U L U L A 1991

CONTENTS

Notes and News 3

Dare to be Wise 9

Soccer at MGS 11

Inter Alia 14

Societies 16

Ex Cathedra 20

Dramatic Society 21

Music 24

Out and About 27

Literary Supplement 35

Sport 45

Leavers 61

Old Mancunians News 63

Obituaries 67

No. 564

ULULA is the magazine of the Manchester Grammar School and of the Old Mancunians Association. It appears annually in the second week of September. Communications should be addressed to the Editor, Dr. D. C. K. Jones, The Manchester Grammar School, Manchester M13 OXT. Old Mancunian news should be sent to Mr. G. I. S. Bailey at the School. Full details of advertising charges and specifications will gladly be sent on request by the Editor. Any contributions to the magazine must reach the Editor not later than the end of the second week in June.

© The Manchester Grammar School, 1991

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Notes and News

Comings and Goings THIS YEAR saw very few changes in the Common Room, with only one long-serving member of the academic staff leaving. Mr. R. K. Davies joined the Physics Department twenty-live years ago, and he has now gone to Manchester Univer-sity to work on laser research. His distinguished career at MGS, which took in an extremely wide and varied range of interests and activities, is reviewed in full later in this edition of Ulula.

Four other colleagues were with us for rather shorter periods, but all made a distinctive contribution to the Common Room and to the School as a whole. Mr. K. Stocks spent four years with us teaching Physics, Chemistry and General Science on a part-time basis. He contributed much to the badminton and sailing clubs and was a valued member of Grasmere Camp. His enthusiasm, worldly knowledge and anecdotal tales of life on the high seas will be long remembered. Mrs. J. Langham left after spending a year in the History Department, during which time she played a leading role, as co-editor, in the produc-tion of the New Mancunian. She is now devoting herself full-time to her interest in educational television. Mr. Vinay Kumar, Principal of Delhi Public School, Ranchi, Bihar, spent the Lent Term teaching in the Biology Department through a scheme supported by the Charles Wallace India Trust and the British Council. He was formerly Head of Biology at Delhi Public School, R. K. Puram, New Delhi, and met members of the MGS India party when they visited the school in 1989. Mr. A. J. Etchells left the English Department after one year in a part-time post. Having written several successful scripts for the TV series "Casualty" and "The Bill" he has decided to become a full-time writer for television. Apart from teaching English, Mr. Etchells helped with the presentations for the Lower School Founders' Day production. These former colleagues take with them our thanks and best wishes for their future success.

We welcome the following full-time members of the Common Room. Mr. M. D. Bartlett joins the History Department from Jesus College, Cambridge, and the University of Durham. Mr. E. C. F. Cittanova joins the French Department: he studied at the University of the Sorbonne, Paris, and at the University of Manchester, and apart from being a student on teaching practice here some years ago has taught at Chetham's and at the British School in Paris. Mr. M. R. Jackson will be teaching Physics: he has been teaching at Burnage High School and studied at the Universities of Bristol and Manchester. Mr. N. Young joins the CDT Department after Brunei University, Count Moor School, Fleet, and De la Salle College, Manchester. Mr. P. Wheeler will be joining the Geography Department in January 1992. We also welcome Mrs. E. Szarvas and Mrs. L. Whalley to teach part-time in the Politics and English Departments respectively.

Honours THE SCHOOL Officers, appointed to serve until May 1992, are: P. B. Sutton (Captain), and A. G. Hesp and D. A. Morgen-stern (Vice-Captains). The following have been chosen as Sports Captains for 1991-92: G. J. Wilkinson, Association Football; S. C. Byrne, Rugby Football; L. J. Marland, Cricket; G. R. J. Mitchell, Cross Country; W. J. Brownlee, Swimming; C. Bettley, Tennis; C. J. Allen, Athletics; K. Hinduja, Badminton; S. R. K. Sathiyaseelan, Squash; M. S. P. Braganza, Hockey.

51 boys were offered places at Oxford and Cambridge, 21 at Oxford and 30 at Cambridge. The pass rate at A Level in 1990 (the first candidates to sit A Levels after doing GCSEs rather than O Levels) was nearly 98%, while the pass rate at GCSE was slightly above 98%, with 59% of passes at grade A.

This year's winner of the G. I. S. Bailey Trophy for the Sportsman of the Year was J. A. Haeney of 7Bm, the 1990-91 School Captain, for his services to the Rugby and Swimming Clubs.

D. J. Walmsley of 7Ac played for the full Independent Schools' Soccer XI against an FA Youth XI, and M. J. Chilton of 3J was a member of the England Schools' Under 14 Cricket team which played against Wales Under 15s and the England Under 15 B team. L. J. Marland (4K) was a member of the England Schools' Under 15 cricket team.

The Cross Country Club put on a special surprise party in honour of Mr. K. Booth at the end of the season. Mr. Booth was being honoured for his association of over twenty-five years with the Cross Country Club, but the fact that it was his fiftieth birthday was not immaterial to the proceedings! KB can still show a clean pair of heels to most of the Cross Country Club, not to mention Common Room colleagues less than half his age.

Mr. Booth cuts his birthday cake

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M. H. Todd (7Mb) won first prize in an essay competi-tion organised by the Royal Astronomical Society to celebrate National Astronomy Week. His essay, entitled "Our Place in the Universe", appeared in an abbreviated form in "Scope", the magazine of the Youth Section of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, and the full version will be published in the journal of the Royal Astronomical Society. Matthew's prize was a week in the Canary Islands with a visit to the telescope belonging to the Royal Greenwich Observatory on the island of La Palma; he describes his experiences later in this edition of Ulula. J. C. Tan, also of 7Mb, won third prize in the same competition.

E. J. N. Sheldon and D. J. Walker of 6Mm and A. W. Rix of 6Mb were selected to represent Great Britain in the Third International Olympiad in Informatics in Athens. They competed against 49 other countries and won two bronze medals, narrowly missing a third. They also describe their experiences later in this edition of Ulula.

In November the School's Chemistry Society team won the Royal Society of Chemistry's National Quiz Com-petition. The team members were R. Bhattacharyya (6Mm), M. Etchells (5W), R. W. Hearn (4M) and B. M. Russell (3G).

The School Chess Team won the British Schools' Championship, sponsored by The Times. Out of an original entry nationwide of nearly four hundred teams they were one of four teams battling it out across the boards in early July. Two years ago they were runners-up to St Paul's School, London, but this year went to London for the final as favourites. The team was: P. A. Garner (7Mm), A. S. Lewis (7Md), D. B. Copeland (7At), J. C. Epstein (5T), S. G. Cohen (4H) and E. R. Goodall (2J). In the semi-final they defeated Hymer's College, Hull, in a very close contest, and their victims in the final were Sutton Manor High School, whom they defeated 4-2.

The School Medical Officer, Dr. R. I. Mackay, was honoured in January for his work in Paediatrics when the new Mackay-Gordon Centre was opened as the Depart-ment of Developmental Medicine and Social Paediatrics at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. The Mackay-Gordon Centre replaces the Agnew Unit, part of which was built nearly thirty years ago as the result of the foresight of Dr. Mackay, Dr. Neil Gordon and Dr. George Komrower. The Centre is a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic for children with developmental problems or disabilities.

Dr. Mackay (right) at the opening of the Mackay-Gordon Centre

Special Prizes were awarded this year to the following: James Haeney (7Bm), School Captain, and Justin Deaville

(7At) and Hugh Campbell (7Bm), School Vice-Captains; James Manning (7Ma), for his services to the School Scout

Troop; Daniel Moult (7Aq), School Organist, for his services to

music in School; David Gilpin (7Md), for organising a celebration event for

the Cross Country Club; Robert Ellis (7Mg) and Matthew Ellis (7Ap), for their

contributions to the Visual Arts in School; Andrew Baker (7Mm), for his work in helping the Library

Staff with the Library automation system; Nicholas Procter (7Mc), for his work in the School

Libraries; Alex Sutherland (7As), Aaron Husain (7As) and Joseph

Murray (5R), for their contributions to the Dramatic Society;

Daniel Wyatt (7Aq), Daniel Myers (7Au) and Robert Sivori (7Bn), for their services to the community via Community Action. In the recent British Physics Olympiad, J. C. Tan (7Mb)

won a Gold Medal, and D. Jesson (7Mm) and D. R. Gilpin (7Md) won Silver Medals.

Events THE FOUNDERS' Day Service was held in the Cathedral on Friday March 8th. The Right Reverend Alan Smithson, Bishop of Jarrow, was the preacher. The School Organist, Daniel Moult, played music by Langlais and Liszt, and the School Choir performed Stanford's Te Deum in Bflat and Give us the Wings of Faith by Ernest Bullock.

Old Mancunian author Mr. Alan Garner presented the Lower School prizes this year. Middle School prizes were presented by Mr. R. Farmer of ICI, and the Sixth Form received their prizes from Mr. M. Ricketts, formerly Surmaster.

On March 22nd there was a ceremonial planting by Mrs. R. Parker, the High Master's wife, of two willow trees near the pavilion, to celebrate the cricketing achievements of Michael Atherton and Mark Crawley, and in particular their captaincy of their respective universities in the Oxford and Cambridge match at Lord's in 1989. The trees are of the genus Salix alba caerulea, or the Great White Willow, often known as the cricket bat willow.

The Lower School Celebration of Founders was held in the Memorial Hall at School on Thursday May 9th. A capacity audience of boys and their parents enjoyed a lively presentation by boys of many aspects of the School's past.

On Tuesday October 30th a small party of Staff and Middle School boys travelled to the Barbican Centre in London to attend a concert given by the National Chamber Music organisation "Pro Corda". Brothers Jonathan and Benjamin Cohen (2S and IS) played in the concert.

Open Days for the families of boys about to take the Entrance Examination were held on the morning of Saturday October 13th and the evening of Thursday October 18th. The dates for the corresponding events in 1991 will be Saturday 19th and Tuesday 29th October.

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Once again, the Entrance Examination was held in two parts, on February 1st and 15th. Nearly 600 candidates applied for admission, of whom 210 were ultimately successful.

The annual Industry Conference for boys in Year Six was held on February 27th and 28th, and the Conference on Careers and Courses was held on March 21st. Once again, a good number of boys took part in Work Experience schemes in the summer.

Charities "Fortnight" this year raised just over £10,000, almost exactly the same as last year and another excellent effort. 2J raised £789 between them, closely followed by 1B with £628. The most successful Middle School form was 4J with £381. Among the most popular events this year were a bazaar in the Memorial Hall, Staff abseiling, writing graf-fiti, pushing a car round the School grounds, hanging from wall-bars, and a Staff" versus boys football match played in "mud bath" conditions. Judging by the number of "toasties" and other culinary delicacies that were available at lunch-times it would not be surprising if the School has also contributed to the profits of Norweb. Money raised by Charities Fortnight will go to: the Busoga Trust in Uganda, to pay for wells to provide clean water; Save the Children, to help relieve the continuing famine in parts of Africa; Backup, to purchase a "Ski Bob" for use by the spinally injured; Mencap, to help improve conditions for children in Romania's orphanages and other institutions; Peterloo Housing Association, to pay for the completion of rooms in this area for the young homeless people who are now on the streets of London; and, last but by no means least, the Leprosy Mission.

A scene from the Lower School Founders' Day celebration Photo: A. Rix

Miss Forsyth abseiling for charity

Six members of the Sixth and Seventh Years appeared in a Channel 4 television programme entitled "The Footsteps' Echo" which was shown in five parts in Easter Week. The themes discussed were: Heroes, Betrayal, Hope, Decision, and Suffering.

The MGS Society held its annual Garden Party in the grounds of the School on Sunday June 30th. This was the culmination of another successful year of fund-raising activities.

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The School is embarking on a £5.2 million development programme to expand and enhance the School's existing facilities, construct new facilities, and increase the size of the School's Bursary Fund. A major capital fund-raising appeal in support of the development programme has already begun and aims to raise a minimum of £1.5 million. Further details can be obtained from Mr. Robert Bayersdorfer, the Appeal Director, at the School.

Lengthy discussions were held throughout the year on the desirability or otherwise of extending the existing school day in order to accommodate curriculum changes, includ-ing the provision of CDT in years one and two, the wider availability of a second Modern Language at third-form level, and the introduction of Information Technology, while retaining Latin as a compulsory subject to the end of year four and not reducing substantially the time allocated to other established subjects. Following these discussions, the Governors approved a scheme to introduce CDT in year two in 1991, but the present 42-period cycle and the length of the school day remain unchanged. A 44-period cycle will be introduced in 1992 to accommodate CDT in years one and two, with a third language or an alternative of CDT, Art or Music at third-form level, and with the possibility of a slightly earlier start to the school day.

Work on the extension to the Physics Block began last September and should be completed by the start of the 1991-92 academic year. A whole new floor has been added to the original Physics Block to accommodate the Geography Department and two General Science rooms. Included in the Geography Department rooms are a laboratory, resources room, computer room and teaching rooms. The extension certainly enhances the appearance of the original building, although the Physics Department has had to tolerate a year of great disruption during its completion.

The School received a fair amount of publicity in the so-called "quality" press during the year. In November The Telegraph Magazine carried an article on MGS by John Clare in which he described the School's attempts to shake off its reputation as a "sweat-shop" and "sausage factory" while maintaining its reputation as "probably the most famous day school in the world and, without doubt, one of the most academically successful". The main building was described as an "unlovely, red-brick behemoth" (which sent many, not only boys, scurrying for their dictionaries), and we were described as wearing "the air of a self-confident, no-nonsense, slightly down-at-heel northern grammar school". Mr. Clare noted "a generally frenetic air that sometimes approaches pandemonium", and was not sur-prised to note that "the school finds itself increasingly at odds with current educational trends". Most of the debate which followed the article, at least among the boys, centred on the High Master's comment that there is no need for girls in the School as the boys have enough female company as it is: "They all travel to school on the same buses." Other articles in the press concentrated on recent successes on the cricket field, with the caption under the photograph of the Under 13s in action in The Independent using the words "factory" and "conveyor belt" to describe MGS cricket (a change, at least, from academic "sweat-shop" and "sausage factory"). Looking back to his own time at MGS, Jim White remembered how the High Master "used to issue weekly warnings to fifth formers who sniggered at the results as they were read out in assembly", but he is aware how things have changed, and describes how master-in-

charge David Moss "transformed the place into the finest cricket academy in Britain". In an article on Michael Atherton, Scyld Berry of the Sunday Times commented on the unique achievement of Atherton, Yates and the two Crawleys all playing together for Lancashire in 1990, and went on to examine Atherton's credentials as a possible future England captain.

Wmm^^ As the Physics Block once was . . .

As it looks now

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Mr. R. K. Davies THOSE WHO are familiar with the engineering principles of machinery will appreciate that to describe RKD as an eccentric is appropriate in more ways than one. In many mechanisms this component has the key role of converting the reciprocating movement of pistons into the steady rotational motion of a drive shaft. Thus the function of the eccentric is not to provide power nor to control the mechan-ism, its purpose is to take unrefined energy and to convert it into a much more useful form which can then be utilised in making real progress. In this role RKD has served the MGS machine superbly for a quarter of a century. He has inspired hundreds of boys to study physics or engineering at univer-sity and shown thousands more that there's much more to these subjects than is to be found in any syllabus or examination paper. While his sixth-form classes have pro-gressed steadily towards excellent A level grades they have also looked at numerous peripheral topics such as the polarising properties of sellotape, the aerodynamics of frisbees and the generation of top-spin when serving at tennis. An example of his practical approach is that before studying electric circuitry, pupils needed to learn to solder joints properly, and to develop this skill they first spent several lessons designing and building model suspension bridges. Homeworks were not just done on paper, sometimes they have been given as oral submissions or handed in on audio-cassette. Each pupil was encouraged to do a research project and to present an account of the investigation in print or by demonstration or even through a video. Ray arranged for many of these remarkable pieces to be brought together in a splendid scientific contribution to the 475 Celebrations. It was all good physics and the original ideas which flowed ceaselessly from his imagination stimulated both pupils and colleagues to view the subject in new and exciting ways.

This diversity of interests was also seen in the general studies programme where he introduced sixth-formers to geology, electronics, holography, and three typically idio-syncratic courses—skill, the risk factor and inventive plan-ning. Those who approached the courses with an open mind and a willingness to stretch their imagination gained enor-mously and when they become our future leaders or managers they will fully appreciate the ideas developed and the lessons learned in these classes.

Ray contributed massively to the extra-curricular life of the School and here too he directed boys' energies in his own special ways. Throughout these twenty-five years he coached the senior rugby squad and led the First XV and the Sevens' teams to considerable success. This was achieved through his meticulous approach to both the art and science of the game. He set the highest standards of commitment and loyalty and expected his colleagues and players to do likewise. Alan Welsby recalls " . . . his absolute doggedness and point blank refusal to cancel any training session just because the rain was falling like stair rods, or the pitch was waterlogged, or it had already turned dark by 4 pm on a late November evening. The twenty or so players that followed the sou'westered figure out into the gloom were going to learn more than rugby during the next hour! Ray also played in the staff team and although first to be selected he was invariably last to be placed, such was his versatility of position whether it be flank, full-back, centre or prop."

R.K.D. MGS 1966-91 Photo: M Hoffman

Ray took the mountaineering club to the extremities of the British Isles to climb rocks, mountains, cliffs and ice gullies. Six extended summer expeditions were led to the farthest outposts of Scandinavia. In these activities he experienced both triumph and tragedy and through both demonstrated his powers of organisation, ingenuity, determination and courage. In Arctic Norway he led a group of sixth formers to the summit of a previously unconquered mountain. In Iceland he guided parties across unexplored icefields and devised a rescue for his stricken land-rover which had half submerged in glacial quicksand. He suffered multiple fractures to both legs in an almost fatal accident on Stannage Edge. Here he calmly directed the boys into arranging a rescue and then when the ambulance arrived from Sheffield sent it back again and coolly asked for one to take him to Manchester. During the next twelve months he made a rapid recovery by devising his own methods of physiotherapy and refusing to let his wheelchair or shattered bones limit him any more than absolutely necessary. One other quality demonstrated in all these areas is Ray's immense generosity. Most of the equipment for all the expeditions was purchased from his own pocket, but it is the willingness to give of his time for which many of us owe him a far greater debt. At twenty Borrowdale camps he patiently taught basic climbing skills to a never-ending stream of enthusiastic first-years. For hour after hour and day after day he would stand belayed above a rock face to give abseiling instruction to all and sundry, be they pupils, parents, colleagues, camp followers or their tiny children. He was a benevolent uncle to all.

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Recently much of his free time has been given to advising boys on interview technique and to revitalising the Philosophical Society. During this last year he has established untold numbers of contacts with scientific institutions to produce an amazingly impressive pro-gramme for PhilSoc. Through his own personal enthusiasm he encouraged nearly one hundred sixth-formers to attend the weekly meetings. The value of this in terms of the public relations with universities and industry is incalculable.

In addition to all this channelling of energy Ray has also demonstrated that an eccentric has another useful role in a complex society. When those at the centre of the circle are blinkered by frenzied activity he stands back quietly and sees the situation from an alternative perspective. He has expounded his views in many memorable assemblies and when he recognises that things could be done differently he writes extensive communiques to all concerned. The magnitude of this output can be judged from the fact that the RKD folder is by far the fattest in the High Master's staff file. But it is not just the amount of communications which singles him out, it is also their style and content. They are often multicoloured and invariably sprinkled with CAPITAL LETTERS, italics, bold type and underlining.

Many contain appropriate acronyms and Ray takes great pleasure in devising obscure phrases to fit these. In addition to the numerous sensible and sensitive observations he has also occasionally bemused us by sending out mischievous hoax notices concerning food-wrapping, radioactivity, mice or cuckoos. I imagine that a Mr. H. Sherlock from Pendeen will continue to communicate with us for many years to come.

Ray was educated at William Hulme's School and came to us after a degree at St Andrews and five years' teaching in Liverpool. He has been part of our team for nearly half his life but now he is transferring to yet another training ground. He will be going to Manchester University to exercise his imagination and inventiveness and to burn olf some of his surplus energy by researching into laser physics. He's not really retiring—I don't think he ever will. The MGS machine will no doubt continue to function but the loss of one of its most individual components will not go unnoticed. Ray will be remembered here far into the future and we wish him every success in fulfilling his dream of being involved with the physics and engineering of the 21st century.

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J 8

Dare to be Wise Dr. James Bent ley's history of the School was published by James and James last year. The following review of the book, reproduced here by kind permission of the editor of "Conference and Common Room", was written by Mr. Anthony Verity, Master of Dulwich College and a former member of the MGS Classics Department.

IF SCHOOL histories have an appeal to a wider audience than Old Boys' Associations, it probably lies in the explanation they give of how this or that school got its reputation. Ask anyone inside or outside the educational world what MGS means to them, and they will probably say "academic excellence", or "Oxbridge scholarships". The less charitable will mutter about sausage machines, which will be vigorously denied by those who actually know something about this extraordinary school. The MGS Club will go on to talk, quite justifiably, about a traditional commitment to the outdoor life, a classlessness where the only privilege is that of having brains, and (if they are talking to a southerner) a northern realism and absence of posturing. The reply to a Yorkshireman is more specialised, and usually contains a reference to Mike Atherton.

Where did it all come from? MGS's first three hundred years offer little evidence. Admittedly the emphasis on scholarship was there pretty well from 1515. The founder, Hugh Oldham, was a forward-looking pre-Reformation divine and ally of John Colet, who advised Richard Foxe, Bishop of Winchester and his co-founder of Corpus Christi, Oxford, not to use his money to "build houses and provide livelihoods for a company of bussing monks", but rather to take thought for "the increase in learning, and for such as who by their learning shall do good in the church and commonwealth". He was also, like many of his foundation pupils then and now, "somewhat rough in speech", his Lancashire "pronounciation" of his name gives the school its owl rebus.

But many English grammar schools of 16th century origin can claim a similar early history and equal academic distinction. For a real clue to MGS's remarkable intellec-tual reputation we must go to the 19th century and F. W. Walker, appointed High Master in 1859 at the age of 29. Walker was the great Victorian headmaster every school needs. He shook up and broadened the curriculum (without sacrificing the primacy of Latin and Greek, of which he was a brilliant and hard-driving teacher), sacked staff, raised money for scholarships, and went all-out for Oxbridge glory. The Old Mancunians objected to his charging fees, but he went ahead just the same.

The school's cheerful commitment to taking humble Manchester boys all over Britain and Europe trekking and camping is owed largely to J. L. Paton (1903-24): an energetic Christian, an admirer of Germanic fitness and cleanliness, and a devotee of the public school virtues of exercise and leadership. He also said on appointment, "I am looking forward to being able to do something for poor boys". In Walker's time MGS had been the home of predominantly middle-class boys, drawn from a very wide area by the convenience of rail travel. It was under Paton that the school became well known for its openness to talent regardless of family background.

The coincidence of the High Mastership of Eric James

(1945-61) and the introduction of the Direct Grant system created exactly the right conditions for the MGS meritocracy to take off. James was quite clear in his mind that the only thing that really mattered was fostering intellectual talent: not only in his school, but by extension in a democratic society, where all positions of influence must "be open to merit". Government support, and his own charismatic presence and ability to attract able staff did the rest, and every year nearly 2,000 small boys competed for 200-odd MGS places. "Are you poor?" he would say to parents; "Good". Increasingly he was seen as a dangerous elitist in a would-be egalitarian society, though there is no evidence that this had any effect on the way he ran his school. Under him and his successor Peter Mason MGS may have been something of a hothouse, but it was certainly never a sausage machine. Daily life with 1400 highly intelli-gent boys was immensely stimulating in the classroom; and high standards spread naturally to music and drama (nor were the soccer and cricket teams slouches, as I recall). But the impetus came always from the boys; and to suggest that the staff forced pupils through some kind of academic grinder is wide of the mark. Slow-witted masters died quietly and were moved on.

Headmasters are of course keen readers of school histories. We derive a certain comfort from accounts of familiar battles with governors and bursars, and reflect wistfully on how much easier in the old days it was to get one's way: Walker's clean-out of staff included one who "resigned on being informed that for the last three years he had done his best to injure the school"; another was "dismissed; now one of H.M.'s Inspectors of Schools". How satisfactory it would be to grow muttonchop whiskers and stride about the place being feared and admired. About ten years ago a very distinguished ex-H.M. said to me, "The trouble with you chaps is you're all managers these days; can't find a decent headmaster anywhere". An accurate description of a bunch of Men-in-grey-suits, or just a touch unfair? After all, Paton and James may have had their problems, but they weren't hounded by DES "initiatives", ambitious parents or armies of acronymic quangos. I know what I'd prefer to think, but I suspect that there really were giants in the land in those days, and that MGS had more than its share of them.

This book is one of the large-format series of school histories. It has good pictures and is competently if rather flatly written. The proof-reading could have been better: it is hardly a compliment to MGS's classical tradition that the only Greek word printed doesn't exist.

Amongst the correspondence which followed the publication of "Dare to be Wise" was the following letter from Mr. Grahame Miller, son of the former High Master: The Editor, "Ulula". Dear Sir,

When I received my copy of James Bentley's breezily informative history of MGS, Dare to be Wise, I naturally turned to Chapter 7 which covers the High Mastership of my father, Douglas Miller. On page 106, after a recapitula-tion of his pre-1924 career, I was amazed to read the following: "Unfortunately this splendidly fit man now began to experience indifferent health so that Douglas Miller's years as High Master were clouded with illness, although he was coaching the new boys in rugger in 1933." This statement closely relates to the early years of his High Mastership and might give some readers the impression that

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he was not up to the heavy responsibilities of the post. The facts were that Douglas Miller rarely had a day's illness until the War years; he started the day with a cold bath; walked at least part of the way to school; went on treks to the Tyrol and the Dolomites in the late 'twenties; played tennis and swam during the holidays.

I read the remainder of the chapter with interest and enjoyment, and my two sisters and I are grateful for so understanding an account of the challenges and problems which Douglas Miller faced as High Master throughout the Great Depression and World War Two. We might, however, dissent from James Bentley's verdict that Douglas Miller was "not really tough enough for Manchester" in his last years. The formidable difficulties James Bentley men-tions in this context—bomb damage, financial stringencies, staffing problems—were surely typical of Britain at the end of the war, and no amount of "toughness" could hope to solve them. Against James Bentley's conclusion may we set another from the Manchester Guardian obituary of May 19th, 1956: "When in 1945 he handed over his task, after 21 years as High Master he left a school alive and active and larger than at any time in its history."

Yours etc., GRAHAME MILLER

Replying to Mr. Miller, Dr. Bentley wrote: " . . . I have been seriously pondering your complaint about my treat-ment of your father in Dare to be Wise. It seems to me that one word ('now' , seven lines up on page 106) is imprecise and inadvertently might suggest that at Manchester Dougie Miller was a permanent invalid. For the rest my considered opinion is that the portrait is fair and (justly) full of praise. Phrases like 'creditable seconds', 'an extremely successful housemaster', 'a meteoric career', 'how skilfully he had welded together', 'prowess at rugby', 'academic excellence' proliferate. The text warmly notes your father's brilliance at fostering the corporate life of MGS, at loosening up the curriculum, at coping with a prospectively disastrous evacu-ation and at instilling the boys with what I describe as a prodigious war effort.... Surely I am correct on page 113 to write that your father was 'increasingly wracked with sickness'. I turn this into a virtue by immediately insisting that 'he was determined to stay at his post until the conflict was over'. A number of persons who knew him in his last years at MGS made the comment (which I endorsed) about his toughness in the latter years; but in the same paragraph I qualified the judgment with Eric James's own tribute to Dougie Miller (which, so far as I know, has never before appeared in print and derives from my own conversations with Lord James). So, then, I am saddened if my book has hurt you and your sisters. No such intention was planned. I have written a fair amount of contemporary history/biogra-phy, and realise that the pitfalls are many. In this case I do not think I have fallen into one. Thank you, though, for making me reassess my record of your father. It seems to me that others less close to him than you and your sisters will suppose that I have painted a picture of an astounding man."

Dare to be Wise also drew comments from other inter-ested parties. Jonathan Daube wrote from Manchester, Connecticut: "I enjoyed Dare to be Wise, especially the account of the first four hundred years or so. One aspect of the James' years was missing: Eric's efforts—quite con-scious in retrospect: I once discussed this with him in New York—to recruit people who would spend a few years at MGS and then go elsewhere, perhaps carrying with them

something that they had been taught or that they had 'caught' at MGS: I missed some of those names, e.g. Edwards, Parnaby." John Devereux-Colebourne, now 87, wrote: "I have just finished reading Dare to be Wise for the first time and it has taken over from my first favourite reader, John Macnab, which is one of John Buchan's finest books in my opinion... . Every Old Mancunian should read Dare to be Wise.... To any O.M. who follows my advice, may I give the warning to do it in privacy. My eyes were very moist when I read the part which concerned the time when I was at School and the picture of dear old Jeppy made me remember the comb he always kept in his lodge to comb out those white side-whiskers! Those were the days of the First World War and I well remember JLP reading out the casualty lists at Prayers and at the end of a specially long list he would raise his eyes and say: 'Workmen who need not be ashamed.' (I remember) 'Nick' Carter (the Rev. T. N. Carter) who carried his keys on a long chain which he used to swing round, and watch your ears when he passed you! 'Chatty' and 'Shandy' and Lob and Green and 'Freddy' Garnett in the Art School and Miss Whittaker who tried to pretend to be stern but was the kindest 'mother' to us all. And Prior in Classical IV who used to play the organ in the Art School after break and dear old Parrot who took physical science next to the entrance to the New School and how one of us (not me!) used to slip out to the tuck shop in Long Millgate with our pennies and buy biscuits. And the swimming pool where I learned to swim and Dann in command of the OTC and Macaulay who took major and minor drills after school as punishments, and Saunders who joined the PT staff from the Vlth form and who did not earn our respect, at least when he first started. And the boxing lessons when I suffered my first knock-out! And the Armenian in the same class (Prep 3) who was my best friend. Can you see how the floodgates were opened by this book?" Noel Jones, writing from Cambridge, sent his congratulations on a book "which one can be proud to pass around" and which he "appreciated and enjoyed greatly". He did, however, take the liberty of making a few particular comments, "in the expectation that there will be a reprint". In addition to asking for more specific captions and dates for some of the illustrations, he queries why only Victoria Station is mentioned on page 70 and not routes to the School from other terminals, and asks why there is not an architect's plan of Long Millgate showing clearly the dates and extent of the various buildings. He was obviously intrigued by the description of Long Millgate as "a spacious quadrangle" (page 103), and he wondered whether there was "an over-emphasis on the Sieff/Marks families" in the section on Old Boys.

Ed.

v f * v l * •^ f * ^JS.

10

Soccer at MGS Mr. Bailey's connection with Soccer at MGS goes back almost sixty-five years, during which time he was both captain of the 1st XI for three seasons and later master-in-charge of soccer. The recent publicity given to the Cricket Club in the national press prompted Mr. Bailey to look at the achieve-ments of the Soccer Club during his time at the School.

MY CONNECTION with Soccer at MGS began when I came to Long Millgate from North Prep in 1927 (the Prep boys entered in the third year). I had one year in the 2nd XI and the next four in the 1st XI. In those days we played at the Cliff, Lower Broughton. The ground had been acquired in High Master Paton's early years, in 1905. There is a cartoon in Ulula showing JLP, spade in hand, dressed like a navvy with string round his trousers below the knee, leading the volunteer digging gang. The ground consisted of two full-sized pitches, a Babes' pitch, and a cricket square. There was also a pavilion. The cul-de-sac that ran alongside the ground was called Hugh Oldham Drive and it still is, although I don't suppose anyone living there today knows why it is so called. The ground, which now belongs to the local authority, is flat, but situated by the river Irwell: it was extremely heavy from October onwards. And there was an additional hazard. Since the Irwell ran fairly closely behind one goal, a hard rising shot was liable to finish in the river, so we had to dash for a long pole with a net on the end and fish the ball out. We continued to use the Cliff pitches for three years after we had moved to Rusholme in 1931, since our present grounds were not ready. We had bought the Fallowfield pitches in 1917, but we lost them during the War, since they were used by the War Agricultural Com-mission, and we did not get them back until 1952. The result was that the Rusholme pitches had to be used for all form games as well as for practices and matches. The 1st XI pitch originally ran alongside the Main Drive, on the cricket outfield. By 1948 it was decided to move it further over to clear the cricket square, and it stayed there until a year or so ago when it was moved to its present position. A combina-tion of over-use and a complete lack of maintenance meant that the pitches were for most of the season in appallingly bad condition, just like the Cliff pitches. However, in the last few years, as a result of wise use of resources and competent management, the pitches have improved beyond recognition, and I still marvel at the state of the grounds, looking, as they do, like cricket squares, compared with the morass that the boys had to contend with in the 1950s and '60s.

I well remember my first year in the 1st XI. We played 30, won 20, drew 5 and lost 5. We lost to one school, Blackburn, at home, but beat them in a thrilling match on their ground. Our XI that year consisted of one boy in his third year (a big fellow), three of us in the fourth year, three in the fifth year and four in the seventh and eighth year. Freddie Riley (Maths VI), the Captain of Cricket, played inside-left. He was a gifted player. He worked in a bank in London after leaving School and joined the Corinthians. The very word Corinthian represented everything that was admirable in amateur sport. In the past they had won the FA Cup, playing against the professional clubs and indeed, up to 1928, they, like the 1st and 2nd Division Clubs, did not enter the FA Cup competition until the 3rd round, such was their prestige. Riley played nine times for the English

amateur side and in 1936 represented England in the Berlin Olympic Games. He joined the RAF and was killed, flying Spitfires, in 1942 over the Pas de Calais.

Among our opponents, perhaps the oldest fixture is St Bede's, always good (they didn't play rugby until the last War); we also played Bolton, generally good (although I remember winning 11-1 at the Cliff), Bury, weaker then (in 1930 we won 15-0 at the Cliff) and QE Blackburn, generally good. We had fixtures with two very good schools from Liverpool, the Collegiate and the Institute. They produced some fine players in the 1950s and I remember refereeing the Collegiate match, when their centre-half was Labone who later played for Everton and England. A'Court, who later played for Liverpool, was an outstanding Institute player. (Sadly, as a result of reorganisation, both schools are not on our fixture list now.) Two forwards, Harry Rose and Stanley Smethurst, who were in the team in my time, gained their Blues at Cambridge, and Rose was reserve for England.

Our derby match, I suppose, was with William Hulme's School. We last played them in the season 1930-31, when we won 5-1 and 6-1. They then changed over to rugby. I played against King's Macclesfield in 1929 and 1930; we won 10-2 and 8-0—that was their last year as a soccer school. Stockport GS last played soccer in 1949. It is perhaps worth mentioning, to illustrate the thinking at the time, in the late '20s and early '30s, that one headmaster was heard to say, when his school changed from soccer to rugger: "Now we can call ourselves a Public School." I'm glad our status never rested on such attitudes, and I hope it never will. And indeed, to this day, of the seven "great" Public Schools (sometimes referred to as the "Sacred Seven"), Eton, Winchester, Westminster, Charterhouse and Shrewsbury are soccer schools. Only Rugby (it was William Webb Ellis who came from Kildare who "picked up the ball and ran with it" in 1823) and Harrow are rugby schools. Harrow changed in 1930. (Old Mancunians will remember bellowing at Speech Day in the Free Trade Hall the chorus of the Harrow School Song, "Forty Years On", which ends with the words: "Follow up, till the field rings again and again to the tramp of the 22 men.")

Just before the War the School fielded some strong teams which produced two Blues at Oxford, George Rowe and Harry Brierley, who were both Captains of the School. There is a photo in the 1939 Ulula of the team which played 23 matches against schools without defeat, and there is an interesting comment: "One of our chief training grounds, to wit, the asphalt space by the Gym, is where some of our 'stars' have gained a deft artistry and precision which has been turned to good account in school matches." That space is now occupied by the Sixth Form Block and Library extension; however, improved pitches and the floodlit dry play area have adequately replaced the old open space.

In the late '40s and right through the '50s we produced some fine players and indeed from 1950-60 there was only one year, 1954, when we did not have at least one Old Boy playing at Wembley in the Inter Varsity match. Gordon McKinna gained his Blue three times for Oxford, was Captain in his last year (1952), played for England and gained an Amateur Cup winner's medal when playing for Pegasus, the combined Oxford and Cambridge team that was founded by Sir Harold Thompson, an old Blue and Chemistry don at Oxford. McKinna was also a cricket Blue. By 1957 we had four Old Boys playing for Cambridge, but one of them, Arthur Hinsley, was unable to play through

11

1st XI 1931-32 Back row, left to right: Mr. T. Smith, E. Wightmore, W. Turley,

F. Gartside, J. Hart, S. Smethurst, A. Gilbert, Mr. W. Lund. Front row: H. Greenall, G. Price, G. I. S. Bailey (Capt), H. Rose, R. Hope

illness in the Varsity match. However, we did have three on the field; Peter Hancock (he played four times), Geoff Edge, a fine cricketer, who played twice, and then there was Peter Hutson who played four times and was Captain in his third year. Hutson was without doubt the most gifted player we have had for many years; I can't think of a better one (he was a very good cricketer as well who was very unfortunate to miss a cricket Blue). I had no hesitation in including him in the 1st XI straight from Mr. Schofield's Under 14 side. He was not a powerful player like McKinna, John Grundy or Mark Crawley. Everything he did was achieved by perfect poise and a technique that was a joy to watch. You might say his precision play reflected his interest in Mathe-matics. I well remember visiting masters saying, somewhat ruefully, at the end of a game: "You've got a Tom Finney in your side!" After Cambridge, Hutson came back here to teach Maths for ten years, 1960-70. He was in charge of the 1st XI and was a superb coach and tactician. It was during Peter Hutson's time as coach that Peter Blanshard gained his Blue at Oxford and John Hargreaves at Cambridge. Hargreaves played three times and was Hon. Sec. The early '70s saw some powerful sides; this was the era of Paul Dinkenor and John Grundy who both went up to Cam-bridge and played in three Varsity matches. Dinkenor was Captain in his last year. He is now teaching in North Carolina, in an independent school. He called in to see us

last year and informed me that soccer is very popular over there—amongst the middle classes!

In 1958 we started playing Wolverhampton GS, another school with a strong soccer tradition. Their sandy pitches are superb and I can remember my Captain saying to me, as we travelled home on the bus: "I'd pay five shillings every Saturday to be able to play on their ground!" And it came as a shock to the Wolverhampton players when they squelched onto our pitch in February. Dr. David Jones, who now runs one of our teams, was playing in the Wolverhampton 1st XI then and vividly remembers our muddy ground. We had our first fixture with Shrewsbury in 1960. Malvern and Repton have played us since the early '80s. They always give us close games. Their style of play differs considerably from ours. If at times they don't have the skill of the northern grammar school boy, they make up for it in directness and supreme physical fitness. We had matches with Eton on a few occasions but the journey, 44 hours there, proved too much and so regretfully we terminated the fixture.

