THE BARBICAN
NUMBER THIRTY-SIX
The Magazine Of
The Lewes County School
For Boys
1961
SCHOOL LIST, 1960-61
School Captain: P. B. Sutherland
Senior Prefect: J. R. Sandercock
Prefects:
LEWES
N. G. Shephard, J. F. Gilbert, M. P. Sadler, J. R. S. Whittle.
MARTLETS
P. B. Sutherland, M. D. Burley, R. Goodyear, A. W. F. Lewis, N. R. Thorp,
R. I. A. Swann, R. Reeves, G. Badger, M. P. Price, J. Greenland.
SEAHAVEN
D. J. Charman, M. F. Carder, M. A. Coe, J. A. Facey, A. R. Mylett,
P. Herman.
UCKFIELD
A. Senior, M. G. Ash, G. D. Burges, A. Gibson, B. J. Knight, J. R. Sandercock.
Form Captains:
Transitus, R. Gorringe; 5B, A. Muddle; 5C, B. Lewis;
Rem.A, T. Watmore; Rem.B, D. Hobden; Rem.C, J. Donaldson;
4A, T. Martin; 4B, M. Short; 4C, R. Campbell; 4C, T. Kernahan;
3A, P. Muddell; 3B, S. White; 3C, J. Sutherland;
2A, J. Franklin; 2B, C. Brown; 2C, D. Tandy.
EDITORIAL
OUR Thirty-sixth number of The Barbican is a landmark in several
ways. . . . . .
July, 1960, saw the retirement of Mr. N. R. Bradshaw.
Elsewhere in this issue tribute is paid to the superb achievement
of his life work these over thirty years, from the time when the
School started in 1930 with a mere 140 pupils. Today the School,
vastly extended, houses 600 boys, is known - and not as a name
only - at most af the major universities, and has old boys in
virtually every profession and walk of life. Nor have all its
extensions been provided by the State. The beautiful School Chapel, now in daily use,
was achieved by a twenty-year private effort whose general and
unflagging organiser was Mr. Bradshaw. It was fitting that its
dedication should take place in his last term as Headmaster.
Mr. J. L. Fanner, our new Headmaster, entered upon his duties
in September, 1960. To him and his wife . . . we extend a hearty
welcome. . . Mr. Fanner had scarcely had time to find his way
about his new school when he was faced with his first shock - an
Amazonian invasion extending over the second half of the autumn
term. We think our ark sustained its double complement without
sinking too low in the water. In fact, with minor adjusttnents,
we all got on tolerably well together. We thank the Girls'
Grammar School for their cooperation in a difficult situation and
wish them well for the spring term, back in their own buildings.
[These cryptic references to water, Amazons, Ark and double
complement relate to a serious flood that happened in early
November 1960 at Lewes that flooded the Girls Grammar
School, situated on low ground in Southover. They had to find
other accommodation until the waters receded and the damage could be
repaired. A large number of the girls were given temporary
accommodation in the already overcrowded Boys Grammar School. A
foretaste of things to come! I am indebted to Phil Ray for
clearing up these puzzling references. - Webmaster]
"The Taming of the Shrew"
It is a pleasant thought that our school play in March, "The
Taming of the Shrew" is to be a joint venture [with the Girls Grammar School].
W.H.E.
[This production of "The Taming of the Shrew"
was never reported in the
subsequent Barbican but this tattered
program with a cast list did survive.]
SCHOOL NOTES
NATURALLY the outstanding event of the past year has been the
retirement of Mr. Bradshaw, to whom tribute is paid elsewhere in
this issue; and next the dedication and bringing into regular use
of the Chapel, together with its organ, of which fuller accounts
are also given on later pages. During the last few weeks the
organ pipes have been re-gilded, making them blend discreetly
with the colour scheme of the whole Chapel, and two small bay
trees have been placed in the Sanctuary; we owe both these
improvements to the unerring taste af Lady Maufe.
Academic success has came in welcome plenty. Last spring two
Open Exhibitions in Natural Science were awarded to boys in the
School: C. Deverell (Lincoln College, Oxford) and L. A. A. Warnes
(Selwyn College, Cambridge), while places were granted to M. J.
B. Allen (Wadham College, Oxford), P. Gamby (Jesus College,
Oxford), J. Moon (Brasenose College, Oxford), G. M. Newman (St.
Catharines College, Cambridge) and M. R. Walton (Lincoln College,
Oxford).
