wide and then the first week of the season. Henry Walton bowled an attacking line batsman threw the bat at the next ball, got a thick edge and the ball and his length improved over the course of the season. Jack went over the boundary line and gave the victory to Corbett – who Hart became the permanent resident behind the stumps, and were very gracious and I must comment on the sportsmanship of gained in confidence as a wicket – keeper as the season wore on. both teams. James Norman devised probably the most relaxed bowling action the world has ever seen, and Mark Pearson scored useful runs This early defeat had a slight negative effect on some of the players and saved many more in the field. Hugh Grosevenor found and the confidence level of some individuals was low. The following batting straight brought him fewer runs this season than last, but fixture against Marches was a very different story. The Marches will no doubt score plenty of senior runs in years to come. A won the toss and elected to bat. Both openers being county players number of others deserve a mention, notably Todd Evans who soon punished the limited bowling options of the team and some devised a plethora of different bowling actions in the nets and unusual bowling changes saw the score go onto 165 -1 with the was a mainstay for the B’s, Manhar (our overseas pro) who wicket falling on the last ball of the innings. Ellesmere did not help helped us out in the last two games, and all-round good egg themselves as the opener Dave Morris lost his wicket with the 1st David Anders - Richards who took up official twelfth-man duties ball of the innings and this somewhat upset the balance of the in most games. In many senses this was an easy team to team. Joe Liptrot came in and punished the bad balls and soon skipper, but Colin did so nonetheless in excellent fashion and moved on to 24, but a poor shot selection saw Joe give his wicket unlike many captains I can think of, selflessly bowled himself only up and thus the match was slipping away. The Marches with a when he felt the occasion merited it. Much respect to him and to strong bowling attack found a good line and soon saw the a team with whom I enjoyed working immensely both this season Ellesmere wickets tumble. The remaining batsman made the most and last. they could but concerted pressure saw the game slip away with Ellesmere all out for 76. TFB The away fixture to Shrewsbury emphasized the difference in class between the two sides. On a very hot and humid day, Birkenhead U15B CRICKET elected to bat and this decision was justified as they scored a very impressive 224-4 dec off 25 overs. Although Shrewsbury had some The under 15B’s were entered into the Shropshire midweek technically strong batsman our failure again to bowl to the field and league and therefore had a variety of fixtures planned for the to stick to a good line was equally responsible for this very high season. However due to some ferocious storms at the start of the total. After 10 overs Shrewsbury were on 115-0 and this was not season and some very late match cancellations, the under 15b’s only disappointing but the teams response to this was not were restricted to a fairly small season. Attempts were made to positive.The fielding at times was very poor and many runs were rearrange but owing to the limited opportunities in the extra- scored owing to a failure to use the basics and actually form a curricular timetable the cancelled fixtures were unable to be barrier between the ball and the boundary. Our batting rescheduled. performance was similarly weak as we failed to play the conditions. Early wickets fell as the team showed little patience at the crease. Fixtures & Results The more wickets fell the more impatient the batsmen became and yet their was still plenty in the wicket to allow Ellesmere to make Ellesmere v Adams Opposition cancelled match this game competitive but with the team’s highest scorer James Ellesmere v Lakeland’s Opposition cancelled match Norman knocking a quick 14 it resulted in a disappointing SJT v Ellesmere Opposition cancelled match afternoon for the squad.

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It has been a season of highs and lows but has ultimately been a together for a patient 60 runs, and Valentine picked up a neat season of discovery for much of the team. Charlie Butt, Joe Liptrot catch to dismiss one of the Wrekin openers. Joe Dapling and Dave Morris have been stalwarts of the team and should be contributed a rapid 27 runs as the Ellesmere innings closed. Our looking to push themselves further nest season if they wish to total was overhauled with 5 overs to go as the season closed with challenge for a place in the squad. Henry Hackett and Nick a seven-wicket defeat. Sorfleet show much potential but must learn to be more If it were not bad enough to lose two of our top players, we may disciplined when they are up against a strong batting team. If they well be without the services of keeper-batsman Maddock-James learn to bowl more variety when required then there is no reason next year, as he is likely to be promoted to higher things within why each cannot take wickets in every innings they play. The rest Ellesmere cricket! It is been a pleasure to see the team this year, of the team needs to continue to work off season and must and with luck they will have fun playing cricket again next year. develop a more mature approach to the game both in the preparation and delivery of the batting and bowling. There is Squad: potential but it has yet to be full harnessed. Maddock-James, McClements, McElwee, Anderson, Coubrough, Sesay, Valentine, Dapling, Eaton, Scully, Johnson, Bielby, Serrano SBM DWC

U14A XI CRICKET U14B XI CRICKET The under 14A side began their season with a fixture against Liverpool College in early May, on a cold grey morning. Ellesmere The B team has been an opportunity for new people to try out the took the field first and opening pace bowler Freddie Anderson game and for others to improve skills. Regular net sessions and produced a wicket in his first over, a thin edge to keeper Joshua short practice games took place over the first half-term, between Maddock-James standing up to the stumps. Tight bowling from the showers of rain. The first full game came in a friendly against Anderson (4-2-2-6), Andrew Coubrough (3-2-1-2) and David the Ellesmere Under 15B team. The Under 14 team batted first McClements (5-0-8-2) kept the Liverpool batsmen at bay, and and rattled up 123 runs in 20 overs against a rather shell-shocked spectacular run outs from Anderson, Ahmed Sesay and Sam opposition, who had expected a very easy victory. James Cole Eaton restricted the visitors to 52 all out. As the innings crumbled scored a half-century batting at number seven as the fourth- one of the opposition asked a team-mate: ‘How many overs are formers found themselves chasing leather. left?’ to which he received the disconsolate reply: ‘Millions’. Cole and opening bowling partner Cameron Milne were soon into The Ellesmere innings began with a bang, as Maddock-James hit the opposition, and the Under 15s were shaking at 8 for 2. They two big fours from the first over. His aggressive approach led to his had recovered to 41 for 2 when our overseas professional showed undoing as he skied a catch for 20, leaving his opening partner his stuff. Guillermo Serrano, a novice player visiting from Spain for McClements to bat through the innings and bring Ellesmere home one term, showed that he had a natural quickie’s action and by seven wickets, the winning runs being hit by Harry Valentine. removed two batsmen in three balls! But for a slogger’s fifty from Joe Liptrot the Under 15s would have been sunk, but in the end Poor weather forced the cancellation of the next two fixtures, away they squeaked home with four balls to spare. to Birkenhead and King’s Chester, and the season did not resume until after the half-term. The match against Shrewsbury School resulted in a narrow defeat, despite a captain’s knock of 75 runs from James Walker, The team’s next match fell on the day of England’s opening game whose dismissal by run out remains a contentious issue to this of the World Cup, and as England took on Paraguay, Ellesmere day. took on Rydal Penrhos. Ellesmere batted first, putting on 92 for the first wicket, which fell in the 16th over of 25. After McClements’s The team’s final game against Wrekin College resulted in such an departure for 35, Maddock-James accelerated and the ball easy victory that a second, equally successful, game was played disappeared to all parts of the ground. After the carnage was over against them after lunch! The performance of the day was from Ellesmere has posted a total of 226 runs, of which Maddock- Tom Carr who picked up six wickets over the two games, including James had scored a powerful 128 not out. a hat-trick. Numerous B team players were called up for the A team over the The Rydal innings started well, with opening bowlers Anderson season, and it is good to know that there are useful players who and Coubrough unable to make a breakthrough. The deadlock can be called upon. was broken when Sesay knocked over the stumps of one of the openers, and tempted the other into giving a catch in his next over. DWC 42 for 0 became 50 for 6 very quickly as the innings wilted. David Squad: McClements picked up two wickets at the close with his loopy leg- Walker, Milne, Johnson, Ford, Webb, Davies, Bilbrough, breaks to leave the Rydal team 89 all out. G. Tatchell, Serrano, Scully, Rowland, Carr The team’s performance dipped sharply after this great victory, as they lost their last three games over eight days in the middle of June, to Newcastle-under-Lyme, Shrewsbury (narrowly), and Wrekin College (avoidably). Maddock-James was still a stalwart of the batting, weighing in with two more half-centuries to take his season total to 312 runs, and Harry McElwee registered a half- century in the match against Shrewsbury School. Poor bowling towards the end of the innings proved costly in all these games as the opposition’s batsmen were able to overhaul Ellesmere’s scores. The Shrewsbury game was very close, victory only coming with a two from the last ball. Experience will teach the team that it is not always possible to bowl at the end of an innings in the same way that one would bowl at the beginning! The Wrekin match was a swansong for two of our team; David McClements and Harry Valentine. McClements held the innings

