The Shirburnian - The Old Shirburnian Society

The Shirburnian
February 1979
THE
SHIRBURNIAN
FEBRUARY 1979
L'homme est ne libre,
et partout il est dans les fers.
Man was born free
and everywhere he is in chains.
Edited by Michael Kitcatt
and
Andrew Bett
Ylartin Carey
John Riggins
Anthony Lane
Andrew Spink
and
M. A. Schlitzer-\Veissmann, Esq.
Photographs by Anthony Lane
and
Stephen Morris
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PAGE 27
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PAGE 30
EDITORIAL
SHERBORNE DIARY
GOOD-BYES
INTRODUCTION
OPINION
INTERVIEW
WAR SERVICE
Major E. Baker, page 13
Lieutenant Colonel H. F. W. Holmes, page 15
WEST MILL
NEWSBOARD
MUSIC AND DRAMA
Orchestral Concert, page 2 I
J ulian Bream and John WilIiams, page 22
Mussoc., page 23
The Digby Play, page 23
"Julius Caesar," page 24POETRY
PHOTOGRAPHY
SCHOOL TRIPS
Dordogne Canoeing, page 30
L 6th Field Days, page 3 I
ontents
PAGE 32
PAGE 34
PAGE 35
PAGE 44
PAGE 46
PAGE 48
SOCIETIES
Film Society, Page 32
The Agora, page 33
The Duffers, page 33
WEDNESDAY MORNINGS
RUGGER
Results, page 36
1st XV, page 36
2nd XV, page 38
grd XV, page 38
4 th XV, page 39
Lower 2, page 40
Junior Col ts, page 42
U- 14, page 43
OTHER SPORTS
Golf, page 44
Squash, page 45
Sailing, page 45
VALETE
THE ABBEY
4
THE SHIRBURNIAN
Editorial
It has long been a criticism of Public Schools that they discourage initiative-or, worse,
positively encourage a lack of initiative. I wish to briefly consider this claim with respect to
Sherborne, and to examine the relationship between discipline, freedom and initiative. One of
the main difficulties of a boarding school is that for the whole of the term-time pupils are under
the jurisdiction of the school authorities, and only in the holidays-during which they primarily
relax-are they under their own control. This tends to mean that they have no chance to exert
self-discipline, but rely upon external pressures to shape their behaviour. Now, this is, to a
certain extent, inevitable, because the school must obviously wield some control over its members;
but I believe that the discipline that we have at Sherborne is in many cases negative, and in a few
cases destructively negative. Far too much attention is given to petty and futile rules-for instance
not eating in the streets-and far too little to what one might loosely term 'moral' aspects of
behaviour, or concern for others. Obviously this is something which cannot possibly be enforced
by discipline, but by an inbuilt sense of responsibility. It is for this reason that I believe it is so
vital that Shirburnians be allowed to form their own code of values; as long as people's lives are
regimented in small matters, there is no need for them to work out how to behave, and so when
they are eventually confronted with the need to make an important decision for themselves
they founder owing to a lack of initiative. The attitude to discipline among many seniors is
disturbing; in far too many cases rules are blindly accepted as they stand, without even being
cursorily examined or questioned. I have heard one member of the authority, when asked why
he enforced a rule to which he admitted that there was no point, reply to the effect that a rule's
a rule, and that's the end of it. Another common attitude is: 'we had to do it when we were in
your shoes; so why shouldn't you have to?'. As long as these beliefs prevail it will be impossible
to really change the school for the better.
I am in no way advocating anarchy, but I do feel that if people are told exactly what to do
in small matters they will not develop their own initiative, but will rely upon outside stimuli,
which simply will not be provided after they have left school. I am not saying that life should be
made 'soft', that people should be able to behave as they like, but that they should be given the
opportunity of thinking and acting for themselves. I am not calling necessarily for less discipline,
but for a different form of discipline-one which stems from each individual's inner convictions.
Shirburnians should be allowed to explore their position in life; they should be given more
freedom so that they can adopt greater moral responsibility towards others. Petty discipline
should be relaxed to help them work out their own beliefs and patterns of behaviour, and to
accustom them to being individual members of a society. This will enable the school to prepare
its pupils more thoroughly for their later life in which they will be largely their own masters.
THE SHJRBURNIAN
5
Sherborne Diary
Another winter term has dragged itself to a close; lacking only in the perennial practical
jokes, and the fact that Mr. Shelley still retains his driving licence. To prove the more philosophical nature of the school I will start with the chapel, which has seen activities varying from
the baptism of Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell-Innes' smallest child, to the erection of our very own
'Tower of Babel'-to quote from the learned lips of the headmaster. The one he was referring to
being made out of scaffolding which was being wheeled through the place to permit the replacing
of the ineffectual strip lighting with reputedly more effective and tasteful bright orange-cased
spotlights. However, others may be more inclined to remember the carol service in respect to
the analogy of Babel; during the service a record line-and-a-half discrepancy was achieved
between rival factions in the Abbey in just one verse.
Under the guidance of Nigel Perry, 'Watchdog' arrivt':d, as a 'revival of the old "Sherborne
Journal"', and also to replace the sagging 'Newsboard', whose editors must be congratulated on
the ingenuity in their attempts to get some response from the inanimate inmates of the school.
The last attempt was a presentation of photos of certain members of staff from their younger
days, and a 'guess who?' caption. The school also had through 'Newsboard' a running record of
the progress of the typing course going on at the time; the editors' typing progressing from
virtual illegibility at the outset to who knows what at the end? To get back to 'Watchdog': its
most noticeable feature was that it did not mention Wallace House, the first school magazine
to manage this for a long time. Being more directly related to the inner workings of the school
than the 'Shirburnian,' competition for readers is unlikely lO lead towards a s/arwards bend in
material published. However, publication day managed to provide great controversy, even if
the vast majority of the school did not realize this, since hopeless modes of circulation covered
up the conflict: one magazine managing to be published on time, whilst the other was late; no
prizes for guessing who did what.
Since Mr. 'J\Tellby is becoming part of the diary" tradition, T see no reason for breaking
it, and so it is with great relief that I announce the rccovery of his shoulder, after its severe
battering in a game 'against' the Green. He reports that it is still a little stiff in the mornings
but we hope that he and his bicycle will soon be back. Thc arrival of Dr. Masini shook many
people, not least his Lower Sixth tutorial group, where his explanation of all things from Plato
to Marx were not only coloured by a thick aromatic accent and a pipe on which he pulled vigorouslyat any and all conceivable moments, but also by an extremely healthy (?) right-wing bias.
On mornings when the Daily Telegraph was not printed his sighs became quite heart-rending.
Rumours on his background were fitting to such a character, with everything being suggested
from a renegade of the Franco regime to the present number three in the Spanish government.
Anyway, I'm sure he'll enjoy these as much as we all enjoyed him, and look forward to seeing
more of him.
The English department is extremely worried about one of its members, who has been
discovered to both own a television and to enjoy watching football. Having studied 'the imagery
of the "Faerie Queen" , at university, his habits an~ all the more perplexing. Another popular
rumour was revived this term, with reports on Mr. Murison's rugby prowess. He himself has
made little effort to refute them, though when pressed he admits that thcy may be a little
exaggerated, and Scotland 'B' was not quite his normal haunt.
An interesting, if somewhat disturbing, recognition greeted one new member of the maths
faculty, on the sight of a 'boy' still present at the school with whom he had been at Sherborne
as a pupil. Other events of the term included the issuing of two sets of 'flu jabs; the second lot
coinciding with sub-zero temperatures and being followed by an outbreak of 'flu despite the
'new, improved' immunity. The somewhat sketchy singing of the Carmen was noticeable during
the end of term lists, when it was discovered that the Blue Book (now complete again with a
true-blue cover) no longer had the song included in it. By the start of the second verse all bar a
very few had discovered a sudden irresistible urge to hum.
6
THE SHIRBURNIAN
One or two masters are secretly carrying out jogging, which has led to some interesting
confrontations late in the evening between certain boys, not aware of these track-suited maraudings, and the intrepid masters. The school now has its own weather station, although its readings
are somewhat haphazard, as someone pointed out, as it is directly in front of the Sports Hall
ventilators, giving temperature and humidity readings an intensely tropical bias; however, one
must forget the wind tunnel it is in, just to guarantee proportionately correct data.
Otherwise, the school seems to be much the same: the Abbey is still being repaired, and the
West Mill project seems to be being continually rewarded. Looking back, the term may be
best considered as a test of stamina, more than anything else. I hope the diary makes it to the
editor, as in an attempt to make the magazine appear while the previous term is still remembered,
it has to compete with the Christmas post to achieve the deadline.
The Sherborne Diarist
Goodbyes
Micky Walford
THE SHIRBURNIAN
7
MICKY WALFORD
Those of us who joined the ;Staff ~ter the War became used to the comment: 'You're at
Sherborne. You've got Walford ""there'. It was: not surpriSing. He gained Blues for Rugger,
Hockey and Cricket in his first four terms at Oxford. Later he played Hockey for England in the
side that reached the final of the Olympics. At the end of every Summer term, he would join
Somerset as an opening bat, often finishing high in the averages.
Indeed, he not only brought fame and recognition to the School through his name but also
through the quality of his coaching and there are many O.S. who will recall, with gratitude,
the time and enthusiasm he lavished on their athletic efforts.
Others will remember him as House Tutor and Housemaster when he seemed to have so
much understanding of those who were not athletic. Finally, his colleagues can recall his stewardship as Second Master at a difficult time for the School.
But this catalogue, impressive as it is, tells only half the story. Micky is a modest and warmhearted man. Has anyone, I wonder, ever heard him boast of his achievements? But many have
drawn strength from his friendship and good cheer. He is a man who never bears a grudge no
matter how violent an argument. He has, too, an impish humour as many of us have found, to
our cost, at school or when sailing or playing cricket in the holidays. We have seen him under
stress and strain and he has always stood firm, not seeking excuses from external circumstances
or other people. If Schoolmastering is the pursuit of excellence then he has given good measure
in his service to Sherborne.
He has retired from the teaching staff but we hope we have not seen the last of him. Shirburnians, for many years to come, will find that energetic figure in the Courts and see that
anxious, peripatetic watcher on the Upper and his many friends will, yet again, know the
sense of well-being that always comes after meeting him:
We wish him all good fortune.
P. C. Boissier
Note from the editor: although Mr. Walford is still helping out with games and various
other aspects of the school, and will, we hope, continue to do so in the future, we felt that it was
fitting to have a tribute to him, to mark his retirement from classroom teaching.
BOB CARLYLE
Bob Carlyle retired early from Bedford School to live in his family home in Sherborne and
to devote more time to his garden.
He was soon persuaded to help out (temporarily!) and has taught Mathematics here for
six years.
Some boys will remember him for the extra tuition he so readily gave and many will
remember afternoon tea in his house where he entertained his Sets on Sunday afternoons.
We shall remember him for his deep concern for the boys and their results and for his
amusing conversation. Although we shall no longer see him climbing the mathematics staircase,
the familiar brown canvas bag over his shoulder, we hope to enjoy his company in Sherborne
for many more years.
I have no doubt he will be persuaded to coach those boys who find 'O'-level Mathematics
an almost in:mrmountable hurdle.
We wish him a happy retirement with, at last, the time to work in his garden.