In the summer G.C.E. examination, State Scholarships were won
by M. A. Coe, P. J. Q. English, J. R. Sandercock, P. B.
Sutherland, R. I. A. Swann and J. R. Whittle, while in the
December College Scholarship examinations both Coe and Sandercock
gained Postmastershsps at Merton College, Oxford. A. Gibson has
gained a place at Magdalen College, Oxford, Swann at Caius
College, Cambridge, and Whittle at Churchill College, Cambridge,
where he will have the distinction of being one of the first
undergraduates at this newly-founded college.
The School First XV has had a good season in spite of the
appalling conditions, and there are also some promising players
in the younger teams. The cricket was fairly successful, but we
hope shortly to see some improvements to the pitch which should
enable us to reach a more polished standard of play.
Among the activities of the Old Boys of the School, we note
with special pleasure the award af a Harmsworth Scholarship at
the Middle Temple to C. W. F. Newman, and also Nicky Silk's
several appearances in the Oxford rugger team. We are also most
grateful to Ronald Smith for the piano recital he gave to the
School last July, of whioh an appreciation as printed below.
In the summer we bade farewell to several members of the
staff - Messrs Hall, Matthews, Perkins and Stevens; we wish them
success in their new spheres of activity.
We welcomed to the staff in September Mr J. S. Davey, an Old
Boy of the School, and Messrs J. Rowell, A.Summerfield and P. J.
Taylor. We hope that all of them will enjoy being here.
We must also thank cordially two Old Boys, Gamby and Walton,
who have been filling temporary vacancies on the staff during the
last twelve months. Their help has been most welcome.
We hope that readers approve of our change of cover, which we
feel should be welcome after so many years of uniformity; we hope
to portray some facet of School life in each number. The
photograph on the cover was taken and kindly supplied by Mr. E.
A. Meyer.
DEDICATION OF SCHOOL CHAPEL
UNDOUBTEDLY the most significant event of last year was the
dedication of the School Chapel by the Bishop of Chichester, the
Right Reverend Dr. Roger Wilson. It was the climax not only of
years of patient and untiring work, but also of the
Headmastership of the man who had the vision and who inspired the
work of all connected with the Chapel, Mr. N. R. Bradshaw.
A dismal windy day did not prevent those eager to witness the
ceremony from attending; about 1,500 were present. The 350 seats
in Chapel were reserved largely for relatives of those whose
names are inscribed on the roll of honour in the portico, and to
whom the Chapel is a memorial. The remainder heard the service
relayed in the School halls.
The service began as the Bishop was received outside the west
door by the Chairman of the Govenors, Lt.-Col. H. W. Styles. In
response to Col. Styles' request that he should dedicate the
Chapel, the Bishap knocked three times at the door and was
admitted by the School Captain, N. Silk. As he entered the
building the choir sang "Hail Thee Festival Day".
The service was simple in form, yet deeply moving. It was both
an act of dedication and of commemoration of those who had given
their lives in the Second World War. After the anthem, "Come Holy
Ghost our souls inspire", in which a junior boy, H.P. Gilbert,
sang solo, the congregation knelt while the Bishop pronounced the
words of dedication and faith. The Chairman of the Lewes Council
of Churches, the Rev. H. A. Gibson, led in further prayers before
the Bishop gave his address. Immediately after this, Mr Bradshaw
led the Act of Commemoration, during which the names of the
fallen were read by four junior boys, T. Pope, T. Martin, M.
Ternouth and D. Greenland.
Then followed what was for
many the most moving part of the service, a reading of John
Bunyan's account of the passing of Mr. Valiant-for-Truth. Mr.
Bradshaw then spoke briefly of the nature and purpose of the
Chapel. "Two thousand years ago," he said, "a sacrifice was made
on Calvary, without counting the cost. Ever since, the memory of
that sacrifice has rested in the hearts of men. Many a boy in the
quietude of this Chapel will achieve an awareness of Christ and
will learn the great lesson of giving which ensures, for those
who practise it, that all the trumpets will sound on the other
side."
During the final hymn a collection was taken by the craftsman
who had been working with such great care during the building.
The service concluded with prayers by the Archdeacon, Canon D. H.
Boath.
Now the Chapel is becoming an integral part of School life.