The strength of recent sides is reflected in the number of Blues gained: Kukla, Doyle, Gazidis, Campbell, Crummett—all represented Oxford. The most recent are Costa Zis, a gifted player in the Hutson mould, and finally, Mark Crawley. Crawley went up to Oriel in 1986 and

12

created a record for us, in fact few undergraduates have ever equalled his performance. He played four times in the University Match and was Captain in his third year. And he performed the same feat in cricket. It would be interesting to know if any school, since the War, has produced as many Blues as we have.

In 1955 the Public Schools' Six-a-Side competition was started by Brentwood School. Annually, at Christmas time, 32 independent schools take part, generally at a southern boarding school. From this competition one gains some idea where the power in school soccer lies. The names on the cup make interesting reading. Bolton have won it seven times; Blackburn five; Hulme Oldham and MGS three (we are the present holders, we were runners-up the previous year and winners the year before that); Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury and Malvern twice. Forest School and Chig-well, southern schools, have won it once each. It can be seen from this that we are playing the strongest schools in the country. There are no easy matches in our fixture list.

Two matches stand out in my memory. One Saturday afternoon, St Bede's were our opponents. In the 1950s we played in white shirts and black shorts. However, on this occasion, Bede's turned up with white shirts. So Father O'Keefe went back to his school and arrived back with ten shirts that were coloured; indeed they were, they belonged to the legendary Johnny Carey, the Captain of Manchester United and Eire, and they were Eire shirts! I was more than a little worried. Bede's always gave us a close game. What would they do, inspired with the shirts of Eire on their backs? I needn't have worried. We won 4-2!

In December 1959 we played our first match against Chesterfield School, on their ground. We had a weak side

that year, and I feared the worst, especially as their man assured me that his team had been very successful all the term. The game started and immediately the Chesterfield forwards were swarming round our goal and at any moment I expected an avalanche of goals. But they didn't come, and then we made a rare excursion into their half and the ball was deflected past their Olympic trialist goalkeeper. Well, the second half started and the pattern of play was the same. They continually attacked our goal and it bordered on the miraculous that they didn't score. And then we wandered in a disjointed way up the field—and scored again. Long before the end I realised it was one of those occasions when we wouldn't be beaten if we had gone on for hours, but if we had played the following day we would have been put to the sword! And their Olympic trialist goalkeeper? It was Bob Wilson, later goalkeeper for Arsenal and Scotland and now the BBC TV Sports presenter!

I realise I have concentrated on the performance of the 1st XIs because they catch the limelight, but I am and always was the first to pay tribute to those colleagues who soldier on, Saturday after Saturday, year after year, bring-ing on the junior teams, watching their budding skill and enthusiasm which are both a joy to behold and vital to the success of senior sides. My memory goes back to Bill Lund whose connection with soccer and games in general spanned thirty years, 1927-57. Now Roger Brierly is in charge. A gifted player himself, he experiences the joys and frustra-tions that are the lot of a team manager. But there is this satisfaction: when on occasions the teams play with skill and artistry, then soccer is seen in all its glory, and that is why it is called "The Beautiful Game".

G . I . S . BAILEY

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inter Ulta COMMUNITY ACTION

THE HMC Conference on Community Service which used to be held at Windmill House in Birmingham was hosted this year by MGS at Ashburne Hall, and the Warden and her staff deserve special mention for the excellent facilities which they provided for us. The change of venue proved to be a huge success in that over 120 delegates from about 40 different HMC schools participated.

The main theme of the Conference was the "Inner-City", and the High Master made a very good introductory speech covering some of the challenges which faced those who lived within the inner city. Other principal speakers were John Evans of the Inner-cities Project, the Assistant Chief Constable of Manchester, and David Jewell (Master of Haileybury School). Visits to deprived areas, or areas which had seen tremendous regeneration, were arranged, and almost without exception it was these which raised the awareness of problems and challenges facing the inhabit-ants of Manchester and Salford. Places visited were Castle-field, Salford Docks, St Paul's parish in Salford, Mary and Joseph House (a home for the homeless, in Ancoats), the Salvation Army hostel, and Broughton House (a home for ex-servicemen). The Conference was also a personal success for Jonathan Fogerty of 7At who gave one of the best talks ever by any pupil on the aims and achievements of the charity "Back-Up" with which he is heavily involved. This was the first time that Jonathan had spoken in front of a large audience from his wheelchair. One would never have known. It certainly was one of the weekend's highlights.

Community Action has now about 120 boys who help out regularly in a variety of institutions. New activities started this year include an interior decorating programme in some of the flats and maisonettes in the parish of St Paul's Salford. This has been an outward expression of concern for those whose lives are lived in extreme circum-stances. Last year I described the parish in some detail, but what I did not know then and do now is the extreme poverty which exists in this area. In his parish, according to figures quoted by Canon Wyatt, the infant mortality rate is five times the national average and corresponds well with those figures quoted for Panama: 25 deaths per 1000 births. We have helped individual families according to their needs as best we can. But the magnitude of the task is colossal and on-going. One family we helped was a family of six. Their mother had died recently of cancer at an early age, their father suffered from schizophrenia, and there were five children ranging from one to twenty years, three of them under six years old. The interior of the house was in a mess but the beam on the face of the young boy when he realised we were to decorate their hallway was unforgettable. This initial help has often acted as a catalyst for the occupants. The price of paint, £20 for a five-litre can of emulsion, is prohibitive when you live on Income Support or a state pension. Some have never done any decorating before and they lack confidence. One elderly gentleman removed the wallpaper we hadn't had time to remove with a screw-driver! It took him hours and he was rightly proud of his achievement. Whenever we went to visit afterwards he was

inquisitive as to what we were doing and wanted to help us. We entered this project and others in Natwest's "Project Respond" scheme and were awarded a prize for our efforts. The real reward however is intangible.

MGS has also been providing both help and financial assistance with a quite amazing project being established in Cheshire. The Adventure Farm Trust has been set up to provide children from urban areas with a week's free holiday at a farmhouse close to Tatton Park. Already three years holidays have been paid for. The scheme will be for handicapped and non-handicapped alike, and on an equal footing. MGS boys were involved, with other schools, under the guidance of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers, with the erection of posts and fencing at Whit-suntide. Later this year we will be involved with the planting of around two thousand trees, again with another school or schools. As ever, MGS is still involved with The Birches School at pupil and governor level and the paired-reading schemes have continued to flourish. This year. Dr. Lock has spent considerable time and effort encouraging boys to help elderly folk in the vicinity of School with their gardening, and last year he was heavily involved in helping to organise the Rusholme Festival, where many local establishments come together for a day of fun, music and side-shows. Both have been great successes.

The following were awarded their ties this year: D. Myers, A. Husain, D/ Gilpin, A. Khan, S. Fowler, A. Fox, T. Samuels, S. Bacon, H. Sheikh. J. A. Haeney was awarded a special prize for outstanding service over many years.

I . W . ORRELL

THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

ESSAY COMPETITION i HAD been given the application form for the Royal Astronomical Society's essay competition way back in September 1990, but only wrote the first word down on paper over a month later. What with various surprise homeworks, I was left with the prospect of writing a 4000-word general essay on astronomy, with the title "Our Place in the Universe", so that it could be posted off next morning (Saturday 20th October) and possibly reach London for the closing date on the Monday. I surrounded myself with books and scrawled notes grasping for inspiration until three o'clock in the morning, then realised that the essay I had just written was too long and had to have 500 words shaved off it somewhere. Eventually it was posted off and I forgot about it.

In the middle of November I was told by Mr. Pickwick (at the end of a double period) that I had apparently won first prize, which certainly broke the monotony of incessant worrying about the looming Cambridge interview. Jonathan Tan, of the same form, had won third prize. I had won a week's holiday for three in Tenerife, with an arranged flight over to the telescopes on La Palma. I was to receive this prize from Kenneth Clarke MP in his new role as Minister for Education and Science. 1 was to go down to Cambridge, with some distinguished people from Jodrell Bank, to meet some even more distinguished people from the Royal Greenwich Observatory and elsewhere. We had

14

Phystts

Matthew Todd wi th two of the judges

all gathered to watch the official opening of the new radio telescope there, which was the latest addition to MERLIN (Multi Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network). Heather Couper swirled around talking to everybody, and I managed to chat to Sir Francis Graham Smith, the then Astronomer Royal, as well as Alex Boxenberg, director of the RGO. Bernard Lovell, the founder of it all at Jodrell was there too, but I couldn't think up a good enough conversation starter.

The man in charge of the judges, and head of the RAS's education department, was Michael Penston. I had been told he was ill with cancer, and so wouldn't be able to come to the ceremony. However, he did come, straight from his bed, only to tell the audience about the competition, and talk to me afterwards about it. He did not look well, and had to leave soon after the presentation of my award, but I was honoured that he had come. He died soon afterwards, but in that single gesture had shown a deep and admirable commitment to education and the propagation of science.

M . T O D D 7 M b

INFORMATICS OLYMPIAD THREE SIXTH formers, Antony Rix, Edward Sheldon and David Walker, travelled to Athens in May to represent the UK in the Third International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI). Informatics is the science of solving problems on a computer using algorithms, which are the methods and procedures for arriving at the solution. Only in the last few years, with the arrival of computers for everyone, has it taken off as a science, and thus the IOI was started in 1989 as an event on the same lines as the Olympiads in Physics, Chemistry and Maths.

In February 1991 the three MGS boys, all computer enthusiasts, went forward to the selection meeting for the British Team, along with pupils from many other schools. We were presented with two questions. The first was to write a computer program to play draughts; the second an algorithmic solution (only on paper) to enable a computer to play Noughts and Crosses. Only forty-five minutes were allowed for each problem. As a result of our work Dr. Walter James, the British Team Leader, selected the three of us to make up the team to represent Great Britain. This was the first time that the UK has participated seriously in the

event. Informatics, at the moment, is not taken as a school subject in this country, so we were given specialist training in the sort of problems we were likely to meet by Chris Casey, Barry Gorman and Steve Bird, all from Lancashire Polytechnic. Then it was left to us to work through the wealth of problems set in previous Olympiads and other competitions. ICL Corporate Systems Division, who have sponsored several school events in the past, and who donated the Careers Room Computer System, kindly offered to pay for our air tickets to and from Athens.

The Olympiad itself consists of two days' competition; the competitors are presented with one four-hour problem on each day. The event is entirely individual. The Greek Government organised a tour of Athens and Sounion, and a whole-day cruise around the Saronic Gulf, to fill out the rest of the week. We stayed in a large hotel on the coast south of Athens, where the competition took place on the 21st and 22nd May. Initial marking placed all three of us in a strong position. We took full marks in the first problem, and performed reasonably well in the second—and much harder—test. However, after a bitter marking dispute, I had 20 marks taken away from my answer to the first problem— despite the protests of our team leader—even though full marks had been awarded in the primary evaluation. On the other hand, David Walker was unlucky to miss a silver medal by only one mark, and is especially to be con-gratulated. Out of some 80 competitors from 23 countries (most of whom are taught Informatics at school), our final positions were: David Walker 66%, 22nd, Bronze Medal; Edward Sheldon 59%, 29th = , Bronze Medal; Antony Rix 49%, 46th = . From the lessons learnt this year I hope that the British Team for the 4th IOI in Bonn will be able to produce even better results.

A. W. Rix 6Mb

Edward Sheldon, Antony Rix and David Walker

15

Old Mancunian author Alan Garner wi th Philsoc Chairman Jonathan Tan

Philosophical Society AT A TIME when Charles Dickens was writing his last novels, exposing contemporary social evils in mid-nineteenth cen-tury England, MGS was pioneering the introduction of the then new subject of Science into its more classical teaching time-table. This imaginative foresight of presiding High Master Frederick William Walker established him as one of the first educationalists to recognise the growing import-ance of Science to the young generation; his initiative and courageous insight to introduce the subject into the MGS curriculum in the late 1860s seems to have been rewarded by an impressive response from his Sixth Formers. Within two years of scientists appearing within the ranks of the well-established Staff in Long Millgate, a group of sixteen MGS Physical Science Sixth Formers requested permission for the granting of "the use of a classroom once a week to discuss Natural Philosophy in out-of-school hours". Com-mencing with an initial gathering of founding MGS Sixth Formers on October 26th, 1869 (incidentally, just one week prior to the publication of No. 1 of the science journal "Nature"), eighteen meetings were subsequently held dur-ing that first year of the Philosophical Society within MGS, papers being prepared and read by the boy members themselves.

As the first and longest established Society within the School, the Philosophical Society saw 1990 not only as the 475th Anniversary of the foundation of MGS, but also as the 121st year in its own history of continuous extra-curricular inquiries into the most modern research topics in the ever advancing ingenuity of human thinking and experi-mentation. The injection of some new programme chal-lenges seemed appropriate, and a Committee of Sixth Formers was asked to administer a specially-designed schedule of invited lecturers and members' visits. Under the conscientious and effectively persuasive Chairmanship of Jonathan Tan, together with the perceptive and astute contribution from Secretary Indranil Ghosh, weekly meet-ings have been organised throughout the whole year, with regular Friday afternoon audience attendance reaching well over one hundred members, as the quality of the pro-gramme became known within the senior echelons of our student body.

Invitations to present lectures were accepted and fulfilled by the following speakers: Mr. Jeff Kwartz (Manchester Royal Eye Hospital), "Modern Ophthalmo-logical Surgery"; Dr. A. R. Williams (Dunlop), "Physics at the Tyre"; Dr. M. Owen and Dr. P. Jones (National Rivers Authority), "Modelling for Water Resources"; Dr. S. D. Scales (Du Pont-Howson), "Lithographic Printing Tech-niques"; Mr. Nick Phillips (Loughborough University), "Holography"; Dr. Helen Gleeson (Manchester Univer-sity), "Liquid Crystals"; Dr. Paul Dickinson (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory), "Space Research—Year 2013"; Dr. A. T. Cates (Shell Research), "Hazards from Industrial Explosions"; Mr. R. K. Davies (Manchester Grammar School), "Birefringence and Optical Effects"; Dr. Peter Stott (Joint European Torus—Abingdon), "Nuclear Fusion"; Prof. Brian Cavenett (Heriot-Watt University), "Optoelectronics and Laser Engineering"; Dr. Fred Loebinger (Manchester University), "Quarks and Gluons

from Cern"; Mr. John Dark (Wythenshawe Hospital), "Heart Surgery"; Dr. J. Dickson, "Nuclear PWR Project"; Prof. John Gray (National Advanced Robotics Centre), "Advanced Robotics"; Mr. Alan Garner (Toad Hall, Blackden), "Inner Time"; Dr. D. J. Dyson (British Steel, Rotherham), "Electrons and X-Rays on Metals". After each of these scientific presentations, the visiting Lecturer was entertained to an evening meal by a small group of senior members of the Society. These informal and social occasions provided invaluable opportunities for getting to know our various guest speakers, for discussing in greater depth some of the ideas which were raised in their talk, and for establishing some extremely interesting contacts which will have a long term mutual benefit upon which both present and future members will be able to build.

In the true spirit of the MGS Sixth Formers' initiative in their original 1869 inauguration and development of PhilSoc, nine present members have presented their own project research papers during the year. These occasions have highlighted the considerable width and depth of interest and knowledge in scientific concepts possessed by many of our current senior boys, and particular acknow-ledgement must be expressed for the quality and expertise of the factual information contained within this group of lectures, together with the highly imaginative, and much appreciated, visual interest created by the various demonstrations and illustrations which formed an integral part of each topic. The following lectures were given: "Perception of Colour", Jonathan Tan; "Chemical Engineering", Indranil Ghosh; "Genetic Engineering", Matthew Todd; "Fractal Geometry", Robin Bhattacharyya, Peter Clarke and Richard Forster; "Computer Design", Antony Rix; "Spontaneous Combustion", Guy Coates; "A Computer Controlled Robotic Arm", Joe Garner with video film; "Group Theory and Particle Physics", Robin Bhattacharyya and Peter Clarke. The design of the publicity posters for these lectures was in the skilful hands of Anthony Eaton and Antony Rix, together with their per-sonal computers and laser printers.

The input for members has not all been created within the environs of the School, and the following on-site visits have been especially formulated for the personal experience of different groups of PhilSoc members during the year: British Aerospace, Chadderton and Woodford; Land Rover Discovery Assembly Plant, Solihull; Medical Physics Laboratories, Christie Hospital; Physics Research

16

Laboratories, Manchester University; Physics and Laser Research Laboratories, Loughborough University; Norweb Research Laboratory and Laser Show, Emtec, Chorley; Nuclear Structure Research Laboratories, Daresbury; Con-tinuous Flow Glass Production, Pilkington Glass; Optoelectronics and Laser Engineering Research Laboratories. This final involvement for the PhilSoc arose from a special invitation from the Optoelectronics and Laser Engineering Department of Heriot-Watt University for twelve members to enjoy guest status in overnight accommodation on campus, followed by a whole day tour of the Departmental Research facilities. The climax of this generous encounter with our Scottish-based hosts was some "hands-on" experience with various items of laser equip-ment, optoelectronic circuitry, and an encounter with "Nellie", an engraving Carbon-dioxide Laserbrand, which produced a personalised etched memento for each member of the group.

The Philosophical Society Chairman-elect for the 1991/92 academic year, Daniel Morgenstern, is preparing yet another full programme of scientific lectures, together with visits to places of research interest. There is no shortage of new enthusiasm every year for the opportunity to hear about and see the reality of modern scientific concepts and progress. There is a lot of discussion going on within MGS about "Natural Philosophy"—thank you, Physical Science Sixth Formers of 1869, your vision is shared by the Science Sixth of 1991.

R . K . DAVIES

Political Discussion Group Students of current affairs will be aware that the last two

years have seen a number of remarkable changes in the British political landscape: the deposition of Mrs. Thatcher, the Labour Party's electoral renaissance, the emergence of a new "social market" consensus and Mr. Foster's new-found belief in the "Hanoi road to socialism"—all offered a fertile ground for our deliberations. The PDG was again fortunate to have a series of guest speakers able to give an expert view of these and other matters. Dr. Patrick Seyd of Sheffield University delivered an arresting summary of his recent investigations of Labour membership, concluding that the cloth-capped sons of toil had been replaced by the new public sector salariat. As Seyd observed: "Black pudding and the Daily Mirror are out, nut cutlets and The Guardian are in".

The extent to which Labour's policies have also changed was highlighted by two visiting speakers who drew rather different conclusions. The first of these was Keith Bradley, Labour MP for Withington, who insisted that his party had forsaken the "Kamikaze leftism" of the early 1980s in favour of what he termed "market socialism". He went on to argue that "sound managerial practice" rather than "abstract theory" would be central to the next Labour government, prompting older members of the Politics Department (or "friends" to use Departmental patois) to recall a similar claim being made circa 1964. John Back-house, a lecturer at Loreto College and a spectacularly unsuccessful Labour candidate at the Crosby by-election in 1981, was altogether less cheerful about the Party when he visited us the following week. An unqualified apologist for the Bennite left, he lamented that Labour was "no longer the party I joined" and accused its leadership of having

"sold socialism down the river". He advised us all to reject the blandishments of electoral politics and concentrate instead on animal rights.

The Tory leadership contest of November 1990 was clearly the most exciting single event of the year for PDG members, one that prompted an invitation to Mr. Winston Churchill MP (Con., Davyhulme) who promised to tell us how it was going. His speech, alas, managed to avoid the subject completely as he chose to address himself to the possibilities of nuclear war in the Gulf. He did, however, assert that his party had never shirked change "when change there must be" and praised the actions of his great-grandfather after the defeat of Disraeli in 1880; students thereby inferred clear support for Michael Heseltine. Finally, the PDG would remind all sixth formers that its meetings are open to all those students who will be of voting age in October 1994. It will be recalled, moreover, that some of the most sparkling interventions in this year's meetings often came from those whose minds were uncluttered by the A-level Politics course.

R . N . KELLY

The Senior History Society departed from its traditional practice of inviting distinguished academics to address it and instead exploited the talents of those Regius Professors of Modern History in the making who at present reside in the bosom of the MGS sixth form (with a little help from the youthful Mr. Seel on one occasion). Controversial motions were ingeniously devised as catalysts for teams of debaters who paraded their knowledge, intellect and wit to the delight and edification of entranced onlookers. Both Russian history, from Peter the Great to the Revolution, and British history, from the Civil War to Gladstone and Disraeli, fell victim to a tide of erudition. Amidst such a display of intellectual fireworks and historical heterodoxy, even the colour of Mr. Seel's tie seemed an object lesson in refinement, moderation and good taste (writes Mr. Shoard).

According to Mr. Rix, the Middle School Debating Society had another of those years when more heat, passion and light are generated in closed meetings, most of them devoted to arguing about what might be debated in public. The high spots of the year were a packed meeting in room 24 at which a vote was taken in favour of full European monetary union, a presentation to Lower School Assembly on the same topic, and a final, epic session in the crowded Sieff Theatre at which Dr. Martin sought to persuade the masses that there were two sides to the Middle East crisis. The brilliance and ironic pugnacity of his arguments (I quote Mr. Rix) turned this event into a sort of all-against-one bear-baiting, with the bear splendidly victorious.

On a lighter note, Daniel Moore (7Md) reported on the newly-formed Juggling Club, which he described as a vibrant new society which had much to offer and a relaxing pastime to while away those dull, empty lunchtimes in enjoyable self-improvement. An initial advertising campaign meant that well over a hundred boys joined the club, and throughout the School boys could be seen deftly defying gravity with ambidextrous multi-ball skill. However, once they had tuned in, many dropped out as the prospect of necessary practice outweighed the thought of juggling mastery. The club sees itself as a success as it introduced juggling to a wide circle of people who in years to come will find tricks such as the "Penguin" invaluable at

17

the office, in a board meeting, or just to break the ice on the train home from work. My correspondent ended his report with thanks to Mr. Milne for organising the club and to all those who did their bit towards saving the world through juggling, and he leaves us with this thought: Juggling is catching.

The senior section of the Classical Society started the year by focusing on the subject of Epic, looking at authors as diverse as Gilgamesh, Homer and Lucan. Sixth-form boys gave talks on the various authors, which often generated interesting discussion. The talks given by B. R. Higgins and J. S. Balmond, both of 7Ac, deserved special mention, according to Dr. Thompson. In the Lower School, the first-year quiz competition again proved very popular, and it was won by a team from IS. In addition to these activities the Lower School society was busy with a mixture of talks and games. In the latter part of the year some excellent illustrated talks were given by outside speakers, with titles including "Daedalus and Icarus in Art" and "Reconstructing Greek Skulls". The society hopes to arrange more such talks next year.

As midsummer approached, the clash of wooden swords once again heralded the arrival of the MGS Mummers and their ancient rite. Mr. Dobson reports that, whilst the origins of the Mummers' play remain obscure, each year's crop of boys find new energy to face each other in mortal combat, die horribly, and be revived by a zany doctor with a bicycle pump and Guinness bottle. A Fool is selected by esoteric procedures from the ranks of well-qualified fourth-formers to preside over this bizarre ritual in which the Fallowfield Wild Horse makes its annual appearance, indulging in the kind of behaviour which would result in immediate expulsion from any respectable school. Curiously, though, the audience love this outrageous spec-tacle (to be witnessed on Garden Party day) and reward the actors with gold and silver—a small price indeed, says Mr. Dobson, to pay for avoiding further fertility until the following year.

L. W. Goldwater (7Ma) sent me a report on the Aviation Society, whose "year" really began at the end of the 1990 summer term with preparations for their Battle of Britain exhibition over the two Open Days. Over two hundred people visited the exhibition which included World War Two memorabilia. Spitfire engineers' manuals, pilots' reports and diary entries, models and posters of aircraft past and present, and a central display of Avro Vulcan instruments. The instruments were borrowed from the

Gliding at Great Hucklow

Ministry of Defence, and the club secretary, A. P. Sherratt (7Ma), was thanked particularly for his magnificent efforts to obtain those exhibits. The Society's trips over the past year and a half included numerous visits to the Lancashire and Derbyshire Gliding Club in the heart of the Peak District, where there was the chance to take control of aircraft (under instructor supervision, of course) and experience breathtaking views of the National Park below. The mid-term trip took members on a guided tour round Manchester International Airport. The tour included view-ing the latest developments at the airport which have made it the fastest-growing airport in the United Kingdom. For many the highlight was probably the visit to the School by the Hoverclub of Great Britain last October when members were able to control the single-man hovercraft, the type used in the TV series "Run the Gauntlet".

Mrs. Gutenstein reports that Pottery Workshop and Pottery Club have been working overtime this year, and that the Art Department proposes to buy a second kiln for 1992. For the fifth year in succession ceramics made by fifth-year boys at MGS earned places in the National Exhibition of Children's Art, opening at the Barbican in London in November. This year more boys than ever had their work selected for this major touring exhibition: seven entries were chosen out of 20,000 (which include drawing, painting, graphics and prints) throughout the country. J. A. Mclntyre won £100 for the Art Department: his African Head, Raku fired, won him a silver medal and a special cash prize, and was in the top sixteen winners. Other winning entries came from A. S. Tulk, D. J. Cormican, D. Brandon, J. A. J. Wilson and M. B. Hoffman.

Staying with arts and crafts, a rearrangement of rooms together with the installation of new and better tools caused an increase in the number of people attending the ever popular Craft Guild, according to B. M. Russell of 3G. New equipment includes an Apple Macintosh computing system for all the workshops to use, and the whole department was rearranged, with the jewellery room being changed into a technology room and the main workshop equipped with all the necessary equipment to handle both metal and wood work. The cabinet-making workshop inherited a Colchester Student lathe and other new metal-working equipment. Because of increased attendance at Craft Guild another regular night for meetings was arranged, and Mr. Dyson now runs the jewellery and silver-smithing on Tuesdays in addition to the traditional Wednesday nights. I am told that the Craft Guild has nearly tripled its original attendance and has had another very successful year.

Dr. Donaldson informs me, with unnecessary apologies, that the Astronomical Society has nothing exciting to report: "We are active, but predictable", he writes. Well, at least they are active: to judge by the paucity of reports reaching me this year there are a number of societies in School which have either ceased to exist or which prefer, for reasons presumably best known only to themselves, to keep quiet about their activities! The Astronomical Society had regular lunch-time talks given by members of the society which revealed an astonishing range of knowledge of abstruse astronomical topics. Finally, those whose gaze is directed to more down-to-earth concerns like a career continued to favour the meetings of the Law Society, with its usual wide range of outside speakers from the legal profession and visits to the Crown Courts and Crown Prosecution Service Headquarters.

Ed.

18

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19

€x Catyebra MUCH TO the surprise of the Editor, no contribution was received from Dominie Dobbs this year. Indeed, enquiries revealed that no one had seen the venerable Dominie since half-term. There were rumours that he had been obliged to take early retirement, that he had eloped with a domina, even that he had absconded with his form's charity money. Fortunately, the Common Room had its quinquennial tidying on the last day of term and Dobbs was found, asleep in the south-east corner, under a heap of projects-waiting-to-be-marked and surplus yellow slips. He awoke muttering about the new combination lock on the Common Room door. "Infernal device! Now I am in, I shall not go out!"

When taken to task for not writing his column, Dobbs replied that whatever foolishness was presently being perpetrated he was sure the same had been perpetrated before, and that he had, therefore, ridiculed it already.

"Take the 44 period cycle," he said. "Utter nonsense! See my comments in the 1984 Ulula. The status of Latin? See Ulula 1974. History (or what passes for it these days), Ulula 1989. Geography passim ..."

"But sir," said I, a rather junior member of the Com-mon Room, "you have not given us your esteemed opinion on modules."

"Modules! What, pray, are modules, young man?" said Dobbs.

"They are a means by which a subject may be divided into several parts, each to be studied separately. The idea is very fashionable."

Dobbs paused and then pronounced. "Modules are an excellent idea. I can see it now amongst the physical educationalists. Exercise for the left arm this term. Right arm, next term. Legs after Easter. Splendid! You may record it in Ulula that modules will be a great success."

And with that, the good Dominie settled himself on his litter and fell asleep, promising to be awake again by 2nd September.

No Comment... THIS YEAR'S document detailing the requirements for the invigilation of public examinations ran to twenty-four pages. . .

* * * "The average number of boys involved in Punishment

School this year was 5.1 per session, with never more than 29 in the 3 sessions of any single week and with only 5 of the 23 weeks involving a total of more than 20 boys". . . . ("Minutes of Meeting of Heads of Sides and Depart-ments").

* * * The fire-bell that went off within minutes of the end of

the Summer Term was not set off maliciously, but was, I quote, "a genuine false alarm"... .

* * * "To transfer a LocoScript document called

TERRIBLY.WET in an unnamed group 4 of a disc in drive A: to a directory called WEATHER on the hard disc of the PC (which is drive C:) issue the following commands. On the PCW: link A:4::TERRIBLY.WET On the PC: link C: \WEATHER /P2

Try HELP for help on other topics".. . . ("The Com-mon Room Computers").

* * * "Thus boys choosing major Design would do minor Art

or minor Music, those choosing major Art would do minor Design or minor Music, those choosing major Music would do a minor combined course in Art and Design, whilst those choosing the 3rd language would do the minor combined course in Art and Design or the minor course in Music".. . . ("Minutes of Meeting of Heads of Sides and Depart-ments").

^ The MGS Staff have "a charisma, a presence, an ability

to compel attention and, most importantly, think fast on their feet".... (The High Master, quoted in the Telegraph Magazine).

20

©ramattc g>otitiv

THIS YEAR has seen four productions and thirteen perform-ances. If the pace has been a little less frenetic than in previous years that is partly because of the logistical diffi-culties of producing more than one full set per term. The ship for The Voyage of the Dawn Treader took several weeks to construct, as did the newly-purchased self-assembly flats for The Boyfriend. Set construction is now largely the responsibility of those sixth-formers who opt for the General Studies courses in Theatre Management and Stage Design. When visitors to the School are shown the theatre they are quite likely to see a small group of students painting on ladders, hanging curtains, erecting scaffolding, sawing wood or cutting out hardboard shapes.

The 1990/91 season began with an evening of Rattigan plays, Before Dawn and In Praise of Love, directed by ex-sixth formers Tim Scragg and Chris Addison. The quality of student-directed drama at MGS is particularly high, and this was no exception. Indeed, it is a widely-held belief amongst the MGS acting fraternity that the only difference between student and staff directors is that the former produce much superior drama—the latter can surely take that as a back-handed compliment! Aaron Husain has a hard act to follow with his production of An Inspector Calls, scheduled for late September. Sandy Wilson's The Boy-friend, directed by Lester Shaw and Andrew Dean, was staged last November and produced some memorable per-formances, especially from Withington Girls' School. Anna Youssef, who played Madame Dubonnet, has the most striking voice for a girl of her age that I have heard, and I will be disappointed if I do not hear from her again. The Lent and Summer terms provided one production apiece. Ian Leverton took sole control for The Cherry Orchard, a particularly demanding choice of play for school drama, and he managed to recreate effectively the sense of lingering terminal decadence that undermined the energies of the provincial gentry in late nineteenth-century Russia. One of the most telling in-house compliments about this produc-tion came from James Gibb, who confessed that he felt mildly jealous while watching the performances! Nigel Reynolds bravely agreed to direct a junior play at the end of the Summer Term, and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader provided opportunities for some new blood to enter the Dramatic Society.

As usual the success of Dramsoc activities depends upon a whole army of helpers including the MGS Society who provided the refreshments, the stage management and front of house teams, the lighting and sound crews, and those who help with costumes and make-up. While it is an invidious task to single out any particular individual, I would like to say a very special thank you to Lester Shaw whose Herculean labours with regard to the sets ensure that the actors and actresses have a stimulating environment in which to perform.

JOHN CANTRELL

The Cherry Orchard THE CONSOLING platitude that directors of school plays often mumble to themselves in their blackest moments—that the show may be "all right on the night", as long as the actors know their lines and do not bump into the scenery—can provide little comfort when the play in question is The Cherry Orchard. The essence of the play is elusive; it requires acting abilities, individually and as an ensemble, of the highest order. In this production, directed by Ian Leverton (with assistance from Lucy Steggle and Nina Vishniak), it was evident that the Dramatic Society had struck upon one of those happy times when a number of actors have achieved simultaneously a remarkable degree of acting maturity; under skilful direction, these actors showed a sensitivity to the nuances of the text and an ability to vary its pace and tone; in the space of a few seconds the mood shifted from the note of farce to something approaching the tragic.

O

There are so many "major" parts in The Cherry Orchard, but there was no weak link in this production. For me, however, at its centre were four outstanding perform-ances: Alex Sutherland (Lopakhin), Harini Iyengar (Madame Ranevskaya), Joseph Murray (Trofimov) and Aaron Husain (Gaev). With a subtlety that I have never seen before, Lopakhin's barely acknowledged romantic (as well as social) yearnings to be recognised by Madame Ranevskaya were placed at the centre of Alex Sutherland's performance, along with—in contrast to the man's overt bluffness—a bewildered uncertainty about his identity as the "peasant made good". As we alternated between feel-ings of exasperation and genuine sympathy for Lopakhin, Harini Iyengar's Madame Ranevskaya presented us with an apparently superficial woman of the most appalling irresponsibility; at the same time, this actress made us feel there was a repressed scream at the very centre of Madame Ranevskaya's being. This ambivalence of response, so central to Chekhov's dramatic purposes, was also skilfully evoked in Joseph Murray's playing of Trofimov: one moment, Joseph Murray could move us with the intensity of his character's vision of a way out of the pervasive ennui', the next, he contrived to show us that Trofimov was an insufferable prig.

Among the many skills The Cherry Orchard requires of its cast, two are perhaps pre-eminent. First, the actors must find ways of making clear to an audience the varying degrees of attention characters give to other speakers in the play. (At one extreme, they often do not listen at all; at the other, sometimes the response must be a riveted one.) Second, they need to master the art of slipping naturally into the appropriate register for the evocation of their past lives. (Reminiscence is like a nervous tic in Chekhov's characters.) Aaron Husain's amusing but touching portrayal of Gaev led the way in manifesting these skills to triumphant effect; this was a poised, fully-rounded and—in the best possible sense—self-conscious performance.

In contrast, Andrew Finn portrayed Simeonov-Pishchik largely in the one key—and possibly with one too many cushions stuffed up the front of his shirt. Here was a vulgarian of the first order, a Lancastrian version of Les Patterson who gave us many moments of visual comedy. Ellis Sareen's Firs also created a striking visual impression—a cadaverous one—and he brought out the humour and pathos of the part, which nicely complemented the preening self-satisfaction of Justin Deaville's characteri-

21

Joseph Murray arid Sarah Crosdale in The Cherry Orchard

sation of Firs' modern counterpart, Yasha. Justin Deaville showed the ability to achieve total relaxation on stage (and to drink swiftly large quantities of champagne); he hinted at the idea that the smugness he radiated—to such effect that you wanted to slap his face—was in part his complacent anticipation that he was likely to be next in line for Madame Ranevskaya's favours.

Rachael Rosen brought to her attention-seeking Charlotta a half-crazy, sprite-like quality, and Jenny Green conveyed touchingly Dunyasha's combination of vulner-ability and stupidity—the qualities which, with careful variation, were also admirably projected by Julian Land's buffoonish Yepikhodov. The sound acting abilities of Sarah Crosdale and Sarah Quick, as Anya and Varya respectively, underlined the different natures of the girls, a contrast which was also emphasised by their costumes—an excellent feature throughout the whole production. (The wardrobe mistress was Helen Sargeant.) The sets, too, designed and produced by Lester Shaw and John Cantrell, were highly appropriate. The dominating visual image was a huge white tree which we glimpsed for the first time through dark, gauzy curtains; as we moved from the first to the second act, a fine contrast was developed between "inside" and "outside".

There was excellent support in the minor roles from Lucy Steggle, Frazer Howard, Richard Gould, Martin Jenkins, Nick Bentley, Pranav Dhir and (as the unseen guitarist) Sammy Rose. With a clear sense of what he wanted to say about a complex play and an ability to draw the best from a strong cast, I imagine that in rehearsal Ian Leverton seldom had to fall back on vague hopes of "it being all right on the night". Apart from occasional lapses (on the night I saw the play) in the concentration of some members of the technical staff in charge of lights and sound, this production was not just "all right"; it was outstanding.

A N D R E W M A Y N E

The Boyfriend THIS WAS an enormously agreeable evening in the theatre and it gave us a star performance. Anna Youssef s Madame Dubonnet was quite outstanding. She has great stage presence, and her acting and singing were sustained throughout in a big, gutsy way. Her voice is dark and resonant and yet she lit up the stage with every appearance. There was wit there, too, as in her predatory manner she stalked Joseph Murray's Percivale Browne, looking as if she would want at least three of him for breakfast: fancy forgetting indeed!

The whole production, directed by Lester Shaw, had a pleasant, satirical, knowing air about it ("Isn't she the limitT'), and it looked good with a set that was neat, clever and chic. The positioning of the band was extremely satisfactory, and the balance with the voices was very happily achieved. It must be said that the Withington girls dominated the production. The boys, though attractive and charming, were often much less at ease on stage, and particularly stiff in their dancing when you could almost hear them counting their steps. The girls carried the show in the dances, and Sarah Crosdale must have been proud of them.

Of the boys' performances I thought Matthew Weller's Bobby was especially good. It was a bold, brash, self-possessed creation, and the accent was maintained convinc-ingly right the way through. Joseph Murray was excellent too, beginning with elderly stiffness (you could hear his bones creaking) and moving towards a funny, gentle and lyrical end. The boyfriend himself, Julian Land, gave an engaging portrait of innocence with an appropriate stilted-ness. His account of "I could be happy with you" together with Polly ("How divine!") was delicate and lovely. Angela Paisely was reminiscent of Twiggy in the role but gave it more colour, life and warmth. She was also languidly graceful and had just the right tone of voice, both in speech and particularly in the songs.

I loved Liz Jones's Hortense: a bold, confident and imposing French maid who, you felt, could have taught Pierre (Andrew Sheldon), Alphonse (Henry Lowe) and Marcel (Ben Stebbing) a thing or two. She was magnifi-cently at ease blowing Frazer Howard's whistle (nicer in Nice), and their flirtation was very well done. Her voice was sweet and big, lyrical and flexible.

The energy and pace of the production were outstand-ing. Much of this was because of the girls' natural and easy stage presence and their unaffected pleasure in dancing: this was especially true of the central quartet of Lisa Tristram, Sarah Crosdale, Sarah Mark and Debbie Lee. Seb Bacon and Corinna Jones gave effective cameos with appropriate accents, and I loved Lady Brockhurst's dowdy, tasteless aristocratic costume. In fact all the costumes were carefully thought out (thanks to Sue Gutenstein), and I particularly enjoyed Madame Dubonnet's appearance in Act Two, where she resembled an amorous jelly fish, flinging herself about, that great bronze voice "spreading mirth and joy". Pepe and Lolita (Andrew Monument and Emma Loat) were pleasant to watch in their exhibition dance, and of course everybody gained in confidence as the evening went on so that there was a real sense of exhilaration which grew and grew as champagne glasses were thrown about the theatre.