A. J. Yorke
THE SHIRBURNIAN
8
A Fe'W Introductory
Lines
•
• •
, "Shirburnian"-bashing' is becoming an increasingly popular pastime among both masters
and boys, and this trend is not without foundation; there is little doubt that recent issues have
been generally poor for a variety of reasons. Let me, however, make it very clear at this stage
that I in no way blame any of the editors for this sickness; the job of the editor is to edit the
magazine, not to write it, and all the past editors have fulfilled their function to every satisfaction. The underlying cause of the magazine's decline is, I believe, far more deep-rooted than
that and far more esoteric. What, one must ask, should the 'Shirburnian' set out to do? The
answer, even if by now glib and hackneyed, is surely that it should endeavour to reflect something of the atmosphere of the school. There are some who would like to see the magazine
become nothing more than a record of the past term's achievements, in sporting and other
fields; this, I believe, would be disastrous. In order to 'reflect' contemporary life at Sherborne,
the 'Shirburnian' must contain a literary section, an artistic section, and, above all, articles of
general interest written by members of the school about the school, and their personal views on
it. The 'Shirburnian' must become representative of as many points of view as possible, and
must contain contributions from as many different people as possible. The magazine has become
increasingly written by the Editorial Board, and this is wrong. Certainly the 'Shirburnian' is
not held to ransom by a small clique of 'pseuds'; the Editorial Board does not want to monopolize
the publication, but if articles from the school in general are not forthcoming, then it has no
choice but to fill in the gaps itself. Despite a letter encouraging all to contribute to the 'Shirburnian', which was prominently displayed on 'Newsboard' for the last week-and-a-half of term, I
have received no articles for the magazine unsolicited, and some articles which I specifically
asked for simply have not materialized.
However, despite some disillusioning experiences as editor of 'Newsboard' and the'Shirburnian', I do not intend to climb onto the increasingly popular 'apathy' bandwagon; to suggest
that Shirburnians have suddenly started moping around in apathetic heaps all day, impervious
to all save the electronic stimuli of their Hi-Fi is ridiculous. I firmly believe that there are plenty
of potentially willing contributors who, if encouraged in the right way, will begin to participate:
it is simply a question of coaxing them. My aim for this issue of the 'Shirburnian' was not to
produce a truly 'representative' magazine, one which reflected accurately the present climate,
for I recognized that that was impossible starting from the basis that I had-a magazine arousing,
at best, hostility, at worst, indifference. My hope is that this issue will establish a framework
into which members of the school will be able to fit their contributions. It has been suggested
that people have been afraid to submit anything to the 'Shirburnian'; that to have it published,
rather than being an honour was the 'kiss of death'. If this is so, then r hope that it will cease to
be the case, and that people will feel that the 'Shirburnian' is a platform on which they can
display anything they wish. There is a 'Shirburnian' pigeon-hole outside room I, even if it has
been abandoned of late, and it will be open all the term to receive anything that anyone cares
to give in-photographs, poems, drawings, articles and so on. This, I hope, will lead to the
'Shirburnian' becoming a genuinely school magazine. Meanwhile, I hope you find something to
interest you in this edition.
Michael Kitcatt
THE SHIRBURNIAN
9
Opinion
There can be little doubt that Sherborne is one of the best schools in the country, but
there can be no excuse for the complacency that has set in among both masters and boys. There
are many people who now feel that 'the Shirburnian' magazine fails to serve any purpose and has
become a prospectus or advert for Sherborne, giving little or no enjoyment to boys and parents
alike. I, however, feel that this magazine is supposed to present a balanced view of Sherborne
life and has failed to fulfil its purpose in the past few years. It is therefore my intention, as a
leaver, to point out where I feel that Sherborne has gone wrong in the last few years, and in
particular to explain why Sherborne's complacency should not be allowed to continue.
r have no idea how much parents know about this school, but I would like to point out
certain facts that they may not know. Everyone connected with Sherborne knows that it has a
school rugby record second to none, yet doe~ everyone realize that this record is made possible
by compulsory rugby for nearly the whole school? Bertrand Russell wrote: 'A religious body
exists through the fact that its members all have certain definite beliefs on subjects as to which
the truth is not ascertainable. Schools conducted by religious bodies have to prevent the young,
who are often inquiring by nature, from discovering that these definite beliefs are opposed by
others which are no more unreasonable.' And yet, at Sherborne, everyone has to attend three
services a week and there is no teaching in the school where the existence of God is in the least
doubted. The school's very good academic record has been well advertised, but unfortunately
there appears to be no great effort to improve the weaknesses. I have particularly noticed that
the results of the bottom sets at '0'-level have been bad, mainly because there is an air of gloom
and failure surrounding these sets. The masters admit that only very few boys passed the exam
this year and yet will not teach the subject any differently next year. Another worry academically
is the Oxbridge results, where the number of places (ignoring the number of awards) has fallen
dramatically over the last years-and I do not believe that colleges letting in women can be
totally blamed for this.
My criticism of Sherborne is that it fails to encourage individualism to any large extent.
Team games have always taken precedence over other sports, and the recent attempts to give
boys more say in the school have failed. For example, the dining room committee was disabanded
and the library suggestions book was withdrawn (admittedly owing to maltreatment). The
failure of Newsboard to attract many letters, the lack of support for 'the Shirburnian', and the
decline in attendance at the school's two debating societies all only go to show that the boys
are no longer willing to push for the changes that they so obviously desire.
What do I recommend ?-It is essential that individuality is encouraged at this school;
Bertrand Russell recommended that teachers should educate children 'so as to give them knowledge and mental habits for forming independent opinions'. I suggest that, firstly, far more oral
participation by boys in class should be encouraged by masters. Secondly, as soon as they arrive,
boys should be made to give prepared and unprepared talks in class on any subject. Thirdly,
young masters should be encouraged more by housemasters to have discussion groups with a
small number of boys on any subject, either in the evenings or at weekends, keeping them as
informal but as constructive as possible. Fourthly, simple politics, philosophy and current
affairs should be taught to the third, fourth and fifth forms. Fifthly, individual sports and games
such as Fives, Squash and Chess should be encouraged much more. And finally, Chapel should
be voluntary to all except on most Sundays.
I could not promise that my suggestions would have a dramatic effect on the school, but
at least they would help individuals to be recognized as such; and if some of the school's petty
rules such as clothing restrictions could be changed as well, then I feel that the school would be a
far better place. It would surpass the high standard that it has already reached.
S. J. Keable-Elliott
Head of Lyon House during 19783
THE SHIRBURNIAN
10
Iotervievv
1\1r. Currie is one of the longest-serving
masters at Sherborne, and so has obviously
seen some profound changes in the school.
Recently, two 'Shirburnian' editors interviewed him on this subject, and the text of
the interview is printed below:
Q.. 'Do you think that Shirburnians now
concentrate on extra-curricular activities to
the detriment of academic work ?'
Q. 'What do you think is the greatest change
you have witnessed in your 3 I years here?'
P. T.C. Unquestionably, the greater amount
of freedom, of all kinds. In every aspect of
life, people in the school now have choices
which would have been almost unthinkable
at one time. This is so in academic work, in
games, in social life and in matters of
discipline. In the past, a pattern was laid
down, and everyone was expected to abide
by it. If a present member of the school
were transported back in time, he would
find what, to him, would seem an amazing
number of restrictions. Although I would
not want to see them resurrected, there was,
curiously, a certain psychological benefit
about this. All of us, especially people of
school age, have a rebellious streak; we need
something to kick against. When there were
a lot of petty regulations, boys had ways of
letting off steam without doing much harm.
Nowadays, there is nothing very solid to
react against. It's rather like punching a
cushion. I think that the present situation
requires a much greater degree of maturity.
we call social activities extra-curricular!
Remember that, not so long ago, a boy was
likely to be punished if he even spoke to a
member of the Girls' School in the street
(and the girls suffered even more than
boys). But I think that the main risk of the
immensely greater range of activities that
exists nowadays is that people only skim the
surface of the things that come their way. I
have never believed that education comes
exclusively, or even chiefly, from focus on
academic work; one's talents can be just as
well developed through a real involvement
in other things. But it does require more than
just a vague dilettante so-called 'interest', if
it is to do any good.
Q. 'Do you think that some boys are bewildered by the amount of free choice?'
P. T.C. Yes, I think 'bewildered' is a good
word, in some cases. Quite a lot of people
feel happier if they know exactly where they
stand. When there is so much need for
individual judgment, the boundaries are less
clearly drawn, and people may, as a result,
be more tentative. On the other hand, those
who do have the maturity to make positive
and purposeful judgments benefit immeasurably.
Q. 'What principles did you try to bear in
mind as a housemaster?'
P. T.C. I think this could be so-especially if
Q.. 'You were Housemaster at The Digby,
weren't you ?'
P. T.e. Yes; in fact, I had the absorbing task
of starting The Digby as a new house. Of
course, it was a quite different situation
from what is happening at Wallace House;
one term, there was no house, the next there
were 60 boys in a fully-fledged house.
P. T.C. Well, obviously, there are many
things one tries to bear in mind, and it's
difficult to judge oneself. But I would say
that, above all, I wanted people to be aware
of the need for care and concern for others.
THE SHIRBURNIAN
Q.. 'Dress has obviously become less formal;
do you think this is a good thing?'
P. TC. You have to move with the times,
and everyone's ideas on formal dress have
changed considerably. I do think that the
everyday blue pullovers, although eminently
sensible and serviceable, sometimes look very
scruffy. I'm sometimes a bit depressed by
the effect this has on the outsider, especially
when I remember how frequently one used
to hear comments on how smart the school
looked. Now, boys from Foster's School seem
often to look smarter than us; and I do think
that there is a connection between people's
appearance and their level of self-respectboth individually and collectively.
Q.. 'How have boys' relations with the town
altered ?'
P. TC. In a number of ways, there are closer
contacts, through such things as S.Y.C.O.S.S.
But, in general, I must say that I think that
boys are sometimes downright arrogant in
their general behaviour towards people in
the town. This may, perhaps, reflect the
general change in attitudes within the school.
There was a time when boys could not even
have a conversation with someone two or
three terms senior to them; and the attitude
towards prefects, especially in the lower half
of the school, involved much more than mere
respect. The relaxation in relationships has
been a very good thing, in all sorts of ways.
It's part of a national trend, of course. Bu t J
do think there is a danger, when notions
about equality become an excuse for the
abandonment of common courtesy.
Q.. 'If you could get the school to go back on
one change you have witnessed, what would
it be?'
P. TC. A very difficult question! Any comment will sound reactionary; but, for quite
positive reasons, I do regret the introduction
of Exeat weekends, agreeable though they
undoubtedly are. It's all fairly recent. About
ten years ago, we introduced the first halfterm break, in the Michaelmas Term. That
was fine; it broke up a long term. Since
then, the pattern has developed, and we now
have a great many interruptions to the year.
Previously, people came back to school
knowing that they had about twleve weeks
ahead of them; so, in the majority of cases,
I I
they settled down and got on with it-and
made the most of it, weekends and all. I
think that the change has fostered the rather
unproductive notion that weekends at school
are a bore. Subconsciously, people think that
because you can go away for some weekends,
the period between lunch on Saturday and
Monday morning is always really superfluous
-so they don't make as much positive use of
this time as they used to.
Q.. 'If you could introduce one change, what
would it be?'
P. TC. If it were not for the obvious financial
constraints, I think the school really needs a
good theatre; there are so many things for
which the Big School Room is inadequate.
Q.. 'Do you think, then, that wc should have
had a theatre instead of the Sports Centre?'
P. TC. Oh, no! There seems to be a common
misconception that the school made a
deliberate choice between Sports Centre and
Theatre; but this is just not so. When
circumstances enforced the introduction of
Central Feeding, we could have spent huge
sums on building a new dining hall. Instead,
it was decided to convert the old gymnasium.
A school like Sherborne obviously must have
really good facilities for indoor sports of all
kinds. So the arrival of Central Feeding
created the opportunity for making a second
valuable development; but there could
never have been any question of building a
theatre.