Juniors and seniors alternate in having morning prayers there,
and each week both halves of the School attend a service at which
a number af local clergy have already preached. In addition, on
three evenings a week a form of evening prayers is said. At
least, that is what has been planned, but unfortunately in the
Christmas term, 1960, the first full term in which the Chapel has
been in use, circumstances have forced us to modify the plan. In
the first instance the building was not in use while workmen were
installing the organ. This was a most generous gift from
Cuddesdon College and, after renovation, we now possess a very
fine instrument for accompanyang the singing. Later, the
necessity of sharing the School buildings with the Girls' Grammar
School compelled us to modify our plans.
This account will not be complete without mention of one
feature which might, perhaps, have been missed by many who have
visited the Chapel. In the chancel there is a prayer desk which
is a memorial to Mr. Parkinson, who served the School loyally for
many years.
It is impossible to gauge the effect of a building of this
stature, and it is far too early to say what the Chapel will
achieve in the life of the School. It was created from a vision
of what Christian education ought to be. It is intended as a
focal point of all the activity of the School, but it is the hope
of all who are, and have been, associated with the building, that
thc fulfilment of the vision will be seen in the future
generations of boys who will daily enter the Chapel.
THE CHAPEL ORGAN
BUILT by that great master, William Hill, in 1874, for the
Chapel of the Theological College at Cuddesdon, the fine organ
which has been installed in the School Chapel was the gift, in
1954, of Edward Knapp-Fisher, then Principal of Cuddesdon
College, now Bishop of Pretoria.
The removal from Cuddesdon, storage in Lewes, and rebuilding
in the gallery of the Chapel has been carried out by the Lewes
firm of William Hill and Son, Norman and Beard Ltd., at a cost
of just over £2,000. So fine were the materia1s and
craftsmanship that went into the original building that this firm
has guaranteed the instrument as for a new organ, and recommended
that it be insured for £10,000.
There have been some modifications to the specification. Two
new ranks, the twelfth and fifteenth have replaced the "Cremona"
and "Harmonic Flute" on the great organ, and the pedal bourdon
has been extended to 8 ft. pitch to replace the pedal octave
coupler. The console is entirely new, and the trackers have been
replaced by exhaust-pneumatic action.
The open diapason on the Great Organ has the pure clear tone
on a light wind pressure for which Hill was famous, and the 8 ft.
flute (Claribel) has a most beautiful quality, combining
effectively with the two new ranks. A stop on the Swell Organ of
historic interest is the keraulophon, a soft tone between string
and horn quality, found only on a few organs built in the latter
half of the last century. The Swell Oboe has a smooth and gentle
tone.
The case is of oak decorated in late Victorian style in blue
and gold, the front panels carrying pictures of angels, diverse
in musical talent.
At the inaugural recital on Speech Day, Mr. George Austin, who
played the organ at Cuddesdon and on whose recommendation the
decision to accept it for the School was made, ably demonstrated
the wisdom of that decision. We are indeed fortunate to possess
an instrument so admirably suited to the size of the building and
effective both for accompanying services and for recitals.
ORGAN SPECIFICATION
GREAT ORGAN
Open Diapason 8 ft.
Dulciana 8 ft.
Claribel 8 ft.
Principal 4 ft.
Twelfth 2 ft 8in.
Fifteenth 2 ft.
SWELL ORGAN
Lieblich Bourdon 16 ft.
Open Diapason 8 ft.
Lieblich Gedacht 8 ft.
Keraulophon 8 ft.
Lieblich Flute 4 ft.
Piccolo 2 ft.
Oboe 8 ft.
PEDAL ORGAN
Bourdon 16 ft.
Flute 8 ft.
COUPLERS
Swell to Great
Great to Pedal
Swell to Pedal
Swell Octave
Swell Sub-Octave
Swell Union Off
ACCESSORIES
3 Adjustable Thumb Pistons to Swell
3 Thumb Pistons to Great
3 Toe Pistons to Swell
3 Toe Pistons to Great and Pedal
Reversible Thumb and Toe Pistons for
Swell to Great and Great to Pedal Couplers
Balanced Crescendo Pedal to Swell Organ
PRESENTATIONS
Mr. BRADSHAW retired as Headmaster of the School at the end of
the summer term. The following presentations were made.
