EDITORIAL STAFF SCHOOL OFFICERS

P. H. Gilbert MICHAELMAS TERM 1975

J. S. Gowdey Captain of School: N. St. L. Kyrke-Smith
J. W. McClure Prefects: J. B. Baker
A. C. Middleton Elizabeth M. Bowyer-Jones
Julie Scott G. Coulthard
R. Sheppard R. M. A. George
S. A. Westrop
W. C. Newbold, Esq. Sacristan: J. A. H. Booth
Artist: Sheila Jones
LENT AND SUMMER TERMS
VOLUME LXXXVIII
NUMBER 313 Captain of School: G. Coulthard
OCTOBER 1976 Prefects: C. V. Atkinson
S. M. Blakey
J. A. H. Booth
EDITORIAL C. J. U. Jagger
P.W. S. Skinner
"AN APPEAL FROM THE EDITORS" Sacristan: C. J. C. Hilling

If this prestigious magazine fails to please;

And you think it unworthy of soaring fees;
Do not hesitate to scold and vent your ire;
But don't use it as fuel for your wolfish fire.
If you' re shocked, and think we ought to change tack,
And agrily demand your lost money back,
Please do not rebuke us humble editors,
Try our chief, he is quite used to creditors,
All the features are piquant, sharp and witty,
Nothing as ridiculous as this ditty.
We discuss matters like music, drama, sport,
(Don't blame our cricketers if they're out for nought),
Vital things like Arts Centres, master's wages,
Or whether the Shell should be kept in cages.
So before you us too heartily condemn,
Please, oh!, please reconsider and look again.
 Staff Notes
Last year's issue having so few changes to note missed the himself always maintained he didn't play a great enough part in
arrival of Deryck Wareing to instruct Prestfelde, Moreton Hall and house matters, he was in fact a loyal supporter and a valuable
Ellesmere in the techniques of violin playing. Having welcomed a tutor. We shall miss him, and wish him, and Phillipa and the family
new musician; in the next breath we must say goodbye to the a successful and happy time at Woodbridge.
longest serving member of the Music Department, Mrs. Rosemary
Brown; (Shall we ever forget her 'big timpani'?) who has been K.J.S.
appointed Director of Music at Packwood Haugh.
At Easter Michael Marshall took charge of the Physics
Department; we hope that he and his wife have a very enjoyable
stay at Ellesmere. ROSEMARY BROWN
The only other change for September concerns mathematics
for Mike Boothroyd is leaving for Woodbridge. His place as tutor to What a marvellous asset Rosemary would have been to the
Talbot and mathematician is to be taken by S. A. Elwell-Sutton. court of Nebuchadnezzar! She would have had them all under her
thumb — flute, harp, sackbut, dulcimer, psaltery, and, given a
M.J.B.
week or two's notice, probably the cornet as well! How lucky
Packwood is to have acquired a musician of her versatility to be its
Director of Music!
To his colleagues in the Common Room, Michael
Boothroyd's absence will be noticed, if not earlier, then at the start
But to give the impression of Rosemary as a musical Jill-of-all-
of the next examination season, and his successor as master in
trades would be to do her less than justice. She is a highly
professional musician with an impeccable sense of rhythm and a
charge of G.C.E. will have a difficult task in following such a
dedicated man. One admired his patience and thoroughness in
sensitive feeling for the right shape of a musical line. Her standards
are of the highest and her pupils are never allowed to forget it.
tackling this unrewarding task, and these qualities stood him in
At the same time she is also a severely practical music teacher.
good stead in other spheres of school life. After a spell of losing
and finding O.T.U. boys as a regular expedition weekend man, he
She remains convinced there is no point in asking people to play
turned his attention to the C.C.F. and ended up doing the same
music that is clearly beyond their capacity, and for two reasons:
thing: during the most recent outing he found time to redirect a
firstly, they would not play them well, and this offends her musical
few scouts as well. As master in charge of tennis he was at least as
standards; secondly, they would get no pleasure out of it, and this
is contrary to another main article of her musical creed — making
successful as his predecessor, but in sporting matters he will
music is meant to be fun. Those who have made music with her in
perhaps be best remembered as a cross-country runner, his tall
lean figure seen on the inevitable cold winter's day, either leading
the groups she organised from time to time will testify to the in
his men in training, or, disguised in a heavy raincoat, standing at
fectious enjoyment which they shared. Her pupils, too, will bear
the end of the course computing the results. While computer
witness to the sympathy and understanding with which their
science may not have been his strongest point, nevertheless
problems and difficulties were received. Her departure will indeed
leave a gap in our musical life, but all we can do now is to say how
Michael gave valuable service in the Maths Department, as suc
cessions of average boys gained the '0' level passes they needed.
grateful we are for her work among us, and to wish her every
success in her new responsibilities.
To many of these he gave a good deal of care and attention: this
was also true of his tutees in Talbot House, and while Michael M.W.H.G.
 SIROFFLEYWAKEMAN, BART, C.B.E., J.P., D.L, M.A.

The death of Sir Offley, Custos and Senior Fellow of the

Corporation of SS Mary and Nicolas is a significant break in the life
of the Woodard Schools and of Ellesmere in particular. His father,
scholar (a first in History and in Law at Eton and Christchurch and
brother of Henry,Founder Fellow of Keble, Fellow of All Souls and
Church Historian), Barrister, keen sportsman and holder of many
offices in Salop and in the House of Laymen began to be
associated with Canon Woodard when Provosts Loweand Meynell,
Sir Arthur Haywood and others had founded the Midland Division
of the Woodard Schools and with these men, he became a non-
residentiary Fellow in 1879 and with Peak, Vicar of Ellesmere and
Earl Brownlow was responsible for the school at Ellesmere. From
1879 he was the Scrutineer i.e. the Custos of Ellesmere and this
post he held for forty years. He was succeeded by his only sur
viving son; the Sir Offley we know so well, who was Custos for 42
years. Between them, father and son represented Ellesmere on the
governing body of the schools for 82 years, unique in the history of
Woodard Schools; indeed his service extended another four years R.A.E.P. and |
as Fellow, Patron of the Old Ellesmerian Club and of the School Sir Offley Wakeman, Bart., C.B.E., J.P., J.P., D.L, M.A. |
Appeal. dominant member of the education committee, and there was
Sir Offley had many of the qualities of his father — capable,
hardly on organisation in Salop from the Archaelogical Society to
sincere, very kind, deeply religious, approachable, devoting his
the Young Farmers Club which did not demand his help over a
great qualities of mind to doing service in Church and State, not period of 50 years. Amongst his multifarious activities his chief
only in his county but in Whitehall and in countless committees.
concern was education — a new school in Shrewsbury bears his
Both were magnificent in their gifts, and richly so to Ellesmere. It name __ the Church (for many years he was a Lay Reader and he
may not be an exaggeration to say that the Chapel, as we know it,
preached regularly) and the welfare of youth. To Ellesmere he was
would not have existed had it not been for the Wakeman family. a constant welcome visitor. Whenever we had a 'great day', Sir
Sir Offley was brought up in the traditional way of life on his Offley was present, ready to speak for all good causes. There are
father's country estate, at Yeatdn Peverey near Shrewsbury in a hundreds of our old boys who will remember with pleasure, visits
house designed by Sir Aston Webb, a noteable feature of which is to his home, and especially to his Hunting Lodge at Dorrington,
the private chapel. There is little doubt why the Fellows chose Sir and many others will have met him as a Company Commander in
Aston to design our chapel in 1920. Educated at Eton and the Home Guard in the local battalion, or in the countless com
Christchurch, Offley was commissioned in the Grenadier Guards. mittees he sat on in the County. The Memorial Service held in
He served in France, and was severely wounded in the head (in October 1975 at St. Chad's, Shrewsbury was attended by
later life he was sorely handicapped by the effects of these representatives of many of these organisations. Our visitor, the
wounds), but recovered sufficiently to be appointed A.D.C. to the Bishop of Lichfield, former Provost, the Headmaster, the Custos,
Viceroy of India, an appointment he resigned at the end of the war. members of the Common Room, the Captain of School and
When living in London he sat on the L.C.C. and the L.C.C. Prefects, and several members of the Club, represented the
Education Committee. In Salop he was an Alderman for over thirty Woodard Schools and Ellesmere. He is survived by his widow and
years, and Chairman of the County Council for 20 years, High
his sons and a sister.
Sheriff in 1934 and Vice-Lieutenant for twenty years. He was a
 CECIL HOWARD

Cecil Howard died at his home near Ashford in January, 1976

after a short, serious illness. He had been badly handicapped for
many years from arthritic and rheumatic complaints. Last summer
on his return from his annual Shropshire holiday, he was badly
shaken and cut in a car accident.
He joined the Common Room in 1926 and retired after 41 years
service, first to teach History and English, then to take over the
post of Senior History master and the Housemastership of Talbot
in 1930. He held this latter post for 28 years, by far the longest
period in our history. He was acting Headmaster for a term in 1935,
and became Second Master on the appointment of Ray Evans-
Prosser as Headmaster. This post he held for 32 years.
The funeral service, held on 27 January at Ruckinge Parish
Church, was attended by the Headmaster, and the O.E. Club and
Talbot House were represented by John Senior, J. Lidgate, R. Der
L. Wheeler, the Reverend Raymond Davis, R. Chance and Rev.
Skene Catling.
A memorial Service was held in the Chapel on St. George's
Day and about 30 O.E.s attended together with representatives of
the Fellows, all the Common Room masters who were his former
colleagues, boys and friends from the Ellesmere district.
The Chaplain conducted the Service, the choir sang
beautifully, Richard Taylor, former Captain of Talbot House read
the lesson and the Hon. Secretary of the O.E. Club gave the ad
dress. "This service", he said, "is not for sorrow but for
thanksgiving —, thanksgiving for one who was devoted to the
school in ways rare and blessed . . . those who knew him only as
crippled with pain, the sad shuffling figures of recent years, ad
mired his courage, his absence of self-pity, his determination to live
without grumbling. In his younger days he had energy and was a
forceful character ... he was a devoted schoolmaster from his
appointment by Mr. Healwroth. Dr. Billen appointed him in 1930 to
the Housemastership of Talbot when very young and he was
devoted to the boys .... to the school he was tied emotionally, for
he loved being in the community, and this life he left sadly on his
retirement. . . his annual summer visit he cherished as the highlight
of the year." From his Cambridge days—, he was an exhibitioner
of King's College,— he loved music, poetry and
especially drama, and it was as an actor and producer here that he
found an outlet for his undoubted talents. From form plays, house
plays, religious plays to the annual play of the Shakespearian
Cecil Howard
Society he was acting and producing for nearly thirty five years.
For as long he was Librarian. He was co-founder of the Y.F.C. and
vice-president of the Seven Club. "None who remember the
difficult days of the 20's and 30's will forget how hard he worked
with a few others to save the school from bankruptcy... it was an
enduring source of pride that in 1935 he was made acting Head
master . . . and his rejoicings when Ray Evans-Prosser was made
Headmaster was only equalled by his increasing devotion to his
successor Ian Beer." Cecil delighted in seeing the school prosper
throughout the last thirty years despite the horror of the fire and
the ensuing two years of discomfort. He happily agreed to give up
his post as Senior History Master and his Housemastership and
gladly helped his successors. . .As a teacher, the speaker quoted
extracts from letters he had received from Jack Perrier, his first 'A'
level candidate of fifty years ago and this year's President of the
O.E. Club, from Alastair Macleod-Smith C.M.G., the first of his
pupils to get a First in Modern Greats and from Robin Jeffs, scholar
of Trinity College, Oxford in History, paying tribute to his work as
one wrote "Cecil was the most kindly and considerate of men —
his influence on those he taught was positive and beneficial. I recall
later in life how good his teaching was. Such is the abiding worth
of his lessons.
"Cecil was a devout man, who loved to worship in our chapel
and in his village church ... his gifts to this school, both material
and moral were great; to his pupils he gave understanding and
affection, and to his friends both young and old, he gave kindly
tolerance and generous friendship, not least in his later years when
illness and immobility would have been justifiable excuses for his
living a crabbed life. This school has been fortunate in many of its
servants, and of them all Cecil Howard was one of the Ellesmere's
greatest, taking little, giving much. We have good reason to give
thanks today for his life and work amongst us."
Headmaster's Speech
It seemed to me apposite as I wrestled with the problem of
how to present the facts of Ellesmere to you this morning, together
with my thoughts about its future, that I should base it on the
theme of freedom, because, the freedom of the individual and its
preservation is the most important single challenge facing our
society today.
A recent paper from Lancaster University claims that formal
disciplined education is infinitely more desirable than a liberal
education, in which it appears people do what they like, when they
like, if they like, and never come to terms with discipline or hard
work. The Lancaster findings did not come as a surprise. Many of
us have been saying this for years. The surprise is that so many
children have been allowed to leave our schools undisciplined and
knowing very little with virtually no protest from the public at large.
Mark you, it is not as surprising as you might think if you believe
that it is a carefully calculated policy on the part of Marxist
educationalists to reduce our country to a state where the
population is ripe for exploitation and suppression. If you really
think the Marxist believes in indiscipline and no hard work, you
have only to read the complaints about a weekend course for
young people held by them recently. These complaints were of no
time for relaxation, long hours spent at lectures in the classroom,
far too early bedtime and unreasonably strict dormitory discipline.
No! your Marxist knows that effective individuals must be trained
in a disciplined community, and that any society that is ill-educated
and ill-disciplined is easily taken over by a determined well-
organised group.
But enough of generalisation — what of Ellesmere? I put it to
you that everything we do here is concerned with freedom. First
we aim to provide the freedom to learn. This is achieved by having
a right atmosphere, and a right attitude. The atmosphere is, in part,
concerned with good facilities. A good library; the best of modern
teaching aids, and methods but next year we shall add to our
facilities a video-tape recorder so that telvision material can be
integrated in the time-table, while in curriculum development we
shall move to teaching a full Nuffield course in '0' level Physics.
Above all, a Common Room that is intellectually alive and com
municates enthusiasm for its subjects and from whom a right
attitude springs. This attitude respects the need for quiet in certain
places, at certain times, and results in a disciplined framework
within which pupils learn to work not only in class and prep time,
but also when spare time presents itself for positive use. Corporate
discipline is only partially successful, unless it leads to personal
discipline.
In my opinion our academic results show that we do
provide this freedom to learn. At the one end we shall have three
freshmen including Elizabeth Bowyer-Jones — one of the first
entry of ladies to Selwyn while another academic achievement to
note is that of Mark Owen, also at Selwyn, who has crowned his
double first in chemical engineering with the award of a Thoron
Scholarship tenable at Pennsylvania State University — one of only
30 to be awarded from a strong national field. At the other perhaps
our greatest achievements are more humble, for brilliant scholars
need little teaching. Rather guidance on the right lines, inspiration
from time to time, and a humility in the schoolmaster that is
prepared to wave goodbye when they pass beyond our limits. It is
an exciting experience. Here we earn our bread and butter in
enabling the average pupil to achieve his or her potential, and this
year the oustanding example is Andrew White, who came with
limited expectations, contributed greatly to school and chapel life,
and left to be an apprentice cabinet-maker, the holder of 5 '0'
levels and a craftsman responsible for making two magnificent
credence tables for Smallwood Chapel.
There is one way in which we make a positive contribution in
providing freedom to learn, and that is in the field of dyslexia. Many
people, mostly men, of high intelligence, find considerable dif
ficulty in reading and spelling, that without expert help their talent
is shackled by an inability to obtain and record information. We
provide the expert tuition that enables them to overcome this
difficulty. Our Head of English, Frank Sutterby, spent a sabbatical
year at Bangor University studying teaching methods in this field
and later this term will receive the degree of Master of Education
for his work. Our Head of Physical Education has been studying
hard also, for earlies this term he gained the degree Bachelor of
Arts in the Open University. I suspect it speaks volumes for the
understanding of his wife! Good schoolmasters — and good
schools — owe a great deal to understanding wives. It is their
contribution and tolerance that in no small measure enables us to
provide a second freedom. The freedom to live a full life. Academic
success is paramount, but on its own is sterile. Furthermore, it
cannot be fully achieved unless a man fulfils himself completely as
a person and this i%where our wide range of activities outside the
classroom plays a vital part in the education we provide. This year
we have a good record in many fields. At the end of last cricket
season, Christopher Butler was vice Captain of the Rest of England
Public Schools XI at Eastbourne — our second representative in
two years, and this year our cricketers are doing well, our only loss
being against Shrewsbury. On Wednesday, we narrowly failed to
beat Wrekin, and have already beaten Rydal and tied with Mer
chant Taylor Crosby. On the same day, we also beat Rugby at
athletics, having also beaten Bromsgrove, Oswestry, Rugby and
Rossal. Earlier this year the rugby footballers won the Woodard VII
a-side tournament; but the highlight of a good season in which we
won 8 of our matches was the victory over Rydal, their only defeat
of the season. More football fame has come our way from our old
boys with Peter Kyrke-Smith gaining a third blue for Oxford at
Twickenham, while Bill Beaumont and Mark Keyworth both gained
caps for England. The hockey XI too played well winning 7 of their
matches. Our final success that deserves mention, is the winning
of the Shropshire Squash Rackets under 19 Championship by
Charles Edwards.
Moving from sport, but still on the physical side, the activities
of Scouts, O.T.U. and C.C.F. have continued to flourish. The
riflemen of the scouts have again taken second place in the
Connaught Cup for Scouts of the Commonwealth, the O.T.U.
have gained 4 Duke of Edinbrugh Gold Awards while the C.C.F.
Patrol Competition have won the West Midlands District Patrols
Competition for the fourth year in succession. These are highlights
of a well-planned continuous programme every Friday throughout
the year, backed up with expedition weekends and holiday activity.
I mentioned them as being physical, but they extend well into the
realms of the spirit, for they provide the opportunity to find the
peace and solitude which is needed, not only in a school com
munity, but throughout life.
Liberation of the spirit is found, too, in the evenings in our Arts
at Ellesmere timetable. Deserving special mention, are the drama
and music. I was delighted — and a little apprehensive — when we
agreed on Hamlet for the Senior play, but it came off. A convincing
performance which was enhanced by the splendid costumes made
almost entirely by the ladies of the College, who also dressed the
Junior play "Oh what a Lovely War", another expert and thought
provoking production. On both occasions co-operation with the
music department including compositions by Andrew Hammersley
added to the atmosphere and colour of two excellent evenings
entertainment. It was a small part of the performances and also a
small part of the vigorous musical life of the College. The choral
work was for me, again, the highest point of the year. We joined
with Presfelde and Moreton Hall singing the St. John Passion.
Concerts by the orchestra, the string orchestra, string and brass
groups all are evidence of the enthusiasm for music in the school.
Theadvent of Deryck Wareing brought about an almost miraculous
emergence of string players, while the arrival of Roger Allen has
shown us a new dimension in organ playing. He has recorded,
along with the choir, an L.P. which will be on sale shortly in a
sleeve designed by Huw Lambert, and I hope you will all buy a
copy, as well as giving them to all your friends for Christmas.
Nowhere is music more important than in the Chapel. Our thanks
are due to an excellent choir who enable us to worship daily in a
happy atmosphere and emphasises a fourth vital freedom that
flourishes here, but which is under constant threat outside, the
freedom to worship. It may seem paradoxical to quote freedom to
worship with compulsory chapel, but as I have said once before
voluntary chapel is in fact compulsory non chapel for all, but a very
few who can easily become an unhealthy holy huddle. Many
parents, often unbelievers themselves, choose to send their sons to
schools like ours because they want them to make up their minds
and learn about the Christian gospel within a practising com
munity.
This freedom to choose is probably the freedom that I defend
most dearly and is the main reason why I persuaded the Governors
to allow a new 11 + day boy entry.
However, there is a hollow ring to the phrase, freedom of
choice, for there are many who would choose our system if they
could afford the fees needed to send their sons to us. This is the
driving force behind my determination to raise an endowment.
Until a few weeks ago the fund stood at merely £11,000. Two recent
bequests, have now raised this total to £20,000 and I hope this
generosity will inspire others to help. I hope too, that industry will
come to realize the fundamental value of our schools and the
freedom we stand for, and lend their support.
In seeking to provide an environment where all these freedoms
can flourish, I believe it can only be justified if it leads to the
development in the individual of a sense of responsibility, to look
beyond himself and be of service to his fellows. That service which
Christians believe is perfect freedom. It is in this spirit that the great
new venture of the Arts Centre has been conceived so that the
enthusiasm for a full life which is one of the marks of a truly
Christian Community of North Shropshire and beyond. Where
there was a Junior Hall and grassland stands a magnificent
complex of practice and teaching rooms for music, studio theatre
with projection room for drama, films and music, a listening room
to house a library of tapes providing recorded poetry and literature
as well as music, all linked by a spacious foyer, which will serve to
house exhibitions of original art, changing regularly to enable the
best of the painting, sculpture and modern art forms to be shown
here, enriching the experience of all who come to the centre. We
have been fortunate in obtaining the services of the Revd. Anthony
Miller who has already turned a ruined Cistercian Abbey at Holm
Cultram in Cumbria, into what many believe to be the finest Art
Centre in the United Kingdom. As a priest trained at Mirfield, he is
fully in sympathy with the Woodard tradition, as a schoolmaster he
understands the problems of working with a Common Room, and
integrating with schools activities, while over all he is acknowledged
as an expert in the field of the Arts.
This survey of our achievements and ambitions has, I hope,
shown you that we are a community where true freedom can
flourish. It is all too easy to take it for granted. There are many
working actively, by subtle means to bring about our destruction
along with that of all independent schools. As John Buchan said
some fifty years ago, our peril is indifference, for rust will crumble a
metal, when hammer blows will only harden it. If we value the
College and what it stands for, then we must be prepared to fight
and perhaps make sacrifices (as many of you do now to enable
your sons to come here), to ensure it continues as a healthy part of
national life. And what is true for Ellesmere is true for all in
dependent schools. Our country needs a healthy independent
sector large enough to maintain the freedoms I have mentioned
against whatever political system may be in power. Once destroyed
— or worse reduced to a vestigial attraction of four or five schools
to be visited like the Tower of London — it can never be restored.
We have an inheritance which it is our duty to preseve for future
generations. It is a challenge that is bringing about change for the
better in our communities. It is a challenge that I believe we shall
win.
 Prize List
HEADMASTER'S PRIZES FIFTH FORM
BlakeyS. M. McClure J. M. (Classical Studies)
Jagger, C. J. U. Vijeyasingam R. (Chemistry, Physics)
Coulthard, G. Reynolds W. M. H. (English, Geography, History)
DukeJ. (French, Latin)
SPECAIL PRIZES MiddletonA. C. (Biology)
Art: Barber J. G. M., Lambert H. J. KelsallJ. M. (German)
Creative Design: Harding-Rolls M. A. C. Cook M. J. (Mathematics)
Pottery: Khayami E. M. Hulstrom R. P. (Mathematics)
Colin Russell Biology Prize: Bonell A. C. Rocholl N. H. (Technical Drawing)
Shakespearian Society: Westrop S. A. TomsC.J.W. (History)
Smith Historical Essay: Westrop S. A. Lowarch P. (English)
The Lovel Prizes for English Literature: Atkinson C. V. Westrop S. A. Borton R. E. T. (Mathematics)*
Musical Instrumental:
Senior: Appleton R. P. B. FOURTH FORM
Intermediate: Entecott M. G.
Junior: Bellamy P. J. Clark J. (Classical Studies)
Music Vocal: Gilbert P. H. WoolfreyA. M. (Chemistry)
For Services to the Choir: Allen C.A., Douglas J. C. L. Streeter-Smith T. J. (Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics)
Corp I. N. (Creative Design)
UPPER SIXTH
WringeM. (English, French, Geography)
Lamb C.H. (German)
Crane N. J. (Ancient History) CluttonC. (History)
Chamberlain G. B. E. (Biology) McMahonM.J. (Latin)
Alamouti K. (Economics, History) Sharp C. T. (Technical Drawing)
Samson Miss H. (Economics, Geography) Lea T. J. W. (Creative Design)
Atkinson C.V. (French)
Crouch F.W. A. (Physics) SHELL
RochollT. M. W. (Chemistry)*
CobboldT. R. (Classical Studies, Physics, French)
LOWER SIXTH Chapman L. R. (Chemistry)
Thomas R. G. (Biology) Ryland A. P. (Creative Design)
Gilbert P. H. (Chemistry)
Bellamy P. J. (English, History, Mathematics)
Emberton P. C. L. (Economics, French) GasserC. J. (Geography)
Westrop S. A. (History) Lees (ii) T. W. (German)
Ward S. M. (Geography)
Miller C. K. (Technical Drawing)
Robinson P. N. (Mathematics) Cutting E.M. (Latin)*
Wynne-Griffith R. C. (Mathematics)
Napier M.J.W. (Physics)
* Improvement Prize
Pourat (i) H. (Mathematics)*
MiriM. (Mathematics)*
 LAMBART

Housemaster: J. M. Scorer, Esq.

Tutors: B. W. Poll, Esq., N. R. Panting, Esq.,
D. J. H. Wareing, Esq., J. M. Marshall, Esq.
Captain of House: N. St. L. Kyrke-Smith (Michaelmas Term)
C. J. U. Jagger (Lent and Summer Terms)
House Prefects: R. G. Bielby, S. L. Smith, K. Alamouti, I. R. E.
Burns, M. G. Handley, N. J. Phelps.

The year has been successful not only on the sports field but
academically too. Neville Kyrke-Smith gained a place at Oxford and
Elizabeth Bowyer-Jones has achieved the distinction of being one
of the first girls to be admitted to Selwyn College, Cambridge. She
was also, incidentally, Ellesmere's first female School Prefect.
On the sports field there have been many successes. The
Senior Rugby came close to success in a competition Lambart has
never yet won, but once again lacked forward power. The Lent
Term was undoubtedly the most successful the house has ever had,
no less than six house competitions being won. The Senior Hockey
Cup was retained for the third year running under M. G. Handley,
and for good measure the 6-a-side competition was added. Five
members of the first XI came from Lambart. More surprising but no
less pleasing was the squash success in both Senior and Junior
events. The Senior Cross-Country and the Junior 7s cups were also
taken. In the Summer Term, the Junior cricket team reached the
final, the SwimmingTeam came a very close second to Talbot, and
again in the Water Polo. The Senior Athletes swept the board led
by Guy Bielby who went on to represent the County in the All
England Championships.
Other events this year included a fancy dress party which went
down very well and was much enjoyed. The major prize was
awarded to a former Housemaster who came as Old Father Time!
We owe our thanks to Mrs. Scorer and the Tutors' wives for
providing such exotic food. Theatre outings included trips to The
Gateway at Chester and the Victoria Theatre at Stoke. Musically
the House has had a lean time in the past, but there was distinct
promise for the future in the emergency of a nine man ensemble for
the music competition, led by Andrew Spittle and coached (?) by
Mr. Wareing.
At long last the house bathrooms were refurbished, an im
provement much appreciated. Plans are in hand to 'do up' the
dayrooms now, and to raise funds for this the entire house will do a
sponsored walk in the Michaelmas term.
Rugby Colours were awarded to R. G. Bielby, Cricket Colours
to C. J. U. Jagger, R. N. A. Hull and R. F. Smail. House Colours
were awarded to C. J. U. Jagger, R. G. Bielby, S. L Smith, M. G.
Handley, I. R. E. Burns, N. J. Phelps and R. N. A. Hull.
Among those who have left mention must be made of Messrs.
Kyrke-Smith, Alamouti, and Smith. Each is the last of three
brothers all in Lambart over the last ten years, all of whom have
served the school and house with great distinction. Their leaving
marks a definite end of a chapter. To them and all other leavers we
wish every success. They are R. G. Bielby, I. R. E. Burns, G. B. E.
Chamberlain, Victoria Crosland, M. G. Handley, M. C.
Honychurch, P. D. Houston, R. N. A. Hull, C. J. U. Jagger, M. C.
Jones, J. P. Larder, N. J. Phelps, D. J. Sleath, G. P. Talbot,
Vijeyasingam, and A. H. White.
 MEYNELL

Housemaster: J. C. Wolters, Esq..