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TENNIS S Oeking won 3 out of 3 singles matches in the group playing at No 1. S Perrin at No 2 in singles and partnered by E Swinnerton The season started well with a comfortable victory away 7-5 at No 3 in doubles winning 4 out of 5 matches altogether, singles against Wrekin. The Kunkel twins won all their sets and played and doubles. V. Zelger competing at No 4 and 1st pair in doubles very well, giving us a platform to go on and win. Other pairings played well winning valuable games for the team in her singles included Farrell and Dunn, keeble and Gasgoine, Simms and matches, very necessary on a count back when the results were Blake. close. In the House Tennis, the seniors had a very close competition. In the boys’ Meynell narrowly won with 23 games, Talbot on 18, Woodard on 17 and Wakeman on 14. ABERDARE CUP The girls’ competition was even closer. Going into the last round The same team did well in the Aberdare Cup knock-out Woodard and Meynell were head to head on 17 games each, with competition, beating Moreton Hall, Rydal Penrhos, having a walk Talbot lying just behind. In the final match Woodard beat Meynell over against Kings School, Chester on the way to the North West 7-5, but as Talbot beat Wakeman 12-0, Woodard narrowly won by Area Finals. V. Zelger and S. Perrin were unable to play in the next 24 games, to Talbot’s 23 and Meynell 22. round, so A. Merrill and S. Haynes came into the team at 4 & 3 respectively to play against Lymm High School. We won the match So we went into the senior mixed with everything to play for unless 5 matches to 1 and so progressed to the National Finals at you belong to Wakeman. There was only 4 games between Queenswood in the second week of the holidays. Alice Simpson Meynell and Talbot and Woodard. Woodard looked favourites for came into the team at No. 4 to compete in the finals, which were this competition with Buffy Swinnerton and partner a very strong very tough matches. At full strength we would have competed second seed pair with Steph Oeken and James Mackay an more favourably. excellent top seed. However, Meynell had Steph Perrin and Chris Lewis but were slightly weaker lower down. As it happened, we BG went into the last round with Meynell leading the overall competition by 2 games but Woodard had yet to play them. Woodard did better at second pairing but drew the top seeds so it all came down to the third seeds. Meynell needed a draw to win the overall, but Nick Evans and Sarah Haynes played some percentage tennis and wore down the Meynell pair to win 3-1 and thus give Woodard both the Mixed trophy and the overall. The whole competiton was great sporting fun. Well done to all. Wakeman might need to buy in some coaching for next year!!. In week 2 the Senior boys played Shrewsbury VIth form in the Glanville cup. In an entertaining match with a high standard of tennis, we were well beaten. Matt Hinks did play some adventurous tennis, manoeuvring the ball around the court to win some excellent points. With James MacKay in the doubles he also pushed Shrewsbury all the way. Mark pearson only in Year 10 played his singles well and took the first set to 5-7 before loosing his second 3-6. Chris Lewis will probably feel he could have done better. Generally we needed to show more patience in the rallies and wait for an opening. The mixed doubles squad played Rydal on the same day, The Aberdare Cup Team competing for the Sea and Mere trophy. This year Rydal ran out winners. BOYS’TENNIS On the following Wednesday a weakened team faced Merchant Taylor’s. There was some excellent tennis played. Chris Lewis The season started well with a comfortable victory away 7-5 served very well and again the Kunkels proved a hard act to follow, against Wrekin. The Kunkel twins won all their sets and played winning two of their three sets and beating the top seeds 6-1. very well, giving us a platform to go on and win. Other pairings Alistair Keeble, mason Gasgoine, Rob Simms, Harry Blake and included Farrell and Dunn, keeble and Gasgoine, Simms and Tom Bohn made up the rest of the side. Eventually we lost 9-3. Blake. In the House Tennis In week 2 the Senior Boys played Shrewsbury Sixth Form in the In the first junior house event, the mixed, Meynell and Talbot Glanville Cup. In an entertaining match with a high standard of looked the strongest teams and went head to head in the final tennis, we were well beaten. Matt Hinks did play some round with Talbot 3 games ahead. Eventually it was enough to see adventurous tennis, manoeuvring the ball around the court to win them through to win by 27 games, to Meynell 23, Wakeman 13 some excellent points. With James MacKay in the doubles he also and Woodard 9. pushed Shrewsbury all the way. Mark Pearson only in Year 10 The senior and junior squads have enjoyed coaching at the Welti played his singles well and took the first set to 5-7 before loosing Tennis Centre on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. We have his second 3-6. Chris Lewis will probably feel he could have done been fortunate in having Simon Bird, the Shropshire County better. Generally we needed to show more patience in the rallies Coach and Nikki Collins, a very experienced Coach coming into and wait for an opening.The mixed doubles squad played Rydal School to assist with the extra coaching at Ellesmere and at the on the same day, competing for the Sea and Mere trophy. This Tennis Centre. year Rydal ran out winners. I would anticipate that next year both the Senior, U15 and U14 age On the following Wednesday a weakened team faced Merchant groups will benefit from this input. Taylor’s. There was some excellent tennis played. Chris Lewis First Team Captain – E. Swinnerton, S. Oeking, S. Perrin, served very well and again the Kunkels proved a hard act to follow, winning two of their three sets and beating the top seeds 6-1. V. Zelger, S. Griffiths, A. Merrill & S. Haynes Alistair Keeble, Mason Gasgoine, Rob Simms, Harry Blake and This year we have been successful in the Girls U19 British Tom Bohn made up the rest of the side. Eventually we lost 9-3. Schools Competition, winning through to the National Finals at Bolton, one of only eight schools in the country to reach this stage. HBO

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U15 TENNIS SENIOR ROUNDERS A most promising team made up of good individual players who did Senior Rounders is normally an enjoyable event organised by Mr not take well to competition and fulfil their potential as a team, Macintosh every Summer Term. This year they enjoyed a individually there were good performances. Hopefully the match play competitive match against Oswestry School. A group of girls mostly this year has provided the players with valuable experience so that sixth formers captained by Helen Baxter were all excited at the they can move forward with more confidence into the senior team. prospect of having a match. They started off well with Tiffany H. Tomlinson (Captain), N. Evans, E. Johnson, Salmon controlling most of the game from the bowling area. G. Adams, R. Davies, C. Lewis, A. Whittle Ellesmere managed to lead at half time 11 rounders to 7.5. The second innings saw Ellesmere loose some of their strongest U14 TENNIS batters at the beginning but an excellent performance from Sam The U14 team won 3 out of 4 matches, the players varied each Lamberton saw them into a strong position. With Oswestry needing match with the U13’s playing up on occasions. The team played 13 Rounders to win, the girls had to field well in which they did. well when it mattered and matches at this level provide experience Helen Baxter led by example and took 4 catches. The game ended for players at a formative stage in their development of tennis and 20 – 16 win to Ellesmere. Player of the match was Sam Lamberton understanding of competition and match play. for her batting. “An unbeaten season” for the girls as unfortunately A. Simpson, N. Taylor, S. Greensmith, E. Wicks, this was their only game. A. Fokinther, L. Lam, E. Evans HLG