On Saturday, 9th July, at 7.30 p.m., a meeting of Old Boys was
held at the School. I. Wycherley introduced E. C. C. Wynter who,
after a most happy speech, presented to the Headmaster, on behalf
of about 600 former pupils, a cheque for £350, expressing
the hope that it would be used to provide a holiday for Mr. and
Mrs. Bradshaw. Other gifts were an inscribed silver salver and a
paper-weight bearing an engraving of the School Chapel. The
Headmaster replied in suitable characteristic vein, after which
the formal meeting closed. Many Old Lewesians then took the
opportunity of visiting the recently completed School Chapel. The
evening provided a welcome opportunity for a "get-together" and
an exchange of reminiscences of school days.
At a gathering of Governors, Parents and friends at 2.30 p.m.
on Saturday, July l6th, Colonel Styles, on behalf of the
Governors, presented to Mr. Bradshaw a handsome bookcase. On
behalf of the Parents, Mr. Hurst presented the Headmaster with a
gold watch and a cheque. After the Headmaster had thanked those
present, tea was served and the new buildings and School Chapel
were visited.
Members of the Staff met privately on Friday evening, July
22nd, to present Mr. Bradshaw with an engraved sherry decanter
and glasses and a silver dish inscribed with their signatures.
Later, two long-playing records of the Dedication Service in the
School Chapel were also given.
On the last day of term the School Captain, N. Silk, presented
a radio set and a portable typewriter to the Headmaster on behalf
of the School. Silk spoke with admirable ease and appropriateness
and the Headmaster suitably replied. The ceremony ended with the
School watching, from inside the new School Hall, the spectacle
of the retiring Headmaster jocularly performing the ritual of the
"Burning of the Canes" on a bonfire lighted on the adjoining
ground.
VALETE
IN July, 1960, Mr. Bradshaw retired as Headmaster of the School.
Such is the bald statement which for many marks the end of an
epoch in the School's history. It was the close of the School's
period under the guidance of its first Headmaster and as such
held added significance.
It is difficult to speak of Mr. Bradshaw's leadership of the
School during the last thirty years without appearing fulsome, so
successfully and varied have been the activities initiated by him
and carried through often in the face of difficulties which would
have overwhelmed a man of less inspiration and tenacity of
purpose.
The School Chapel, the swimming bath, the achievements of its
past and present pupils, the esteem in which it is held locally
and much farther afield all point to the success which has
attended Mr. Bradshaw's efforts to build a fine school and give
it a fitting reputation. But it was not just to give thanks far
well-organised school days that Old Boys returned again and again
to visit the School and its Headmaster. Nor was there any
insincerity in the farewell speeches of pupils, former pupils,
parents, governors and members of staff at the various functions
which marked the presentations to Mr. Bradshaw at the end of the
summer term in 1960.
No! These visits and these speeches were eloquent of the fact
that throughout his term of office together with a respect for
his devotion to duty, Mr. Bradshaw has inspired amongst all who
knew him a deep affection and a realisation of his essential
humanity.
He was ever approachable and generous to a degree. He gave
freely of himself, his time and his health, at what cost to the
latter, few can really appreciate.
The concern consequent upon his recent illness and the widely
expressed relief at his speedy and magnificent recovery were
evidence of how deep is this affection in which he is held and
not only by those immediately connected with the School. The
recent presentation to him of the Freedom of the Borough of Lewes
has given great pleasure to his friends as being a testimony in a
most gracious and fitting manner to the valuable work he has
done:
Mr. Bradshaw has built well in many ways, but there is no
monument that will be treasured more than that which he has
raised in the hearts of men who were boys at Lewes County Grammar
School - the memory of one who aimed high, saw the goal clearly,
was never daunted in his unswerving efforts to achieve it and
could inspire in others the same zeal and the same principles he
himself held so dear. We know that his unflagging devotion to the
School and selfless concern for its welfare will not end with the
termination of his official connection with it, and as we are
sure he thinks frequently of the School and us so do we of him
and wish him many well-earned years of happy retirement with all
the fervour at our command.
SPEECH DAY
ON Wednesday, November 2nd, before a distinguished gathering of
Governors, members af the Education Committee Parents and Friends
of the School, the Annual Speeeh Day and distribution of prizes
took place in the new Assembly Hall. The principal speaker was
Mr. John Christie of Glyndebourne, and the prizes were
distributed by Mrs. J. L. Fanner, wife of the [ new ] Headmaster.
The function in fact served as a formal-and perhaps formidable -
means of introducing Mr. and Mrs. Fanner to the parents of the
School.