Q. 'Do you have any other general points?'
P. Te. \Vell, I suppose this goes back to the
beginning; but what, on reflection, strike
me most are the relaxations of all kinds that
have come about. There is a tendency to
suppose that relaxation makes life easier. I
rather doubt it; I believe it creates far greater
challenges. The important thing is that
people should realise that these challenges
exist, and face up to them. Otherwise, it's so
easy just to drift, without being aware that
one is doing so. It's a considerable test of
one's integrity. For those who are equal to
it, the school is undoubtedly a more rewarding place; but I suspect that there may be a
risk of more casualties. This also means that
a member of the staff has a more demanding
task than in days when he was mainly
concerned with ensuring that the system
worked smoothly.
THE SHIRBURNIAN
12
What did you do
•
In
the War, Sir?
As 1979 is the fortieth anniversary of
the outbreak of the Second World War, we
are running a special series about masters'
experiences in the War, starting off in this
issue with Mr. Holmes and Mr. Baker.
Major E. Baker
Lieu tenant Colonel H. F. W. Holltles
THE SHIRBURNIAN
MAJOR E. BAKER
Ars longa, vita brevis. Life was indeed short for a number of my close friends of school
of art days, as it was for many more acquaintances-young men who believed that they would
be able to serve their country best by joining the army in 1939, but who, unlike the Austrian
Jaggerstatter, died in different circumstances. The first shattering experience which seemed to
change us from youths to men almost overnight, was the task of demolishing the large Esso oil
refineries near Rotterdam, in May 1940. The purpose of our mission was clearly to deprive
the enemy of oil, and so stem his advance. The resultant death of good friends and, to a much
lesser degree, the high cost of today's petrol are two very strong reminders, among many more,
of the futility of war. For my friends and me, a miniature lifetime was telescoped into the five
days between being whisked across the North Sea from Dover to the Hook of Holland aboard
H.M. Destroyer, Wild Swan. and limping into Dover Harbour at midnight five days later,
feeling exhausted and shakl"n.
To severely prune a story that could spread over several pages of the Shirburnian-we
sailed up the River Maas to Rotterdam on 5th May, 1940, loaded thirty tons of gold aboard
our ship which was to take it to Harwich for conveyance to the Bank of England, then disembarked to the incrcasing rumble of enemy artillery and exploding bombs. A little later we
were driving through the heart of German-occupied Rotterdam in covered biscuit vans to the
Vlaardingen refineries. Orders were hastily given, the moats surrounding scores of cylindrical
tanks flooded, and the oil ignited. Consequently, all hell was let loose and we had to dash through
flame and smoke to launches waiting to take us to the other side of the river for a repeat performance. The second task was similar to thc first except that wc had the additional job of
smashing up a number of new vehicles that had recently been unloaded from a freighter, plus
the refinery installations and the power house. \\'ithin a short time, gl-eat orange flames were
leaping high into the sky and the heavens were black with smoke. On successfully completing
our task, we were rushed back to the Hook by road, to the intermittent I-attle of machine gun
fire from German parachutists who were being droppcd spasmodically into the surrounding
fields. Awaiting us at the Hook there were two other destrovers, the fi.1Perion and the Ma/co/m,
and on the quayside two large cal's riddled with bullet holes to an extent which made them
look like inverted collanders-the result of a German air at tack timed to kill Queen Wilhelmina
who had escaped by sea shortly before. Our own departure from the Hook aboard the destroyer
Ma/calm also drew the attention of the LuftwafTe whose bombs luckily missed us. The near
misses were a great relief to us, as the ship was bulging at the seams with our own troops plus
hundreds of Irish guardsmen who had landed in Holland after us. The fUa/co/m retaliated with
anti-aircraft poms-poms and a barrage from her 4.7 guns which made those of us who wc re
standing near feel as if our heads were being battered on both sides simultaneously with cricket
bats. The air too was filled with the acrid smell of burnt cOl-dite. On the way back across the
North Sea, depth charges were dropped to scare off lurking submarincs. but we managed to
reach Dover safely, although badly bruised.
About one month later we were given a similar job-this time at the great naval port of
Brest, where hundreds of French naval craft had been sheltering. Thc raid was successfully
carried out after landing from H.~vI.S. Broke, but, unlike thc Vlaardingen raid, post-operation
plans came unstuck. For, after completing our task, we werc unable to find the Broke, which
was moored among hundreds of other craft in the by then darkening harbour. The moon rose
simultaneously with a huge pall of black smoke from the fires wc had started. In the distance
we could hear the boom of German artillery fire followed by the inevitable whine and crunch of
bursting shells. Our only hope of escape was to commandeer a motor boat and so make our own
way home; we selected '"'\That looked like a seaworthy craft, stole some food which had been left
in baskets on the dockside, and elambered aboard. The engine was started and we steered for
the harbour entrance. Just as we thought we welT clear. the engine suddenly spluttered to a
THE SHIRBURNIAN
halt and we drifted helplessly until we managed to attract the attention of two French sailors
by firing revolvers into the air. They happened to be approaching in another boat. In hesitant
French we explained our predicament and the Frenchmen agreed to take us back to England. At
about six o'clock the next morning, when roughly halfway between Brittany and Cornwall,
and feeling desperately tired and hungry, the engine of this second boat chuffed to a halt and
our hearts sank. We tried for hours to start the thing, but our efforts were fruitless. After drifting
for a day and a half, we sighted a tiny dot on the horizon. A groundsheet was lashed to a broomstick to make an improvised sail, floorboards were ripped up, and we paddled like fury for a
whole morning. Slowly the dot on the horizon grew into the shape of a pepper pot and much
later into a lighthouse. vVhen we were within a mile or so of the rocky shore we signalled SOS
by semaphor and, to our great relief, two figures, standing on the rocks at the foot of the lighhouse, responde:!. \Vithin half an hour, two Breton fishermen were sailing out to take us ashore.
On landing, we were informed that the Germans were only eight kilometres away and were
advancing towards the nearby small fishing port. Local people brought us bread and water,
and hustle:! us into a nearby cafe, where we hurriedly changed into old civilian clothing which
the villagers had kindly given us. The village padre then took us across to a very small island,
where we were forced to lie low for ten days under the noses of the Germans who by then had
occupied the mainland. Clandestine visits were occasionally made at night by the Frenchmen
who brought us meagre rations and news of German movements. On the tenth day of our
seclusion, a fishing boat approached the island and we naturally thought that the enemy had
spotted us and were coming to investigate. The boat beached and two angels stepped ashoretwo French fishermen who had learned of our plight. They told us that they were prepared to
take us back to Newlyn in Cornwall. 'Ve landed Oll the Cornish coast on 27th June, '940, much
to the surprise of our people at home who had given us up as lost.
A third rather unusual thing happened immediately after the war, when I was given the
comparatively pleasant job of ferrying hundreds of Greek refugees from camps in Sinai, Palestine
and Egypt, back to their homes in the Dodecanese Islands, after an absence of three or four
years. On the third voyage, which should have taken us from Port Said to Kastelorizzo, our
ship, the Rhodi, carrying 500 refugees, was ploughing through the Me:!iterranean when at
about noon shouts of 'Fire!' rent the air. For the next seven hours, pandemonium broke loose.
Many panic-stricken people jumped overboard and were drowned, some were burned to
death and some were lost without trace. vVithin an hour or so the guts of the ship had become
an inferno. The sides literally bulged under the intense heat, and I feared that the fuel tanks
might explode. During the excitement many strange and startling incidents occurred, but-to
shorten the account drastically-an aircraft approached within two or three hours and circled
around us. Shortly after, our hopes of survival were raised when, at about seven in the evening,
a naval ship appeared several miles away, apparently steaming at full speed towards us. When
we had saved as many people as possible, I well remember burning my hands while sliding
down a rope over the stern of the Rhodi. I thankfully landed in a small boat bobbing about in
the water far below-a small craft which had been lowered by our rescue ship, the aircraft
carrier, Trouncer. On going aboard, I was astonished-her flight deck resembled a huge hospital
ward with row upon row of beds. All night we circled the area searching for possible survivors.
Among the many unfortunate people who had been drowned, one woman was plucked out
of the sea the following morning-alive. She had been floating around all night in a wooden
box about the size of a tea chest. The Rhodi sank shortly afterwards. A court of inquiry was
held a few days later at Navy House, Port Said.
Sherborne is indeed a peaceful spot!
E. Baker
THE SHIRBURNIAN
LIEUTENANT COLONEL H. F. W. HOLMES
When war was declared in September 1939 there was no cheering, no flag waving. We
knew there was to be no glamour; that we were unprepared as a nation, that it would be a
figh t for survival; we had few illusions.
We would laugh of course, and mostly at our own ignorance, seriousness and futility. We
would rave about the extraordinary postings of higher authority, but in general we would
conform to the military machine. In the shape and angle of our head-dress we would show our
individuality to be sure, and only conform when a decent N.C.O. neared apoplexy!
Seven masters left Sherborne for war service during the next three years, and found thenselves in very varying roles. One was killed, the remainder returned to Sherborne to remain
for a shorter or longer time.
In September 1939, already a Captain in the School Corps, I was posted to the Staff of
the 130th Infantry Brigade of the 4yd Wessex Division. I was at that time resident house tutor
of Abbeylands, and Meyrick Elderton, the housemaster, himself a first war gunner, ensured that
I left prepared for most eventualities. Sporting equipment predominated in my ancient car. I
wore uniform, had no weapons, strung round my shoulder was a civilian gas mask in a cardboard box! Regretfully I said good-bye to Colts, who were the most talented Sherborne footballers I have ever seen.
However, first things first. After an appallingly icy and snowy winter, during which we
received equipment and tried to prepare ourselves for war and I had some rather good pheasant
shooting on the Longleat Estate, I found myself a student at the Staff College, Camberley.
There the young schoolmaster was taught a different trade and had to work really rather hard
to compete with the others who were nearly all regular officers. I contrived to play some cricket
and tennis and survive the course, in spite of a natural tendency to be irreverent over military
matters. August 1940 found me as an Intelligence Officer in Kent, this time at HQ43 Division,
where we prepared to receive the anticipated invasion of Teutons with weapons and equipment
which have since become familiar to TV viewers of 'Dads' Army'. The enemy occasionally
lobbed over huge shells, and daily we watched helpless as the indomitable R.A.F. fought the
German Air Force above us.
A spell at the War Office (now Ministry of Defence) and at GHQ Home Forces, now
promoted to Major, enlarged my military horizon, but also exposed me, and of course my fellow
Londoners, to a spate of night bombing which was both frightening and exhausting. It also,
almost literally, threw me into the arms of Messrs Green and 'tVatkins, former Sherborne beaks,
who were incarcerated in that city in army uniform.
I escaped from there to join my Regiment, the Royal Irish Fusiliers, at that time engaged
in battle training in the Scottish hills for much of the time, and high spirited social activities for
the rest of it. I found it more testing attempting to convince the simpler soldiery that hand
grenades thrown up hill would tend to roll down and explode amidst the throwers, than to try
and teach French to the dimmer Shirburnians!
In November 1942 we landed in North Africa as part of 1st Army, after being punctured
in the Mediterranean, and having to limp in to Gibraltar for repairs. In North Africa we ate a
kind of large dog biscuit instead of bread for six months, were bombed by enemy aircraft with
comparative impunity until gradually our own fighters became available, and had a series of
confrontations with the opposition, mostly in mountain country, and suffered heavy infantry
casualties.
In May 1943 the German/Italian Axis Forces were finally convinced that further resistance
to our team, now reinforced by 8th Army, was unrewarding and surrendered. We found ourselves guarding and feeding 248,000 former antagonists who of course greatly outnumbered us.