Captain of House: J. A. H. Booth
Senior Prefect: J. T. Keable
Prefects: R. C. M. Ashworth, J. C. Sym, M. H. Leake, S. P.
Boulcott.
House Secretary: H. A. Samson

English, French and German. In the Summer Term we were the

Meynell has enjoyed a quiet but satisfying year. Luck has not
guests of Mrs. Anne Gray and C. D. Foyston Esq at a "Fete
gone our way on the games field, although our Junior sides have
Champetre"; unfortunately the weather curtailed our activities
enjoyed success in swimming, cricket and cross-country and have,
slightly but the evening was enjoyed by all and was a pleasant
on the whole, acquitted themselves well. Our efforts on the Rugby
change.
field were spirited and the captain, J. C. Sym led the side well, lack
Music was undoubtedly a high point of the year. In the House
of experience however, was our downfall. Throughout the year our
Singing Competition we made our usual vociferous noise, un
sides enjoyed themselves in the various competitions and in
fortunately the more subtle renderings of the opposition proved our
retrospect, although we would perhaps have liked to have won a
downfall. In the Instrumental Competition we were more suc
few more cups, I feel that this is the most important thing.
cessful, we won the ensemble section playing a piece especially
It was off the games field that Meynell really came into its own
written for the occasion by Andrew Hammersley, — "Midnight
this year; determined to renovate our house premises before the
Thoughts" — attracted much praise from people of considerable
" powers that be" found the time and money to do so, we bran
musical knowledge! Our thanks must go to Andrew Hammersley,
ched out into various money making activities which brough great
Robert Appleton and James Collins for so ably directing the house
satisfaction to many. The Victorian evening, held during the Spring
music.
Term for the parents of the members of the house was a complete
Gratitude must be expressed to J. C. Wolters and his wife who
success, as was the Medieval Banquet held during the Summer
are the real driving force behind Meynell House, ably assisted by a
half-term. Our thanks must go to R. W. Allen Esq., and Mrs.
variety of House Tutors. C. D. Foyston deserves a special mention
Rosemary Brown for the invaluable help they so willingly gave in
as Senior House Tutor, his role as bank manager has been ex
arranging the music for the Victorian Evening. These events and
ceptionally well played out and we are very grateful.
the Sponsored Walk held last summer provided sufficient funds to
During the year House Colours were presented to C. D.
refloor and refurnish the Dayroom. Our customary Christmas party
Foyston, Esq., J. A. H. Booth, J. T. Keable, R. C. M. Ashworth,
held after the Carol Service was again a great success and we feel
M. H. Leake R. P. B. Appleton. S. P. Boulcott and J. C. Sym. On
that this one fixture that should be upheld.
the whole, then, a successful year and one that has laid the
Our policy of immersing the Sixth Form in gastronomic ex
foundations for what we hope will be many more.
cellence continued and the Dining Club flourished, attending three
meals during the course of the year, these being respectively; J. A. H. Booth
10
 TALBOT
Housemaster: H. R. Hill Esq.
Tutors: K. J. Shuttleworth, Esq., M. J. Boothroyd, Esq., A. F.
Thomson, Esq., W. C. Newbold, Esq.
Captains of House: R. M. A. George, R. P. J. Robinson, C. V.
Atkinson
House Prefects: P. L. Brereton, C. D. Edwards, R. A. Houghton,
R. G. Scotter.
Perhaps more important was the condition of the House itself.
Last year was undoubtedly a successful one in many fields for
An excellent Lower 6th form provided a great deal of help for the
the House and in general, passed off very well. The number of
Prefects, for which we are very grateful. Not only on the sports
victories on the sportsfield was not so great as in some years and
field but also in the House they were admirable. A spirit of co
the number of cups nailed triumphantly to the trophy board was
operation was undoubtedly present overall, which was another
therefore somewhat diminished, but there were nevertheless some
pleasing factor. People showed a willingness to help rather than be
fine performances. In the Michaelmas Term the Seniors won the
awkward and when the second Noah's flood descended on us, this
rugby in convincing fashion, with one of the strongest house sides
was very noticeable. Although some areas were less than perfect,
in recent years and the Juniors, although beaten by Woodard,
there were no serious defects, and the general state of the house is
showed tremendous determination in the way they fought back
encouraging for the future.
after a bad start. Seven-a-side rugby in the Lent Term consisted of
The House Party at the end of the Christmas Term was a
narrow defeats in the house finals, and on the hockey scene the
tremendous success in which the normally drab trunk loft was
Juniors distinguished themselves by winning the six-a-side. The
literally transformed into a glittering Dining Hall, and in which the
Lent Term, of course, is the height of the squash season, and
entertainment, food and wine was of a high quality. One full-
special mention must be made of C. D. Edwards, whose brilliance
blooded celebration per year is better perhaps than three tepid ones
on court was both entertaining and eye-opening.
and most members of the House would, I think, wish to keep this
In the Summer Term the Senior Cricket was won with stylish
as the social highlight of the year.
ease — P. L. Brereton and I. Attoe (playing fine golf shots)
In the Christmas Term Senior House Colours were awarded to
demolished the Meynell attack. The Juniors were narrowly beaten
R. P. J. Robinson, P. L. Brereton, C. D. Edwards and R. G.
after a tie with Lambart, and were perhaps a little unfortunate. In
Scotter, and in the Summer to C. V. Atkinson and R. A.
the Shell and Fourth Athletics Standards however they put up an
Houghton. Junior House Colours were awarded to M. G. Entecott,
excellent display winning narrowly over Woodard, an achievement
A. P. Killen, D. J. Roskams. I. Owen, M. V. Taylor and A. Waite.
which was followed by a similar, and this time more convincing
At the end of the Summer Term C. V. Atkinson, P. L.
success, in the Swimming Standards. The Water Polo Cup was
Brereton, R. G. Scotter, R. A. Houghton, C. D. Edwards, P. L.
won for the sixth consecutive year and the Seniors fought off a
Harris, K. W. Nicholls, R. G. Wynn, M. C. Lewis, J. M. Hales, M.
challenge from Lambart in the swimming.R. P. J. Robinson was
Broadhurst, T. W. Davies, A. R. Varley, and T. J. Scott were
the mainstay of the team, ably supported by P. Whitehead. Our
leavers. We wish them all success in their future careers.
performances in the Athletics were moderate and we came in a
middling position in all groups.
Mr. M. J. Boothroyd, whose quiet efficiency and helpfulness
have been a great asset to us, leaves the staff this term, and we
On the musical front we pulled up well in the House Com
would like to extend our gratitude to him and to wish him and his
petition after a bad start to be second. The standard of singing in
family every happiness in their new school. Finally a word of thanks
Chapel was not particularly inspiring in spite of being en
thusiastically led by the Senior Tutor (where does he get to on
to H.R.H. and K.J.S., who run the House so well in all aspects.
those top notes?) C. V. Atkinson.
11
 WAKEMAN

Housemaster: P. B. Privett, Esq.

House Tutors: D. T. Walker, Esq., T. C. Howitt-Dring, Esq.,
A. E. D. Dowlen, Esq., M. Rulliere, Esq., R. F. Taylor, Esq.
Captain of House: S. M. Blakey
Captain of School: G. Coulthard
House Prefects: R. M. Higham, H. J. Lambert, J. N. G. Chater.

This year has proved somewhat more successful than previous
years in that we have improved our collection of Cups to seven. We
started the year by winning the House Singing Cup for which many
thanks are due, not only to Mr. Dowlen, but also to P. Gilbert
whose organisation not only won us this cup, but also the House
instumental later in the year.
Our Junior rugby players shone this year and offer much for
the future; they won the Junior Rugby Cup convincingly, and only
narrowly lost the 7-a-side competition in the dying seconds to
Lambart.
Although we had no outstanding squash players, with a
balanced team we managed to reach the finals of the Senior
Competition. The House was in good spirit throughout the year
and in the Summer Term our attention was brought to our young
athletes, not only did T. Ashley and D. Braithwaite win the Junior
and Colts individual Victor Ludorum cups, they helped us to win
the Junior and Colts Athletics cups. This was the start of a
triumphant end to the Summer Term for we then won the Colts
Swimming cup by a clear margin, the Diving Competition, and the
Senior Tennis for which our thanks go to D. Smith who not only
captained our House Team but also the School Tennis Team.
The enthusiasm within the House has been increasing
throughout the year and I am sure that the potential which at the
moment lies in the younger part of the House, will in the next year
or two, enable us to make more effective challenges for the major
sports.
As we strive to achieve a close linking and happy atmosphere
within the House, a vital link is that of communications. This year
we have introduced such a system by way of a House Committee,
which has contributed many useful points and helped in the
running of the House.
By the end of the year Senior Colours had been awarded to R.
Higham and Junior Colours to A. Twist, M. McMahon, and K.
Braithwaite.
This year we say goodbye to: G. Coulthard, R. M. Higham, H.
J. Lambert, J. N. G. Chater, I. A. Smith, V. G. Gwillim, T. Das, M.
Khayami, J. Green, R. E. T. Borton and also to Mrs. Brereton.
Many boys in the House have good reason to be grateful to Mrs.
Brereton for her sympathetic understanding and we wish her, and
all our other leavers, well for the future.
S. M. Blakey

12
 WOODARD
Housemaster: N. R. Ainscow Esq.
Captain of House: P. W. S. Skinner
Senior Prefect: N. J. Crane
House Prefects: C. H. Clarke, A. P. Greenall, A. R. Durant, T. J.
Crane, M. J. Clews
This year we were very pleased to welcome Mr. R. W. Allen as
a tutor who has taken a very keen interest in the house and has
always been willing to help. On the sportsfield we have been rather
unfortunate, losing in the finals on a number of occasions, but we
have still won a few cups for our efforts. Credit must go to A. P.
Greenall and D. M. Brown for their efforts at captaining the house
rugby team. We lost narrowly to Talbot in the finals but we
achieved a convincing victory in the Senior Sevens in the Lent
Term. In the House Singing Competition we were ably led by P. W.
S. Skinner, our House Choregus, but it was rather a difficult task to
regulate the vocal chords of the back row! The annual House Party
at the end of the Michaelmas Term proved to be most enjoyable
and once again we finished the term on an elevated note.
In the Lent Term our Cross-Country Teams did very well with
the Colts taking the Cup but the Juniors came second. The squash
competition was rather disappointing as we did not reach the final
in either the Senior or the Juniors. This has been a field in which
we have excelled for many years. The hockey was competently
organised by A. R. Durant who took us to the final but we lost
again to Lambart very narrowly after they scored during extra time.
During this term "PerpetualPing-Pong" was played one weekend
to try and raise some money for the house and our thanks must go
to the tutors for patiently watching over it during the late hours of
the night and early hours of the morning. We raised a total sum of
over £115 for which we are grateful to our willing sponsors and
much of this has been spent on a new house television and a
dartboard.
The Summer Term had its mixture of successes but this year
we had not been gifted with great cricketers at Senior level. We
were beaten by Meynell in the first round who proved too strong
for us despite the efforts of I. A. Clarke, the captain. We did
however win the House League Cricket Cup for which G. Jackson
deserves credit in his fine efforts as captain. The Water Polo took
on a different light this year as the team was keenly led by G. P.
Chambers, for we won one match, a great achievement as we had
not won a match for years. The two losses we had were both
unfortunate as we were only just beaten minutes from the end. The
House Swimming proved a rather difficult event for us; though J.
G. M. Barber displayed some fine efforts for which we owe him
much credit. On the Athletics track D. M. Brown's efficiency was
very notable but despite having the largest VI form in the school we
only managed to come third in the Seniors. The House
Instrumental Competition proved an enjoyable event with great
variation particularly displayed by J. G. M. Barber who wrote a
piece for the guitar which he played with great flair.
During the year Senior House Colours were awarded to: P. W.
S. Skinner, N. J. Crane, C. H. Clarke, A. P. Greenall, R. W. Allen,
Esq., A. R. Durant and T. J. Crane.
Junior House Colours were awarded to: T. M. Bird, A. N.
Jevon, G. J. B. Jackson, R. J. Crane and S. D. Lushey.
At the end of the year we say goodbye to: P. W. S. Skinner,
N. J. Crane, C. H. Clarke, A. P. Greenall, A. R. Durant, T. J.
Crane, M. J. Clews, D. M. Brown, J. G. M. Barber, D. J. Hudson,
T. N. W. Rocholl, G. J. Lushey, T. W. Price, G. J. B. Jackson, S.
R. Pamely, and H. H. Daniel, and we wish them every success in
their future careers.
T. J. Crane
13
 We were both privileged and pleased to welcome the new
Bishop of Lichfield to the College this summer to administer the
Sacrament of Confirmation. The number of candidates was smaller
than usual but over the years it has become apparent that the
practice of boys being confirmed before they come to Ellesmere is
on the increase and consequently smaller confirmations seem likely
to continue. This is by no means a bad thing for most of those
confirmed early remain faithful, and it is certainly true that many
children at an early age have a very ctear idea of what a sacrament
is even if they do not know the word at all. Many normal actions in
a happy home have sacramental significance; e.g. when a mother
goes upstairs to say good night to her child that child understands
that protection, security, and love, are all involved in it. In my view
it is useful to build on this experience before the child appears to
lose it in the turbulence of adolescence.
We also welcome to the staff the Rev. A. T. Miller, the
Director of the new Arts Centre. He seems likely to add an ex
cellent leaven of Welsh "hwyl" to the present mixture of Scottish
canniness and Cisterian extravagance.
A year ago we received from Bishop Simkin, who died in New
Zealand, a bequest of some money which has enabled us to make
two important improvements. Firstly we were able to refurnish Big
School as a Divinity Study Centre with the facilities for visual and
aural aids, and also with rather more comfortable chairs; secondly
we were able to purchase some new vestments for the Chapel
which were much needed. The setting up of the Simkin Room has
in fact coincided with an expansion in the number of boys who are
considering possible vocations in the priesthood.
We have also been given a very beautiful oak credence table
which was made for the Chapel by Andrew White (O.E.). We are
extremely grateful both for the gift and for the bequest.
Our thanks are also due to Mrs. Skipper and the ladies who
week by week provide us with very beautiful flowers in the Chapel,
and also to the Sacristan, Christopher Hilling, and his staff on
whose sense of responsibility the priests of the community have
come to rely so much.
14
 Choir Notes
At the start of the year we welcomed Mr. R. W. Allen as
Assistant Director of Music, whose prowess on the organ has
already become a notable feature of Chapel Services. An article
on his gramophone record of organ music appears elsewhere in
this issue of the magazine. This year was also noted for the ex
cellence of the trebles and the sight reading ability of the lower
parts which contained many experienced and talented singers.
Such experience enabled us to perform Mendelssohn's celebrated
motet 'Hear My Prayer', for many the highlight of the year, and a
piece not sung in Ellesmere College since before the war, (or so
RALL tells me), with the famous solo divided between Edward
Cutting and Christopher Green. Other new music during the term
included a Bruckner motet: 'Locus iste' and, at the Harvestide
service, a Seasonal Sentence by Peter Aston. At this service Peter
Gilbert was again the soloist in 'Thou visitest the earth'.
The talent and enthusiasm of the choir enabled us to attempt a
rather more ambitious programme of carols than in the past, some
of which were new to Ellesmere. As usual William Mathias'
controversial 'Sir Christmas' continued to divide opinion rather
more so than Walton's 'All this time' and Rutter's jaunty
'Shepherd's Pipe Carol', while the Madrigal Society sang sym
pathetically in Joubert's 'There is no rose'. More traditional carols
included 'Adam lay ybounden' (Ord), an arrangement of the'Sans
Day Carol' and Harold Darke's 'In the bleak midwinter', in which
Philip Leech sang most sensitively as did Christopher Green and
William Whitehead. Congregational participation was excellent as
usual, especially in 'Good King Wencelas', 'God Rest You Merry
Gentlemen', 'See amid the winter's snow' and 'Hark the herald
angels sing'.
After Christmas, increased competition from almost arctic
temperatures as well as preparations for the St. John Passion did
not daunt the choir's activities. After the record was safely 'in the
can', a full programme of anthems was sung, including Eccard's
'Presentation of Christ in the Temple' and Ireland's 'Greater Love'
with Andy Booth who had joined the ranks of the basses, as
baritone soloist. As a contrast to singing for services the choir
appeared in a concert, in this case, of Music for Lent; they sang
Mozart's' Ave Verum' with string accompaniment, and two Lenten
Anthems 'Out of the Deep' (Tomkins) and '0 remember not'
(Purcell).
During the Summer term, ten anthems were sung including
Rutter's 'Praise ye, the Lord' at the Commemoration Service,
'Evening Hymn' (Balfour Gardiner), and two Whitsuntide motets
'If ye love me' (Tallis) and 'Oh holy spirit, Lord of Grace' (Tye).
During the sub-tropical temperatures at the end of term, 'Hymn to
the Trinity' (Tchaikovsky), 'Thou wilt keep him' (Wesley) and
'Rejoice in the Lord alway' (Purcell) kept everyone busy. The term
was also notable for some excellent congregational singing,
particularly in the Stanford Jubilate at the Commemoration Ser
vice.
As in previous years, an outing was arranged and the choir
spent an enjoyable, if stuffy, evening in Liverpool at an exciting
performance of 'Carmen'. At the end of term the Headmaster and
Mrs. Skipper again entertained the choir to a barbecue when an
enjoyable evening was had by all despite the inclement weather. To
them, many thanks. My thanks to all those who have helped with
choir 'admin' during the year, particularly to James Collins and
Simon Hampton (librarians), Jeremy Douglas, Paul Whitehead and
Timothy Streeter-Smith, and all those whose hard work has earned
the appreciation of many.
A.E.D.D.
15
 music The choir, too, produced some first class sound and the
sopranos are tp be congratulated on some celestial high notes. The
tenors produced a full tone and came in firmly from the outset in
"Lord and Master". The basses were at their best in "We have a
Law" and the choruses in which the crowd argues for the saving of
Barabbas, but they sometimes dragged and one suspects that they
were responsible for the unduly slow tempo of "Hail Thou King"
(which is marked 'allegro maestoso' and seemed to lack punch)
ST. JOHN PASSION
and in "Lie Still", where they savoured some of their richly
resonant harmonies over-indulgently! The altos were quite rich in
Anthony Dowlen and the boys and girls of Ellesmere College,
tone and provided firm support for the sopranos in "0 King of
Moreton Hall and Prestfelde produced a remarkably well-balanced
Glory" and "Away with Him". The whole choir produced some
and dramatically satisfactory performance of Bach's "St. John
lovely tone and their attack improved with their confidence,
Passion" at Ellesmere on Sunday, 22nd February. As the
reaching a climax in "We have no King but Caesar" and in those
programme notes indicated, it was musically interesting to
wonderful final words of praise — made all the more poignant
compare parts of this work with last year's performance of
when Anthony Dowlen allowed us a full ten seconds or so to
"Elijah", since the young Mendelssohn had been profoundly
savour that last E flat.
influenced by Bach's music and was responsible for conducting
The orchestra and the other four soloists wove into this
the first performance since Bach's death of the St. Matthew
tapestry of sound with sensivity and skill. The hues are — perhaps
Passion on Good Friday, 1829.
inevitably — rather sombre, but they are finely textured and — in
While the "St. John Passion" is not as dramtically varied as
the second half particularly — when Pilate (sung by the promising
either the "St. Matthew Passion" or "Elijah", there are some
Adrian Blakeley, an ex-pupil of the College) and Christ (Philip
moving contrasts in the second part between the violent reactions
Ravenscroft) are face to face and the bass air "My Lord and
of the crowd at the crucifixion and the calm acceptance of Christ or
Saviour" rings out (reminiscent in places of "Wachet Auf") the
the sorrow of his family and friends. Gordon Pullin as the
Good Friday story casts its spell again. Jean Temperley and Joyce
Evangelist effected these changes of mood with a most sensitive
Rogers — after huge intervals of anticipation — sang at their best
and even performance throughout, indeed his top A's, which
in their arias "All is fulfilled" and "Oh Heart Melt in Weeping",
seemed a little strained in "Peter's Sword" early on, rang out with
where the accompaniment of flutes, bassoon, cor anglais and
bell-like clarity later in his recitatives. One could have wished for a
harpsichord was impressively sensitive. For me there were
little more power in thearioso "My heart, behold the World", but
especially sublime moments during and after the words from the
felt that the light timbre of his voice was finely suited to such
cross, Roger Allen's symbolic harpsichord arpeggios after "It is
moving passages as the mood change to the story of the
finished" and "died" and the Paul Ives 'cello solo in Jean Tem-
crucifixion and the handing of Mary into John's care. The dramatic
perley's aria. (The ensemble produced by Anthony Dowlen was
"Veil of the Temple" and the "Inscription" were also very ex
remarkable in the difficult work of 68 different sections.) There
pressively handled. Above all, his articulation was impeccable and
were many memorable choruses, but for me "Thy Name is Shining
served as a frame for the whole performance.
on Me" (more familiar to most as the tune to "All Glory, Laud and
Honour") and that last paeon of praise will linger long.

J. A. E. Evans.
 Organ Recital by JAMES PARSONS
In his opening remarks Mr. Parsons expressed the hope that
his choice of music would prove to be both meaty and stimulating.
Certainly, the wide variety of styles in his programme of 20th
September, 1975, was a challenge to both player and instrument,
but Mr. Parsons rose to the challenge and presented a recital which
was both musically interesting and technically sound.
Organists who begin a recital with a major work of Bach,
particularly one as demanding as the Passacaglia and Fugue in C
minor, are brave indeed and Mr. Parsons' performance of this
piece was not without its technical faults. These, however, did not
detract from his essential grasp of the structure of this mighty work
and the gathering of momentum towards the close was most
skilfully handled. Two short pieces, 'Epithalamium' by AlanRidout
and 'Nocturne' by John McCabe, provided a relaxation of tension,
(always a hallmark of a well constructed programme), before a
performance from memory of Hindemith's 'Sonata No. 1'. This
was the highlight of the programme and the performance certainly
justified Mr. Parsons' hope that his recital would be meaty and
stimulating. His registration was notable for its subtlety and
awareness of the resources of the Ellesmere instrument, but his
attention to detail never obscured the broad and expansive nature
of the work which he had in his mind throughout the performance.
The second half of the programme contained music by French
and German romantic composers and, owing to the Neo Classical
nature of the Ellesmere organ, it fared less well. The Chorale
Improvisation on 'Von Himmel Hoch' by Karg Elert produced some
pleasing tone from the trebles of the Madrigal Society and a
beautiful cantabile style from Deryck Wareing, violin, but the organ
sound did not blend and was always too prominent. The rambling
Third Symphony by Vierne produced some exciting fireworks but
this music relies for its effect on the resources of a large romantic
organ and at times tended to sound harsh on the Ellesmere in
strument. Nevertheless, the recital revealed a depth of musical
perception in Mr. Parsons which, combined with his fluent
technique, make him a most satisfying player to the listener.
R.W.A.
THE MICHAEL GARRICK JAZZ SEXTET
This concert took place on Saturday 18th October 1975 before
a large and appreciative audience. No one knew what to expect —
there were no programmes — but those who had heard the group
rehearsing beforehand seemed to think that the concert would be
well worth hearing. And indeed it was.
The group's first piece was called 'Little Sunflower' and
contained very good breaks by the saxophone, flugelhorn and
double bass. To many, this was their first introduction to modern
jazz, and it gave the audience some idea of what the evening would
be like.
Then came selections from the Hobbit Suite, music based on
Tolkien's book, and this was followed by a setting of a poem by
John Smith called 'Speak to me'. This contained some extremely
good singing from Norma Winstone, with good backing by the rest
of the group. Next came 'Continuum', which had a good in
troduction by the bass, followed by good breaks on the sax,
flugelhorn and vocals. During the next piece, 'Midsummer
Departure', the audience burst into spontaneous applause after a
very impressive drum solo. This was followed by 'River running',
another piece from 'The Hobbit Suite', but somewhat quieter than
most of the evening's music.
We then heard a "blues" piece, in which the vocals were very
prominent, and this provided a complete change of style to the
previous music. The encore was another piece of "blues".
Dedicated to Bob Hardy, it was entitled 'Hardy Perennial', and
featured good breaks by flugelhorn and drums.
The whole evening had an air of informality about it, with the
performers applauding each other after breaks. This put the
audience at its ease, who certainly showed their appreciation,
especially of the drumming. This was a concert which will be
remembered for a long time here.
Jonathan Shann.
17

AUTUMN TERM CONCERT
Ellesmere College School Concert was held on Saturday 22nd
November 1975 in Big School. The varied programme represented
a wide range of musical activities and gave many an opportunity to
perform. There was a good sized appreciative audience. The
opening item for Brass Sextet, played by Peter Skinner, Andrew
Hammersley, Charles Beaumont (Trumpets), Malcolm Entecott,
Peter Gilbert (Horns) and David Hudson (Trombone), consisted of
three well contrasted pieces by Pezel, which were played with
good ensemble. Later in the programme they gave the first per
formance of Fanfares and Funeral March for Hamlet, interesting
music composed by Andrew Hammersley.
The Madrigal Society sang madrigals by W. Beale, F.
Pilkington, T. Morley and J. Farmer. "Fair Phyllis" was the most
vivacious; their tone quality was pleasing and on the whole their
words were audible.
Elizabeth Bowyer-Jones and Anthony Dowlen played three
movements from Dolly Suite by Faure. The pieces chosen, Ber
ceuse, Le Jardin de Dolly and Kitty Valse, were musically played.
Kitty Valse, however, would have benefitted from a little more
vitality and sparkle.
It was encouraging and impressive to hear several string
ensembles and to see an increasing number of boys playing
stringed instruments. The String Orchestra (leader James
Drummond), gave a musicianly and controlled performance of
Three Welsh Airs by Woodhouse.
The first of the String Quartets, Peter Forster, Paul Brereton
(violins), Deryck Wareing (viola), Charles Allen ('cello) gave a
musical and nicely contrasted performance of a quartet by C.
Wesley. The second Quartet, Adam Parkes, William Swinnerton
(violins), Philip Leech (viola) and Andrew Spittle ('cello) played the
first movement of a quartet by Sebastian Brown with good en
semble. The third quartet, James Drummond and Adrian James
(violins), Deryck Wareing (viola) and Philip Bellamy ('cello), played
the third movement Minuet and Trio of Haydn's Quartet Op. 9 No.
2. This had an exacting first violin part which was well sustained.
The three orchestral items which enabled the full range of the
College Orchestra (leader Peter Forster) to be heard and concluded
the programme, proved to be an ambitious choice. The Grand
March from ' Aida' by Verdi, arr. D. Stone, got off to a rousing start
with energetic trumpets who sounded a somewhat uncertain note
18
later in the piece! All was well in the end. This was followed by an
attractive Serenade by Derek Bourgeois, a rhythmically com
plicated piece which caused the woodwind some problems at the
beginning and strings playing pizzicato at the end. This Serenade
was performed twice.
The final item was the Little Suite for Orchestra by Malcolm
Arnold, consisting of a Prelude (another piece with rhythmic
difficulties), a Dance, which was pleasantly lilting, and a* March
with a contrasting middle section. This Suite was given a vigorous
performance and brought a well balanced concert to an end.
N. Davidson.
RECORDING OF CHAPEL CHOIR AND ORGAN
On Saturday January 24th, Ellesmere was visited by Messrs.
Alan Bradon and Julian Sturdy of Wealden Recordings of
Tonbridge to make a recording of the Chapel Choir and Organ,
played by Mr. Roger Allen, Assistant Director of Music, under the
direction of Mr. Anthony Dowlen, Director of Music.
After the rest of the school had been despatched to classes
and the various extra-musical noises such as the school clock and
electric bell had been duly silenced, recording began. The Chapel
Choir, enthusiastic at the prospect of reaching the charts, soon
warmed to the restrained harmony of Bach and attempted a 'take'.
Alas, it was not to the satisfaction of the engineers nor the Music
Staff, marred by ragged entries and some flat top notes and not
least the sound of one Senior Music Scholar's spectacles clattering
onto the pews in the final bars. Visits to the vestry, set up as
control room complete with the recording equipment and
telephone contact with the organ console, confirmed that another
'take' was necessary. After two more attempts, all were satisfied
and ' Jesu, joy of man's desiring' was 'in the can'.
Roger Allen then continued to record the remainder of the
programme. By lunch time, the Prelude and Fugue in D by Bach
was satisfactorily completed, but there was still some way to go.
By comparison, the afternoon's recording session went more
smoothly with the magnificent C minor prelude and fugue, as well
as the Sweelinck variations on 'Mein junges Leben hat ein End',
and two Cornet Voluntaries, one by Stanley and the other by
Walond were all satisfactorily recorded, and the artists set out for a
concert in Liverpool well satisfied with the day' work.
A.E.D.D.