The proceedings commenced with a tribute paid by the Chairman
to the fine achievements of the late Headmaster, Mr. N. R.
Bradshaw. Then followed the Headmaster's report on the work of
the School during the past year, after which Mr. Christie
recalled, with accompanying gesture and movement - albeit
dangerously near the front of the stage - the liveliness and
misadventures of his own schooldays. The ceremony concluded with
the serving of tea in the dining hall.
SUCCESSES
STATE SCHOLARSHIPS
M. A. Coe, P. J. Q. English, J. R. Sandercock, P. B. Sutherland,
R. I. A. Swann, J. R. S. Whittle.
GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION
ADVANCED OR SCHOLARSHIP LEVEL IN TWO OR MORE SUBJECTS
(Subject names denote Distinctions)
C. H. Armstrong, M. C. Ash, K. G. Baker, C. M. Britchfield, G. D.
Burges, C. Cann, I. F. Carder (History); R. Cheesman, A. G.
Chidgey, M. A. Coe (Physics, Chemistry, Biology); G. R Crouch, P.
J. Q. English (Applied Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry); R.
Flowers, P. Gamby (Pure Maths, Physics), R. Gant, A. Gibson
(English), J. F. Gilbert, A. J. Hammond, D. G. Helsdon, K.
Henfrey, D. G. Jones, A.W. F. Lewis, J. Moon (Chemistry); R. N.
Moon, A. R. Mylett, G. M Newman, A. R. W. Perry, I. G. Pickup, J.
D. Roberts, J. R. Sandercock (Applied Mathematics, Physics,
Chemistry); J. A. Senior, N. G. Shephard, R. I. A Swann
(Biology); P. B. Sutherland (French); M. A. Thomas, M. W.
Thompson, K. Tucknott, J. C. Type, M. Wa1ton, J. R. S. Whittle
(Physics, Chemistry, Biology); C. Yarrow (Biology).
ORDINARY LEVEL IN FIVE OR MORE SUBJECTS
G. L. Burton, D. J. Cox, R. Greatorix, D. Jackson, B. M. B.
Kirby, J. H. Rodgers, M. Waight, B. J. Baker, T. R. Bleach, A.
Breese, C. Colyer, D. W. Cottingham, D. M. Field, R. D. Izzard,
R. J. Izzard, G. Kershaw, A. W. Macadie, C. S. Moss, A. J. Nunn,
F. T Pitt, H. M Rix, R. Robinson, C. J. White, M. G. White, M. S.
Wild, I. R. Willis, M Alcock, M. R. Baker, J. M. Beal, M. I.
Blunden, E. F. Cann, J. Carpenter, P. J. Clark, J. Crawford, W.
Cutlack, E. Dixon, T. R. Drake, D. G. English, C. C. Gearing, P.
C. Gi1es, J. E. Grinsted, R. S. Hazell, C. D. Hoggins, R. C.
Mockett, B. V. Page, R. B Russell, R. L. Smith, M. A. Soffe, J.
M. Stevens, J. B. Wheeler, P. J. Whitfield, C. F. Wilkinson, A.
Woodward.