There was time then for some 'coarse' cricket on Tunisian sands, and much drinking of 'coarse'
local wine!
16
THE SHIRB URNIAN
My Regiment then fought through Sicily, whilst I was a major at a Corps HQ, busily
organizing the activities of others at the sharp end. I rejoined the Regiment in Italy in 78
Division and for the next year was second in command, interspersed with short periods of
command. The winter of 1943 was wet and muddy in the valleys and snowy in the mountains
and soon mules replaced vehicles in supplying the infantry and carrying out the wounded. As
we were always trying to advance against a stubborn foe looking down on us, we operated mostly
at night, or protected by smoke put down by our guns. There were a number of fierce and very
noisy bades, the worst and most prolonged of which was round Monte Cassino; times too of
great exhilaration in the spring and early summer of 1944 when the Allied Armies made sweeping advances, and unlimited Italian wine laced with rum added to the general jubilation; it
also helped to deaden the sense of loss, for there had becn heavy casualties.
In October 1944 I found myself a Lieutenant Colonel G.S.O. 1 at GHQ Cairo. Office
hours were early and late and in between times, provided one could stand the heat, there was
excellent cricket, tennis and hockey at the Gezira Club under perfect conditions and endless
sunshine.
The European War ended in May 1945 but there was still plenty to do without the same
sense of urgency, if only to protect one's property from persistent and skilful Eygptian thieves.
Having a smattering of varying tongues I was able to find reasons for seeing Palestine and Syria
and some of the Sudan, as well as the Egyptian sand. I flew home in December 1945 and on
demobilization was presented, as was everyone else, with a complete outfit of civilian clothes,
by a thoughtful and, one likes to think, grateful Government. I began teaching again here in
January 1946, and not a boy in the school had ever seen me. Once again I was a new beak!
I brought back with me an aversion for loud noises, even door slamming; a renewed
admiration for the qualities of endurance and humour of the British people combatant and
non-combatant; a healthy respect for the fighting qualities of the German soldier; and an even
greater conviction of the futility of war as a means of settling differences.
H. F. W. Holmcs
THE SHIRBURNIAN
West Mill
Some three years ago an enterprising but wildly impractical fourth former from Harper
House asked me to be master-in-charge of a scheme that aimed to preserve the old West MiJl
in Sherborne. Having just arrived in what was then Elmdene and being, as I told him in the
manner that schoolmasters have, grossly overcommitted both as regards the school and in the
town, I told him that it was impossible. He returned a week later to say that I would have to
do it as there was no one else. There are some decisions in life that one simply has to accept
and this was clearly one. And it soon became clear that one was not alone in this respect as
regards the affairs of the West Mill.
Even so, on making a visit to the mill, the first for many years, one's inward reaction was
dismay. The place was a wreck, quite beyond repair. It was piled up with rubbish, the ivycovered walls were near collapse, the wheel rusty and scarred, the roof vanished without trace,
and the north wall neatly in place along the west side of the Upper whence the old U.D.C.
had moved it. It was patently too late.
But there was life. All around were boys from Harper with shovels and pickaxes clearing
and scraping and lifting. It soon became apparent, too, that myriad negotiations were going on
behind the scenes with architects, Water Authorities, Town and District and County Councils,
the Digby Estate, all under the skilful and charming guidance of Hinton of Harper. Slowly, the
direction of all this activity changed, from one of Preservation (still quaintly retained in the
name of the bank account) to one of Restoration. Then came the first Shell competition, and
with it, men from Shell photographing and asking penetrating questions. In response to this,
the project went into different gear; dazzling plans appeared demanding enormous expenditure.
There were periods of gloom, too, when it all seemed too much. The builder left after being
publicly rebuked for his methods by an expert from the County; the new builder didn't turn
up for four Wednesdays in a row-would he ever? There were rockets about building and
safety regulations and pointed suggestions that there were easier and better things to be done.
Even Hinton one day said: 'Sir, do you really think it's worth going on?'
It was the Regional Final of the Better Britain Competition at the Holiday Inn in Bristol
that changed all that. Mark Hinton, Roderick Young, :'-Jicholas Chapman and Peter Roberts
were obliged not merely to defend their activities in the face of keen competition, but also to
convince the judges of the credibility of the whole thing. They did that and in so doing convinced
themselves, too. There were no more doubts after that, and there was £100. The project went
from strength to strength. In the National Final they were just beaten into second place by a
Scout Troop from Brambletye, but still came away £200 the richer. Donations flowed in from
the County Council, \'\Test Dorset District Council, the Town Council and a host of individuals.
A sponsored walk brought in £600. Income, which in the first year had totalled £ 192. I 3,
reached £ 1,343.89 in the second, and this year will top £2, I 00. And the building grows fast.
The North wall is in place, the roof is 011, the wheel turns. The floor is in and a nucleus of
exhibits collected. All is now set for the rebuilding and reroofing of the cottage and the ovens.
It's a remarkable achievement-and when this year's Better Britain Competition came round
the judges agreed. £250 was won in the Regional Final in Bristol, and a further £750 was
received from the hand of the Duke of Edinburgh in London by Mark Hinton, Nicholas Chapman, J ames Daunt and Richard Barton, Roberts having stood down to make way for' younger
boys.
They say that one day Dour will be ground at the Mill. "Vho can dismiss the assertion as
impractical in the light of past achievements? So much has been done that was once considered
impractical. That is the first poinr to be said in conclusion. Hel'e are three others: It is a project
done entirely on the initiative of boys, and sustained by them. It is a project done by boys in
Harper, to which house much credit must go. But they nevcr closed the doors to other houses,
or to anyone outside the school. Boys from all houses joined in the sponsored walk; apprentices
from \'Vestlands, other schools, the Youth Club-all have been welcomed. Finally, it is, to my
mind at least, very much the best thing happening at Sherborne School, and reluctant though
my original involvement was, is the best thing that has happened to me in my teaching career.
In passing it on to Patrick Francis, I did so safe in the knowledge that he would find the same.
Ylany thanks from us both, and well done.
J eremy Bar'kcr
THE SHIRBURNIAN
18
West Mill
Above: Mr. Peter Williallls, Shell Regional Manager for the South West and Wales
presents a Better Britain plaque to Mark Hinton
Opposite:
Clearing debris frolll the lIlill strealll and lIlill pond.
THE SHIRBURNIAN
19
THE SHIRBURNIAN
20
NeW"sboard
'Newsboard' was generally disappointingly sluggish during the term, although the doldrums
were punctuated by the occasional burst of life. The first article of the term was a criticism of the
General Studies system from Emma Lalonde of the Girls' School; unfortunately, this was not
to set the quality of all the future contributions, and her letter did not evoke a serious response. It
did, however, produce the one and only reply from a master-Mr. Francis. The scarcity of
letters from masters is both indicative of and contributory to the problems of 'Newsboard', for
it seems to suggest that the staff fail to take 'Newsboard' seriously, and this, in turn, promotes
the hardly unreasonable attitude amongst Shirburnians that their queries, complaints, etc., will
not be noticed-let alone replied to-and so there is little point in writing in the first place.
Stemming from Emma Lalonde's letter was an article by Jeremy James, suggesting that the
Girls' School turned out a higher proportion of 'ladies' than the Boys' School did 'gentlemen'
(whatever those rather vague and nebulous terms may mean). This sparked off several vicious
and largely futile attacks of a more-or-Iess personal nature which led to our insistence that
controversial articles must be signed.
During the term, we published two hilarious reports on the 'Sherborne Apathy Group'
(SAG, for those who can't be bothered to remember the full name) and we can only conclude
from the general interest shown in 'Newsboard' that most of the school must have joined the
society. A weekly (?) column from Andrew Spink and John Higgins petered out after two issues,
despite financial incentive. 'Ve were also unable to find anyone on the first XV willing to write
a report on the team's matches; it might be unfair to comment on the apparent connection
between literary aptitude and devotion to rugger that this at first sight could be said to reveal. ..
Towards the end of term, Bill Patterson and Nigel Perry commented on the stagnation of
'Newsboard'. Nigel Perry highlighted some of Lhe problems of 'Newsboard', for instance its
rigid size meaning that articles tend either to stay up for weeks on end during a slack period, or
for only a few days during an interval of freakish activity. Another problem of' ewsboard' is
its position in a draughty cloister-and it certainly did get very cold at times during the term;
however, this will be solved if the proposal to extend the library by glazing-in the Undercroft
goes ahead. Nigel Perry came to the conclusion that '1 ewsboard'was moribund, which is
scarcely surprising as he is the editor of the school's new magazine, 'Watchdog', which he
believes will totally replace 'Newsboard'. And after all, who needs 'Newsboard' when we've
got 'Vhtchdog' to keep us informed of the very latest amateur philosophy about the theory of
dialectical materialism, propounded by Karl Marx in the 20th (?) century? .
We ran two competitions during the term, both of which were somewhat under-subscribed·
In the first one we asked for photographs of any activities vaguely connected with the school.
This was won by J. C. R. Kittow with a photograph of Rugger; and second equal were R. J.
Severn with a photograph of.... Rugger, and J. T. Peters with a picture of Golf (for a change).
Congratulations to them. In our second competition, we displayed six photos of masters as
babies and a short-list of 12 names, and asked contestants to identify them for us. This was very
tricky as they looked almost human: one of the pictures showed Dr Kershaw looking very "cool"
in a pair of dark glasses. The competition was won by Phil Harris who got four out of six correct
and John Fielder came second.
Despite the disappointments provided by the comparatively few contributions, we believe
that there is considerable life in 'Newsboard', and hope that next term's editors will enjoy
their task as much as we have ours. Finally, our thanks to Mr Patterson for his advice and
guidance.
Martin Carey
and Michael Kitcatt.
THE SHIRBURNIAN
2 I
Music and DraDla
ORCHESTRAL CONCERT
On Friday 17th November in the B.S.R. we were treated to quite the best Orchestral
Concert that I have attended. While the programme itself was not particularly
unusual, it was the quality with which the pieces were performed that immediately
struck one as being so high.
The School Band took up its customary position in the programme to open the
evening with two movements from Edward Crieg's 'Sigurd Torsalfar'. Both went very
well, despite one or two moments of un certainty. On the whole the band seemed very
much in command of the work, and the grandeur of Grieg's music came across
vividly. The band was, of course, conducted by Julian Dams.
The Joint Madrigal Society came on next, conducted by Paul Ellis and ~1iss
Augusta Miller. In performing songs by Dowland, Vaughan Williams, and Richard
Rodney Bennett they displayed the accuracy and control which we can always expect of
them. The advantages of performing in relatively small, select groups are obvious,
and it is a good thing that, while larger groups which all are encouraged to join
should certainly exist, somewhere a more concentrated effort can still be made in
smaller groups towards very much higher quality.
Next came a wind octet, consisting of David Tomson, James Nicholson (oboes),
Andrew Neubauer, Adrian Clarke (clarinets), Thomas Pope, Ian Tresidder (bassoons),
Susan Dent, and James Belfrage (horns). Here again the comment on small, select
groups applies, for the octet gave a very pleasing rendering of a serenade in E flat
major by Mozart. One problem in playing in such a gl'oup is, of course, timing; but
apart from a rather uncertain opening this proved no difficulty, and the surreptitious
conducting which was used was perfectly excusable.
It is virtually impossible, it seems, to fault Miss Miller and her Girls' School
Madrigal Society. Consequently, they have an uncanny tendency to threaten to steal the
show. For, nor only are they accurate and controlled, but their performances are always
so colourful and varied. This evening they gave us songs by Dowland and Kodaly, and
two negro spirituals. 'vVhat more can I say? I look forward to their next performance.