It was a night which seemed to give genuine pleasure to all who were there. Many thanks, Lester and friends, for a very happy and successful occasion.

GEORGE MYERS

Two Rattigan Plays The Voyage of the Dawn Treader I HAD not made up my mind about Terence Rattigan; after seeing what might be described as the Veterans' Benefit I have still not done so, but I and everyone else have a lot more to go on, and we have the strengths and weaknesses in a much clearer focus, I am sure.

The professionalism of the writing, the experienced judgment were very much in evidence, and these, coupled with the refreshing absence of pretentiousness, did much to explain the parallels frequently drawn with Jean Anouilh and the disdain expressed by certain self-consciously intel-lectual commentators. But to entertain intelligent audiences intelligently is not an unworthy aim, and in this the cast supported the writing admirably—on occasion, perhaps, more than it deserved.

Someone who, like myself, has often sat through Tosca but finds it is not his favourite opera, will be well disposed to enjoy Before Dawn, an amusing, if rather prolonged, jeu d'esprit. The piece works out very much as a two-hander for Scarpia and Tosca (though Sciarrone has his moments), and Tim Scragg as the malfunctioning Baron was hilarious. His success in finding exactly the right stylisation rather underlined the relative failure in this respect of Emma Blakey, who played the Diva, but such a consciously over-written part is a pretty tall order for an actress in her 'teens.

In Praise of Love itself was a curious mixture. The dialogue was often splendid, smoothly written and elegantly pointed, but this made the Serious Bit (as one fears Rattigan must have regarded it) all the more woefully obtrusive. What on earth were concentration camps doing in this context? One colleague rebuked my lack of charity, pointing out the state of the author's health when he wrote the play, but then Moliere makes no comparable errors of judgment in Le Malade Imaginaire....

Emma Blakey very nearly achieved the impossible with Lydia Cruttwell, almost masking the cliches and the hotch-potch element in the characterisation. Chris Addison's Mark was nicely understated, and I now understand what is meant by a mid-Atlantic accent: about five hundred miles west of Rockall for most of the time. Charles Willmott found a good deal in Joey, where at least he had only a single cliche to contend with. Tim Scragg's Sebastian (who had all the best lines) was simply astonishing. I have taught Tim, directed him many times and even acted on the same stage with him, and therefore I had the highest expectations; but here was a Tim transformed in a characterisation of quite remarkable intelligence and finesse, so that, for the (substantial) duration of the play, the identity of the actor was entirely forgotten.

The direction by Messrs Addison and Scragg was sensible and unobtrusive, and it was a great tribute to all concerned that the evening's Wagnerian length was only really apparent when we attempted to rise after the curtain call to find our haunches more or less welded to those wretched benches.

PAUL PONDER

c. s. LEWIS'S Narnian stories have enthralled generations of children with their creation of a rich and complex imagin-ative universe. The effect is cumulative, of course. The reader is drawn ever deeper into the structure of the narrative's own internal logic with each of the seven books, the vision becoming increasingly less sanguine and more ambiguous. The world of the final book, The Last Battle, moves within a profound and sombre darkness, for all its attempts to affirm an ultimate consolation.

Obviously, then, the reading or dramatisation of any one of the books in isolation involves a certain loss both in imaginative scale and depth of characterisation. However, this adaptation of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is strong enough to stand by itself, revealing sufficient unity and coherence. Its structure is simple and linear—it tells of a journey, a quest. It is a voyage of discovery, and one which operates on a number of levels. The Seven Lost Lords are found among the obscure and barely-charted islands sited at the furthest reaches of the kingdom. The central charac-ters themselves undergo a process of self-discovery in their gradual realisation and submission to their individual destinies. And thirdly, of course, there is the setting aside of the "mask" of Asian, the omnipotent entity who guides and protects them on their travels. His true identity is made clear, the text confirms its status as Christian allegory.

Although the play gains its power from the final scenes of Reepicheep's martyrdom and Asian's expression of divine beneficence and love, it is the episodic, picaresque movement from island to island which dominates. Here dragons and slave-traders, spells and storms, the forces of magic and of Nature, all combine to provide colour and excitement, one moment of danger being resolved only to be swiftly followed by another.

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The play requires pace and elan and this was provided in this production by energetic direction (Nigel Reynolds) and an enthusiastic cast. Tom Quick cut an elegant and pleasing figure as Prince Caspian while Tom Illingworth as Edmund, Frances Turner as Lucy and Stewart Pile as Eustace com-bined well together as the children, abrasive and quietly affectionate in turns. Angshuman Panigrahi was a com-mendably fierce and forthright Lord Drinian, captain of the Dawn Treader, and Richard Stockfis a dutiful but never submissive subordinate, Rynelf. Richard Rudman and Steven Hardicre threw themselves lustily into the roles of the slavers Pug and Tacks, while Richard Harvey suggested well the decadent corruption of Gumpas. Ramandu and his daughter, in contrast, were played with quiet grace by Jonathan Rose and Esther Hardiman. The technical com-petence and smooth assurance revealed by Caroline Reynolds as Reepicheep, the valiant mouse, were particu-larly impressive, and the other members of this young cast also gave promise of considerable talent for the future.

Special mention should perhaps go to Garry Crystal who, although his face remained hidden from the audience, lent gravitas to the role of Asian and a sad humour to that of the Dragon, a wonderfully lugubrious creation. The

latter's efforts to make the other characters aware of the nature of his plight through the mournful shaking and nodding of his head provoked the warmest and most sympathetic audience response of the evening. The excellent quality of the costumes was matched by the overall standard of design, the imposing construction of the ship in particular being outstanding. Despite this fixed and monumental presence on stage, the set still managed to convey a remarkable sense of space, of blue horizons where sea and sky, the physical and the spiritual, met. The sense of a dimension beyond the merely temporal was enhanced by clever and, at times, vivid use of projected images, either static or swirling round the auditorium, while the sound and lighting teams also effectively conveyed the danger and confusion of the tempest at sea.

In conclusion, the show was a clear success. Although one sometimes had doubts regarding the quality of the dialogue and the rather heavy-handed moralising of the ending, the young and appreciative audience was held transfixed for long periods, drawn into a clear story told with wit, intelligence and a sense of fun.

NIGEL WARRACK

fflxm

The Easter Concert THE AUDIENCE at this year's Easter Concert, billed as "A Mozart Celebration", may have expected the first half of the evening to be no more than a worthy filler as the choir and orchestra tuned up for a performance of the Requiem Mass. Nothing could less aptly describe the delightful performances of three works, each of which must class as a rarity in the history of School music-making.

Eleven string players standing at the front of the Memorial Hall created a striking visual impact as together with Daniel Moult at the organ they embarked upon a polished and well-articulated performance of Mozart's two Church Sonatas (K144 and 145). Their expressive playing augured well, and Daniel Moult was soon to follow this with a sparkling performance of Mozart's Fantasia in F minor (K608). This is a demanding adaptation for organ of a piece originally written for a clock which chimed on the hour. The work includes fugues, interludes and a central andante movement and has an especially exciting conclu-sion of frenetic unison writing and streams of semiquavers.

How easy it would be to take for granted the virtuosity of MGS's "home-grown" talent, yet I am sure all those present felt privileged to witness artistry such as that of Daniel Moult in the Mozart and of Thomas Lowe, solo Treble in Allegri's beautiful Miserere. Ordered by papal decree to be performed only within the Sistine Chapel during Holy Week, the Miserere was effectively smuggled out by Mozart who memorised the entire score after only one or two hearings. He probably didn't have a perform-ance at MGS in mind at the time but would undoubtedly have approved of this spine-tingling account. Full marks to choir and orchestra for such a well-balanced and finely-judged performance; together with soloists Thomas Lowe, David Futcher, Henry Lowe, Jonathan Prag, Tim Freed and James Freed they created what must have been the most ethereal sound ever to echo around the Memorial Hall. Congratulations, too, to Jeremy Pocklington for so ably leading the orchestra throughout the evening and to Andrew Dean for his sensitive conducting.

RICHARD SIMPSON

In the second half of the concert the School Choir and Orchestra performed Mozart's last work, the "Requiem Mass", with soloists Pauline Wilson, Heather Rhodes, John Daszak and Wyn Griffiths from the Royal Northern College of Music. This performance prompted Mr. Ponder to take a personal look at the genius of Mozart in the light of the bicentenary celebrations, and to consider in particular the importance of the later works.

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Mozart and Myth IF THERE are people with whom the Mozart bicentenary has failed to register, this will be because they are busy fending off polar bears from the family ice-floe or hunting heads on the Orinoco. The rest of us have been left in no doubt, and may even be growing a little restive as yet another tone-deaf tycoon cashes in on the occasion.

But there can be no such thing as too much Mozart: one might as well suggest to a theologian that one might have too much Grace. I first heard Die Zauberflote in my early 'teens, and since that time I have never wavered in my conviction that this is the most remarkable achievement of the human mind, made in the image of a Maker and here approaching most nearly to its Original. Yet the man's productivity was such that one need never fear running out of fresh discoveries, and there will always be some fragment for glass harmonica waiting round the corner. . .

than that. As a scholar (of sorts) I value a certain kind of truth, and yet as a poet (of sorts) I relish and require myth and a different kind of truth.

Did the generations who listened to the Requiem in the context of the familiar myth, nocturnal messengers and the rest, really lose out as a result? All myths are instructive if we can unravel them, and this one showed us, perhaps, what we should listen for. If all great artists live on intimate terms with Love and Death, we cannot miss the absolute centrality of the latter in Mozart's last music. There is the pang of loss—"Non piu di fiori" in La Clemenza di Tito— but there is something infinitely more important. The compulsive billiard-player and retailer of dirty jokes has looked beyond death and the fear of death, and like Socrates' swan he sings in love and hope and joy. For Richard Strauss, "Musik ist eine heilige Kunst", a holy art; for Mozart it is much more, the means of Grace or at least the token. "Mich schreckt kein Tod": Tamino, therefore Mozart, therefore each of us, is led through fire and water, passion and grief and the dark night of death by a hovering flute, for all the world like the dove of the Holy Spirit.

PAUL PONDER

to All art, we are told, aspires to the condition of music. In

which case, all music aspires to the condition of Mozart, and the ultimate compliment to any artist must be com-parison with him. Most never get beyond the rude noises. He has given us more, though, than his own incomparable art (Haydn's phrase) and an unassailable benchmark: a whole succession of artists—ETA Hoffmann, Morike, Pushkin, Peter Shaffer—have found nourishment and inspiration in the music and sometimes in the man.

The past few months have seen any number of attempts at demythologising Mozart, banishing the men in black to the realm of the safely humdrum, and even calling into question the pauper's funeral. This seems to me a curious manifestation of puritanism, and like all puritanism its effect must be to impoverish. I will remark in passing that there does exist a certain kind of critic who will never rest until he has proved that Shakespeare's Juliet wore Odor-Eaters (sic) or that Byron scratched a living as a clerk in a bank in Slough, but of course there is more to the question

Christmas Concert THE MEMORIAL Hall was quite full for the annual Christmas Concert, but those who stayed at home, discouraged perhaps by the cold weather, missed a most enjoyable evening. The programme offered a very varied and well thought-out mixture of choral singing and orchestral and instrumental pieces.

The orchestra, led by Jeremy Pocklington and conduc-ted by Richard Sinton, opened the concert with Chabrier's Marche Joyeuse. This was followed by two Bach organ pieces: Trio Sonata no. 4 played by David Pitches, and the Fugue from Toccata, Adagio and Fugue played by Daniel Moult, who also served beautifully, all through the evening, as accompanist, both to the choir and the orchestra. Under the direction of Stephen Crowther, the Thursday Singers offered a fine interpretation of Cradle Song, a traditional Flemish carol arranged by John Rutter, and of William Mathias' A Babe is born, both of which were later to be performed at the annual Law Society Carol Service at St Ann's Church. The first half of the programme was completed with a performance of Vivaldi's Concerto for Two Trumpets, in which the soloists were Christian Bettley and Matthew Burke.

After the usual interval refreshments in the Refectory the choir gave a high quality performance of three move-ments from Britten's A Ceremony of Carols (trebles and altos only), followed by John Rutter's Nativity Carol. Under the direction of Andrew Dean, their last piece was a delightful traditional English carol, Tomorrow shall be my dancing day, arranged by David Willcocks. While the choir processed out, the grand piano was brought forward for Mozart's Trio no. 4, with soloists Jonathan Cohen (piano), Andrew Kidd (clarinet) and Benjamin Cohen (viola).

The last two solos of the evening were two piano pieces, Praeludium from Ludus Tonalis by Hindemith, executed very professionally by Daniel Moult, and Grieg's To the Spring, played by David Pitches, during which the audience

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burst into premature applause, but David concluded unper-turbed! The orchestra brought the evening to a wonderful, joyous and exciting end with its lively rendering of Sibelius' Finlandia. The whole performance was of a very high standard. Full praise must be given to all the participants, the boys, the girls from the High School, with a very special mention for Richard Sinton, Andrew Dean and Stephen Crowther for putting on such a professional and enjoyable end of term concert.

MME A . J . PARKINSON

MGS Choir THE FIRST important outing for the Choir was a concert given in St Ann's Church, Manchester on Saturday 17th November. The Choir is establishing a routine of giving a major concert outside school at this time of the year, and singing in this historic and acoustically rewarding church proved to be a memorable experience. The two main items in the programme were Britten's Rejoice in the Lamb and Haydn's Little Organ Mass. Gordon Stewart, organist of Manchester Cathedral, was the accompanist and Jonathan Cohen, Robin Hutt and Rangan Chatterjee also provided instrumental items of a high standard. In the Lent Term work centred on preparation for the performance of Mozart's Requiem at MGS and music for Founders' Day at the Cathedral. The Choir's year closed with two concerts of choral and instrumental music in the parish churches of Cheadle and Kendal, both in late June. Plans are already well under way for a Choir visit to Germany in July 1992.

Other Musical News . . . CONGRATULATIONS ARE well deserved by Daniel Moult (MGS School Organist 1989-91) on gaining the Organ Scholarship at St John's College, Oxford. At the time of writing he is also through to the second round of the Young Musician of the Year competition. Congratulations also go to Thomas Lowe, who is through to the final of the BET Choirboy of the Year competition to be held in London in October. Thomas, who has been Head Chorister at MGS for the past year, won the North West semi-final in Manchester in early June. Three ensembles from MGS took part in the National Chamber Music Competition for Schools in February. The North West preliminary round was held in the Music School at MGS and one of the groups—Steven Dixon (violin), Jonathan Cohen (cello), Daniel Osgood (piano)—then went on to take part in the semi-final held in York, playing music by Beethoven. Jonathan and Ben Cohen have both had a busy year as string players with Pro Corda, the National Association of Young Chamber Music Players. Ben is currently a member of the junior course while Jonathan has recently graduated to the senior course. Both boys played in the 21st Anniver-sary Gala Concert at the Barbican Hall, London, on 30th October 1990 under the baton of Sir Colin Davis. Jonathan Cohen is also to be congratulated on his award of a Martin Musical Scholarship in March. Awards from this fund are very competitive indeed and are open to advanced musicians up to the age of 25.

A . J . DEAN

The Thursday Singers THE YEAR began with a good influx of new members to replace those who departed at the end of the previous term. The choir quickly settled down to work learning the new repertoire and it soon became clear that an enjoyable year lay ahead. The first public engagement was to sing at the MGS Christmas Concert when the choir competently sang two quite contrasting carols by modern writers: John Rutter's "Cradle Song" and the exciting "A babe is born ' by William Mathias. The next day the Thursday Singers led the singing at St Ann's Church in Manchester for the Lawyers' Annual Carol Service. As well as congregation carols the two pieces sung the night before were also in the pro-gramme, and this time the performance was quite sparkling.

After Christmas we resumed work on the basic repertoire for concerts coming up in the Spring. However, we welcomed the opportunity to sing at morning assemblies both here and at the High School. In April we had our next major event: a concert at St Aidan's Church in Lower Kersal, which passed off with only a few hiccups, not to mention sneezes! Two weeks later there was another concert in Oldham. This time the choir gave an excellent perform-ance, achieving a delightful contrast between the intensity of the madrigal " Weep, o mine eyes", the humour of "Bo Peep" and the sheer self-indulgence of "Michelle". A third concert followed, four days later, at the Catholic Chaplaincy of Manchester University.

In all our concerts there were solo items of a very high standard by members of the choir (Debbie Gabriel, Daniel Moult, Jennifer and Henry Lowe, Stephen Farrow, Julie Oakey, Helen Cheetham and Roz Argyle) as well as guests David Pitches, Corinna Bishop and Thomas Lowe. Daniel Moult made a particularly valuable contribution to the choir both as accompanist and also in the role of "appren-tice" conductor. My thanks to all for a successful year and especially to the staff who have been involved, both here and at MHSG, and who have supported magnificently throughout the year.

H . S . CROWTHER

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Out and About Foreign Trek 1990: Osttirol

i MUST admit I was delighted to see the Osttirol again after glimpsing so little of it through the mist and rain of my first Foreign Trek in 1981. And the mountains are different in the sunshine, bigger and brighter and certainly more photo-genic. Our route wound an almost unbroken circuit between Austria's two highest peaks, the GroBglockner and GroBvenediger: a succession of cols, rocky ridges, peaks and mountain camps amongst some of the finest glacial scenery in the Alps. With a record ten summits climbed (three over 10,000 feet) and a six-day section at the end when the main party didn't descend below 7,000 feet it was a true high-mountain trek, but it also gave rise to whole new chapters in the mythology of the English abroad.

I assume that Austrian buses are designed so as not to smash the coloured light-bulbs hanging across camp-site entrances, nor are Austrian bus passengers obliged to hoist up water from a mountain torrent to douse an overheating engine. Oh Andy, where was your dictionary when you ordered a large bowl of Knoblauchsuppe, believing it to be something other than minced garlic? And in future years when we lie back and think of Austria, how many will remember the cowherd with his iron-tipped staff and Marlboro cigarettes. He was a man of few words, and most of them were "nein"; he was not going to let us camp on his particular patch of mountain pasture, the only flat land for miles around, so forcing us into a compulsory bivvy on a muddy track (or for the really adventurous, on the wooden bridge across a raging torrent). GroBglockner: From our approach route to Boses Weibl (3121 m)

On the summit of Wilder Kogel (3022 m) Photos: L. A. Wi t ton

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Trek food provides a welcome change from all those Austrian delicacies: muesli, the true British breakfast, best eaten standing when there's nowhere comfortable to sit; Krackawheats reduced to crumbs again, but easily glued back together with cheese from a tube; chocolate bars on draught, squeezed warm from the wrapper; and corned-beef in a tin with the key mercifully lost. Let us remember too the early-morning sweetie-stop where we scrabbled for sherbet lemons and Everton mints whilst contemplating the effects of an avalanche on a herdsman's hut far below.

Most Alpine paths are delightful, some memorable, and some are meant only for chamois and ibex, though it escapes me why such agile creatures should require iron cables and wooden ladders. I was not encouraged by seeing the remains of the previous ladder lying smashed on the rocks below me. At moments such as these it occurs to me that lying on flat beaches is also a pleasant way of spending a holiday, though not so challenging.

Mountain huts are the trekkers' beach, fine stone build-ings perched on cols with names recalling a different Europe, when the Sudetendeutschen and the mountaineers of Prague set up their own huts. Why was there no Strudel at the Studl hut? At the Glorer hut, though, there was more than Strudel; glasses were being smashed freely in the kitchen. Could we stay a little longer? The hut-warden was 40 today and was due to be flown up by helicopter for tea. Could we provide an instant crowd of waving hands and smiling faces? We sniffed the Schnapps already as the lads lay down in a giant number "40" on the hillside. At six on the dot in flew the helicopter, out stepped a rugged man in a white jacket, thirty Englishmen sang "Happy Birthday", and a tray of Schnapps glasses came our way in thanks. I wonder if the woman who videoed us there asked herself how it was that these thirty gate-crashers had arrived in the right place at the right time. But then Trek is always like that, isn't it?

A . P . DOBSON

Scottish Trek 1990 DULL WEATHER on the first morning gave way to a pleasant afternoon. The rain of previous weeks meant that the planned crossing of the river Ling was forsaken due to the large volume of rapidly moving water in the river. Glen Elchaig was therefore approached via the "flat route" of the minor road. The MGS Society have provided trek with "Trangia" cookers to replace the primus stoves and communal cooking (and the accompanying culinary disas-ters) which are now part of Trek folklore. Tea drinking at lunchtime is now feasible and Dr. McDonald led the way by setting up the Trangia in record time. Sitting by the River Elchaig close to the school brought back memories of Trek '82 for Messrs Shufflebottom and Hamflett. Several very hot days were spent in the upper reaches of Glen Elchaig and they got to know the occupants of Iron Lodge (at the head of the glen), Bertie and Margaret Pearl, quite well. Indeed, the four large salmon that accompanied the returning trekkers that year were provided by them. What a difference nine years make. Margaret Pearl's mother sold her estate and the new owner has planted thousands of pine trees in the glen. The hamlet of Killilan is now deserted, the houses empty and neglected. Even the large, imposing lodge

Scottish Trek

at the lower end of the glen has been left to rot. As if to exhibit disapproval of the new order, nature has sought to deny visitors access to Scotland's highest single waterfall, the Falls of Glomach, by washing away the bridge over the River Elchaig. Unfortunately, the campsite to be used was on the far side of the river. The party was thus forced into a river crossing after all because even the stepping stones were under a foot of water. Fortunately the river is wide so the experience was a chilly rather than a hazardous one. Even the last man, Mr. Shufflebottom, got across without "the early bath", despite being faced with banks of photo-graphers waiting for a careless footstep.

The Falls of Glomach in flood are an impressive sight and even the overcast day and low cloud could not spoil the scene. We met several people making the long detour to visit them as we walked along the valleys to reach Morvich where the minibus and fresh supplies awaited. As always, whenever a bat and ball are to hand there is bound to be some sort of game. This year it was French Cricket. The first of many unruly but highly enjoyable games started that evening and went on until late in the day. The factor determining when the game was over was not tiredness or lack of light, but the temperature of the river. Any batsman hitting the ball into the river had to retrieve it and although trekkers are noted for their cleanliness and willingness to bathe after a long hot day, this does not extend beyond about 9.00 p.m.

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Glenlicht House was the base for the next leg of Trek, a fixed camp for three nights while we explored the mountains on all sides of Gleann Lichd. The weather had settled into a stable pattern which lasted (with the exception of one afternoon) for the remainder of Trek. Arriving at the head of Gleann Lichd we found a large French party, mainly girls, relaxing in the shade of the shelter. Having chased the cows off our campsite (for the first, but by no means the last time) we put up the tents and prepared to climb the first major peak of the trip, Beinn Fhada. This was the only peak from which we did not obtain a view although the compen-sation was a pleasurable half-hour sliding on a large patch of old snow. The next few days were spent climbing all the mountains surrounding our campsite. No Munro, Top, Corbett or unnamed pimple was left unvisited. From the Five Sisters of Kintail the views were as good as any in previous years. From Ben Nevis to the Torridon giants the hills were laid out in ranks. On days like these the lunch times are long, leisurely affairs with much pointing into the distance and reminiscing over treks and epic days of yesteryear. On day six the view from Ciste Dubh encom-passed the whole of Glen Affric, and standing out in the sunshine was the long ridge that would take us east towards the coast.

The day's journey to Loch Cluanie included the wet afternoon and is memorable only for the sight of Shimera Perera standing up to his waist, fully clothed, in what he took to be a puddle. Spirits soon lifted once we made it back to civilisation, i.e. a main road, and put up the tents. More than one was looking forward to having a rest on the following day which was designated a free day. Fresh food had to be purchased next day which meant a trip in the minibus to the nearest shop, a mere ten miles. The magnetic attraction of the local shop proved too much for several trekkers who went along and purchased baskets full of sweets, cakes etc. Dr. McDonald, Dr. Willson, Mr. Hamflett and others however enjoyed what was probably the hottest day of the year in Scotland with temperatures in the seventies as they made up for the peaks missed the previous day. A national newspaper confirmed that MGS Trek had again coincided with the best weather in Scotland so far that year.

Starting off next morning, the image of the South Glen Shiel ridge mirrored in a flat, calm Loch Cluanie created a "chocolate box". At the end of a very long, hot day we reached the campsite in Glen Affric just in time to provide a meal for the infamous midges that live in this glen. Despite their attentions, however, there were many trekkers volun-tarily immersing themselves in the river whilst the dinner simmered on the stove. Of the many memories that fill up the remaining days perhaps the first sight of Glen Strath-farrar stands out for its sheer unspoiled beauty. All too soon we were in Beauly, camped on a public campsite, showering with hot water and becoming part of the history of Scottish Trek.

A . T . R . KERR

i Y Viva Espana! IF YOU weren't a fan of religious processions before this trip, you were unlikely to return in love with them. Holy Week in Andalucia is taken very seriously and resembles a Ku Klux Klan meeting as bare-footed, robed penitents in strange pointed hats trudge through the narrow winding streets bearing floats of the Virgin Mary. The trumpets in the bands blazing, drums beating a foreboding rhythm, the colour and heady atmosphere of southern Spain overcame us. The zeal of the marching robed figures, the intensely powerful music that filled the streets and the passion they excited in the watching crowds will not soon be forgotten.

The sun shone almost continually and from our coach we could see something of the character of Spain away from the big cities: olive and citrus groves in this very agricultural and traditional province, and flat plains giving way to rolling horizons and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada. Dotted along the road were beautiful villages and small towns nestling in the hills: the whitewashed pueblos blancos. A trek up to the castle at the highest point of the ancient town of Carmona was well worth it, if not for the wonder-fully preserved edifice itself, then for the fine views of the breathtaking surrounding countryside. Southern Spain is worth visiting for the rural scenery alone.

Amongst the gastronomic treats of our stay were the Spanish specialities of churros, paella and tortilla. Perhaps not so appreciated were some of the wines we tasted at one of the bodegas. Response was very varied, as were the wines, but there seemed to be something for everyone's taste. The wine certainly helped to dull the pain as our tour guide "entertained" us with some distinctly unfunny jokes.

While the countryside was rugged yet peaceful, the towns and cities were bustling, vibrant and exciting. The locals were very open and friendly and only too willing to engage in conversation in their own language when they found out we were learning Spanish. The aim of the trip was not lost in the splendour and beauty of our surroundings, as shopping and pathfinding were ideal GCSE role-play practice.

Almost every building had a Moorish elegance, but every souvenir shop was disgracefully tacky. Cordoba was once Islam's second city and the most cultured in Europe and today its huge cathedral, a former mosque, and the Moor-inspired gardens are still exquisite. The modern city of Granada is exciting, forward-looking and a place for the young, but the old palace-fortress combination of the Alhambra is a stunning tribute to generations past. In the buildings there were mosaics and tiles, towers and beauti-fully pillared courtyards, all interconnected and sporting elegant fountains. More fountains could be found with ornate pools in the adjoining Generalife gardens, so attrac-tive that we spent a whole afternoon there. Yet our favourite city of the trip was Seville. Despite its spectacular cathedral and imposing Giralda tower and its considerable size, Seville has a small town feel to it as there are endless small squares and narrow streets. The city is colourful, charming and very pretty, not least for its many open spaces and fine international pavilions in the Maria Luisa park, the most spectacular of all appropriately being the Spanish example in the Plaza de Espana.

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We all thoroughly enjoyed this first MGS Spanish GCSE trip and with Olympic fever in Barcelona, Expo '92 in Seville and Madrid as Cultural City of Europe, next year's trip will surely be equally worthwhile.

R . BHATTACHARYYA 6 M m N . H O W O R T H 6 A C

M . JOHNSON 6 A S

Holy Week Penitents Photo: R. Simpson

Grasmere 1990 GRASMERE 1990 was not a good camp for motorists: Mr. Bailey's involuntary experiment with diesel in his petrol-engined Volvo very nearly proved disastrous, and in the annual contest involving Mr. Gibb, a Land Rover and the track to the camp, it was the last of these which emerged as the clear winner. Everyone else had a splendid time.

The advanced party arrived at Grasmere several days ahead of the main group to set up camp and give the site a spring-clean. By the time the main party arrived on a rather dismal Monday afternoon, trenches had been dug, the army surplus tents erected, and everything was in place for a week of feverish activity. Kit was deposited in tents, and within a few minutes the camp routine was established: football followed by a scramble up onto the peaks above the camp, and then an excellent and filling dinner. Grasmere novices (myself included) were soon introduced to the camp's institutions—the Barn, Doc's Pool, the "Boudwahr",

"Bank and Tuck". However, old hands could detect clear signs that the camp is making steady progress towards the twentieth century—the Barn has a newly refurbished interior, and that custodian of Grasmere folklore, Mr. Bailey, could be seen sporting (albeit reluctantly) a new kilt.

The days were long and busy. Rock-climbing, hill-walking and orienteering occupied the attention of most of the Staff and boys, whilst on Grasmere Lake a select few were involved each day with the serious business of capsiz-ing, running aground and sampling the pleasures of after-noon tea at the lakeside cafe. The evenings were devoted to sport, the highlight undoubtedly being the keenly fought Stalf vs. boys cricket match, memorable for Mr. Chicken's suicidal running and Mrs. Annear's bowling. The result has long since been forgotten. Presiding over the camp with a military efficiency was Mr. Reynolds, ably abetted by his two lieutenants, Messrs Gibb and Myers. Outings ran smoothly, meals were well prepared and (usually) on time, and all followed their orders. All, that is, bar one. "It never rains at Grasmere", Mr. Reynolds assured us, but the weather disagreed. It remains to be seen whether such insubordination will be tolerated in future years.

P . A . M . THOMPSON

Borrowdale IT is hard to know where to begin in recounting my first experiences as a "Borrowdaler". There were so many highlights in a thoroughly enjoyable week. My greatest disappointment was having to leave a day early and there-fore miss the last-night extravaganza.

So much was crammed into the space of a few days: walking, climbing, orienteering, canoeing, mountain bikes, night navigation, two high-level camps, volleyball, table tennis and even the football world cup. The victors, Kuwait, had clearly learnt the lessons ofltaly '90, for example, find a good goalkeeper and win every round on penalties. I was surprised by the commitment and will to win that emerged during the tournament. Unfortunately, Herr Meyer felt it necessary to introduce the unpleasant side of German football and gained the dubious honour of being the only player to be shown the red card. It remains to be seen whether Mr. Kelly has started a new fashion amongst international goalkeepers by wearing safety specs!

The intrepid campers were fuelled by a constant flow of "cordon bleu" cookery, ranging from cheese spaghetti to spaghetti bolognese (!), and Mr. Milne's legendary banana custard did not disappoint. It says much for the quality of the camp "restaurant" that by Thursday Dr. Yates could not fit into a canoe. Time forces me to omit much, but my abiding memory is of a fabulous view over Ullswater (thanks to Mr. Hand's navigation) which, if any view can, captured the full splendour of the Lakes, whilst it says much for the magic of the Lakes and the spirit amongst the campers that eating lunch inside the emergency "bivvy" on top of Green Gable in atrocious weather could be enjoyed so much.

J . D . NUTTALL

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Grasmere Reading Weekend THE BIANNUAL English Department sojourn in the Lake District is, in most people's minds, one of the more eccentric elements of MGS's broad range of extra-curricular activi-ties. The idea of spending an entire weekend sitting in a dusty barn reading Shakespeare is not your average chap's idea of a good time, but nevertheless in September a group of sixth-formers set out on the literary Odyssey that is the Grasmere Reading Weekend.

The reading matter consisted of Richard II and both parts of Henry IV (in which I was cast with worrying aptness as Falstaff). We read them, mused upon them and discussed them in the way only English students know how. The one chance that the weather afforded us for open-air reading gave rise to what must have been a curious sight to passing walkers—ten people sitting in a field while Mr. Myers bawled out the lines of Hotspur must have seemed at best odd and, more likely, positively surreal.

Of course, even shrouded in mist and rain, the sweeping hills and crags of the Lake District are stunningly beautiful, and to say that they provided an appropriate setting would be an understatement. It was not all highbrow stuff, though: Saturday afternoon saw a walk to Easedale Tarn, and in the evenings the atmosphere dropped somewhat from its lyrical height. And just in case anybody was becoming too absorbed in it all, there was always the washing up.

I have no hesitation in saying that the weekend was appreciated by all who went on it. For myself, the serenity of the countryside made for a reinvigorating break from the otherwise relentless strains of Oxbridge preparation. The smooth organisation and preparation of Messrs Myers and Gibb ensured that the time passed rather quickly, and before I knew it I was plunged back into the grey confines of South Manchester. In May, a Bank Holiday of Shelley was on offer, and I am certain that many more sixth-formers became hooked on that very particular mixture of spiritual enlightenment, honest and hardy outdoor pursuit, and evenings spent in the local hostelry, that only one MGS activity can really offer.

L . F . H O W A R T H 7 A q

Lucton THIS WAS another highly successful year for Lucton Camp. For the third year running there was practically no rain and we suffered no major disasters. Off the site, orienteering, canoeing, fishing and sailing again proved enjoyable activi-ties, as well as visits in the area which included the popular trips to Hereford and Bulmer's Cider Factory, where many drinks were sampled, and to the Severn Valley Railway with a walk through the Wyre Forest. There were visits by train to Bath to see the Roman Baths; a new historical trip round Shropshire (visiting Stokesay Castle, Wroxeter Roman City and Buildwas Abbey); Ironbridge; Cosford Aircraft Museum; and a walk on the Long Mynd. The annual treasure hunt, complete with cryptic clues, involved a mix of reading signs up telegraph poles, investigating manhole covers and (an innovation this year) making a telephone call from a broken public call-box.

There was, of course, a whole range of things to do on the campsite. There was a nightly football competition between the different tents, with the Staff team thinking they were invincible. The final was between a third-form tent and the prefects, with the latter winning on penalties. What made this worse was that the prefects totally ignored the strict Staff instruction to them that they should lose. There was also a range of other sports in the sports' hall and on the tennis courts of Lucton School. Several evenings ended with a highly successful barbecue, which helped to create the great atmosphere of the camp. There was also a prize for the "Wally of the Day". Although winning it was not originally supposed to be an honour, by the end of the week there were many people going out of their way to try to obtain the coveted award. One particularly unusual ploy adopted by one of the writers of this article (which won him the ultimate accolade) was to get a member of Staff to carry a tomato plant through the Wyre Forest for two hours.

TOM HONER, M A R K TATTERSALL, RICHARD L A W , SIMON SINGER, KEITH HYAMS, MATTHEW JACKSON 3 N

Bassenthwaite "BUT I don't know anything about sailing and I can't come before the third day anyway". As I got off the train at Penrith I wondered how it could be that all my excuses had been ignored and Alan Pickwick's powers of persuasion had triumphed. Here I was arriving for a Whitsun camp in the Lakes eight years after my last Camp. I was relieved to find that the minibus was already waiting for me but somewhat concerned when my escort drove into Keswick for coffee and cream cakes. Did this mean that the food was inedible? We eventually arrived at the camp site and it was then I remembered why my excuses had only been half-hearted. The site on the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake must be one of the most idyllic in Cumbria. The views of the lake in one direction and of the majesty of Skiddaw in the other, both tremendously impressive, become even more so as they change with the light throughout the day.

So how was the Camp? Smaller than in the past and none the worse for that. Fewer staff meant fewer boys but the site was much less crowded than I remembered it and the sailors were delighted that the supply of craft usually balanced the number wishing to sail so that everyone was happy. The games sessions were, as usual, keenly contested; there were walks up Ullock Pike and Blencathra, orienteer-ing in Winlatter and trips into Keswick. It didn't take some boys long to discover that the nearby farmer also ran a taxi service and that if four went into Keswick together it was not only cheaper than the bus, but you didn't have to walk the mile down the lane to the main road.

Almost before I knew it the camp bonfire was upon us and the week was almost at an end. The company ate hot dogs around the fire and then after persuading the younger boys into bed the senior boys and Staff talked under the stars and contemplated the imminent striking of camp and the troubles of the world. I should like to thank in particu-lar: Ken Stocks for his patience with a landlubber who, having taken the rescue boat out into the middle of the lake, couldn't start the engine again and had to row home; Alan Pickwick for showing me the moons of Jupiter and also for

31

allowing me to help fill his experimental superloo but not requiring me to empty it; the wet-suit owner who rescued my soap from the bottom of the lake; and Nigel Burin for some splendid menus.

Question 1: How in a marquee do you keep 300 fish fingers hot but not soggy?

Question 2: Will I be going again next year?

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G . G . CURTIS

Sixth Form Geography Field Trip THE 1991 Geography Field Trip took place in the Lancaster area during the last week of the Lent Term. Based in Morecambe we were able to practise many forms of field work in both Physical and Human Geography. The poor weather over some of the week failed to dampen spirits but unfortunately made it impossible to record the cross-section of a third-order river due to near flood-level waters! River work was complemented by soil and vegetation surveys, limestone pavement analysis and salt-marsh work. The Human Geography included Central Business District Work in Lancaster in the form of a functional land use survey, pedestrian counts and a shopping survey question-naire. Individual groups also assessed the impact of various redevelopment projects in the main precinct. Rural studies were also carried out identifying the site, form and function and decline or growth of different settlements. Work was written up in the evenings under the guidance of the Geography Department at our hotel in Morecambe. The food and accommodation were good. The course was a valuable and essential insight into the techniques of A level Geography field work whilst at the same time being an enjoyable event.

M . C . BARBER 6 A q , B . HALFPENNY 6 M g

Treks, Flies and Hideous Apes Richard Spencer, who left School in July 1990, sent us this report on an Operation Raleigh Expedition to Zimbabwe, July to September '90.

" S S H ! LISTEN! The elephants are coming!" We lay still, huddled in our sleeping bags, with nothing but the wall of the tent between us and the Zimbabwean bush and a forty-strong herd of marauding elephants. The sound of branches cracking and bushes giving way got louder and louder, and was interrupted only by a sudden loud trumpeting noise that sounded like something out of The Jungle Book. At any minute I expected a large grey wrinkled foot to come crashing through the canvas above me. I thought: "So this is what I spent months raising £2375 for!"

This was our first project site in an area called Binga where the locals lived in mud huts, wore bones through their noses and were always as high as kites smoking large bongs of "tobacco", their only crop. We were in a group of twelve venturers helping to build a 45 km solar-powered electric fence, to stop the above-mentioned elephants from invading and destroying their villages. We spent ten days there marking out the route of the fence, hacking through dense bush in the heat and dust. Home comforts were unheard of in our camp where we pumped water from a borehole, ate army rations cooked on an open fire, and the nearest store was 180 km away. The last two school teachers here had been eaten by crocodiles as they washed at the local river. This first taste of Operation Raleigh life was the beginning of an eleven-week expedition that was to take us on many challenging projects around Zimbabwe. The proj-ects undertaken involved community work, conservation work and adventurous pursuits.