INFORMAL CONCERT
This concert took place on Saturday 31st January, and
although lacking any obvious highlights (possibly excepting
Malcolm Entecott's rendering of part of Richard Strauss's Second
Horn Concerto, or Christopher Hepworth playing Three Pieces for
Viola by Elgar) the overall standard was noticeably higher than
usual.
The two "first-timers", Philip Bellamy and Christopher Green
(both pianists), played Telemann's Allemande in A, and C. P. E.
Bach's Solfigietto respectively. Although somewhat lacking in self-
confidence, both played with great dexterity.
Timothy Streeter-Smith performed the first movement of a
Sonatine by Arrieu with great feeling; Charles Allen played a very
interesting work for 'cello by the modern composer Sebastian
Forbes, and Philip Leech (tenor) sang Schubert's "An die Laute"
most ably.
Andrew Hammersley played the solo trumpet in the Minuet
and Trio from Saint-Saens Septet in E. flat, and the Madrigal
Society sang two songs by Elgar and Gibbons very confidently. An
ensemble of seven players performed the "Prince of Denmark's
March" by Jeremiah Clarke (usually referred to as 'Purcell's
Trumpet Voluntary' for some extraordinary reason) and the Brass
Group played Pezel's Sonata No. 3 for Brass.
The String Orchestra gave an impressive performance of a
Slow March by Charles Woodhouse, and an enjoyable evening's
entertainment, shared by a large audience, was concluded by the
College Orchestra playing a March from Wagner's 'Die Meister-
singervon Nurnberg'.
Jonathan Shann.
CONCERT OF MUSIC IN THE CHAPEL
The musical items in this concert, on Thursday 11th March
1976, were particularly suited to a Chapel performance. Vivaldi's
Concerto in B flat for two trumpets made a fitting opening to the
evening's entertainment. The strings produced a sonorous tone
especially in the unison passages. Peter Skinner and Andrew
Hammersley played extremely well, particularly in the antiphonal
parts towards the end where the exciting and brilliant tone had a
Venetian splendour about it!
The choir produced a well-balanced sound in Purcell's "0
remember not" and Tomkins's "Qut of the deep"; the basses
should be congratulated in the latter for their accuracy in the
lowest regions! Mozart's "Ave Verum Corpus", always a
favourite, was performed expressively by both choir and strings. It
was pleasing to hear the words distinctly.
The brass groups came into their own in two of the items.
Bach's "Alleluia" from "Cantata no. 142" for Brass and Organ
was directed by Andrew Hammersley, who certainly showed his
versatility during the evening. The organ blended well throughout.
For me, one of the most exciting moments during the evening
came in Purcell's "Music for the funeral of Queen Mary" (1694).
This rather austere work was given a dramatic intensity by placing
the brass group in the Lady Chapel and the singers in the main
Chapel. The Madrigal Society sang the reflective choral parts very
sensitively and the trebles particularly came over well. The steady
threat of the timpani, which gets gradually louder, was brought out
by Roger Allen's playing. The brass and timpani definitely excelled
themselves in the loudest parts!
The programme ended with Handel's Organ Concerto in D
minor, played by Roger Allen, who gave a well-interpreted per
formance, with good use of registration. The orchestra were not
quite as well in tune as previously in the evening; but nevertheless
in the last movement their playing was confident. Here, the
dialogue between organ and orchestra was particularly effective.
Roger Allen's musical playing and the final tutti showed both organ
and orchestra at their best.
A very enjoyable evening's music which displayed the
chapel's acoustic characteristics to the full.
Pat Panting.
MUSICAL CONCERT AT PRESTFELDE
A most enjoyable concert was given by Ellesmere College in
Prestfelde Chapel on Sunday May 9th. Over sixty musicians took
part, including fourteen Old Prestfeldians.
The programme had been drawn up with a view to giving as
wide an insight into the musical activities of the College as was
possible in the time available. This was very satisfactorily achieved
by supplementing the major items given by the Madrigal Society,
the String Orchestra and the College Orchestra, with some en
joyable contributions from a Wind Ensemble, and a String Trio and
a Brass Quintet.
19
 The Brass Quintet was chosen to open the programme, and it
was perhaps for this reason that they seemed slightly nervous. This
was unfortunately reflected to some extent in their playing, and
may have accounted for their not being entirely unanimous in the
observation of the repeat signs. This apart, it was a well-balanced
and pleasing performance.
There was only one solo included in the programme. This was
by Timothy Streeter-Smith, who played the last movement of
Handel's Sonata in D minor on his flute. Apart from a slight ten
dency to sharpen from time to time, this was a confident and
competent performance.
The two madrigals chosen by the Madrigal Society were very
well put over, and it was a pity that time could not be allowed for
more. Such was the case with the String Trio too, who were only
able to play once during the programme.
One must compliment both the String Orchestra and the
College Orchestra on the way they over came the somewhat
cramped conditions in which they had to play; both gave lively and
quite professional performances of their chosen works. Any or
chestral music should be enjoyed equally by performers and
audience, and this was obviously the case on this occasion.
A.E.S.
Organ Recital by NOEL RAWSTHORNE
This year's summer organ recital was given by Noel
Rawsthorne, organist of Liverpool Cathedral on Wednesday, 12th
May, 1976. His programme was interesting and varied, showing off
the chapel organ to excellent effect, and attracted a fair-sized
audience.
Purcell's 'Trumpet tunes from King Arthur' provided a
colourful start, exploiting the brilliant 'Trompette' stop to the full.
This was followed by the Prelude and Fugue in E by Lubeck,
enabling us to savour Mr. Rawsthorne's strongly rhythmical
playing, an outstanding feature of the whole recital. This was
splendidly noble music that deserved to be better known. It cer
tainly provided an excellent appetiser for the Bach Trio Sonata
which followed. Here the playing was firm and fluent, and the
performance was marred only by lack of sufficient contrast bet
ween the manuals.
20
The central work in the programme, Mozart's 'Fantasia in F
minor', K. 608, exploited the organ's romantic qualities, in a
performance of great dramatic power. Here was playing of the
highest quality. By contrast, it was a relief to return to the Baroque
sparkle of the delightful Pescetti Sonata in C minor, after the
emotional intensity of the Mozart.
The only contemporary work in the programme, Langlais'
'Invocation pour un jour saint', was well suited to the chapel
organ's incisive tonal qualities, and provided a gritty contrast to the
music previously heard.
The recital ended with two 'lollipops' — 'Toccatina for the
Flutes' by Yon, and, by way of a brilliant finale, the notorious
Widor Toccata. After the applause had died down, Mr.
Rawsthorne played Charpentier's 'Te Deum prelude' as an encore
to bring the evening's music to an exhilarating conclusion.
A.E.D.D.
SPEECH DAY CONCERT
At the annual Summer Concert we were treated to a delightful
variety of music, mostly in a lighter vein, and representative of
many of the current musical activities. Included in the performance
was the second performance of 'Midnight Thoughts', written this
year by Andrew Hammersley and performed by a group from
Meynell House. This provided interesting listening, as first the Cello
introduction and later a haunting theme from the clarinet,
demanded our full attention. A notable work: no doubt the first of
many.
We heard from the two College orchestras: the strings, in
which one family provided the oldest and youngest members,
combined well in the Handel march, and showed what remarkable
progress has been made here in just one year. Handel's Water
Music and Dvorak Slavonic Dance gave plenty of scope to all
sections of the orchestra, with some demanding brass work well
tackled in the Alia Hornpipe.
The major work in the first part was Bach's Fifth Brandenburg
Concerto, well performed by the trio of Robert Appleton (flute),
Derek Wareing (violin), and Roger Allen (harpsichord) together
with a small string orchestra directed by Anthony Dowlen. The
blend of orchestra and soloists was particularly effective in the first
allegro, while in the slow trio movement the tone and balance of
the solo instruments was particularly pleasing.
 The second half was devoted to a concert performance of
'Trial by Jury', a happy choice, and one which all participants
enjoyed, not least the percussion section. It was good to see and
hear Joyce Rogers in action again: she was ably supported by
Jon Gowdey, Peter Gilbert, Simon Boulcott and Philip Leech
in the other solo roles, while one also enjoyed the lovely tone of the
laides' chorus, for many of whom this all too brief performance
must have whetted the appetite for more G and S. The enthusiastic
audience, who called for and got the last chorus again, were
obviously of the same mind.
K.J.S.
SUMMER TERM INFORMAL CONCERT
On Saturday 12th June it was again made possible for the
musicians of the college to perform in front of a small audience.
Several boys had grasped the opportunity, and the result was an
enjoyable concert in a relaxed atmosphere.
St. John Berisford (flute) playing two movements from a
sonata by Handel, and Philip Bellamy (cello), playing Orientale by
Cui were the first two performers, both producing very pleasant
sounds. They were followed by Philip Jones (piano), playing a two
part invention by Bach, and William Whitehead (trumpet), playing
a march by Handel. Then there was a violin solo by Mark Talbot, a
piano solo played by David Riding, and Dick Neal playing 'Jeannie
with the Light Brown Hair' on the saxophone. Nicholas Ham-
mersley performed very confidently, and convinced us that the
mishaps he had when playing the cello in the house music com
petition were purely bad luck. Charles Allen gave a good rendering
on the piano of Nocturne by Bernard Naylor, and later he joined
Andrew Spittle in a cello duet by Bartok. Stephan Evans very
bravely played his guitar and sang, Mark Hayward played a horn
solo, Andrew Killen a clarinet solo, Adrian James a violin solo, and
the last of the soloists was Andrew Greenwood on the piano.
The concert was then nicely ended by James Drummond
(violin), Charles Allen (cello) and Anthony Dowlen Esq. (piano)
playing Miniatures set 1 by Frank Bridge. Mr. Dowlen also ac
companied the solos, demonstrating his skill at following the
occasional whims of the soloists.
We in the audience enjoyed the efforts of the performers, and
several people expressed the opinion that everything was over too
quickly.
A.E.T.
CONCERT BY 'AD'
Well, it happened in the end. The sound of AD hit Ellesmere
on the evening of July 3rd in the presence of an enthusiastic
audience. The group had worked hard to prepare the evening's
entertainment, and there was much in their playing that gave
pleasure. It was a pity that the audience was so undiscriminating,
applauding the less successful numbers as vociferously as those
which were well done. I must say that from where I stood, I found it
extremely difficult to hear the words of many of the songs. Cer
tainly, clarity was not helped by the resonance of Big School and
the excessive use of amplification. In the first part of the
programme, I particularly enjoyed the Beatles number 'Fool On the
Hill', if only because I could, at last, hear the words. Certainly Jon
Gowdey, the vocalist here, displayed considerable style and a
pleasant if rather light voice. His 'break' too was competently
done. The second half of the concert was more successful than the
first. The group had warmed up by now, and their choice of songs
gave them more opportunities to show off their talents. A Deep
Purple number 'Child In Time' was especially well done as was one
of the group's own compositions 'Love On the Wing'. In this, an
attractive halo of sound surrounded Dave Hudson's rather in
distinct vocal line. I enjoyed the Lindesfarne number 'Fog On the
Tyne' with its catchy refrain helped by Jonah Jones' drumming
and Andy Hammersley's harmonies The concert ended with the
best performed song in the whole evening—'Stairway to Heaven'.
There was some sensitive flute playing from St. John Berisford,
accompanied by Dave Hudson's guitar, an admirable background
to the vocal line well sustained by Jon Gowdey.
The group were well attended by a faithful band of helpers,
among whom Fred Lambert should be singled out for his really
magnificent designs. These had the mark of real class about them.
Certainly it was flattering to see ones initials plastered over the
whole school, advertising an activity with which one is not nor
mally associated. Nonetheless.. ..!!
A.E.D.D.
21
 HOUSE MUSIC COMPETITIONS
The House Singing Competition was held on Friday October
24th and adjudicated by Miss Llywela Harris from Abbots Bromley,
the first lady adjudicator in the history of the competition. Among
the solo singing, Peter Forster was outstanding in 'Droop Not
Young Lover' (Handel) while other convincing performances came
from Simon Boulcott with 'When I was a Lad' from H.M.S.
Pinafore and Peter Gilbert in Handel's 'Silent Worship'. From the
junior end of the school, Philip Leech sang intelligently in'An Die
Musik' (Schubert), and William Whitehead made a promising
debut in Stanford's 'A Soft Day'. On the lighter side, Neville Kyrke-
Smith, the Captain of School, captured memories of Harry
Secombe with 'If I Ruled the World' — an appropriate enough
choice!
In the evening, the standard of singing in House Choirs and
Unison Songs was very high and remarkably even. Wakeman's
professional performance of a 'Barbershop' number 'Slow Motion
Time' just beat Talbot's performance of 'Swing low, Sweet
Chariot'. Not far behind were Lambart in Richard Drakeford's
arrangement of 'De Battle Ob Jericho' and Meynell in Campian's
'Never Weather Beaten Sail'. Woodard too, were sensitive if a little
restrained in 'Drink to Me Only'. The Unison Songs again provided
a variety of music all competently sung. Wakeman, again, came
out on top in an atmospheric performance of 'The Vagabond'
(Vaughan-Williams) with Meynell in 'Oklahoma' and Talbot in 'I
Want to be Ready' equal second. Woodard were spirited and
vociferous in 'Glorious Devon' and Lambart nearly bought off the
celebrated chorus of Hebrew Salves from 'Nabucco'.
When all the marks had been added up and Miss Harris had
given us some helpful advice, Wakeman were the eventual winners
with 149 points, Meynell and Talbot equal second (138) and
Woodard and Lambart equal fourth (135).
The instrumental competition enabled 20 boys from each
house to perform to the visiting adjudicator Gordon Lawson, Esq.,
Director of Music at Brighton College. Mr. Lawson was Assistant
Director of Music here from 1956-71 and was visiting Ellesmere for
the first time for about 12 years. As a change from previous years,
the number of entries per house was restricted to 4, which en
couraged houses to be more selective about who took part.
Nonetheless, many of the performances were competently
prepared and well executed. Of special note were Jeremy Douglas
22
playing Mendelssohn's Fugue in D minor for organ, Timothy
Streeter-Smith in a movement from a Handel flute sonata,
Malcolm Entecott, highly professional in Saint-Saens 'Morceau de
Concert', performed complete, and Andrew Hammersley with
Andante and Scherzo by Henri Busser. Peter Skinner's technique
was heard to good advantage in the first movement from the
Hummel trumpet concerto, as was Robert Appleton's in 'Air a
I'Italian' by Telemann. Both these two have been stalwarts of the
schools music for the past five years and will be much missed.
In the ensembles, considerable interest centred round Andrew
Hammersley's piece 'Midnight Thoughts' specially written for the
occasion, a piece which was performed with great sensitivity under
the direction of James Collins. Wakeman's piano trio was a well-
drilled ensemble, and their performance of a movement from F.
Bridge's 'Miniatures' just missed being really first class. Talbot's
ensemble of wind and brass instruments blended well in 'Andante
Religioso' (Mendelssohn), while Lambart's string ensemble,
mostly consisting of junior members of the house, showed great
promise for the future. Less successful was Woodard's brass
ensemble with timpani, but the group had worked hard and were
unlucky not to have been placed higher.
After Mr. Lawson's adjudication, the eventual winners were
Wakeman with Talbot and the Meynell close behind. As in the
singing competition the overall standard was very even and only
nine marks separated the first and last houses. Both were evenings
of enjoyable music making.
A.E.D.D.
 ASSOCIATED BOARD EXAMINATION RESULTS

Allen, C. A. Grade IV Organ Pass*

Grade V Organ Pass
Grade V Piano Pass*
SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS
Grade V Cello Pass*
1975/76 Season
Grade V Theory Pass
Bellamy, P. J. Grade V Piano Pass*
The keynote of this year's season of celebrity concerts was
Brooke, R. C. G. Grade III Oboe Pass
variety combined with a consistently high standard of per
Chapman, L. R. Grade III Piano Pass
formance. The season opened with a recital by the Baccholian
Cutting, E. M. Grade III Cello Pass**
singers, and the versatility of this accomplished quintet was shown
Ditcham, W. G. F. Grade IV Piano Pass
in a programme which ranged from the austerity of Victoria's
Douglas, J. C. L. Grade V Organ Pass
church music to the intricacies of Negro Spiritual arrangements.
Eburne, Denise Grade III Flute Pass*
Equally varied was the programme given by the London Woodwind
Gilbert, P. H. Grade VI Horn Pass*
Quintet which included a splendid performance of the G minor
Gowdey, J. S. Grade V Singing Pass
quintet by Danzi. This concert was given added spice by the wit of
Green, C. I. T. Grade II Cello Pass*
the clarinet player who explained the functioning of the various
Hammersley, N. P. (ii) Grade III Cello Pass
instruments in the ensemble in vivid terms. The piano recital by the
Hayward, M. R. Grade III Horn Pass
Chinese born pianist Fou T'song included all the Preludes and
Hill, Jennifer Grade I Piano Pass*
Studies by Chopin. Nobody who was in the packed hall that night
Jagoe, R. T. Grade IV Clarinet Pass*
will forget the impact made by this astonishing player. This was no
Leech, P. M. Grade III Theory Pass
mere display of technical bravura but a musical revelation of the
Miller, C. K. Grade II Cello Pass
beauty of these pieces. This was art music making of the highest
Mills, T. J. Grade IV Singing Pass
order. Musicianship and ensemble were also the distinguishing
Shann, N. J. Grade IV Clarinet Pass
features of the piano duet recital by Paul Hamburger and Liza
Grade IV Theory Pass
Fuchsova. They centered their programme around the mighty F
Riding, D. P. Grade III Piano Pass*
minor Fantasia by Schubert which is one of the greatest works ever
Shuttleworth, K. J. Esq. Grade III Bassoon Pass
written for this medium and they played it as though they had a
Streeter-Smith, T. J. Grade IV Theory Pass
deep reverence for this music. Two lively movements from
Grade V Theory Pass
Moskowski's 'Foreign Parts' brought this recital to an ebullient
conclusion. The season ended with a recital by John Arran and Grade V Flute Pass

John Harper, guitars. This recital had a pleasantly informal at Swinnerton, R. W. H. Grade II Violin Pass
mosphere which was much enhanced by the players' entertaining Talbot, M. J. Grade I Violin Pass*
commentary on their programme, which ranged from Handel to Whitehead, P. C. Grade V Theory Pass

the Beatles. The celebrity concerts have an enthusiastic and Grade V Clarinet Pass
devoted following and all the recitals were much enjoyed by the Whitehead, W. G. (ii) Grade IV Trumpet Pass

audience.
* Pass with MERIT
R.W.A.
♦♦Pass with DISTINCTION

23
 0 WHAT A LOVELY WAR him. The soldiers were suitably bluff and uncomprehending —
humour and irony were blended in their reactions to the squalid
The Junior School Play 1976 conditions in which they were forced to live. Adrian James was
particularly good —, his buffoonery was comic but tragedy lay
Kaiser and Haig: M. Wringe beneath it. Also notable was the quality of their songs, some of
Russia and Sergeant: M. J. McMahon which had a haunting effect that could scarcely have been con
Other parts played by: E. D; Cutting, M. D. C. Dawson, W. G. veyed better in any other way. Singing, indeed, formed an im
Whitehead, R. C. Davies, W. G. F. Ditcham, C. I. T. Green, A. N. portant part of the play and, although not all of the cast would have
Wright, M. J. Talbot, A. M. Miller, T. ft. Cobbold, P. D. H. Jones, satisifed the choir stipulations, the singing was in general clear and
M. P. Davies. strong. W. G. Whitehead performed the solo "There's a silver
lining ..." very well, and S. J. E. Evans was highly competent in
Chorus and Soldiers: C. R. Bartholomew, P. R. Done, S. J. E. the two he did.
Evans, A. M. L James, D. G. Jones, T. P. Humpidge, N. J.
Turner, J. C. Wyatt. It was, then, a good Junior play — a potentially awkward
piece was skilfully produced by Mr. Newbold. There was no cause
News Reader: C. A. Allen to throw up one's hands in horror and much cause to be interested
Master of Ceremonies: M. H. F. Beach and impressed. One can only hope that future efforts will be of the
Producer: W. C. Newbold, Esq. same high standard.

The Junior School Play at the end of the Lent Term was an Charles Atkinson.
interesting and lively production that came off well. The play, O
What a Lovely War, is a strong attack on war, and displays the
utter futility and vast human loss of man fighting man. As it is
unconventional in form and perhaps a little confusing at first sight,
fair ability was demanded for it to be successful.
The acting was of a good standard, although some of the
minor parts were played without real expression and in a stilted
fashion. Large numbers of actors were required, as the list of
characters who appeared was endless, and there was clearly a
practical difficulty in summing up enough from the school ranks.
The most important facets of the play, however, were well-
handled. The contrast between the ordinary soldier, bewildered,
dejected yet pathetically hopeful, and the smug, superior com
placency of the generals in their luxurious surrounding, was
perhaps the best of these. Mark Wringe as General Haig was
impressive - his interpretation of the part was excellent and his
tone of lofty superiority brought out exactly the irony and the
hidden pathos of the sitatuion. Alternated with the aristocratic
scenes were the trench ones, where the acting of the soldiers'
parts as a group was of a high standard. M. McMahon as the
sergeant injected vitality into it, being able to bluster in the
traditional manner without losing the control necessary for such a
part. He also brought out the dual position of such a man — botind
to his duty yet sympathetic to the plight of the unfortunates around Oh! What a Lovely War. The Infantry.

24
 HAMLET

Senior School Play 1975

The Ghost of Hamlet's father: N. St. L. Kyrke-Smith

Hamlet, son to the late king: S. A. Westrop
Claudius, king of Denmark: T. F. Ellis
Gertrude, queen of Denmark, Hamlet' s mother:
Mrs. J. M. Scorer
Horatio, friend to Hamlet: P. H. Gilbert
Polonius, Lord Chamberlain: V. G. Gwillim
Laertes, son to Polonius: R. C. Wynne-Griffith
Ophelia, daughter to Polonius: Miss E. Bowyer-Jones
Osrio, courtier, friend to Laertes: J. Duke
Reynaldo, servant to Polonius: D. J. Roskams
Rosencrantz, a courtier: M. Wringe
Guildenstern, a courtier: H. H. Daniel
Marcellus, an officer: A. P. Greenall
Bernardo, an officer: J. W. McClure
Francisco, a solider: M. J. McMahon
A Gravedigger: J. M. Hales
A Priest: C. A. Henderson
Fortinbras, Prince of Norway: A. C. Middleton
Strolling Players: M. M. V. Taylor
W. M. H. Reynolds
J. H. T. Beach
R. J. Kelly
R. E. T. Borton
A Sailor: M. Broadhurst
Ambassador from England: M. B. Stevens
Courtiers: M. R. Hayward
E. D. Grech-Mintoff
R. E. T. Borton
Trumpeters: A. P. R. Hammersley
P. W. S. Skinner
Pages: D. M. Williams, R. J. Crane
Production: P. B. Privett, Esq.

Hamlet. Tim Ellis, Phillipa Scorer, Elizabeth Bowyer-Jones, Simon Westrop

(courtesy of Shropshire Star)

25
 Now for one or two small disappointments; although the
Shakespear's Hamlet is partly derived from Kyd's "The castle walls of the set were excellent, I felt that the large white
Spanish Tragedy". Hamlet is of course the better play; but both screen, effective during the Ghost scenes, was too dominating
plays share one weakness; their note of tragedy is difficult to during the rest of the play. Another point: the set was built in such
sustain. A hundred years ago the poet A. E. Housman, then a a way that the Lighting Manager could not see what was hap
schoolboy, acted out a parody of Hamlet in which he began by pening on stage, and this must have made his task difficult.
sniffing suspiciously and then holding his nose while he announced However, 'the play's the thing'; a production of Hamlet is a
"There's something rotten in the state of Denmark"; and for a rare treat — it has only been performed twice at Ellesmere since
production of Hamlet to succeed without self-parody, it is essential 1885, and Mr. Privett is to be congratulated for having produced
to have an excellent actor in the title role. this most difficult play wich such success.
Mr. Privett gave us just such an actor in S. A. Westrop, a
young man of only fifteen whose performance was remarkably Richard P. Graves.
good. The full emotional range of Hamlet is not yet accessible to
him; but for most of the play he dominated the stage with in TONS OF MONEY
telligence and style. He was at his most powerful when confronting
Gertrude with his knowledge of her complicity in his father's Common Room Play 1976
murder; but his best work was in the long soliloquies. Here, he
managed to be fresh and convincing with lines which many Aubrey Allington: P. B. Privett
professional actors make tired and hackneyed. Louise Allington: Mrs. P. Scorer
Gertrude was played by Mrs. J. M. Scorer, whose experience Sprules — A Butler: R. W. Allen
on the stage helped her to draw out better performances from Simpson — A Maid Mrs. P. Russell
many around her, and especially from T. F. Ellis as the King. Ellis Miss Mullet: Mrs. F. Barnett
played his part with authority, and managed to convey something Jean Everard: Mrs. J. Jagoe
of the horror which he felt at his own wrong-doing. The King's James Chesterman: W. C. Newbold
adviser, Polonius, needs to be played with utter seriousness if he is Giles — A Gardener: A. E. D. Dowlen
to be funny. Unfortunately, V. G. Gwillim, who is really a good George Maitland: J. M. Scorer
actor, missed this point, and sometimes appeared ill-at-ease in his George Maitland: R. F. Taylor
efforts to be amusing. Prompter: Mrs. A. Knowles
The difficult role of Polonius' daughter, Ophelia, was taken by Producer: P. M. Chambers.
Miss E. Bowyer-Jones, who spoke clearly and was suitably af
fecting in her final scene. Of the other players, P. H. Gilbert gave a
The choice of play this year, was good. Amateur productions
sound performance as Horatio, and J. M. Hales entertained us as
always need to bear in mind the talents of those available, and in
the Gravedigger; but the player who most deserves to be singled
many ways this year's personnel could be claimed as type-cast.
out is J. Duke. His portrayal of Osric the courtier was splendidly
There can be little doubt that the deportment of Roger Allen is
done, with a wealth of expression and gesture, and I hope that we
more fitting for the role of Butler than that of organist. He revealed
shall see more of him on the Ellesmere stage.
the typical bachelor's reserve in tasting the delights of the maid —
I gather that only a few of the costumes were hired this year;
Pam Russell — but excelled in the buffoonery of the second and
but all looked most professional, and were a credit to the Ellesmere
third acts. Indeed, Anthony Dowlen revealed that music is not his
ladies who are building up a first-class collection of home-made
only talent, and displayed resourcefulness as the "Gardener"; a
costumes. We should also congratulate A. P. R. Hammersley on
typical Wurzel type character, originating long before brand new
his stirring music, W. G. F. Ditcham on his very sinister-looking
combine-harvesters.
skulls, and Mr. Newbold on his excellent work as a fight-manager.
 Felicity Barnett was superb as Miss Mullet and younger
members of the audience would have noted her sustained acting
even when she was only a background character. Incidentally, the
scarf is to adorn the neck of the country member of Common
Room from Lee this winter!
Bill Newbold really did reveal that he can look handsome, but
regretfully has to wait another thirty years for grey hair to appear
before he realises his potential. Talking of hair, some lose it and
some gain it, and John Scorer in disguise really was an outstanding
American as was Richard Taylor. June Jagoe as Jean Everard
played up to these two admirably.
The plaudits for acting must go to Paul Privett and Philippa
Scorer. Mr. Privett coped majestically with the diversity of his part.
What a pity he intends to hide his face behind a forest of hair yet
again! In disguise he showed what a pleasant featured guy he really
is. He is stilkrying to find the boy who removed the rope used to tie
on his cushions! It is a pity that Anne Gray was such a resourceful
Property Mistress or we might have had a glorious night to behold.
Mrs. Scorer ably supported Mr. Privett throughout the play and
they both deserve congratulations on thoroughly convincing
performances.
Ann Knowles played an increasingly important role as the play
progressed and deserves congratulations on find the missing five
minutes on the first night.
A word of praise to the stage crew. One did ask was it a
performance of the Naked Ape or a modern Adam as you gazed at
the stage electrician; we did have to imagine a loud explosion on
the second night; we felt for George Maitland II as he tenderly
opened the door — but these are small matters.
Congratulations to all who took part under their producer,
Philip Chambers. Especially does one remember some superb
timing and some effective cross-play which reflected many hours
of hard work!

A.T.M.

27

C.C.F.
As forecast last year, the Corps has now extended the range
of interests it can offer the 'post-proficiency' boy. It includes an
R.A.F. section; and Pilot Officer A. F. Thomson's classroom
delights the eye with its juxtaposition of Pythagoras and Euclid
with engine diagrams, air-flow illustrations and aircraft recognition
material. Only a small section, as it should probably be (14 strong
this year), it has made an impressive start: with exceptionally good
results in the Part II exams. Three members have won Flying
Scholarships, one has earned his gliding 'wings', all have a
reasonable amount of air-experience flying, and five are going to
Summer Camp at R.A.F. Lyneham.
Another innovation, or modification, has been the formation
of a "Patrol Section", in which about 10 boys can develop to an
exceptionally high standard, under the tough and enthusiastic
leadership of 2 Lt. P. J. N. Knowles, the infantry skills on which the
28
Patrol Competion Winners
Army Section is based. This has been an outstanding success,
winning the District Patrol Competition in October '75, and again in
May this year — each time with the highest scores yet achieved in
the Competition. Apart from two boys who will stay on as next
year's instructors, the remaining members of this section will now
take their skills, their confidence and above all their enthusiasm
back to the training of Cadets in Shell and IV.
Besides the Patrol Competitions mentioned, the highlight of
this section's training was the extremely tough weekend
(Expeditions Weekend in February) at Royal Marines Training
Centre, Lympstone, Devon; a variety of modern weapons,
assault-craft training (and a night landing), abseiling and a Tarzan
course and endurance training probably did little for their at-
tentiveness in class the next morning — but they won't forget it,
and they made an excellent impression on the instructors: we hope
and believe they will take us again next year.
 Partly as a result of this, and also of the very much-valued In fact, of course, the expedition was memorable and suc
assistance we are now enjoying from 34 Cen. Wksp, R.E.M.E. at cessful. True, it was wet, soggy even; and the travel arrangements
Donnington, Expedition Weekends are becoming increasingly were awkward to a degree. True also that the O.C. learned about
fragmented and administratively complex; seldom less than sphagnum moss the hard way, by disappearing above his waist in an
six separate outings go off in all directions, and the O.C.waves apparently bottomless Scottish bog. But there was enough clear
them off in the uncertain hope that he has arranged the required weather, good food, company, scenery, wild life, even historic
rations and transport home! All these varied enterprises have in the interest (in the tour of Kinloch Castle) to make the whole outing
event returned safely and have reported good, occasionally testing, worth all the effort.
training. For instance one party went to Honiton to be trained in Now forty of us depart to Sherwood Forest for 1976 Annual
parachuting by the Royal Green Jackets (alas the weather Camp; and if the weather holds, we should have another non-stop
prevented them from having a real jump); and several boys have programme including camping in the Peak District, many light
been on holiday courses — three as far afield as Austria, skiing with infantry exercises, some water-skiing, and a little (a very little)
the Light Division; Major Scorer has of course done his usual quota relaxation in Nottingham. We must note with special regret, first
of rock-climbing and mountaineering in the Peaks, Snowdonia and that 2 Lt. Boothroyd will not be with us: a year of meticulous and
so forth. constructive dedication to the Corps seems to have driven him off
Which brings your reporter to the two major outings of the
to Woodbridge School and he is too enmeshed in the red tape of
year — Annual Camp at Crowborough in July, and Adventure
house conveyancing to come with us( our loss is very truly
Training in March. Crowborough was very ably run by Major
Woodbridge C.C.F.'s gain. Additionally Major Sutterby has
Scorer, in the absence of the O.C. who was having a baby at the
decided to roll up his putees, after 23 years of invaluable,
time; and 38 boys had a very good and full programme, as reported
imaginative and good-humoured service to the C.C.F., including a
in the last issue of the Ellesmerian. For Adventure Training this notable spell as O.C. — during which, for once, all the admin, was
year, we went to Rhum, the 'dark island' of the Outer Hebrides done on time and correctly! His experience will continue to be there
group.
for us to lean on — but it will be less easy, I fear, to get him to plan
J.M.S. picked it as having three or four peaks to be bagged,
those taxing, absorbing and enormously satisfying narrative
with an extraordinary range of geological features to whett schemes for which he has earned such a reputation.
B.W.P.'s appetite, and varied and extensive wildlife under the
protection of the Nature Conservancy to tickle R.R.I.'s palate. The 0 J o.c.
fact that all equipment and stores (approx 2Vi tons) had to be
manhandled from Mallaig railhead to the quayside into a small
MacBrayne's steamer, then into a smaller open boat to get into
Rhumm, then a few hundred yards to our designated camp-site;
that this site (a beauty in fine weather - which we think probably
also has to be imported by hand) boasted 98 ins of rainfall per
annum, largely in March; that Rhumm has a quite noticeable lack
of cheery hostelries, Wimpy bars etc. in which a chap can warm up
and revive amid pleasant chat over foaming jars of Nescafe; that
gales and small boats upset one another (the greater effect being
on the boats, and Mr. Boothroyd), and March is open season for
gales on the Western coast of Scotland; that trains (infrequent
North of Glasgow, and arranged on a puzzling and Presbyterian
;ime-table) do not wait for ferries, which have to wait for weather:
all these facts were doubtless considered, and seemed to add spice,
to make the break with College term-time routine more dramatic.