UNIVERSTTY SCHOLARSHIPS AND PLACES
M. J. B. Allen - - State Scholarship (1959), Wadham College, Oxford (English).
K. G. Baker - - University College, London (Physics).
C. Chatfield - - Open Exhibition, Imperial College of Science, London (Natural Science).
A. G. Chidgey - - Reading (General Honours).
G. R. Crouch - - King's College, Newcastle, University of Durham.
C. Deverell - - Open Exhibition, Lincoln College, Oxford (Natural Science).
P. Gamby - - Jesus College, Oxford (Natural Science).
K. Henfrey - - University of Leeds (Engineering).
D. J. Hunt - - College of Estate Management, London University.
D. G. Jones - - King's Co1lege, University of London (Theology).
J. Moon - - Brasenose College, Oxford (Natural Science).
R. N. Moon - - Manchester University (Engineering).
G. M. Newman - - St. Catherine's College, Cambridge (Law).
A. M. I. Paris - - London Hospital.
A. R. W. Perry - - Bristol University (Chemistry).
J. D. Roberts - - Wye College, University of London (Agriculture).
N. Silk - - Trevelyan Scholarship, Merton College, Oxford (Medicine).
H. G. Thompson - - Exhibition in English, Magdalen College, Oxford.
M. R. Walton - - Lincoln College, Oxford (English).
L. A. A. Warnes - - Open Exhibition, Selwyn College, Cambridge.
W. Williams - - University College, London University (Geography).
C. Yarrow - - University of North Wales (Forestry).
TECNICAL COLLEGE DIPLOMA COURSES
W.M.Permain, D.G.Price, R.L.Smith
SOME OLD LEWESIAN SUCCESSES
R. C. Adams - - Class I, part 1 of Mechanical Sciences, Tripos, Cambridge.
D. Shrubb - - Class I, part 1 of Mechanical Sciences, Tripos, Cambridge.
G. A. Brooker - - Class I, Final Honours School of Physics, Oxford.
D. L. Morgan - - History Research Scholarship, Magdalen College, Oxford.
M V. Hobden - - Doctor of Philosophy, Keble College, Oxford.
G. P. Tilly - - Doctor of Philosophy, Imperial College of Science, London.
C. W. F. Newman - - Harmsworth Scholarship, Middle Temple.
Capt. E. L. Cook DSC, R.N. - - Chief of Staff to Commander-in-Chief, Far East.
Capt. P. D. E. Galer - - Royal Tank Regiment: to Staff College.
AWARDS
THE "EDGAR POVEY" TROPHY - - N. Sllk
THE "ROTARY CLUB OF LEWES" SERVICE PRIZE - - G. Swan
THE "LILIAN FLEMING" PRIZE FOR BIOLOGY - - G. Whlttle
THE "WOOLMORE" PRIZE FOR SCIENCE - - P. J. Q. English
THE "LOMAS" PRIZE FOR FRENCH - - P. B. Sutherland
THE "BEEFORTH" PRIZE FOR MATHEMATICS - - J. Sandercock
MRS. FANNER'S PRIZE FOR MUSIC - - C. Lauer
THE " LEWES R.F.C." PRIZE - - A. Lewis
THE "HOARE" CUP (Uckfield House) - - G. Crouch
SERVICE PRIZES - - R. Cheesman, M. A. Coe, A. Gibson, R. Swann, N. Thorp.
FORM PRIZES
VI.A.Mod. - - M. F. Carder, A. Gibson, P. B. Sutherland.
VI.B.Mod. - - J. J. Greenland, M. P Sadler.
VI.A.Sci. - - M. A. Coe, P. J. Q. English, J. Sandercock, J. R. Whittle.
VI.B.Sci. - - N. A. Hodges, J. M. Price.
VI.E. - - M. W. Thompson.
VI.C. - - J. E. Turner
TRANSITUS - - J. M. Beal, P. J. Clark, E. G. Dixon, J. E. Grinsted,
C. Hoggins, P. J. Whitfield.
V.B. - - G. Kershaw, R. Robinson.
V.G. - - D. Jackson, B. M B Kirby.
REM.A - - A. J. Braid, M. F. Fuller.
REM.B - - D. Kemp.
REM.G - - E. Grinsted.
IV.A - - J. Etherton, R Hampton.
IV.B - - D. Blackwell, T. Stephens.
V.G - - D. Harrison, R. J. Pople.
III.A - - J. S. Capon, D. J. Greenland, N. J. Russell.
III.B - - C. J. Steel, A. J. Voyce.
III.C - - R. Couser.
III.G - - T. J. Cutlack, P. Davis.
II.A - - H. P. Gilbert.
II.B - - V. Newman.
II.G - - D. Jeans.
HOUSE TROPHIES
Povey Work Shield - - - Seahaven
Bradshaw Games Shield - - - Martlets and Uckfield
Henderson-Oliver Cross-Country Cup - - - Martlets
Wilfred Thompson Athletic Cup - - - Martlets
Innes Swimming Cup - - - Lewes
Blunden Junior Games Cup - - - Martlets
Sinfield Swimming Cup - - - N.Silk and P.Herman
A CAMBRIDGE LETTER
The Union Society,
Cambridge: December, 1960.
Sir,
In our last year we paid tribute to Mr. Bradshaw; on this
occasion we have the opportunity of congratulating his successor,
Mr. Fanner, on his appointment.
A great deal has happened at the School since we last wrote.