REFFELL OPEN The fifth Reffell Open took place on the last night of the summer U15 & U14 ROUNDERS term, as usual. A very strong field of players assembled to do battle. Early pressure on the favourites Morgan and Oeking Rounders is the second sport for girls at Ellesmere College after seemed to be taking its toll on the Morgan warm-up, while Mr. Tennis in the Summer Term. It is enjoyed by many of the girls and Owen and partner, Buffy Swinnerton seemed more than each year we perform well at the North Shropshire Tournaments. confident. In the first rounds all the north pairs play four games The U14’s and U15’s enjoyed a couple of matches against Moreton against the southern pairs. The aim is to score as many games Hall and Oswestry School. Both were very close fought matches as possible. In each pool the top four pairs would go through to with Ellesmere narrowly missing out on victory. the knock-out stage. It came as quite a shock to very few when At the North Shropshire Tournaments, which are held down on Chatterjee and partner, OE Miss Jenny Sampson were soon Parry’s Field. The U14’s came second in their qualifying table to heading home. Mr. Chatterjee will definitely need some winter reach the semi finals. They met Moreton Hall in the semi’s and lost 1 training although he must realize that a tennis barn is not the by ⁄2 Rounder. They displayed some good batting during the game same as an ordinary barn and he shouldn’t really practice too and were unlucky not to make the final. much against helpless livestock. More of a surprise was the The U15’s were drawn against some tough opposition. They played poor showing of Farrell and partner, OE Miss Aelish Crellin. well winning two of their matches but failed to qualify through to the Aelish, last year’s winner could only look on in disgust as her Semi’s. partner, has tennis actually reached Rhyl?, fell apart. Farrell U15’s Squad: Virginia Cooper (Capt) Tess Fawcett, Harriet seemed more interested in kissing the opposition lady at the end Tomlinson, Emma Johnson, Ashley Whittle, Tash Evans, Grace than actually winning. From the same stock, Dunn also let down Kendall, Lizzie Boffey, Rhian Davies, Steph Platt, Amy Cooper OE Miss Laura Mansfield with a typical lacklustre performance. As usual it was the old war-dogs who kept up the standard. U14’s Squad: Emily Wicks (Capt) Ailsa Jackland, Alice Simpson, Morgan, Bongers, and Cowley, not using his 1960s wooden Sophie Greensmith, Elizabeth Evans, Lottie Keeble, Dunlop Maxply (it’s in a local museum) with Steph Perrin making Amy Fokinther, Lucy Forgrave, Emily Lewis, mincemeat of opponents. Viola Grosvenor, Tania Renner The quarter finals threw up an interesting battle between Mr and HLG Mrs Owen. When she could stop smiling Mrs. Owen played some great tennis, helped to no little extent by Chris Lewis’ booming serve and it was Mr.Owen and Buffy who were dispatched to ignominy. Meanwhile (that sly tennis machine) Mr. Mullock and Sarah Griffiths beat Matt Hinks and Miss Goss to force themselves into a final versus Owen and Lewis. Mr.Mullock was by now stalking the opposition, intimating anyone near the net including his partner but even he could do nothing to wipe that smile off Mrs.Owen’s face as she and Chris triumphed 3-1 in the final. A lovely fish and chip dinner finished the evening. Thanks to all who played or tried to play. We look forward to next year. HBO

ATHLETICS SHROPSHIRE COUNTY ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS SHROPSHIRE COMBINED EVENTS Junior Boys: Toby Blake - 13th Intermediate Boys: Ben Patterson - 16th Mason Gascoigne - 4th (reserve for County team

87 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Sports Day

Due to inclement weather this years sports day saw the introduction of an indoor event. This was only possible due to the great indoor facility of the new sports hall and it was pleasing that we could still run what turned out to be a very enjoyable event even in poor weather. The atmosphere in the hall was electric and all the races were contested in the best sprit. The revised event included a series of adapted indoor field events, sprints and relays. Due to the nature of this new event all the times are new school records for indoor ahletics Special thanks to all the staff and parents who supported.

BOYS EVENT SENIOR TIME/ INTER TIME/ JUNIOR TIME/ DISTANCE DISTANCE DISTANCE 2 lengths Thomas (W/L) 11.47 Patterson (W/L) 11.8 Pearson (M) 11.5 4 lengths Thomas (W/L) 22.8 Jones (M) 24.0 Blake (Wo) 23.7 6 lengths Upton (M) 37.0 Jones (M) 38.47 Ferguson (W/L) 37.9 Long Jump Claxton (W/L) 2.40 Crispin (T) 2.15 Pearson (M) 2.23 Triple Jump Thomas (Wo) 7.90 Foregrave (W/L) 6.65 Evans (M) 5.45 Shot Farrell(W/L) 11.61 Thomas (M) 13.05 Davies (T) 12.19 Reverse Jump Johnson (T) 104 Jones (M) 106 Norman (W/L) 110 Upton (M) 104 4 x 2 lengths relay Meynell 46.1 W/L 48.1 W/L 48.6 Victor Winner Daniel Thomas Woodard Jamie Jones Meynell Mark Pearson Meynell

GIRLS EVENT SENIOR TIME/ INTER TIME/ JUNIOR TIME/ DISTANCE DISTANCE DISTANCE 2 lengths Swinnerton (W/L) 12.87 Tomlinson (T) 13.1 Cooper (W/L) 13.7 4 lengths Lamberton (M) 26.1 Johnson (T) 26.6 Minshal (W/L) 27.8 6 lengths Symn (M) 46.0 Johnson (T) 42.8 Evans (T) 43.7 Long Jump Van-Nied (W/L) 1.69 Brereton (W/L) 1.50 Cooper (W/L) 1.67 Triple Jump Lamberton (M) 5.75 Kendall (Wo) 5.60 Lewis (M) 5.40 Shot Baxter (Wo) 7.61 Raynor (M) 5.91 Denham (W/L) 5.94 Reverse Jump Swinnerton (W/L) 87 Johnson (T) 74 Davis (M) 63 4 x 2 lengths relay Woodard n/a Talbot 53.6 W/L 56.0 Victor Winner Elizabeth Swinnerton Woodard Emma Johnson Talbot Nin Cooper Wakeman/ Lambart

OVERALL RESULTS 1 Meynell 99 W/Lambart 103 W/Lambart 108 2 Woodard 83 Talbot 95 Woodard 85 3 W/Lambart 79 Meynell 85 Meynell 83 4 Talbot 69 Woodard 50 Talbot 62

FINAL POSITIONS 1st Wakeman/Lambart 290 2nd Meynell 267 3rd Talbot 226 4th Woodard 219