SCOUT TROOP
A busy and successful year in the troop. Activities based
largely on basic training in the winter months gave way to a more
varied outdoor programme of initiative exercises and projects in the
summer, with plenty of opportunity for team work and leadership.
During the year groups visited the police station and the K. S.L.I,
museum in Shrewsbury, while others joined P.B.P. in exploring the
bird life around the meres. The Michaelmas expedition saw a return
visit to the ever-popular Wrekin site, while in the Lent Term
restrictions on camping imposed by the flu epidemic meant that
plans had to be changed somewhat — nevertheless those who
were fit enjoyed a grand day on the Berwyns in perfect weather.
The conditions were far more testing in May when the patrols,
newly constituted for the Summer Term, carried out their own
hiking expeditions before meeting together for the second night at
Tyfos Farm, near Bala. Pre-expedition training proved valuable this
time, common sense prevailed, and everyone survived the gale and
the hail. The new patrol leaders — Michael Davis, Ian Owen,
Andrew Williamson, Mark Wringe, Philip Bellamy and John Wood
— thus enjoyed a good start to their careers and played their part in
maintaining in the troop a spirit which has been happy and en
thusiastic throughout the last year.
K.J.S.
VENTURE SCOUTS
This year has seen the venture scouts returning to several old
ideas. These have nevertheless been very successful even if they
have been done by previous generations of venture scouts.
In the Michaelmas term most of the unit took to the Shrop
shire Union Canal. This is reckoned to be one of Telford's
masterpieces and is one of the more attractive and popular canals
in Britain. Our gallant navigators embarked at Drayton and pressed
on very efficiently indeed. By the end of the weekend they had
been through no less than 54 locks and had been well on the way to
Chester. In spite of the obvious exertions, everybody enjoyed the
experience and there have been many requests for a repeat ex
pedition.
Meanwhile a very select group N.R.P. Andrew White and
Miles Pargeter took to the hills using Cornel Farm as a base. This
coincided with the official opening of the hostel by Sir William
Gladstone, the Chief Scout. The weather on the Saturday was
superb and there was a small army of V. I. P.s and so we went round
the Snowdon Horseshoe and returned just for the end of the
festivities. On the Sunday we were treated to an inspiring lecture
on "manufacturing your own equipment" by Squadron Leader
Don Robertson and as a result we are hoping next year to do a
certain amount of manufacturing.
Cornel is now a popular venue where facilities are excellent
with drying rooms and showers etc. We are hoping to do a number
of service projects, one of which we have already started namely
the draining of the hillside just above the farm, combined with the
general tidying up of the area.
In Lent term a bug struck the College and as a result ex
peditions were looked upon with a certain amount of trepidation.
The elder members went to the Scout Council's alternative hostel
at Hafod, near Ogwen Cottage and in between cooking what eye
witnesses described as five star catering the campers (?) managed
to clear out the hostel and to climb the Devil's Kitchen and Y Garn.
Most members of the first year did a practice hike along Offa's
Dyke with a certain number of the O.T.U. while a combined party
of O.T.U., venture scouts, N.R.P., D.T.W. and J. Harvey, O.E.
went up to the lakes. The original idea had been to do a high level
expedition under canvas but in the end the Ellesmere bug per
suaded us to stay at Longthwaite Youth Hostel, the assistant
warden of which turned out to be R. Fisher, O.E. In snow con
ditions Skew Ghyll, Great End, Seafell Pikes, Gt. Gable and Green
Gable were all ascended in the weekend. The Sunday was specially
notable for very strong winds which lifted one or two members
bodily off the ground.
This team saw a return to Cornel with the latest intake while
the intake of last year did an assessment hike in Snowdonia. The
weather was foul for summer and much modification of the
programme went on in face of the adverse conditions.
Fridays have been as far as possible more active this year with

SKI-ING HOLIDAY
ANDALO, NORTHERN ITALY
A party of seventeen of us started the trip to
Andalo on the 12th December. This was very
eventful to say the least. First we arrived one
hour late at Treyiso airport, but our coach
journey was the climax of all. The reason being
that the leading coach quite lawfully rounded a
corner and was hit by a car colliding into it which
ended up a complete write-off on the other side
of the road. Everything then went wild, much
hand waving, the net result was our driver had to
make a statement that evening. Thereupon we
arrived six hours late at a quarter past six ending
up with three hours proper sleep. What a jour
ney!
The following day we selected our skis and
boots and ventured to the slopes, some of us for
the first time ever. It was a lovely sight but quite a
difficult beginners' slope this, which added much
entertainment.
The resort was just over 3,000 feet in the
Dolomites. Our instructor was Italian and spoke a
very broken form of English but had learnt words
such as 'Kamikazi' with which he nick-named
Hulstrom. Mr. Foyston, who was also with us,
was very amusing on the slopes, concentrating
very hard on his ski-ing. He was also good at
organising snowball fights in the early hours of
the morning.
After two to three days we soon began to
realise who were the best skiers, such as
Streeter-Smith, not really surprising since he had
been many times before. Kamikazi also began to
have competition from Allen who somehow
always seemed to remain horizontal.
Probably the most unfortunate thing of the
whole holiday was that of Jeremy McPhail
breaking his leg on Wednesday. Some of us had
a chance to see a ski-ing instructor excel himself
by practically flying down the slope for a stret
cher.
The village was typically Italian with just as
many bars as shops. There was also a very
pleasant restaurant which made lovely pizzas
cooked in their ancient ovens.
On the last day ski-ing we had a test to see
what our capabilities were, the majority of us
achieved an average standard. Yet, Mr. Foyston
somehow managed to achieve a better result
than most of us. This somehow seemed very
oddl
Our trip back was very good on the whole
except for McPhail having to travel back with us
and he found the coach journey very tough.
There were three others in his position on the
return flight, though I dare say he was probably
the worst off.
It was a very good holiday, and great fun, and I
feel everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Simon Hampton.
SKI TRIP TO ANDALO
MARCH 1976
We arrived at the Hotel Rosa Alpina in mid-
afternoon on the Tuesday, having travelled since
2.30 that morning. Having seen a plentiful supply
of snow at Ellesmere, we were rather disap
pointed to learn that there wasn't much snow at
Andalo, though the higher slopes were "ski-
able". After ski-issue and an introduction to
Italian cuisine, we went to bed early to recover
from "jet" and "coach-lag".
The first day's skiing consisted of getting back
into "the swing" for the budding Olympic
Champions, while the beginners received expert
instruction from AEDD and Luigi (our Italian
instructor) as to how to put on skis, and how to
get up having fallen over. Unfortunately we were
not graced with the presence of KJS on the
slopes, as he had succumbed to the dreaded
lurgy during the previous day's travelling.
As the week continued, the beginners became
quite proficient, finishing the holiday by skiing
down the mountain to the village. During this
time, the others had been taught by Jim (im
ported from Scotland), and they, too, were much
improved after six days' skiing. In the evenings
there was no lack of entertainment — the "first-
timers" soon becoming expert connoisseurs of
Gluhwein at the pizzeria, and Edna, our 'rep',
organised numerous activities including a pizza
evening, an excursion to the disco, and a visit to
the local football ground. On the last evening we
were all presented with a certificate which stated
how competent we were, and this, along with a
glorious suntan, was a souvenir of a most en
joyable week.
M. J. W. Napier.
33
 Arts atEllesmere
THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY
AND THE YOUNG FARMERS' CLUB
Both societies have had a very similar mem
bership, their meetings have been on alternate
Tuesdays, and both have been fortunate to have
Adrian Bonell as Secretary, so a combined report
seems appropriate. However, they have
remained distinct and the Y.F.C. has joined
forces with the Ellesmere branch of the J.N.F.U.
which brought valuable outside contacts and
organization to help our Y.F.C. They have
organized talks on farming topics, films, visits to
local industries such as the Criddle Burgers
animal feeds mill at Oswestry and the new United
Dairies plant at Ellesmere. There have been three
farm 'walks' in the summer evenings to learn
about dairy herd management and silage making
amongst other aspects.
The Natural History Society has pursued a
similar programme of local activities; talks, films
and excursions. The Autumn Term activity was a
conservation project on the Top Pond which had
a channel dug round the central reed mass in
order to provide a nesting area in the centre safe
from predatory cats. This was pursued on several
Sunday afternoons and successfully completed,
although we recognise that such conservation
work has to be regularly renewed to counter the
steady growth of the reeds and silting up of
channels. There were several talks by members,
a visit to a small wildlife park, the R.S.P.B. film
show in Shrewsbury and a talk by Roy Harris on
British Deer, a local expert naturalist who has
published a book on this subject.
The Lent Term saw activity changed to the
making of nestboxes of various sorts which have
been placed on trees around the grounds. We
now have over thirty boxes in position, of five
different kinds. There were showings of films on
Pesticides and 'Food or Famine', talks by D. C.
E. Smith on 'Birds of the East Coast', by P. W.
Matthews on 'Pigeon Fancying', a magnificent
film on 'Whales, Dolphins and Men', and a visit
to Chester Zoo on 1st February.
The Summer Term has been given to recording
the bird nesting activity both in and out of the
nest boxes, and in fact there has been more bird
watching activity this year than before, due to
the arrival of new members with considerable
interest in this field. Ingram's records show 52
species of bird resident and seen around the
College area, including both Sparrowhawk and
Buzzard, 10 migrants seen in summer including
Reed Warblers and Whitethroats, 2 winter
migrants (Fieldfares and Redwings) and 10
species on the Meres.
An interesting talk was given by the R.S.P.B.
Investigations Officer on 'Birds and the Law',
and films on river pollution ('The River must
Live') were shown.
The major excursions of the term took us to
Powys Castle to have a close look at the deer
herd there, a mixture of Red Deer and Fallow
Deer in small groups scattered around a park of
small deep valleys and large trees, which
provided good viewing opportunities.
The various activities pursued by members
have had mixed success and disappointment—
thus only nine out of the 32 nest boxes were used
and there were no unusual species in residence;
the pond conservation project was affected by
the drought and lower levels of the water which
enabled a certain cat to cross the channel and
raid a moorhen's nest and deter the duck from
nesting, and the final excursion on July 4th took
place on such a hot day that walking across
Whixall Moss in search of wildlife was more a
task of survival than discovery. The best evening
was on 26th May when a group of members went
badger watching and saw a Barn Owl flying
around them on its evening hunting in the dusk,
after which a family of five badgers suddenly
emerged and played before they too went off
noisily to forage in the woods. The most recent
activity has been the fishing on Top Pond where
some fair sized Roach and Rudd have been
caught, both by members of the Club and by the
local herons, who are seen in the very earliest
hours of the morning, demonstrating a practical
value of the pond conservation which has been
done, since fish were introduced in 1974 by the
Society and are clearly multiplying.
LIBRARY REPORT
There have been no changes in the running of
the library this year. The Prefect of Library for the
Michaelmas Term was Elizabeth Bowyer-Jones.
She is the first girl to have become a school
prefect and undertook her duties most com
petently. For the Lent and Summer Terms the
post was ably filled by C. V. Atkinson.
Our thanks go to the Prefects of Library, to the
House Representatives and to the boys who
supervise during prep. Their help is essential to
keep a quiet library at all times.
We have had gifts of books from C. Howard
Esq., J. D. Naylor, Esq., C. M. Birdsell, E.
Khanzadeh, P. C. Osbourne, and T. J. M.
Bishop. Mrs. Fawley of Ellesmere gave some
reference books and W. A. Pyke Esq., O.E. a
collection of history books. The Right Reverend
W. A. Parker presented a large collection of
religious works. All these gifts are much ap
preciated.
We were pleased to add to the library a copy of
Edward Wilson's book. Mr. Wilson, a one-time
Head of Biology here, had many interests,
among which Inland Waterways stood high. His
book the 'Ellesmere and Llangollen Canal' was
published some months after his death last year.
B.H.
POTTERY
The urge to create in three dimensions is very
satisfying in clay. There are many who have
found this material more amenable than pencil,
brush or pen. This was shown by a greater
number doing "0" level pottery than "0" level
drawing and painting this year. Khayami has
been one of the most imaginative potters. Also of
a high standard, Benson, Daniel and Houston.
Plus others who have enjoyed working in their
spare time.
R.A.B.
 SEVEN CLUB
Five members left the club at the end of the
Summer term, and, to fill the vacancies, K.
Alamouti, C. V. Atkinson, J. A. H. Booth, F. W.
A. Crouch and V. G. Gwillim were invited.
The new term was opened by Miss E. Bowyer-
Jones, who boldly presented a paper on 'Woman
— the Other'. Avoiding the usual controversial
arguments advanced by supporters of the
Women's Lib. movement, she analysed the
reasons for woman's present position in society,
concluding that, although her role is in many
ways different, it is by no means subordinate,
and the main problem arises from the conflict
between a woman's development as a human
being and that as a female. Femaje was more a
psychological problem than a biological or a
social one.
Mr. K. Alamouti read the next paper entitled
'The Slaughter of the Sacred Cow' - a look at
various objections to religion, based on historical,
psychological theological and scientific
arguments. The objections having been raised,
the club then tried to put forward the positive
aspects, of which a number were agreed upon.
In the Lent term two new members, Miss H.
Samson and J. G. M. Barber were welcomed in
the place of Miss Bowyer-Jones and N. K.
Smith, and the term started with Mr. C. V.
Atkinson talking about the class struggle —
taking as his starting-point the view that a lust for
power was a basic condition of the human kind,
and then analysing various historical examples of
'Elitism'. Ways of transcending class barriers
were considered, and he concluded that a class
structure was essential, and we should modify
the system until it represents the most ad
vantageous system of all, rather than overthrow
it.
The Secretary, Mr. J. A. H. Booth in his paper
discussed the 'Right to Life' and raised the moral
issues of organ transplantation. Distinctions were
drawn between the prolongation of life at dif
ferent levels and the saving of life - leading to a
meaningful existence. Experimentation and
methods of selection were discussed and the
difficulties they entailed. Lack of real information
on the subject prevented any conclusions being
reached.
Mr. J. G. M. Barber, stepping in at short
notice, read an interesting paper on "Future
Trends in Society", dealing with both the
developed and developing nations. The
exhausting of non-renewable resources and the
search for new forms of energy, the
dehumanisation of life in a technological age, and
the growth of vast urban conglomerations were
seen as major problems in the developed
countries, while the under-developed countries
were not being adequately helped in their
development, and present methods were not
having the desired effect. Population problems
and means of achieving happiness were also
raised.
Mr. F. W. A. Crouch in his paper discussed
'Contemporary Trends in Education', in which he
put forward some severe criticisms of present
day education. He advocated a radical change in
the formal set-up, maintaining that pupils were
bored, and found much of the teaching irrelevant
and impersonal. He believed in self-discovery
methods. His views found little approval from the
club, whose members, critical of many of his
assertions, both from the practical as well as from
the theoretical point of view.
Not all members of the club read papers this
year, and several were noticeabjy dilatory in
setting out to prepare their material. The stan
dard of argument was good, and a serious at
tempt was made to think about the issues in
volved. There were some views advanced which
were based on prejudice rather than a mature
consideration of the points discussed, and often
statements were made which did not stand up to
critical analysis. However interesting discussion
was enjoyed, and members felt that the meetings
had been instructive and stimulating.
H.R.H.
THE THESPIAN SOCIETY 1975-6
The society enjoyed yet another successful
year under the able leadership of the President
Mr. Ainscow. During the course of the year we
read "Rhinoceros" by Eugene lonesco, "Lloyd
George Knew My Father" by Douglas Hulme,
and we went to two theathre outings. To "John,
Paul George, Ringo and Bert" at the Royal Court
Liverpool and "Sleuth" at the Gateway Chester,
both of which were interesting and amusing.
We enjoyed an evening out at Mrs. Gray's
house where the members read some of their
favourite pieces of satire; another evening heard
recitations of the members' favourite pieces of
prose.
All considered the year was a productive and
worthwhile one. Our thanks must again go to the
President and his "partners in crime", Mrs. Anne
Gray and Paul Privett who helped to make the
society the happy group it was throughout the
year.
Hilary Samson
BRIDGE CLUB
A new set of beginners, together with a
good nucleus of last year's players, ensured
another busy season. In addition to the usual
'home' attractions the top players have widened
their experience with duplicate sessions at the
Shrewsbury Club, and took part in the minor
sports competition as well. This year we entered
for the first time the Daily Mail Schools Com
petition, and in our heat at Ashton finished just
below half way in a strong field. The Ellesmere
team was Andrew Olive, Charles Beaumont, Ian
Attoe and Stephen Blakey: of these, only Ian
Attoe remains for next season, so much will
depend on the progress of the younger
generation, and in particular the way in which
they can develop their judgement at the bridge
table. Sound judgement is more important than
an excess of artificiality, although a basic system
must be learnt carefully, and mastery can only
come through practice. So there are plenty of
opportunities, and much to do, in the winter
months ahead.
K.J.S.
35

Andrew White
WARGAMES SOCIETY
Over the last year the club has left behind the
large plastic armies which once filled the history
room, and turned to much smaller (and cheaper!)
metal models. The number of ''theatres of war"
has increased somewhat, latest additions in
cluding board-wargaming and naval warfare of
assorted periods. In the near future we hope to
take up aerial wargaming. This term ends with a
"match" against Shrewsbury — hopefully the
first of many.
36
CREATIVE DESIGN
The Creative-Design Department has had
another highly industrious term, with the
workshop in use both in and out of school time.
The now familiar fibre-glass and allied substances
are still being worked alongside more traditional
materials to produce some excellent pieces of
work.
The "Shell" boys have recently finished a
number of cross-bows with, I am pleased to say,
no reported injuries and only a couple of con
fiscations! The senior boys completed the go-cart
earlier in the year and have spent many enjoyable
hours since driving the machine. There have
been development problems but these were
attributable more to the engine manufacturers
than our own craftsmen (of course!). The more
junior boys have developed and pursued the art
of using the foam mould material,
"Polyeurathane Foam" and have formed some
very interesting abstracts from airated concrete.
Many boys in CD. find their greatest talents
are in the more traditional type of woodwork.
One boy with such a perfectionists's dedication
was Andrew White (Lower 6th) who over the last
term, before he left, completed two magnificent
"credence tables". These were made to a high The Go-Cart (again!)
standard of construction and design, and later
presented to Smallwood Manor Prep. School for
CHESS CLUB
the use in their chapel. Not to be "underworked"
Andrew then made a third table for our own
chapel at College. A most commendable effort
The Chess club has continued to function in a
when one realises that much of the work done
quiet way! However, standards are slowly im
proving and we have one or two quite strong
was in his own free time. White has since left to
study and become a top class cabinet maker.
players. C. Atkinson is perhaps the most con
Next year we are planning to build a sand
sistent of these which resulted in victory for him
yacht. This will not be a full-sized design but
by a clear margin in the League Competition.
instead a smaller part based on parts from the
However, the Open Tournament was won by A.
chassis of the go-cart! Skills and techniques Woolfrey, the strongest of our younger players,
learnt from building the "water-scooter" will be
who also won the new "problem" competition.
applied to its construction and I hope it will be as However he was defeated in the Handicap
successful as past projects. Tournament final by L. El-Muddaris. Our annual
fixture against Shrewsbury School in the Minor
T.C.H.-D. Sports competition resulted in a draw.
P.B.P.

H.M.'s Competition.
THE HEADMASTER'S COMPETITION
The H.M/s competition, held in the Easter
term, was a very good exhibition of the talents
and industry of the boys. Excellent work was
submitted by all years with over 100 entries in all.
The standard was high in all sections and the
choosing of winners extremely difficult. Prizes
were presented to all sections ranging from war
game layouts to brick robots! with of course a big
entry in CD.
Prizes were very gratefully accepted and, I
suspect, quickly converted into delicacies in the
tuck shop
T.C.H.-D.
SPEECH DAY EXHIBITION
An Exhibition of 19th and 20th Century oils and
waterco lours and contemporary jewellery,
organised by Mr. and Mrs. Leon Suddaby, O.E.,
Mr. Alan Heaven and Mr. R. A. Brown, was held
for the second year running in the Sports Hall
(thanks to Mr. Knowles). This year we tried to
vary the range of paintings, and had also a fine
display of modern jewellery designed and made
by Alan Heaven. The Sports Hall makes a very
good exhibition area, with its neutral grey walls
and its position in the school. We enjoyed putting
the exhibition on, and hope that we have paved
the way for the Arts Centre exhibitions and
displays. Looking at paintings and craftsmanship
is learning to see, appreciate and understand
how the original artist and craftsman uses various
materials. We did get a few gems such as
"Which is the best picture in the room?" "Are
they all by the same artist?" and to Alan Heaven
and his jewellery "Did you get these from a
shop?" I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. L
Suddaby and Mr. A. Heaven for the enthusiasm,
time, effort and cost of putting on such a varied
and interesting exhibition.
R.A.B.
ART GROUP VISITS 1975/76
Of all the art group visits, London has been the
most frequently visited. The Turner Exhibition at
the British Museum was first, later to have been
succeeded by a trip to the National Gallery, then
the Tate Gallery where the main attraction was
the Constable Exhibition, a truly notable
collection of his various works, especially
watercolours, loaned from art galleries
throughout the world. His popularity was ap
parent in the excess of people in the gallery — his
pleasant approach in painting scenery appealing
to all age groups.
The Manchester City Art Gallery was next on
the itinerary, followed by a visit to Salford
University where there was a fine collection of
the late L. S. Lowry's paintings — a contrast in
subject to that of Constable, industrialisation
being the main theme as opposed to Constable's
landscapes.
The last art group visits were to the Bir
mingham City Art Gallery and Walsall Museum
respectively, Walsall Museum having a varied
and quite an impressive spectrum of works
ranging from the Old Masters to the present day
artists. Although one member of the party was
heard to say that it was just a matter of practice.
On the whole, the art group has had a busy
year with numerous outings to galleries in
London, Manchester and Birmingham, each one
unique and thoroughly enjoyable.
ART GROUP VISITS
London - TURNER - Royal Academy
TURNER - British Museum
MICHELANGELO - British
Museum
THE NATIONAL GALLERY
CONSTABLE - Tate Gallery
Also Birmingham, Walsall — German Ryan
Exhibition
Manchester — Salford — L. S. Lowry
Exhibition
Sheila Jones.
37

1st XV REPORT
One should, I suppose, start with the victory
over Rydal; while it would be unbecoming to
gloat, a purr of satisfaction at the removal of a
barrier that had become psychologically almost
unsurmountable is perhaps permissable. Other
sides have had their chances to achieve this
ambition and failed; this XV succeeded, and for
their successors, like for subsequent French XVs
after their first win at Twickenham, things will
never be quite the same again. Still Colwyn Bay
next October will be no place for the faint
hearted. In their captain, Leech, and in one of
their centres, Rydal had the two outstanding
individual players on the field but in the collective
art of scrummaging they were outplayed, and it
was here that the game was won.
It was here indeed that our chief strength lay.
Technically we were better scrummagers than
most of the opposition we met; the front row was
solid and nigh indestructable and if we had a
hooker who had taken life vows in the position
instead of one starting his novitiate (and liable I
suspect to lose his vocation at a very early date!)
things might have been better. D did nobly but he
has the heart, contours, and eyesight of a prop
of the old school . . . ''Never mind the ball; let's
get on with the game."
The trouble was that we were very well served
at prop already, with Wongsanguan grinning an
oriental grin of satisfaction as he fired his op
posite number out of the top of the scrum and
taking a paternal interest in the welfare of the
then fledgling Ellis — (some chicken now!)—
who, it was very soon apparent, had found his
rugby niche being both strong in the tight and a
fast and aggressive runner with the ball in the
loose. Behind them the engine room (2 H.P. at
the very least, though one would not wish to
draw too close a parallel between Chambers and
a Suffolk Punch!) generated the necessary power
in a most impressive way. Sym, too, was the
outstanding iineout forward who managed to
make up for his shortage of height by perfecting
that timing that comes only from much hard
practice. In the back row one remembers many
things — John Baker's ability to win the ball
when he seemed to have no right to do so,
especially when it was loose on the ground —
what a tremendous season he had! — Robinson
showing all the flair and opportunism of a high
class poacher — Corp, less evident in attack, but
doing much valuable covering in defence. It will
be a very good pack indeed that improves on this
one.
Outside the scrum there was perhaps slightly
less consistency (the passing was not always as
secure as it should have been) but there was
much to remember with pleasure. Brereton and
Bielby, as fine an equine pair as ever graced a
horse-show, both took a great deal of stopping
and scored a number of notable tries, though the
former should make a firm resolution never to try
to kick the ball again! Clarke and Greenall top did
their share, the former kicking a number of
important goals while the latter was a classic
wing with the ability to beat his man by swerve
and subtle change of pace. Owen grew in
confidence as the season progressed and by the
end was very much the master in his own twenty
five, while Wynne-Griffiths provided a good link
and his tactical kicking developed well; he must
always remember, however, that a ball that has
been hardly won with much toil, tears, and sweat
by the donkeys up front must never be idly kicked
away.
George led the side from scrum-half, and his
long spin pass made life easy for his partner
(though there were occasions when the range-
finder seemed to have gone slightly on the blink);
his breaks from the base of the scrum were
always dangerous, but the wise player does not
reveal his hand too soon — you are much more
likely to make a really devastating break if you
conceal this talent from the opposition in the
early part of the game. He and Baker led a very
happy and united side who enjoyed their rugby
and gave much pleasure to the spectators and,
not least, to the coaches (! and ?) who would
both like to thank them all very much indeed for
their hard work and enthusiasm.
P.S. Anyone keen to get into next year's side
can start practising place-kicking.
THE XV ON TOUR
The time is 10.30 a.m., the date is Sunday 26th
October 1975. Close together on the starting grid
are two gleaming vehicles. The pole position is
occupied by Pad Hesketh's blue and white Super
Continental while outside him is the unknown
quantity, Jody Schechter's bread van, which
lacks the slim elegant lines of its rival but whose
square-built snub-nosed front hints at latent
power. The starter is ready — Hesketh is ready —
Schechter? — his navigator is having an
argument — so Hesketh goes into an early lead.
It was a close race all the way. Ace com
mentator Bill MacEllis lost his voice and J. C. Iglis
Sym lost his way! (Iglis = I got lost in Swindon!).
Nevertheless, two pit stops (for human and
mechanical refuelling) and five hours later the
two vehicles stormed into Wimborne neck and
neck.
That evening we were royally entertained by L.
P. Beard, Esq., (late of Ellesmere and now master
i/c Canford rugby), Guy Hayward, the Canford
captain, and members of his team, while Monday
morning saw us having a run out on the beach at
Bournemouth. The highlights here were the
length of bare leg on display by one member of
the XV (who shall be nameless) and an old lady of
at least seventy years of age (and the split image
of Annie in Esther Rantzen's "That's Life"!) who
was determined to show Paul Brereton that there
was life in her yet by kicking the ball as far as she
could down the Prom.
So to the first match, which we lost 4-13 and
on the day deserved to lose. The only phase in
which we dominated was the tight — we scored
our try from a massive heave on their ball which
enabled George to make a rasping break and
John Baker was at hand to pick up and dive over
when Rob was ultimately tackled. In the line-out
and loose it was a different story, and they used
their possession to launch a series of high
steepling kicks which stretched the defence to
the utmost. It was no surprise when eventually it
gave way.
More excellent entertainment in the Canford
Vlth. Form Club followed (How much we learned
from them about entertaining guests!) and a
night out in Bournemouth and an early bed saw
everyone ready for Wellington the next day.
It is, I think, true that the effects of the Canford
game were still" being felt for we did not really
quite click despite winning 13-6. The gem of the
game was a classic wing-threequarter try by the
Flying *******t wn0 rounded his man by sheer
pace, beat the full-back in a very narrow space,
and dived over in the corner — marvellous rugby!
It was also the game when D scored his try; and
did anyone deserve one more?
Altogether it was a very happy and rewarding
tour and we are all most grateful to Canford and
Wellington who looked after us and entertained
us so well.
39

2nd XV
For a season that opened with dire
prognostications of gloom the results achieved
were the best for several seasons. This was
because the pack was mobile and strong, the
three qurters had pace and skill and there was an
able captain.
The pessimism should have been laid to rest
after the first game when with speed, aggression
and sureness of handling the side demonstrated a
potential that was to be fulfilled as the season
progressed. Mike Clews, captain, quickly realized
his potential for it was his tenacity, determination
and ability to obtain from others the utmost in
graft and enthusiasm that provided a successful
team.
A lack of injuries meant, unusually, a virtually
unchanged team for the season. Positional
changes occurred — usually for the better, as for
example when John Keable moved from second
row to No. 8, this gave him the freedom to use
his speed and size to greater effect and cause
confusion by his powerful breaks from the base
of the scrum. The resident scrum-half this year,
Ian Attoe, was an inspiration to both forwards
and backs who generally received more than their
fair share of the ball.
The memorable moments of the season were
many but special mention must be made of
Charlie Edwards' dropped goal against Liverpool
which so lifted drooping spirits; Si Smith's four
penalty points against Bromsgrove; Mike
Handley's three tries against Sandbach, Johnny
Hales' enthusiastic scream as he missed the pass
at a tap penalty to lead the opposition, and the
referee in the wrong direction; and of course, the
gallant captain's effort to remedy a three point
deficit in the last five minutes of a game by
committing his considerable eleven stone against
a pack of forwards from a tap penalty; he did not
score; the game was lost.
By the end of the season the dark had been
lifted to reveal a pink haze surrounding all those
felines who had contributed to the team's
success.
M. J. Clews etal.
40
Team: S. L. Smith, R. L. Anthony-Jones, R.
Wynn*, C. D. Edwards*, R. Hull*, I. R. Attoe*,
J. St. J. Burns, P. Gilbert, J. Hales, R. Lam
bert,* J. Keable*, J. Larder, M. Handley*, M. J.
Clews*, R. Thomas, G. Brown, R. C. M. Ash-
worth*.
* Colours
3rd XV
A new season, yet again under new
management, loomed menacingly at the
beginning of September. The new keen young
manager looked aghast at the list of players (?)
and wondered how the **** he was supposed
to produce a team. He need not have worried —
a team produced itself and proceeded to play
rugby (?) with enthusiasm and, occasionally,
some skill. Indeed, in no match did they fail to
score and only suffered one overwhelming
defeat. Mention should be made of certain
players and of results but, alas all recollection of
the season have (mercifully) faded into the mists
of time.
C.D.F.
COLTS CLUB
The season began well; the club were prepared
to train hard and Wynne-Griffith and Middleton
set the example. The rest responded ensuring
that backs and forwards would work well
together and play orthodox rugby. We planned
to keep our game simple but effective; first to
achieve an attacking position, then to move the
ball quickly to the wings, obtain loose ball and try
again. The forwards agreed on the importance of
producing good ball and were determined to
work hard to tidy up awkward situations.
In the first game against Belmont Third XV the
pack soon realised that they were going to have
to raise their game; the first ten minutes were
rather desperate. Belmont created one or two
dangerous runs which would undoubtedly have
resulted in scores if it had not been for the
Dickinson tackle; however, possession gradually
became more even and the side's confidence
grew. The ball was well used and the pack were
stirred to greater efforts. The second half
belonged to Ellesmere and we were pleased to
win a hard but enjoyable game.
Wynne-Griffith then moved to the senior side
and left a gap which we were unable to fill. One
or other of the half-backs must be able to impress
his authority on a game and this was lacking
during the rest of the season. Also the link
between forwards and backs had been weakened
and the line seldom looked dangerous. However,
in the first twenty minutes against Liverpool
College, Bird moved the ball early and well and
the centres and wings were given an opportunity
to show their potential. During this period the
team looked dangerous and threatened to
establish a lead against strong opposition, but
defence near the scrum let us down and in the
end we were well beaten.
The results during the term were five losses
and four wins; the team had struggled to improve
and the pack deserve special mention for being
prepared to keep plugging away, even when they
saw quite good possession squandered, not
through lack of effort, but due to lack of ex
perience.
A number of players improved their skills by
listening to advice and practising; none tried
harder than K. Braithwaite and he thoroughly
deserved to be selected for the 1st XV at the end
of the season.
This year's side contained a number of very
good players, but there were few reserves. The
success of a team often depends on a number of
good reserves and next year we will be looking
for a slightly larger clubside.
M.C.P.
Team: D. A. Dickinson*, G. K. Ashley, J. M.
Kelsall, K. J. Fox*, K. Braithwaite*, C .
Henderson, T. H. Bird, S. E. H. Bull*, R. C.
Sheppard, A. J. C. Tunnicliffe*, E. D. Grech-
Mintoff,A. N. Jevon*, A. C. Middleton* (Capt),
R. A. Leonard*, J. W. McClure, R. W. F.
Overall, N. J. Fillery*.
Also played R. Wynne-Griffith, G. J. B. Jackson.
* Colours.