When we visited the School to bid farewell to Mr. Bradshaw last
summer many of us were astonished to find ourselves getting lost
in what should still have been familiar surroundings. New
buildings had sprung up in the quadrangles, spilled into the
tarmac playground and flooded across the lst XV pitch. Presiding
over the ravages of this inundation was the new School Chapel,
the final result of an effort that has been vigorously pursued
for as long as we could remember. Lewes school-boys had certainly
never had it so good, we thought, but wondered how many of them
would agree.
This year in Cambridge we welcomed Peter Randall at St.
John's, and Lionel Warnes at Selwyn, freshmen who are both
working hard and joining in society life. Also hard workers are
the trio of Engineers : David Shrubb, chemical, and Richard Adams
and David Lee, mechanical. All three attained firsts in their
exams last year.
Readers may have heard of the traffic congestion in our
ancient streets, and partly to blame are Peter Britton with a
lively M.G. sports car, Jimmy Lohoar - also a car owner - and
Stephen Fleet and Diarmid Maclaughlin, both of whom prefer two
wheels. Peter Britton recently became an A.R.C.O. and can
occasionally be heard on :the St. John's organ. His main study of
Modern Languages will be equipping him for a career as a
schoolmaster. Also doing languages is John Wilkinson at
Fitzwilliam, with "digs" near Cherry Hinton He still turns out
for "Fitzbilly" at rugger.
Perhaps the most "intellectual" of the Old Lewesians is
bearded Paul Wright - most entertaining of hosts - with rooms in
Trinity's new Angel Court. Visitors are invariably regaled with
wines and records from his large stock. In the meantime, Paul is
working for Physics Finals next May.
Second year men one don't often see are Robin Fleet, a chemist
with rooms in the crumbling Second Court of St. John's, and John
Drake, a humanist at Caius.
Taking stock of the diverse field of activities in which O.L.
s here are now to be found, it is pleasing to reflect how far the
School's influence has spread, though the absence of Blues still
mystifies us. It is especially gratifying to hear that there will
be an O.L. amongst the first undergraduates to see Churchill
College through its finest hour. Clearly, the School has
established a strong Cambridge tradition and (to revert to our
metaphor of last year) with the old walls of Lewes now occupied
by a new tenant, we are pleased to note that the fortress on the
Fens continues to be manned at full strength with recruits from
headquarters.
A faithful scribe,
"Granta"
Sorry, no Oxford letter to hand at time of going to
press. - Ed.
PIANOFORTE RECITAL
By Ronald Smith
ON the occasion in July, when the Parents and Governors presented
their farewell tributes and gifts to Mr. N. R. Bradshaw, a
pianoforte recital was given by Ronald Smith, an Old Boy who has
achieved distinction as a front rank concert pianist.
Ronald (Pop) Smith chose a delightful programme with something
to suit most tastes. The charming Mozart Rondo was beautifully
phrased, the Beethoven Moonlight Sonata finely majestic, Chopin
glittered, while Balakirev and Liszt revealed the lyrical
flexibility of his playing. The School piano responded bravely to
the demands made upon it in Falla's Ritual Fire Dance, which
terrific finale was most warmly received by an enthusiastic
audience.
PROGRAMME
Rondo in A Minor. K.511 - - - - - - - - - Mozart
Sonata C# Minor ("Moonlight") - - - Beethoven
Fantasie Impromptu - - - - - - - - - - - - - Chopin
Scherzetto - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Ronald Smith
Melodie Espagnole - - - - - - - - - - - - Balakirev
Au bord di'une Source - - - - - - - - - - - - - Liszt
On hearing an old Musical Box - - - - - Severac
The Ritual Fire Dance - - - - - - - - - - - - - Falla
A PEEP BEHIND THE SCENES
(With apologies to William Shakespeare
and the kitchen staff)
Six times the swishing cane hath stung
And only once the bell hath rung.
Round about the cooker go,
In the mangled rulers throw.
Here's a sock ! No need to hide
Galumptious mud from field outside.
Set-squares, paper, all the lot,
Go thou in the pretty pot.
Double, Double, toil and trouble;
Fire burn! and couldron bubble!
Old French verbs - and Latin, too;
Maths protractor that's quite new;
"Geogo" atlas minus cover
With a shower of chalk dust smother.
Bootlace dipped in old school ink;
Add some "blotto" - watch them sink.
Old tough rubbers - throw them in
With rubbish rescued from the bin.
Double, Double, toil and trouble;
Fire burn! and couldron bubble!
Litmus paper, red and blue,
Iron filings go in, too.