88 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 House Sport

SENIOR SCHOOL HOUSE TENNIS In the House Tennis, the seniors had a very close competition. WEDNESDAY INTER-HOUSE SPORTS In the boys’ Meynell narrowly won with 23 games, Talbot on 18, This was the second year of running the interhouse competitions Woodard on 17 and Wakeman on 14. on Wednesday evening. Unfortunately due to other house events The girls’ competition was even closer. Going into the last round we were short of time to complete a complete league format for all Woodard and Meynell were head to head on 17 games each, events. However, the events we well supported and the play was with Talbot lying just behind. In the final match Woodard beat fast, furious and , in the case of the senior girls basketball highly Meynell 7-5, but as Talbot beat Wakeman 12-0, Woodard competitive! narrowly won by 24 games, to Talbot’s 23 and Meynell 22. The indoor girls hockey and boys soccer ran throughout the So we went into the senior mixed with everything to play for Michalemas term. In the junior boys event Meynall were victorious unless you belong to Wakeman. There was only 4 games with three straight wins, in the senior boys Wakema/Lambart between Meynell and Talbot and Woodard. Woodard looked impressed with their smooth passing and won the event with three favourites for this competition with Buffy Swinnerton and straight victories. partner a very strong second seed pair with Steph Oeken and In the junior girls event Talbot dominated and showed great team James Mackay an excellent top seed. However, Meynell had spirit to win with three straight victories., Unfortunately the senior Steph Perrin and Chris Lewis but were slightly weaker lower girls vent was not completed. down. As it happened, we went into the last round with Meynell Basketball was the main event in the Lent term. The quality of this leading the overall competition by 2 games but Woodard had yet competition is improving each year and the skills on display are to play them. Woodard did better at second pairing but drew the impressive. In the junior boys event Talbot proved strong winning top seeds so it all came down to the third seeds. Meynell all three matches, in the Junior girls Talbot and Woodard ended on needed a draw to win the overall, but Nick Evans and Sarah equal points but Talbot were pronounced winners on goal Haynes played some percentage tennis and wore down the difference. Due to restrictions on time we played the senior events Meynell pair to win 3-1 and thus give Woodard both the Mixed in a knock out competition where Meynall won both the boys and trophy and the overall. The whole competition was great girls competitions. sporting fun. Well done to all. Wakeman might need to buy in some coaching for next year!!. INTER HOUSE FOOTBAL In the first junior house event, the mixed, Meynell and Talbot The House football competition again reflected the rising standards looked the strongest teams and went head to head in the final especially in the senior section where all four houses fielded well round with Talbot 3 games ahead. Eventually it was enough to organised determined teams. The attitude and skill displayed on see them through to win by 27 games, to Meynell 23, Wakeman the day was extremely pleasing and it was an enjoyable afternoon. 13 and Woodard 9. Senior winners were Wakeman Lambart Senior Man of the tournament went to Charles Chambers of Talbot. Other performances of note came from: Alex Dunn, James Heald, SENIOR NETBALL James Farrell, Aled Ellis, Matthew Burrows The House Netball Competitions are always played in excellent spirit and this year was no different. The weather was perfect The Junior tournament was also won by Wakeman Lambert with playing conditions being the best they had been all term. Junior Man of the tournament was Mark Pearson. This year, the senior competition was fierce and the closest ever Other performances of note came from: with 3 teams all ending on 2 wins and 1 loss. So the final result Henry Walton, David Morris, Nick Sorfleet, went on goals for and the eventual winners were Woodard who Ahmed Sissey &Harry Valentine. scored 3 more goals more than second place Meynell. In Lower School, Phillips won the U13 tournament An excellent afternoon of Netball from all 4 House teams – well and Brownlow the U11 tournament. done!

Meynell Talbot W & L Wood Total

Meynell 5 (6-5) 5 (14-0) 1 (14-0) 11

Talbot 1 (5-6) 5 (10-1) 5 (11-6) 11

W & L 0 (0-14) 0 (1-10) 0 (1-15) 0

Wood 5 (9-7) 1 (6-11) 5 (15-1) 11

1st - Woodard (Goals scored 30) 2nd - Meynell (Goals scored 27) 3rd - Talbot (Goals scored 26) 4th - Wakeman Lambert (Goals scored 2) HLG

Junior House football winners Wakeman Lambert

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JUNIOR NETBALL Matthews and Stephanie Oaking winning the individual events. The Junior House Netball was as competitive as the seniors with Overall winners were: all four teams wanting to win. Woodard were the definite Age Group Meynell Woodard W/L Talbot strongest and went on to win all of their matches convincingly, which meant they enjoyed a double victory. Everyone enjoyed the Junior 3 7 8 12 afternoon and played to their best of their ability. Well done to all Inter 7 5 10 8 involved. Senior 12 7 4 7 Overall 20 19 22 27 Meynell Talbot W & L Wood Total Thanks must be given to all the competitors and staff who helped to make it a splendid event. Meynell 0516 ILW Talbot 55111

W & L 01 12

Wood 555 15

1st - Woodard 2nd - Talbot 3rd - Meynell 4th - Wakeman Lambart

BASKETBALL

SENIOR CROSS COUNTRY This years cross country was run in good conditions and despite the rumours that the course was longer the competitors turned in some creditable performances. In the junior event Talbot won overall with Harriett Tomlinson and Ashley Hicklin winner the girls and boys race respectively, In the inter event, Wakeman/Lambart claimed a narrow victory with Matthew Burrows winning the boys race and Sarah Lowe winning the girls race. In the seniors Meynell took the overall honours with Danny 1st Basketball Team

INTER-HOUSE BASKETBALL RESULTS Junior Boys: House Played Won Lost Drew Pts For Pts Against Fouls Pts Talbot 3 3 0 0 23 7 3 9 Wakeman Lambart 3 2 1 0 562 6 Meynell 3 1 2 0 25 25 4 3 Woodard 3 0 3 0 0 23 0 0 Junior Girls: Talbot 3 201261667 Woodard 3 2 0 1 22 8 8 7 Meynell 3 0 2 1 10 20 5 1 Wakeman Lambart3021216111 Final Results: Junior Boys Winners: Talbot Junior Girls Winners: Talbot Senior Boys Winner: Meynell Senior Girls Winner: Meynell

90 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Sailing

A Sailing Regatta took place on Whitemere Wednesday 14th June 2006. The schools which took part were: Ellesmere College: David Main, Matthew Steggles, Oliver Dodds, Ryan Williams, The Marches: John Breeze, Craig Stoker Lakelands: Adam Turner, Thomas Adams: Peter-John Sanders. A very good turn out for our first inter school regatta. Unfortunately very little wind but the boys did a sterling job negotiating a triangular course. The winner who has only just started sailing was Peter-John Sanders from , . Well done to every one who took part. DJB

Getting ready for the race Bosuns

Mid race; still very close

Our Team

91 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Shooting

Shooting within the College continues to enjoy rapid growth, over 60 pupils now shoot on a regular basis with 25 now shooting for the School’s teams. Ammunition usage has doubled from the previous year. Mrs Claire Clewlow has proven to be a most capable addition to the shooting staff and a very good shot in her own right. Although most of the pupils are from Lower School this bodes well for our future success. Our competitive efforts have yielded three divisional wins in the British Schools Under 15 Small Bore League with another win in the National Small Bore Rifle Association under 14 League. Superb and consistent shooting has led the way and 100’s have been shot by Jake Taylor, Andrew Main, Richard Belcher and Guy Cooper. Shooting colours have been awarded to those pupils as well as Matthew Shooting at Bisley Steggles, Jack Cox, Sam Fairbank Jack Baxter, Jones, Guy Cooper and Matthew Steggles have been selected George Baxter and Henry Cureton. for the Welsh Junior Development Squad. It is expected that The most notable achievement was made at the Preparatory these pupils will be nominated for the GB Junior Development Schools Rifle Association Centenary championship at Bisley in Squad before the end 2006. the presence of HRH the Duke of Wessex where the College However in addition to this competitive success the determination and sheer hard work of our Year 7 and 8 shooters has resulted in the re-commissioning of the outdoor range on Parry’s field which is now available for outdoor practice as well as CCF skill at arms training. After 36 months of inactivity this rare facility was brought up to standard and is being maintained by 8 Lower School boys who moved over 15 tons of sand by hand in the process. It is a testament to their commitment and enthusiasm. All of the year’s activities were celebrated in a Rifle Club Dinner held at the end of the summer term where some 60 pupils, parents and guests were able to recognise pupils’ achievements. The highest average award went to Jake Taylor with a 98.7. Best Competition Result went to George Baxter. The girls Shooting award was made to Eleanor Biggs and the Coaches award was made to Richard Belcher for outstanding effort during the year. JQ