The Joint Orchestra then took the stage, to play the final two items. Firstly, John
Pocock ended his musical career at the school with a fine rendering of the first movement
of Cordon Jacobs' Trombone Concerto. Not a particularly inspiring piece, I have to
admit, but justice was certainly done to the work, and it was a commanding performance.
Lastly came the main item of the evening - two movements from Hoist's 'The Planets',
namely 'Mars' and 'Jupiter'. The Orchestra gave the best performance thar I have ever
seen them give, both in the unnerving mystery and power of 'Mars, the Bringer of
vVar', and in the jovial, good-natured and contented mood of 'jupiter, the Bringer of
Jollity'; both movements were played equally well, and neither appeared to be very easy
pieces to play: the five-beat rhythm in 'Mars', for instance, could have caused
difficulty. Praise is due, then, to Brian Judge and the Orchestra for such a performance. And let us hope as well that all future Orchestral Concerts can be of the standard
which this one set.
THE SHJRBURNJAN
22
JULIAN BREAM AND JOHN WILLlAMS
I am having great problems writing this report. I knew they were brilliant~everybody
knows they are brilliant, what else could I write except that they are brilliant.
They are brilliant.
Sherborne School was highly fortunate to be able to have the two best guitar players in
the world on one night. They played a programme which was perhaps rather unadventurous
and certainly consisted of mainly similar pieces. They played a selection of music from around
1580 to the present day. Each was flavoured with the intricate blend ofJulian Bream's sweeter,
softer chords and John \!\Tilliams' crisp accurate style.
They played someJohnJohnson (Pavan & Galliard) and some beautifully treated Telemann
(Parti Polonaise) before the surprisingly nervous looking J ulian Bream walked off, leaving the
smooth, calm John \!\Tilliams (complete with ankle boots) to play the sad haunting Tombeau
Sur la Morte de Monsieur Comte de Logy (by \!\Tiess) and the demanding caprice No. 24 by
Paganini.
J ulian Bream returned and the two played some Fernando SOl' and some Brahms (Theme
& variations Op. 18).
The courts soon filled with oxygen-gasping music lovers (and others), quickly to return
into the cramped BSR for the second half.
The performers reappeared to play Gabriel Faure's Dolly Suite Op. 56; thenJulian Bream
showed his beautiful uninhibited involvement in Villalobos' Four etudes. Then he announced a
new piece by R. Smith Brinde (three sketches for two guitars). He unravelled a long sheet of
music which fell off the stand accordingly. We were told that it was a new musical experience,
something like that of a horror film sound track. So having shown off their percussive skills and
electric harmonics they returned to the popular Debussy Reverie, Claire de Lune and that
millstone of French 20th century music, the Golliwog's Cake Walk.
Only a beautiful encore could follow such an epic piece.
It had been an extraordinary concert by two extraordinary men.
S. Morris
The Two World-FalIlous Guitarists
THE SHIRBURNIAN
THE MUSSOC. CONCERT
Under the newly-revealed, gleaming vaults, and after a brief delivery of prayer from the
vicar, the audience waited, awkwardly silenced, for the arrival of the celebrated Sir Peter
Pears. As the soloists filed in, the passive onlookers were met by the terrible decision of remaining
passive or applauding. After a prolonged pause, a clap went up.
Monteverdi's Beatus Vir was the opening piece, sung by the well-coordinated chorus. The
orchestra, led by Hans Kassier, blended beautifully with the celestial voices of JS-S and RAH,
to name but two.
Then the stately figure of Sir Peter Pears mounted appropriately into the pulpit to deliver
four solo songs. His voice regrettably showed the signs of aging, especially on the trembling low
notes, but nevertheless a great singer was evident from his higher notes and wonderfully controlled dynamics (especially his final diminuendos).
Next, PCE on the organ cued the trendy, nippy little piece, 'Rejoice in the Lamb' by
Britten. The speedy, colloquial message was brilliantly expressed by a nimble choir, and the
other celebrity (?) soloists followed suit, producing a highly enjoyable performance, flavoured
by BRJ's fascinating conducting.
Schutz's 'Christmas Story' was the obvious climax of the evening's music, with all the
soloists and Peter Pears eloquently and delicately leading the main story. Again the main
chorus was effectively working as a single coordinated unit. The Chapel Choir managed to
maintain a level of collaboration in the energetic chorus, which was aptly cast as 'the heavenly
host.'
Anyway, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, only made so by the diligent dedication
of chorus, soloists and musicians alike, led and inspired by the colourful BR].
Steve Morris
THE DIGBY PLAY
A Quiet Evening In
The play was enjoyable, and Mr. Schutzer-Weissman must be congratulated on performing
the difficult task of writing a play so expertly. It was surprising how much action and agility
(for instance, the gorilla) could be achieved in such limited conditions. The acting was not
above criticism, but James Farquharson, interestingly cast in his middled-aged role, controlled
the stage whilst Nick Alexander and Simon Lough provided some dashing talent. The play
was unsophisticated and its acting unpretentious-enjoyable for all concerned.
Passion, Poison and Petrifaction
The whole atmosphere moved up a gear-a more detailed stage, a cast of fewer and finer
actors, and a very cunning play. An indication of the quality of the performance was the skill
of its subsidiary actors-a feature often overlooked in house plays. Helped by a somewhat
precipitous frame, Guy Hudson easily played the English policeman whilst the others were
equally convincing. But the play revolved around three: Peter Caines, Jane Dalrymple and
Matthew MOl·ony. It would be ungentlemanly to speculate whether Peter Caines is normally
as capricious and merciless towards the female sex as he was in the play, but he certainly slipped
into his part with the greatest smoothness. Yet he was controlled by the skilful Jane Datymple
whose style was equally elusive. However, the real animation was provided by Matthew Morony
whose outrageous costume and greasy wad of hair were well-suited to the English Beau. The
comedy of his part was enhanced by some clever comic acting, although he could scarcely
contain his own amusement amidst the wild laughter of the audience.
Despite some rather unprofessional errors in the Saturday performances, both plays were
entertaining and many promising actors t"'merged. Although the evening was essentially domestic,
all the parts were played with care, often skill, and my congratulations to Mr. Schutzer-Weissman
for providing two such amusing plays.
Martin Carey
THE SflIRBURNIA;\
"JULIUS CAESAR"
"Julius Caesar" was a suitable play to perform in the BSR for it was not rendered farcical
and melodramatic by the exaggerated elocution necessary to overcome the abominable acous~ics.
Indeed, being the most successful of Shakespeare's attempts to emulate the classical tragedy, it
often gained by being played out. Since it is the '0' -level text for this summer, it was presented
in its entirety which meant that it lasted for the best part of three hours; but, despite its length,
it sustained most people's interest as there was considerable action, even if much of the dramatic
impact was killed by the BSR. We did, however, feel that having an interval substantially after
halfway through was a mistake; the play never quite regained the same credibility or hold
upon the audience in the second part.
The acting was generally very competent and in a few cases excellent. The supporting cast
provided a live platform against which the main actors were able to perform with confidence.
John Love was a superbly arrogant J ulius Caesar; Anthony Fraser portrayed the cold Casca
skilfully; and Katie Howell was convincingly concerned as Portia, wife of Brutus. The three
major actors-Richard Thomas as Cassius, Andrew Spink as Marcus Brutus, and Simon Bound
as Mark Anthony-were all highly capable, but Simon Bound was the only actor of the whole
production who could be described as consistently outstanding. His rendering of Shakespeare's
superb study of the techniques of oratory was truly brilliant and his control of the Roman mob
absolute. Our hearts both bled for his grief and admired his courage; his lines: 'I come not,
friends, to steal away your hearts.! I am no orator as Brutus is;' surely conveyed as strong a
sense of irony as they can ever have. Richard Thomas tended to overact, but Cassius was a
character who could stand this sort of treatment, and the audience was presented with
an assured figure. Andrew Spink, on the other hand, verged from time to time on woodenness,
appearing rather too resigned towards the end; but he realistically portrayed the doubts and
mental tortures which Brutus suffered. The crowd scenes were the least polished of all, as the
mob was on occasion slow to react; but this itspect of the play was redeemed by those with
larger parts.
Mrs. Harris must be congratulated on the costumes which were-as usual-excellent, and
added a new dimension to the play.Julius Caesar was a great contrast to ,. Henry VIII ", the
previous Shakespeare play that the school attempted, for the latter, although considerably
shorter, went down badly owing to its lack of story, whilst J ulius Caesar was generally enjoyed
as it had much more plot and action. Mr. Glen and the cast must be thanked for contending
so admirably with the problems of the BSR and for providing us with such a satisfying production.
Martin Carey and Michael Kitcatt
Richard 1 hOlDas as Cassius
THE SHIRBURNIAN
John Love as Julius Caesar
Andrew Spink as Marcus Brutus
THE SHIRBURNIAN
,
i
.!
SiInon Bound as Mark Anthony
THE SHIRBURNIAN
Poetry
THE VELD
Ragged hills skyward rise.
Yellow grassland blows.
A clear blue brook that never dies
Forever earthward flows.
Men file along the weary track
And shovels press the hard-worn back,
Yet songs they sing both strong and clear
To hide their sense of hopeless fear.
Deserted mines once told this tale
Till ravens broke their flight.
But only flowers now prevail
To tes tify this ligh t.
Martin Carey
THE SHIRBURN1AN
Phot
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Winner of the Photograph
THE SHIRBURNJAN
·aphy
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THE SHIRBURNIAN
School Trips
DORDOGNE CANOEING 1978
I felt uneasy as I watched J,S.M. pack crash-helmets and life-jackets. This didn't seem like
my sort of canoeing. ,,,re heard that one parent had nearly drowned in a whirlpool at Beaulieu.
Vile were also told that the dam at Argentat was sometimes opened without warning, sending a
huge wave rushing down the river sweeping away canoes, tents and anything else in the way.
I began to point out the advantages of the Loire but A.E.R., who at that stage had no
intention of canoeing anyway, and l.S.M., who likes living dangerously, persuaded me that we
must explore a new river and keep to our original plan of tackling the upper Dordogne.
The journey through France will be remembered for the marvellous meal at Rennes
where we stayed with Robert and Franc,:oise Le Manac'h. When we left they loaded the minibus
with stores including forty litres of wine.
The river was lively but not difficult and Beaulieu was passed with not a whirlpool in
sight. Crash-helmets were used on the weir at Carennac where we spent the second night. We
spent two nights at Creysse and on a very wet day visited' Les Grottes de Lacave'.
On the next stretch of river, at Belcastel, the flagship went aground on a rock in the middle
of a rapid. This rock was completely surrounded by ten-feet-deep water and no amount of
rocking or pushing would free the canoe. We only drifted clear after A.E.R. made a daring
mid-ocean transfer to another canoe alongside, to a place gallantly vacated by Bill Patterson.
After an incredibly crowded campsite at Souillac wc spent a night at Caudon-de-Vitrac.
The French national holiday had arrived and so this campsite was also full and we managed to
find an excellent site just outside the boundary fence where we had a marvellous view of the
high cliffs on the other side of the river.
The next day's canoeing was seven kilometres too fong as A.J,Y. had misread 'Alles' for
'Alias' in the Michelin Guide. Needless to say A.J,Y. was driving that day.
Le Buisson is a lovely site. The tents were in the open and the temperature was about
lOo°F. Fortunately we could cool off under the trees by the river and there was a diving platform
for the energetic members of the group.
The last day's canoeing seemed endless as the current slows down after the Vesere joins
the Dordogne at Limeuil. The last bend to Tremolat goes on for ever and for the last two miles
there is the extra danger of power boats.
The journey home was broken by a wonderful barbecue and swim at the Powes' house at
Jarnac. 'Ne arrived back at Sherborne thinking we might even do it again.