Pencil shavings swept from floor,
Orange peel and apple core;
Wastepaper basket emptied out,
Half a pen - or just about;
Greasy dishcloths torn in rags,
Rugger boots and ends of fags;
Half-done graphs and history dates
With mouldy leavings off the plates.
Double; Double, toil and trouble,
Fire burn! and cauldron bubble!
Impositions! Bad reports!
Mystic brews from lab retorts!
Marble chips - they all go in
With bubble gum that sticks to chin;
Here's the stuff to make you simmer,
Look what we've got - SCHOOL DINNER!
David Hughes, Remove A, Uckfield House.
AFTER THE MANNER OF LA BRUYERE
EARLY, he arrives at school, brushed and washed ready to work.
His hair is short, for there is no need to hide a clean neck.
Neatly he carries a satchel over one shoulder and walks briskly
to get to each period on time. Unruffled, his manner is precise
and correct. He has read the School Rules. Unnoticed and
unnoticeable his presence is assumed. With W. E. Johns still
under his arm he creates an impression of innocent
insignificance. He is beginning to read D. H. Lawrence.
He is a Second Former.
Late, he lolls into routine dogged by the possibility of
study. His hair is long. His mother's old bag serves as a satchel
and he has to be found before his "lectures" can commence. Bent
under the intellectual load of the day, his manner is profound
and worldly. Rules are not meant for him. Noticed and to be
noticed his presence is a contribution. With Marx and Engels
under his arm, he creates an impression. He is beginning to read
D. H. Lawrence.
He is a Sixth Former.
M. P. Sadler.
THE "INVASION"
On 9th November of this fatal year,
When we returned to school,
It was to find that our classrooms and grounds
Were under feminine rule.
They covered our desks with blobs of ink,
And even pinched our hooks,
And some, I'm horrified to say,
Left notes tucked in our books.
This school was once a sanctuary
From all their girlish chatter,
But now they over-run the place,
A chap can't help but natter.
A. Drinnan, 3b, Martlets.
THE INVENTION
"WHAT is the most wonderful thing Man has ever invented?" asked
Eager-to-learn.
"That is a very difficult question," said the Philosopher, who
in his young days had been called Seeker-after-Truth. "Let me
think before I answer your question." And while the Philosopher
pondered, Eager-to-learn wondered as well. His mind was filled
with innumerable marvels from the world of science: adding
machines, ballistic missiles, cars, diptheria vaccines,
extracting metals from the earth's crust, forging the metal into
many varied shapes, and so on, through the alphabet, until he
realised that the whole problem was far too deep for him and, he
imagined, for the Philosopher as well, since he was staring into
space as if he sought some divine inspiration on the matter.
Eager-to-learn returned to his work, which was not so
entertaining as counting the furrows on his Master's face, as he
wrestled with the problem, but was there to be done all the same.
So Eager-to-learn left the Philosopher to dream and began his
previous night's French.
Five minutes before the end of the period, the Philosopher
quietly announced: " I have thought about your question. At first
I thought that the realm of science would supply my need, but its
diversity and complexity seemed to indicate that, while the total
effect was very great indeed, each individual invention
contributes a mere trifle to the total. Similarly with the Arts,
for they, too, are legion."
"Does that mean that you cannot answer my question?" ventured
Eager-to-learn.
"On the contrary," replied the Philosopher, "I can. If you will
bear with me a little longer, I will explain. It struck me that
everything I thought of was really a product of some other
invention. What I was searching for was something so simple that
without it, all today's marvels could not be what they are. I
also wondered about the Arts, if there also I could trace
literature, painting, music and its preservation, and other of
its noble facets, right back to their origin and find something
basic, common to both, and this I felt would be the answer to
your question."
The bell rang. "But, Sir," said Eager-to-learn, "what was it?"
edging nearer to the door every second.
The Philosopher, in the quietest of undertones, simply said to
the boy, by then opening the door, "I will show you one." He
groped in his pocket for a moment and then flourished
triumphantly at his departing pupil a sheet of paper and a
pencil.
M. F. Fuller, Trans., Lewes.
HIS
year's Barbican contains accounts of the dedication of the
newly constructed Chapel dedicated to the Old Boys who lost
their life in the War. It is the culmination of Mr Bradshaw's
time as headmaster and he now retires after thirty years in
post. LCGS is largely his own creation. The School has done
exceptionally well -- can this continue indefinitely?