UNDER 15 RUGBY
This was one of the smallest Under 15 sides of
recent times, and time and time again this season
they paid for their lack of size and weight. Early
injuries did not help, and indeed the first half of
the season was spent in experimentation and
blooding new players. Later on some pattern did
emerge, the forwards began to win some ball,
and the efforts seemed justified after all.
Eventually two matches were won, and several
others only narrowly lost: there was a good deal
of satisfaction in what had been achieved, and
prospects for 1976-7 must be reasonably op
timistic.
That we were never completely routed owes
much to the defensive qualities of, in particular,
Lushey, Brammer and Smail, the full back and
centres, with Owen and McMahon improving
greatly as well. Waite joined the outsides late in
the season after a knee operation, and did
enough to suggest that if he is fully fit he will be
useful next year.
In the pack Twist led, and looked good either
as hooker or flanker, Shrimpton, Howells and
Entecott did many good things, as did Telfer and
particularly Wood when they joined the side half
way through. Bartholomew helped to solidify
matters and was a great trier. Several others
were in and out of the team, and they too gained
much useful experience. The spirits of the side,
even in adversity, remained remarkably high, and
the keenness to learn and improve was most
gratifying.
K.J.S.
Team from: S. J. Lushey, A. C. Waite, D. J.
Roskams, M. Brammer, R. F. Smail, D. Braith-
waite, I. Owen, D. Styles, C. Bartholomew, A.
B. Twist, R. J. Crane, R. F. Telfer, G. Shrim
pton, G. R. Fillary, M. Entecott, J. Wood, M. J.
McMahon, P. P. W. Howells, I. Bennett, A.
Dada.
UNDER 14 RUGBY
After several successful seasons the U/14 XV
were, perhaps, due for a disappointing one.
Judged purely by results it was certainly a poor
season with only two wins to report. However
only a point separated the teams against Rydal
and two points against Merchant Taylors.
The forwards performed very adequately and
much will be heard of later in their careers of
Hems, Sowerby, Humphries, Gasser and
Roberts. They lacked both weight and size which
can be so decisive at this level, but they all
developed their individual skills as the season
progressed.
The main weakness was behind the scrum
where a lack of speed, size and ball skills meant
that little of real purpose was achieved. They all
battled mightily in defence but inevitably once
the defences were breached a couple of times a
flood too often followed.
Of the backs Brocklehurst tackled impressively
and Jones showed signs of devejopment at fly-
half, but was too easily put off his game, when
under pressure. Fahim-Dejban was the only back
to show any real penetration, and he missed all
the games after Christmas when Ashley arrived
to add much needed punch to the attack. These
two strong-running players should contribute
much next year.
By the end of the season many lessons had
been learnt and I am sure that they will perform
creditably as they make their way up the school.
My thanks go to Hems for his enthusiastic
captaincy and his constant refusal to accept
defeat.
B.W.P.
Colours were awarded to 0. J. P. Brocklehurst,
A. Fahim-Dejban, S. A. Hems, G. E. Humphries,
D. L. W. Roberts, and R. D. Sowerby.
The following also represented the team
regularly: Bellamy, Ashley, Cobbold, Clutton,
Elkes, Done, Gasser, Jones D.G., Midwood,
Napier, Riding, Shelley, and Talbot.
SENIOR SEVENS
This was a very successful season, starting
really back in September with the winning of the
Woodard Sevens competition at Hurstpierpoint.
The training during the term was hard but all
really aimed at peak fitness for Rosslyn Park at
the end of term.
The first competition was the Shropshire
Tournament held at Ludlow in which both the
Senior's and Under 17's were entered. The
Senior side were put out by a Wrekin team in the
semi-final. (Wrekin went on to win.) The under
17s were in excellent form that afternoon and
never looked in any trouble and consequently
won their competition, beating Ludlow in the
final.
The Senior side was then invited at the last
moment to the Birkenhead Sevens where again
they made the semi-finals but were put out at
that juncture by the hosts, Birkenhead.
There then came a superb weekend which
included the Hereford Sevens on the Saturday
and the Middlesex Sevens on the Sunday. For
the third time in the season (fourth including
Hurstpierpoint) the semi-finals were reached at
Hereford. But alas, the team slumped at Mid
dlesex in the second round which was a
bitter disappointment. However, a good time
was had by all, including a dispute with the hotel
catering authorities as to how much toast we
should have at breakfast!
In the last week of term injury and illness set in
hard, and it was with great regret that the climax
of the season—Rosslyn Park—had to be can
celled as far as El I es me re was concerned.
However, looking at the season by and large it
was a great success because both Mr. Knowles
and players put in a lot of hard work and con
sequently received good results; it was only a pity
that all the work could not have been put to the
ultimate test at Rosslyn Park.
T. F. Ellis
RESULTS
BIRKENHEAD INVITATION 7s
GROUP 1
Ellsemere 10, Bradford G.S. 4
Ellesmere6, Merchant Taylors 4
Ellesmere4, St. Edward's, Liverpool 16
Semi-final
Birkenhead 15, Ellesmere4
HEREFORDSHIRE 7s
Round 2: Sir Thomas Richard's 6, Ellesmere 16
Round 3: Ellesmere 12, Hereford Cathedral
School 4
Semi-final: Ellesmere 6, Cardinal Langley20
MIDDLESEX 7s
Ellesmere 14, Latymer Upper 4
Ellesmere 6, St. Ignatius 10
Tim Ellis
41
 RUGBY RESULTS MICHAELMAS TERM 1975
HOCKEY
Opponents
Almost the whole team from last year returned
1st XV 2nd XV 3rd XV U/16 U/15 U/14
for this season, ten players, including five
Manchester G.S. D 10 -10 W 36- 0 L 15- 22 W' 18 - 12 colours, so we expected and found a strong team
Belmont Abbey L 3 -7 L 3- 18 W 13- 3 L 0- 17 L 0 -51 for 1976. Andrew Durant led the squad coolly and
Bromsgrove W 19 ■ 7 W 20- 0 W 18- 0 L 0- 20 L 10 -26 forcefully, maintaining the level of effort and drive
Rydal W 15 - 4 L 0- 3 L 8- 16 L 9- 11 L 0- 48 L 11 -12 especially when it was needed, to hold a lead or
Wrekin L 0 -4 L 3- 26 L 4- 20 W 19- 0 L 4- 18 L 3 -22 win a match.
Cotton W 34 - 7 L 4- 10 W 26- 4 W 20 - 0 The pitches remained in good condition most
Oswestry W 42- 0 of the term due to the dry weather in February
Priory L 0 -42 and March.
Liverpool W 37 ■ 0 W 13- 8 W 12- 4 L 8- 26 L 3- 34 L 0 -58 The results list 7 wins, 1 match drawn and 3
Merchant Taylors L 3-■ 9 L 0- 18 D 14- 14 L 0- 27 L 4 - 6 lost, which latter included two club sdies. The
Ruthin W 50-• 9 W 20- 0 Common Room, playing in early February, were
Wrekin L 4- 32 L 4- 20 L 6- 24 L 0 -54 very soundly beaten, and there followed a
Sandbach W 16-■ 0 W 50- 0 L 12- 14 L 0 - 62 succession of pleasing victories against Priory,
Denstone W 38-• 0 W 34- 4 L 4- 54 L 4- 10 L 6- 52 L 6 -52 Wrekin, Denstone, and Birkenhead. A new
Birkenhead L 6- 9 L 9- 12 L 7- 12 L 0- 6 L 0 -29 fixture was introduced against Ruabon, a strong
0. Ellesmerians L 4- 16
hockey school, and we won the first game 2-0,
somewhat surprising our opponents. A return
1st XV Tour
fixture was arranged for March 4th which proved
Canford L 4- 13 to be the best hockey of the season, a fiercely
Wellington W 16- 6 contested match finally drawn 1-1 when Smail
scored in the last few minutes. We were sur
prised in our turn when Oswestry Club appeared
RUGBY RESULTS LENT TERM 1976 with new players and beat us 2-4, but we were
pleased to play a new fixture against the Deeside
A'XV 'B'XV U/15 U/14 Ramblers who won 1-2 with a team including the
Priary D 0- 0 Club Captain and Mike Handley's father. Finally
Oswestry W 54- 6 we played the O.E.'s/substantially the same
Grove Park W team which defeated the school last year, but
12- 0 L 17 - 22
Denstone Park L 4- 6 this time they went down 2-0 after Greenall
L 4- 12 L 3- 15 L \. 16
Adams W 4-
i \j
scored an opportune goal and Durant made sure
3 W 22- 0 L 10- 12 L
Wrekin
() _ 1ft
IO of a penalty stroke/
Cancelled — Frost
This was a well-balanced side with skill and
Senior House Match Talbot 12 Woodard 4 experience in all departments, especially the mid-
Junior House Match Wakeman 2i* Meynell 0 field trio of Andrew Durant, Paul Brereton and
Ian Burns. Jagger started the season at left wing
House Sevens Senior ]I/Vinn ers — VVnnriiA/arH but resumed his former place in the backs when
John Keable had prolonged flu, and the forward
— - - ------ v . ^ w w ^^^^^* v W Wl

Junior Winners — Lambart

line was notable for Andrew Greenall's
developing combination of skill and speed, and
Smail's valuable ability to position himself so as
to score frequent goals at match winning
moments.
In the House matches both Lambart and
Woodard won their first games 6-1 each, then
after Lambart had been made to work hard for a
2-0 victory over Wakeman, in the final Lambart
gained the Cup by 1-0 against Woodard during
extra time.

42
 Finally a Hockey 6-a-side Competition was The Under 15 team played several matches Worksop, Repton and Shreswbury. The arrival of
played the day before term ended, on a dry day with some success. As ever the problem is to get Peter Houston and Richard Everall from
and with pitches still in a reasonable state thanks the right kind of opposition of the same age seemingly nowhere was a tremendous boost to
to the hard work of the ground staff. Lambart group. Hulstrom, an enthusiastic captain, the team. Intelligent running coupled with hard
won the Seniors' Competition and Talbot were Kingley, and Yearsley were the strongest players. training clinched well deserved wins. Throughout
second on points, while Talbot Juniors won their The defence including Swinnerton, Lees, P. D. the season Vivian Gwillim and Richard Scotter
league with Meynell second, so completing an H. Jones, and Chater was sound and Jalili was a competed for the team first — Vivian winning on
enjoyable and entertaining season. promising and fearless goalkeeper. There was the flatter courses, Richard on the hilly —
not a great deal of fire power or skill among the something to do with ratios I think.
forwards. The diminutive Redfern looked a
promising player as did Cobbold and Humpidge
SECOND XI HOCKEY on occasions. The Colts and Juniors had a disappointing year
and I hope next season we shall be able to bring
The season was remarkable for three things: The following played in the Under 15 XU: R. P. together somewhat stronger talent to support the
the clement weather, the captaincy of M. J. Hulstrom (capt), J. B. Yearsley, A. G. Hingley very encouraging performances of R. Neal, P.
Clews, and the introduction of mixed hockey at a (colours) C. G. Chater, T. R. Cobbold, A. Dada, Bellamy, S. Hems and O. Brocklehurst.
school level. Hilary Samson and Julie Scott C. Clutton, S. J. E. Evans, T. P. Humpidge, M. Many hands help to make a successful Cross
added a considerable "je ne sais quoi" to our Jalili, P. D. H. Jones, J. H. E. Lees, A. J. country season, and I should like to thank our
happenings. As a result there was a considerable Redfern, R. W. H. Swinnerton, M. J. Walls, D. Captain V. Gwill'im and particularly my faithful (!)
increase in our gate at home matches. It should N. Ellerton. assistant the Reverend Colin Pritchard for all they
be pointed out that the ladies were selected on have done. I am grateful too to all the time
merit! HOCKEY RESULTS 1976 keepers, recorders and markers who have, with
While the tactical subtlies of the game tended varying degrees of willingness, turned out to do
to be drawned in a sea of endeavour, the ad their stuff.
First XI Second XI Under 15 XI
mirable leadership of the Captain, both on and M.J.B. TEAMS
off the field, made this a memorable season. Ptiory(H) W 5-2 L 0
Seniors: V. Gwillim + (Capt.), R. Scotter+ , P.
Victories were gained, progress was made in O.B.H.S. Cane.
Houston*, M. Jones*, C. Beaumont*, G.
education of young members, and, as far as one Common Room (H) W 6-0
Coulthard + , R. Everall*, P. P. R. Howells.
could tell from a biased position, people enjoyed Ruabon (H) W 2-0 D 2-2
Colts: T. Bird + , R. Neal*, C. Toms, A. Parkes,
training and playing hard. A number of set moves Wrekin (H) W 2-0 D 3-3 W 2-1
P. Robinson, H. Daniel, M. Brammer, R.
actually worked, and many more didn't; systems, CswestryH.C. (H) L 2-4 D 0-0
Ranger.
swivels and sweepers came and went; but the Denstone (A) W 2- 1 W 3- 1
Juniors: P. Bellamy*, S. Hems*, 0.
sun tended to shine, and it was all good, minor Sports
Brocklehurst, J. Brown, M. Andrews, D.
reasonagly clean fun! Ruabon (H) D 1 -1
Riding.
Liverpool (H) L 1 -2 L 0-1 L 1 -4
R.F.T. Birkenhead (H) W 3- 1 W 2-1 + Old Colours. * New Colours.
Deeside W 1 -2
JUNIOR HOCKEY Ramblers (H)
RESULTS
O.E.'s(H) W 2-0
Seniors: Won 8 Lost 3
Yet again the weather lords were kind to Wrekin Won Denstone Won
Hockey. This year also we used the Pampas pitch W. 7, D 1, L3, For 27, Against 13.
Rydal Won Worksop Lost
instead of Road pitch, a big improvement, W2, D 2, L 2, For 9, Against 7.
Liverpool Won U.C.S. Won
Pampas being flatter and not quite so sticky. Cotton Won Repton Lost
The new batch of players worked hard at the Oswestry Won Shrewsbury Lost
basic skills and in an effort to improve these we Bromsgrove Won
CROSS-COUNTRY
used the Green Shield Rose Award Colts: Won 1 Lost 9
scheme whereby badges and certificates are Juniors: Won 1 Lost 1
awarded to those who complete the six tests. The ravages of the 'flu epidemic towards the
Unfortunately the 'flu epidemic at the end of end of term and the resultant effects on our times
in the big Cross-Country meetings almost made Inter House Competition
term prevented many from completing the tests. Seniors: Lambart
Nine players completed the tests the best being us overlook that this has been one of the most
Colts: Woodard Juniors: Meynell
P. D. H. Jones, Talbot, and Walls, who all gained successful seasons ever for the seniors. They ran
4 rose awards.
against eleven other schools losing only to
43
 Cricket
1st XI retrospect
The 1976 season was remarkable in a number
of ways: an XI, not expected to achieve much,
played with great tenacity on most occasions,
and gave the opposition a fright more than once.
It was remarkable because the dry spell that
greeted our pre-season nets and posed problems
for groundsmen up and down the country. At
Ellesmere perhaps the greatest impact has been
made by the arrival of Ramesh Sethi. As a
person, as a coach, and as a groundsman,
Ramesh soon won the admiration and respect of
all those with whom he came in contact. His own
record as a cricketer of international standing
preceeded him to Ellesmere, and it is a very great
honour for us that he chose to bring his family
here. I am sure that this XI would wish it to be
know that he had a great part in welding this
team together and enabling it to play as efficient
unit within its limitations.
1976 also saw a change in management,
though one would have had to be on the inside to
have noticed it. JCW had been quietly training
his successor for a season and a half, and during
this surfimer, he just as quietly handed over. It is
very important to cricket at Ellesmere that the
experience and skill which JCW possesses is not
lost to the XI, and it is a measure of his intense
love of the game and his desire to see Ellesmere
flourish that he is willing to remain active as one
of the first Xl's coaches. I am personally grateful
for the time and trouble that JCW has taken to
drop me in as gently as possible.
There was only one victory this year, but there
might have been five others; one must qualify
that by pointing out that we could also have lost
two of those we think we could have won! It is
also true that one team had the better of us —
Shrewsbury saw us off far too easily; we were
not as bad a side as we were made to look that
day. While not wishing to take credit away from a
convincing display by the opposition (particularly
convincing from Neil Crawford who has given as
much pleasure as well as a couple of thrashings
in recent years), we were spineless against an
attack which was not the best that we faced this
summer. Birkenhead also had us worried: while
their batting was indifferent they were allowed to
score runs in certain areas that are not too dif
ficult to defend; their bowling, however was
respectable, and the left-arm spinner picked up
early wickets that forced us to abandon the
chase; having done so, Fox and Scotter held on.
Three matches (King's, Chester, Oswestry CC
& MCC) were washed out without a ball bowled.
The Liverpool game was terrible — everything
that cricket should not be: we bowled badly all
day, though at 59-5 Liverpool should still all have
been back in the hutch for next to nothing. The
declaration left us with little option but to take
batting practice in the hour and 35 minutes left
us.
At Merchant Taylors', honours could not have
been more even than in a tie! I count this as one
of the games that either side might have won.
We did not bat well, but we had not been well
served by our predecessors against MTS. We
had to establish a total and kill the 'bogey'; it was
not very inspiring cricket, but, as on other oc
casions, we were inserted. The evening was very
exciting — some good bowling, tight and on the
spot; the ground fielding was excellent; some
good catches were held, others missed; the
batting was mixed, but their captain played an
innings of class. He was eighth out with twenty
five still wanted.
We might also concede honours even to
Denstone. Bowled out for 104, we had the eighth
Denstone wicket down at 73; I think we would
have won if the rain had not come at that point; it
gave the Denstone batsmen a break from Smail
and Edwards, and their wickets never looked in
danger during the final four overs.
Oswestry and Wrekin went home with 9
wickets down and breathing sighs of relief; the
Gents were 8 wickets down and 26 runs short; so
the only win was over Rydal. This was Edwards'
match — 59 good runs which made batting look
easy; unintentionally he conned Rydal into
thinking it was easy. The ball was stopping a bit
and keeping low. Consistently bowling just short
of a good length, Edwards persuaded the Rydal
batsmen to hand it to us as they played across
the line. Still, wickets have to be taken, and
Edwards took 8-29. A splendid performance by
him.
The reasons why we have done quite well are
numerous, but certain factors stand out in
retrospect. The toss played an important part.
We were not equipped to chase for a win until
Brereton suddenly burst out of his restrictions.
We lost tosses, we were put into bat on fair
tracks, we worked our way to defendable scores,
knowing we had the bowling to keep it tight and
induce mistakes. Our fielding became in
creasingly aggressive as the wickets fell.
Ramesh's exercise paid off! Some brilliant
catches have been held — Brereton's diving
catch against Ellesmere, Hull's catch in the
covers at Crosby, Clarke's reflex catch close up
against Wrekin, Owen pouching Steeplers in the
deep. Needless to say other vital chances have
been dropped on the ground, Brereton was the
best cover around, and Ellesmere's surely turned
out few fielders as good as he is. We must
maintain this high standard of fielding — set the
field well, bowl to it, and bristle with aggression
and accuracy. The bowling has also been good
(at times) and this reflects the effect that Ramesh
Sethi has had on individuals, ironing out
technical problems, setting new sights and
teaching an art. This season, 86 wickets have
been taken in 12 games by the 5 bowlers who
sent down all but 7 of the overs bowled. This
compares with 105 wickets taken in 14 completed
games by the 1973 XI (thought by some to be
quite good!) Smail has been particularly im
pressive in his first season, though he places too
great a strain on the legs, and could use the
crease width more. He puts the ball down on the
spot enough times to tie any side down, and we
hope he overcomes his injury problems. Clarke
has improved this season, and now bowls a
better full toss!! Hull was the most improved
bowler on the XI, again owing to the pro's en
couragement. G. Owen is shaping as an off-
spinner and his brother Ian played against the
OEs. Edwards took wickets i when it mattered,
and should be a useful all-rounder in a good club
X I. He will need to cut his back-lift and crease-
walking, and learn to play more on the front foot.
As captain he had enough worries this year, and
came out of it all on the credit side.
The batting averages are abysmal, but we still
had some bright spots — Edwards at Rydal as
mentioned; an innings of grinding concentration
by Keable at MTS, and some lovely drives on
other occasions; the brilliant running of Clarke
and Fox at MTS, Clarke's cover drives at
Denstone, Owen's first 50 against the OEs.
Middleton has the shots and is gaining in ex-
LO
 perience. The revelation of the term however, Bowling Wed. 2 June: 1st XI v Wrekin College
was Brereton. It had always been there but it Match Drawn
Overs Mdns Runs Wkts Av.
took the A level Biology practical to bring it out.
C. D. Edwards 87 22 293 24 12.2 1st X1172-8 dec. (P. L Brereton 66, Owen 33)
From that moment he drove nearly as hard as
R. F. Smail 146 39 360 28 12.9 Wrekin 133-9 (Smail 3-47)
Butler and made 5 successive scores worth Wed. 9 June: 1st XI v The Gentlemen of
R. N. Hull 65 17 219 13 16.8
talking about. Scotter tried to shore up the hole Shropshire CC
I.A.Clarke 131 22 441 15 29.4
that Geldart made in the School's second innings Match Drawn
G.Owen 50 7 202 6 33.7
with a courageous knock, Smail hit the ball very Liverpool 156-9 dec. (Smail 4-42)
hard at Denstone and against the Gents. Fox
Fielding 1st XI86-3 (Brereton 51 no)
sacrificed personal success that was coming his
Wed. 19 June: 1st XI vMCC
way in the lower middle order in the interests of Jagger 5 caught, 3 stumped; Clarke, Owen 5;
Match Abandoned without a ball bowled
the team when asked to open. This released Edwards, Middleton 4; Brereton, Fox 3; Scotter Thurs. 8 July: 1st XI v JCW'sXI
Keable to play his shots at four. We never had 2; Keable, Smail, Hull, Dickinson 1. Match Drawn
much of an opening but Fox will have learnt a lot JCW's 196-5 dec.
and the middle order blossomed. Summary of Matches
1st X1176-8 (Middleton 39, Brereton 37)
Jagger kept soundly on most occasions and Sat. 24 April: 1st XI v Ellesmere CC.
Fri., Sat. 9/10 July: 1st XI v Old Ellesmerians
was a splendid Secretary — our pads were Match Drawn Lost by 33 runs
always very white and our organisation unruffled. Ellesmere CC 143-6 decl. OEs 199-4 dec. and 167-3 dec.
Beaumont took care of the figures and facts, and 1st XI78-6 (Fox38, Owen 34 no) 1st XI 1703 dec. (Owen 53 no, Brereton 41 no)
was a valuable member of the group. The Wed. 28 Rpril: 1st XI v Oswestry School
and 163 (Keable 43, Scotter41, Edwards)
catering was, as always, much appreciated, both Match Drawn
in the pavilion and in all the extra work created by 1st XI 117-7 dec. (A. C. Middleton 38 no, J. T. Played 12, Won 1, Lost 2, Drew 8, Tied 1.
cricket. The ground staff have had to work very Keable 33)
hard this summer — the weather was too good Oswestry 62-9 (R. N. A. Hull 5-8, R. F. Smail 3- 1st XI Colours: C. D. Edwards (old colour), J. T.
most of the time — and we are grateful for their 20) Keable, C. J. U. Jagger, P. L. Brereton, R.
efforts. Other Xls have had to be coached and Sat. 1 May: 1st XI v King's School Chester N. A. Hull, I. A. Clarke, R. F. Smail.
nurtured, and I am most indebted to my Match abandoned before a ball was bowled Half Colours: G. Owen, A. Middleton, K. J. Fox,
colleagues who run clubsides and leagues and Wed. 5 May: 1st XI v Birkenhead School R. G. Scotter.
who umpire out of pity or kindness! Thank you all Match Drawn Also played: Dickinson, Owen I.
very much — most of you have wives that put up Birkenhead 131-7 dec. (R. F. Smail 4-35, I. A.
with you and your cricket, and I am sure that they Clarke 3-44)
2nd XI
should also be acknowledged for their tolerance. 1st XI64-5
Finally, I must return to the point at which I Sat. 8 May: 1st XI v Mts, Crosby
The season was to prove exciting with two
started, and thank JCW and Ramesh Sethi for Match Tied
ties, two victories, a draw and a defeat. The team
their efforts and congratulate the XI on the way 1st XI 126-9 dec. (J. T. Keable 33, K. J. Fox 35
had an enjoyable season, played with enthusiasm
in which it responded to the challenges of 1976. no)
and vigour even if they did lack some of the
MTS 126 (R. F. Smail 6-43, C. D. Edwards 4-
R.F.T. etiquette of cricket. The batting was again a
29)
problem, proving brittle at times. But we seemed
Wed. 12 May: 1st XI v Denstone
to have a tail with a sting. As Coulthard and
Match Drawn
Everall showed at Liverpool putting on 50 for the
1st X1104(1. A. Clarke 24, R. F. Smail 20)
last wicket. Attoe showed how to hit the ball
Denstone 86-8 (C. D. Edwards 3-7,1. A. Clarke
1st XI LEADING AVERAGES even if he got out sometimes. Bull played a good
3-43)
sheet anchor role at times. Henderson and
Wed. 19 May: 1st XI v Oswestry CC
Batting Tunnicliffe clipped in with a few at vital times.
Match Abandoned without a ball bowled
The bowling was always sensible. Dickenson,
Inns No HS Runs Av. Sat.22May:1stXlvRydal
fast and aggressive, was a great asset. Coulthard
P. L. Brereton 13 2 66 264 25 Won by 48 runs
proved a valuable wicket-taker who could tie
G. Owen 13 2 53no 198 18 1st X1134 (Edwards58, Owen 31)
batsmen down. Smith had the impressive figures
R. F. Smail 8 2 40 102 17 Rydal 86 (Edwards 8-29)
of 4 for 4 against Liverpool, but lacked con
J. T. Keable 13 1 43 202 16 8 Wed. 26 May: 1st XI v Shrewsbury Schools
fidence throughout. Attoe was a useful change
A. C. Middleton 11 2 39 150 16 7 Lost by 10 wickets
bowler. The fielding proved good on occasions.
C. D. Edwards 13 0 58 204 15*6 1st XI67
A mention of Booth's throw to bring a run-out at