Preparatory Schools National Shooting Championship Runners-Up fielded the largest number of shooters in what was for all their first major shooting championship. The A team achieved second place overall losing out by 4 points in 800 to an experienced team from Terra Nova School. George Baxter achieved second place in the individual championship. As a result the College had four pupils selected for the International match following the championship. (more than any other school). George Baxter (yr 8) competed for the England team and Jake Taylor, Henry Cureton (both yr 8) and Guy Cooper (yr 7) competed for Wales with Jake Taylor scoring a 178 the second highest total in the match. Following that success pupils Henry Cureton, Jake Taylor, James Sambrook-

92 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Lower School

It has been a remarkably busy and successful year in the Lower Sport, of course, plays a big part in the lives of Lower School School. The Year 8 pupils have led the way with their influence felt pupils. With the pupils in Year 8 being so talented there have been through all walks of College life. a great many highlights this year. The girls’ hockey team have The start of the year seems such a long time ago now but the swept all before them, winning every match as well as triumphing successful Open Morning was an indicator of the type of year that at the North Shropshire, Packwood and Shropshire tournaments. was to follow. On that day the music was particularly uplifting and Well done girls and well done to Mr Purnell. The boys’ rugby team the Choir should be congratulated, not only for that, but also for didn’t quite emulate the girls but they lost only one game and the their performance at the Carol Service, in winning the Oswestry season did feature a first ever win over Packwood. Not surprisingly Festival (where the string group also triumphed) and being they also proved pretty hard to contain on the cricket field as well. runners-up at the Chester Festival. Very well done to all the Lower Throughout the year however our shooters have also shown School musicians and particular thanks to Miss Jones for her themselves to be outstanding. In the British Prep School’s dedication and hard work. Championships we came second with George Baxter being The festive season also saw the Year 4, 5 and 6 pupils’ production selected for England and Jake Taylor, Henry Cureton and Guy of ‘Christmas Presence’. It is quite something for young children to Cooper being selected for Wales. At the end of the league season perform in front of their peers and a large adult audience and it is we also won the Ellesmere Cup which we had not done since to their and Mrs Morgan’s credit that they did it so well. At this time 1998. Well done to all of the children involved in this great sport a large group of the seniors went to see ‘The Lion, the Witch and and particular thanks to Mr Quinlan, Mrs Clewlow, Mr Hillier and the Wardrobe’ at the cinema – not for a ‘jolly’ you understand but for Mrs Lamont for all their hard work. the purposes of research as this was to be the Year 7 and 8 My congratulations to Phillips House for triumphing over the course production. It was a splendid theatrical treat with Sophie Halstead, of the year and best wishes to all the Year 8 pupils as they move on Charlotte Boffey, Oliver Thomas, Jenny Griffiths and Charlotte up through the College. Shearer all marvellous in the leading roles. Mrs Paton and Mrs NAP Fisher are to be congratulated for their efforts in creating such high quality entertainment. Charity, quite rightly, plays an important part in the life of the Lower School. We are remarkably privileged and need to remember how fortunate we are. Through tremendous enthusiasm and endeavour the children have raised money for Children in Need through collecting coins and selling cakes; Operation Christmas Child by filling shoe boxes with donated toys and gifts; the Madagascar project and our College environment through a huge sponsored walk (my thanks to Ms Allen for all her hard work with that); and the Clic Sargent Cancer Care Readathon. Thank you to everyone for their support for such worthy causes. Survive and Thrive continues to be a fantastic opportunity for so many children to taste some wonderful activities – horse riding, cycling, sailing, shooting, drama, media studies, dancing and other creative activities. The children really look forward to their Wednesday afternoons and it is a tribute to Mr Boswell and his Neil Price with Lower School Head Girl Zoe Evans team that they enjoy the sessions so much. and Head Boy George Baxter

Lower School Winning Group

93 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 In and Around Lower School

The Ellesmere College catering staff also contributed to the focus on China during the week with the serving of an array of Chinese food. PW

Lower School Harvest Festival Service

VISIT BY LOCAL FIRE CREW TO LOWER SCHOOL To help finance the Ellesmere College Summer Term Leavers’ Ball a group of Sixth Formers created a calendar depicting a Posing before the Parade series of fun images taken around the School which was sold to family and friends. They wanted to borrow a fire engine from their local team of volunteer firemen who enthusiastically YEAR 8 MOSAIC COMPETITION agreed to join them for a photo-call. The fire engine also drew During the Easter holidays a group of Latin pupils designed much attention from Lower School Pupils who had the mosaics for a Roman style mosaic. opportunity to ask questions to the fireman and look around the The designs were judged by a local mosaic Artist, Antonia fire engine. Barker. The winning designs were produced by Domenic Ellis and Ross Tattersall. Domenic designed a lizard mosaic and Ross a ship mosaic. Many good designs were submitted and the winners had their designs created into actual mosaics. IT

CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS AT ELLESMERE COLLEGE Lower School celebrated Chinese New Year and learnt about the ‘Year of the Dog’ after pupils created a colourful dragon. Peter Wei spent a few weeks coaching Lower School Year 7 pupils how to present the dragon to the rest of the School. To Domenic Ellis & Ross Tattersall with winning mosaic designs celebrate Chinese New Year the Dragon was paraded to the traditional Chinese beat of a drum in the Senior and Lower School assemblies. I was delighted to see how enthusiastically the group of pupils embraced the festivities from a different culture. The creation of the dragon, the learning of the drum beat and actual performances were all new experiences for the group who were also keen to learn the background of the ceremony.

94 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006

LOWER SCHOOL CONTRIBUTE TO OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Out and About Following a visit by a representative from the Wrexham based CHESTER ZOO TRIP YEAR 8 charity, Operation Christmas Child, Lower School pupils were busy The Summer Term once again saw Year 8 going on a visit to Chester filling boxes to be sent around the world to less fortunate children. Zoo. The main reason for the trip was to learn about the Steve Robertson, from Operation Christmas Child made a classification of animals, with real live examples. In the morning all poignant presentation to the Lower School Pupils at Ellesmere of us were very exited, however the majority of the passengers were College. This resulted in a large number of show boxes being filled more concerned about whether or not they would feel sick on the by pupils young and old in the School. The Lower School pupils’ journey there. Fear not, it was not that far and after a short efforts were complimented by the Sixth Form girls from St. uneventful journey we arrived at Chester Zoo. Oswald’s House who ensured that boxes were also filled for an older age group of children. Each year the families of pupils and staff are very supportive of this worthwhile cause, resulting this year in over two hundred boxes being taken to Wrexham. HJW

Boxes collected for Operation Christmas Child 2005 Who’s looking at who?

We gathered ourselves into our tutor groups and headed of to the education centre for our talk. We all listened attentively to our instructors from Chester Zoo and were able to hold some of the wild animals. There were some real creepy crawlies, like the Madagascan hissing cockroaches, which stuck to you and could hold onto you upside down. The birds were much nicer as was the tortoise, which was in no hurry to go any where. After the talk, we EXCELLENT ENGLISH SPEAKING BOARD RESULTS then went to explore the zoo and see all the different types of ACHIEVED BY ELLESMERE PUPILS animals that we had just learnt about. The bat house was a bit A group of Year 6 and 8 pupils from Ellesmere excelled themselves smelly, but it was amazing to see them flying free. The elephants in their English Speaking Board examinations. Pupils had to now have a new house and that was really smart. One of the best present a three minute talk, recite a poem and read aloud to an groups of animals were the Orangutans, especially the little baby audience including a visiting examiner. ones, who were wresting and climbing all over mum and dad. There Ninety Lower School pupils from the College aged between 8 and new house is still being built, but should be great when it is 13 entered for the examinations and forty seven of them achieved complete. It was a really enjoyable day and lucky for us it didn’t rain the two top grades of distinction and merit plus. at all. Samantha Woolfson DISTINCTION GRADES: Lewis Allsop, Charlotte Boffey, Oliver Brereton, Tom Broadhead, Adam Butt, Dominick Coppinger, Sam Fairbank, Douglas Forster, Paddy Fuller, Viola Grosvenor, Thomas Lee, Bethany Lyttle, Andrew Main, Edward Morris, Stephanie Newport-Booth, Kate Parry, John Paul, Joachim Pescod, Francesca Rickett, Polly Russell, Ross Tattersall, Jake Taylor, Oliver Thomas, Hugh Wignall.