The next project I took part in was a canoeing expedi-tion. The aim was to canoe 200 km across Lake Kariba. Due to the size of Lake Kariba, storms are not uncommon, with high winds and a considerable swell. The equipment we were using was not entirely appropriate. We were using inflatable Canadian-style canoes which became difficult to control, and so, in an attempt to keep sheltered from the wind and waves, we kept close to the shore. The shallow waters presented another problem though. Lake Kariba

32

was created by a dam, and the trees that used to line the hillsides are now petrified and stand in the shallows like slender fingers. Even though they are beautiful to look at as the sun sets, they are inevitably very sharp, and before long two canoes were punctured on them. Our small safety boat could not cope with the breaking waves and was swamped in the shallows, but eventually, after a great deal of team-work, and hard work, we managed to retrieve all our kit and our friends too! It was unexpected disasters and prob-lems like this, together with the reward of a breath-taking Kariba sunset and fresh, grilled tiger fish under a clear African sky, that made the expedition such a fantastic experience.

My other projects included building a Scripture Union camp for under-privileged children, trekking through the wilderness, white-water rafting on the Zambezi, and build-ing a school block near the spectacular Victoria Falls. Each phase gives you the opportunity to lead the group, deciding who will do which tasks when building the Scripture Union

camp for example, or taking the map and compass and planning your route for the day's trekking. It was all highly challenging and the rewards were high, as shown when we completed the school block, and the local children sang and danced for us to say thank you.

Expeditions are run all over the world, and you don't have to be super-human or multi-talented to have the experience of a lifetime. If you are aged between 17 and 25 and you would like to take on the challenge of Operation Raleigh, which involves a frighteningly arduous selection weekend, then more information can be obtained by writing to:

Operation Raleigh Alpha Place Flood Street London SW3 5SZ Tel: 071 351 7541

Venturers THE LAST year has been rather unsettled for Venturers. Friday meetings have continued much as usual, but there has been a lack of members from the Lower School, so the training programme, despite the efforts of the two Patrol Leaders who attended regularly, has been without real purpose. Nevertheless, there are good things to report. A successful Camp was held in North Wales on the well tried and tested site near Conwy (report below), and, for the first time since 1984, the Summer Camp has reverted to being an annual occurrence, as the Troop visited Bassenthwaite for a week at the start of the 1991 summer holiday. Philip Beale and Iain Richardson, in addition to organising the training programme mentioned above, have continued their own training and progress to such good effect that the High Master was able to pay us a visit to award them with our own equivalent of the Chief Scout's Award, the culmination of the Under 16 training scheme. So, there is still some enthusiasm there, but more recruitment is needed from the first three years of the School if the balance of the Troop is to be restored. And then, there is a large question mark hanging over the H u t . . . . ? We are not party to post-Appeal plans.

K . BOOTH

Venturers' Summer Camp THE CAMP was held near Ty'n-y-groes in the Vale of Conwy, North Wales. The seventeen boys made up three patrols, one solely for officers suitably named "Elephants", and they were accompanied by three members of Staff. The Camp swung into action with tents pitched, fires built and pits dug. The site provided plenty of space with a good supply of wood available for cooking fires. Activities were soon underway with orienteering, a point-to-point competition, pioneering, football, volleyball and podex. Opportunities were seized for the completion of badge-work tasks, while patrols vied with each other to produce the best meals and keep their patrol sites and kit in good order. The weather was pleasant, although at least one tent developed extra ventilation holes due to a keen wind. The programme was packed, although extra items such as a Tarzan rope swing and a night navigation exercise were added impromptu. All too soon the Camp was at an end, and with equipment packed the tired but happy band returned to the metropolis.

R . A . H . MARSHALL

Spitzbergen, Summer 1990 Bruce Walker left School in 1988. Last Summer he joined the British Schools' Exploring Society on their expedition to Spitzbergen, and he sent us this report.

I LEFT home on July 20th, my pristine gear proudly display-ing mountaineering designer labels. Half an hour into my journey, my T-shirt had gained a thorough drenching in orange juice from an over-enthusiastic traveller who had vainly tried to find a seat on the moving train whilst towing a suitcase and trying to balance a now half empty cup of British Rail orange juice. By Oslo I was hot and sticky on what had been Britain's hottest day for thirty years. The T-shirt never did get washed, but six weeks of sweat overcame the stickiness.

After an overnight stop at a beautiful wooden house in the Oslo suburbs, I took a flight on the last part of my journey to the Arctic island of West Spitzbergen. Icebergs

33

began to appear in the sea below as we flew further north. We crossed the Spitzbergen coast two hours after leaving Oslo, and as we flew over mountains and glaciers my stomach was churning with excitement (or perhaps it was the reindeer meat we had for lunch ...).

My images of "the desolate snow-covered plains of the Arctic" were quickly dispelled as we landed at an airport six hundred miles from the North Pole. After a two-day stop in the Norwegian mining town served by the airport, we took a fishing trawler over the fjord to a large strandflat (a coastal area of tundra at sea level) with many snowy peaks and glaciers beyond. The strandflat was to be our home for the next three weeks of the science phase, after which we would leave for the mountains for two weeks of adventuring.

Base camp was set up at 82°27' north, 14°32' east on the strandflat of Bohemanflya. Stores were unloaded from the trawler, tents pitched and fuel, food and other supplies distributed. We were now alone for six weeks in the Arctic. Perhaps "alone" is rather an over-dramatic word for seventy-two excited teenagers looking forward to six weeks of freedom from parents. Even the leaders, most of whom were teachers, seemed enthusiastic at the prospect of break-ing routine and adding the spice of danger and excitement to life.

Two days were spent on a nearby glacier learning rope techniques, crevasse rescue, the use of our ice-axes and the art of staying upright on our invaluable cross-country skis, invaluable not only because of the increased mobility that they would give us in the mountains, but also their antique value. On returning to base camp we started our science project with a five-mile trek to the lakes on the other side of the strandflat. Our group consisted of eleven "young expeditioners" and two leaders who would work together in the science phase. We hoped to find geese on the lakes, which we would ring, weigh and sex for the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Slimbridge. We managed to ring over two hundred geese in three catches. This may not quite seem to add up to three weeks' work, but most of the geese had

already left Spitzbergen for the relative warmth of winter on the Solway Firth in Scotland. The other work that we undertook was to record the movements of a king eider duck and her six young continuously for three days in two-hour watches, taking a reading every thirty seconds. This may sound relatively boring, and it was. But the fun and companionship that arose from our experiences as a group far outweighed my periodic boredom, and of course there was the mountain phase still to come.

To gain independence and self-sufficiency in the moun-tain phase, we had to make trips back and forth to carry food, fuel and equipment over the glaciers to make storage dumps. From these dumps we could venture out into the mountains and snowfields of the interior of Spitzbergen. Igloos were built, ski-jumps made, and of course mountains climbed. Standing on top of a mountain where no one has ever stood before is a thrilling feeling, and the whole experience was one of the most wonderful in my life. Spitzbergen '90 will always bring back fond memories, especially the midnight calls of nature high in the moun-tains, opening the tent to see the sun on its all-night vigil streaming in across snowy peaks and silver white snow-fields, warming my face.

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34

Literary Supplement A large number of entries was received this year, including an enthusiastic torrent from 7Bm! A larger proportion than usual has not been published, but this should not discourage those who have hopes, particularly as next year will see the return of what used to be known as "New Writing". The balance between prose and poetry this time is fairly even. However, some of the most interesting and original pieces are in prose (Ben Whitworth and Rowland Hughes). It is pleasing to find two good short prose pieces from the first form (Richard Stockfis and James Carroll). The fourth and fifth forms are not so fully represented, but what appears is of a very interesting quality. Some readers will notice parody and imitation this year beside strange originality and occasional difficulty, if not obscurity. Eric Steele's poems are perplexing and very demanding, and seem not to have the overall clarity of last year's pieces. Many of the chosen pieces invite curiosity as to what might come next. The note of strange brilliance is also present in the sonnet on Baudelaire by Ian Offord, for which special advice was sought (thanks here to Paul Ponder in particular: "linguistic mastery ... crafty, ironic use of Baudelaire's world... might have been written by a Frenchman"). Where the standard is not so remarkable it is certainly impressive and it will be very interesting to see what comes from these pens in the future. Everyone represented here, and many of those not, should make sure that they keep writing. I apologise for editing some pieces very slightly, chiefly as regards spelling and punctuation!

Prizes go this year to Ben Whitworth for his intriguing and imaginative pieces, to Rowland Hughes for a splendidly sustained and ornate short story, and to Ian Ojford for his sonnet.

J . C . GIBB

Sonnet sur "Les Fleurs du Mai" de Charles Baudelaire

Vos vers sont de grands flots qui poussent lentement Ce bateau delabre aux rochers de tenebres, Et Forage du soir, plein d'epouvantement, Nous entraine a travers des silences funebres.

A chaque minute, nous craignons de tomber Dans les gouffres amers, ou l'infini se mele A l'horreur infernale — ennemi familier — Et a l'ennui vilain — cette torpeur crudle.

Pourtant ils nous passent dans la vive clarte D'un calme illumine par un beau soleil rouge; Les rayons s'etendent sur la tranquillite:

Jadis un orage, maintenant rien ne bouge Et notre esprit est plein comme une caisse d'or De riches souvenirs quand nous gagnons le port.

I. H . OFFORD 7 A p

35

The Banana Crescent moon; yellow boomerang. Succulent white flesh wrapped in a yellow macintosh, Sitting in a fruit bowl just waiting to be eaten. Towering above the apples and oranges, With a bent head looking down as if disapproving. Hanging around with a bunch of his mates, they make bets on who's "going" first. Or will they just be left to go mouldy and suffer. How they long to be eaten. Does anyone know? Does anyone care?

D . M . GIBSON 1 L

Darkhood the Raven It was a sort of beigish, blueish, brownish yellow. The sky that is, not the eggs. Five oval eggs blue-green like the Earth. The trees whispered something to each other, Too soft for me to hear. I looked up to try to pinpoint what had caught my eye. A bird With beady black inset eyes like peppercorns in mud. Its mouth gripped shut as we stared each other out. Then Without warning It uttered one continuous, deep-throated guttural sound. KAAAARK! It bore down upon me, claws outstretched. It hit my face. A hot swipe of pain spread throughout my body,

emanating from my cheek, I tumbled backwards. KAAAAARK! My head hit a stone in the river. KAAAARK! Streaks of sticky red ran down my cheek, KAAAAARK!

S. J . C . WASON 1 L

The Morning After THE LAST thing I remember was the 'raid siren going and being rushed to the nearest shelter. But here I am standing on the street corner; looking about me. So something must have happened.

Opposite me lie the remains of houses; destroyed by bombs they remain only as memories. The whole world feels empty, as if something that has been there for ever has suddenly gone. A bus rumbles past, coated in black ash, its windows boarded up with wire.

I feel lonely and out of place, everything around me has been ruined, yet I remain, observing it all: the lumps of stone littering the dirty, black pavements, the huge holes in the ground and the fallen trees, lying like pillars of remem-brance everywhere. Apart from the odd camouflaged car weaving here and there and the muffled explosions of far-off bombs, there is complete silence. A bird swoops down, twittering as if nothing has happened. But it HAS. I know it

has. I can see the gaps between the buildings still standing, barricades everywhere and glass littering the road. I wish I could believe nothing had happened.

An old man walks past me, mumbling to himself, wearing a tin pot on his head, afraid, fearful...

A foul smell hangs in the air, a smell of destruction, obliteration and doom. I feel sick.

I awake abruptly from my thoughts as the plank of wood underneath my foot snaps, adding more refuse to the street. But there is an overwhelming sensation of something missing, a gap in my mind, made by the devastation, a gap waiting to be filled.

R . C . STOCKFIS I E

Spikey the Helpful Porcupine I'm particularly partial to porcupines With spines like needles and pins, With thistles as their ancestors, And hedgehogs as their kins.

Admittedly they are not the cuddliest pets That one could love and care for, But once you get to know their charms, You can see what they are there for.

They can be used for cleaning cars, And scraping rust off handle bars, Scouring pots and well burnt pans, Polishing wheels on babies' prams!

Yes, I'm particularly partial to porcupines, Especially my pet "Spike", I take him with me everywhere, And even on my bike!

S. R . DOWNES 2 E

The Easter Holiday IT WAS the end of term and it was nearly time to leave school for the Easter Holidays. All that was left was for Miss Cooper to set 4C's holiday homework.

"Now, can you open your homework diaries please, boys," said Miss Cooper amidst a chorus of groans. I took out my diary and began to write.

"For your homework," continued Miss Cooper, "I would like you to do a project on prehistoric life."

"Prehistoric life, Miss?" queried a boy in the front row. "Yes, dinosaurs, Bobby." "How long does it have to be, Miss?" "Oh, about a hundred pages," she said. "A hundred pages, Miss?!" "Yes, Peter, a hundred pages, and when you want to

talk put up your hand." I dropped my pen and made a big smudge across my

diary. "Any more questions before you go? Yes, Chris?" "When do we have to hand it in, Miss?" said the short

boy in the back row.

36

"At the beginning of term, of course. Anything else? Well, then, you can go, and enjoy your holiday."

I gathered my books together and put them in my bag and walked out of the classroom, still rather stunned by the amount of homework we had got. How could you enjoy a holiday with a hundred page project to do? I walked quietly home and spent the rest of the night reading in my bedroom.

"What's wrong, Billy?' asked my mother at supper. "Oh, nothing," I said, looking as glum as before. The next day I went to our treehouse in the wood with

my friends. I thought it might distract me from the thought of homework. We made a trapdoor in the treehouse and Bobby and John made a catapult for hurling rotten apples. John said it was to kill Martians if they invaded Earth in a flying saucer. He says Martians are allergic to rotten apples. I don't think so. I think Martians are even more allergic to pondweed and mud. For the rest of the week we had a brilliant time making gadgets for the treehouse. It was all going as most holidays go until one day I was walking down to the village to do some shopping for my mum, when out from behind a bush jumped Vincent Winklebottom and three of his gang.

"Where are you goin', Billy?" he asked in his usually aggressive voice. "Ye', where are you goin', Billy?" repeated the first gang member.

" I 'm . . . I'm going to the shops for my mother," I blurted out.

"S' that means ya got money, dunnit," said Vincent deviously.

"Money, ye'," repeated the first gang member. "Oh, shut up and stop repeating whatever I say!"

shouted Vincent. "Come on, Billy, gi's y' money!" I handed over all the money my mother had given me to

buy the shopping with. Vincent and his gang ran off and I walked home sadly. I got told off like mad when I got back and my mum nearly went up the wall. That night I decided I must have revenge.

The next day I went to the treehouse and told them the story. We made up a plan for revenge. The rest of the holiday was spent preparing for the grand plan. The plan was to write a fake love-letter from a girl in our class inviting Vincent to meet her alone at the cafe on the other side of the wood. Then he would have to come through the wood and we would get our revenge by hurling rotten apples, pondweed and mud, and other revolting things at him.

It was the first day back of the new term and I was sitting at my desk, having a last-minute look at the love-letter for Vincent, waiting for the teacher's arrival. Miss Cooper came in and once we had settled down she asked us to get out our projects on prehistoric life. I looked at the ink smudge in my diary and remembered the hundred-page project. In all the fun and excitement of the holiday I had forgotten it. I must have been sitting there stunned for a while because what brought me to my senses was Miss Cooper's voice:

"Billy, Billy, are you still with us?" "Yes, Miss," I murmured. "Your project looks very short, Billy," she said, looking

at the letter in my hand. "May I have a look?" J . E . CARROLL 1 L

Haiku: The Postman Our postman whistles Tunes we have all heard before, Again and again.

P . I . TURNER 3 L

Trees Trees: Upright. Tall and firm. Completely still; Waiting for nightfall, Chance to be strong, Whistling leaves, Scary, Dark. But is this the true purpose of the trees?

Trees, Winter, Withering. Yearning for Spring, Now all leaves are dead, Bitterly bare, Brown branches, Leafless, Dead. But this isn't the end of the trees.

S. SHAH 3 L

Shoes If I was called in To construct a religion I should make use of shoes.

The prayer house, A repair shop. Thousands of shoes re-heeled and re-soled.

My book of orisons Would include the trying On of thousands of styles and sizes.

And where the sun sleeps, I should raise A pair of brown leather brogues. Where any shoemaker Could stand next to with pride.

S. U . KHAN 4 K

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Twelve Haiku Against School i

Among the drab grey There is a sole mind, thinking,

Alone—I like grey.

II I was of two minds,

Much like a classroom with a Teacher and children.

III I wake, and think—school. I smile, gloriously pleased Then the nightmare ends.

IV Nineteen children are

One. Nineteen children and a Teacher are twenty.

V School is a meal

The toilets are nearby— We forget quickly.

VI I am in prison.

Maybe I will be let out For good behaviour.

VII They are inside me;

Large red brick buildings, learning. They learn Religion.

VIII The tree of knowledge

Is deep-rooted. That will not Stop a chain-saw—true?

IX Some are born with it,

Others have knowledge thrust on them, The rest go to school.

X Eventually,

The lambs leave their mothers and Go to the slaughter.

XI Two and two are five. Crystals of rebellion

Fall upwards—laughing.

XII A lonely fly sticks

In a dew silvered web, the Fly becomes spider.

A . R . BROWNLEE 4 K

Alf's Moggy Daylong this moggy lies sprawled As if by a steam roller mauled, face dented and smashed. Continual duels and brawls over years, Have shredded his ears and mangled his head.

Like a wiry coil of steel springs, seems unalert, Quiet till dusk. Then His eyes click open, green energy flickers within. Robocat is ready for operations.

A moggy sprang at a mounted knight, Locked to his neck, like a trap of flesh-slicing knives, While the night rode struggling against death-giving

brain-gougings. A smudge nearby proves the fight,

On the stone where he fell, dead of the mog: At famous Barnborough. The moggy still Dissects odd dogs on a whim, Will mash their guts, no chance to whine.

Is indestructible. From armoured car's ceaseless Attacks and juggernaut's wrath, always unscathed Removes his skin (in pieces), To hump his girlfriends

Outside children's bedroom windows. He roams A dark world, thinking of high things. Considering Man's follies of tyranny and sin. Mog's lowly position is not enough.

J . F . DUMMER 4 K

The Mermaid I know she is pulling me under the waves, Her laugh fills my ears, her face floods my thoughts. A flame-haired siren sings me to my grave, Hopelessly lost on uncharted waters.

Old men have warned me to stay in my boat When mermaids call me to swim in their sea, But I foolishly thought I could stay afloat, Not knowing how strong the currents would be.

My strength and my reason are ebbing away; She robs me of air with every kiss And although I try to swim for the bay Her song drowns my will and I cannot resist.

"Don't struggle, my love," she whispers to me. "You're caught in my whirlpool and now you must

drown. The land is not meant for those such as we . . . " She takes my right hand and we drift further down.

In each other's arms we drift with the tide, I feel no desire to swim for the shore. "You shall live in my ocean and swim by my side." She kisses my lips and I care no more.

F . L . H O W A R D 6 A p

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All in a Day Flicker Morning rose and all was peace. The sun lifted and the men came, The sky brightened, the battle did start, The clouds gathered, blood did fall. Rain making soft crimson pools of the mud. The day lengthened, arms did tire, The sun lowered and men did fall. The sky darkened, the battle ceased, Night fell and all was peace.

Voice of a Silent Man I've seen you before, But you had another name. I've talked to you before, And you said you'd wait for me. Part of the past or part of the future, Part of my life or part of another's? You said that you cared, But now your lips just say goodbye.

M . A . CLARK 7 B b

Last Dawn THE BRIGHT scene fades and seems to recede. The voice is muffled, and then stops. That sound you hear: is it of men marching, or a clock ticking, or perhaps the steel repeated clang of anvil under hammer? It is a ticking clock; your dream is over.

You lie for countless blurs of obscure minutes in a futile gaze at the clock. Your body stilfens in the blind cold of a winter-long dawn. Instincts stand numbly alone against this dawn attack, as thoughts and feelings, even senses, struggle to abandon this woken corpse in a greying tomb, shudder-ing and gasping to the chill, dull dirge of a daybreak clock.

Only your unlasting dreams can make their brief escapes; for your dreamself endured no shivering aches in the curtains' infertile first light. It roamed the always-noon paysage of the irrational, an aimless, timeless wander through a landscape of lush curves and moss-softened pinnacles. But your tyrant body, now roused, now wrapped, now, finally, charged with some ambition to move about, summons your servile mind. Day has begun. A sun has risen that refuses to set.

Your attention, your whole attention, turns to the relentless clock. You see the hands—black hyphens on a dark grey page. You read the time, a figure of hours and minutes. You calculate and judge and make decisions. You cannot return to your wonderland until the crimson gates of this cold-jammed city of day slide back and darken. You are trapped by work, detained by responsibility, walled in by conscience, paralysed by your own mad self-importance.

If to sleep must be to wake, what comfort is in the unfinished dreaming of eternally truncated night? If to sleep is never to wake, perhaps . . . there is release. Tomorrow you shall not wake. The curfew of bitter dawn will be unheard, ignored; defied. Tonight, you will dream forever.

IT WAS a railway station, just like any other railway station. At first, not even a station, but merely a vague premon-ition—an idea that, had it found itself on the plane of words, would have been expressed as: "There must be one soon." Suddenly, miraculously, this idea, born as it was of the absence of any physical station, threw itself, vividly, into the form of a physical presence. For a fraction of a moment, there was a station. For a good minute following this station-phenomenon, its existence was once more only mental. One by one, its more and less evident features drifted by the mind's eye on their way to the subconscious: the high, foreshortened, red-brick solidity of the station building; the relatively insubstantial fiickerings of (two? six? twenty?) bored, gazing passengers-in-waiting; the half-observed stripe of flowers, potted inconspicuously beneath the apparent overhang of the poster-lined fagade; the unreadable passage before my unprepared eyes of two black-on-white plaques—one at the beginning, one at the end of the platform's blur. Was there a "T" at the start of the name? Tetshaba? No, not long enough. And (of course!) we hadn't even crossed the river yet.

King of the Forest (A BBC script)—initial draft

WE OBSERVE a poet at work. Here the creative mind is in its element, eyes and fingers on the typewriter keyboard, the stream of consciousness frothing and eddying through the sluice words on the slow-filling reservoir of paper. The machine, twitching and pecking like a fibre-glass peacock, is the natural habitat of this strange and secretive animal. At a glance, we see the deftness, the agility with which the poet forages through his language: an improbably dense foliage which hides not a few surprises. The poet—and here we are watching a male of the Prosaicus Postromanticus species— has adapted perfectly to this hostile environment of infertile diction, unpredictable metaphors, sporadic syntax, and, of course, the predatory critics. For this newly-hatched poet, however, ignorant of these dangers, the struggle is simply to stay alive. Every day, a new threat. The mighty Anglo-Saxon, poised in its etymological web, waits to smother and devour any stray poets that pass its lair. Delicious internal rhymes hang temptingly from the highest boughs. A young poet who misses his footing plummets hundreds of feet— perhaps into the waiting jaws of a Hughes or an Eliot. Freak storms of catechesis wreak havoc on the forest floor.

And yet, in a world where only the eloquent survive, the poets are thriving still. While the valley-dwelling scientists claim to know and understand these culture-clad uplands of the mind, it is the humble, half-blind poet that truly knows this jungle of language; knows it as a friend, as a mother, as a home, as a garden, as a lover and as a place to die. Our poet, blithely singing his deep and resonant call into the echoing canopies of the page, is the real king of the forest.

B. WHITWORTH 6 A W

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017

Distance Blossom in Winter A blank grey night. Grey fields, slowly breathing Traces of snow-white mist.

Near to me, the rooftops, Still and easily defined. And yet, in the distance,

A blurred horizon, With two squares of hazy light. Other people's worlds. I imagine them,

Seeing my world as I see theirs; A different, distant place. Field come to life,

As the thin and ethereal mist Dances over their grey grass, And hedges with blackened shadows.

Somewhere a car engine starts, And fades away into the haze, The sound sniggers away from me. Dancing over darkened fields, Fields breathing snow-white mist.

Over the Rainbow History lesson. Events of eighteen forty-two. Passed, now. What can remembrance do?

Bored, I stare at events beyond the window, Wondering why your face haunts me so.

Distance prevents all reason for being. Not speaking, not listening, not even seeing.

I try to picture your lonely face, But I can't here. Maybe in another place.

Here isn't right to dream of your eyes, Your hair, your face. Under a guise

Of fascinated interest, a "professional" man drones on And I can't listen, but, when he's gone,

And the room deserted, I think about you again. Easy. I say your name to myself, and then,

You are with me. A meeting of two people, Apart. Outside, over grey houses, a pub, a church steeple,

I begin to wonder where you are. Are you thinking Of me? Sitting in a crowded cafe, carefully drinking

Luke warm coffee. Wondering about living, Living for another. Worried about giving,

Giving all of yourself to me, And hoping I'll care. Finally, I can see,

In the distance, a sliver of golden sunlight, Dipping below the skyline, and I know it's alright

Between us. Only a bond of air in your place, But it's enough to separate us. I picture your face,

Distant, over everything. I picture, quietly, Your eyes. Strangely near to me.

N . J . GOWER-JONES 7 A q

WINTER is coming. The young man feels its familiar, encroaching presence starting to impose itself on the vibrant world of summer, and a sigh born of regret and resignation rattles its way up from a stricken chest and escapes into the world as a glorious plume of condensed water droplets. They swirl energetically for a moment in the clear, harsh air of early morning, before reluctantly drifting away on a sudden breeze. The perpetual crease in the young man's brow smooths itself momentarily as, spellbound, he regards the magical progress of his exhaled breath and, for a moment, feels almost reassured that the world is a wide and wonderful box of delights, waiting to be opened. He sighs hopefully once again, but the entire effect loses its hypnotic grace when the delicate vapour is followed by a shower of phlegm, as the staccato, rasping cough, his eternal com-panion, gleefully torments what is left of his health. The deserted square echoes with the choking sound of his illness, the sombre reverberations chastising him for polluting the freshness of the primal morning.

His spasm past, the man slowly raises his head, and the world he sees is one blurred by the shining presence of pain. Quickly, he blinks his heavy eyelids, the chill air on his wet clothes banishing the uncomfortable torpor of too many cold nights without sleep, but it is too late. Faced with the radiant beauty of newly-emerged daylight illuminating the sky above the hunkering city, refracted through his unbid-den tears, even his hardened cynicism makes its excuses and bows out, leaving behind a wholesome sentimentality, soothing in its simplicity. Having allowed his emotions to gain the upper hand over the stark reality of his situation, he basks briefly in faintly recalled sensations and longed-for feelings, in the warm glow of memories and the bright starlight of dreams. Inspired, he rises to his feet, barely noticing the shocked protestations of his nerves at the moment; he walks, his face upturned to the rising sun, across the stone flags of the square, to the meagre flower-beds encircling the statue of a man, once idolised, now as alone and defiled as his sole comrade. Ignoring the grinding aches of prematurely arthritic joints, he bends slowly, one frost-bitten hand reaches out, and numb fingers pluck a solitary bloom.

His hazel eyes gently observe the pallid, precious flower, noting the endearing way in which the gossamer petals droop away from the centre. His gaze seems out of place in a face so marked by hardship and weather, the youth and promise exuded from the depths of his eyes belying the chapped skin and unkempt hair surrounding them. Yet as he stands alone in the square with the fragile flower resting in his cupped palms, it seems to him so perfect and so exquisite in its natural beauty that his own life of suffering fades into insignificance; he feels almost ashamed of his pains, to be soiling the innocence of something so pure as to require everyone who sees it to live and to know joy.

The man's exultation is shattered irreparably by a sudden explosion of coughing, and his violently trembling fingers fumble in their attempts to place his treasure in the buttonhole in his threadbare overcoat. The reality of days without food and nights without warmth hits him forcibly, wracking his wasted frame until, shoving his hands deep into the pockets of a coat too thin and damp to provide comfort, he turns his back on his moment of revelation, and shuffles awkwardly out of the square.

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Several storeys up from the now deserted square, a girl with twinkling, feline eyes and hair of burnished copper sips from a glass of steaming mulled wine, relishing the welcome radiance of heat from the crimson liquid as it spirals down her throat. Behind her, looming with a simmering, palpable life of their own, flowering plants of astonishing variety proclaim their presence with polychromatic fanfares. They sprout from every corner and niche in the crowded room, draping their exotic greens, reds and purples with wanton excess over the sparse furniture. Pulsing vines cling to the walls and bizarre creepers rustle in unseen breezes. Yet despite this display of tropical life, the atmosphere is heavy and subdued; the heat, usually sustaining and comforting, is overbearing, and the powerful aromas cloying. Condensa-tion drips from the rigid leaves of unnamed flora, quietly, secretively, as though in deference to the pensive mood of the unquestioned mistress of this horticultural paradise. Her slender, white fingers twirl the crystal stem of the glass as she stares intently into the dark red wine, searching for answers she must find elsewhere. Her doll-like face, smooth and unblemished as bone china, is marred only by a slight furrow of concentration on her brow. She is, perhaps for the first time in her short and secluded life, truly worried.

The scene she has just witnessed through the high window troubles her, and her acute mind replays exactly the movements of the dark, shabby figure who had been the focus of her attention. She cannot explain exactly why she had been drawn to the window, why this hunched, staring man could captivate her; she only senses his need, and for her that is enough. Her strange eyes, deepest green with a tint of yellow, flick once more to the corner of the building, on the far side of the small square, where he had shambled from sight, and then, her mind made up, she turns from the window and descends once more into the extravagant luxury of her home. With her every movement her mane of red hair glistens in the shards of golden light arching through the glass, dissecting the predominant shade hang-ing over the room.

She hesitates in the centre of the lush green carpet, her bare feet sinking into the rich pile, looking almost like a blooming flower herself, the vital colours of her hair, her eyes, her lips and her dress evoking freshly emerged petals, and the subtle curves of her young body mimicking the slender innocence of a growing bud. Then in a flurry of movement she casts about for outdoor clothing, petite hands grabbing an array of bizarrely coloured garments and throwing them around her slight body. Then, seconds later, her fan of hair is vanishing behind a hastily slammed door, and light footsteps echo sharply, fading slowly, in the subdued calm of early morning.

The young man pauses in his march, and his mind tries to ignore his body's frantic pleas for rest and warmth. Instead, the artist within him scans the horizon, picking out familiar shapes, buildings, trees and hills, silhouettes des-cribed in exquisite detail by the burnished orange rays of the rapidly descending sun, suspended on the skyline like a bronze medallion, casting an aura of deceptive beauty on the earth which it surveys. The man sighs: as the day began, so it ends: reality obscured by nature's benign mask. The sorrowful exhalation of breath recalls a different scene, a drab, stone square, not so long ago, at the beginning of a long chain of park benches, anonymous pavements, the ludicrous carnivals of the city highstreets. The man had sat, and walked, watching and listening all the time to the innocuous behaviour of those surrounding him, jostling

him as he trudged on by, swerving studiously around his inert body on those increasingly frequent occasions when his legs simply resigned in protest. Some even flicked coins at his recumbent form, but he just watched their spinning progress through the air towards him, listened to the tinkling chatter of their landing, and left them where they lay. Nobody seemed to care, even to realise, that he was dying.

Of this, even with a mind as dulled by torment as his, the itinerant wanderer has no doubt. His clenched jaw casts rigid lines of muscle on his head, but this is no act of defiance, rather an attempt to stop his teeth from clicking together in a symphony of percussion, and to suppress the insistent urge to release a devastating cough; he has no desire to witness once again the eruption of frothing blobs of blood-tinged mucus from his once healthy lungs—he understands their significance all too well. What concerns him now is not the possibility of salvation, or the staving off of his departure from life—to his mind, the concept of a void, a blank space of nothingness with no form of con-sciousness whatsoever, is quite an appealing one; it might not be warm, but it won't be cold either. His months spent homeless, eking out a degrading survival from reluctant, unrelenting streets, have not, it seems, been wasted. The hours spent squatting beneath ragged blankets in the corners of squalid railway stations, amid the accumulated filth of the day's commuters, attempting to reason through philosophical questions of eternal life despite the distraction of the booming nasal whine of the public address system, now come to the fore. With these in mind, and the inescap-able conclusions reached, the young man makes his stagger-ing, uncertain way up the gentle incline of the bridge.

At its zenith, his bony hands reach out and tremulously clasp the railings which separate him from the descent into the swirling, unseen waters below. Hoarse breath rasps through his gaping mouth, fire burns in his chest and limbs. In the glow of the stooping street light he seems poised and ready, a figure of desolation and despair, emaciated and fearsome, an apparition from a mythical netherworld. The descent of darkness is quickly followed by a thin evening mist, drifting in tendrils from the gushing river below to wind around the iron girders of the bridge and slice through the young man's inadequate clothing, chilling him to the marrow. His heart-beats reverberate in the vaults of his mind, perhaps in tiredness, perhaps in anticipation, and he turns slowly to gaze out one last time over the darkened stretch of water at the city, lit up with its customary sprinkling of fairy lights, which has been both his oppressor and his comforter. And as he does so, he sees, stunning in the halo of light beneath a street lamp, wrapped in a diaphanous gauze of mist, a girl of such perfection and beauty that, as seconds pass, tears of regret and joy spring to his eyes.

She stands with the poise and grace of a ballet dancer, the slim, tapering body encircled by a rich, velvet cloak of indescribable colour; as her upper body shifts, shimmering rainbow lines play across its surface, captivating in their fluidity and elegance. Her face is an evocation of a child-hood fairytale, a princess, desired throughout the land. Eyes that threaten to engulf the young vagrant in their lush depths, suggestive of innocence and a certain, enticing danger. And the crowning glory of a wondrous vision, the waves of her copper hair flash in the orange light, framing her pale face, and tumbling over thin shoulders. A creature of baffling, exotic beauty, she is an embodiment of luxury

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out of touch with the reflective finality of the young man's thoughts.

She speaks, her every word ringing with the clarity and charm of a miniature bell, and as she does so she raises a bare, ivory arm from within the confines of her cloak. Colours run like rivulets of rainwater off its fine surface, as she extends her perfectly formed hand towards him, palm upwards in a gesture of pleading and invitation.

"I have watched you. I know why you are here. Don't throw away your life. Come away. Come with me."

For a moment the pauper stares at the princess, bewitched by the seductive combination of her voice, her gesture and her promises. His mind fills with images of love and life, warmth and comfort, and he is almost overcome by the inexpressible yearning to stretch out his frost-bitten hand to clasp hers and to be whisked away to another world. But then, unbidden, the memories of sunlight at dawn above a sleeping city, seen through crystal tears, and at sunset, suffusing the horizon with a blend of golds, reds and pinks, intrude on any hope of rescue. He has seen, too many times, nature's capacity for beauty and perfection, and he knows what lies hidden behind its deceptive face: a world of suffering, cruelty and, worst of all, indifference. Beauty, like an exhaled breath, is mutable and transient,

an ethereal quality too easily lost, to leave behind only a fit of coughing. What began as a wistful smile on his face transforms into a snarl of rage, and the angry, bitter, resolute young man spins away from the proffered hand of friendship and salvation. All the emotions, resentment and personal torture stored up from a life of suffering and endurance are expressed in his final agonised shout, as he springs with an ultimate effort of mind and body towards and over the bars of the railing. He does not pause. He jumps.

On the opposite side of the bridge, the girl's outstretched hand drops limply to her side. The green orbs of her eyes glisten with tears as she lowers her lids and bows her head, strands of hair falling across her face without opposition. Finally, after an interminable passage of time in this pos-ition, she looks up once more at the spot where the mysterious stranger disappeared from her sight for ever, and she sees, resting almost casually on the top of the railing, a drooping, insipid, and yet strangely endearing white flower. Smiling through her tears, she leaves it where it came to rest, and walks from the crest of the bridge, from the glow of lamplight, into the darkness and the mist.

R . W . HUGHES 6 A q

The Promise It came as whisperings in the wood

And gentle chanting in the dale, A sword to cut the phosphor blade. It came like lightning o'er the shrubs, Like fire cooled in woe. And I would surely follow whither it would let me go, Clanging 'neath the Avon's tide, Asleep in Lambeth's dewy vale, Down Wessex plains, in ancient tales, within the secret

shells of snails

Picked with a silver key, we sail Along on promises.

A promise strung between the birds Of prophecies and pasts, And where to put our hopeful trust, As poets' food is words. The ivory spun gold heart rightly hears But otherwise the ear is more a hearse, With bold words without context, meaning, theme Which follow on to die, And are no words for man. A human youth should dine and joy and make life what

he can. The truth is that, when useless, art is at its best When nothing is left unresolved, that it must be

expressed. Alone in mirth's secluded woods poets weep and sigh, Embracing a deep substance found, one dark night in a

thousand miles: The moon slips from a cloud and smiles To mock our promises.

The Woman in Mourning I see her on cloudy days From my window, the woman in grey, Stepping down the path I see her back, wearing the weather's wrath, Or listening to the mouldering eaves In the quiet yard, the crowding leaves.

Her face was hidden, never seen, On hearing the wind, the whispering breeze She passes in mourning Through the silver trees in the crying morning To come back to the burning dusk Amidst the leaves, fragments of rust.

My will strides out there Where the pavement splashes bare, Praying in the air Where she sings soft, chanting the tunes of drear, Sobbing in pale-jewelled lust Amidst the leaves, fragments of dusk.

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The Invisible Few We come with the setting of the sun, The sleeping dead arisen, live and new. Staring up at the bronze lake of fire, the sky Painted by the drifting sun we cannot hold. Starry, night's velvet cloth descended to the East, While in the West the lost sight of a forge below horizons

lies And burns low, spraying the purple, wandering, ghost

clouds pink.

We come with the lights in the cities, Casting our speculative glances from the hills Then sweeping down through the dark, detached fern To the bedrock of the chain, the streets where cars pass, Shrouded wraiths in green eyes. Rain, if we're lucky,

stirring The gutters with the red, spilling neon along the walls; Watch the pale kids standing, perching on the stones in

rows.

Great minds preserved as well as words may be, Myself, I love the flight of birds, If they only would tolerate me, Caught between the chanting stars and the quiet, silver

sea.

I shall soon go into the green earth Have silence and gnawing for friends, And they will come and cry over my wooden body, Or they won't. Either way, I'll not be revived by tears,

No, nor prayers, say none for me, Better keep them for yourselves, locked up. Give me instead most medical men or the signs of lovers Or a pair of jaded eyes to see.

Ah—Hamlet's gone and hung himself, Swinging from a gibbet in the sky, Byron dreams beneath the sea, And Wordsworth steps with seagulls, wary.

And someone's sitting on the shore, Watch the damning tide come rolling in, And saying to himself again and again, "Oh, give me the power to walk on the sea."

The Human Dilemma There's a tale of the human dilemma, Whom all, Blake to Poe, have expounded, But the myth is a mortal delusion, And the song of a past paradise.

The snake or the tiger may tell you That all's bred on colossal chance, That the tooth and the claw are the only real law And the rest is a screen of romance.

But strip the flesh to the bone, Flakes of religion and shards of attraction. Mine the only eye, the only voice In this world of the void.