46
Wrekin to gain a tie must be made. The catching
was erratic. Thanks must go to C. D. Foyston
who was an original manager and the side can
only wish him many years of exciting and in
teresting cricket.
R. Wynne-Griffith
Results
Played 7: Won 2, Lost 1, Drawn 1, Tied 2,
Abandoned 1.
Birkenhead (A) Birkenhead 107-4 dec.
Ellesmere 107-10
Merchant Taylors (H) Ellesmere 128 (Bull 43)
Merchant Taylors 102-9
Denstone (H) Denstone 49-5 (Dickinson 5-20).
Abandoned.
Rydal(H) Ellesmere 74
Rydal 75-5
Shrewsbury (A) Ellesmere 142-8 dec. (Booth
42)
Shrewsbury 78 (Everall 3-7)
Wrekin (A) Ellesmere 97 (Attoe 47)
Wrekin 97
Liverpool (A) Ellesmere 121
Liverpool 80 (Smith 4-4, Coulthard 4-30)
2nd Colours were awarded to: R. Wynne-Griffith,
J. A. H. Booth, G. Coulthard, S. L. Smith.
UNDER 15 CRICKET
1976 saw the first 'new-style' Under 15 team in
action, since ages for cricket teams are now
taken from September 1st. This meant that
several players were having a second Under 15
season, and this was fortunate, since the number
of good Under 14s from last year was small in
deed.
To start with no-one wanted to open the
batting: some unsuccessful experiments were
made before Harding Rolls and Roskams
produced two standards of 70 in successive
matches, and the job became theirs. After that
Owen and Taylor were the chief run-makers,
while Styles, Brocklehurst, Lushey and Twist all
made useful contributions at times, and in fact
there was sufficient batting to ensure that we
were only bowled out once, at Liverpool. The
bowling relied heavily on Owen, who was one of
the quickest bowlers on view all season, and who
fully justified his inclusion in the 1st XI at the end
of the season, as well as in the Shropshire Under
15 squad. His opening partner, Yearsley, im
proved all the time and produced some im
pressive opening spells in the later matches.
Roskams and Taylor provided a balanced, if not
altogether accurate spin attack: both bowled well
at times but must keep the basic principles of line
and length well to the fore. Styles and Dada each
had one good match, and Harding-Rolls, not
really used this year, could be a useful leg-spinner
in time.
The fielding, as ever, had its ups and downs:
like last year, Twist looked the best and most
natural fielder, and extremely good catches were
taken by some of the others, but fielding in the
hot spell at the end of term was not everybody's
favourite pastime. Lushey kept wicket in every
match, and got better at it each time, setting a
good example to the rest of the side.
Taylor and Owen, both of whom had a spell as
skipper, generally kept things together, but
rather lacked inspiration when things were not
going their way. In fact we were on the defensive
in the field fairly infrequently, since the number
of good Under 15 batting sides was very few this
year.
Some highlights: the exhilarating batting of
Harding-Rolls, Owen and Taylor against Den-
ston; Harding-Rolls' onslaught against the
Wrekin quick bowling; the determined recovery
from 36-6 against Priory, and some inspired
fielding in the same match. This was a good note
on which to finish the season, which one will
remember for a happy side, as well as for some
good cricket.
Results: Played 11, Won 4, Drawn 4, Lost 3.
Team (from): I. Owen, M. Taylor, D. J.
Roskams, M. Harding-Rolls, S. Lushey, A.
B. Twist, O. J. P. Brocklehurst, A. Dada, D.
Styles, J. Yearsley, T. P. Humpidge, M.
Williams, S. Evans.
U/15 Results 1976
v Oswestry Won by 64 runs
Ellesmere 140-8 (Lushey 38 no, Brocklehurst
32)
Oswestry 76 (Owen 4-12)
v Birkenhead Drawn
Birkenhead 102 (Owen 5-13)
Ellesmere 54-7
47
 v Merchant Taylors Drawn
MTC53(Dada4-9)
Ellesmere 50-5 (Owen 30)
v Denstone Won by 57 runs
Ellesmere 136-3 (Owen 54 no, Harding-Rolls
39, Taylor 32 no)
Denstone 79 (Owen 4-15)
v Rydal Wonby8Wkts
Rydal44(Yearsley4-14)
Ellesmere 45-2
v Shrewsbury Lost by 3 Wkts
Ellesmere 131-6 (Harding-Rolls 39, Taylor 33
no, Roskams 34)
Shrewsbury 132-7
v Liverpool Lost by 37 runs
Liverpool 133-8 (Taylor 4-29)
Ellesmere 96
v Wrekin Drawn
Ellesmere 133-6 (Harding-Rolls 53, Roskams
39)
Wrekin 88-5
v Invitation XI Won by 1 Wkt
Invitation X1131-8
Ellesmere 132-9
v Rydal Lost by 6 Wkts
Ellesmere 125-7 (Styles 34 no, Owen 30)
Rydal 126-4
v Priory Drawn
Ellesmere 125-9 (Twist 35)
Priory
UNDER 14 CRICKET
The Playing record of the Under 14 Team
makes sorry reading; Played 10, Won 2, Lost 6,
Drawn 2. Despite the poor season one felt that
there was considerable potential and that many
of the side would play good cricket later on. This
season they were too small in stature, inex
perienced and lacking in confidence. Both
batting and bowling were equally weak. When
one notes that in ten matches only once did the
side top the hundred mark, and that 26 was the
highest individual score, the point is made! 50
was about par for the course! Put bluntly, those
who could play a defensive stroke could not get
the ball off the square, and those who could do
the latter could not play a defensive stroke. Both
Redfern and Talbot showed a good technique
and will make runs in the future. Shelley showed
great determination but has no scoring strokes,
Hopkins always looked good but never scored
any runs, and Ashley, Chandler and the two
48
Jones showed the ability to hit the ball. The
bowling on paper looked promising but in
practice lacked the virtues of line and length.
Ashley could be a genuine quick bowler. He has a
natural away swing, but must sort his-nnn-up out
and concentrate on accuracy. Chandler showed
promise as a left-arm opening bowler but he
needs to correct his action somewhat. Hopkins,
Eardley and Brown all wheeled away at medium
pace with little success. The spinners Talbot and
Walls are good prospects but they never had
enough runs to bowl at. In retrospect, it seems we
had too much bowling of a sort, and it was a case
of finding out who was the best on the day. By
the time this was done it was too late! The
fielding was adequate, though for boys of this
age depressingly aldermanic. Brown and D. G.
Jones were the best. The wicket-keeping duties
were shared by Redfern and D. G. Jones who
were sound. The side was captained by Hopkins
who bore with stoicism the indifferent form both
of himself and the side. One seriously hopes that
many salutary lessons have been learnt in defeat.
I remain optimistic about the long term prospects
of this group, provided they work hard at their
cricket in the future.
Results:
v. Oswestry School. Lost by 1 wkt.
Ellesmere 104 (Redfern 26, Shelley 17)
Oswestry 105 for 9 (Brown 3 for 31, Talbot 3
for 22)
v. Birkenhead School. Lost by 77 runs.
Birkenhead 144 for 4 dec. (Ashley 3 for 26)
Ellesmere 67 (Jones D.G. 16, Talbot 16)
v. Merchant Taylors'. Lost by 76 runs.
Merchant Taylors' 110 for 5 dec.
Ellesmere 34
v. Denstone College. Won by 4 wkts.
Denstone 34 (Ashley 3 for 7, Eardley 3 for 9)
Ellesmere 35 for 6.
v. Prestfelde School. Match drawn.
Prestfelde 80 for 9 dec. (Talbot 5 for 14)
Ellesmere 58 for 6.
v. Shrewsbury School. Lost by 6 wkts.
Ellesmere 58
Shrewsbury 59 for 4
v. Wrekin College. Lost by 6 wkts.
Ellesmere 56
Wrekin 57 for 5.
v. Oswestry High School. Match drawn
Oswestry 141 for 4 dec.
Ellesmere 54 for 5 (Shelley 16, Talbot 15)
v. Liverpool College. Lost by 9 wkts.
Ellesmere 47
Liverpool 48 for 1
v. Brookland Hall. Won by 8 wkts.
Brookland51 (Evans 5 for 4, Chandler 3 for26)
Ellesmere 53 for 2.
Team: R. C. M. Hopkins (Capt.), T. C. Ashley, J.
M. Brown, S. J. Chandler, R. P. Eardley, D. G.
Jones, P. D. H. Jones, S. Pyke, A. J. Redfern,
R. A. Shelley, M. J. Talbot, M. J. Walls. The
scorebook was immaculately kept by T. W. Lees.
No colours were awarded. The Single wicket
competition was won by R. C. M. Hopkins.
GOLF
Last year the club was unlucky to lose M. B.
Stevens, J. M. Salt and M. Lyon—three regular
members of the team, all in the Vth form. The
autumn term started, therefore, with only one
reputable golfer in residence in the Captain, M.
C. Lewis, who plays off 6. In the course of the
year new stars have appeared, but they have, for
the most part, been players already committed to
cricket or athletics. As a result we have been
struggling this summer: we lost to Shrewsbury in
the Minor Sports Competition, 3-0; Birkenhead
beat us at Oswestry, 3%-21/2; and Merchant
Taylor's defeated us on our own course, 5 ]4-3 Vi.
Our only success came in the last match when
we played Rydal at Ellesmere and won a close
and exciting match by 514-314. Several young
players have come on well recently, however, so
we can perhaps look forward to a more suc
cessful season next year.
Our internal competitions have been keenly
contested even when the golf has not been of a
high standard. M. Pargeter won the Summer
Term Competition on May 2nd with a score over
nine holes of 40-10-30, whilst the annual Pro-Am
Stableford Competition was won by R. A. Clay
and G. Owen who returned 23 points for nine
holes. The chaplain and I. A. Clarke scored 21
points and shared second place with the Second
Master and G. Jinks. The Brockwell/Hayworth
Match Play Cup was won by I. R. Attoe. He
defeated I. A. Clarke in the final on a very hot day
at Oswestry by 3 and 2. The four finalists for the
Bratby/Cotterill Cup were C. V. Atkinson, I. R.
Attoe, I. A. Clarke and J. R. Hawkins. On
another glorious summer afternoon I. A. Clarke
won the trophy by a street, returning 86-24-62. J.
R. Hawkins was second with a net 74.

The old boys' meeting this year was
Oswestry on July 18th. The Leslie Simpson Cup
was won by the Second Master, M. C. Penny,
with a net score of 68. The Vice Captain, C. V.
Atkinson, was second with a net 73.
The thanks of all members of the club are due
to Charles Atkinson, Ian Attoe, and Andrew
Ryland who have between them spent many
hours this year cutting and dressing the greens
and attending the bunkers. Two dry seasons in
succession have made it very difficult, however,
to keep the greens in good condition. Grass
needs water, and we may have to consider in
stalling water points close to our greens if we are
to prevent large patches of grass from dying
during these hot spells.
The following have represented the school this
year: M. C. Lewis (Captain), C. V. Atkinson
(Vice-Captain), I. R. Attoe (Competition
Secretary), J. R. Hawkins, T. J. Crane, M. P. J.
Pargeter, I. N. Corp, J. M. Fell, R. A. Shelley.
F.E.S.
SWIMMING
Once again this year training began in the
Ellesmere Town Pool whilst our own pool was
filled and allowed to warm up to a bearable
temperature. Unfortunately this took longer than
usual due to unforseen circumstances, and
although the training in the Town Pool was
adequate, the team was by no means 'Match Fit'
when the day of the first match arrived.
The matches against Wrekih, Merchant
Taylors', Shrewsbury and Rydal were all fairly
close but having had such little water time
compared to these schools with their own indoor
facilities, we lost all four. However, we did have a
number of outstanding performances, par
ticularly those of P. C. Whitehead, an under 16,
who broke the Colts and Senior Breast stroke
record on three separate occasions, by a total of
over three seconds. C. Hilling and R. P. J.
Robinson showed their usual consistent form,
winning most of their races, whilst most of the
squad improved on their own personal per
formances.
The Under 14 Squad did very well and the
policy of swimming this age group is beginning to
pay off. W. Whitehead, Slous and Davis swam
really well and are very good prospects for the
future.
The team did well to win matches against
Oswestry, Liverpool and Bedstone.
The squad had a very successful night at the
Shropshire Schools' Championship. Richard
Robinson and Paul Whitehead became County
Champions of the Backstroke and Breaststroke
respectively. The Free-Style Relay Team of
Robinson, Hilling, Barber and Spittle won the
Senior County Relay for the third year running in
yet another record time.
This relay squad represented Shropshire
against Worcester and Hereford and helped the
Salop team to win the match. Paul Whitehead in
a really high class finish but the resulting time
broke the school record again showing just how
good he will be with two more years left at
College.
There is good spirit and some real potential in
the squad and provided the pool (facilities don't
let us down, there are some good prospects for
next year.
P.J.N.K.
ATHLETICS
This has been a very enjoyable athletics season
under the captaincy of R. G. Bielby. He generated
much enthusiasm and effort both in matches and
in training. The record of the team was that we
lost to Shrewsbury, Denstone, Worksop, Wrekin
and Repton, and beat Rosall, Rugby, Liverpool,
Oswestry and Bromsgrove. The weather for the
first two or three matches was hardly en
couraging with cloud bursts and a hail storm
which threatened to stop the Oswestry match.
The ice from the hail storm left the track more
suited to speed skating than athletics. However,
as the season progressed the weather improved
and the inter-house competitions were held in
tropical conditions.
The squad have shown considerable interest in
the 5 Star and in the Pentathlon and Decathlon
award schemes. No less than twelve athletes
gained 5 Star awards while six gained Fire Star
Pentathlon Awards and two gained Five Star
Decathlon Awards. These schemes have en
couraged greater versatility amongst our athletes
and in a school of our size, this must be very
useful for future years.
Towards the end of the season seven athletes
represented Shropshire in the Mason Trophy
Inter County Meeting at Warley and R. G. Bielby
has gained selection for the county team of thirty
athletes who will go to the English Schools
Championships. m
The season came to a fitting climax with a
heat-wave for the Standards Competition and
House Matches. In the heats of the House
Matches conditions were ideal for fast running
and D. Braithwaite took the Under 16 record in
the 100 metres.
Other records have been broken during the
season by I. Burns (Senior 1500) and S. Hems
(Under 16, 1500) while D. Brown equalled the
school shot putt record and broke the discus
record in practice but did not quite make it in
competition. The house competitions went to
Lambart (Senior), Wakeman (Intermediate and
Junior) and Talbot (Standards Competition),
while the Victors Ludorum were R. G. Bielby
(Senior) D. Braithwaite (Intermediate) and T. S.
Ashley (Junior).
49
 In conclusion I would like to thank Guy Bielby, League Table
Ian Burns and Dave Brown for their efforts on
behalf of 'the management' this year and to P. W. D. L. For Ag. Pts.
thank M.R., R.A.K. and M.C.P. for their help 1. Talbot 4 4 0 0 20 4 8
and assistance in the coaching of the squad. 2. Lambart 4 2 1 1 11 8 5
3. Woodard 4 1 1 2 19 19 3 SQUASH
N.R.P. 4. Meynell 4 112 6 14 3
5. Wakeman 4 0 13 9 20 1 This year's team, although inexperienced in
match play squash, played inspiringly
throughout the season. An invitation to join the
Results Second Division of the Shropshire Squash
League enabled us to play a variety of Shropshire
WATER POLO Clubs and valuable experience in playing on a
Meynell 1 Woodard 1 wide range of courts.
Talbot 3 Woodard 2
The sides this year were more evently mat Results varied, but gradually, as the season
Wakeman 2 Talbot 8 progressed, the combined match enabled us to
ched, and consequently the results of the games Talbot 7 Meynell 0 reach a creditable standard.
could not be forecast accurately. The issue was
Talbot 2 Lambart 0 Clarke played with tremendous zeal and
in doubt until the final match, which was the best
in the competition in terms of determination, determination at No. 5, and was unfortunate not
close marking and skill. It was pleasing to see Lambart 3 Wakeman 3 to win a few more matches. With his abundant
Woodard record their first victory for several Maynell 1 Lambart 3 energy and will-power he must try to make more
seasons, and even they could have done better if Woodard 2 Lambart 5 use of the loose ball on court if he is going to
they had not treated some of their games too Woodard 5 Wakeman 1 outplay his opponent. J. A. H. Booth, No. 4,
lightly. Wakeman 3 Meynell 4 managed to hit the ball hard and demonstrate a
The general level of skill was not high, and in degree of talent but he failed to show himself as
particular the ball was often thrown hopefully up fit. This probably accounts for the paucity of his
victories.
the pool, without really looking to see where
one's team mates were. Shooting likewise was At No. 3 Skinner showed great ability and
temperament. Most of his opponents won solely
poor—far too often shots were taken from too
tar away — particularly in the shallow end. Ball TENNIS by his mistakes which obviously must be
control was better than in previous years, eliminated if the standard of his squash is to
A one hundred per cent clear-out of last year's improve. Being a newcomer to the game, Smith
although the art of masking the ball from the
team did not augur well for this season; but ever D. L. (No. 2) suffered from a lack of experience in
opposition was not mastered. When it was tried,
hopeful of something turning up, we were not the opening games. But as the season progressed
the defender invariably fouled his opponent. Play
disappointed. David Smith appeared on the so did his confidence, until he became probably
in the shallow end was always difficult, but too
scene and was soon promoted to the vacant post the steadiest player in the team, rarely making
many players succumbed to the temptation to
of captain. He, and John Crook, soon got to mistakes because his ball control is so skilful.
walk and jump off the bottom.
licking a team into shape. It was still, however, a C. D. Edwards was Captain and No. 1 who,
The matches were well supported by en
very inexperienced six that represented the during the course of the season lost only one
thusiastic applaus — and occasional derision,
school and was too often beaten by more match, but revenge was obtained in the return
and the competition again showed the popular
seasoned sides. With more or less the same team home game. He played with competence and
nature of the game.
for next year we hope that we really might have skill.
H.R.H. built for the future. Although we might not have Overall the team enjoyed their squash
the anticipation of John Green to admire, we especially as the night visits to other clubs added
may well have further instalments of the a new interest to playing the game. Our thanks
marathons of Jeremy Bosanquet and Jeremy must go to our manager, C. D. Foyston, for
Burns, the curious style of Guy Hingley and the arranging the fixures and travelling with us, and
free-hitting of Charles Mansell! Well done men, also to our coach, J. C. Walters, who gave us
you did a wonderful job. much encouragement.
M.J.B. C. D. Edwards
>->
 OFFICERS OF THE CLUB 1976-77

PRESIDENT
H. C. RigbyD.F.C. and Bar

VICE-PRESIDENTS
£J/ Austin (1897)' Sir Hl Trusted< QC- <1901>< T- S. Louch, Q.C., M.C.
(1905), C. H. Scott (1908) A. C. Shepherd, M.C. (1911), Major-General L R.
H. Keatmge, C.B.E. (1913),Major-General W. R. Goodman, C.B., D.S.O.,
M.C (1914), the Rev. J. W. J. Steele, C.B.E. (1915), R. W. Raby (1916), R. E.
Brabyn (1916), I. B. Barter (1918), J. C. Copeland (1918), G. Haworth (1918),
Col. S. M. Hollway, O.B.E., M.C., T.D., D.C. (1922) C T Snape (1924) S
CHeetham (1925), B. Bancroft (1928), Air-Commodore E. E. W. Lloyd-Jones]
O.B.E. (1929), A. Macleod-Smlth, C.M.G., (1930), Professor D. C. M. Yardley
(1933), P. Anstey (1935), Dr. A. R. W. Baddeley (1937), J. R. H. Newey Q.C
(1937), Professor G. Pyatt (1950), I. D. S. Beer (Headmaster 1961-69).

Trustees
A. Cheetham, N. A. Plummer, H. C. Rlgby, A. G. Shepherd.

Executive Committee
M. U. Newbold (Chairman), G. Hawarth (Vice Chairman), the Headmaster the
Bursar, Peter Scott, F. Berrisford, A. G. McGlunn.

Secretaries
0. £ Golf: C. T. Snape, 67 Compton Rd., Wolverhampton.
O.E. Squash: W. Woodard, Broadacres, Chapel Chorlton
O.E. Shooting: W. H. Barnett, Ellesmere College
O.E. Mountain Climbing: J. M. Scorer, Ellesmere College
O.E. Cricket, Rugger, Hockey: Hon. Sec. Ellesmere College
Local Societies
London: P. Anstey (Chairman), R. W. G. Evans (Secretary) 45 Redcliffe
Square, London SW5
Manchester: S. Cheetham (Chairman), W. A. Pyke (Secretary), 18 Albany
Ave, Eccleston Park, Prescot, Lanes.
Merseyside: B. Bancroft (Chairman), T. A. McD. Williams (Secretary) 11
Eversley Park, off Liverpool Rd., Chester.
West Midlands: C. T. Snape, (Chairman), D. Latham (Secretary) Valetta
Stockwood Lane, Inkberrow, Worcs.
Hon. Sec. O.E. Club: Richard Taylor, Ellesmere College
Hon. Treasurer: Air-Commodore E. E. W. Lloyd-Jones 0.B.E
Hon. Editor: O.E. Chronicle, J. W. Nankivell, Talbot House, Ellesmere.

Cbttortal
The death of Sir Ofley Wakeman has robbed the school and the Club of a
most generous friend and benefactor. He was a constant visitor to our annual We also have to record the death in January, 1976 of Cecil Howard for 41
dinner and on his retirement from the office of Custos and Chairman of the years a master at Ellesmere, honorary member of the Club since 1930 and
Schoo Committee, he was elected Patron of the Club, and of the Schools Vice-President since his retirement. Reports on the Memorial Services of Sir
Appeal Committee. His father became Custos in 1879? and succeeded him - a Offley and Cecil are printed in the school section of the magazine
remarkable family connection.
52
 We also record with regret the death, at the house of the Provost, of Miss
Florence Mary Woodard, Grand-daughter of our founder. She was in her 95th
year.
Those who knew Colin Russell, and especially those who were taught by him
when he was Senior Biology Master here, will have heard, with deep sorrow, of
his death in a car accident last November. His widow, with her three boys, live
near Oswestry, and to them we send the sympathy of the members of the
Club. Colin was concerned with countless good causes, but especially dear to
his heart was the conservation of the countryside. Pam Russell is now teaching
at the College.
In the foyer of the new Arts Centre a tablet has been fixed stating that
"This Entrance and Exhibition Hall of the Arts Centre is given in memory of
Raymond Evans-Prosser M.A. Senior Classics Master 1924-1932 and Head
master 1935-1961 by his widow Kathleen and their children Caryl and Jancis.
Mrs. Evans-Prosser is making a steady recovery since and lives near her
daughter Jancis in Crowborough, Sussex. Many will remember Jancis,
especially those in the Junior School. Dr. Caryl Evans-Prosser lives at Old
Basing, Hants.
Cecil Rigby, Vice-President and for many years a Trustee of the Club's
Charitable Fund is our new President. He was in Talbot House (1932-7) was
Captain of School and captain of practically every thing else; he played for the
1st XV for five years and was captain for three; he also played cricket for 1st XI
and was Captain in 1937, having gained his colours for four years; for two years
he won the hockey colours; and was captain of golf for four years; played
tennis for the school and was Victor Ludorum in '36 and '37. He was in the
Shooting Eight, in the choir and was Captain of School for two years. He went
to Liverpool University to read Law but was called to join his Regiment, the
Cheshires, for he had been a Territorial Officer when at school. Later he
transferred to the R. A. F. won the D. F. C. and Bar and was dembolized with the
rank of Wing-Commander. After qualifying as a solicitor, he joined the family
firm in Sandbach. He soon took part in local government and has held many
Senior Chairmanships in Cheshire County Council, notably in education. He is
now one of the few solicitors appointed a Recorder in the Crown Court.
To succeed the admirable John Carter as Hon. Treasurer of the Club the
A.G.M. appointed Air-Commodore WynnLJoyd-Jones R.A.F. (retd.), who
now lives in Oswestry near to his brother-in-law Tony and Bill Woodward.
Wyne was in Talbot in 1929-33, is a solicitor and a member of the Society for
Roman STudies. He played in the XV and gained his colours at a time when the
Rugger here was very strong. He also played hockey successfully and
represented Shropshire County hockey in the 30s. He joined the R.A.F. during
the last war, in the legal department, was mentioned in Despatches and was
awarded the O.B.E. His latest appointment was Director of Legal Services,
based in the Ministry of Defence.
The two sons of R. Esh Love//have endowed two prizes for English at the
School in memory of the centenary of their father's birth. Esh Lovell, until his
relatively early death, was one of the young 'old boys' who helped to found the
Club in 1890, six years after the school opened, and for forty years he gave the
Club such help as it needed. He was President in 1910, and after the war he did
much to help H. W. Bateman practically refound the Club. He was a Trustee
for the Woodard School Benefits' Club in the Midlands and represented our
Old Boys for many years. Also he was proud to be the record-holder for the
best bowling average, (36 wkts at a cost of 4.3 each) the school had. I wonder
if he still holds the record! Esh Lovell taught at several schools before becoming
Headmaster of a Birmingham School, and whilst he was there he was local
secretary of the area. He was immensely proud of his son's success in winning
a top Natural Science Scholarship at Pembroke College in 1939. The ap
proaching war and his declining health cut off Lovel's visits to school and he
gradually had to give up his Ellesmere activities.
It is strange that the school has so few endowed prizes; in fact only the
Smith Bequest, commemorating the brief life of T. K. Burgoyne Smith — killed
in the Far East after the 1945 war — given by his parents in his memory, has
been the only endowed prize, another reason for welcoming the two Lovel
English prizes. The Smith prize marks T.K.B.'s love of history (he was a history
exhibitioner at Cambridge, but was killed before he could go up). The school
prize list is long, and the 'general' prizes could so easily be transformed into
special prizes!
The Rev'd Michael A. Cooper has donated his father's library to the
school. Michael's father, Douglas, and his uncles— and many will remember
Harry Patten — were at Ellesmere and Michael followed them. His mother now
lives in Padgate, and Michael has been appointed Curate-in-Charge recently at
St. George's Netherfield, Nottingham. The church was founded by the Rector
of Gedling, the then Lord Forrester, whose descendant is so well known to
many Ellesmerians, especially those in O.E. Masonic Lodge.
Cecil Howard left his estate to the school and for the endowment fund, the
main purpose of which is to help form a scholarship fund sufficiently large to
help reduce fees for future scholars here.
Mrs. Tustain, mother of Brian, and his elder brother, G. T. Tustain, who
was killed in the last war has left the school a covenanted £1000 to pay for the
building and furnishing of a practice room in the Music section of the Arts
Centre.
53
 Leslie Bennett, for some years a very active member of the Club, and a
former Hon. Sec. of our Birmingham area, has left his Music Library to the
school. Leslie and his wife are well-known for their music recitals, and they
have played at Ellesmere, and hope to play in the Arts Centre next January.
We are grateful to the Hon. Sec. Old Denstonian Club for the gift of the
Centenary edition of its chronicle. This gives a fine covering of its main events
of the first century of Denstone's life, and together with their magazine, for
1973, where the events of the centenary celebrations are described, make up a
very competent history of the school.
The seventy-fifth anniversary of the WorksopCollege Old Boys' Club is
being marked by festivities in October this year. Ellesemere was as closely
associated with Worksop in its early years, as Ellesmere was with Denstone,
and to both schools we send good wishes.
It was a pleasure to receive Major A. J. W. Phillips, M. C, T. D. a fifty
year old prospectus of the school—A. J. W. was Phillips v in 1926. His home
is in Hereford.
A kindly friend has sent us a photostat of the pages in the 1923 Ruthinian
referring to their very first home school rugger match. Ruthin had played for
some years, rugger of a rough and ready kind - We quote from their 1923
magazine: "The first match of any importance was played against Ellesmere,
who also adopted rugger (as the school game) in 1913. This was the first inter-
school Rugby football match in N. Wales. . . touch lines being crowded before
the kick-off . .. one of the hardest games ever played on the school ground ...
school won by a margin of one or two points (. .. cannot remember the exact
score). Mr. Moore . . . only member of staff who played ... That humble start
has doubtless been the means of stimulating Rugby football in North Wales...
other schools that have adopted it. Rydal. . . who knows but that one day N.
Wales will rival S. Wales. This year, 1923, the centenary is being celebrated at
Rugby. . .who can tell but that one day a similar celebration of the in
troduction of the game in N. Wales will be held?"
Rugger was played at Ellesmere from 1884 till 1903. The number of boys
declined for a few years and it was difficult to get fixtures, so Ellesmere
switched to Soccer until 1912. Despite strong opposition within the school.
Hedworth and D. R. Evans, (two famous players in their Denstone days) per
sisted and Rugger was re-introduced. In early days here, probationers played
with the XV, but masters rarely. This of course was when there were three
schools here, a teacher's training school called the Probationers, the Grammar
School and the Servitor's School. The first match the XV played was at
Ellesmere in 1913 against Ruthin when the school won by 43 points to nil. For
the return match at Ruthin Ruthin trained hard and with the help of Mr. Moore
(T.C.D. and Bectives) beat Ellesmere, not by a point or two but by 9 points to
nil. Ellesmere fanatics were not pleased.
We congratulate the following on their achievements in the world of
Rugby football:
W. B. Beaumont who played in the England 2nd Row throughout the
international season. His partner was R. B. Wilkinson, brother-in-law of R.
Meredith.
M. Keyworth on gaining 4 England caps in 1976 as a flank forward.
P. St. L. Kyrke-Smith on winning his third rugby blue.
From 1885 till 1950 producers of the Shakespearian Society feared to put
on Hamlet; in that year, an outstanding school-boy actor was available and Ian
Howard's portrayal of the Prince, under the direction of Cecil Howard, was
memorable. It was of great interest that we heard that the Society once again
was to produce a Shakespearian play after a gap of eight years and that the
play was to be Hamlet, and we would like to congratulate the playing of S. A.
Westrop and the production of Mr. Privett, the producer.
A notice sent to all guests and masters in 1897 before the opening of Big
School by the Duchess of Westminster, enabling them to enjoy their elaborate
lunch, said "Owing to circumstances which are unavoidable, the opening of
the school-room was fixed for the 22nd October, a fast day. The Visitor (the
Bishop of Lichfield) who was consulted by the Provost, has given his
dispensation from the obligation of the day, to those who may desire it."
Fast-days were strictly observed by the faithful up to 1914; to the school it
meant highly scented fish for luncheon, possibly the worst of all meals served
in those days.
The timetable and meals of 1900 are recalled by A. Blundell (the youngest
of the four Blundell brothers here) who has sent me some recollections of his
early days — summarised here "We all arrived by train ... Woodard dormitory
... 20 of us under my elder brother. . . First bell 6.55, rush for basin of cold
water. . . one tap for each room . . . 7.15 for prayers at bedsides, 3rd bell for
assembly in bottom corridor for chapel, then breakfast (porridge, bread, tea)
then school in Big School — 6 periods till dinner, games, afternoon school,
prep . . . hipbath once a week or in summer swim in Whitemere instead ... top
field enlarged ... pavilion built."
The etchings of the school which have illustrated the last two O.E.
Chronicles were apparently drawn by the Adnitts of the firm Adnitt and
Naunton, The Square, Shrewsbury for a book on Shropshire published in 1906.
So far as the editor knows, copies of these beautiful etchings were sold at the
school after the First World War. He would be interested to know how many
members have the series of five. The School's Appeal Committee are exploring
the possibility of re-issuing the set, and this may be accomplished if a number
of subscribers can be found. Please write to J.W.N. if you are interested.
This year's picture shows the Dining Hall, the Central buildings — and NB
the roof of Ante-Hall, Big School and a portion of the Headmaster's rooms, the
north wing and the single tennis court lies below the "knock-about" field.
There were then no 'South Pole', no classrooms and rudimentary terraces. The
fence and hedges were often subjects of stormy quarrels concerning their
ownership — did they belong to school or Birch Hall Farm? Stormy relations
between the farm lasted for years. It was this tension which caused the school
to fail to get Emberton's permission to sink the water tower on Spy Bank, so
giving increased pressure to North and South Pole water systems, and hiding
the container, now stuck up on Water Tower Hill — the first such container
Wyatts built. Emberton maintained to the landlord that the tree on Spy Bank
was essential to his herd's welfare.
The detailed history of the Shropshire Union — the Ellesmere — Canal,
written by Edward Wilson, our former Biology master, was published just after
his death. This book will interest all canal enthusiasts, especially those old boys
who have wandered along the towpath of the canal, toured on its waters,
fished in it and learnt the skill of canoeing, before venturing on rivers. To those
who were taught by E.A.W. and knew his family the chapter on the canal
holiday the Wilson family enjoyed will be of especial interest. One small fault -
the Duke of Bridgewater did not own all of Ellesmere and Whitchurch. There
were five other major estates in an around the town then, but he did,own
the area of the newly built Wharf Road and the Basin area. The Iron Foundry
(where Unigate is now) was managed and owned by Clays of Ellesmere.
This account which follows is the speech which the Editor intended to
make at the Dinner. Clearly, it was inappropriate to speak it in the cir
cumstances and he takes the liberty of printing it here.
On the retirement of J.W. N. from the post of Hon. Secretary he would like
to thank the innumerable people who have helped to make his job less tedious.
H. W. Bateman pointed out fifty years ago, for a happy Club there must be the
closest liaison between the Hon. Sec. and the School. H.W.B. and his
predecessors and successors, living either in London or far away, were unable
to have the close contact and looked to members of the Common Room to be
the link. Of these E. T. Stealey, W. L. Sumsion, P. A. Hall and since 1939
J.W.N. and W.L.S. jointly were those links. P. A. Hall helped greatly when he
was Editor of the Ellesmerian by expanding the contents of the 0. E. Chronicle,
and in effect, editing it completely. In 1939, J.W.N. who had helped P.A.H.
since 1935, took over the Editorship of the magazine for a while, then
'managed' both the school section and the O.E. Chronicle until recent years.
Now, for another year or so, although giving up other Official jobs, he will
continue to edit the O.E. Chronicle. For the future historian, the names of
previous secretaries are here recorded: 1890: A. Wilson-Green 1892: Rev. T. C.
Whittle 1895: Rev. B. R. Hibbert 1920: H. W. Bateman 1937: E. W. Whalley
1947: G. H. Stokes, M.C. 1960: J. W. N. (with W. L. Sumsion in charge,
records, till 1962).
The Club almost ceased to exist in the period 1914-19 and it was then
enlivened with a new constitution and set of rules under the leadership of H.
W. Bateman. Led by Cyril Scott, the constitution and rules were radically
changed in 1952, and 1953. Local secretaries in Manchester, Liverpool,
London, West Midlands and South Wales with their own local chairmen and
committees, and the formation of the Golf Club (under S. Snape), the Cricket,
Squash, Hockey, Shooting, and Mountain Climbing more or less independent
of the Hon. Sec. and Executive Committee have all increased the strength of
the Club. But the most important change has been brought about by the
formation of the Executive Committee, with a long-serving Chairman and Vice-
Chairman, and a small sub-committee. This has enabled the Club to have
continujty over management and investment and as all officers of the Club are
ex-officio members of the Executive, problems of overall and local affairs are
now well-cared for. There have been three chairmen, Cyril Scott, Stephen
Hollway and Martin Newbold, who with the trustees and the Hon. Treasurers
(Jimmy Mangnall, John Carter particularly) have relieved the Hon.
Secretary of much responsibility. Above all the retiring Hon. Secretrary owes
much to the Headmasters-R. A. Evans-Prosser, Ian Beer, David Skipper
during the past 26 years, have driven thousands of miles to Appeal meetings
and local dinners. What might have been a bore, had they not been so en
thusiastic in their support for the Club, has been sometimes exciting, oc
casionally terrifying, but always fun, without their help, and that of the present
Bursar, the Club would have existed, but it would not have the strength nor the
acceptability it has today. To all the above, the writer is grateful.
The two paragraphs which follow are contributed by the new Secretary —
Richard Taylor.
It would help me greatly if O.E.'s would answer circulars — particularly
about sport — more promptly.
In order to get a side together for the Brewers' Cup game, I sent out two
circulars (my first one brought no response) and spent some six hours on the
phone. It is not true to say that we are not interested in the competition,
because many younger O.E's would have played if they had not had university
exams. It would be true to say that a side could have been raised more easily
and at far less expense if 0. E.s took the trouble to answer the correspondence!
The reasons why we stay in the Brewers' Competition are:
1. We were invited to join, we considered this to be an honour, and we must
try to justify the opinion of those who invited us.
2. As a thriving Old Boys' organisation, we should be perfectly capable of
competing in a variety of competitions.
3. We owe it to the College to carry the good name of the College to as many
regions as possible. This applies to those in universities, industry, or wherever.
If we can do a small bit as O.E. cricketers towards this, then we should try
through this competition to do so.
4. The School has produced 1st Xls of quality in recent years. This is largely
due to the work of John Wolters. Those who have played in John's sides know
that an Ellesmere XI is very difficult to beat (except once a year!). I feel that we
are betraying the standards of the 1st XI if we as old boys are unable to reflect
something of the way in which we learned to play at school.
5. Although we have not won a game in the four seasons so far, we have met
very good sides on three occasions - including this year's Denstonian side. It
should be possible for us to get a side together as good as any. It might take a
few seasons to do this, but I feel we should keep going. At least we have not
scratched; we must now try to win a reputation for being able to play a bit.
However, if you do not get a game this year, please ask me to put your
name down for the same process another year.
(b) Hockey: Circulars come round in January; please let me know before then
if you want to be considered. Again preference to recent leavers.
55
(c) Cricket: The Brewers side should be complete by the end of April. The side Golf The annual tournament was held at Oswestry on 18th July, once again
to play the school and the Shropshire Gentlemen is also circularised in April, organised by Peter Snape and attended by the Headmaster and Mrs. Skipper
but there is not the same hurry to select the teams until early June. i^ Presented the Prizes), J. Horn, B. Keenan, D. Wardle, G. Bancroft, M.
If you wish to play in the Rugger match next year, please write early. Moblesley, J. Stoker, G. Sale, R. Woodward, D. Latham, A. Brown, G. Twist,
Rugger 1975 See school section for account. The following played: R. R. Sym, S' 7J}y.,' '"• Elston' R- Graves, J. Benson, G. Haworth, R. Wynn, P. Morris,
R. Acheson and brother Robert, N. Blakey, D. Keen, L. Mooney, R. Smith. S. R. Walker, J. Parry, B. Webb, J. Ashbrook, D. Wynn, W. Woodward and ten
Pettegree S, Bowers, D. Robert, M. Hill, L. Moreton, J. Hudson, E. Tosh Ash- guests. Of the Common JRoom, M. Penney, F. Sutterby, R. Clay together
worth and J. Morpuss. with two boys. J Horn, D. Latham and G. Twist were the prizewinners in the
Hockey 1976 School won 2-0, the first time for many years, despite dominance Scott Cup; R. Walker, G. Bancroft, G. Twist and D. Latham in the Barker Cup.
of O.E.s in the second half. The re-union in the Red Lion was delightful. Team: D. Latham also won the Sumsion Cup and G. Twist and W. Woodward were
P. Tinker, J. Berrisford, J. Pilkington, N. Millward, B. Thirsk, A. Hill, S. second and third. M. Penney won the School Sumsion Cup, C. Atkinson was
Massey, T. Longford, K. Bayliss, R. Thomas, S. Bunting. second and F. Sutterby third. G. Freeman-Jones won the Visitors' Cup and J
Cricket. Brewers Cup — on 23rd May O.E. and Old Denstonians — Old D;'s Parry just won the Rabbit for G. Sale.
battled first, slowly then quickly dominated the bowling, scored 237 runs, a fine
century from Gerry Worsdale. Ellesmere lacked depth in batting to surpass 237.
Sam Taylor made a fighting 63. Robert Clay bowled well without much luck
Squash: School won by 4 games to 1 - keenly fought but only J. A. Finn won
and David Keen initially looked good, but we were overwhelmed by a better
for O.E.s. Others who played for O.E.s were S. Jackson, T. Green and the
side, K. S. N. Pettegree captained the side, D. Keen, G. Owen, I. Clarke, D.
Secretary, W. R. A. Woodward. Next years game will be the same day as the
hockey match.
French, G. Whittaker, S. V. Taylor, A. Geldart, R. Clay, M. Newbold, R. F.
Taylor.
O.E. v School: Judging by the response, it was going to be difficult to raise
respectable sides. As it happened, the sides were far from respectable but
rather good at cricket! 'The most talented OE side they had seen thought the
Gents, and indeed if we could get this crew out for the Brewers, we would be a
hard side to beat.
The cricket owed its success to the captaincy of CD (Butler) Reynolds who
made sensible and generous declarations, applied and withdrew pressure most
skilfully in the field, scored lots of runs himself, and drank as much beer as
anyone apart from Blakey, N.
It was a superb week-end despite the fact that Richard Manby still does
not know exactly what he told M.W.H.G. to do and Nige Blakey will not be
opening a hotel in the back of the Simca. If anyone meets Nick Cousins oh the
way to Ellesmere, tell him the match is next weekend.
We are grateful to the Headmaster and Mrs. Skipper for entertaining us in
their garden, and to Blakey, N. for not removing it.
Details:
v. The School: 0. E.s won by 33 runs:
O.E.s 199-4dec (C. D. Reynolds79no) & 167-3dec
(C. D. Reynolds 73, R. A. Patterson 59)
1st X1170-3 & 163 ( A. A. W. Geldart 7-60) dec.
v. The Gents: O.E.s 240-6 dec. (Reynolds 67, Edwards66, Sam Taylor45 Paul
Brereton 37)
The Gents: 210-8 (Dave French 3-34)
Match honourably drawn and all retired to the Black!