MERIT PLUS GRADES: Alexander Allsop, George Baxter, Megan Bray, Benjamin Brooks, Michael Brown, Sarah Carr, George Clewlow, Henry Cureton, Matthew Dewhirst, Xavier Dodds, Melissa Evans, Zoe Evans, Carys Fieldhouse, Lucy Forgrave, James Fletcher, Alice Greville, Sophie Halstead, Lucy Harrington, Oliver Hedge, Iona Jackland, William Johnson, Lucia Jones, Holong Lam, James Leahy, Emily Lewis, Samuel Owen, Liam Owens, Sam Phillips Joshua Sambrook-Jones, Simon Swannell, Luke Taylor, David Whitehead, James Whittles. CLC Mother and baby Orang-utan

95 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Lower School Music

‘Thank you For The Music’ sang the Lower School Choir in our mandolin and returning with a guitar – what versatility! It is always annual summer concert. It was a sentiment shared by all those who great to see brothers and sisters getting on so well. James and had just enjoyed a variety of music performed by talented Joshua Sambrook Jones didn’t have much choice in this concert musicians throughout the School. The concert was the climax to as they were playing the same instrument at the same time! Their what had been a very successful year for the pupils in Lower ‘Dance of the Shepherd Girls’ duet was well received and we could School. detect the sibling rivalry in their exciting race to the end of the piece! Other superb solos were performed by Zoe Evans, John It was back in September when musical rehearsals restarted for Paul, Luke Taylor, Jessica Brazier, Michael Brown and Jennifer the new school year. Open Day provided the first opportunity to Griffiths. perform new repertoire. ‘Bare Necessities’, the popular tune from Shrek - The Monkees ‘I’m a believer’ were both hits with the choir. Oswestry Festival was a highlight of the year. Both the Choir and The Orchestra had lots of fun with a percussive Samba and the String Group took first place and were graded outstanding. The String Group impressed the audience with celtic dance music. Choir were also runners up in the Chester Festival and highly commended with their performance in the National Festival Of The Christmas season ensured a plethora of musical activity. In Music For Youth. Well done to all pupils involved. addition to providing music for the Christmas Tree lighting in the quad and the Key Stage Two nativity, the joy of Christmas was certainly shared in our annual charity concerts. The hard work and time given by pupils to entertain the members of Age Concern and residents in Dolywern was certainly appreciated. We also enjoyed chatting and talking to our audiences afterwards, another area in which many of our musicians are skilled! The Carol Services are always a highlight of the Michaelmas term and this year was no exception. The Lower School Choir were the first to ignite the spirit of Christmas in their heart- warming singing of ‘When A Child Is Born’. The beautiful music of ‘Allegro and Pomposo’ from Handel’s Water music radiated from high up in the Lady Chapel. This was played by the string group comprising Paddy Fuller, Luke Taylor, Kate Parry and John Paul. Years four, five and six recorder group certainly brightened up the Chapel with their lively version of ‘Good King Wenceslas’ and the Orchestra ensured an explosive conclusion with a medley of carols entitled ‘Christmas Cracker’. It was a special event supported by many parents, pupils and staff of Lower School. What a varied and entertaining programme the pupils gave in the The String Group Triumphant Lent term concert. Music ranged from Brahms’ ‘Hungarian Dance’ Luke Taylor, John Paul, Kate Perry and Paddy Fuller (performed by Paddy Fuller) to the Orchestras’ version of Kanye West’s ‘Diamonds are Forever’. Here I must mention the brilliant drumming of Michael Brown. The soloists in this concert were We have a particularly good group of talented musicians in Year particularly impressive. Carys and Polly flew the welsh flag in the eight and I wish them much success as they enter middle school. trumpet duet ‘Men Of Harlech’ and incidentally they played better Carys Fieldhouse, Polly Russell, Paddy Fuller, Michael Brown, than the Welsh Rugby team in the Six Nations! Sam Philips Dominic Ellis, Hugh Wignall, Douglas Forster and Zoe Evans all surprised the audience by walking off the stage with an unplayable received colours for their music-making. Many people have contributed to the pupils’ musical achievement. Mr Viner, Mrs Forester, Mrs Hart and Mrs Blake have been brilliant in their support and guidance with musical groups and soloists. Our new Director of Music, Mr Roger Paul has made a significant impact since his arrival. Thanks also to parents’ encouragement in their attendance at concerts. Mr Price, our Head of Lower School has also been incredibly supportive to pupils in their music, always keen to provide an opportunity for pupils to perform. As he leaves the school to take a new teaching post, we send him good wishes and thanks. Using his words to conclude, ‘The music in Lower School is going from strength to strength’. We look forward to building upon pupils’ achievements next year. Oswestry Music Festival Winners BJ

96 THE ELLESMERIAN 2006 Lower School Sport

MICHAELMAS TERM In the forwards Oliver Thomas arrived as a loose head and once his fitness levels improved he became very effective in both the BOYS’ RUGBY scrummages and as a target in the line outs. The tight five were all mobile and it was pleasing to see local boy Sam Phillips come from UNDER 13 RUGBY having never played the game at the beginning of the year, to being Played Won Drawn Lost For Against extremely effective in the loose and the lineouts. He quite rightly 12 10 1 1 325 63 picked up the “Most Improved Player” award. The back row, were This year’s season has been a very pleasing one for the U13A on times, devastating. team and the most successful at this level to date. The boys only lost once in a gruelling term of rugby. Their improving mental Full Colours were awarded to the following: toughness allowed them to keep a clean sheet against the majority Hugh Wignall, James Leahy, Sam Phillips, Sean Lomax, of the opposition and games were won in difficult circumstances. Jake Taylor, Ben Brooks, George Baxter, Jamie Whittles Half Colours were awarded to the following: FIXTURES & RESULTS Domenic Ellis, Tom Broadhead, Ollie Thomas, Domenic Ellis, KO Date Venue Opponent Result F A J. Baxter, James Sambrook-Jones, M.Macintosh 14:00 Sat 17th Sep H Denstone College Won 32 0 K. Johnson, Henry Cureton 10:00 Sat 24th Sep H Stafford Grammar Won 67 5 The focus and hunger shown by the whole team meant that most 14:30 Wed 28th Sep H Winterfold House School Won 27 0 opposition found us very difficult to stop, however we were not a 10:30 Sat 8th Oct H Rydal Penrhos Senior School Won 41 0 physically large side and so I look forward to seeing how this side 10:30 Sat 15th Oct A Newcastle-u-Lyme School Won 27 0 progresses in the future. 10.00 Sat 5th Nov H Bishop Heber,High School Won 29 10 DJM 14:30 Sat 12th Nov A Moor Park Preparatory Draw 0 0 14:30 Sat 26th Nov H Packwood Haugh Won 20 0 Preparatory 15:00 Fri 2nd Dec H St Anselm's, Bakewell Won 20 10 10:00 Sat 3rd Dec H Sandbach School Lost 17 26 14:30 Wed 7th Dec H Prestfelde Preparatory Won 20 5 School 14:30 Fri 10th Mar H Arnold Lodge School Won 25 7 We were able to build on last year’s team with a number of new pupils. Scrum half Jack Baxter joined his brother and Captain, George. Ben Brooks arrived from the Wirral and grew to be an excellent Fly-half. Matthew Macintosh came in at outside centre and with James Sambrook- Jones and Kallum Johnson on each wing; a back line emerged which was strong in defence and exciting in attack. Backs: G. Baxter (C), B. Brooks (Player’s Player), J. Baxter, U13 Team M. Macintosh, J. Sambrook-Jones, K. Johnson, S. Kendall. Forwards: Sevens Squad: T. Broadhead, H. Wignall, O. Thomas, J. Leahy, S. Phillips (most G. Baxter (c), J. Baxter, J. Whittles, B. Brooks, H. Wignall, improved player), S. Lomax, J. Taylor, D. Ellis, H. Cureton S. Phillips, K. Johnson, M. Macintosh, S. Kendall, (M. Brown - joined in the Lent term and played the final game.) J. Taylor, S. Lomax. We entered two tournaments this year; Packwood Haugh and our own. We were beaten in the quarter finals at Packwood, narrowly losing to Prestfelde who went on to reach the final. At our own tournament we finished third after topping our group. I would like to thank the boys and all those who have supported this season. I wish those that are moving into Upper School all the best next season. DJM