A. J, Yorke
THE SHJRBURNJAN
31
L6th HISTORY FIELD DAY
After having got up at the unearthly hour of 7.00 p.m., part of the Lower Sixth History
group dragged themselves down to the station in order to go up to London for a History field-day.
Our spirits were soon revived when Mr. Francis issued us with a packed lunch and one of his
legendary hand-outs telling us where to go and what to see.
Having jettisoned our packed lunches somewhere between Salisbury and Andover, we
arrived at \Vaterloo. Our destination was the Victoria and Albert Museum, where we were
harangued by a ferocious Italian lady on 'Mannerism', which took us up to our first exhibitionon the work of the mannerist sculptor, Giovanni da Bologna. After seeing this we split up for
lunch, then came back to see another special exhibition on Ludwig of Bavaria, the mad king
who-amongst other things-built palaces like Versailles all over his country.
For the rest of the day we went our own ways; some went to the National Gallery, others
went to see a special Gainsborough exhibition at the British Museum, whilst others went to
see ... well, I'd better not! Finally, we would all like to thank Mr. Barker and Mr. Francis;
without their planning and brilliant leadership, the whole trip would never have been so enjoyable and interesting.
Charles Watson
L6th GEOGRAPHY FIELD DAY
We set off at about 8-45 a.m., stopping off at the Girls' School to pick up their geographic a
contingent. With an inbuilt tannoy system on the coach, the journey to the Mendips and
Cheddar Gorge was broken as the staff gladly displayed their knowledge, to the benefit of the
few who managed both to maintain their concentration and a settled stomach as the coach
ground up the gorge itself, or careered over the numerous potholes and ramps from recent
roadworks. For once the rain managed to withhold itself; but when the actual practical groundwork began, we discovered a mist, having clambered up some hill in search of a view fit for an
artist's impression. The age of the maps (owing to lack of recent surveying by the local council,
and not to the school's inefficiency!) gave room for confusion. One or two people were not too
pleased with the areas given them to survey; one person describing the field system as a pattern
of sheep and muck (to moderate his words), while most were not sure where they were to start
with or where their areas began or ended. Anyway, some order was achieved and most seemed
to gain some degree of success, even if the natural history of crop definition defeated a few.
The afternoon was spent examining the limestone itself, the caves, streams, pots and so on.
This required everyone to get extremely damp, as all ha::! to traipse up a path, down which ran
a stream of sorts. Once at the top, Mr. Jones comforted us all by reminding us at the face of
various pots, of the numerous fatalities that have occurred; each new story encouraging the
growth of a further grin. The return to Cheddar required a vigorous climb down the side of a
hill, which increased both the degree of dampness and the illegibility of notes. Back on the
coach, Mr. Lenon earnestly described, without pictures, the various theories on the formation
of Cheddar Gorge itself. His inevitable smile always makes you wonder if he is fabricating the
entire story (ever since he informed one set early one Monday morning that he was away
parachuting that day and so didn't think he'd be able to teach them). The actual visit to one
of the Cheddar caves was interesting, made somewhat confusing with the guide's constant
references to the total naturalness of the caves when go % of the area had been created by the
use of blasting. The guide himself appeared almost clockwork, but I think it may be safe to
assume he was basically human.
Our thanks to Mr. Jones and Mr. Lenon, and also to the two representatives of the Girls'
School, who all managed to remain in good humour and to act as a constant source of all
variety of information. An interesting and practical day.
John Higgins
THE SHIRBURNIAN
Societies
FILM SOCIETY
After a disappointing couple of terms of films we were really lucky this time. Once the
initial difficulties of projection had been overcome, and although there continued to be problems
with the sound throughout the term, wc were able to enjoy an excellent season of films.
The first film was 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest', starring Jack Nicholson as an
inmate of a psychiatric ward, ruled over by the tyrannical 'Big Sister'. \Ve were taken through
a succession of often hilarious, often very moving, adventures as Nicholson stirred the persecuted
inmates to rebellion against their hated nurse.
'Network' was another excellent film, but was far too 'deep' for the majority of the audience
(myself included). Peter Finch, Faye Dunaway and Beatrice Straight were all worthy of their
Oscars, and it was only a pity that \Villiam Holden could not have had one as well, in this
biting satire on American television.
When I saw 'Blazing Saddles' in the cinema I thought it was very funny, but I was told
that it did not go down at all well here. Still, most people agreed that there were a number of
memorable incidents in this farcical send-up of \,y estern movies.
'Operation Daybreak' was probably the least-known film of the season, but it turned out
to be one of the most enjoyable. This true story of the assassination of Heydrich in the war by
patriots provided ideal Saturday evening entertainment.
Paul Newman, Steve McQueen and, once more, Faye Dunaway triumphed over all that
they were faced with in 'Towering Inferno'. However, this tale of death and destruction in a
high-rise building did rather drag on towards the end.
I missed 'Kelly's Heroes', being otherwise involved with a house play, but I gather it lost
nothing from having been shown on television quite recently. Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas
and the excellent Donald Sutherland all had fun in this \Vorld War Two comedy.
'The Outlaw Josey Wales' was another offering from Clint Eastwood. Very much in the
style of his other Westerns, we all revelled in the blood and lust in this violent tale of revenge.
'Rollerball' had very little story to it, but in this very topical tale of an extremely violent
game played with a ball (??!), we found a lot of familiar light entertainment. A certain member
of the rugby-playing staff was heard to mention after the film (the 1st XV having just beaten
Clifton whatever-it-was-o) : 'Shall we give them a game sometime?' I t was a fitting end to both
seasons.
Guy Hudson
THE SHIRBURNIAN
33
THE AGORA
Andrew Brotheton opened the term's Agora meetings with a paper on Gerald Manley
Hopkins, which enlightened the members on the Jesuit's poetry, letters and diaries. Noel
Humphrey's 'John Wesley' was a fascinating probe into the simple, straightforward life of a
man who founded and dominated, for half a century, a sect of Christianity. Giles TiUotson, the
ex-honorary secretary and co-founder member (the other being John '!\Tallis), elaborated the
style of Ted Hughes. Apart from the paper's excellence, the discussion was prompted into full
swing by the speaker's ability in his recitation of a few of the poet's works.
My thanks to 1\1r. Brown for providing us with large quantities of food and drink, and to
Mr. Mitchell-Innes for dealing with the leftovers.
Jeremy James
THE DUFFERS
The school's oldest society (in its eightieth year) has had a diverse and interesting year.
Under the auspices of the Headmaster, members of the Duffers have flirted with Bloomsbury,
visited Czechoslovakia, considered America-to name but a few of the places that our excursions
into literature touched upon.
Mr. Murison presented the first paper of the Lent Term, and his was the only paper of the
year that was concerned with ideas rather than with people. I t was on the subject of 'Metaphor'
and proved to be a most scholarly and invigorating study of a field that we perhaps take too
much for granted. David Moore followed with the rather different topic of Virginia Woolf; he
showed us the difficulties that were involved in the attempt to understand her novels, and was
most successful in shedding light on some of these difficulties. Michael Davenport closed the
term with a paper on the fascinating Czechoslovakian author, Franz Kafka. Most present knew
'Metamorphosis', but little else of Kafka's work, and so it was interesting to learn about his
other and longer novels, and to find out that so powerful a writer had led a comparatively
colourless and uneventful life.
The Trinity Term began with a paper by Andrew Neubauer on a bizarre modern literary
figure, the American writer, Kurt Vonnegut. The evening proved to be highly amusing and
was greatly enjoyed by all as we encountered Vonnegut's zany and satirical humour. This was
succeeded by a paper about the rather more established figure of Ben Jonson, given by Simon
Tuke. The paper formed a valuable background to the term's play, 'The Alchemist', in which
Simon was playing one of the leading roles. The last paper of the term was presented by the
first of our two outside speakers, Dr. Alastair Niven, brother of C.H.R.N. Dr. Niven talked on
D. H. Lawrence, about whose works he had just published a book. It proved to be an excellent
paper and covered various aspects of Lawrence's life, as well as looking closely at his major works.
The secretary gave the first paper of the Michaelmas term and chose to discuss a favourite
author, E. M. Forster. He talked about Forster's life up to the publication of his last novel, and
considered his works, pointing out the dominant themes. The next meeting saw the second of
the papers read by an outside speaker; Patrick Anderson (School House 1929-34) read a paper
entitled 'Some problems of Autobiography'. Mr. Anderson is a much travelled man, and his
paper was highly entertaining as well as informative. He devoted his talk largely to considering
some of the problems entailed in writing his own autobiography, a task that he is presently
undertaking. It was, of course, especially interesting to hear him read some extracts concerning
his memories of Sherborne. The final paper of the year was given by N. C. R. Isaac on Swift;
Nick had obviously put much hard work into his talk and he revealed to us convincingly the
complex character behind 'Gulliver's Travels' as well as discussing his lesser-known writing.
That the eightieth year of the Duffers was as successful as it was must be largely explained
by the kind hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Macnaghten and to the long-suffering way in which
they allowed their kitchen to be overrun three times a term.
Roderick Young
THE SHIRB URNIAN
34
VVednesday
~ornings
The school was faced with something of a problem halfway through last term when it was
told that the Abbey could not be used on vVednesday mornings for the time being because of
the work being done inside on the roof. A replacement therefore had to be found for the traditional 'J\rednesday morning full school service. After considering such alternatives as a full
school service in the chapel, which would have presented seating difficulties, and a service in
the BSR, in which case the service would have lost much of its significance, it was decided to
hold a series of talks, given in the BSR. This decision presented the staff with something of a
challenge, for, to give an interesting and relevant talk on a suitable subject to 700 people, whose
ages range from thirteen to seventy is not easy. Indeed, the choice of subject matter was interesting in itself. The earlier talks tended to have a religious or spiritual message, particularly those
of Mr Schiitzer-vVeissman and Mr Howard, who told us of the peace of mind he was able to
attain on holiday on a lonely Scottish island. Exceptions to this early trend were Mr Curry, who
explained the need for the reroofing of the Abbey, and the Headmaster, who reported on the
progress of the debate on Nand F levels, the projected replacement for 'A'-Ievels.
However, as this term progressed, we were able to observe masters choosing subjects of an
increasingly varying nature. For example, Mr Patterson explained the reasons behind the
troubles in Northern Ireland, whilst Mr Morton gave us an insight into the latest Sherborne
Town Plan. As thc talks became more diverse, so the value of the idea as a whole increased.
Some of the talks merely presented an objective insight into a particular issue, as Mr. Patterson's
did; others were rather more subjectivc, whilst still being of great use, as was Mr. Gibbs' advice
on how to deal with the South African Problem. All had something of interest to offer us.
To have restricted the talks solely to religious or spiri tual topics would have been to destroy
any chance that the masters may have had of presenting an interesting talk each week to such
an audience. That the talks were so diverse is thanks to the Rev. Anderson, who prompted the
speakers to choose something that they felt particularly qualified to talk on, whether it was
religious or not. The talks provided the school, willing or otherwise, with a chance to benefit
from the vast store of knowledge belonging to the staff, which in itself justifies their instigation.