R.F.T.

The photograph of the cricket XI of 1937 on page shows our new

President as Captain, Mr. Chapman as master-in-charge of cricket, J. S.
Partridge, Ivor St. L. Morris, J. B. Rigby, F. J. Avis, M. F. N. Scotts, H. W.
Thompson. V. L. de Gregory, M. J. Evans, J. C. Knoyle and P. W. Hawkins.
Rigby played for the XI for five years and was the oustanding cricketer of his The Cricket X11937 see Editor's Notes.
time 1932-37.
 THE MEETINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND A.G.M.
The Executive met in the Public Schools Club in November last and spent
most of its time discussing the financial position of the Club, a position
aggravated by the very heavy increase in printing, postage and stationery. The
matter, once again, was refered to a sub-committee, to report at the A.G.M.
The A.G.M. was held jointly with the Executive on 23 April in the school library.
There were present Martin Newbold (Chairman) and thirteen other members of
the Executive Committee; Major Thornton; Air-Commodore E.E.W. Lloyd-
Jones, G. D. Fairley, R. M. Wynne-Griffith and J. C. Cooke.
There was another lengthy discussion about the finances of the Club. The
Bursar, on behalf of the sub-committee, reported that all members of the Club,
should be written to by the Hon. Editor of the O.E. Chronicle, stating the
problem of reinforcing the financing of the Ellesmerian by additional sub
scriptions.
The Hon. Secretary reported on the outstanding eventrs of the past year,
the deaths of Sir Offley Wakeman (Patron), Rev. R. A. Evans-Prosser and Cecil
Howard (Vice-Presidents), the wonderful success in these difficult days of
Local Dinners and the many meetings at sporting activities of Club members.
The Hon. Treasurer (who for business reasons and relative distance from
Ellesmere was retiring from his post) gave his last report on the Income and
Expenditure Account and submitted his audited Balance Sheet for the Club's
finances up to 31 December 1975. The Income Account shows a surplus of
£444 (£356 in 1974). The transfer from the Life Members Fund was £303 (£285)
deposit account interest £91 (£28), donations £26 (£12) and other 'profits' £24
(£33). The Life Members Fund totalled £14,862 compared with £13,995 in 1974.
The Reserve Account, represented by investments in Tyndall's Funds, Current
and Deposit Accounts at the bank totalled £17,204 (compared with £15,892.
The Tyndall Exempt Account has been increased since January 1st 1976
by the purchase of 2.202 distribution units. The market value of the Fund on 22
April was £17,505.The Club Charity statement up to 31st January 1976 showed
an increase in income of £935 and an expenditure of £690, with cash in hand
£244 and Ellesmerian costs plus postage still to pay. John Carter expected the
income to increase in 1976 but not sufficiently to cover the costs of the
magazine and postage, both of which are expected to increase this year. In the
discussion which followed, Stephen Hollway said "we are bleeding to death",
and all agreed that unless help is given over and above the present Life
Membership contributions then the distribution of the magazine as we know it
will be impossible. Postage alone is consuming one third of our income,
The Accounts were adopted, and on the motion of the Hon. Secretary,
John Carter was thanked for his outstanding services over the last twelve
years. This motion was carried with enthusiasm. Later in the meeting, on the
proposition of J.W.N., seconded by the Bursar, Air-Commodore E. E. W.
Lloyd-Jones O.B.E. was unanimously elected to succeed John, and all the
other office holders except the Hon. Secretary of the Club, the Hon. Secretary
of the Cricket Club and the Chairman of the London branch. Cecil Rigby
presided at the full A.G.M. on his appointment of President, J.E.P. Perrier was
formally thanked for his services during the past year, as were Alistair Macleod-
Smith, the retiring Chairman of the London branch and J.W.N., for some years
Hon. Secretary of the Club. Peter Anstey was elected Chairman of the London
branch and Robert Evans was elected Local Sec. London, Richard Taylor was
elected Hon. Sec. of the Club and of the O.E. Cricket Club.
It was decided that the Club should assist the school in its contribution to
the Lancing Chapel Rose Window Appeal.
The meeting elected, as additional Vice-Presidents, Air-Commodore E. E.
W. Lloyd-Jones, Dr,. A. R. W. Baddeley and Professor Graham Pyatt.
THE ANNUAL DINNER - 5TH JUNE
That 86 people sat down to the 86th dinner was not only coincidental, but
was also a distinct numerical improvement on recent years. It was a happy and
successful occasion, and it must give us hope of a further increase next year.
The retiring President, J. E. P. Perrier, M.C. (1925), installed his suc
cessor, H. C. Rigby, D.F.C. & Bar (1932). This was done with an informal but
dignified brevity as both of them were due to make speeches later. The
Chaplain then said Grace.
The tables had not been arranged in years: while certain places were
reserved, it was possible for age groups to mix or to separate as they wished.
Many commented as to their preference for this arrangement. As this day was
also Speech Day, Mrs. Gray, Ron, Bevan (Catering Manager) and his staff, and
others who helped prepare Hall and the meal had been put to an enormous
amount of trouble. That their efforts were worthwhile is beyond dispute, and
the President recorded the gratitude of the Club to Mrs. Skipper and Mrs.
Penney, for the delightful flower arrangements, to Mrs. Gray and the Bursar for
their part in making the Dinner possible, and to Kitchen and Domestic staff, not
only for the meal and service they had provided for us, but also for the way in
which they supported the Headmaster's efforts to run an efficient but
economic service all the year.
In proposing the Toast to Staff and School, J. E. P. Perrier said how much
he had enjoyed his year in office: it had been a memorable experience to visit
the local dinners, to meet contemporaries and new faces, and to attend fun
ctions at The College. He mentioned his visit on Remembrance Sunday, and
then took up some of the themes from the Head Master's speech in the
morning of Speech Day. Freedom of Choice was one of the many important
reasons for the existence of schools like Ellesmere; this choice might be ex
pensive, but it was worth the sacrifices; Ellesmere today offered not only a
wide range of activities but also a disciplined framework within which true
freedom might flourish. Tribute was paid to the Head Master's personal part in
generating loyalty and instilling values.
The Captain of School responded in doggerel — a year's activities
crammed into amusing rhyme. He told of the successes — academic, sporting
and in other spheres. The Head Master gave us parts of his Speech Day
Report, emphasising again the importance of independent schools in the fight
to retain freedom: He warned of the danger of an educational system that was
monolithic, a ready instrument for propaganda, a tool in the hands of those
who would impose a totalitarian system. At Ellesmere pupils have the chance to
learn, to worship, to choose. The Old Boys have a vital role to play in helping to
protect these freedoms. We can help by standing firmly by these freedoms, by
talking about Ellesmere in the right places, by encouraging firms (industrial or
otherwise) to use Ellesmere College in the holidays for courses, etc. The new
Arts' Centre had an obvious place in the future of Ellesmere and in the
College's relationship with the district.
J. C. Wolters, M.A., Housemaster of Meynell, proposed the toast to the
OE Club in a characteristically witty speech in which his main theme appeared
to be the difficulty of communication within the club. Glow Worm at Control
was very appreciative of John's emphasis on the need for all sub-stations to
respond more positively.
57
 The President replied, laying particular stress on the work of John Carter
(retiring Hon. Treasurer) and expressing the gratitude of the Club for the
services thatJohn had so willingly given. He went on to thank Nanki for his
dedication to the School and the Club. Those OEs who were present at the
Dinner realised that we were not thinking so much about a debt of gratitude
that we owed Nanki, but rather about the deep affection in which he is held.
His example of loytalty and service to the Club was then marked by a
presentation. The OE Club has given Nanki and Mrs Nankivell a cut-glass claret
jug with silver top and handle, 6 Waterford wine glasses and 6 sherry glasses
in the same set. A silver plaque accompanied the gifts and it read:
Presented with great affection to
J. W. Nankivell
in appreciation of his services to
The Old Ellesmerian Club, in particular
as Secretary, 1950-1976
Nanki thanked the Club for these gifts, pointing out that while he had been
scared out of his wits by the various Jehus that had driven him to OE functions
all over the country, and while he found the OE Chronicle time-consuming (he
seemed determined to foist it on to RFT who was equally determined to leave it
in the hands of JWN), the real burden had to be borne by his wife — and he
paid her a most touching compliment that moved all present to long and
sincere applause.
The Toast Master then stood to close the proceedings, but only suc
ceeded in prolonging them. S. Cheetham (1925) was determined to plug the
Manchester Dinner, which very naturally led him to rendering his thoughts on
policemen. Let us hope he got home unmolested;
R.F.T.
Those present at the dinner included the President, the retiring President,
the Headmaster, those members of the school council — Major Mowat
Quentin Thomas Esq. and the Rev. R. J. Taylor; the Second Master - the
Hon. M. C. Penney - the Chaplain, Rev. Maurice Gray, the Housemasters and
the Bursar, Peter Scott - the Dinner organiser - the M. C. Stanley Cheetham
and of (a) the period up to 1920, H. C. Shingler, J. W. N., H.G. Wilks, and R.
W. Raby (b) to 1930 P. Snapef G. Evans, Lt. Col. V. J. Morecombe, D.
Bryden-Brown, G. C. Showie, L M. N. Brockwell (c) to 1950R. S. Rees, A. R.
Rees, W. A. Pyke, D. W. Broadhurst, G. T. Latham, M. U. Newbold D J
Latham, R. Taylor, F. D. Lloyd, J. E. Cooke, R. Winn, R. F. Taylor, I. C.
Johnson (d) to 1970 P. A. C. Baker, D. Swann, A. E. R. Perrier, K. Higgins
Wing Commander J. 0. Jewiss, C. J. B. Gregory, A. C. Dakin, P. C. Nelstrop,
R. Huxley, J. M. Heath, D. Sadler, J. P. Baker, E. M. Ashworth, A. W. Wyatt
D. Greig, S. van Praag, J. A. Harvey, R. W. Evans, P. N. Oldfield, C. J.
Bowley, M. J. Harden, N. W. S. Jones, C. Lewis, D. French, (e) recent leavers
W. Harvey, and C. M. Pacey, together with a number of guests whose names
were not recorded in the organiser's list.
J.W.N.
THE LONDON DINNER
The London Dinner was held in the Public Schools Club, St. James
Square, on 14 November 1975; A. Macleod-Smith, Chairman of the area
presided, with the Headmaster, Ian Beer (Headmaster of Lancing), the
President of the Club and J.W.N. as his principal guests. There were about
50 acceptances of the invitation sent out by Peter Anstey, London Secretary.
Amongst the other guests were Brian Hooton with a colleague, both from
Eton. Commander P. Dalrymple-Smith R.N., Group Captain G. Donaldson, J.
Losen. Of the slightly older group present were G. Evans, V. Morecambe, K. L.
G. Makinson, G. Bate, L. M. N. Brockwell, J. Senior, A. G. Shepherd, the
Rev. Raymond Davis. Those who were at school during the war years included
a fine cross section of the school and six or seven from the Junior School in the
20s and 30s - Dr. Alan Baddeley, M.E.C.D. Johnson, H. M. Hughes, Brian
Edwards, P. Rothery, Tony France, J. Wynne-Jones, Robin Hughes, R.
Walker, R. Bird and B. Tate, and Martin Newbold. Of the post '45 era present
were Geoffrey Stringer (the Rugger); A. Lunn, G. L. Davis, R. M. Ashworth,
A. E. P. Perrier, J. P. Baker, N. K. Spurr, R. W. Evans, J. A. Harvey, M. H.
Abell-Richards, W. Oo, C. R. Anstey, A. Litherland, and P. McCullough. There
were representatives from every decade from 1910 to 1970.
Speeches were brief. The Chairman spoke warmly of Peter Anstey's work,
welcomed the President, Ian Beer and other guests, apologized for not being
at the Executive meeting held before the dinner as he was in the air from
Amsterdam to Heathrow, said he had heard that J.W.N. had retired and that
he was to be succeeded next year by Richard Taylor. He then introduced the
President and asked him to propose the toast of school and staff. Jack Perrier
spoke of his pride in being chosen to lead the Club this year, commented on the
responsibilities of being a Headmaster in such a difficult age and hankered after
the simplicities of an earlier age. The Headmaster gave his usual vigorous if
brief revue of school events and hopes that the difficult future years facing
schools such as ours, above all fighting for the continuing independence of the
public schools. The Chairman asked the Hon. Secretary to say three words. He
spoke of the pleasure he felt in meeting so many old friends, of his retirement,
of what he thought of the President - a little more joyfully than the President
obviously felt - and announced the resignation of Alastair as London
Chairman. He said that the Executive Committee at the A.G.M. would
nominate Peter Anstey to succeed Alastair Macleod-Smith, and R. W. Evans
to succeed Peter as local secretary. This dinner was very pleasant — a lovely
evening, a credit to the organisers.
THE MANCHESTER DINNER
The Manchester Dinner was held on 7 Nov. 1975 in the city itself, after
holding our meetings for many years in rural surroundings. It is expected that in
future years, as in this year, the meeting place will be at Sam's Chop House in
Black Pool Fold, a cosy place used for many years by many old school clubs,
including Denstone's. The Chairman, Stanley Cheetham, presided and his
guests included the President, J. E. P. Perrier, who had come over from Jersey
for the occasion, the Headmaster, V. Howard, H. C. Rigby, M. F. R. Scotts
M. Newbold, R. Taylor, K. Moran, G. G. Twist, R. Anderson, M. Anderson, d!
BRoadhurst, I. C. Johnson, A. G. Hayes, D. Mottershead, J. G. Shepherd, D.
M. Dearden, D, Swinn, P. C. Nelstrop, C. J. B. Gregory, A. W. Wright, A.
Pownall, M. J. Riley, N. R. Symm, and those very old members Eric Pilkington,

H. G. Wilks, and J.W.N. all at Ellesmere sixty or more years ago.
The organisation, as perfect as ever, was in the hands of the local
secretary, Arthur Pyke. It is to him and Stanley Cheetham that our thanks must
go for a most enjoyable evening. The toasts were the responsibility of the
Chairman and Roy Taylor and the responses were made by the President, the
Headmaster and J.W.N.
MERSEYSIDE
Brian Bancroft presided over the supper held at Heswall on 17th March
1976. He was supported by representatives of every decade since 1910.
Amongst those present were the Gustos, the Headmaster, H. Mooney, Peter
Scott Gordon Bancroft, C. H. Mooney, W. S. A. Pyke, (with guest), D. Lef-
twich, I. Higgins, K. G. Eddowes, J. R. L Martindale, M. A. Bell, H. E. Morris,
(and guests), R. A. Harding, R. S. Owen, C. P. Witter, P. J. Witter, J. E. Ivey,
T. Platt, C. Williams, C. P. Scott, Andrew Williams, C. P. Morgan.
The principal guests were the President, J. E. P. Perrier (who had travelled
from Jersey that day), the Headmaster, and the retiring Hon. Secretary — J.
W. Nankivell.
W. A. Pyke proposed the toast of School and Staff. The Headmaster not
only replied in speech but showed a film of the School Commando unit in
action. The Chairman proposed the toast of the Club and response was made
by the President and the Hon. Secretary. Thanks were given to the organisers,
especially to the Chairman and Pete Scott who were responsible for organising
the meeting - a most enjoyable, friendly affair, greatly appreciated by
members and guests alike.
WEST MIDLANDS
Organised by Derek Latham in his admirable way and under the Chair
manship of Peter Snape, an excellent dinner was held at the Lyttleton Arms,
Hagley on 26th March 1976. The Headmaster was the principal guests and
spoke of the organisers of the school in the only speech of the evening, after
the Chairman had proposed the toast of School and Staff. Owing to the illness
and absence of J.W.N. the second speech was not delivered. The Headmaster
reported that the dinner and after-dinner chat was delightful. Those present
included the President — who had come over from Jersey for the event, J.
Copeland, E. Ledsam, L. M. Brockwell, Major Derrett, Professor Mortimer
(from the U.S.A.), R. Carver, P. H. Tate, N. J. Smith, B. Tate, P. E. Bevin, D.
J. Latham, L. Tolley, W. Higson, M. J. Cooper, M. H. Barrett, J. M.
Stephens, M. Holland, D. Scott, I. Scott, J. A. Lidolell, D. Greig, R. G. Smith,
I. Ross, J. Bednall, R. Hargreaves, G. Barnett and of course Derek and Peter.
MASONIC NOTES
The first meeting of the new session took place on the 13th September,
1975. The business was a Third Degree ceremony, the candidate being J. M.
Heath, and the ceremony conducted by the Master, D. Bradley. R. W. Raby
was elected as master for the forthcoming year, a choice which gave much
pleasure to the members.
The installation Meeting took place on 11th October when a large
gathering, including the Deputy Provincial Grand Master and the two War
dens, saw R. W. Raby installed as Master of the Lodge by D. Bradley. At the
Festive Board R. W. Raby was presented with a small momento to mark the
appreciation of the members for the work, guidance and service he had given
the Lodge during his 23 years as Secretary.
The first meeting of 1976 took place in March when D. W. Greig was
initiated into Freemasonary. The ceremony was conducted by R. W. Raby in
his usual sincere and dignified manner.
The last meeting of the year was on May 8th when a Second Degree was
worked by the Master, the candidate being R. J. Addison. At this meeting the
members learned that at the forthcoming Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting R.
W. Raby was being honoured by promotion to Past Senior Warden — a fitting
reward for one whose Work for the Old Ellesmerian Lodge is beyond praise.
If any Old Ellesmerian is interested in the Lodge he is requested to get in
touch with the Secretary of the O.E. Club, J. W. Nankivell or F. Berrisford, The
Cross, Mold Road, Buckley, N. Wales.
SEVENTY FIVE YEARS AGO : ELLESMERIAN 1901,1902.
Extracts from Editorials ... "a welcome visit from King Frost — week's
skating on mere . . . toboganns on Castle Hill. . . Spy Bank.
Mr. Walter Evans, the new Curator of Ground has displayed much energy
.. .large piece top soiled...
Mr. Everett of Ellesmere brought up large gramophone to give us a record
concert.
That Great Event, the Proclamation of Peace (with Boers) was received
with much cheering and the Headmaster granted a half-holiday.
Summer delayed her appearance . . . bitterly cold in June, almost frost
bitten fingers — horrid for playing cricket.
The Play — Macbeth — great triumph — account follows (eleven columns
criticism).
Memorabilia Collegii S. Oswaldi
Our match with Denstone, the first all-boy XV resulted in a draw, 0-0.
Lady Hanmer presented the prizes on Sports Day.
J. F. Meredith was Victor Ludorum (he was a brother of Mary Webb, and
one of three brothers here).
Canon Southwill gave a lantern lecture on the Boer War (he was once
curate of Ellesmere, later Bishop and Provost of Lancing.)
Mr. Kynaston invited Shooting VIII to Hardwick to shoot rooks . . . four
rifles... 35 rooks.
The O.E. Club has presented a very beautiful and valuable silver Challenge
Cup for the winner of the dormitory competition in Swimming Sports.
The Canadian 9 mile Championship was won by Hiram E, Hill, an O.E. Hill
ran in the ten mile championship against the U.S.A. with the Canadian team.
School Roll 1901-2 - 200 boys - school full.
Cadet Corps:
Commanding Office, the Headmaster Captain Thompson.
Two sham fights arranged during the year.
Shooting: Cadet Austin was in the team that challenged Mr. Kynaston s
Volunteers, Ellesmere Company. One of his opponents was 'Mr. Jebb' the
Lyth. C. F. Austin is our senior Vice-President now, aged 90 and well. His team
beat Lancing, Hurstpierpoint, Denstone and Worksop, during the year.
59
 THE ELLESMERIAN : FIFTY YEARS AGO
the only one described in the Chronicle in verse — a very racy doggerel for
which the writer Amor says " . . . I've only one excuse,
Extract from the editorials:
To offer in protection from invective and buse,
We have waited long years for our permanent Chapel, and at last (after
Dinners come and dinners go, but is there any reason why
forty years waiting) our patience is to be rewarded . . funds available will allow
only for the building of the nave. Reports should be so much the same, and (dare I?) — well, so dry."
Amongst others at this dinner were P. A. Hall, N Har
We have had much frost and snow and could play no rugger after
October. vey, J. Tunnicliffe, E. A. Heath, S. A. Heath, the brothers Bradley, N. Wilson
and Amor but the chief guest was Sir Percival Heywood Bart, son of the Sir
We would wish to pay our annual congratulations to our ever-successful
producer, Mr. D. R. Evans, of the Play (The Taming of the Shrew — 8 column
Percival who was the chief benefactor of Denstone, Fellow, Custos and
review follows). Founding Fellow of Ellesmere and for many years with the Provosts, the driving
force of the Midland Division.
Never in the history of Ellesmere have the Sports been so contested and so
Amor has devoted most of his life to Scouting and Kibblestone Camp and
keenly run. (8 school records broken - W. A. Le C. Sawyer and S. J. Lidgate
were outstanding.)
has received many scout honours. He also founded the rugger club which was
to become well-known as the North Staffs - originally a public schools club,
A notable innovation in the magazine is A Literary Supplement.
whose earliest games were played against Ellesmere.
The foundation stone of the Memorial Chapel was laid by Sir Offley
Wakeman on the Feast of S. Michael and All Angels.
Mr. Beresford has made wonderful progress with the Camera Hut — to be
opened next term.
Rugby football review (by R.A.E.P.) "Major tosswill said it was
dangerous for selectors to visit schools to pick out potential internationals, as
boys would get swollen-heads ... no need to mention this disease here, for as
soon as a boy is promoted to the 1st XV, the 'rot' sets in, and they go from bad
to worse. .. (The rugger was not quite so bad as in the previous year).