Tight binding and good body position win the scrum for Ellesmere and allow scrum-half J. Baxter to score on the blind side against Stafford Grammar

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GIRLS HOCKEY play. We never gave up but they went on to win 3-0. Ellesmere should be proud on how they played at the Tournament. U13 MIDLANDS HOCKEY TOURNAMENT To reach the Midlands Tournament is an excellent achievement but On Sunday April 2nd, the U13 Girls represented Shropshire at the to actually reach the semi finals and finish in the top best 4 teams Midlands Stage of the National Mini Hockey Championships at in the Midland Region, for a small school like Ellesmere is Cannock Hockey Club. With 10 teams in the tournament and 9 remarkable. The U13’s have worked with commitment all year and different Midlands Counties being represented this was going to be hopefully next September, with the prospect of training on a a challenging day for the Ellesmere Girls. They were playing on a Wednesday Afternoon at Lilleshall on their water-based turf, the water-based pitch which is faster than Astroturf. girls will only get better. Well done to all the girls! Ellesmere were in a group with teams from Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Worcestershire and Bedfordshire. We started off UNDER 12 HOCKEY quite slowly and had two close matches with Trent College from The girls had a fantastic season when one considers that they only Derbys and Southwell Hockey Club from Notts. Both games lost one match on astroturf. The Under 12 Hockey squad worked finished 0-0. From the start we knew we weren’t out of our depth hard to develop a strong formation in squad training sessions, Play and we could compete with the standard of the hockey being improved in strength and set play success as the season progressed. Many of the girls developed skills required for specific playing positions. As a result of this game performance improved and Ellesmere Under 12s secured many creditable performances. We look forward to next season in anticipation of improving even further! Year Five and Six Hockey

Action from the Midlands Tournament played. We also knew we had to step up a gear. Our third game was against Bedford High, which we knew was going to be hard. The girls played well and the two teams having their chances to score. Unfortunately for us, Bedford scored twice. We were fortunate that many of the matches in our group had ended scoreless so it wasn’t over yet and a win in the last game could give us a semi final place but we would have to score goals. The Year five and six girls thoroughly enjoyed their hockey in the With the girls knowing this, they should determination in their last Michaelmas term. Great determination was shown in their matches game against Bromsgrove and played their best Hockey of the day, played against local prep schools in which every pupil took part. if not the year! Within the first minute, we put a lot of pressure on Ellie Halstead, Jennifer Pegg and Emma Greville thrived on the the Bromsgrove’s defence and slotted in the first goal. From then experience of being team captain and Sophie Sheldon showed on, we were all over the Bromsgrove Girls and went on to win 3-0. much promise in her role as goal keeper. What was particularly After an agonising wait to see who would go through to the semi pleasing was that all the girls made significant improvements in finals. There were 3 teams all on the same points. Fortunately, with their game. Well done to all the girls! the 3 goals we scored against Bromsgrove meant we got through HLG to the semi finals with a better goal difference. In the semi’s we played Belper Hockey Club. They were good and well drilled in their

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LENT TERM had his first shot blocked before he hammered home what turned out to be the winning goal. A late consolation penalty for Stafford FOOTBALL ate up time and through grit and determination we were able to UNDER 13 FOOTBALL emerge victorious by four goals to three. This set out to be a very challenging season for this team. The aim This was a fine, battling display, with subs Tom Draper and Oliver of season was to be competitive in all matches. Through a great deal of hard work the squad achieved many creditable performances including an excellent draw with a local school. Their willingness to work as a squad was always evident. The games that were lost tended to be closely fought contests. The squad improved a great deal throughout the season becoming well organised in defence and creative in midfield. The squad was never short of willing players which demonstrates the positive and determined attitude of this particular year. They worked hard on their fitness and their individual technical skills throughout the season. As a result, the squad were a pleasure to coach. The following players received their colours, Ben Brookes, Jake Taylor, Alex Owen, Sam Phillips and Hugh Wignall. GO

U12’s team against Stafford Langton coming on to play their part late in the second half. A seven goal thriller, with Ellesmere deservedly coming out on top. DJM GIRLS’ NETBALL UNDER 13 NETBALL The Under 13 squad trained hard as this group of girls always do. They led by example in the Lower School Squad training sessions by being out ready to practice early and being well prepared. Many of the games throughout the season were easily won. However this did allow the chance for many girls to play in matches as many substitutions could be made when Ellesmere moved comfortably ahead. The season came to an exciting climax when Ellesmere won the North Shropshire Tournament and went on to represent the area in the County Tournament. U12s v The County Tournament was held at Shrewsbury High School on Saturday 25th March 2006 a cold and snow filled day. Courts were cleared and play commenced. Many very strong teams were present and We knew this was going to be a tough encounter but we started opposition was tough. We did not win our group matches but we well and it was much against the run of play that Stafford found did have a good look at the next standard of play that we will have themselves 2-0 up after 15 minutes. Both goals had been to achieve to progress further. Memories of a good Netball season speculative efforts that looped over our outstanding goalkeeper, still hold true with lots to look forward to as Under 14’s. Jack Baxter. They were both unstoppable and we didn’t let our heads go down. Squad: L. Forgrave, C. Shearer, L. Lam, C. Boffey, V. Grosvenor, K. Foster, Matthew Macintosh gradually came to life in the centre of our L. Harrington, S. Newport Booth, M. Evans, Z. Evans, E. Lewis midfield and fired in a long ranger from close to the corner flag. It was a cross but it sailed over the goalkeeper’s head and we were HLG back in the game. Minutes later Yyanis Johnson-Llambias rounded the keeper to score after some hard tackling from Kallum Johnson and Hugh Clutton in the muddy midfield. Our defence were looking more and more solid with Tom Davies tidying up on the left and Owen Taraborelli putting in some solid tackles on the right as well as starting some good attacking moves. In the middle of our defence Jason Towers found himself supporting our strikers on occasion and his adventurous spirit almost became his undoing as Stafford flashed a shot wide of the goal just before half time. We went in at 2-2 with everything to play for. We took the game to them in the second half and managed to go 3-2 up when Michael Kelly whipped the ball across the front of the goal where it bounced off Yyanis and in. Yyanis maintained that this was deliberate. Some doubted it but it was definitely his goal and we began to sense victory. We then piled on even more pressure with Justin Jones-Clewley putting in some searching balls from the right wing and Tom Leicester clearing up any Stafford attacks at the back. In a great surge of attacking play Michael Kelly Here comes another goal for Ellesmere