Andrew Spink
THE SHIRBURNIAN
35
Rugger
The 1st XV in action
THE SHIRBURNIAN
36
RESULTS
I SIS
2nds
3 rds
4 ths
5 ths
Colts
A
B
J. Colts A
B
U.14 A
B
Totals
P
9
9
10
9
5
13
8
'V
6
9
8
9
6
3
10
7
4
3
10
4
99
73
I I
8
I I
1St
D
L
3
I
3
1
7
5
I
2
25
Points
A
F
266
40
257
70
34 1
48
122
61
78
I7
45
38 5
281
28
137
75
160
78
220
76
161
50
2254
73 2
XV
Played 9 ''\Ton 9 For 266 Against 40
Towards the end oflast summer term when one's thoughts started to turn towards autumn,
rugby football and the composition of the 1st XV, the team I envisaged would be hard to beat
but might find it difficult to score. The first part certainly proved true but not the latter. The
tcam conceded only two tries in the season, fewer penalties than any of the recent XVs and
displayed a characteristic, appealing to spectators perhaps but galling to the coaches, of always
seeming to have an extra gear into which it could change if need be. Against Radley for example
we scored fifteen points in ten minutes, quietly dozed for what seemed an age and allowed
Radley to score, then having lost a player and seemingly control of the game, woke up, rolled
Radley backwards at an alarming rate, and ended up with 31 points. It can be argued that
such a thing is the hallmark of a great team.
As usual the team contained few surprises and it is a tribute to team spirit as well as general
fitness that no unforced changes occurred in its composition. A pre-season injury allowed
M. Bak to play at full-back; he kept his place for the rest of term and if his kicking surprised
his own team as much as the opposition his strong running and tackling were much appreciated.
On the wings Small and Miller provided real speed-both were equally fast and though Small
proved more elusive Miller has next year to develop those skills. Rooney and Abel were soundtackling centres whose distribution improved markedly during the term. Abel was the steadying
influence of the two but Rooney proved more penetrative, usually managing to baffle his own
support as well as the opposition I Dally, fly half for the third year, did all that was expected
of him and more. He controlled each game with cool authority and his alertness produced
many tries; he even managed to catch the variety of passes that came his way early on from
Turner, though by the end of term the latter had improved enormously to play really well.
In the forwards Isaac at loose-head was invaluable in the most physically demanding
position on the field; his technical competence being matched only by his air of pervasive calm.
James became the most improved forward in the team and not only hooked well but his occasional giggles from the depth of mauls or rucks made one wonder what really went on there.
THE SHIRBURNIAN
37
Kittow was another who came into the team through injury and then kept his place for the rest
of the term, thus maintaining the Harper House front-row tradition of recent years. J. Love
emerged from the swimming pool to play in the second row where his infectious enthusiasm and
fitness were examples to all. Tomson was also unearthed from somewhere to join him and
thereafter, much to AM.D.'s chagrin, did his best to return whence he came; never happier
than at ground level grovelling for the ball, he did an enormous amount of unspectacular work
and even seemed to enjoy scrummage practise. The back row was marvellous. Prentice's unpredictable handling became as legendary as his work rate for the team. Garrett, having given
away a penalty for every possible offence in the first practise game thereby got them out of his
system and didn't concede another all season, and even the centres grudgingly admitted that
his appearance in 'their' open space proved beneficial. Taylor, No. 8 and Captain, was all that
one could ask for, leading by tremendous example in the early part of the season, full of encouragement in mid-season dog-days, and exuding calm authority when another unbeaten
season was looming at the end of term.
The matches? "Ve scored freely against Canford on a lovely hot day and though Blundellian
drizzle on a bone-hard pitch inhibited handling they, too, were defeated. Christ's Brecon was
equally as exciting as the two previous encounters; the lead changed hands regularly and
perhaps we just deserved to win having scored two tries to one, but what a game! In contrast
the Taunton match proved far easier but less satisfying, and King's Taunton bustled us to our
least controlled display of the term though the result was never in doubt. Downside came to
spoil rather than be constructive, succeeded for a long period, but were eventually beaten in a
match where the referee was largely the winner. Belmont Abbey, a new fixture, offered generous
hospitality and potentially dangerous opposition, but the pack got on top, Dally did his usual,
and that was that. The Radley game was exciting in patches and we waited eagerly for the
Clifton match. In the event we over elaborated, played well for twenty minutes and scored over
40 points; had we played properly throughout.... Suffice it to say that the final ten minutes
would have graced any ground in the country.
In many ways this team has been the most enjoyable to coach because it was a TEAM; it
had character in abundance and a fierce but unobtrusive intention to emulate recent XVs and
retain both an unbeaten record and sense of humility. Contrary to some suggestions, being
undefeated for four years is not a millstone: increasingly, Sherborne players aim to play well by
a high absolute standard compared to which the match result is relatively unimportant. Some
say they 'know the 1st XV is going to win' and that to see it always happening is 'boring' and
that we 'ought' to lose. Certainly A.M.D. and I do not 'know' we will win; is it suggested that
the team should not try hard, should not aim at high standards, should allow opponents to
win? Such an approach is not only wrong for anything which the School does, but is also
defeatist and destructive to those playing and involved with School rugby at all levels, and
more important, downright arrogant and insulting to other schools. Already the team of 1979
looks hard to beat and capable of playing attractive football, and to all the loyal supporters in
the School, town, and among parents I say, 'Keep supporting and cheering, it means a lot to
the School team and, "carpe diem", you may not see their like again'.
Team: M. J. Taylor (Capt.), M. J. F. Bak, S. A S. Small, G. A Abel, S. C. M. Roaney,
R. J. Y. Miller, D. J. M. Dally, J. M. P. C. Turner, N. C. R. Isaac, A C. James, J. C. R.
Kittow, C. M. C. Tomson, S. J. Love, A I. H. Prentice, R. C. A. Garrett.
The above were awarded colours. Caps were awarded to Taylor, Small, Dally and Isaac.
Results
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
v
Canford
Blundell's
Christ's Brecon
Taunton School
King's Taunton
Downside
Belmont Abbey
Radley College
Cliftan College
won
won
won
won
won
won
won
won
wan
30 -3
36- 6
14- 12
58-0
24-3
16-3
16-3
3 1- 10
4 1-0
D. P.Janes
THE SHIRBURNIAN
2nd XV
This year's 2nd XV played some splendid rugger during the course of a
highly successful season, in which only one :;chool match was lost. Indeed, such was the
strength of this year's team that they could probably have taken on many other schools'
first teams. Evidence for this was clearly provided by the victory over the otherwise
unbeaten Allhallows 1st XV who themselves had drawn with Blundell's 1st XV. As
Blundell's had quite a reasonable record on the West Country Circuit it seems a logical
conclusion that there would have been some close and exciting matches if Sherborne
had put their reserve team in against some of the other major schools' 1st XVs.
The one loss came against Milton Abbey early in the season before the side
had settled down and on a day when the Sherborne kicker would have had difficulty
kicking the ball over a clump of daisies let :done over the bar. Nevertheless, the opposition played very well and gave us an object lesson in backing up.
The team was strong in most departments, but one or two individuals were
outstanding. Andrew Wilson's imitation of an unarmed whirling dervish scattered the
opposition with great regularity, particularly from short penalty moves, while Chris
Lillingston-Price won more than his fair share of the ball in the lines-out. Roger
Eckersley-Maslin directed operations from fly-half with an air of gentlemanly calm and
bonhomie while outside him Hugh Francis and Robin Allardyce provided the necessary
incision for the orgies of point scoring.
Allardyce in particular had the ability to
transform himself from a Tuesday layabout to a Saturday natural athlete who was the
best balanced runner in thc school.
Many of the team will be staying on next year when the school really ought to
have quite a good 1st XV!
Team: H. Francis, J. Perkins, J. Stevenson, R. AIlardyce, J. Mason, R. EckersleyMaslin, M. W'illiams, A. Wilson, 1. Tresidder, N. Wade, C. Lillingston-Price, J. Leman,
D. Blunt, J. Fisher, P. Bak.
Results: Played 9 Won 8 Lost I
Points for 257 against 70
1. R. Elliott
3rd XV
The prospect of having some ball players in midfield quickened the pulse at the beginning
of term and open, running rugby became the hallmark of the 3rd XV. Many expected Charlie
Leach to be performing on the Upper but the slower pace of the Lower appeared to suit him
better and he quickly re-established his partnership with Dave Munden at half-back. It was
from here that the tactics evolved and although 'Tony' Blackburn and Johnny Peplow were
the smallest pair of centres ever to represent the 3rds it is credit to their determination that only
four sides scored tries against us. At one time 'Tony' was not only the leading points scorer for
the team but also against as well, until he remembered not to blaspheme on the rugger pitch. A
thirst for DD brought Chris Milliken into the line from full-back on several notable occasions
and the first try against Downsidc was onc of the best of the term. I don't know who the 3rd
XV wingers were; these muscle-bound sprinters seemed to changc each week. Tom Waring,
Nick Smith, Charles Morrish and Joc Goodman all had their moments. Joe's five tries against
the Junior Leaders stand out but they all ran and tackled hard.
Clive ''''est, Tim Love and Simon Bound provided a solid front row but it was in the loose
that Clive's mauling was the most effective. Tim Garforth-Bles dissipated energy in all directions,
Nick Hewett jumped superbly at the front of the line-out and Fraser Thompson, Tim Willis
and Giles Bravery chased and harried all afternoon. However, the success of the team owed
much to the inspiring leadership of Doug Hogg whose enthusiasm, determination and strident
tones kept lesser men going.
Only Bournemouth 1st XV, unbeaten on their circuit, defeated us, and then only by a
goal and two penalty goals. Christ's Brecon gave us a fright, Downside made us work hard but
otherwise the opposition were not very strong and I hope that next year something can be
done to strengthen the fixture list.
THE SHIRBURNIAN
39
Results
v Shaftesbury 1St XV
won
16-0
v Canford
won
29-4
v Blundell's
won
37 15
v Christ's Brecon
won
19-14
v Taunton
won
90-0
v King's, Taunton
won
40-0
v Downside
won
17-3
won
47-0
v Junior Leaders
v Bournemouth 1St XV
lost
0-12
v Clifton
won
36-0
Team from: D. Hogg, C. Milliken, T. Waring, 1 . Smith, J. Blackburn, J. Peplow, C.
Leach, D. Munden, S. Bound, T. Love, C. West, T. Garforth-Bles, F. Thompson, N. Hewett,
T. 'Villis, C. Morrish, J. Goodman, G. Bravery.
M. J. Hatch
4th XV
Played 9 Won 6 Drawn 0 Lost 3 For 122 Against 61
It has been a good season for the Fourth XV though the results are not, at first sight, as
impressive as in some previous years. The team as a whole was comparatively young but played
more skilful rugger than is often seen at this level. In addition, the fixture list was perhaps
harder than it has been in the past. These tougher matches are certainly to be welcomed and
the team played very creditably against a number of First XVs. In the matches against our
local rivals Fosters the honours this year were even with one match won and one lost. However,
we were not able to emulate last year's achievement against Poole Grammar School. The away
match was lost in the first fifteen minutes when we conceded 2 I points. Yet the return fixture,
at home aftcr half-term, saw the team at its best. In the first half they played as well as any
Fourth XV I have known and though the second half proved to be a rather negative war of
attrition, they were unlucky to lose 4-0. The match against Allhallow's Second XV, which
was another good team performance against a side that often had the edge, will be remembered
as Rodick's match. He kept the team in the game with a fine penalty goal from close to the
centre line and then converted a try, scored late in the match by Rice, from the right touch-line
to give us victory by 12-10.
As is usual in the Fourth XV there were many changes in the course of the season owing
to injury, the most frequent being in the back row and on the wing. In the three-quarters
Carey and W'interton served us well throughout the season in the centre. At scrum-half Gash
played a consistent and courageous game for one so slight, ending the season with a number of
breakaway tries to his credit. In Milliken and later Rodick at fly-half we were lucky to have
such compentent handlers and kickers of the ball. At their best the three-quarters handled as a
line as well as any recent Fourth XV, and Chapman and Milne in particular ran and tackled
well. The forwards worked together as a pack and were generally on top in all departments of
the game. Maas could usually be relied upon to provide line-out ball and Zealley more than
held his own in the set scrums while Spink, who led the pack well later in the season, was outstanding in the mauls. The back row suffered most from injury and in the last match against
Clifton only Higgins remained from the original pool of players. It is a measure of the strength
of rugby in the school, however, that in the last match we could field a side which contained
five players who had scarcely, if ever, appeared before on the Lower and yet play an attractive
and constructive game to defeat Clifton 19-0. With this sort of strength we can look forward to
a good season next year.