The Common Room:

Mr. Gray, Mr. Cooper, the Chaplain, Mr. Keatinge, and Mr. Long left. We
welcome Mr. Byng-Johnson, Mr. Turner, Mr. Cranwill, Mr. Gough and Mr.
Kenney. The Rev. G. E. Cope is the new Chaplain.

Officers, Captain of School:

W. A. Le C. Sawyer
Prefects: H. B. Hudson, C. H. Stanway, T. S. Dolphin, R. M. Williams R
A. Clarke
Captain of XV:T. S. Dolphin
Captain of XI: H. B. Hudson
C.S.M.:H. B. Hudson
Editor of Ellesmerian: H. B. Hudson
0. E. chronicle: Dinner and AGM cancelled thisWhitsun owing to General
Strike.
Henry Woolsey, Priest, late Headmaster, died in Venice.

THE NORTH STAFFS O.E. CLUB 1930

The photograph on this page will be of great interest to many members of

the older vintage. It was taken at the first dinner of the sadly short-lived North
Staffordshire area under the local secretary, Charles Amor's guidance The
picture is so unique becuase it includes the co-founder of the O.E. Club and
for many years Hon. Secretary and President, the Rev. B. R. Hibbert 'then
Vicar of Denstone; and his successor as Hon. Secretary Harry Bateman* R W
Bernsford at the only O.E. dinner he attended away from Ellesmere; the onlv
picture we have of R. Billen and E. T. Stealey together and the youthful North Staffs. Dinner
pictures of J. H. Barker and E. W. Whalley. This dinner is also unique as it is
 NOTES IN BRIEF
A. Macleod-Smith C.M.G., recently retired as Chairman of our London
area, has been made a director of Selection Trust and managing director of the
Oils Division of Selection Trust.
Professor Graham Pyatt has been in Washington, D.C. for two years at
the university. He returns this year to his Warwick University post. He was
elected a vice-president of the Club this year.
Mark Owen, son of Douglas Owen of Ellesmere, has been awarded the
post-graduate Thoron Scholarship at Pennsylvania University. Mark gained
First Classes in both parts of the Mechanical Engineering Tripos at Cambridge.
John Hewitt has been appointed a director of Metal Box, with especial
interest in S. Africa, in which country he is now living. His brother David is
teaching in Saudi Arabia.
Our congratulations to Lt. Colonel Peter Howells, T.D., on being awarded
the O.B.E. in the Queen's honours list and to Major S. S. Caney Light Infantry,
who was awarded the M. B. E. for services in Northern Ireland.
Colonel H. B. Hudson, Indian Army (retired), captain of School fifty years
ago, and a talented cricketer, visited the school this year.
The retiring President J. E. P. Perrier, M.C. and his wife were presented
with their first grandchild, Angus Edwin, by their daughter on 3rd July 1976
and the Club send them our congratulations.
J. P. Hilliar called on the editor when they visited Ellesmere in July; he was
spending a holiday in peace with David Parton (his inseparable companion at
Ellesmere) from his unhappy country, Northern Ireland.
Wing-Commander John Jewiss has been wandering since his posting to
Australia — moved 7 times in 6 years, "dealt with a plethora of staff courses"
and is now at peace for 2 years at Cranwell. John has two boys and an adopted
daughter. Prior to coming to Cranwell, he was personal staff officer to C-in-C
Germany at B.A.O.C, then a year at the National Defence College, Latimer. In
1971-2, John frequently saw Ralph Slater. Ralph is now Movement and Supply
Officer at Harrogate.
B. Roger Edwards M.V.O., formerly of Sarawak and more recently
Commissioner of Police, Solomon Islands, has taken up a senior staff ap
pointment with the Royal Hong Kong Police. Roger's brother, Brian, we are
lucky enough to meet at least annually at the London Dinner.
C. T. R. Hayward who attained a First in Theology at Durham, has been
for two years the holder of a Senior Scholarship at Worcester College, Oxford.
He recently has been appointed to a Post-Graduate Fellowship in Jewish
Studies at the Centre for Jewish Studies, and has been appointed a Fellow of
Wolfson College, Oxford.
Dr. R. M. Jeffs is one of many who have written sympathetically of Cecil
Howard's death. For some years he has been at Sheffield, lecturing chiefly in
Anglo-Saxon history, and Medieval English history. His wife is a part-time
lecturer in the Department of Architecture and has a local Design practice.
They have an 8 year old son, Robin sends "good wishes to G.B.J. & O.H.C.
and all at Ellesmere".
pr, John Perry, his family and brother Christopher called on the writer in
April. John lectures in Geography at the Cambridge Technical College,
Christopher teaches at Cranleigh Junior School and their elder brother Michael
teaches at Trearddu Bay.
It was pleasing to hear that the son of M. G. Howard was awarded a Music
Scholarship at the College in the spring examination. Michael Howard was one
of Mr. Byng-Johnston's brightest pupils in the 30's. He won the Threfall Organ
Scholarship in 1939, and was for some years Organist and choirmaster at Ely
Cathedral, and he is the founder and conductor of the 'Renaissance Singers'.
In more recent years he has been working at the B.B.C.
Major David Howard who had a brilliant career at Sandhurst and
Shrivenham, has retired from the Army to take up a post as Deputy Managing
Director of the Tynside Transport Commission. He lives in the nearby hills and
runs a small sheep farm.
Robert Chance was one of the Club's representatives at Cecil Howard's
funeral, as was R. de Lacy Wheeler, Jack Lidgate, the Rev. Raymond Davis
and of course John Senior, who carried the wreath inscribed "In kindest
remembrance ^rom old colleagues at Ellesmere College and members of the
Old Ellesmerian Club." John's son Richard works in Dover with the E. Kent
Road Co. Lidgate is Headmaster of a prep school in Kent, Robert Chance is in
charge of games at Sutton Valence and has written enthusiastically of the
successes in Rugger of P. Kyrke-Smith, W. Beaumont and Mark Keyworth,
and of last year's excellent 'Seven-a-side' team.
The Rev. E. H. Beavan, assistant priest at St. Mary's Newington has been
appointed Rector of Sandon, diocese of Chelmsford, a beautiful village four
miles from Chelmsford.
The Rev. C. R. T. Nankivell has left Milton Keynes new town to become
Lecturer at Queen's College, Birmingham.
The Rev. F. G. Denham, curate of Ascot Heath has been appointed priest-
in-charge of Sutton Courtney with Appleford and Culham.
The Rev. T. J. Ganz formerly chaplain of Hurstpierpoint and of Swansea
University has been appointed priest-in-charge of All Saints, Hanley.
The Rev. J. W. J. Steele C.B.E. is rarely able to visit us from Powderham
rectory in Devon but he did make a special effort to come to see the School XI
in action against the M.C.C. team — and because of rain not a ball was bowled
that day. John was an outstanding cricketer, for he played in the XI for four
years and gained colours for Rugger, Hockey and Shooting for several years
and for some time held the High Jump record. Later, he was to captain the
Army XI and Hampshire. He was in the Army Chaplain's Department, was
Honorary Chaplain to King George VI, A.C.G. 1st Army Chaplain to the
Brigade of Guards. John's wife died two years ago; he expects to retire within
the coming year. He was President of the Club in 1957-8.
It is of interest to report that "Stockpiled' the game invented to interest
schools in investments and the Stock Exchange, a game in which Ellesmere
has excelled, was started by the Brighton Junior Chamber of Commerce and
adopted by Williams and Glyn Bank. The President of the Brighton Junior
Chamber of Commerce was at that time H. J. Lilly (Wakeman) son of an O.E.
whose obituary is to be found in this issue; he has sent me the list and standing
in the competition of all the schools taking part this year.
Peter Kyrke-Smith has joined the staff of the comprehensive school in
Coventry, where Neil Wright, a former member of our C.R. is a Senior Master.
Peter graduated last year and has spent another year at Oxford engaged in a
teacher's diploma. He played for the third year for Oxford against Cambridge.
Burnett Murray is in his fourth year reading for a B.Ed, degree at Madelev
College, Crewe. .
Robert Owen has been a trainee surveyor with Jackson-Stops and Stan in
Chester and is now with another firm in Surbiton.
It is some years since we have had any direct news of Canon K. B. Halley,
but this summer the writer's brother (like Halley over 50 years in W. Australia
61
since leaving England) has been in England, reported K.B. to be well and still
officiating at all the ceremonies — weddings, christenings etc — of the editor's
brother's family.
H. J. Lilly has been appointed an assistant manager of Barclay's branch
bank in Southwick. He is Conference Director for Junior Chambers of Com
merce conference in Brighton held in October.
John Wroe has left A. P. Leamington, where he was a regional sales
manager, Eastern Europe to settle with his wife (an Australian) in Sydney. He
travelled widely in Eastern Europe and was a member of a C.B.I, team in
Warsaw, last year.
J. S. Dickin and his wife both work at Serck Audco Valves in Newport.
They have two children, now grown up. He meets John Downes of Butterton
occasionally.
John Barlett, one of our American L.S.U. scholars is married and has a
two year old son. "We moved into a house last spring . . . only 17 miles from
my work in downtown Los Angeles".
Lt. Colonel Terry Thornton has succeeded Lt. Col. A. Kynaston as Army
Schools Liaison Officer in Birmingham. Terry visited Ellesmere for Cecil's
Memorial Service, with his wife. Their son Michael serves in H.M.S. Galatea —
had plenty of action in the 'Cod War'. He was with his ship when it was
awarded the Freedom of the City by Hull Corporation. Terry's second son,
Mark, is working for the Income Tax, Portsmouth, Department. Lt. Richard
Hulmes R.H.A. writes for the record, "I listen to Terry Thornton when he
chairs a Schools Quiz programme on the B.F. network." Terry was also
Champion Brain of B.F. Germany.
Buddie Atkinson, son of R.B.A., called at the school during his recent
holiday from his Australian home in June last.
G. R. B. Dixon, one of our oldest correspondents, writes in praise of the
format of the magazine; he is one of many to appreciate the work of the editors
of today's Ellesmerian.
Peter Lance-Jones, after graduating in Dentistry at Guy's, worked for a
while in London and Sussex, but for the past dozen years he has been prac
tising, in Taunton. His three children go to King's School Taunton. Peter keeps
in touch with Matine Daftari, and has stayed with him in Teheran.
G. J. Phillips, brother of Brigadier Tom and Peter — now living in
Broadstairs — writes reminiscently of his days with A.E.P. in his first spell at
Ellesmere, and of Dr. Phillips, then on the School Council — his father, a
powerful influence in Dr. Billen's days. G. J. lives in retirement in Coventry.
Simon D'Arcy visited Ellesmere with Ian Collins and his wife in May of this
year.
D. B. Simpson works as a brewery executive in the Sales Dept. of Watney
Mann, the firm of which Peter Clark is a director. Nigel Simpson works for the
Bank of London and South America in the Bahamas. He has two children.
Richard Preece has returned to Kaduna, Nigeria from a spell at home, and
in Portugal, (to complete his work in Angola). Whilst he was in Lisbon he heard
that his wife had presented him with twins. Richard had a good deal of ex
perience of the nastier type in the Angolan war, but got out safely eventually,
and returned to Nigeria — address P.O. Box 99. Kaduna.
G. B. Wilson, formerly of Oswestry and in Meynell with Mr. Feist as
housemaster, has worked in New Zealand, Australia and has now decided to
settle down in Ladysmith, Natal.
D. M. G. Finlay is working for Hawker Siddeley Ltd. as a chartered ac
countant in the management audit department. His younger child is nearly 2
and Stephen 5 years.
John Block lives in Ontario at 518 Karen Drive, Burlington. We are often
asked about two others: Rev. Richard Eckersley lives with his mother at 6
Montpellier Villas, Brighton, and the Rev. S. H. Sharpe lives in retirement at 23
Lansdown Rd., Worthing.
William Turner left local government in Surrey to emigrate to British
Columbia where he contracted to build houses in the Frazer Valley. After five
years at his new job with his three children married, he travelled widely in the
West Indies — stayed long in Tobago and returning to Georgia Bay to sail and
fish.
Graham Portus writes "I left nearly 25 years ago, rarely visited Ellesmere
but followed events made possible by the excellent Ellesmerian... I have been
working in Canada for six years and I hope to visit you in 1976."
Clive Wolfendenwas married to Lorna Macdonagh of Rowlands Castle,
Hants on 25 October 1975.
Andrew Clitherow is teaching at Bedord School, and is a house tutor in
the Lower School House. "I was refereeing a rugby match against Harrow and
later bumped into Tony Beadles.... he looks the same as ever. . . Andrew
joined Bedofrd R.U.F.C.
Robert Cave-Rogers is working for the advertising firm of Leo Burnett in
Hong Kong.
2nd Lt. P. H. Parsons has joined 45 C.D.O., G.P. on completing the R.M.
Training Course.
Nicholas Jones, made redundant by A.C. in Wales has gone to Bristol
Polytechnic to read Law. He has met at the Poly. Tony Balmer, also reading
Law, "John Bowley and his fiancee came to see me; he is now Senior
Registrar in Anaesthetics at Bristol Royal Infirmary. Last summer we met David
Gilbert, who works in Cardiff. The other evening I met John Smale's parents;
he was recently married and posted to depot in Dover." Nicholas is living in a
cottage in Lower Machen, near Newport, Gwent.
Harry Lilly was married this summer to Valerie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
N. S. Hall of Hayworrals Heath.
P. Morpuss joined the Rhodesian Army last year and his brother has
emigrated to S. Africa.
James Campbell has resigned his short service commission in the Army and
has joined the timber firm of Formwood. His brother Christopher is the Officer
responsible for recruiting potential officers for the R.M. in the public schools.
Robert is in the B.S.A. police force.
E. P. Jenkins younger son is a journalist at Sutton Coldfield; his elder boy,
who graduated in history at Oxford from New College teaches in the VI Form
College at Oakham.
Charles Tattersall has brought his life subscription up to the new figure of
£12 as has George Ravenscroft.
Richard Roberts is working in Saudi Arabia. He is Port Manager, Dam-
man. He has been seconded by the Mersey D. & H. Co. to the country where
reorganisation is taking place. An experienced Master Mariner, Richard got his
'ticket' very quickly. He has one son, Davids
In a friendly note to Ellesmere R. D. Chance i/c Rugger Sutton Valence
congratulated i/c Rugger here. "I was at Twickenham with my Headmaster
and was proud, watching Beaumont and Keyworth, to tell him they were at
Ellesmere."
Christopher Anstey, son of Peter (the new Chairman of London local area)
is serving a two-year apprenticeship as a London journalist.
Stephen van Praag, still living in Barry, not far from his uncle and Crane

:ousins was married last April to Jayne Evelyn, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Brown of Barry
Stephen Arblaster has been spending a year or so in Johannesburg and
the Cape working with Rennies.
Captain Richard Eccles has sent us photographs of Rob Scott, R.M. and
limself on landing operationx in Lulworth Cave. Richard is now Admin. Officer
R.A.O.C. for the Ordnance Sqn, with the R.M. Commandos -
Roger Armstrong is a young officer under training with the R.M. at
Lympston.
Dr. R. C. Roper of Ormskirk who had a fine academic record at school and
at Liverpool University and represented the University in swimming and water-
polo, won a surgicval scholarship to visit Bomholm and Denmark. He
graduated in 1968 and in 1973 became a Fellow of the Faculty of Anaesthetics
R.C. Surgeons, and is and is now a senior registrar at the cardiac centre in
Liverpool. He also holds a commission in the R.A.M.C. (T.A.). He has a son
and daughter. He writes charmingly of his happy days at Ellesmere; "whenever
I feel in need of rest and recuperation I drive over to Ellesmere ... to the
tranquil scenes of my seven years in the Shropshire countryside". Richard's
brother, an electrical engineer works in a power station in Southampton.
A. Appleton graduated at R.C. of Music, has spent a year at Trent College
of Education and is now a peripatetic teacher at Chigwell and Forest Hill.
We congratulate that versatile sportsman Keith Bayliss who won the
Goodyear World-wide Golf Tournament this year, adn was presented with a
massive trophy at Wolverhampton.
Hilton Tims reviews music concerts for the London Evening News and
opera for the Surrey papers. Macdonald have recently published his new work
Prelude a biography of Wagner. His earlier novel All the Pride of Power, also
published by Macdonald, has been a success.
Malcolm Haigh, a vice-president of American Ultramar Ltd., visited
Ellesmere this year.
It was with deep regret that Prebendary E. E. F. Walters was unable to
attend the Memorial Service to Cecil Howard, his old colleague when chaplain
and housemaster of Meynell in the 30s. "you and I" he writes "are the last of
that close group which in 1935 set out with high hopes on Prosser's ap
pointment . . . and we did contribute to the achievement of our vision." His
children flourish; Andrew was married last year and teaches at Stubbington,
Susan is a barrister and Rosemary looks after her family. Cecil Rigby, our new
President is Egerton Walter's brother-in-law.
Geoffrey Webster is teaching in Stockport for a year in exchange. His
school is in Vancouver, B.C. He hopes to see many of his contgemporaries,
during the year.
Anthony Lunn is hoping that the very successful XV 1963-4 can come
together again to play the school. This match would be worth watching and
give fun to the players. It might be worth a try. Members of that team should
write to Anthony at 80 Selwyn Ave., Richmond, Surrey.
David French plays village cricket and with Herefordshire Constabulary
from his home, Carey, near Hereford. He has been in London with S. Oakley,
L. Hurst, W. Beaumont and Mark Keyworth.
The Rev. James Tavernor writes 'Slosh had just carried the school on his
back in the interval between two Headmasters when I joined my brother John"
James taught at Denstone Prep, on leaving in 1941 and then went to Lichfield
Theological College—joined the Army, graduated at Lampeter, married and
was ordained in 1950. Then he joined the Church of Rome, Lectured in Divinity
at Notre Dame, Liverpool and returned to the Anglican Church and became a
social worker in Derby. He is licenced to preach in Hereford but is mainly
working at Telford as Boarding-Out and Adoption Officer. He has three sons
and three daughters. James keeps in touch with John Newey, Q.C. His wife is
an O.G. of Abbots Bromley. John Tavernor's two sons were here.
W. Harvey a civil engineer who graduated at Manchester some 15 years
ago has worked in many countries and is now based on Hong Kong in a private
company specialising in heavy engineering throughout the Far East. For some
years he was in Australia. He has one son.
Alan Gilmour, retired some years ago after the long years in the Foreign
and Commonwealth Service. He recalls in a recent letter that he and Cecil
Howard came to Ellesmere in the same term and "news of his death bring back
a host of nostalgic school memories".
Stuart Gee has sent the school appeal a donation in affectionate memory
of "The Beef", one of the nicknames R.A.E.P. held in his early days. "I still
think of him in the 20s full of life and vigour, whether on the Rugger field or in
the Classroom."
P. H. Tate, one of the famous five (all well, though Alen is confined to a
wheelchair) has been appointed Manager of the Nat West Bank in Sutton
Coldfield.
63
 We have been reading, through the courtesy of the Academic Press, some
reviews from Science, Nature and other learned journals of Dr. R. Malcolm
Love's recent book on the Chemical Biology of Fishes. Malcolm has been
closely associated with research in fishing problems since graduating. He
works from Aberdeen, but travels very widely.
A number of members were noted by the editor when he and Mrs.
Nankivell attended the wedding of the daughter of Donald Stokes J.P. at his
Haughton home in May. Malcolm* Stokes, M.C., was with his family, in
cluding Adrian, (an underwriter at Lloyds and engaged to be married to Sarah,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Brown of Little Weltham, Essex.) and Stephen now
in the Metropolitan Police, stationed at West Ham; Donald's sons Jonathon —
recently graduated in civil engineering — Nicholas — farming; the sons of the
late Raymond Stokes, Christopher — reading Law — and his brother, farming.
Others present included Douglas Owen, Andrew Shepherd — a London
solicitor now — and John Stokes, so well known at Unigate and this year's
Mayor of Ellesmere; Stephen Sorfleet who is soon to finish his articles as a
surveyor. Harry Bebson of Bagly was represented by his wife. George Davies,
son of Ernest (for so long tailor to the school and former President of the Club.)
from Stephen we learnt that Christopher Warburton is a valuation officer of
Leicester City; Bruce Knaggs is managing the catering and welfare staff at
H.Q. in London of B.P.; that Christopher Morris is an assistant manager of a
hotel in Knightsbridge; and that Peter Evans, an engineer, contemplates
marriage next year.
Ralph Winn has recently acquired three of the Adnitt engravings of the
school which have formed the frontispiece of recent Chronicles. Ralph sees
Peter Unsworth frequently. Apart from his work — he is a civil engineer at
tached to Sir Alfred McAlpine — Ralph's main interest is Birkenhead Park and
he now plays for the Veterans. Peter Kyrke-Smith used to play for the Park.
Ralph is fixtures secretary and would welcome recruits from Ellesmere. His
brother John plays occasionally; Robert is at home taking his Master's ticket,
and he has recently married Sylvia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jones of
Bebington.
Harry Caladine, retired now to Grange-over-Sands was "surprised to read
in the last issue" that James Caladine and he were in the Salvete list of 50 years
ago. Harry attended Cecil's Memorial Service. A notice of Jimmy's death
appears in our obituary column.
Conrad Whitehead is leaving his home and law practice and is domiciled in
Jersey. Conrad, a partner in Roy Firth's practice has two boys in the school;
both played in the school orchestra's excellent Speech Day Concert, far and
away the best orchestra the editor remembers, both for competence and
versatility.
N. A. Jilani has retired from the Pakistan Army after long service, to the
ancestral home in Bahawalnagar where he personally has to manage the estate
and farms. His brother has also retired from the Pakistan Air Force and has
settled in England at 18 Burleigh Avenue, Kent. Their father, General Jilani,
formerly of the I. M.S. and later of the Pakistan Army has died. The reference in
our obituaries of R.E.A.P. in the last issue to a boy who set fire to a haystack
and was saved from dire trouble by his Headmaster; the juvenile court bound
him over to the care of the H.M. and his housemaster, the present writer for
three years. Jilani has written a beautifully-felt notice of R.A.E.P. "that
veritable giant amongst men".
I. D. Laing has been chosen to run the 400 metres for the Surrey County
Athletic Team.
Captain Hewitt, R.N. (ret'd) formerly for 20 years commandant of H.M.S.
Conway and known to hundreds of old boys who have played rugger against
'The Ship' has a grandson in the school and attended Speech Day, with his
wife who was at Abbots Bromley with the writer's sister. The Captain is uncle
to John arid David Hewitt, distinguished former members of Talbot House.
Peter Jolley is a Generating Engineer in Hertford.
H. H, G. D. Scotter who came to Ellesmere in 1901 - and of course is one
of our seniors now with C. F. Austin (1897) and Sir Harry Trusted his exact
contemporary here is still weary after a working life-time as a Railway Engineer
in India. We had news of him when his son, Colonel N. G. Scotter spoke of him
at our Speech Day — his son is a third generation Scotter!
We regret to announce the death of C. H. Mooney. To his widow and his
two sons we send our sympathy. A fuller notice will be given in the next
Chronicle of the career of Charles.
Antony Garrett returns to his old post of managing director of Proctor and
Gamble at Newcastle-upon-Tyne after a five year stint managing the business
in Italy. He is one of the very few P & G English directors.
The Revd. Sydney Sharpe, our former Chaplain visited Ellesmere in July.
His address is Flat 2, 23 Lansdowne Road, Worthing.
George Owen, the well known former jockey and for thirty years a trainer
and one of the most respected men in National Hunt racing retires this year
after thirty-two years training horses in his Tarporley stables. His nephew was
also at Ellesmere. He trained the Grand National winner Russian Hero.
Dr. Tony Rogerson and his wife (who was on the staff at Ellesmere) has
been made a temporary Professor in Family Medicine at Duke University, N.
Carolina, and will be working in a group of doctors at SAN FORD for a year.
Tony regretfully leaves his garden, one of the 'show places' of North Devon.
Congratulations to Ken Berrisford on receiving the B.E.M. in the Queen's
Birthday Honours List. Ken entered the school in 1959 and has had a
distinguished career in the Royal Navy; we wish him well.
Silk Crested Tie £3.92
Crimplene Crested Tie £1.79
Crimplene Striped Tie £1.10
Silk Striped Cravat £2.23
Silk Crested Cravat £2.40
Terylene Crested Cravat £2.13
Saxony Wool Scarf £1.92
Cufflinks £3.43
Pocket Badges £3.20
Prices include postage.
These may be obtained at the School Shop, or ordered by post. Goods will
not be sent unless accompanied by a cheque.
 OBITUARY

Canon L. B. C. Newell, son of the Rector of Neen Sollars, Cleobury

Mortimer, entered Ellesmere in 1905 and died last August in Suffolk. He was a
Prefect, in the Gordon dormitory and played in the Football XI. Amongst his
contemporaries were St. J. B. Grosser, T. G. Louch, F. R. Minshall and H. M.
Adcock. His friend Grosser left to go to Mirfield, Newell to Durham, where he
was a scholar. He played hockey for the University, and for the County. He
graduated just before the war, joined up as a volunteer in the Middlesex
Regiment, but shortly afterwards he was ordained and became a chaplain to
the Forces. He became Vicar of Teynham, and later Rector of Claydon, and
was a Hon. C. F. to local military establishments. He retired to Cockfield Green,
Suffolk. Our sympathy to his widow and his three children.
E. J. Lilly died in June 1975, after several months illness, in his retirement
home in Sussex. He was in the Violets — Edward's dormitory — from 1918 to
1921, with his brother. A gentle man, who enjoyed a quiet life, not moving
from his job with C. U. Insurance until his retirement. He lived in Liverpool for a
while, then in Barnston where he was church warden of his parish church. His
hobbies included bowls, but cycling and walking were his chief pleasures. He
played bowls for Sussex County in his retirement. He was in the R.A.F. for
three years; he was an active Mason. His only child Harry was at Ellesmere,
also in Woodard. His surviving brother has retired to live in Ouchan in the Isle
of Man. His widow, son and daughter-in-law live in Sussex, and to them we
have sent our sympathy.
Peter Wardie was killed in a road accident in September 1975. Peter was in
Wakeman House in 1943-46, had a charming, easy disposition and enjoyed
work and games. He shone in athletics and was promising in all games. He left
young to be apprenticed in the building trade and joined his father's firm. To
his parents, his widow, and twin twelve year old sons we send our sympathy in
their loss.
S. F. Foulkes-Jones died in Canada on August 5 1975. He came to
Ellesmere in 1917 from Llangollen where his father was a solicitor. He was in
the Violets, in Edward dormitory. He was a member of the 0. E. Lodge and until
he emigrated, he frequently visited Ellesmere.
It is with deep regret we have to report the death of Ronald Ferris, M.A.
Oxon., L.R.A.M., formerly a member of our Common Room, who became a
full, paid up member of the Club on leaving Ellesmere. When he could he at
tended our London Dinners. An accomplished teacher, a good musician, he
enjoyed life in a prep, school. His kindly friendliness will be greatly missed. He
was only fifty when he died.
Paul Ellis and Jane Davies* contemporaries at Ellesmere,
are engaged to be married. Paul gained 1st Class Honours

at Liverpool University in Engineering. We congratulate

them "both most warmly, especially as they are the first

Ellesmerians to become engaged. Jane was in Meynell House,

Paul in Talbot#

Major General Walter Rutherford Goodman CB, DSO, MC,

died at his home near Woodbridge, Suffolk on 7th October

1976# Goodman was a very cheerful, unacademic, sporting

and friendly boy, one of the Irish contingent which leavened
this school from the days of the Harveys until the 1930fs.
He was in Woodard dormitory. He left in 1916 to go into

a bank, which he found veiy depressing and managed to get

into the Army, did well in the R*A. and served in Prance

and Flanders, gaining the M.C. as a subaltern, and later

to his delight a permanent commission. His progress
between 1919 and 1939 was steady, and after 1939 he fought
in the Middle East and Italy* Later he was to be G.O.C* 3

Anti-Aircraft Group from 1952- to 1953 and Colonel

Commandent, Royal Artillery from 1959 to 19^4* An operation

for lung cancer checked him for a while, but his good-humour

and basic strength triumphed over all drawbacks* He under

stood boys and men, was indisputably a fine, respected and

beloved leader, a man not easily forgotten by his younger

contemporaries at school or his soldiers later on* When

he was stationed at Chester we saw a good deal of him, and

later we met at the London dinners* We hope to have a

fuller obituary of this distinguished member of our club

in a future issue* We have sent our sympathy to his

family in their great loss* We both entered Ellesmere

in 1912, I into the junior, he into the Senior School*

He was bom in 1899 and died in his seventy sixth year*

0*E» Chronicle i Late News*

John Liddell and David Manby were members of the nine-

strong British Expedition that canoed down from Dudh Kosi
which is at 17*500 ft. just below the Everest Base Camp.
We hope they will give us more news of their exploits for
the next issue*.
PETER FORSTBR forget his splendidly pompous and ripe

It was with great sadness that Ellesmere "Sentry's Song11 from Iolanthe in 1974* and
learnt of the sudden and tragic death of his performance of "Droop not young lover"

Peter Porster late on 14th October• in 1975* Wakeman was indeed fortunate to
have a singer of his calibre among their
Peter came to Ellesmere in September 1972
ranks, for whether as soloist or member of
as a Music Exhibitioner from Chester
the part song he could always be relied
Cathedral Choir School, and it was not
upon to produce a rock like foundation for
long before he made his mark in the School
their efforts.
as a musician of some ability. As a
But it was not only as a musician that
violinist he became an important member
Peter Forster left his mark upon Ellesmere©
of the orchestra which he eventually led
He was a fine shot and a skilful photographer,
until he left in December 1975. He took
as can be seen from his photographs in many
part in Chamber Ensembles, passed Grade VI
recent editions of the •Ellesmerian1.
comfortably, and was a pillar of his

housefs musical activities. An indication of the impression he made upon

his friends here was well demonstrated in the
But it was as a singer with a fine and
large number present at his funeral in Chester
developing bass voice that Peter will be
Cathedral, and at the Requiem in Ellesmere
remembered in the hearts of many
Chapelf surely no finer tribute to his
Ellesmerians. He lent a great air of
achievements.
distinction to the choir, choral society
We shall remember him, with gratitude, for
and madrigal society, while his range of
all that he contributed to life here, for the
interpretative ability captured the
world is a poorer place for his passing, and
enthusiasm of visiting adjudicators at the
our hearts go out to his parents and family
House Singing Competitions. Who will ever
at this sad time. A.E.D.D.