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U11 Results v. Adcote Won 2-1 P.O.M. Katy Leicester v. Merton House Lost 4-2 P.O.M. Bethany Lyttle

UNDER 12 NETBALL The U12 team had a mixed season, improving steadily as the term U11Squad progressed. Each individual player worked hard to achieve a higher standard of play in their respective roles. U10 Results S Wicks was the player of the match 3 times, with good positional v. Adcote Lost 2-0 P.O.M. Phoebe Croysdale play and accurate shooting. Paige & Alex also achieved this honour. Paige improved in her defensive play and Alex provided a v. Merton House Lost 6-1 P.O.M. Ellie Halstead lively link in the centre. HG Chloe, as always, worked very hard in matches and played an excellent wing defence. Natalie provided a steady influence at goal shooter doing well under pressure. Grace improved in her role as wing attack. The team was well supported by Freya, Jen Griffiths and Francine. The captaincy was shared during the term thus providing many of the team with the experience of captain duties. Squad: Francene McSalley-Parsons, Paige Rudd, Victoria von Hoven, Natalie Pickford, Megan Westwood, Jen Griffiths, Chloe Prydden, Sarah Wicks, Grace Tomlinson, Katherine Neary, Freya West

U10 Squad

UNDER 11 & 10 NETBALL The U11’s enjoyed a number of matches and tournaments this season against local prep schools. They enjoyed the experience of the Prestfelde and Ellesmere Tournaments – they found the standard of play high but they seemed to rise to the challenge and improved by playing in such competitions. Well done girls – keep enjoying and working hard at your netball as I’m sure success will come your way over the next couple of years!

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YEAR SEVEN AND EIGHT HOUSE NETBALL made huge progress in our technical and tactical play. Congratulations to those many players who were also selected to Phillips v. Brownlow 8-2 play ’A’ team after showing good form for the ‘B’s. Thanks must go Brownlow v. Heywood 1-5 to all the parents who supports. Heywood v. Phillips 6-4 IW

Heywood Phillips Brownlow Total Pos. CROSS COUNTRY With the new course now established and a larger base of Heywood 5 (6-4) 5 (5-1) 10 1st competitors in year 4 it is please to see this annual event growing in popularity. The effort of the pupils on the day is tremendous. Phillips 1 (4-6) 5 (8-2) 6 2nd This year we ran two separate events for year 4,5 and 6 and then 7and 8 combined. This allowed the spotlight to be shone on the younger runners and proved a refreshing change. Brownlow 0 (1-5) 0 (2-8) 0 3rd The events were run in great spirit and credit must be given to all who took part and supported. Particular thanks must be given to all the staff who helped organize on the day. All the races proved YEAR FIVE AND SIX HOUSE NETBALL to be extremely competitive. Heywood v Phillips 0-3 RESULTS Heywood v Brownlow 2-0 Brownlow v Phillips 0-2 YEAR 4 Boys winner – Joel Lyttle Phillips Brownlow Heywood Total Pos. YEAR 5

Phillips 5 (2-0) 5 (3-0) 10 1st Boys winner Richard Price Girls Year 4/5 winner Elli Halstead Brownlow 0 (0-2) 0 (0-2) 0 3rd YEAR 6 Boys winner Josh Sambrook-Jones Heywood 0 (0-3) 5 (2-0) 5 2nd Girls winner Kate Parry YEAR 7 SUMMER TERM Boys winner Jack Baxter CRICKET Girls winner Alex Fearn UNDER 13B CRICKET YEAR 8 The season started with a narrow lost away at Packwood, but it Boys winner George Baxter was pleasing to note that this was our only defeat of, what turned Girls winner Sophie Halstead out to be, an excellent season. Our fielding was good with Alex ILW Owen making three catches, but our battling on the day slowed and we could not reach the Packwood total. The Kings Chester match was cancelled due to rain, but we then travelled to Rydal TENNIS and put up a splendid display of batting and bowling. Hugh Wignall scored 42 and was partnered well by Joel Maddock- U13 TENNIS James who scored 21 not out. Ben Oakeley bowled with great Another very promising team with good individual players, they accuracy to take 3 wickets in quick succession and we won in have great potential and strength in depth. Match results were comfortable fashion. We then played Newcastle at Home and with mixed considering the ability within the squad. an unfamiliar look to the line-up we managed to pull off a great C Shearer represented North Shropshire in the Shropshire Area victory in the last over. We then were please to host Packwood for Finals and the team came 2nd in the North Shropshire Doubles a return fixture and this time our batting was far more formidable. Competition. Wignall looked impressive with the bat scoring quickly, he was M. Evans (Captain), Z. Evans, C. Shearer, S. Halstead, followed by Owen and Kendall who developed a fine innings together Both scoring 38. We put on a total of 138. We then E. Lewis, V. Grosvenor, L. Forgrave, L. Lam bowled Packwood out to claim the victory with Owen taking three wickets to add to his impressive batting display. The last game of U12 TENNIS the season was played away at Wrekin. We again batted The team had good match results against Rydal Penrhos, Wrekin extremely well with Kendall and Johnson setting up a great innings and Moreton Hall, but lost against Kings. Grace and Kate were together. Kendall looked comfortable at the crease and scored 37 unbeaten until the Kings match. There were good individual while Johnson rattled up a quick 47 with nine 4’s. We set a total performances by players and this bodes well for the future. of 138. We felt comfortable at we took the field but our bowling G. Tomlinson, K. Norman, P. Rudd, A. Fearn, before tea was inaccurate and Wrekin moved into a strong F. McSalley Parsons, C. Prydden, S. Wicks position. Having taken tea we rallied and bowled a much tighter line. Justin Jones-Clewley took two very important wickets and U11 & U10 TENNIS conceded few runs in his 4 overs and that swung the game back All the girls represented Ellesmere from both age groups in in our favour eventually winning by 20 runs. matches against The Firs and Adcote, competing at their own Many thanks must go to all who represented the ‘B’ this season. respective standard of play. The spirit in training and matches was first class and I believe we BG

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RECORD NUMBERS AT ELLESMERE COLLEGE OPEN DAY The annual Ellesmere College Summer Term Open Day was held on Sunday, 21st May 2006. Despite the unfortunate weather, we were extremely pleased with the support we received during the afternoon from both our current parents and prospective families looking around the School. Many different parts of the School were open including the Chapel and Sports Hall. All our staff and pupils worked hard to make it a memorable event for our visitors. During the afternoon, we welcomed back to the School many former pupils, including John de Mowbray Jeffrey, OE and retired national champion croquet player who gave visitors the opportunity to play croquet on the Terraces. There were numerous opportunities for visitors to participate in activities throughout the campus, including practising cricket skills in the Sports Hall, joining a marching band and in Lower School making a bookmark personalised with their photograph. In the Geography Department families marked the location of their homes on an interactive map. The Senior School Choir sang in the Chapel whilst the Lower School Choir and Orchestra were to be found in Lower School entertaining their visitors. At the end of the tour tea was served to visitors in Big School, with background music being provided by Music Scholars and the Director of Music.

The date for next year’s Open Day is Sunday, 20th May 2007. HJW

Ellesmere College OPEN DAY Sunday, 20th May 2007 2.00pm – 4.00pm Day, weekly-boarding and full-boarding Bus transport is available for day and weekly-boarding pupils

I For more details and entry forms please contact the Headmaster’s Secretary on: 01691 622321 Ellesmere Ellesmere College, Ellesmere, Shropshire, SY12 9AB email: [email protected] www.ellesmere.com

Ellesmere College is a Woodard School Ellesmere College Ltd is a registered charity which exists to provide education for children. Charity number 1103049 An 8-18 Co-educational School

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