Remembrance is full of leaves for saints and sinners, Lovers pine away and die in tranquil dusks; Sunsets fade and darkness reigns And poetry, my shrunken tongue, belongs to daylight.

Realisation, a commanding voice Of the moon, luring breathless moths to their doom, And yet not the day: Whose speechless light is better cast than caught.

Should be the sun, the image of desertion; I have always found the moon kinder, More loving, softer and more fragrant, Than the heavy maids of day.

Didn't Poe keep a raven for company? Blake rode on a tiger into the jungle And never seen again, And Shelley was drowned in the drenching sea;

Natural Love Trapped upon some barren heath, That is where love lies, Lost, forlorn and fallen into crags, In ruin or despair, but beyond hope;

Bound in shackles by the rising sea That is where love is prisoner, Drowned in dark inevitability, A poor drenched wretch, pulled under;

Suspended between the stars and Earth, That is where love is broken, Torn in two by jealousy and fear, Snapped on the rock of courage;

But here, in the dark and brooding breast, Lies one true love; and longs for rest.

Retribution Swept seas run over the base of piers Into the emerald sea. Crashing down cometh the old clock tower Striking the notes out upon every hour And still does today, far beneath the clanging sea, Striking its gong, claiming it saves, While, obscured by the myriad, schools swim around.

E . I . STEELE 7 A q

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Soccer IstXI

P W D L F A 24 15 2 7 55 18

THERE is a saying that if you want something doing properly, do it yourself. This came to mind after sending two senior footballers, injured the previous night during a tour game in Holland, to the launderette to wash a predominantly white kit. To my surprise, whilst coaching set-pieces to the rest of the squad, one of the boys appeared sprinting across the field to tell me that the water was turning dark blue in the machine. Great! Not only had the new kit not arrived in time before leaving on tour, but now the only remaining shirts and shorts were going to look as if a class of nursery school children had been doing potato printing all over them with blue paint. "We did not know what to do" was the apologetic response of a certain Glen Wilkinson who had remained staring at the revolving catastrophe. Never mind about the comprehensive instructions in English that were posted on the wall directly above the washing machine! Remaining firmly philosophical I remembered our new kit waiting in England and that the 2nd XI would be wearing these! Things were very good overall, though. Team spirits were as bright and cheerful as the weather and, more importantly, we looked like a team that could score goals, Wilkinson making up for his earlier disaster by finishing the tour with six.

Our return proved once again that northern schools' defences are harder to break down. We struggled early on to find any type of consistency until a 4-0 defeat of Repton raised the morale of the team. This was followed by good wins against Handsworth GS (2-0) and a strong Liverpool Ramblers XI (1-0). The winter programme was to a large extent disrupted by the weather, including our defence of the Independent Schools 6-a-side tournament. That makes us holders for another year! The positive point of the season overall was the potential of a young side, with a large number returning for the coming season. Another highlight was the tremendous free-kick and long-range shooting ability of Paul Goodman who provided many a bright moment with some splendid efforts to entertain the spectator!

Finally, congratulations to Daniel Walmsley for representing the Independent Schools XI, and to James Livesey and Mark Esner who both represented the North-ern Schools U16 XI.

R . H . BRIERLY

2nd XI P W D L F A 19 7 5 7 45 30

The Venerable Clough has always maintained that he looks for the ability to control the ball and pass it accurately as the two essential qualities in a prospective Forest player. Since neither of these attributes was available to the Second XI management, it became all the more important to rely upon the infectious team spirit and genuine enthusiasm shown by a splendidly committed group of players. The antiseptic defensive discipline and coordina-tion of the Arsenal side was not for us; often defenders

required radar to pick up the men that they were supposed to be marking. The midfield tended to take up position where they ran out of breath, while the forwards were followers of the Lord Lucan school of availability.

Despite these handicaps, the Second XI (biorhythms permitting) played some exceptionally good and frequently exciting football. The defeat of Liverpool Ramblers must constitute one of the finest performances in Second XI history, a display which showed just how good we could be. Further excellent wins against Oldham, Handsworth and Chester, and matches excitingly drawn with powerful opposition such as Bolton, Burnley and Xaverian, indicate that there is much to look forward to next season, since few players will be leaving and some notable talent has yet to be promoted to the senior squad.

Herein, of course, lies the importance of the Second XI as a place to attune players to the demands of senior football. This year the balance between the need for serious competition and enjoyment seemed correct. Second XI football without a smile on its face would be a poor creature. The need to give as many players as possible the chance to perform regularly is also important, and the lack of a settled eleven from week to week can bring about the occasional poor result. On this theme, the squad was exemplary in its attendance at training, and players left out on a Saturday have shown great patience and good humour. To play for the Second XI has hopefully become an honour earnestly to be sought, and this is how it should be. All this has made the season a thoroughly enjoyable one for the management who would like to take this opportun-ity to thank all the players for the fun and entertainment that they have provided. Thanks go to Sutton (captain), Simpson, Done, Price, Hood, Livesey, Chapman, A. Wild, Roebuck, Esner, Stewart, O'Hare, Bradbury, Dodd, Venables, Hunter, Kadioglu, Dean, Purdue and Davenport.

B . S . EDWARDS

Under 15 P W D L F A 20 13 2 5 60 23

The statistics show a very successful year with a strong attacking team; what they conceal is the unusually large and competitive squad of players who made this such an enjoy-able season. It would have been possible to field two very competent sides every week, and so it is important that those who just failed to secure a regular position in the side realise that they may well have been responsible for prompting some of the excellent performances from those who did.

At one stage the team produced a run of seven success-ive victories, including 5-0s against Malvern and Repton and 5-1 against Shrewsbury. Other notable results were 4-3 against Bolton, a splendid 2-2 draw with our own Second XI, and a determined 1-0 victory over an awkward QEGS Blackburn team. The B team had their moment of glory too, overpowering the Under 14s and displaying the great depth of talent at this level.

Landes captained the side and always led by example, his buccaneering style producing many spectacular individual goals and making him top scorer for the season. Jacob, as vice-captain, secured the centre of defence, and Darlington had a marvellous season as sweeper. Marks

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missed several games through injury, and during this period Gowda deputised ably in goal, but Marks returned to reclaim his place and also managed to reach the national finals of the Peter Shilton goalkeeping competition. Many others made major contributions. Robins was tireless at right-back, and the mercurial talents of Gumbley and Knott dazzled one week and dissolved the next: they will all have a lot to offer senior MGS teams in years to come. Moore fought his way into the side towards the end of the season and had a superb game against the Second XI. Hill scored some exquisite goals, often as substitute (such was the competition for places), but it was Marland who in the end and after much deliberation was named Player of the Year: he showed an ability to read the game and, despite sometimes being rather isolated by his "supporting" players, always managed to produce intelligent, construc-tive passes which often led to goals.

The one major disappointment was losing 2-3 to a strong St Thomas Aquinas team in the Manchester Cup— especially as the winning goal seemed to come from nowhere in a moment of confusion with one minute of normal time remaining. It was rather reminiscent of the "They think it's all over... It is now!" of 1966. Still, we can always argue that we would have won in extra time.

We look forward to seeing many of this squad in future MGS First and Second teams.

S. F . ADAMS

Under 14 P W D L F A 21 13 3 5 67 32

If a team is to be judged by its response to adversity this season had some notable examples. The pre-season tour to Maastricht began with an unprecedented defeat on five foreign excursions. A reorganised defence and the acquisi-tion of a new forward on our return featured in the recovery from this shock with comfortable wins over two other Dutch teams, QEGS Blackburn and Oswestry. A 1-4 drubbing at St Bede's revealed defensive fragility in the midfield which changes of personnel and an emphasis on tackling in training only partly overcame for the rest of the season. After Parr's Wood and Oldham were beaten by the odd goal there followed an uneasy spell of eight games with wins over Repton, Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury and a hard-fought draw with Handsworth, punctuated by losses to Malvern, Burnley, Barlow (Manchester Cup) and King's Chester. A return to goal-scoring form by the forwards characterised an unbeaten run through the second term of two draws (Blackburn and Burnley) and six wins—Bolton (twice), Altrincham, Horwich, Parr's Wood and, most notably of all, the reversal of a heavy defeat at Chester.

Although a somewhat reluctant goalkeeper, Knowles improved to the point of making a number of telling saves in the second half of the season. The pick of the defence was undoubtedly Poyser, who could be relied upon to cover the mistakes of others. Rann, Sweeting and Stephens were generally competent but at times were lacking, respectively, in concentration, speed and decisiveness. On either side of the midfield Chilton and Nelson improved their crossing but shared a frustrating tendency to wander in and out of games. After some initial problems with stamina Salisbury

adjusted well enough to his move forward from defence to achieve the highest average on the management's weekly performance assessment. Easingwood began to fulfil the need for a tough tackier in the centre where Morris was also effective when he did not try to run too much with the ball. Cutler and Richards were useful cover when called upon. In spite of a mid-season lull, Geller worked to improve his control and was the leading goal-scorer (20), while Basger and Culshaw (in his first season) vied for the other forward spot as neither managed to achieve consistency.

W . J . HARDIMAN

Under 13 P W D L F A 18 11 2 5 66 38

A settled squad for most of the season ensured that a good understanding developed amongst the team, leading to some very impressive performances.

Fahmy and Stanford both improved greatly as goalkeepers throughout the season, sharing the number one shirt until Stanford's safe handling eventually earned him the regular place. Sanders and Gardner proved a formi-dable duo in the centre of the defence. At right-back, Sheridan was always the first to the ball when the opportun-ity arose and provided a calming influence at the back. Finch, however, whilst sound in defence, was always keen to help out in attack, especially on the left flank.

The captain, Twemlow, was superb in the centre of midfield, a real battler with great skill. Downs also showed great commitment and, though he only scored once, surely scored the goal of the season, a real sizzler from thirty yards. Darlington was strong and bustling on the left of midfield, poaching many goals from within the six-yard box, as well as some thunderbolts from outside the box to rival any Brazilian! Brown, new to the squad last year, settled in very well indeed, providing pace and support on the right-wing.

A "Little and Large" partnership up-front completed the squad. Williams was the nimble and skilful smaller partner, while Mellor was the taller and faster of the pair with a perfect eye for goal. The squad will certainly miss

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Mellor next year as he is to move from the Manchester area: he was the top goalscorer again this year with twenty-seven goals. Jameson was our regular "super-sub", full of energy and a great tackier. Other members of the squad who made valuable contributions were Kintish, Husdan, Syed, Hamer, Downes, Sullivan, Rich and Harrison.

A . MILNE

Under 12 P W D L F A 17 6 6 5 53 38

The 1990/91 Season, Part One: the date, Saturday November 3rd; the venue, Wolverhampton; the result, Wolverhampton GS 4 MGS 0; playing record to date, won 0, drawn 3, lost 5. Was it possible that an MGS team could go through a season without a win? This seemed a distinct possibility as Mssrs Howarth and Jones viewed the next five months with growing pessimism. Although there had only been one heavy defeat (St Bede's, 1-5) apart from the humiliation at Wolverhampton, the inability of the team to dispose of moderate opposition—in particular the first round exit from the cup at the hands of Trinity HS and the inexplicable way in which a 5-0 lead was surrendered against Handsworth so that at the end we were glad to get away with a 5-5 draw—there were certainly grounds for pessimism. However, at the end of the season we were able to agree with a well-known expert that "football's a funny old game"...

The 1990/91 Season, Part Two: the date, Saturday March 16th; the venue, Blackburn; the result, QEGS 2 MGS 7; playing record since "black Saturday" in Novem-ber, won 6, drawn 3, lost 0. In the last four games 25 goals were scored and 6 conceded, and in the victory over Blackburn the 1990/91 Babes played some of the best football I have seen from an MGS Under 12 team. The transformation was complete, and the squad can approach next season with confidence.

The change in fortunes in mid-season could be attributed to some extent to individuals (Seddon moving from central defence to mid-field, Dhir being persuaded that he is most effective as a striker, Lomas adding strength and stability to the centre of defence, and Price filling the goal-keeping spot with growing confidence), but there is no doubt that the team as a whole eventually learned that individual skills have to be subordinated to the good of the team and that a simple passing game, in which everyone gives of his best, will bring rewards. Top scorers were Dhir (23) and Read (14), both of whom performed particularly well against Blackburn in the final game. Read was ever-present, as were the two full-backs, Marsland and Under-wood, who both had excellent seasons. However, the player of the season was undoubtedly Seddon who captained the side and was tireless in his efforts to inspire his team. He fully deserved the success that eventually came the team's way. Other regulars were Kieboom, Rudman, Louden, Price, Lomas and Davies.

The B team played five games this year, winning two, drawing two and losing only one. There were certainly enough players of a decent standard this year to run a regular B team.

D . C . K . JONES

Rugby FIFTEEN YEARS ago I was running the Swimming Club and watching the results of the Rugby Club with dismay as they won just 20 of their 111 games in total, with the Under 12s contributing to this record by conceding over 400 points as they failed to win in 15 attempts. I was Master in Charge of Rugby in 1984-85 and things looked no better as the first team could win just one game in an extraordinary season. What made it so extraordinary was that just six years ago, when Mr. Davies had his rugby involvement curtailed by a dreadful climbing accident, there were just seven men to run all the squads. (It is perhaps appropriate here to remember Mr. Davies' contributions to MGS Rugby as he moves on to fresh challenges. For many seasons he ran the 1st XV on his own and tried to breathe some life into a rather frail and ailing body of rugby, with his inimitable, innovative and intense style.) Of those seven men in 1984-85, just two are still active in coaching.

Having just finished a season in charge once more, how different things are. We have thirteen coaches, every one not only enthusiastic but skilled. This clearly allowed the Club to progress, not least in being able to offer a full fixture list at Under 16 level. I have always been sceptical of judging a club by results, but the 76 wins in 107 games reflect not only improved efficiency, but a massive improvement in standards of play. Five awards were made at a very successful Club Dinner attended by over one hundred boys, Staff, parents and Old Boys. As their "Players of the Year" the coaches chose Andrew Sankey and Stephen Kirkpatrick at Senior and Under 16 levels respectively. The correspond-ing "Players' Players" were voted to be Daniel Wyatt and Robert Brigham. The Club awards the Eldridge Trophy each season to the team which has brought most credit to MGS Rugby, and that I could award the trophy to the Under 16s, ignoring the massive claims of the all-conquer-ing Under 13s and the stylish and successful Under 14s, speaks volumes for the way the Club has progressed in just six seasons.

R . ALDERSON

1st XV P W D L F A 18 9 1 8 240 186

This year's 1st XV marked a beginning and an end. In times past many great players have passed through the School, but great individuals rather than teams seem promi-nent. This year's 1st XV undoubtedly had some outstanding individuals, for example Leo Rossiter and John Wilson, but it will be remembered by staff, players and opponents alike as a team, and a good one at that. The enduring quality in all the players was the willingness to sacrifice themselves for the benefit of the team. These vicarious acts of suffering will make each player unable to forget the others in future years. Success or disappointment, the team was one body, each sharing the other's emotion.

This cohesiveness in the side was surely due to the strong presence of seventh-year boys who, for several matches, made up thirteen of the fifteen players, many having played and practised together for their whole seven-year career at

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School. A few were lost on the way, but the same faces appeared for training sessions each year. The tactics, tried and tested over a period of four years, and by now quite infamous, consisted of "Forward Domination", which for those unfamiliar with the "man's game" means a bruising, hard, slow war of attrition, sapping the strength of the opposition, demoralising them, and if all has gone to plan, crushing them like a frustrated student with a sheet of paper. Unspectacular and lacking in flamboyance perhaps, the side had nevertheless a sense of style, which came with experience and good technique. The flair of fifteen-man running rugby as played by last year's second team, and at times by the 1st XV this season in the games against Bristol, Poynton and to a lesser extent Liverpool College, while enjoyable to play, proved only possible against fairly weak sides. Our tactics had evolved, and despite in-built diffi-culties, the length of time taken to score a try, and the vulnerability against a strong opposition kicker, on only two occasions during the season could it be said that the other side deserved to win. Those games were against Bradford, which was much closer than the scoreline would suggest (34 points to 19), and our second game against Lymm High School (17-6).

The first encounter with Lymm was definitely our closest match of the season, the game being settled with two penalty goals, one for either side. Notable among our nine victories were the matches against William Hulme's and Kirkham, and against King Edward's Lytham who were only defeated by MGS in their season. Much of the credit for our successes must go to the staff and the Friday strategy meetings—long may they continue. Although next year's 1st XV will have relatively little top grade experience, they have benefited from practising against an outgoing side of vast experience, and under the captaincy of Simon Byrne and the guidance of Messrs Humpage and Lashbrook, T am certain that they will be a successful team.

The outgoing players are: Sankey, Worrall, Haeney, Wyatt, Smith (A.), Hinchliffe, White, Chapman, Hopwood, Brennan, Wood, Waite, Ballantyne, Grimshaw, Smith (D.), Eldridge, Walkden and Good.

D . J . WYATT ( 7 A q )

2nd XV P W L F A 16 12 4 356 191

After a valuable trial match against a strong Bristol HS side which ended in a thrilling 26-26 draw, the campaign proper began propitiously with two relatively easy wins against St Edward's Liverpool and St Bede's, the latter being a particularly destructive victory. The next three wins against Stockport, Lymm and Wirral were much more hard fought but all the more satisfying for that. Hopes were thus high for the visit to King's Macclesfield. However, the combination of a lacklustre and at times tactically naive MGS side and a ruthlessly efficient King's performance resulted in heavy defeat. This was the sort of experience which might have critically demoralised a lesser side. Yet such has been the spirit in the team that it bounced back immediately to achieve an outstanding and memorable 17-8 victory over Bradford GS. In fact, the performance of MGS sides across the board in this fixture could well be viewed as a landmark in the Club's remarkable progress over recent years.

Defeat in a return game at Wirral HS was, perhaps, an aberration, the match being an untidy and ill-disciplined affair played in a swirling gale. However, it was a useful reminder of the need to be flexible and, if necessary, pragmatic if the situation dictated. The final four matches of the Michaelmas Term resulted in straight wins, that against Liverpool College (16-4) being the most coveted and that against St Anselm's (15-14) the most frustrating but ultimately most exciting with Davies slotting over a penalty with the last kick of the game.

The Lent Term fixture list is, of course, always formi-dable. However, the side got off to an excellent start with a 22-0 victory over Lytham and this was followed by an emphatic 38-8 win over Kirkham. This success was particu-larly sweet in the context of the corresponding game last season. The match against Leeds GS was a close, hard-fought affair with MGS ultimately going down 18-12. The final game at Lancaster took place in icy conditions, and uncertainty as to whether the match was going to be played may have contributed to the highly uncharacteristic lack of determination displayed by some of the players and the resulting 52-0 defeat. Lancaster were, however, superb and showed the depth of talent which MGS, as a soccer as well as a rugby school, is unlikely ever to achieve.

As was the case in the last two years, the Second XV were an enjoyable, exciting and at times exhilarating side to watch and to work with and who provided immense enjoy-ment both to their many loyal supporters and, I know, to themselves. Thanks should go particularly to the many Under 16 boys who performed with great credit and courage when called upon. It always seems to me invidious to single out individuals, but special mention should be made of Matthew Good for his exemplary sense of fair play, commitment and leadership. The particular memories I shall treasure will be some of the glorious sweeping tries scored far out on the wing, and Ward's bullocking charges, scattering the opposition pack in his wake. Inspirational indeed!

N . WARRACK

Under 16 P W D L F A 13 7 1 5 211 169

Without doubt this season has been the most enjoyable that this squad has had at MGS, and although the statistics do not look as impressive as they have done in previous years, nevertheless the season has included many good results both for individuals and the team as a whole.

The year began in typical fashion with convincing victories over St Edward's Liverpool (26-6) and St Bede's (32-4). Sadly, however, our next match against Stockport saw the first defeat of the season. Even from this loss, however, a valuable lesson was learnt: "Enjoying the game is more important than the result." This idea was therefore applied for the rest of the season and resulted in the team playing the remaining matches without worrying about having to win. Consequently we played better rugby as the nervous tension was removed from our minds. Two notable victories later in the season were against Wirral (16-8) and Liverpool College (28-14). Also, while on a weekend trip to Cumbria, we had an easy victory over a good side from St Bee's (36-4). This score was achieved after we played the

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best rugby of our school career, full of flair, skill and commitment, which resulted in over six tries being scored by the wingers.

At the end of the season we were invited to three seven-a-side tournaments. We were unlucky not to win, having played well in all three, and looking one of the best teams at each. Our selection as Lancashire representatives in the All England Schools competition in London was very gratify-ing, and shows that MGS is starting to be recognised as one of the top rugby schools in the north. Finally, congratula-tions must go to Richard Green, who was selected for the Lancashire Under 16 squad, and also to the whole team which received the Eldridge Trophy as the Team of the Year.

L . GROSS ( 5 S )

Lancaster responded as we had expected, pulling back the deficit to only five points. With Lancaster needing only a try and a conversion to win, the pressure on both teams was tremendous. MGS's victory was secured in the dying minutes by a firm tackle by the full-back after the Lancaster winger had broken through.

In the Sevens tournaments, which started as something of an anticlimax, the A team reached the semi-finals in the Ellesmere competition and the quarter-finals at Sale. However, runners-up medals were won in the Wilmslow tournament.

O . G . HAENEY ( 4 N )

Under 15 P W D L 17 14 0 3

The Under 15s again had a successful season. Most of the time we played strong, exciting rugby, yet the season was filled with hiccups when the team failed to produce the performance that was expected.

We started well, notching fifty points against a large St Edward's Liverpool side that always looked capable of winning and scoring twenty points in reply. MGS won the next few matches comprehensively against weak opposi-tion. King's School Macclesfield, however, brought us to a halt, playing good rugby while we played well below par, and winning easily. At this stage the team went through a shaky patch, only winning narrowly against weak teams. The fixture against Bradford GS has always produced a close game, and this year was no exception: we played very well, only to be narrowly defeated by an excellent team. The Under 15s never really settled before Christmas, varying between excellent performances and poor ones. One example was against Liverpool College whom we had beaten in previous seasons but this time we lost by two tries to nil. In complete contrast to this was the performance against a strong Wirral team, when the MGS XV were twenty points to nil in front before half-time and looked unstoppable. However, the team then relaxed, allowing Wirral to score twice, before victory was secured for MGS in the closing minutes.

After Christmas it was a different story. The team played and practised well, opening 1991 with a comfortable win over old rivals Lytham, followed by a forty-points win against Kirkham. The best performance up till then was undoubtedly against Leeds, when the forwards dominated a bigger pack and allowed the backs to run freely. RGS Lancaster, however, was an altogether different affair. Having never won against this small but skilful team, the Under 15s were determined to win on a muddy pitch coated with snow. The match was as difficult as expected and there was stale-mate until half-time, with the play ranging from one end of the field to the other, both teams having their fair share of attacking and defending. The second half began in similar fashion with MGS attacking the Lancaster line. For once, however, the opposition tackling crumbled under the relentless pressure of our forwards and backs, which resulted in Sadler going over in the corner. MGS never relented, and another try was soon added by Petecki.

Under 14 P W D L F A 18 16 1 1 561 117

This was a highly successful season. The results speak for themselves, but a rugby team's success should not always be judged on results alone. The key words are style and flair, and this team had these qualities in abundance. They also had determination, heart and trust. Their orders were: no kicking unless within ten metres of your own line. This team stuck to those orders no matter what the situa-tion and no matter how much pressure came from the touch-line. It resulted in many memorable performances and some superb long-distance tries. The highlights of the season were many, in particular the defeat of Bradford GS (10-0) where we defended for most of the second half against a team which had never lost a school match. RGS Lancaster (26-14) was another hard-fought and worthy win.

While emphasising the work and commitment of the whole squad, it would be wrong to omit any mention of outstanding individuals within the team. Apps matured enormously: we already knew he was a very quick hooker, but he also became an excellent captain. Anderton played a key role as play-maker at fly-half, and much credit for our style of play must go to him. Turner was outstanding at full-back: each time the opposition chose to kick the ball to him there was a real sense of anticipation from the team and the spectators as he decided on his next move. These are but three, but all played their part in this season's fine results. However, if there is one thing I hope they remember from the 1990/91 season, it is what Dr. Yates and I set out to instil into them last September, namely, that rugby is a game to be enjoyed. I trust they enjoyed themselves last season.

C . R . SEELEY

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Under 13 P W L F A 15 15 0 456 50

An unbeaten season is always a considerable triumph, yet what was especially pleasing about the Under 13s' performance this year was the way the players achieved it. Straightforward fifteen-man rugby with forwards dominat-ing the tight and loose; efficient half-backs regularly feeding the ball to skilful backs; fast wingers scoring tries: this was the simple pattern to which the team adhered. The fact that the wingers, Stark and Arrowsmith, scored over forty tries between them shows how successful this policy was. Defen-sively, too, the team performed extraordinarily well: the boys simply did not like conceding tries and only one team (Leeds) succeeded in scoring more than one against them.

Interestingly, at first neither Mr. Chicken nor I was particularly impressed by the squad, but with early injuries to Gardiner, Arrowsmith and Ives and the late arrival of Rigby from Monmouth and Wormleighton from swimming (all of whom were subsequently to play important roles in the team), our lack of admiration was hardly surprising. Then, in the space of a week in October, the team beat King's Macclesfield and Bradford GS, the former with a brilliant display of attacking rugby, the latter in a battle of

attrition against a larger side on a small pitch. Having demonstrated their adaptability, the boys

became adept at realising what was required in each fixture, and success followed success. While the purpose of this report is not to give a diary account of each match, I will briefly mention the last game, against RGS Lancaster, which gave us all particular pleasure. A prolonged, stressful journey caused by the failure of a bus to appear, a snow-covered pitch on a considerable slope, and the unspoken, but nevertheless present, pressure of an unbeaten record, all failed to prevent a tremendously determined effort by MGS, who made the most of their rare chances to win 10-3. The team completed their successful campaign by winning the gruelling King's Macclesfield fifteen-a-side competition, beating five other teams in one afternoon.

Any unbeaten side automatically becomes the team to defeat in the following season, and I am sure the boys will welcome this added pressure next year. Like their immedi-ate predecessors they possess great potential which will ensure success for MGS rugby in future years. Our thanks go to Gardiner and Knowlson, captain and scrum leader respectively, and to the loyal band of parents who sup-ported the team wherever they played.

R . A . H . DEAN

Under 1 3 XV Photo: J. Cline

Back row, left to right: Arrowsmith, Stoker, Ives, Stark, RAHD Middle row: Chan, Swales, Brown, Rigby, Wilson, Wormleighton Front row: Lomax, Vickers, Marmot, Knowlson, Gardiner, Rose,

Champlin, O'Loughl in

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Under 12 P W L F A 13 5 8 111 191

A cursory glance at the results suggests a rather mediocre season. It is true that the team did not dominate their opposition as recent Under 12s have, but there were still many signs of another potentially good team. There was a large squad with attendances almost invariably exceeding thirty at practices and a record thirty-three boys were selected for the A team. This had the effect of producing a large core of competent players, but also meant that the best team was not discovered until very late in the season. Many combinations were tried and the benefits of positional and personnel changes will be evident in future seasons. Initially, the forwards were very sound at the set pieces but lacked mobility, though late in the season the pack showed a much better balance. The backs handled well and proved sound in defence, but they lacked real pen-etration. Once again the back line operating at the end of the season looked a much more promising combination.

The season was perhaps epitomised by the game at Leeds GS where a strong opposition ran riot on a hard ground to lead 30-0 at half-time. With no change in the opposition approach early in the second half prospects were not good, but MGS scored a good converted try and conceded only one try to win the second half 6-4. This reflects the inconsistency of the team, their vulnerability to more advanced sides on the one hand, and their character and potential ability on the other. Undoubtedly the squad contains several gifted players who have not yet revealed their true potential, and many of the support players were improving rapidly in the second half of the season. There are also several players who attended only a few practices who may well prove a force next season. With competition for places increasing, the standards are sure to rise and individual and team performances next season may surprise those who feel this is a relatively weak year.

R . ALDERSON

K.B. in action

Cross Country P W L

Under 12 27 18 9 Under 13 3 2 1 Under 14 22 13 9 Under 16 12 6 6 Seniors 8 3 5

72 42 30

Open Age 76 46 30

MR. BOOTH always says the Club's success rate never goes below 50%. We came close this year with 58%, the closest it has been for some time. The record belies a strong club on paper. We had very good runners in all age groups and, for the most part, large teams, but if only people had realised that individuals make the team then maybe runners would not have been missing who meant the difference between a win and a defeat.

Under 12 They are most notably a small team: not merely are they

diminutive, but there has not been a flood of eager "sprogs" into the Club. However, there was a strong core all season led by Tuckett with Chui and Wilson chasing at his heels. Stockfis had been regular fourth counter but was rivalled by Bisson-Foster who joined at Christmas. With die-hards Coupe and Sterling they did best in races with few counters needed, notably in the Stockport League victory. Tuckett could see glittering success, having already tasted the Greater Manchester Championships albeit from the back, unless his always bandaged knee proves his undoing.

Under 13 In marked contrast to the Under 12s this group

represents the biggest team in the Club and are always at training, rather like their captain and vice-captain. After Hanson recovered from an unfortunate craving for rugby he was replaced as leader of the team by Witton who had an outstanding run in the Greater Manchester Champion-ships. Hukins and T. Highfield were vying for the next two places until Highfield broke his arm, when Bayly stole his place. The names roll on, with Laws, Lowe, J. Highfield, Wheeler, Izod, and Yates who missed only one training session all year.

Under 14 There is always an age group which has the monopoly

on noise. With staunch football supporters in their midst coach journeys were a nightmare. If only their enthusiasm could have been transferred from the pitch to the race! The unkempt Sykes stood alone at the head of this pack, and usually Under 13s filled the gap between him and the next best, Wallis. Unless, of course, Hall or Moore had unexpec-tedly good runs, which happened only rarely. Even if Neal and Tattersall could not stay the pace they showed much dedication which was absent from other members.

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Under 16 This team made the best start to the season, but it was

inevitable that performance would decline as some were called away on Open Team duty. G. Mitchell showed superb form with many wins, in particular against Brad-ford. He was also joint winner of the Stockport League. His only bad race was at the Greater Manchester Champion-ships where he lost the chance to make the English Schools' team. Morris was hard pressed to stay in Mitchell's tracks, while Gartside, C. Mitchell and Bonner had their own battle for third place. Cook, Wheeler, Blain and Babington made up the rest of the team.

Seniors Although they lost more matches than they won, the

Seniors had a big team on paper. Led by captain Stephen Waite (who ended the School's long absence from the English Schools') and vice-captain David Gilpin (the organiser of Mr. Booth's fiftieth birthday celebrations), they lost Charles Whitworth through injury while sixth-form pressures took their toll on Indranil Ghosh, Peter Sherratt and Lawrence McDonald. Therefore Tim Quinlan and Jonathan Hoath were depended upon while Stuart Sullivan, Matthew Birchwood and John Savery were needed for extra support. The team were rewarded when four runners reached the Greater Manchesters', continuing the School's dominance over the Manchester team.

Open Team The "big three" were Stephen Waite, David Gilpin and

Grant Mitchell. The other places were a jackpot with Tim Quinlan and Matthew Morris usually chosen next, but Jonathan Hoath, Carl Mitchell and Peter Bonner also got a chance. The best result was the customary second place to Bradford at the Leeds Relay with the familiar sports vouchers as prizes.

S. P . WAITE ( 7 M m )

The Gatley GATLEY DAY 1991 dawned, for once, bright and clear, but due to heavy rain earlier in the week the races had to be run on the wet weather courses for the third time in four years. Shortly before ten o'clock the Gatley, rightfully restored to its proper place on the last day of term, was underway. Chui was the day's first winner, beating Wilson by five seconds in the closest race of the day, the two of them having run round together for most of the way. Tuckett, still recovering from persistent knee trouble, finished third. With good support from Bisson-Foster, Chui and Tuckett led IB to victory over 1W. Witton of 2B took the individual second-

year race from Hanson of 2J, but Hanson gained revenge, with help from Quigley (fourth) and Brown (ninth), in leading his form to victory by the narrowest of margins, the rarely-used last counter rule, with both 2J and 2B finishing on 68 points.

The third-form race was won comfortably, as expected, by Sykes, 43 seconds ahead of Thorp. Also as expected, 3H took the team title with Sykes followed by Hall (fifth) and Steady (sixth). In the fourth-year race, Bonner continued his run of good form, winning from Mitchell (second) and Adams and de Massey who came in together in third place. Excellent packing by 4K with Adams, Dummer (fifth), Piatt (seventh) and McMurtrie (ninth) gave them the team vic-tory with the lowest score of the day. The result of the fifth-form race was a repeat of last year's event, with M. Morris of 5S winning from Green and team-mate Gartside. However, 5S could not continue this good start, and the team event was won by 5P, led home by S. Morris in fourth place.

The senior race, with the usual mix of serious athletes and fun runners, was won, as expected, by Waite, who shook off the strong challenge of Old Mancunian Hughes. Mr. Booth led the Staff in eighth place, but the major upset of the day was that, for the first time since the reorganisa-tion of the race in 1982, the Common Room failed to win, even after a spurious challenge from 7Mx had been exposed. 6Mb, with Mitchell (third), Standing (eleventh) and Sullivan (twelfth), won a handsome victory, even getting all three counters in before form-master Mr. Adams finished in thirteenth place. The only other teams to finish were 6Ba, 7Bm and 6Au.

G . R . J . MITCHELL ( 6 M b )

Hockey THE DEVELOPMENT of hockey throughout the School over the past few years has allowed the game to become available to many more boys, and hockey at MGS is thriving. The introduction of Lower School hockey practices emphasised the fact that hockey is indeed a popular sport as thirty or more twelve- and thirteen-year-olds invaded the DPA armed with trusty sticks and a new-found enthusiasm. This careful nurturing of young talent by Miss Sargeant will hopefully see that the senior teams will be supplied with new and rising stars. The development of the Under 16, 2nd and 1st teams has been under the watchful eyes of Mr. Jeys and Mr. Shoard, with constant assistance from Dr. Thompson. Practices have taken place weekly on the Armitage Centre astro-turf with fitness training at lunchtimes in the gymnasium. But despite all this hard and tireless effort, success is judged by results!

1990 saw MGS beat the mighty Sandbach School at two levels this year. The first team won 1-0 at home, inflicting Sandbach's first defeat of the year. The Under 16s however stole the limelight by beating Sandbach 8-0 away. Another excellent result was the victory over Xaverian College (again, their first defeat of the season). It will be left to next year's team to avenge defeats by Bolton School, Merchant Taylors' and North Cestrian. With the increased effort of the School and the ever growing enthusiasm of the boys, the future of MGS hockey looks bright.

A . M A C K I N N O N ( 7 B n )

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Swimming Club FOR THE second year in succession Hassan Soltani (Captain) and James Haeney (Secretary) shared office in controlling the Swimming Club's affairs and in so doing proved yet again that they are a most successful combination when it comes to getting the best out of the MGS "model". With a record of played 14, won 14, we went one better than last year when we lost only once, to Hulme Grammar School, Oldham. This season we managed to pull off a clean sweep of victories in all our traditional one-to-one school fixtures, including Merchant Taylors', Blue Coat Liverpool, Cheadle Hulme, Bolton, Bury and Hulme GS Oldham. As this is only the second time that we have achieved this status in the last thirty years, the officers can be immensely proud.

Having said that, it would be grossly unfair to both William Brownlee and Richard Harrison not to acknow-ledge their splendid efforts throughout the year, particularly at mid-week training meetings and home matches, and as William will be the only survivor from this notable quartet, it seems appropriate that he should take over the mantle of Club Captain next season. Nick Gartside, as yet the more refined of this aquatic family duo, has been appointed to act as his "aide-de-camp".

The new intake this year was not quite as strong as it has been in the past, and Mr. Thorpe has been given a very polite reminder as to where we think his responsibilities should lie when it comes to selection and entry into MGS. When there are no Soltanis, Haeneys, Ruddicks, Byrnes or Gartsides in the MGS pipeline, one does tend to worry about the long-term effect that this will have on the Club's future. That is not intended to take any of the gloss away from Poole, Mather, Hunter or Cowcill, all of whom have swum to a high standard, but if they are to go that one step further, and achieve the Ruddick/Gartside levels of per-formance, they will have to show a much greater commit-ment, particularly to mid-week training sessions.

Elsewhere, the efforts of James, Wormleighton, Astle, Stoker, Robinson, Quigley and D. Jones in the second year, together with Billington, Abushal, S. P. Jones, Devine, and Basu in the third year, have all been highly commendable. Both in school matches, and when competing individually at the swimming sports, most have adopted the right attitude and achieved good results! However, wherever you have a large number of club members it takes something more than natural talent to keep the spirit and interest alive, and in that respect I feel that we owe a great deal to the likes of Petecki, McMurtrie and Baker, who have always been available when called upon. Of course there are many more one could mention, not the least of whom are those in the fifth year who unfortunately miss out due to the omission of their age-group from match regulations. That only the very best are able to move up and compete with our open-age swimmers is not so much a criticism of our fifth-year ability, but rather an acknowledgement of our strength in depth in the senior squad!

This year full colours have been awarded to S. G. Ruddick and re-awarded to H. Soltani and J. A. Haeney. Half colours were awarded to S. A. Baker, M. B. Gartside and N. J. Gartside and re-awarded to R. K. Harrison, W. J. Brownlee and H. M. Venables.

Since the arrival in School of Dr. Yates, activities in the pool have become more varied and frequent as gradually he attempted to expand our interests in other directions and bring his considerable influence and expertise to bear on all those interested in either water-polo or life-saving, or both! Boys who previously may not have made the swimming team are now taking a regular part in inter-school polo matches, where their success has perhaps unwittingly had a very positive effect on both the morale and fitness of those in the swimming team. To their high degree of skill, there has now been added an even keener sense of competitive-ness, and at all levels that healthy sign of greater participa-tion is clearly visible.

This increased activity has brought with it attractive polo matches against schools and clubs with whom we would normally not compete (Bedford, Cheltenham Col-lege, Dean Close, Bristol, Royton, and Stretford), and through these channels further invitations have led to straightforward swimming fixtures, of which the hexagonal match at Blackburn, and the "Bath Cup" at Crystal Palace, were probably the most notable. Matches have been played in most age groups, and although we are still clearly feeling our way forward we have had one quite notable success when our Under 14 team managed to get through to the last sixteen of the All England Schools Championships.

All in all it has been an excellent season, and I would particularly like to thank Dr. Yates for opening up our horizons and devoting so much of his time, the Officers for their unstinting support and loyalty, and the Fourth Year Swimming team for repeatedly setting the standard and showing us the way. Appropriately, Owen Haeney, the club's most improved swimmer, is in this group, but they are all to be congratulated. To those moving on to fresh pastures, we wish them well, and trust they will continue to enjoy their sport, whatever it might be.

A . WELSBY

53

Squash i CONFESS to feeling a lot happier about the future of squash at MGS than I did when I wrote last year's report. This optimism arises partly from the strength of our 1st team, but only partly. (After all, the quality of the 1st team is not always a true indication of the health of a sport at grass-roots level.) The real grounds for optimism are to be found with the juniors and the excellent coaching sessions being run for them by Old Mancunian Colin Petch. This relatively recent development should ensure a return to the "strength in depth" of which we were once so justifiably proud.

I need hardly add that the 1st team acquitted themselves superbly, yet again. Had it not been for our defeat against Hulme GS Oldham (our sole defeat of the season), we would most probably have progressed to the final stages of the National Schools' Competition.

This year we lose our captain and number one, Alan MacKinnon. As well as being one of the best three players in the MGS 1st team in the last twelve years, Alan has exhibited a level of sportsmanship and a freedom from arrogance and complacency which our younger players will do well to emulate. Rajesh Sathiyaseelan will have his second spell as captain, his first as number one. Below him are two fairly seasoned campaigners (Roger Wilcock and Richard Ballantyne) who need to attain full fitness, and below them some exceptional, if rather raw, talent. An intriguing season lies ahead.

G . CHANDLER

Badminton THE SENIOR team had a successful season, finishing as runners-up in the Manchester Schools League. They played some good opposition, including Xaverian College, Cheadle Hulme, Loreto, Burnage and Hyde, winning seven matches and losing only two, both away games. Richard Azoulay did a first-class job as captain, leading his team to some fine victories. Kunal Hinduja will captain next season's team. In the Manchester Schools Under 19 Individual Knockout Tournament at Xaverian in January, Azoulay won the singles title and both he and Vippen Gill came close to victory in the doubles. The Under 14s did extremely well at Ducie High School in February where Sharp convincingly won the singles title. He then went on to win the doubles with Boyes. Astle played well to reach the singles semi-finals. The Under 12s had their own competi-tion at Ducie in March, and although there were no successes in the doubles, Ghatan finished as runner-up in the singles. Mostofi also played well in reaching the semi-finals. The club played several friendly matches, four against Cheadle Hulme and one against Burnage. The Under 14s were the most active, competing in all five fixtures. My sincere thanks, in my first year in charge of badminton, go to all the staff who contributed their time and effort to make the sport such a success, and to all the boys for their enthusiastic support.

C . J . O W E N

Golf i MAY be wrong, but as far as I can detect, MGS secured another significant achievement on the afternoon of Sunday June 9th this year: they played in their first official golf fixture since 1515.

After a series of preliminary meetings it became clear that there is a good deal of golfing talent and interest at MGS. In the hope of arranging some competitive golf I approached a number of junior organisers at local clubs and we were sufficiently fortunate to be offered fixtures at both Didsbury and Wilmslow Golf Clubs. On both of these occasions a team of ten enjoyed superbly presented courses and overwhelming hospitality. Indeed, it is now very likely that MGSGS will be fielding teams of ten against the junior sections of these two clubs on an annual basis and will be competing for a cup the next time they play against the Wilmslow Juniors. Mark Unwin, playing off a handicap of eleven, has already displayed aptitude and tact, and I cannot help but feel that the prospects of the Society are very good under his captaincy.

The greatest problem that faces the sport of golf at school level is the difficulty of finding a course on which to practise. We have been very fortunate in that Cranford Driving Range at Heaton Moor has offered our Society reduced rates. This facility, coupled with careful use of the school video recorder, has enabled a number of boys to effect improvement to their swings. My ambition is to increase the number of fixtures which the Society plays— hopefully to the extent where it would make sense to issue an official fixture card. Clearly the Summer Term is likely to offer the better golfing weather but September and October possess the advantage of being outside the main examina-tion period. To this extent MGSGS will be fielding a team against Eton College, Charterhouse and Ellesmere College at the start of the new academic year.

Andrew Sankey, a leaver this year, has kindly offered to organise and administer an Old Mancunian Golf Society. If you are interested in participating in this Society then please write to him at this address:

The Old Mancunian Golfing Society, c/o Mr. Andrew Sankey, 10 Portland Road, Bowdon, Cheshire, WA14 2PA. Tel 061-928-0509.

Results V Didsbury Golf Club Junior Section Won 3-2 V Wilmslow Golf Club Junior Section Won 6J-3 |

G . E . SEEL

54

Swimming and Waterpolo teams Photo: M. Hoffman

Cross Country Club Front row, left to right: J. Hoath, D. Gilpin, S. Waite (Capt),

C. Whitworth, G. Mitchell

55

Cricket IstXI

P W D L 19 2 13 4

AVERAGES

Batting (Qualification 100 runs) Innings Not Out Highest Score Runs Average

L. J. Marland 17 3 100* 618 44.14 S. M. Hogg 14 4 56* 342 34.20 C. M. Gresty 18 2 91* 430 26.88 C. F. Sinton 17 3 46 271 19.36 S. J. O'Hare 11 4 25* 125 17.86 P. D. Knott 16 5 58 193 17.55 G. J. Wilkinson 17 1 47* 246 15.38

Bowling (Qualification 10 wickets) Overs Maidens Runs Wickets Average

J. R. Wickins 204.1 59 559 27 20.07 P. N. Stanyard 231.3 72 592 28 21.14 P. J. Galvin 168.4 47 459 15 30.60 C. F. Sinton 226.0 49 765 22 34.77

Although the playing record is, by the standards of recent years, rather disappointing, there were many encour-aging signs in this season's cricket. The side was very young and they will have gained much experience from playing at this level. The weather in the second half of term was poor and many matches were rain affected. In truth, neither the batting nor the bowling was strong enough to win 1st XI games. Nevertheless, there were some good individual per-formances. Lee Marland, still only an Under 15, is the most talented and technically correct batsman: his tally of runs included a fine maiden century against Leeds and an unbeaten 93 against Rossall. Chris Gresty, the captain, scored four half centuries, but his tendency to hit the ball in the air always gave the bowlers a chance. Lack of con-sistency was also the feature of the batting of Glen Wilkin-son and Charles Sinton who usually occupied top-order batting places: disappointingly, neither scored a half-

century in a season when slightly more was required from them. Simon Hogg proved the most reliable middle-order batsman, using his experience to rescue the side on many occasions. The progress of Philip Knott, another Under 15, both as wicket-keeper and batsman, was especially pleasing. With the confidence of playing at this level he improved in both areas—his 58 against Lytham was, in the context of the game, probably the best innings of the season. Oppor-tunities for Steven O'Hare were rather limited, but he often contributed useful runs towards the end of the innings.

The bowling took longer to sort out but by the end of the season proved more reliable than the batting. Jonathan Wickins proved the find of the season, with his accurate opening bowling improving all the time and resulting in five-wicket returns in the matches against Lytham and Leeds towards the end of the season. Paul Galvin emerged as the other opening bowler; his inswing became increas-ingly effective, and his best performance (6-32 against Bangor GS Northern Ireland) set up the win. The slow bowling came from off-spinner Peter Stanyard and leg-spinner Charles Sinton, both of whom bowled well without ever threatening to run through sides. Peter bowls with good control, and few opposition batsmen were able to dominate his bowling. He took 5-64 in the end of term tour match against Durham School (his best figures).

Robert Davey and Steven Baker shared the scoring duties: their value to the team is rarely praised but much appreciated. The side will be young again next year and much work needs to be done by the players concerned to develop the potential shown this year.

Full Colours Re-awarded: C. F. Sinton Full Colours: C. M. Gresty, S. M. Hogg, L. J. Marland, J. R. Wickins Half Colours: P. J. Galvin, P. D. Knott, S. J. O'Hare, P. N. Stanyard, G. J. Wilkinson

D. Moss

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2nd XI P W D L 10 4 5 1

Like the weather the team did not match the quality of the last few seasons. The first five games were certainly more of a struggle than usual with victory only at Rossall by 8 wickets, dour draws with Bolton, Bradford and Shrewsbury, and a dreadful performance at Stockport to lose our first game for three seasons by 3 wickets. Never-theless the strength in depth of MGS cricket did finally emerge and despite the interruptions of poor weather and exams we trounced Birkenhead (101 runs), William Hulme's (10 wickets) and King's Macclesfield (8 wickets), while Arnold just held us up for a draw.

Only Butt batted in every innings. His inimitable style produced a mixture of suicidal swipes and superb straight drives, finishing with a devastatingly quick 61 n.o. to demolish King's Macclesfield. His opening partner Reed began with a flourish (46 v Bradford), suffered a mid-season crisis of falling to temptation outside the off-stump before recovering luck and form in the last two games. Thompson scored two fifties and could usually be relied upon to steady the innings after the departure of less circumspect colleagues. After the early promotion of Dodd to the 1st XI, Davies (48 n.o. v Bolton), Hood and Procter played sensibly to accumulate in the middle order in between exam commit-ments, while Chopra used a less orthodox approach.

Wickins opened the bowling in the first game with a superb 6-22 against Bolton which brought his unexpectedly prompt and permanent departure to the 1st XI. Equally surprising and pleasing was the emergence of Chapman, making his debut in his last year at school to become the joint leading strike-bowler with 14 wickets. With his height and action Blackburn (14 wickets) extracted most bounce from the invariably dead wickets but at times bowled too short until coming into his own on the sandy track at Arnold with 5-27. Spells of recuperation from the 1st XI saw Galvin quickly achieve a more consistent line and length while Hempstock found it more of a struggle until the last two games. Towards the end of the season drier pitches gave the spinners their chance and Reed's fast off-breaks showed a lot of promise for next season.

After short spells by Chopra and Galvin, Reed took over the captaincy and made an effective job of it. Most catches were held and the fielding was generally sound with Brownlee making a competent debut behind the stumps. Finally, we were most grateful again to our very reliable scorer Steven Baker and his new junior deputy, Anil Chouksey, for their invaluable assistance.

W . J . HARDIMAN

Under 15 P W D L 15 6 8 1

Defeat in the last over of the first game of the season, in the Stygian gloom and numbing cold of the Bolton tundra, was an inauspicious beginning but, throwing their dis-appointment swiftly to one side, the Under 15s thereafter proceeded to overawe most opponents, who either took defeat philosophically or engaged in a prolonged rearguard campaign designed to induce in bowlers and fielders alike an advanced dose of sleeping sickness. Only Shrewsbury and Bradford GS had the requisite talent and sense of adventure to fashion honourable draws.

The strength of the side rested rather more with bat than ball, although there were notable individual performances with both. The most memorable and resounding moments involved one or a pair of MGS batsmen putting to the sword the opposition's attack. One thinks in particular of Blackburn (65 n.o. against Stockport, 49 at Shrewsbury, 98 against Birkenhead and 68 against Macclesfield) and Goulding (52 against Leeds, 56 at Bolton and 104 against Blackburn), but excellent innings were also played on occasions by Hall, Robins, Marks and Copeland. Black-burn scored almost 500 runs, averaging nearly 50, while Goulding was 4 runs short of 400 at an average of 33. Hall and Marks both scored over 200 runs, and Copeland and Robins weren't far behind. The most spectacular victories were against Stockport, where the opposition's score, accumulated in 52 overs, was passed after 84 balls, and against King's Macclesfield, whose 118 runs, eked out over 48 overs, were overhauled in less than 18.

Of the bowlers, most responsibility fell on the opening attack of Bipul and Hall. Both had their moments, notably the former's 6-24 at Lancaster and 6-28 against Leeds and the latter's 5-35 against Macclesfield. Bipul's 37 wickets, at about 10 runs a time, and Hall's 22 at a little over 15, were both a testament to the virtues of line and length, with a touch of swing and seam. Valuable support came from Ross's off-spin and Darlington's subtle swing. In the field Copeland proved a most competent and athletic wicket-keeper, while the close-to-the-wicket catching of Marks and Gumbley, and that in the deep of Bipul, were exceptional. Team spirit remained high throughout, even through the dreariest moments, and only once, in the first game, did bowling, and especially fielding, seriously falter. Hill, Kepczyk, Gowda, Douglas and O'Loughlin also played on occasions and did all that was asked of them, while McKenna emerged as a cheerful and accurate scorer. A season, therefore, of many abiding and fond memories and one which both team managers enjoyed, their task made all the more easy by the astute and imaginative way in which Hall captained the side.

J . H . SHOARD

57

Under 14 P W D L 13 3 9 1

Cup 5 5 0 0

The season opened with a drawn fixture against Bolton School, a game which in many ways set the tone for a great deal of the regular fixtures. The side batted well, with excellent innings from Gray and Chilton, but did not really come close to breaking down Bolton's resistance when the opposition batted, and a draw ensued. Indeed, nine of the timed games ended in draws, and certainly the side must aim to be more penetrative on the bowling front. This said, all of the bowlers performed well at times but tended to lack true consistency. The bulk of the bowling was done by Marshall, Fogg, O'Hare, Sweeting and the influential Chilton, whose eight wickets against Stockport GS was certainly the best individual performance. Along with the defeat of Stockport notable victories were also recorded against Arnold and Birkenhead Schools. The team's only reverse came against Shrewsbury where a mixture of inability to play leg-spin and blind panic contributed to an improbable defeat.

Without doubt the highlight of the season has been the side's progress to the final of the Harold Bailey Lancashire Schools Cup, in which the team was strengthened by the inclusion of Richardson, Lomax and Dhir from the lower

years. Conclusive victories over St Gregory's HS, Parrs Wood HS, St Bede's and Crompton House HS brought a semi-final against Bluecoat School, Liverpool. A solid per-formance in the field restricted the visitors to 130 for 7, and sound batting from Chilton, Salisbury and Richardson ensured a comfortable passage to the final. Unfortunately, the final, due to be played at Blackpool CC, was rained off, and will be held over to September, so at the time of writing the season is far from finished!

On an individual basis, Chilton was the team's Player of the Year, contributing over 800 runs and taking 31 wickets, and it will certainly be a challenge for the rest of the side to accommodate his loss to the 1st XI next season. We congratulate him on playing a few games already this year for the 1st XI, and on his selection for the England Schools Under 14 team. Salisbury was the team's Most Improved Player of the Year with over 500 runs, including three successive fifties, scored in a most enterprising and forceful manner. Along with the likes of Gray, Easingwood and Sweeting, Salisbury must shoulder much of the batting responsibility next year, and it is to be hoped that new talents continue to emerge.

Cricket, however, remains very much a team game, and honourable mention must be made of Cairns, Lee and Singh, who all performed with distinction when called upon, and also of Rann, Stephens and Richards, all of

whom we hope will make further progress in the years to come. Finally, thanks must go to Scullard, who made one brief appearance on the field as twelfth man, but who undertook the scorer's duties efficiently and cheerfully on several occasions.

R . HOWARTH

Under 13 P W D L 14 6 8 0

In spite of the cruel cold winds of April/May and the monsoons of June/July, the Under 13s safely negotiated their season. In fact an uncharacteristically high proportion of their opponents were strong sides, and they did well not only to avoid defeat but to get the better of most of the drawn matches as well as their six victories. Only at Rossall and briefly at Pocklington and Bradford had defeat seemed possible, whilst the most brilliant victory came at Lytham when an exciting run chase ended in success by six wickets. An equally vigorous effort at Arnold ended eight runs short and Bolton were defeated by the last ball of the match in another pulsating finish. Equally, the side occasionally failed to finish off opponents who were apparently done for, notably Macclesfield, who fiddled a draw with a much weakened team, and Blackburn, whose tail-enders proved surprisingly resilient.

There were a number of outstanding individual per-formances but more pleasingly plenty of good team work. Captain Richardson carried on the recent tradition of outstanding opening batsmen, exceeding Chilton's record aggregate with an impressive 701 runs (avge. 100.1). Notable for his sound defence, great concentration and effective offside shots, he passed fifty nine times and com-pleted his century twice. He also found time to bowl accurate legbreaks and to take a number of excellent slip catches. As a captain he grew markedly in confidence as the season progressed. He was well supported by Lomax whose elegant batting was surpassed to some extent by his fiery opening spells of seam bowling which accounted for 27 opponents (avge. 10.2). Twemlow improvised dynamically, Malhotra developed some stylishly powerful shots (although his calling left most of his partners in some confusion), Cohen opened soundly and shared an all-time Under 13 record stand of 176 with Richardson at Bradford, and Gardiner batted with increasing panache. Wilson and Mellor were valuable all-rounders as well, and the latter, departing for the Garden of England, will be sadly missed. However Rigby, a new arrival from Monmouth, headed the bowling averages and as the only slow left-arm spinner in the school should be most valuable in the future. Champlin was an ideal change bowler, nearly always taking a wicket in his first over, and Renshaw kept wicket unobtrusively. Williams and Brown are promising newcomers to the squad and Ainsworth and Sheridan were unlucky not to get more chances to shine. Ground fielding was generally sound but a number of important catches were dropped which helped boost the number of draws. Lomax, Gardiner and Rigby proved to be outstanding fielders with Wilson and Malhotra not far behind in consistency.

In summing up a most enjoyable season it need only be added that few squads have been as pleasant and enthusiastic and that given the depth of talent available they should be playing even better cricket in the future.

J . K . W A R D

58

Under 12 P W D L 14 10 3 1

The season got underway in the usual arduous manner with the selection of a squad of eighteen cricketers from eighty hopeful candidates. Then, while the coaches were still wearing anoraks and layers of jumpers, the matches began in conditions far more favourable to football. Indeed, the weather was far from pleasant for the duration of the Summer Term, the cold turning to drizzle, and warmth only arriving with the constant threat of thunderstorms. However, only one game was in fact lost to rain.

The record suggests a very prosperous season, and in most ways that assumption is correct. To win such a large proportion of matches is always pleasurable even if Dr Burch and I have come to expect success over the last four years. Certainly, many boys greatly improved batting and bowling skills although, disappointingly, the standard of fielding remained mediocre throughout.

The team was in some ways fortunate, and in other ways less so, to have Dhir in its midst. While his formidable skill with both bat and ball undeniably helped obtain victory in several matches, it also tended to dwarf his team-mates' abilities and undermine their confidence. Dhir scored two centuries and three fifties and took three or more wickets on seven occasions. While these were tremendous personal feats he still has much to learn about captaincy as he struggled to find a happy medium between encouragement and condescension in his conversations with other players.

The stalwarts of the team were Seddon and Rutter, very effective with both bat and ball; Lee and Bisson-Foster, the reliable opening bowlers; and Cairns, the wicket-keeper/ batsman. Other boys who have great potential include spinner Joshi, fast bowler Read and batsman Gray.

It took longer than usual to create an atmosphere that would enable the team to function efficiently on the field without our guidance. Perhaps it is some measure of our perseverance that the best performances came in the last two matches of the term when victories were recorded against powerful sides from Leeds GS and Manchester Schools. The former witnessed a fine team effort with bat and ball, five players scoring fifteen or more and four bowlers sharing the wickets. The latter, against the pick of the boys from the area, resulted from the first impressive fielding display of the season and two superb individual performances, by Lee who took seven wickets and by Seddon who opened the MGS innings and guided the score past the opposition's total with an unbeaten 32. Finally, thanks go to the band of parents who supported the team both near and far.

R. A . H . DEAN

Tennis P W D L

1st 12 7 1 4 2nd 2 0 0 2 U15 5 2 0 3 U14 7 7 0 0 U13 7 7 0 0 U12 1 1 0 0 Total 34 24 1 9

Glanvill Cup Team: left to right: N. Patel, R. Azoulay, H. Campbell, A. Sutherland

This was another very successful season marred only by a spate of late cancellations and poor weather in the second half of term. The senior squad, encouraged by reaching the National Finals in 1990, trained at the Northern Tennis Club with Ben Dixon (himself an ex-MGS tennis captain) throughout the Michaelmas and Lent Terms. It was clear that this dedication had been worthwhile when the 1st VI achieved their first victory over Bolton School for many years. They went on to produce two semi-finalists and a finalist at the Under 16 and Under 19 Northern Schools Championships, but were unable to come away with any trophies. In the National Tournaments we narrowly missed qualification for the finals of both the Glanvill Cup and the Under 19 Midland Bank Tournament, being eliminated from the latter tournament only on a 27-29 games count-back after the match was a 3-3 draw. Perhaps if Alex Sutherland, the Tennis Club captain, had been available (he was sitting a History S level exam) we would now be looking forward to the finals. Alex, who had an excellent season, was supported by Hugh Campbell and Richard Azoulay from year seven, and then by a group of good Under 16s headed by Nilesh Patel (Under 15) and Christian Bettley, who will take over from Alex as Tennis Captain next season.

If the seniors had a good season, the juniors had an excellent one. No team below the Under 15s lost a match all season, and the Under 13s are still waiting to play in the area finals of the Midland Bank Competition.

There were two School tournaments, the Senior Singles Championship for the Hall Cup, which was won by Nilesh Patel, and the Junior Handicap Tournament which was played during the Garden Party and won by Oliver Haus-sels of IS. The annual Wimbledon trip failed to happen this

59

year as we were unlucky in the LTA lottery that allocates tickets; however, disappointment was tempered by the fact that play was rained off on the day for which we had applied!

S. F . ADAMS

Athletics The Athletics Club has traditionally been forced to

adopt a somewhat secondary status in the shadow of a well-established and successful Cricket Club. Despite the loss of many able sportsmen to cricket, the Athletics Club has nevertheless achieved creditable results. In the King's Macclesfield Track League, where results are taken from three meetings held against five other local schools, MGS did well to finish second overall. While King's themselves proved near unbeatable, neither Audenshaw nor Stockport GS ever threatened to challenge the MGS team. While it is true that numerous individual performances enhanced the results of the Club, it was still an overall team effort that led to a good position. Although no particular year managed to achieve first place, consistency brought its reward. The second form never dropped below second place in the competition, staving off the attempts of Marple Hall to dislodge their hold over the event. Of the four years that compete in the Track League they were probably MGS's most successful representatives. Nevertheless, the fourth years, in their last year of school competition, managed to keep up their respectable record. The third form was unfortunate not to equal their record, but results were never disappointing, with excellent performances by Thorp,

Chess The Senior Team won all its matches, winning both the

Manchester and Stockport Leagues, in which good wins were recorded against Bramhall HS (6-0) and Altrincham GS (7-0), and also The Times British Schools Champion-ships after victories against Turton HS, Altrincham GS, RGS Newcastle, Hymer's College and Sutton Manor HS. MGS were runners-up in this competition in 1972 and 1989. Leading team members were P. A. Garner, A. S. Lewis, D. B. Copeland, J. C. Epstein, E. R. Goodall, S. G. Cohen and P. J. Harthan. The Seniors' record was:

P W D L F A Pts Manchester League 6 6 0 0 39i 2} 12 Stockport League 4 4 0 0 22} H 8 British Schools' 5 5 0 0 24} H Sinclair Trophy 2 2 0 0 13 l

The Under 14 team was also undefeated, with comfort-able wins against Marple Hall (7-0) and Cheadle Hulme (6f \). However, against Manchester Jewish GS, MGS were held to a draw, so that these two schools shared the Manchester League title. The Stockport League title was retained without much difficulty. There were good performances from E. P. Goodall, J. M Goodall, B. R. Lewis, M. H. Kintish, P. J. H. Vickers and C. J. Rigby.

The Under 12s received a lot of interested first-formers this year, many of whom are promising players. The team scored good wins against Marple Hall (7-0), King David's (5-2) and Parrs Wood HS (5-2). MGS shared the Man-chester League title with Cheadle Hulme. Regular team members were J. M. Goodall, B. R. Taylor, M. S. Chaudhry, G. M. Lee, D. M. Phillips and N. P. Joshi.

Only two Under 16 games were played due to lack of interest from other schools.

G . M . KENDAL

vL#

Kulczycki and Sykes. Once the season was underway, the first form proved itself determined to match the precedent set by previous years. Unfortunately their disappointing start prevented their overall placing from looking too impressive, but with a more confident approach to next season the team should prove itself useful. Under the captaincy of M. Petecki the Club has continued to make its mark as a worthy opponent to any local team. Next season should hopefully see yet more success.

C . J . ALLEN 6 A c

100m 200m 400m 800m 1500m Medley Relay 4 x 100m Relay Long Jump High Jump Triple Jump Shot Putt Discus Javelin Cricket Ball

1st Year B Ghatan W 14.2s A Poole L 29.8s O Haussels S 70.4s B Ghatan W 2.44.7 J Wilson H 5.49.8 B 5.38.5 S M Needoff S 3.70m J Shufflebottom E 1.25m T Mayne W 8.50m D Harkness S 7.56m P Turner L 19.24m

N Sharma B 47.64m

Sports Day Results 2nd Year M Kayaba W 12.8s C Stark E 25.7s M Arrowsmith J 62.8s J Witton B 2.32.8 W Hanson J 5.02.2 J 5.02.2 J T MacMullen J 4.17m E Gardiner W 1,40m W Hanson J 9.42m L Stubbs S 9.48m R Deo E 23.25m K Chan J 31.66m

3rd Year P Thorp G 12.3s P Kulczycki M 25.6s I Storer G 59.2s M Sykes H 2.25.2 M Sykes H 5.14.4 J 5.00.8 N A Park L 4.57m D Bowman J 1.45m P Kulczycki M 10.67m K Ahmed J 9.95m R Chan N 21.90m P Cleworth F 29.19m

4th Year H Sadler M 12.1s H Sadler M 24.9s M Petecki M 56.0s M Hill F 2.25.8 J Dummer K 5.09.5 N 4.43.5 G S Braham H 5.07m D de Massey F 1.50m N Buchanan M 10.44m K Pryce L 11.77m M Kisby E 27.84m M Kisby E 35.69m

60

LEAVERS MIDSUMMER Abbas A Addison C D Ainscow E K Ansari F J Armistead P Arrow R Asbury J L Aslam Z A Aston R M Austin M J Ayres W A Baldwin D H Barker D J

Barlow I G Barnett A H

Beard J G Beer C

Beer M G Bentham S A Berry 0 S Blaser M A Blundell J M Bolton M J A

Booth J F Borders S T Boyd S Boyle D S Bradbury M A Brady P A Brandon D M T Bray D J Briggs R W L Broderick P J Buckley P B

Burton B L Cain A J

Caplan J P Caplan T R Cardy P B Cartwright J 'Chapman A D M Chart D

Cohen J L Cohen S R Coleman L iCollier N C Conchie S J

Cope M J Crawford M C

Cruice S J Culledge R A Davies G N Davis M C Dey J R Dodd A M Doff man Z A Dowker I C Duffy M J C Edmondson D Eley C S Epstein R C

M

Everatt N G Falconi S Farmer N S Faulkner M G Fidler J H

TERM 1990 LMH Oxford, Chemistry Birmingham University (1991), English Girton Coll Cambridge (1991) Magdalen Coll Oxford, PPE Durham University, Theology Manchester Poly, Art Foundation Churchill Coll Cambridge (1991), Classics City University, Business Studies Eccles College Glasgow University, Veterinary Medicine

Birmingham University, Electrical Engineering Selwyn Coll Cambridge (1991), Chemical Engineering Hull University, Economics/Business Studies St John's Coll Cambridge (1991), Natural Sciences Edinburgh University (1991), Biology Birmingham University, Russian and Modern Greek LMH Oxford, Law Bradford University, Social Studies Transferred to Arnold School, Blackpool Bristol University, Microbiology Bristol University, History Birmingham University, Commerce and German UCCA 1991, Law and Social Psychology Nottingham University, Chemical Engineering Leeds University, History Churchill Coll Cambridge, Law Reading University, Land Management Christ's Coll Cambridge, Natural Sciences Transferred to Dulwich College Newcastle University (1991), History Fitzwilliam Coll Cambridge, Economics Transferred to Xaverian College Newcastle University (1991), French and Portuguese

Transferred to Clifton College Pembroke Coll Cambridge, French and Russian Moved to Florida Sussex University, Management Sciences Leeds University, Politics Girton Coll Cambridge (1991), Classics Edinburgh University, Chemical Physics Trinity Coll Cambridge, Natural Sciences-Physics Leeds University, Law Bristol University (1991), Economics Transferred to Urmston GS Manchester Poly, Art Foundation Glasgow University, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

Salford University (1991), Aeronautical Engineering Salford Tech, Art Foundation Sheffield Poly, Civil Engineering Robinson Coll Cambridge (1991), Classics Transferred to Marple Ridge HS Bristol University, Aeronautical Engineering Merton Coll Oxford, PPE Leeds University (1991), Politics Trinity Coll Cambridge, Mathematics LSE, Geography Leeds Poly, Human Movement Studies Sussex University Sussex University (1991), Sociology wi th 3rd World Studies Bristol University (1991), Chemistry

Applying UCCA 1991 King's Coll Cambridge (1991), Law Leeds University (1991), History

Fidler M Fielding J A G Fisher R P Fletcher M

Fogg M J Fraser-Thomson P Gale D P Gee C M Gilani I Gilbert P S Goddard D Goldman R S Goodman J E Green R D S Greenfield I R Griffith A E Gupta S K Haig-Williams A I

Halls J C Harford B M Harris B L Harris J S Hassail J C Herring S G Hayton S M Higgins R A Hira M M Hodes S Hodgson A S Hoffman D A Hopkins P K Houghton A J Howling T D Hughes J A Hutchcroft D E Islam F James T I Jefferson L S Jennings M J Jones B J W Jones C M Jones M C Joseph R R Kathirgamanathan S Katsouris A P

Kay 0 J Kesterlian C Khan A I Khan A Kiefer D G A Kim D S Kirk D J Kirkman A M D KushnerN H Lakin J C Larah S P Lawlor M A Leary C P Levy A J

Linney C M Linton J D

Liston-Hipkins D J P Little A Longworth D M Lord S J E Machin S G Madeley D Maggi S E Maitland D S

Malik A Manson J R March T C Marcuson T A G Marshall J P Martin C

Nottingham University, Economics St Mary's, London, Drama Manchester University, Medicine King's Coll London, Business Management/ French Bristol University, Aeronautical Engineering Stockport Coll, Art Foundation St Andrews University, Theology Birmingham University, Computing Bath University, Chemical Engineering Manchester University, Chemistry

Leeds Poly, Accountancy/Finance Loughbrough University, Politics Leeds University, Management Studies

King's Coll London, Computer Science Sheffield University, Mechanical Engineering Durham University, Primary Education wi th English and Drama Edinburgh University, Classics Clare Coll Cambridge, Natural Sciences St Anne's Coll Oxford, English Hull University, Finance Birmingham University, Law/Business Studies Trinity Hall Cambridge, French and German Transferred to Canon Slade HS Transferred to Altrincham GS Transferred to Loreto College Birmingham University, Medicine Stand SFC University Coll Oxford, Law Clare Coll Cambridge, Natural Sciences

BNC Oxford, Medicine New Coll Oxford, German/Philosophy Trinity Coll Cambridge, Natural Sciences St Mary's London, Medicine Christ's Coll Cambridge, Natural Sciences Imperial Coll London, Civil Engineering UCS London, Law Nottingham University, Chemical Engineering Sidney Sussex Coll Cambridge, Geography UCCA 1991 Hull University, English

Manchester University, Computer Science/ Accountancy

Cardiff University, Economics Keble Coll Oxford, Medicine St John's Coll Cambridge, Mathematics Birmingham Poly, Banking/Finance Edinburgh University, Medicine Worcester Coll Oxford, Mathematics Exeter Coll Oxford, PPE UCCA 1991 (Cambridge) Birmingham University (1991), History

Birmingham University, French/Russian Imperial Coll London, Biology Downing Coll Cambridge (1991), Natural Sciences Stirling University, Business Studies Gonville and Caius Coll Cambridge (1991), Economics Balliol Coll Oxford, Classics and French Birmingham University, Biochemistry Lancaster University, History Business Career

Trinity Coll Oxford, Mathematics and Philosophy Girton Coll Cambridge (1991), Law Bristol University, French and Russian Birmingham University, History Queens' Coll Cambridge (1991), Mathematics Birmingham University, Biochemistry UMIST, Biochemistry

61

McBride G J Year Out (UCCA 1991) Shaffer D J Birmingham University (1991), Psychology McGrath A J Durham University, History Shaw A C Southampton University, Medicine McKenna W J Sheffield Poly, English Shaw A L Liverpool University (1991), Medicine McKeown J P Aberdeen University, Medicine Shaw D P L Bath University (1991), Architecture Mond 0 C J Sheena Simon College Shaw K S Trinity Coll Cambridge, Mathematics Morecroft A L Edgehill Coll of FE, Bachelor of Education Sherriff P J Transferred to Altrincham GS Morton J R Birmingham University, Law Shonn J Leeds University (1991), Economics Moss G K Leeds Poly, Business Management Sigee P H Bristol University, French and Spanish Moss M N St John's Coll Cambridge, French and Simon M Sidney UCCA 1991

Russian Simon M Stephen Moss N P Leeds University, History and Politics Singer L B Trinity Coll Cambridge, Politics Mugan C H S Jesus Coll Oxford, History Smith Paul J University Coll Oxford, French and Russian Nayar D 1 St Andrews University, Medicine Smith Philip J Birmingham University, Political Science

Neal A M Transferred to King's Macclesfield Smith R J H Newcastle University (1991), Electrical Neal P G Birmingham University, History Engineering

Neary W D Bristol University, Medicine Snyder W A Leeds University (1991), Mathematics and

Newlove R M St Andrews University, Medicine Management Studies Ng N L Christ's Coll Cambridge, Aeronautical Stewart P A Edinburgh University, Biological Science Ng N L

Engineering Sunra M St Andrews University, Medicine

Nield M J Leeds University, French/Management Sutton M Heriot Watt, Edinburgh, Estate Management

Studies Swimer J P Manchester Poly (1991), Foundation Year

Ollerenshaw N W Taylor A C G Transferred to Shrewsbury School Palmer T S Birmingham University, Medicine Terry J D Leeds University, Law

Parkin L J UCCA (1991) Oxford Thomas C R Sussex University, English and Media Studies

Phillips C D Durham University, Biology Thorp H T P Stockport Coll of FE

Pickup M C UCCA 1991 Tolley C J RHBNC, London, English Priyasantha A J York University (1991), Electrical Engineering Turner S L Leeds University, Materials Science and

Pumphrey T R J St Peter's Coll Oxford, Zoology Engineering Rackham R W Brunei University, Data Processing Unsworth S K Dundee University, Psychology

Randall D G Transferred to St Phillips HS Waller C J Bristol University, Medicine Raynor M J Sheena Simon College Ward M J P Leeds Poly (1991), B.Tech Reddy G T Bristol University, Mechanical Engineering Ward T M Bristol University, Physics

Reekie D W M Emmanuel Coll Cambridge, English Weinberg P M Leeds University (1991), Philosophy Rich D L Weinstein R S Leeds University, Law

Richards D M Nottingham University, Law Whiteley M S UCL, Geography Rimmer C L G Leeds University, Theology and Religious Wiggetts M H Essex University, Law and French Law

Studies Wilkins D J Pembroke Coll Cambridge, History Roach M P Wil lmott C H A Birmingham University, Medicine

Rodgers A 1 D Girton Coll Cambridge, History Worsley J D Newcastle University, French and Spanish Rodrigues-Pereira A R Stand Coll of FE Roney A R C Imperial Coll London, Chemical Engineering MICHAELMAS TERM 1990 Roney J M Transferred to Rendcomb College Elterman R M Stand College

Roney S J Transferred to Rendcomb College Franks D A Stand College Rose D P Leeds University, Law Goldman A P Stand College

Rosenthal H School of Oriental Studies, London (1991) Hill R M G Buxton College

Santhouse T G Guy's Hospital London, Medicine Johnston C T Switzerland/Lancaster School

Savage S M Liverpool Poly (1991), Business Studies Morris H J Sheena Simon College

Scragg T R L St John's Coll Oxford (1991), English Simon P H Business Career

Sellers J E L Keble Coll Oxford, Japanese Studies Speak S J Bolton SFC

Sercombe R J Wolverhampton Poly, Economics, Politics and Strafford D R Transferred to Northants School Computing Worrall D J Transferred to Parrs Wood HS

Shabbir K Salford University (1991), French and German

o

62

THE OLD BOYS' DINNER The 187th Old Boys' Dinner wi l l be held on

Saturday 5th October in the Memorial Hall by kind permission of the Governors. All who attended last year's Dinner in the Memorial Hall agreed that the setting contributed in no small measure to the success of the Meeting. For further details, write to the Recorder at the following address: W A Jones & Son Ltd, Builder House, Mayor's Road, Altrincham WA15 9RP. Tel 061 929 8488.

THE OLD NORTH M A N C U N I A N S '

HOT POT This wil l be held on Saturday 12th October

at the Cheetham Hill Cricket Club. As you wi l l read in the Obituary columns, the Old North Boys suffered a grievous loss wi th the death of Douglas Walker, the Founder Hon Sec who has run the Meeting since its inception in 1955. However, Old North Boys wi l l be relieved and heartened to know that Douglas's w idow, Mrs Joan Walker, has gallantly consented to act as Hon Sec. We are most grateful to Mrs Walker for her public spirit and kindness. So the reminiscences of those "Great days in the dis-tance enchanted; days of fresh air in the rain and the sun" can continue. They range from the days of learning, in the School on Leicester Road, to the keenly fought games between Cheetham, Dalton, Gaskill and Hugh Oldham, on the field by Broom Lane and the Sandy Path, and the memories of Tommy Stott's benign reign at camp in Grasmere. Write to Mrs Joan Walker, 63 Wilton Road, Crumpsall, Man-chester (Tel 061 740 3231) for further details.

SECTIONS' SECRETARIES OF THE

O M A The Hon General Secretary: W Tim Hall

LL B, 68 Fountain Street, Manchester.

OM Oxford University Section: Robin Forrest, Merton Coll.

OM Cambridge University Section: Stephen Jones, Trinity Hall.

OM London Section: J B Pickerill, 36 Dornden Drive, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

OM Midlands Section: D MacAskill, 7 Thomas Drive, Droitwich, Worcs, WR9 8TP.

OM South West Section: P Saunders, The Mill House, Thorney Langport, Somerset, TA10 ODT.

OM Sussex and South East Section: John D Shippen, c /o Christ's Hospital, Horsham, Sussex.

OM Yorkshire Section: C Darbyshire, 39 Gledhowewood Road, Leeds, LS8 4BZ.

OM Manchester Section: J E Welsby, 61 Brown Street, Manchester 2.

OM Football Section: Simon Mather, 9 Braddon Avenue, Sale, Cheshire.

O M NOTES

The East India Sports and Public Schools Club may be of interest to Old Mancunians. This Club, to which the School is affiliated, offers many useful facilities for town, country and overseas members. It is centrally situated at St James's Square, SW1. Old Mancunians can obtain further details from the Association representative, B D Alexander, Thatchers, East Farleigh, Maidstone, Kent ME15 OJW, or from the Secretary of the Club. Within six months of leaving School, Old Boys may join under an especially favourable subscription scheme, details of which may be obtained from the High Master.

The Registrar of the University of Man-chester has asked us to draw the attention of Old Mancunians who are considering post-graduate work to the "Samuel Gratrix Post-graduate Studentships". The Awards, which wil l normally be of the annual value of a State Studentship or equivalent award, shall be offered in any branch of instruction and research from time to time pursued within the University (except in the Faculty of Tech-nology), to graduates selected on application or otherwise. For further details, write to the Registrar.

The Midlands Section of the OMA held their Annual Lunch and A G M on Saturday 15th October in an hotel just outside Birming-ham, under the chairmanship of Gerald Fisher (1950). It was gratifying for the committee to see that the attendance was even larger than last year's. Over 40 OMs and their ladies enjoyed an excellent lunch. We saw old friends; I was near Mac Ricketts, our old Surmaster who retired in 1982 (he came over from Hereford), and I was sitting next to Paddy Montague (1957), one of the Cross Country and Athletic stars of the 1950s. In the absence of the Chief, Tim Hall, the Hon Gen Sec of the OMA, gave an account of the School's many activities; Ian Bailey also spoke.

The Cambridge OMs held their Dinner on Tuesday 19th February at Trinity Hall. The School was represented by John Willson (who deputised for the Chief), Alan Pickwick, Simon Duffy and Ian Bailey. Henry Button, who left from Modern VI for Christ's Coll Cambridge in 1931, was also present. The number of OMs present was smaller tha n last year, but it enabled the conversation to be general as well as fast and furious. John Willson talked about the School and its present policies; Ian Bailey also spoke. Once again, we enjoyed our Cam-bridge visit and we all joined in thanking Stephen Jones for making it such a success.

The London Section's Dinner was held, as usual, at the Arts Club, Dover Street, under the chairmanship of P G Barnes (1946), on Thursday 28 February. The guest of the evening was the Revd Canon T J Marshall (1944). In the absence of the Chief, Ian Thorpe, the Lower Master, gave an account of the School in 1991. Tim Hall and Ian Bailey travelled down from Manchester.

The South East Section of the OMA held their Annual Meeting and Buffet Supper at Christ's Hospital Horsham, by kind permission of the Governors on Saturday 11 May. John Shippen, the Hon Sec, was in charge of the arrangements. He was Capt of the School in 1961-62 and has been a House Master at Christ's Hospital for many years. Peter Laycock travelled down wi th his wife Barbara, to represent the Chief.

The Oxford OMs held their Annual Dinner in St Edmund Hall on Wednesday 8th May. Unfortunately the Chief was unable to attend because of HMC duties and Ian Bailey missed the Meeting because of illness. The School was represented by the Middle School Master, Steve Davidson, and by Alan McDonald and Dan Kelly. Robin Forrest (Merton Coll) had done a splendid PR job and the largest attendance for years, over 30, assembled for drinks at St Edmund Hall. I'm told that all the colleagues aired their views and the party went on into the small hours. Congratulations to Robin, who was Capt of the School two years ago, for making the Dinner such a success.

Manchester's weather is still much maligned. I remember being in Fort William High Street, while on Trek some years ago. The rain was fairly stotting off the road. In conversa-tion, I happened to mention that we were from Manchester. The Fort Williamite opposite me shook his soaking head in sympathy: "Oh, Manchester!" he said, "that's the place where it's always raining!" I felt like remarking that it was not exactly desert conditions where we were standing! So when the Treasurer of Exeter Cathedral, in his sermon on the occasion of our Annual Wreath-laying ceremony, referred to Manchester weather I couldn't help reflecting on the sheets of rain that were coming down at the moment outside. S t i l l . . . in spite of the weather, the South-West Section's Annual Meeting on Sunday 23 June was once again a signal success. We couldn't gently assemble on the Green outside the magnificent Church of St Peter, as we usually do; instead we dashed for the doors in a flurry of wet macs and umbrellas. Safely inside, in our seats in the Choir, thoughts of weather were forgotten. I have tried to indicate on previous occasions the feelings and thoughts that arise when we attend this annual service on the nearest Sunday to June 25th, when our pious Founder died. A nice touch: we were welcomed by the Dean, before he started the service. The very mention of The Manchester Grammar School and Bishop Hugh Oldham, so far away from home, not only in our presence but also in the presence of other members of the congrega-tion, fairly concentrates the mind. For the rest of the service, we were made conscious of the great truth of eternity breaking in on our temporary, finite state. 476 years ago, the good Bishop planted the seed, as it were, miles away in tiny Manchester, a great act of faith indeed, and all those years later, there the School still is, an educational force in the land. And for a brief moment, a few of us who at one stage in our lives had been a part of the place, some in Rusholme, others in Long Millgate our birth place, were sitting there, within walking dis-tance of the tomb of the man who had con-ceived it all. I say again, it fairly concentrates the mind. The service over, we gathered outside the Bishop's Chapel. The Dean welcomed us once again; he read our special prayers; we all joined in, saying the Prayer that used to be read out by the duty master every Monday morning. You could tell who were at School in those days, they didn't need to look at the Prayer: "We thank Thee for Hugh Oldham, Bishop of Exeter, Hugh Beswick and Joan Beswick our Founders. . . by whose bounty this School was endowed for the promotion of Godliness and good learn ing. . . . " In the Chief's absence, Peter Laycock, one of our Surmasters, laid the wreath, sent by the Old Mancunians' Associa-tion. We turned to each other for a brief word and it was over. And so to the Rougemont Hotel. After an excellent lunch, Brian Berry

63

(1947), the chairman, proposed the Loyal Toast and then called on Peter Laycock to speak for the School. He gave us a wide survey of the School's activities, including our recent academic successes, our sporting position, with special reference to cricket. He referred to the ever evolving curriculum, the need for new buildings to house the new techniques that wi l l take us into the 21st century. And he summed up all this to show that it was achieved by the unique and never ending dialogue between Masters and boys, that is the essential MGS. His audience showed their appreciation of his theme. Ian Bailey then spoke of times past and proposed the Toast: The Pious Memory of Hugh Oldham. The Father of the Meeting was Heric Kenyon, who left from Maths VI wi th an Open Schol to Corpus Christi Coll Oxford in 1919! For many years he gave wonderful service to HOLC. He was closely fol lowed by John Tanner who left from Modern Transitus in 1920. We saw Herbert Castle, George Cantrell and Mrs Cantrell (he is the son of "Toby" Cantrell who taught Geography at MGS from 1920-49), Group Capt John McCarthy and Mrs McCarthy (he was centre-forward on the 1st XI when Gordon McKinna was Capt), my old colleague David Cawthra and Mrs Cawthra were there, Professor Peter Wiseman and Mrs Wiseman, and there was a contingent of old North boys, Clifford Shaw, John Wittam, Alan Walker (we congratulated him on his daughter's CBE in the Birthday Honours, she is Sarah Walker, the Singer) and another old North boy, my kind host on the Saturday even-ing, Keith Mercer, was there wi th his wife, Dor is—and I include myself in the old North list! We were delighted to see Tim Hall, the Hon General Sec of the OMA, and a Governor of the School, and his wife Marjory. Our sincere thanks once again go to Peter Saunders, the Hon Sec of the Section, for making the whole day go so successfully.

In the New Year's Honours List, Prime Minister's List, the fol lowing were made OBE: P H Lord, Consultant Surgeon, Wycombe General Hospital, High Wycombe (Lord left from Science VI Div 1 Bios for St John's Coll Cambridge where he qualified MA MB MChir and later FRCS Lond); P H Martin, lately Courts Administrator, Lord Chancellor's Dept (Martin left from Upper 5y (Roberts) in 1951 for the Civil Service. He entered the Lord Chancellor's Dept in 1958 and became Principal Auditor in 1973. He is living in Bristol).

In the Birthday Honours List, Prime Min-ister's List: Geoffrey Sellers (1958-65) , a Parliamentary Counsel, was awarded the CB. Sellers left from History VI Div 1a (Witcombe), with the McKinnon Schol for Law at Magdalen Coll Oxford where he read Jurisprudence. After taking his degree he entered the Civil Service. Professor Leslie Alcock (1935-42) was awarded the OBE for services to Archaeology. Alcock left from History VI Div 1 (Bunn) wi th an Open Schol to BNC Oxford. He eventually became Professor of Archaeology at Glasgow University. Eric Kime (1930-35) was awarded the OBE for Political and Public Services. Kime left from Modern Transitus (Williams). He later was the founder of Volmax.

I quote from the January issue of "New Scientist". The article is about Sir Michael Atiyah, now head of two great pillars of the Establishment: Master of Trinity Coll Cam-bridge and President of the Royal Society: "After early school in Egypt (he heard the barrage of El Alamein), his father, a wel l -known BBC broadcaster and commentator of Middle

East affairs, enquired of the best school in Britain for aspiring mathematicians. He was told Manchester Grammar, and it was there that the young Atiyah went before going up to Trinity Coll Cambridge as a student (wi th an Open Schol in Mathematics). It was the college to which MGS sent all its brightest mathe-maticians." One of his contemporaries in Mathematical VI was Philip Schofield, now one of our Surmasters. He went up to The Queen's Coll Oxford wi th an Open Schol and in due course fol lowed a distinguished line of Mathe-maticians, many of them Old Mancunians, by becoming Junior Mathematical Prizeman.

Of all the aphorisms which High Master J L Paton wrote, I think the one which strikes home more than all the rest is that which, according to Ulula, he wrote in a small boy's autograph album, in the summer of 1924, when he was leaving us for Canada: "The days that are gone, we cannot recall them and should not wish to do so; they were given to us to ennoble the days that are and the days that are to come." Now I had a visitor at School a few months ago. It was Norman Beckett, who was here from 1922-26. He spent all his working life wi th the English Sewing Cotton Co. During the War he served as a Capt in the RA. In his last year, in Long Millgate, he was the School Organist and he was a member of the audience when Gillian Weir gave an inaugural recital on the new organ in 1987. Fittingly enough, we went into the Memorial Hall and he played a short p iece—the first time he had played on the organ in School for over 60 years. But while we were having coffee, just after he had arrived, he produced an autograph album. He turned over the pages until he came to the lines, penned by JLP, in 1924. He, indeed, was the "l itt le boy"; in fact he was in Widgery's 3C, along wi th V Tidswell the harrier and H W Clegg who captained the British UAU team at the World University Games in Turin in 1933; he is now a doctor in S Africa.

School is boys; there is always a strange, almost wary atmosphere about the place when the boys are not there. And so it was, for a time, on Friday 21 June. There were half-a-dozen boys taking a rare " A " level exam, otherwise "No laughter and no voices relieved the silence grim", but then, towards midday, cars began to appear in the Main Quad, driven by men who had known the place as boys years before, and some were of an age who had known only Long Millgate. The reason for their presence was not far to seek; they were members of the 20 /30 Club who were gathering for their Annual Meeting and Lunch in the Library by kind permission of the Chief and the Governors. There was a record attendance: 51 men sat down to lunch. Lew Wright (1939) was in the Chair and wi th him at the top table was the Chief, flanked by Ralph Walker (1933), John Dickinson (1939) and Jack Berry (1937). We missed Donald Shasha (1931) who was indis-posed, and we were delighted to see Eric Beb-bington (1935), restored to health after his recent illness. Cecil Pigott (1922) was Father of the Meeting once again, closely fol lowed by Leonard Cohen (1924). We were delighted to see our old Surmaster, Mac Ricketts, up here from Hereford. From School we welcomed the Receiver (Alan Martindale), Jeremy Ward (Head of Modern Studies), Steve Davidson (the Middle School Master) and John Willson (Head of Science), and some guests. After the Loyal Toast, the Chairman introduced the Chief. He welcomed the members of the Club and then gave some news of the School and its

manifold activities and referred to the forth-coming Appeal and the ambitious programme of buildings, some almost completed, others still on the drawing board. It was a most enjoy-able occasion and we all thanked Mrs Skirrow and her ladies for the excellent lunch.

A couple of years ago, John Dickinson (1939) decided that we should foregather in Paris. This May he decreed that the rendezvous should be Nice. So a party of 10 OMs and their ladies flew south, and on Friday evening, 24 May, we met for dinner (OM ties in wear for the men) in the flamboyant, Victorian splendour of the Belle Epoque room in the Westminster Hotel, standing on the Promenade des Anglais. For me, the whole setting induced an onset of patriotism. So I noted the date, May 24th; to those of my era, that meant Empire Day, when the children in the elementary schools had a whole day's holiday; we at North Prep had school, as usual, and of course we accepted this, but we lived the occasion, and now, in retrospect, in Browning's words: "With a gentle start, half smile, half sigh," as the years have passed Empire Day has taken its place in history and it is almost an oddity to couple it w i th the word British. So to the dinner: Lew Wright (Sale and MGS 1939) was in the Chair. He called upon Ralph Walker (North and MGS 1933) to propose the Loyal Toast; then Harold Meek (North and MGS 1941) asked us to honour the Toast "The President of the Republic" and finally I spoke of times past and proposed "La Vieille Alliance and the Entente Cordiale". And we were in the Westminster; how English can you get? It stands proudly in a long line of hotels that border that impressive curve that is ca l led—in my present mood, what else?—the Promenade des Anglais, named I gather when the British were making their way back to France, in the 1820s, after we had safely despatched Napoleon to St Helena. And Nice itself: when you penetrate the old town, you come upon the Square dedicated to that great Italian patriot, Garibaldi. For Garibaldi was a native of the town, which, for political reasons, had been handed over by Count Cavour, the scheming Prime Minister of Pied-mont, to Louis Napoleon the French Emperor, as a result of which Garibaldi bitterly com-plained: "You have made me a foreigner in the town of my birth." So, as every schoolboy knows, in 1860 Garibaldi set off from Genoa wi th his 1000 volunteers on his brilliant campaign to drive out the Austrians from Italy. As he sailed for Sicily, he never forgot that the British gunboats turned a Nelsonic eye and so enabled him to land at Palermo. In gratitude, he said in effect: " I t wil l bode ill for the Italians if ever they forget the debt they owe to the Br i t i sh"—words that were quoted by us in a broadcast on the radio to Italy when they joined in the War after the fall of France, in 1940, brave words at the time, like that other speech "We'l l fight them on the beaches" wi th not much in the way of material to back them. But, like Garibaldi years before, we did land in Sicily and thence up the back-bone of Italy in 1943-44. But that is all history now. Well, for the next few days, we went our various ways, to Cannes, Menton, Antibes and Monte Carlo. Others sat on the front and watched the passing show on the Promenade des Anglais, lit up at night by a long line of twinkl ing lights that end at the airport where the big birds lumber off the run-way, make a turn and set off over France and on to once beleaguered Britain.

We met P W Allen recently, He left from Science VI Div 1 Bios (MacDonald) in 1978 to

64

read Ecological Science at Edinburgh Univer-sity. He spent an interesting year in the Isle of Harris; now he is at the other end of the country, in Hampshire, working at the Hampshire County Recreation Dept, stationed at Winchester.

It must not go unrecorded that Michael Atherton (1986) has joined cricket's Hall of Fame by being named as one of Wisden's five Players of the Year. He appeared in all six Tests last season and is playing in the current Tests against the West Indians. He was named Player of the Series for the three One-Day Internationals. He is not the first OM to be in Wisden. David Green (1958) left from History VI Div 1 (Bunn) to read History at BNC Oxford. He played in three University matches v Cambridge and subsequently played for Lancashire, scoring 107 v the Australians. He is now a journalist. Mark Crawley (1986) is now a regular in the Nottinghamshire County side, and Gary Yates (also 1986) has been playing for Lancashire 1st XI. John Crawley (1989) has played as a freshman in both the Cambridge and Combined Universities teams.

M J Bateman left from Maths VI Div 2b (Souster) in 1987 for Bristol University. He took his degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1990. He is now serving wi th Operation Mobilisation, a Mission Organisation working all over the world. He is currently in a one-year training team, working in North Africa, looking for areas and opportunities for full-t ime workers to follow them.

J S Bell (1943) has been living in Australia for some time. He informs us that he has recently been elected Fellow of the Institution of Engineers, Australia, so that now he is BE, ME, CEng, FIEE, FIE Aust.

Earlier this year we had a visit from S Bhaduri. He left from Science VI Div 2 Bios Y (Walker) and read medicine at Manchester University where he also gained his colours for Cross Country. He is now in general practice in Cleethorpes and is Medical Adviser to the Grimsby Asthma Campaign.

Warwick Burton left from Classical VI wi th the Patchett Schol to St John's Coll Cambridge in 1973, where he studied Classics and Archaeology. After Cambridge he worked for some time wi th BR, latterly in charge of Time Table Production for Freight Services for the Eastern Region. But he always maintained his interest in Archaeology and in 1989 he left BR and set up "Yorkwalk", offering high quality guiding services in York, on historical and archaeological themes in the city. He recalls that he first visited York wi th my old colleague Bill Shreeves of the History Dept on a history trip in 1967.

Andrew Carey left from Science VI Div 2 Maths A for Bristol University. He was Capt of Cross Country in his last year wi th us. He was 5th Briton home in the recent London Marathon. This performance won him a place in the British Team for the World Championship Marathon in Tokyo. Incidentally, in the London Marathon, his shoes were hurting him so much that, 3 kilometres from the finish, he took them off and ran barefoot, d la Zola Buddl

R R Davies (1964) left from Mod VI Div 1 (Terry John) wi th an Open Schol to St John's Coll Cambridge. He became a journalist and also appeared on TV. He is at present wri t ing for the "Sunday Telegraph" and in a recent article wrote in eulogistic terms of Atherton. He also referred to the poor condition of the wickets. In his time that was unfortunately so. But that was

nearly 30 years ago. If he were to pay us a visit now he would see what great changes for the better have taken place.

D Ellwood (1973) left from Science VI Div 1 Bios (Davis) wi th an Open Exhibition to Cor-pus Christi Coll Oxford, where he took his BA in 1976 and his D Phil in 1981, and his MB BChir at Cambridge. He also is a member of that exclusive band of OMs who gained Blues at both Universities: S R N Roberts (Rugger), G V N Appleton (Lawn Tennis), and Rodger Alderson, now a member of the Common Room teaching Maths (Swimming). Ellwood is a Lacrosse Blue. He went out to Australia in 1984 and was awarded a DDU by the Australian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine in 1988 and became Fellow of the Australian Coll of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 1989. He has recently been appointed Associate Pro-fessor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Univer-sity of Sydney, at Nepean Hospital. The article in the University medical magazine stated that "Dr Ellwood was educated at Manchester Grammar School, a selective state-run school famous for producing more entrants to both Oxford and Cambridge than any other school"!

T T Grime (1930) called in to see us in April. He left from 4C (Storey) and became a stock-broker. He was one of "Haff ie" Field's Lacrosse players, as was Sam Beckett, now a retired doctor and a neighbour of Grime's in the Isle of Man. Tommy Grime and I are old friends of many years' standing. In fact we were at North Prep together before our Long Millgate days. Inevitably we referred, wi th a certain amount of justifiable pride, to the great day at the North Prep Sports, when we won the Under 11 three-legged together—in 1924!

D S Hempsall (1965) left w i th an Open Exhibition in History to Sidney Sussex Coll Cambridge. He trekked wi th me to Scotland on three occasions. He took his BA and then went to Kent University for a Doctorate. He went in for teaching and was for a time a Housemaster at Rugby. He is now Head of Scarborough College.

I wonder how many Old Mancunian viewers of the European Games last summer recognised the man who decorated Roger Black wi th his gold medal? It was John Holt (1957). Holt came to MGS in 1950 and was one of our finest athletes. He was Capt of

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Soccer as well as Athletics; his best distance was 400 metres. He went to St Catherine's Coll Oxford to read Mod Langs and was President of the OUAC. After teaching at Tonbridge, he is now General Secretary of the International Amateur Athletics Federation. He was Junior Steward at the Old Boys' Dinner in 1976.

M A Hunt (1939) wrote to us recently. He has just retired after 49 years wi th the National Boiler and General Insurance Co Ltd, now part of the Sun Alliance Group; he was Assistant General Manager. During the War he served wi th the North Staffords, the Wiltshires and the King's African Rifles as a Capt. He is now living in Somerleyton, Lowestoft.

H H Huxley (1935) sent us some news of himself and his family recently. He still lectures in Canada and does work for the University of the Third Age. His speciality is Classics (Old Testament, New Testament, Homer and Lucretius) and he also gives courses on philo-sophy and Milton. He has recently been elected to the Council of the Virgil Society. His younger son, Andrew, went up to St Catherine's Coll Oxford. He is still at the School of Oriental Studies where he lectures on law and the legal systems of SE Asia. Twice a year he goes on a lecture tour to the University of Hong Kong; he also visits Thailand and China regularly. His older son, Martin, went up to St John's Coll Cambridge. He has the Personal Chair in Pure Maths at Cardiff University. He lectures in Germany and last year gave three lectures on number theory in Tokyo.

We had two letters from Leonard Isaacs recently. He left from Classical Transitus (Johnstone) in 1924. He studied at the Royal Coll of Music and became B Mus, ARCM, FRCM. He was wi th the BBC from 1936-63, when he went to Canada, to become Director of Music, University of Manitoba; he is now Professor Emeritus there. It was my colleague Richard Sinton's article in last year's Ulula that prompted him to write. Men he knew well were included in the article: W 0 Minay, Eric Warr, and his two cousins, Edgar Fuchs (still going strong at 86) and Arthur Jacobs. He goes on to say that his sojourn at MGS was a happy three years—the most vivid memories being of dear Harry Lob (in whose Spanish Trek in 1924 he took part), and Jack Rivers whose influence in Troop III was great. His form masters were Warman (IV Alpha), "Puggy" Dakers (Remove Alpha) and Johnstone (Classical Transitus). He well remembers "Shandy" Chevalier, both as a mathematician and clarinettist. I quote from his letter: "C J Lockett and I once gave Shandy an hour's Bach recital all to himself in the Drawing Hall, on violin, organ (CJL) and piano (me) to try to convince him that Bach's music was really worth his loving attention. When, after a while at the Royal College of Music in London, I came back home on a visit, I went to MGS and walked into Shandy's room. He looked up as though I had never been away, and said: 'I wasted six shillings because of you. I bought a volume of the '48' (Bach's Preludes and Fugues for the keyboard)—can' t play any of them!' " He has this to say of J L Paton "Of whom, like most boys, I stood in awe and admiration. In Classical Transitus I had Greek Testament wi th him every Monday morning, first period. It always amazed me that in almost any given context he would come to the point where he would ask, 'And what did St Paul have to say to this?' and St Paul always had something to say! And the rest of the period went to him!"

R A Leese (1982) wrote to us recently. He

left from Maths VI Div 1 (Jennings) wi th the Home Schol to read Maths wi th Physics at St John's Coll Cambridge. He took his degree in 1986, stayed on and took Part III of the Tripos in 1987 and then moved to Durham to take his PhD in Mathematical Physics. In Dec 1989 he was elected to a Fellowship at his old College, St John's, which runs until 1993. He is spending a year at Brown University in Provi-dence, USA. He particularly asked to have his best wishes passed on to his mathematical mentors at MGS, Messrs Sheldon, Schofield and Jennings.

We had news last year of Will iam Lemkin who must be one of the oldest living Old Mancunians. He was born in 1894 and started at Grecian Street School, Salford (many able boys came from there to MGS in the old days) and arrived at Long Millgate in 1907. He was wi th us for three years, going from Modern Upper Remove ("Birdie" Bruton) to Lower 5th (Bruton) and leaving from Upper Transitus in 1910. His son, who supplied us wi th this information, said that his father started at the old firm of Charles Macintosh which then belonged to the Birley family. Lemkin then went to London for the firm in 1913, and then came the War. He joined the 2nd Bn Artists Rifles through the HAC and was commissioned into the South Lanes in 1917. He joined the 7th Bn in France, was wounded, and thus missed Passchendaele where most of his Bn were killed or wounded. After the War he returned to Macintosh which by 1923 was acquired by the Dunlop Rubber Co. He worked for the firm until 1960. During the 2nd War he was wi th the Ministry of Supply, being Director of Cotton and Textile Production and then Director of Clothing and Textiles, for which service he was awarded the CBE. He retired from Dunlop in 1960. However, wi th others he formed a company called Fred Perry-Paynes, involved wi th sportswear. He finally retired in 1977! He remarried in 1980, 22 years after his first wife died. He enjoys reasonable health.

Harold Meek (1941) wrote to us recently. He left from Classical VI and immediately went into the Navy. In 1946 he studied Architecture at Manchester University and for many years, until he retired, was Senior Lecturer in Archi-tecture at Queen's University Belfast. In his letter he said that he had just seen his first Old Mancunian portrayed in a film. I quote: " 'Henry and June' tells the story of the triangular rela-tionship between Henry and June Miller and Anais Nin in 1930s' Paris, wi th remarkable recreations of ambiance, including famous Brassai photographs being set up and taken. Henry completes the text of 'Tropic of Cancer' on a typewriter provided by Anais, and a publisher by the name of Jack is approached. This is John Kahane, proprietor of the Obelisk Press in the Rue de la Paix. Central casting has come up wi th an impressively hooked-nose character, but his accent is more Finchley than Didsbury." Kahane came to MGS in 1900. He was a Foundation Scholar and went rapidly up the Classical Side, finishing in Classical V in 1903.

Ian Mellor (1964) wrote to us recently. He left from Mod VI Div 1 (Terry John) wi th an Open Exhibition in Mod Langs to Sidney Sussex Coll Cambridge, where he took his degree and nearly gained a Soccer Blue. He went in for teaching and after a spell at King's, Chester, he was Head of Mod Langs at Kirkham GS; Head of Mod Langs at Bristol GS; and then Deputy Head of Sale GS for Boys. Since Jan 1991, he has been Head of Sir Roger Manwood

School, Sandwich, Kent. His eldest son, Matthew, left MGS for Lincoln Coll Oxford in 1988 and takes his Finals this year. His youngest son, Andrew, was in his second year here but left when the family moved south. He scored 40 goals for the Babes, and took almost 30 wickets.

G B Milner left from Mod Sixth Div 1 (Albert Hislop) wi th an Open Schol to Christ's Coll Cambridge where he took his degree in Mod Langs. Since 1964 he has been Reader in Oceanic Languages, SOAS, London University. Last July (1990) he was presented wi th a special volume of articles, contributed by colleagues and friends. The particulars are as follows: J H C S Davidson ed, "Pacific Island Languages: Essays in Honour of G B Milner, London: School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, 1990" (ISBN 0-7286-0610-5) . Milner is now living in South Petherton, Somerset.

G S Nield (1956) called in to see us last April. He left from Science VI Div 2 Bios (Minns) and took his degree in Pharmacy at Manchester University. After running a busi-ness on his own account he emigrated to New Zealand. He and his wife and daughter spent the morning wi th us. He is now teaching at the Marist Sisters College, Auckland, NZ.

A few weeks ago we received a letter from Dr O'Brien of Hong Kong. He was enquiring about his relative, our old High Master J L Paton. We sent him some cuttings from the newspapers of JLP's obituary in 1946, as well as articles about him in Ulula when he retired in 1924. Dr O'Brien's maternal grandmother and JLP were first cousins. He also sent a simplified family tree going as far back as Capt John Paton, the Covenanter, a print of whose execu-tion used to hang on the wall of JLP's home in Broughton Park.

Last summer, my colleague Alan Pickwick made a study visit to the Royal Greenwich Observatory on La Palma in the Canary Islands. There he met C R Benn who left from Science VI Div 1b (Bentham) for Bristol University where he was awarded a 1st in Physics. He then took his PhD at Cambridge in Radio-Astronomy. After working at Bristol and Leyden he is now a resident astronomer at La Palma and a member of a small group who are responsible for supporting visiting researchers. He also co-ordinates the wor ld-wide electronic mail directory of astronomers.

C E Power (1929) called in to see us last year, wi th his wife. He left from 4B (Bowden). After leaving School, he studied accountancy and qualified ACA and FCA, and was also a member of the Chartered Institute of Manage-ment Accountants. He joined the British United Shoe Machinery Co in 1938 and was Chief Cost Accountant. He is living in Leicester.

S Santhouse wrote to us recently. He left from Lower 5A (Bill Lund) in 1948. He is now a Property Consultant and a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents. He is living in Prestwich. His son, A G Santhouse, came into School a year ago. He was then on leave from service in the Israeli Army. He left in 1987 from Mod Stud VI Div 2T (Martin). His brother, J I Santhouse, left in 1980 from Mod Stud VI Div 2U (Laithwaite) and took his degree at Salford University. In 1986 he took the Outstanding Student of the Year Prize at the College of Estate Management. A cousin, C L Santhouse, left from History VI Div 2b (Seton) in 1953 to read Law at Manchester University. He is now a solicitor, practising in Manchester

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and Prestwich; his son, A M Santhouse, left from Science VI Div 2 Ba (Neal) to read medicine at Emmanuel Coll Cambridge.

G R Stone (1936) wrote to us recently. He left from Modern VI (Albert Hyslop) for Manchester University. He went in for teaching and was Headmaster of Heanor GS Derbyshire and Associate Principal of South East Derby-shire College until retirement. By 1940 he was in the Army and so could not attend his degree conferment ceremony. Some 50 years later he had his degree conferred and along wi th him were Frank Shepherd, who was his deputy stage manager for the Dramatic Society (Shepherd left in 1937 for Manchester Univer-sity where he read Law, until retirement he was with Slater Heelis, the School's solicitors); Derek Holland, who after Manchester Univer-sity went in for Education Administration (he left in 1937); and Maurice Holt, who also went to Manchester University and was latterly Pro-fessor of Aeronautical Sciences, University of California, and was en route there from his other home in the Dordogne. Altogether it was a splendid occasion for reminiscences.

We heard from Ian Tempest recently. He left from Mod Studs Div 1J (Sennett) for Jesus Coll Oxford where he read Geography. He is now an Assistant Economic Development Officer for York City Council. He gave some interesting facts about High Master Glazebrook (1888-90). I knew that he was an athlete when he was at Balliol Coll Oxford, but Tempest had this to add: "Glazebrook competed at an excit-ing time in the development of his specialist event—the high jump. In 1875 he made his second appearance in the Oxford v Cambridge match (he was 2nd in the 100 yards in 1874), and won the high jump wi th 5 '9" , beating the celebrated Marshall Brooks by 2 inches. He then won the English national title wi th 5' 11", equalling Brooks's British record. In fact this may have been a wor ld record, as such best performances were less well documented than they are today. 5 '11 " remained his best ever j ump—and in 1876 Marshall Brooks became the first man in the world to have cleared 6', ultimately reaching 6 ' 2 " in the Oxford v Cam-bridge match. Glazebrook came to us from Harrow where he was an assistant master. In a review of sport at Harrow he is quoted as a master who could give advice to aspiring boy athletes".

T R Williams left from Classical VI Div 1 (Duggan) wi th an Open Schol to The Queen's Coll Oxford. He is now Assistant Director of the English Shakespeare Co.

We had a visit recently from Christopher Wiseman (1954). He left from Modern VI Div 2B (Lingard) for Trinity Hall Cambridge where he took his degree in English. He was Graduate Fellow at Iowa University, USA, before returning to the UK, to Strathclyde University for 6 years, during which time he took his PhD. He has been Professor of English at Calgary University, Alberta, Canada, since 1969. He has been wri t ing books, both prose and poetry, for the last 20 years. He comes over here, professionally, every year and spends part of his time wi th his brother, Peter, in Exeter. Peter came to MGS in 1950 and left w i th an Open Exhibition in Classics to Balliol Coll Oxford. Peter was supposed to go into 1A on the Modern Side, but by a clerical error he found himself in 1 Alpha on the Classical Side, and the result? He is now Professor of Classics at Exeter University! We see him each year at the Exeter Meeting when we lay a wreath on our Pious Founder's tomb, in June.

OBITUARIES T E Alston (1934) in 1991, aged 74. Alston

came to Rusholme when the School opened there in 1931. He came from Highfield School, Bramhall. He spent three years on the Modern Side: he started in 3B ( B o w d e n ) — T R Fairer, D B Thomson and J H Cordingley were in the Form—and left from 5A (Bill L u n d ) — A E Fletcher, G Davies and F S Kirk were in the Form—. After leaving School, Alston studied at the Manchester Coll of Tech. He went into Petrochemicals Ltd. From 1960-73 he was in charge of the Process Control Lab. During the War he served wi th the RCS. He was living in Heald Green.

J N Appleton (1932) in Nov 1990, aged 74. Appleton came to Long Millgate in 1927, start-ing on the Classical Side in I Beta (White-h e a d ) — D Shasha, H P Fenton and E A Ferguson were in the Form—and leaving from Science VI Div III Bios (Plackett, Noakes and Y a p p ) — J H R Barker, D Doxey and D Moss were in the Form—. Appleton studied medicine at Manchester University and qualified MB, ChB, in 1938; DLO, FRCS(Eng) 1948-49. He was Senior Registrar, University Coll Hospital 1948-51; MRI 1951-52; and Consultant ENT Surgeon, Oldham 1952. He was the author of medical articles on ENT diseases and adviser in Otiology to Oldham Public Health Authority. During the War, he served in Burma as a Capt in the RAMC. Appleton had three sons at School. They all went up to Gonville and Caius Coll Cambridge from Science VI. They were all good Lawn Tennis players; the eldest brother, GVN (1972), gained his Blue while at Cambridge and then, while studying at Oxford, gained his Blue there too. Appleton was living in Grass-croft, Oldham.

G V Ashcroft (1916) in 1991, aged 91. Ashcroft was a Foundation Scholar. He came to Long Millgate in 1911 and went up the Clas-sical Side: he began in II Beta ( "Puggy" Dakers)—N Birnage, T R Chatfield and C Tasker were in the Form—and left from Classical VI (The Chief and A H H o p e ) — c o n -temporaries include I Tenen (Masters' List 1923-58) , W L Brewerton, F Norcross, R d'E Atkinson, L J H Bradley, E Betley and Glenn Handley—. After leaving School, Ashcroft studied medicine at Manchester University, qualifying MB ChB, MD, MRCP(Lond). He was successively Demonstrator in Anatomy; Hon Physician, Hardman Street Hospital, Manchester; Greengate Hospital Salford; and Assistant County MO, Lancashire. He was living in Grange over Sands.

M Barber (1953) in May 1991, aged 56. Barber was a Foundation Scholar; he came to Rusholme in 1946 (one of the first entry via the new Entrance Exam) starting on the Modern Side in IA (Albert H i s lop )—S N D Brierley, W B Downing and D K Petch were in the Form—and leaving after three years in Science VI Maths (Williams and Stone)—contemporaries include G L Baldwin, P F Southern, M J Ray, D J Parry, T S Frank and W R B o o t h — . Barber was in the 1st XII Lacrosse team. He left wi th an Open Exhibition in Nat Science to The Queen's Coll Oxford, where he gained his half-blue for Lacrosse. After taking his D Phil Barber joined AEI's Scientific Instruments Division at Trafford Park. From there he went to UMIST as a lec-turer, was promoted Reader in 1977 and given the Chair of Physical Chemistry in 1985. His great work was the distinguished contribution he made to mass spectrometry. This is a tech-

nique in which compounds are analysed by producing charged or ionised molecules, which then separate into fragments as they are fired through an electro-magnetic field. In 1981 he introduced a new technique, in the develop-ment of Fast Atomic Bombardment, which enabled involatile substances to be analysed by mass spectrometry for the first time. Latterly he was working on ionisation methods, instrument design, and the ways in which ionised mole-cules fragment in a mass spectrometer. He always felt that the instruments he designed and developed should be applied to real prob-lems. He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1985.

P R Berry (1938) in 1990, aged 68. Berry came to Rusholme in 1934 and went up the Classical Side: He started in I Beta (White-h e a d ) — A I Berwitz (School Medical Officer 1976-82), Judge Jalland and H W V Charlton were in the Form—and left from Classical Lower Remove (Tenen)—C H Ginnever, D G Wrigley and J L Briggs were in the Form—. After leaving School, Berry went into business and was Works Chemist wi th L D Dennis & Co, Walkden. He served in the RAF from 1941-45. He was living in Worsley.

C V Blomeley (NMS 1929-38) in Nov 1990, aged 68. After leaving School, Blomeley was at Avro before joining GEC. For ten years he was a Probation Officer. During the War he served in the RAF in Radar. He was living in Sale. His son Stephen came to Rusholme in 1978 and left from Science VI 2Ba (Mac-Donald). He went to Sheffield University and is now working wi th BNF at Risley.

D Bolchover (1932) in 1990, aged 75. Bolchover came to Long Millgate in 1927 and started on the Classical Side in I Alpha (Thompson)—J Bamber, K Newis and J V Dunworth were in the Form—then he went onto the Science Side and left after one year in Science VI Div III Bios (Plackett, Noakes and Y a p p ) — G K Spruell and D Moss were in the Form—. Bolchover then took his MB ChB at Manchester University. He became a House Physician at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital; Assistant MO, Withington Hospital; and then a General Practitioner. During the War he served as a Capt in the RAMC. He was living in Didsbury.

We regret to announce the death of Frank Britton (Technical Assistant under Maurice Poole and Zygmunt Kepczyk in what were then known as the Workshops, 1958-84). Neville Cooper (Masters' List 1959-72) writes: " I first met Frank Britton in 1959 when he was work-ing as Technical Assistant under Mr Poole. Trained as an engineer in the world-renowned Manchester firm of Renolds Chains, he brought to MGS that high standard of engineering excellence that had been the root of his training and was to enhance his subsequent 27 years of service to the Dept of Craft, Design and Tech-nology. MGS has always inspired loyalty and enthusiasm in all who came in contact wi th it, and so it was wi th Frank; MGS became a large part of his life, no school was better and no boys more rewarding to work with. He was unstinting wi th the time he gave to the School; and wi th the boys, his skills, precepts and advice were passed on wi th kindliness and humour. Frank took an active interest in many aspects of the life of the School and produced practical helpmates of one sort or another to satisfy the theories and ideas of almost every department in the School. One particularly large piece that I remember, for it lay for a number of years at the side of the playing fields,

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was the scrum-pushing machine, executed for the PE Dept and the rugby teams. He was also a considerable diplomatist and never more so than at certain times each term when stage sets for the Dramatic Society plays would invade my room; and always his practical help was an invaluable contribution to getting them finished on time for the staging of each new production. It was said of Henry Maudsley, the machine-tool maker and producer of the precision screw-cutting machine, that to see him use a twelve-inch file was pure joy. When Frank was operating a machine, or using hand tools on metal, I would stand and watch wi th pleasure to see a skilled man working, so easy and sure was every movement. A good friend to me, Frank wil l be remembered wi th affection by both past and present members of Staff and the many, many boys who benefited from their daily contact wi th such a courteous and under-standing man. The full congregation at his funeral reflected the wide range of his friends, both in and out of School. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Margaret, his wife and companion of many years, and to his daughter Mary".

N Burgess (1941) in Feb 1990, aged 66. Burgess came to Rusholme in 1934 and went upthe Modern Side, starting in IB ( M c G u i r e ) — H C Waters, F J Parkinson and R C D Baker were in the Form—and leaving after two years in Modern VI (Albert Hislop, Wilson and Johnny Rivers)—P Evans, T D Irwin and J Sutcliffe were in the Form—. After leaving School, Burgess took his degrees of BA(Com) and FLA at Manchester University. After being Deputy Librarian at Droylsden, he was appointed Senior Tutor Librarian at Bolton Tech in 1959, where he stayed until he retired. He was the author of several publications by Pergamon entitled " H o w to find out a b o u t . . . . " During the War he served in the Queen's Royal Regt, the Intelligence Corps and the RAEC with the rank of Sgt Instr. He was living in Manchester.

T R Chatfield (1917) in 1990, aged 91. Chatfield was a Foundation Scholar. He came to Long Millgate in 1911 and went up the Classical Side: he started in II Beta ( "Puggy" Dakers)—N Birnage, G V Ashcroft and C Tasker were in the Form—and left after one year in History VI ( D a n n ) — G Bullough, J B Green, F Marquis and D W Lambert were in the Form—. Chatfield went up to St John's Coll Oxford wi th an Open Exhibition, to read History. After serving wi th the Anglo-South American Bank, he joined the Bank of London and South America Ltd and stayed wi th them from 1936-60, becoming Chief Accountant and Administration Manager. During the Great War, he served in the Tank Corps as a 2/Lieut. He was living in Esher, Surrey.

A Coleman (1940) in 1990, aged 67. Cole-man was a Foundation Scholar; he came to Rusholme in 1934 and started on the Modern Side in IA (John L i n g a r d ) — M Kaminsky, J Hemmings and R C Hanna were in the Form—he left after two years in Science VI Maths ("Taffy" Hughes, Stone, Maugham and Clynes)—A Swindells, R N Davies, G A Morri-son and T Stopford were in the Form—. After leaving School, Coleman intended to become a teacher and went to King Alfred Coll Win-chester and then to Trinity Coll Carmarthen. He joined the Swansea University Air Squadron, trained as an air observer in S Africa and received his commission in 1943 as a navigator for the Pathfinder Force. He survived three tours of bomber operations, went on more than

100 sorties including 37 raids on Berlin and 13 as Master Bomber, for which he was awarded the DFC in 1944 and a Bar in 1945. He worked as a lay reader in Wales for a few years and then in 1951 rejoined the RAF. Back in the service he took a Russian course which led to intelli-gence work in West Germany in the early 1960s. He found his vocation when, after two years at Wells Theological College, he was ordained in 1967. A curacy at Bury was fol lowed by his appointment as Vicar of Wil ton and Senior Chaplain of the Mission to Seamen at Middlesbrough. In 1973 he moved to the parish at Flamborough, then to Coleford and Holcombe in Somerset. In 1983 he took over the parish of Gunness near Scunthorpe; he retired in 1987.

J Connett (1940) on 11 May 1991, aged 66. Connett was a Foundation Scholar. He came to Rusholme in 1936 and went up the Modern Side: he started in IA (Albert H y s l o p ) — H Broadmeadow, J B Emerson and F Alcock were in the Form—and left from 4A ( H u l m e ) — J S Mac Farlane, A T A Demetriades and R Tonge were in the Form—. After leaving School, Connett qualified CEng, MIEE, and was an engineer wi th Ferranti Ltd; AEI; and ICI. He served as a Capt in R EM E from 1946-52. He was living in Bracknell, Berks.

R M Corney (1944), aged 65. Corney came to Rusholme in 1937 and went up the Classical Side: he started in I Alpha (Cross)—R L Cuany, G G Alway and Murray Brookes were in the Form—and left after three years in Classical VI (Simmie and "Ar ty " Moore)—contemporar ies include R C Davies, R S Glen, G M A Harrison, H W R Johnson and D B Norwood. After leaving School, Corney took his degree in Classics at Manchester University. He gained his Registration Cert, General Teaching Council of Scotland, and then devoted himself to teach-ing in primary schools. He was living in Withington.

D J Dick (1933) on 17 April 1991, aged 71. Dick came to Rusholme in the same year that the School moved, in 1931. He went onto the Modern Side: he began in 1 B (Billie H u l m e ) — R E Davies, G R Cowan and A E Fletcher were in the Form—and left from 3 A — C Pagdin, E G Riley and S S Gill were in the Form—. After leaving School, Dick qualified as a Chartered Surveyor, becoming ARICS in 1949 and FRICS in 1956. He was a partner in a private Surveying Practice from 1950 until he retired. During the War he served as a Lieut in the RE from 1939-46 and was awarded the MC. He was living in Alderley Edge.

P D Dilworth (1945) on 6 Aug 1990, aged 73. Dilworth came to Rusholme in 1938 and went up the Modern Side, starting in 1A (Albert H i s lop )—B A Hytner, J H Eastwood and F A Kilner were in the Form—and leaving after three years in Modern VI (Albert H i s l o p ) — J Bat-tersby, A G Bennett, M Beresford and J H Eastwood were in the Form—. Dilworth left School wi th an Open Exhibition in Mod Langs at Sidney Sussex Coll Cambridge where he took his degree in Mod Langs. He then took his ARIBA at Manchester University. He served in the City Architect's Dept Manchester; Senior Assistant, Surveyor's Dept Solihull; Senior Assistant, County Architect's Dept Gloucester CC 1958-70; becoming Senior Architect, Westmorland County Architect's Dept 1970-74 and finally Principal Architect, Cumbria CC Dept of Architecture until he retired in 1988. He was living in Windermere.

S J Dunn (1921) in 1990, aged 85. Dunn

was a Foundation Scholar. He came to Long Millgate in 1917 and went up the Modern Side: he started in Modern Remove ("Birdie" B r u t o n ) — D G Sopwith, L K Mastin and S M Haynes were in the Form—and left after two years in Modern VI (Hors ley)—A P Kirsop, A E Bimrose, F Holt, Sir Leslie Pott and R E Castell were in the Form—. Dunn was living in Epsom Downs.

E T Fielden (1920) on 27 Jan 1991, aged 88. Fielden came to Long Millgate in 1918 and had two years on the Science Side: Science 5th (Schmi tz )—H M Crichton, R H Inchley and H B Stott were in the Form—and left from Science Transitus (Tommy Ormerod)—Sir William Car-rington, W E Bendell and L R Martineaux were in the Form—. After leaving School, Fielden studied at both the Manchester and Bradford Colls of Technology in order to enter the Wool-len and Worsted industries. He spent all his working life wi th George Thomas & Co Manchester and Alderley Edge, finishing as Director. In the War, he served first wi th the RA and then the RAF, as a Fit/Lieut. Fielden was a great lacrosse man in the days when the Old Mancunian Lacrosse Club could take on the Rest of the North of England; he was at one time Chairman of the OMA Lacrosse Section. He was living in Prestbury.

A B Fielding (1945) on 22 Nov 1988, aged 61. Fielding came to Rusholme in 1938 and started on the Classical Side in I Beta (Whar ton )—G B Hanna, R Hoseason and D J Roberts were in the Form—he left after two years in Science VI Maths. After leaving School, Fielding went to the Manchester Coll of Tech where he took his degree of BSc in Mech Engineering. A keen member of the University Air Squadron, he was offered a com-mission in the RAF but his family persuaded him to join their business, making jacquard looms. He finished as Managing Director Devoge & Co Ltd and Wadsworth & Gold of Manchester and Droylsden. While at School, he was A/Warrant Officer, School ATC Squadron (No 600). He was living in Heaton Moor. His elder brother, G G W Fielding, left from 5B (Tyzack) in 1936. He joined the family busi-ness; he died at the age of 28, in 1947.

F Hampson (1934) in 1991, aged 76. Hampson came to Long Millgate in 1927 and started on the Classical Side in 1 Beta (White-h e a d ) — D Shasha, J N Appleton and G K Moss were in the Form—leaving after three years in Science VI Bios (Plackett, Noakes, Speight, Yapp and "Gadro")—contemporar ies include D Moss, E G MacGregor, J H R Barker, H W Ogden and J V D u n w o r t h — . Hampson, who was a Prefect and on the 1st XV, went up to University Coll Oxford wi th an Open Schol in Natural Sciences, where he took his MA and DM. He held various posts in Pathology and finished as Consultant Pathologist in charge of the Reading area pathology service. During the War he served in the Emergency Medical Service. He was the author of scientific papers in specialist journals. He was living in Buckle-bury, near Reading.

H R Hulme (1926) in 1991, aged 82. Hulme was a Foundation Scholar. He came to Long Millgate in 1920 and started on the Modern Side in 4C (Staf ford)—G W Brennand, D Hamwee and H V Davenport were in the Form—leaving after three years in the Science VI ( "Gadro" and Schmitz)—contemporaries include M G C Israels, A R Bromley-Davenport, W G N Chew, P C Varley and G V Whittenbury. Hulme gained an Open Exhibition to Gonville

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and Caius Coll Cambridge. He then spent a year in Maths VI (Shandy and Johnny Heywood) where he gained an Open Schol to Caius. His contemporaries in Maths VI include Sir Herbert Andrew, A Atherton, and two mathematicians of renown, K V Wardle and J W Archbold. I distinctly remember travelling from Long Mil l-gate to Rusholme in May 1929 to see the laying of the Foundation Stone, now under the main archway. The stone-laying was performed by Sir Arthur Howarth, the Chairman of the Governors. In a brief survey of the School's history, he referred to Will iam Arnald who left MGS for St John's Coll Cambridge in 1763. Three years later, 1766, he gained the honour of Senior Wrangler (the top mathematician of his year)—incidentally, he fol lowed another Old Mancunian, Cyril Jackson, who became the Dean of Christ Church, to the post of sub-preceptor to the Prince of Wales, who later became George IV. Sir Arthur went on to say that the School still produced mathematicians of note, because in the Cambridge mathe-matical tripos of that year, he was able to report that three Old Mancunians were high up in the list of Wranglers: H R Hulme, K V Wardle and J W Archbold. Hulme duly went up to Caius Coll Cambridge wi th a Schol in Maths and Science. He qualified MA, PhD, ScD and also became Smith's Prizeman. He was elected Fellow of his college in 1932; lectured at Liverpool University 1936; was Chief Assistant, Royal Observatory, Greenwich 1938-39; Scientific Adviser to the Air Ministry 1945; and Rector of Canterbury University College, NZ 1948-54. His great work was in the field of theoretical physics and the development of the British nuclear deterrent. During the War he had served as Director of Operational Research for the Royal Navy. In 1954 he joined the research team at Aldermaston that was working towards the atomic bomb's successor, the hydrogen bomb. Britain exploded her first thermonuclear bomb in the Christmas Island tests in 1957. As a result of this, Hulme was appointed Chief of Nuclear Research, a post he held until 1973. In retirement he pursued his interest in water-colours which he both collected and con-served. He was living in Basingstoke.

N B Lunt (1922) in 1990, aged 85. Lunt came to Long Millgate in 1919 and went up the Modern Side. He started in Modern Lower Middle 3rd (Heathco te)—W Kirkpatrick, E Har-rop and J S Ashton were in the Form—and left from 5E (Grundy) - -W Eve, A C Tyldesley and R F Welberry were in the Form—. Lunt was living in Wellington, NZ.

J W MacAulay (1932) on 2 July 1990, aged 76. MacAulay was at South Prep for 5 years before coming to the "Big School" at Long Millgate in 1927. He started on the Classical Side in 1 Alpha (Thompson)—J Bamber, K Newis and M C D Powicke were in the Form—and left from S4A (P lacket t )—J A Robertson, R D Hodson and A W A Gee were in the Form—. After leaving School, MacAulay had a career in engineering wi th Andersons of Trafford Park and after the War wi th Wiggins of Hereford. During the War he served as a Gunner with the 1 st Survey Regt RA in the Middle East and Burma. He was living in Hereford.

G H McKay (1919) in 1990, aged 88. McKay came to Long Millgate in 1915 and went up the Classical Side: he started in III Beta (Heathcote)—H C Murdoch, E Mumford and R D Cruikshank were in the Form—and left from Classical Upper Remove ( "Puggy" Dakers)—H Lecomber, P C Miller and S Parnell were in the Form—. After leaving School,

McKay took his degree at London University. By 1928, he was a Lecturer at the Northern Polytechnic and the same year became Principal of Exeter Technical College, From 1953 until retirement, he was Principal of South Devon Technical College. He was the author of "An English Highway" and "A Foundation Course in English". He served in the War as a Flying Officer in the RAF (Training Branch). He was living in Bacup.

P D Matterson (1933) in Dec 1990, aged 75. Matterson came to Long Millgate in 1926 and started on the Modern Side in I B ( M a d d e n ) — M B C Preston, H Greenall and D W Mackereth were in the Form—and left after one year in Science VI Bios (Ronnie Plackett, Noakes and Y a p p ) — K A Townley, D Moss, A C S Hobson and G K Spruell were in the Form—. Matterson was living in Rochdale.

R Mil ton (1938) in 1990, aged 71. Mi l ton started at North Prep in 1931 and was put into Shell (Tommy S t o t t ) — W P Stirrup, M E Gaffin and H K Mercer were in the Form—and left after three years in Science VI Bios (Ronnie Plackett, Bert Toft and Yapp)— .He was a gifted soccer player and was Capt of the 1 st XI and Vice-Capt of the School. Contemporaries include R E Davies FRS, D G Bratherton, R Hunnam and B Schofield. Mi l ton went to Manchester University and qualified MB, BS, MRCS, LRCP. He was living in Haslemere, Surrey.

E G H Moreton (1947) on 8 Dec 1989, aged 59. Moreton came to us from the Oratory School, Caversham, in 1941. He went up the Classical Side: he started in II Alpha (Graham/ S i m m i e ) — W B Moore, V E Nelson and I C Robertson were in the Form—and left after three years in Classical VI (Simmie)—Nevi l le Critchley, J M D Hoyle, W R W Lees, J D Turner and D A Jones were in the Form—. After leaving School, Moreton went in for teaching, starting at Hurstpierpoint, and at the same time took an external degree of BA at London. He subsequently taught at Liverpool College and then went up to Pembroke Coll Cambridge, obtaining his MA in 1955. He then spent the next 31 years at Ampleforth College, teaching Classics, English and History of the Roman Empire. He was Chairman of the Common Room for nine years. His father, H V Moreton, was on the MGS Staff from 1941-48; he taught English. He retired in 1948.

G K Moss (1932) on 19 April 1991, aged 75. Moss came to Long Millgate in 1926. He started in 1D ("Okkie" C o l l i n g e ) — M C D Powicke, G W Fenton and A S Ashton were in the Form—and finished wi th two years in S4B (F ie ld )—F C Carter, D Doxey and H F Walton were in the Form—. After leaving School, Moss gained Diplomas at Manchester Coll of Tech in Rubber Technology, Chemistry and Electrical Engineering. He was Managing Director of Lindsay & Williams Ltd, Manchester 1948; Technical Director of a French Company and Swiss Company 1949 and 1950-73; Chairman and Managing Director of Lindsay & Williams Ltd 1954-73; Parkinson (Calenderers) Ltd 1956-73; Ulster Plastics Ltd (Belfast) 1958-73. He was a JP, City of Manchester, 1966. In World War II he was 2/Lieut in the RA and then was a Staff Capt on the General Staff (Planning BAOR).

R Preston (1924) in 1991, aged 87. Preston was a Foundation Scholar. He came to Long Millgate in 1916 and started on the Modern Side in Shell A (Twen tyman)—W T Ellis, H N Holl lngworth and F M Little were in the F o r m — and finished wi th one year in Science VI

("Gadro", Schmitz and T u n l e y ) — P C Varley, C Whitworth and J W Whiteley were in the Form—. After leaving School, Preston studied at Manchester University where he took 1st Class Hons in Chemistry and qualified MSc, PhD. He was Royds Research Fellow 1933-35. He became Senior Development Chemist, Walpamur (Paints) Co, at their Research Dept, Darden. He was living in Lammack, Blackburn.

J E Price (1913) in 1990, aged 93. Price was a Foundation Scholar. He came to Long Millgate in 1910 and started on the Classical Side in II Alpha ( "N ick" Carter)—R d'E Atkin-son, Glenn Handley, T Hope Floyd and B G J Wood (Masters' List 1921-64) were in the Form—and left after two years in Science 5th (Schmi tz )—T Campbell Finlayson, T H S Bul-lough and J B Butterworth were in the Form—. After leaving School, Price went to Salford Royal Technical College and qualified AMIEE. He was a Chartered Electrical Engineer wi th Lancashire Dynamo and Crypto Co until he retired in 1962. He was also a Director of Malcolm and Allan (London) Ltd. Price had a long association wi th the Lancastrian Society in London. The Association was founded in 1892 to provide a link of friendship for those who have moved from Lancashire to London; it also provided charitable aid for Lancastrians in need. In World War II the Association's records were destroyed in the blitz and by 1949 there was a nucleus of only 200 members. Here, Price stepped in; he headed a committee to revive the Association's activities and now there are over 1,000 members. For this service he was made a Vice-President when he retired from being an active member. He was on parade, in 1981, when HM The Queen, Patron of the Associa-tion, attended a reception of the Association held in the Middle Temple on 25 Feb 1981 Joe Price never forgot his old School. Nor wil l Tim Hall (the Hon General Sec of the OMA) and I forget the unfailingly kind welcome we received when we stayed wi th him, when we attended the Horsham Meeting of the 0 MA. He was living in Epsom.

G Ramage (1924) in April 1991, aged 83. Ramage came to Long Millgate in 1921. He started on the Classical Side in IV Beta ( "Ar ty" Moore)—Edgar Lustgarten, Cyril Ray and Herbert Castle were in the Form—and left from Science Transitus (Tommy Ormerod)—P D F T Huss, M Wassilefsky and E A Heatley were in the Form—. Ramage studied medicine at Manchester University. After qualifying he held various hospital and MOH appointments. In 1940 he became Deputy County MOH, Staf-fordshire CC, and then in 1946 he became County MOH. He was living in Coppenhall, Stafford.

M J Rawlinson (1961) on 20 Feb 1990, aged 47. Rawlinson was a Foundation Scholar. He came to Rusholme in 1954 and started on the Classical Side in 1 Alpha (Corbet t )—P G Ebert, D H Glass and M A Huxley were in the Form—leaving after three years in Maths VI (Johnny Heywood and Copley)—contempor-aries include D W Clark, A D McLean, P Andrew, J S B Mather and M D Baldwin. Rawlinson was a fine all rounder. He was a prefect, was vice-Capt of the Soccer Club and Capt of Cricket. He trekked wi th me three times in Scotland. He left wi th an Open Exhibition in Maths to Downing Coll Cambridge, where he took his degree and played for the Crusaders and the Falcons. He went in for teaching and spent five years teaching Maths at Harrow, where, incidentally, he taught Mark Thatcher and the Duke of Westminster. He spent the next

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18 years at Bedford School, as Head of Maths, and for ten years was a Housemaster. He had wide interests; he was on the Board of Visitors of Bedford Prison; he worked in various capaci-ties for the International Baccalaureate. In 1986 he retired from Bedford and, in order to spend more time wi th the International Baccalaureate, became a sub-postmaster in Dufton on the Pennine Way.

P L Renshaw (1949) in 1990, aged 58. Renshaw came to Rusholme in 1942 and went up the Modern Side, taking his School Cert in Upper 4C (Keeney)—R Amos, J Y Holloway and J 0 Yates were in the Form—; then he had two years in History VI ( B u n n ) — G S Hardon, J E Welsby, D A Whitworth, D S Buchanan, J R Crossley and G E Bodmer were in the Form—. After leaving School, Renshaw took his LLB at Manchester University and became a partner in Wm Furness & Son, Manchester. He did his National Service in the RAF, in Radar, 1955-57. He was living in Gatley.

We regret to announce the death of Alan Rutt (Masters' List 1954-59) on 2 Dec 1990, aged 60. Rutt taught Chemistry and was an enthusiastic helper wi th the Babes soccer team. He left us to become Senior Chemist at Ruther-ford GS, Newcastle, and in 1964 became Deputy Headmaster of Carisbrooke GS, Isle of Wight In 1969 he was appointed to the newly-formed Forest of Dean GS which opened in 1970, as its first Headmaster. He retired in April 1990.

J Scragg (1921) in 1990, aged 88. Scragg was a Foundation Scholar. He came to Long Millgate in 1916 and went up the Classical Side: he started in III Alpha (Pym M a y o ) — J C P Stirling, H C Murdoch and C J P Dodson were in the Form—and left after two years in History VI (Cox)—contemporaries include A P Kirsop, A W Todd, F H Page-Jones, P R Lewis and E A Leathley. Scragg left w i th the Somerset Thornhill Schol to BNC Oxford. He took his degree and later the Diploma of Anthropology at Oxford. His first post was at Achimota College, Gold Coast. He stayed there until 1932. Coming back to the UK he went to Steyning GS "for a few weeks to help out in an emergency"—and never left. He was an assistant master there for 11 years and then, in 1944, became Headmaster, retiring in 1967. He was the author of "Common Errors in Gold Coast English". He was living in Steyning.

We regret to announce the death of R M Simkins (Masters' List 1921-66) in Jan 1991, aged 91. "Simmie" (everybody knew him as "Simmie", although some of his Classicists occasionally used Simicidas) came to us straight from Cambridge, where he had gained a 1 st in parts 1 and 2 of the Classical Tripos. He was immediately thrown in at the deep end so to speak, taking Classical VI and II Alpha. And this time-table lasted throughout his time wi th us. I think it speaks volumes for his relationship between him and his boys that he could have over 80 boys who technically inhabited the same form room! And it also says something for the tolerance of boys of various ages towards each other—one of our more admirable charac-teristics, which is seen at camps, where the ages range from 12 to possibly 19. Coming in 1921, Simmie was one of J L Paton's later appointments. He was one of 58 on the Staff (it is just about double that now) but there were over 1200 boys in the School, the vast majority being below the sixth form. He certainly took his place among some formidable pedagogues, nearly half of whom had come before the turn of the century. Some were Old Boys: "Papa"

Mr. Simkins. Photo E Hol lowel l

Barnes (Science Side) entered the School as a boy in 1869 before going up to Balliol; John-stone (Classics) was a boy here in 1879; Ogden (CDT) came in 1879, and Crawshaw (swim-m i n g — h e was Capt of the English waterpolo team at the 1896 Olympic Games in Athens) in 1883. But I like to think that Simmie was the true successor of Broadhurst, "Old Broadie", who came as a boy in 1864, left from Classical VI in 1870 wi th an Open Schol to Trinity Coll Cambridge where he was a Senior Scholar, came back to teach in 1876 and retired in 1919. It was he of whom that great Classical Scholar, Sir Ernest Barker, spoke in such felicitous terms. It was almost as though JLP was wait ing for a suitable man to occupy Broadhurst's chair; in 1921 Simmie came. Their time at MGS spanned 102 years! Simmie put in ten years at Long Millgate. Classical VI inhabited the Tower in what we called the New Building which was put up in 1880 and blitzed in 1940. To me, as a boy there, it seemed fitt ing that an august form wi th the romantic name of Classical VI should be in a room high above everybody else. The room was also the library (there's a picture in "Dare to be Wise"); it was dusty and I can't remember the library being much used, although when I was in History VI we used to go there on occasions and couldn't help hear-ing Simmie translating wi th Classical VI. He was unflappable; the roof leaked when the rain was heavy and I can vividly remember Simmie, wi th his form, sheltering under what looked like the fore upper top sail of a windjammer! It was under such conditions that he annually pro-duced his classical scholars to Oxbridge. So to me he was a somewhat remote f igure—he never taught m e — n o r was I in his scouts, but when we were colleagues years later, I found him a most approachable man, who was ever ready to help me wi th any problems I had. Throughout the 1950s I ran the Athletic Sports which involved a whole month after School when boys competed for standard points. Simmie was my time-keeper; he was utterly reliable and imperturbable among the milling throng of boys and he never missed any of the interminable sessions after School, often in inclement weather in March. Simmie's quirky sense of humour was renowned. I offer two instances. Towards the end of his long life (he

was born in 1899) he said he would like to live until 2001, another ten years, so that he could have spanned three centuries! Then again, he was an absolute stickler for accuracy. Every-thing connected wi th the School he read wi th meticulous care. A few years ago, having read his copy of Ulula, he wrote to me and said he would give me 999 marks out of 1,000 for my contribution to the OM News and Obituaries at the back. And the reason? I had spelled a Master's name incorrectly. His name was Bur-rows; he was on the Classical Staff for one year, 1923-24, and in fact he doesn't appear in the Biographical Register. I had written Burroughs! Take a mark off! But these peccadilloes were all part of a wonderful schoolmaster, a man of infinite compassion, who won the respect and esteem of generations of Children of the Owl.

Philip Hill (Masters' List 1944-83 and Head of Classics 1972-83) writes: " I was not entirely surprised to discover, many years ago now, that Simmie had read Tolstoy's mighty novel 'War and Peace'—in German. I knew that he was a man who read very widely, and I knew his linguistic attainments were not confined to the Classical languages he taught—after all, he and his colleague Mr Holland used to read Dante together in Italian, translating the difficult bits to one another—and as for reading a Russian novel in German, well, that was just the sort of amiable eccentricity not uncharacteristic of him. I first met Simmie when he was 45, and my knowledge of him is almost exclusively as a colleague. He put up wi th my 'waywardness' as a junior in his department, wi th a forebearance I now wonder at. On countless occasions I have gone to him wi th a knotty problem in Greek or Latin syntax, and his enthusiasm in discussing such matters, and his expertise, have assuredly made me a sounder scholar. Born a Victorian in 1899, he went to the Crypt School, Gloucester, in 1910 and there took the Cambridge Local Examination at the age of 14, in which examination (among several other papers done within one week) he took, on Tuesday, 22nd July 1913, four separate exams, videlicet Latin Unseen (2 hours), Macbeth (1J hours), French (2 hours) and, from 6.30 pm to 8 pm, a paper in English Literature from 1597-1900! Here is a specimen question from this last. I wonder how a modern 14-year-old would fare now: 'Name the authors of all the fol lowing works and give an account of one of them: The Dunciad; The Rivals; The Bard; Christabel; The Stones of Venice; English Humourists of the 18th Century; Goblin Market'! Simmie won a scholarship to St John's Coll Cambridge in 1916. His university career there was inter-rupted, for in 1918 he joined the Inns of Court OTC. Back at University he took the Classics Tripos in two successive years, 1920 and 1921, being placed in the 1st Class on both occa-sions. I myself feel it a pity, in some ways, that he was not able to go on wi th post-graduate work, and devote himself more fully to Classical Scholarship, but in fact he came immediately into teaching, joining MGS in Sept 1921, just two terms after R T Moore, his constant com-panion in the Classics Dept here. These two practically were Classics for some 40 years. Both were remarkable teachers, who in a way complemented each other, R T the vigorous, all-conquering Roman, Simmie rather the intel-lectual, cultured Greek. Simmie was form-mas-ter of Classical VI, all three divisions, pretty well from his appointment in 1921, and certainly from 1945, when he at last became officially Head of Side. Technically, the High Master was previously the Head Classic, but, as High Mas-ter Douglas Miller told me himself, when he

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appointed me, Simmie really ran the Side. From 1929 to 1966 Simmie was also form-master of II Alpha, and also, for one year (1941-42) of III Beta. During all the time I knew him, he was master of both a junior and sixth form. He deliberately chose this double load, just as he deliberately asked to be given no free periods! He obviously loved teaching the young boys, and they quickly responded to his enthusiasm. He had a natural feeling for what would interest them. He would, for example, encourage them to collect coins in a special way. He would stage competitions to f ind out who could recite quickest the gender lists of the third declension. Now, to achieve fairness in calling on boys to translate in class, he had a pack of cards, each marked wi th a boy's name, and this pack was cut to determine who should be put on next. He used these 'sortes Simmianae' for himself also, to find out which of Dickens' novels he should re-read each Christmas, as he still did, until he died.

"As form-master of Classical VI he dis-played some similar whimsicalities. If a boy handed work in late, he claimed the right to annotate it wi th rude remarks in any of several languages. Though most of the marks he gave for proses etc were in the standard range of Alpha Beta Gamma, one unfortunate got the mark M u + and the boy was not so much abashed by the Mu as pleased by the + ! He disapproved, and how I concur in this, of boys writing in the text glosses of words and phrases they found difficult. He relaxed this veto only if a boy made a howler of a translation in class. Then the form was allowed to enter, in pencil, not the correct translation, but the howler, to catch the unwary and lazy user of that copy later. To discourage mere thoughtless copying of a fair version from the board, he would from time to time interpolate some irrelevant phrase, such as I am a fool'. But, of course, the boys learnt from him the importance of exactitude, and not in language only. Moreover, they knew that his scholarship came not only from rules learnt out of text books, but from wide reading. How many other Classics teachers in this country have read Procopius and Herodian in translation, let alone the original? I cannot refrain from mentioning an activity in which he and I egged one another on over the years, book collecting. He had one of the finest private libraries of works of literature in the country, not only Greek and Latin Classics, but English too. The best, most complete, most scholarly editions of course, for example the Nonesuch Dickens, which he sold about four years ago. He bought it for £50 and sold it to Blackwood for £1,500. In rather a different vein he bought all the volumes comprising Magnet/Greyfriars stories, the Famous Five, Billy Bunter etc, when they were all reprinted in the late '50s. When he moved from his spacious flat in Altrincham, all round the walls were group photos of his forms; he had a photo of every boy he ever taught. When he moved to live wi th his sister in North Wales he had to get rid of many of his books, and how keen a blow that was to him, only a bibliophile knows, though I have myself, however, profited by it from him in various ways. As a master he was scrupulous in the performance of his duties, although sometimes perhaps a little idiosyncratic. No notice could be read out in Room 16 unless it bore the High Master's signature, to confirm authenticity. Again, Room 16 was always locked for the duration of Assembly. Both of these practices were derived from School rules made in the dim past and never officially rescinded. He himself was completely reliable. Everything that had to

be done—l ists, reports, duties of all sor ts—was done to time and in full: quotus quisque sic\ From 1922 onwards, Simmie was Scoutmaster of his beloved Troop I. He ran more than 100 camps. These were somewhat unorthodox. Games, I gather, often involved Simmie's bat-tered old hat. On one occasion, when scout officials came, as was regular, to inspect the camp, they found Simmie, alone, sitting on a stump, reading Thucydides. A certain spartan simplicity has always characterised his life. I may be a little out of date here, but at least for a long time he had no television, which he, objecting to such hybrid monstrosities, called 'teleblepsy'. He did have a wireless set, but never did a wireless set have a cushier life of it; he used it solely to listen for the pips to check that his clock was accurate. It might be thought that he was negative in his attitude to women, but this is hardly fair. True, I don't think he thought of them as full members of the Staff when they came to us in war time, but he was no misogynist. I know he had a high regard for many women novelists, eg, Jane Austen, Susan Ferrier and Mrs Humphrey Ward (grand-daughter of Arnold of Rugby, incidentally). But, above all, the triumphant tail-piece to his career at MGS proves how smoothly and successfully he dealt wi th the fair sex. At the age of 67 he was asked to join the rival establishment over the road, and did indeed teach for a few years at the Manchester High School for Girls. It was a daunting challenge for anyone. The Senior Classic there, I know her well, was an extremely formidable woman, known for reducing not only her pupils but also her junior colleagues to tears. She and Simmie, however, got on famously, for they were both punctilious about the things that really matter. The girls loved him, the other members of staff, as far as I can make out, almost petted him, and he enjoyed the lady-like refined atmosphere after the hurly-burly of a boys' school. Mind you, he didn't altogether approve of the modern woman. For one thing, he objected to make-up, and this is why, when he wrote a letter, he used an envelope wi th an embossed stamp, for on the ordinary stamps, which you and I use, it is only too clear that the Queen is wearing lip-stick!"

B L Slater (1934) in 1990, aged 74. Slater was a Foundation Scholar; he came to Long Millgate in 1927 and started on the Classical Side in I Alpha ( T h o m p s o n ) — J Bamber, K Newis and M C D Powicke were in the Form—and he left after three years in Science VI Bios (Plackett, Noakes and Y a p p ) — c o n -temporaries include W D Hughes, D Moss, A W Steven, A W A Gee, W Holmes and E Hainsworth. After leaving School, Slater went into the Civil Service and for many years was in the Manchester Branch of the National Savings Association.

R Travis (1963) on 3 April 1991, aged 46. Travis came to Rusholme in 1956 and went up the Modern Side: he started in 1B (Terry J o h n ) — I Hunsley, J S Widger and J D Taylor were in the Form—and after four years in Modern VI (Terry John)—contemporar ies include S A Elder, D S Broucher, J D Finch, H S Fox and D M Walton. There were ten boys in the top Division, all went to Oxford or Cam-bridge. Travis, who was Vice-Capt of the School and in the Swimming Team, went up to University Coll Oxford, where he read Jurispru-dence. He was called to the Bar and was wi th Thomas R Miller & Son. He was living in Baldock, Herts.

A C Turnbull (1924) on 11 May 1991, aged

84. Turnbull came to Long Millgate in 1920 and went up the Classical Side: he started in 111 Beta ( Johns tone)—H Castle, M T Hagarty and H B Craigie were in the Form—and left from Classi-cal Lower Remove (Tenen)—A L Dilks, J W Armstrong and V Percy were in the Form—. After leaving School, Turnbull worked in a bank before going to Tyndale Hall, Bristol, to prepare for Holy Orders. After being ordained he served two curacies, in Burslem and Bebbington, before becoming Vicar of St Catherine's, Tranmere. From 1951-75 he was Rector of St Wendreda, March, the Fen church wi th the angel roof, said to have inspired Dorothy Sayers' book "The Nine Taylors". He retired in 1975 to live in Woking. He was an Honorary Canon of Ely Cathedral. Canon Eric Saxon (1930) is his brother-in-law.

J S Vivante (1928) on 19 June 1991, aged 81. Vivante came to Long Millgate from Craw-ford College, Maidenhead, in 1925 and went up the Classical Side: he started in III Alpha ( "Puggy" Dakers) S Redman, A Ellis and B F Dill-Russell were in the Form—and left from Classical Lower Remove (Tenen)—D R Ander-son, T J M Harrop and K Entwistle were in the Form—. After leaving School Vivante went into business and was a cinema manager. He was living in Levenshulme.

D Grant Walker (NMS) (1931) on 3 Jan 1991, aged 74. Walker came to North in 1923 and started in the "Upper" Set (Mrs Gaskill) in 1 9 2 3 — E E Spink, B C B Ickles and B Weisgard were in the Form—and left from the Third Form ( P l a n t ) — J Ackerley, D Cuttiford and D L Smart were in the Form—. After leaving School, Walker joined H J Heinz & Co Ltd and for many years was the Office Manager of the Man-chester Branch. During the War, he served in the RAF. Walker's name wil l be remembered by a great many old North boys for his connection wi th the Old North Mancunians' Association and Annual Hot Pot Supper. North closed in 1940; it was in 1955 that W J B Saunders, himself an Old North Boy and on the Masters' List from 1921-61, conceived the idea of an Annual Reunion of Old North Boys. Reunions were held in various venues in Manchester and then about 20 years ago we went back to our roots as it were, to the Pavilion of the Cheetham Hill Cricket Ground where we used to hold the Athletic Sports, and the Meetings have been held there ever since. Douglas Walker was the Hon Sec of the Association from 1955 until he died last January. The success of the Meetings has in large part been the result of his work. Every year he sent out 200 letters to Old Boys and it is a mark of the influence of the School and its Staff that, annually, about 50 men would turn up for the Meeting, and a further 60 letters would be received from those unable to come, but who wished success to the Evening. In recent years he has been in indifferent health and a good deal of the work has been done by his wife, Joan. All Old North Boys wil l be pleased and relieved to know that Mrs Walker has kindly consented to make the arrangements for the next Meeting on Sat 12 Oct. Douglas Grant Walker wil l be remembered wi th affection and respect. He was living in Crumpsall. His elder brother, Alan, left North in 1929; he now lives in North Petherton, Bridgwater.

J R Whitehead (1969) on 20 Jan 1991, aged 39. Whitehead came to Rusholme in 1962 and went up the Modern Side: he started in 1 D (Gaskel l )—R R Calverley, T M Sheldon and D Summersgill were in the Form—and left after two years in Mod Studies ( S h u t t ) — A P Dob-son (Masters' List 1980-) , D H Foster and I F

Thompson were in the Form—. After leaving School, Whitehead studied languages at Car-diff University. He worked as a translator in Steel Research at Sheffield and in more recent years he was appointed Manager of his own company. The real sadness is that he was never able to realise his potential; he died at the early age of 39.

D Williams (1926) in 1990, aged 82. Wil-liams came to Long Millgate from South Shields and had one year in Classical Lower Remove (Tenen)—N P Tchaoussoglou, H M Hutchfield and D G Peck were in the Form—. He left wi th Matric for Manchester University where he started what was to be a brilliant career in medicine. He duly qualified BSc, MSc, DSc, MB, ChB, MD (Gold Medal). He was a Fellow of Harvard where he became FRCP. He held many senior posts in the medical world: Physician in charge, St George's Hospital London; Senior Physician, National Hospital, Queen's Square; Neurological Physician, King Edward VII Hospital for Officers; Civil Con-sultant in Neurology, RAF; Civil Consultant to the Army and RAF. He was editor of "Brain" and "Modern trends in Neurology" as well as

writ ing many articles on professional subjects. He was made CBE in 1953. He was living in Hampstead. His younger brother, W L Williams, left from Maths VI (Shandy) in 1931 for Down-ing Coll Cambridge where he took Pt I in Maths and Moral Science. He studied for the ministry at Westminster Coll Cambridge. He was a minister in the Presbyterian Church for some years and then in 1957 started a private Experimental Centre for Readjustment for mal-adjusted boys. He was living in Alston Cumbria; he died some years ago.

A Yates (1927) in Dec 1 990, aged 79. Yates was at Sale Prep for two years before coming to Long Millgate in 1924. He went up the Modern Side: he started in 4C (Billie H u l m e ) — G Bel-shaw, H C Butterfield, H Toft (Masters' List 1932-39) and K F Rooke were in the F o r m — and left from 5A (Charlie Elsden)—Lord Beavan, C G Monk and H Tabbush were in the Form—. After leaving School, Yates joined the Manchester City Police, from which he retired in 1962, wi th the rank of Chief Superintendent. I am now quoting from the Feb 1934 edition of Ulula (OM and MGS Notes section): "Arnold Yates (1922-27) of 'A' Division, Manchester

City Police, rescued a man from the River Irwell on 27 October, at the same spot where Con-stable Jewes was drowned last June while attempting a similar rescue. In vrew of the bitterly cold weather at the time, and the other serious difficulties to be overcome, for the river here resembles a particularly nasty well, the School is proud to add Arnold Yates' name to the new Life-saving Record Board which is being prepared." For this rescue he received the King's Police Medal for Gallantry. For three years, 1943-46, he studied at Manchester University and qualified LLB. Yates was a large, genial man and was very good company. For years, after his retirement from the Force, he was General Secretary of the Wood Street Mission, where he did invaluable work. He was the ideal man for such a post. We miss him very much in the 20 /30 Club; he made a superb Chairman and I for one used to relish his introductions and thanks to our visiting speakers. He would speak briefly, never at a loss for a well-turned phrase, and with a bluff good humour that spoke of the man himself.

Last day of the Summer Term

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