THE SHIRBURNIAN
The match against Milton Abbey Second XV was abandoned after the first half owing to
the tragic injury sustained by Nick Ross. I speak for all the team when I wish him the fullest
and speediest possible recovery.
Team: the following played for the Fourth XV: Bravery, Bulford, Carey, Chapman,
Cowl, Gash, Goodman, Gun Cuninghame, Harris, Higgins, Keen, Maas, Martin, Milliken,
Milne, Morrish, Peck, Rice, Rodick (Capt.), Spink, Thompson, West, Winterton, Zealley.
F. Thompson captained the team at the beginning of the season before moving up to the
Third XV.
R. D. R. Murison
LOWER
2
and 5th XV
Things may come and things may go, but Lower 2 goes on forever. Yes, once again, Sherborne's own Rugby Circus has been on the road, this term with the stunning novelty of a 5th
XV, under the management of the 'gang of three', otherwise known as the 'committee of public
safety', consisting ofDave 'Legs' Badcock, John 'Robespierre' Grange, and myself (no comment).
The major surprise of the term came at the outset, with the shock inclusion of Nick 'Beer
Gut' \t\lade--Dne of last year's lower two stars-on the First XV for the Pilgrims match. Other
highlights included the promotion to higher squads of numerous members of the team; though
most were heard to complain that this elevation was in fact unwelcome, as the lower does not
appreciate the sublimely gentlemanly qualities for which pitch two is rightly famous; these
promotions were certainly unwclcome to the press gang, who had to find 15 players, after losing
two in the Saturday break before an away match. James Ensor's suit at away matches "vas popularly considered to be part of our psychological warfare policy.
The pinnacle on the field was the by now legendary Foster's match, a marathon presided
over by the Foster's referee (also their coach and headmaster), who possesses a unique chronometer that only reaches 35 minutes when his side at last manages to equalise at the end of the
half. Even this tactic failed, and we were manipulated to a 6-6 draw.
A memorable victory was recorded against Chilton Cantelo, aided by the fact that none
of their team actually knew how to drop-kick. Mr. \Valford, who controlled this match superbly,
judiciously stopped the game 15 minutes early when we were winning -1-4-0. By that stage, their
master had come on to play for them, and attention was centred on whether his extraordinarily
tight shorts, borrowed from a particularly petite Hanker, would finally part forever.
Against Downside the pack performed prodigious feats, and we eventually won 4-0. The
first match of the season, against Taunton, suffered from our having a severely depleted team,
and we lost 10-0. The Canford match was unfortunately cancelled owing to an ongoing pluvial
non-precipitation situation (a drought), resulting in their pitches being rock-hard.
The final match of the season was against Clifton, whom we beat 13-0, all the points being
scored in the first half. The find of the match, unfortunately rather too late in the season, was
~ick MOI-gan as a three-quarter, demonstrating his extraordinary skills on the kick-ahead,
side-step, dummy and forward-pass. Jeremy Stubbs also proved he is far too good to be playing
on Lower 2, if such a thing is really possible.
A memorable season, both on Tuesday and Saturday afternoons; thanks to Mr. Jones for
organising the matches, to "to.lessrs. Carling, Ash, Freeman, Higginbottom, \Valford and Morton
for refereeing or managing, and of course most of all to Mr. Smart for his unfailing efficiency
and enthusiasm; thanks to all the coachloads of supporters who came to our away matches, and
finally to all those who played. "to.1ay the show run for ever!
S. 1. Tuke
THE SHIRB URNIAN
COLTS
'A' XV
This was very nearly a great year for the Colts, but not quite. 'With only four tries scored
against the 'A' XV all season (three of them, curiously, on the left wing) there was clearly not
much wrong with the defence; and with an average of 30 points scored per match, there was
clearly an ability to score, too. So why was it not a great year?
There can be no criticism of attitude or effort. From the coaches' point of view there were
30 players who gave their all in every training session, who concentrated on what was taught
in every practice, and who played go % of the practice games as though they were matches.
The players were intelligent, and generally did the right thing. One difficulty lay at fly-half.
Gill's tactical appreciation of the game was second to none, and his handling and distribution
excellent, but he lacked a good kick and the acceleration to take him clear in the break, and to
set up his centres at speed. The other problem was less serious in the event than it might have
been. There was no real weight in the forwards, and (Martin apart) no height; but what they
lacked in weight they made up in speed of thought and movement, and what they lacked in
height was made good by Ford's ability to tidy up the bouncing ball in the line-out. We were
very thankful that the grounds remained hard and true throughout the season.
The team was captained from scrum-half by Williams who fully lived up to his apt nickname, and many an opposing number 8 wondered where the tackles had sprung from. With
every player knowing his role and playing for the team, it was an enjoyable job which he did
well. Lane led the forwards with energy and verve, and generally from the front. Mention of
other individuals is invidious, but a few deserve comment; Redmond's tackling, Peplow's
strength and all-round competence; Rees-Williams' speed and Rydon's catching and running
all made their impact.
Some of the wins (Canford and Downside) were excellent, but perhaps the losses deserve
more description. At Christ's Brecon we were leading 6-4 until the last minute, when an unfortunate penalty gave them victory. We played really well against Millfield, but had no answer
to a good side who were clearly far heavier and physically more mature (and incidentally
unbeaten). Against Radley we played badly, and again lost to a penalty in the closing minutes.
'B' XV
This was an excellent team with an excellent record. When injury to an 'A' team player
called for a late substitution, there was no position on the field that could not be filled competently by a player from the 'B', and in a weaker year many would have had a firm place.
Those who were particularly unlucky were LIoyd, whose exemplary pass was a great springboard
for any fly-half; Buchanan in the back-row, who covered a great deal of ground; Kemp, always
liable to emerge from a maul carrying the ball; Talbot, a formidable combination of mass and
velocity when in top gear; King, second only to Rydon as a clever runner; and Maxwell, who
had an excellent game when given his one chance in the 'A'.
The results speak for themselves. There was only one try against them in the first six games,
when they were averaging over 40 points a game. The win against Allhallows Colts (to whom
our 'A' lost last year) was a good one, and it was sad that they should lose their unbeaten record
to the side against whom they scored most points last year. Clifton showed what can be achieved
by extreme pressure from one side, helped by two bad lapses of tackling from the other.
•
F!!!jJ!I!
THE SHIRBURNIAN
Results
'A'XV
Played 13 Won 10 Lost 3 For 385 Against 45
v Montgomery of Alamein (A)
won
8-3
v Westfield (H)
won
110-0
v Canford (H)
won
46- 0
v Blundell's (A)
won
42 -3
v Christ's Brecon (A)
lost
6-7
won
v Taunton (H)
35-0
v Bryanston (H)
won
62-6
6-0
v King's Taunton (A)
won
v Downside (H)
won
24-7
v Millfield (H)
lost
3- 1 3
won
v Belmont (A)
15-0
v Radley (H)
lost
4-6
won
v Clifton (H)
24-0
'B'XV
Played 8 Won 7 Lost I For 281 Against 28
v Shaftesbury G.S. (H)
won
68-3
v Canford
Cancelled
v Milton Abbey (H)
won
44-0
v Colfox (H)
won
29-0
v King's, Taunton (A)
won
37-0
v Downside (H)
won
62-0
v Clayesmore (H)
won
22-7
v Allhallows (H)
won
15-8
v Clifton (H)
lost
4-10
'A' XV Team: *Rydon; *Sharples or Young,!., *Peplow, Lusher or Powe, *Rees-VVilliams;
*Gill, *Williams (Capt.); *Taylor, *Gossip, *Wright; *Ford, *Lane; *Redmond, *Martin, and
Herring or Hughes.
*Colours
Also played: Buchanan, Dicken, Hosford, Maxwell.
'B' XV Team: Maxwell; Knight, Powe, King, Hamilton; Dicken, Lloyd (Capt.); MacAdam, Hosford, Kemp; McCoy, Talbot; Buchanan, Evans, Hughes.
Also played: Dally, Gibson, Young, J.
M. J. Cleaver and P. M. Whelan
JUNIOR COLTS
'A' Team
Played 11 Won 4 Lost 7 For 75 Against 137
As the above record suggests, the Junior Colts had one of their less successful seasons.
Although some of the defeats were narrow, so in fact were three of the victories. We competed
vigorously in most games, only being overwhelmed by a very competent Downside XV, and
only surrendering rather dejectedly to a less than competent Bournemouth XV. The highpoint
of the season must be the tremendous team performance against Millfield, when all gave all,
and much more as well. That 3-0 victory was well deserved and well needed. The strength of
the side was based in the forwards, and when they were not on top of their opponents that is
when we were really struggling. The front row of Davies, Tice and Pilling formed themselves
into a formidable unit and were seldom bettered. Stewart emerged as a very promising player
with an eager appetite for the ball. The three-quarters worked hard at improving their skill
level but lacked the clinical ability to put away the chances when they appeared. In many
games it was rather difficult to see how we were going to score.
THE SHIRBURNIAN
43
In a season when all was not going well, the work-rate and application of the team were
especially pleasing. They were intent on improving their play and on setting their own standards
by which they could judge themselves. This attitude rather than the bare statistics of the season
is the encouraging sign for the future. George Tice carried out the tasks of captaincy with a
mixture of earnest endeavour and cheery encouragement that helped the team considerably.
He was using his head in more ways than one.
'B' Team
Played 8 Won 3 Lost 5 For 78 Against 160
The advantage of a good 'B' team fixture list is that more people are playing better rugby,
and although our fixture list is bound to be rather a mixture of other 'B' teams and several 'A'
teams, the whole squad played much good rugby. We won the first three games, and then lost
the rest. There was only one mismatch as such against a strong and tough Poole XV who would
have pushed many 'A' sides very hard.
Many of this side will emerge and appear on high Senior sides within the school, hopefully
having acquired some good habits during the year. Rupert Preston deserves thanks for captaining
the side in an aggressive and forthright manner.
R. A. Howard and D. A. Scott
U- I 4
There is, perhaps, no more satisfying rugger than that played when you are under 14.
Everyone is keen to practise the basic skills-and Mr. Davies' Monday sessions are invaluable;
the forwards revel in the Sherborne 'whoosh' that splinters an opposing pack, driving beyond
the ball; and the backs happily run it whenever feasible. Nor does the prep. school gorilla,
whose sheer physique last year brought him endless boring breakaway tries, prosper here, for
the emphasis is on potential, and this year's under-14s will not be unworthy of the remarkable
First XVs of recent years when their turn comes. They won 10 of their I I matches, sometimes
with a determined struggle, as against Downside, sometimes with scintillating flair, as against
Bryanston; and on or off the field, they were always a delightful group to work with. The 'B'
team was quite capable of giving them a fright and some 20 boys variously represented the top
team; indeed, the game of the season was lost by 14 stirling 'B' team boys in the last second of
injury time to Poole Grammar-disappointing in one sense, but profoundly satisfying, really.
Rydon, looking as though he'd just got out of his pram, dominated the backs with total
assurance, and was a very good captain indeed; Mackean at full-back rampaged round the
field like a Japanese John Williams; Williams showed unusual speed, but he needs to pass
sooner-he scored twice against Clifton by plucking the ball from their centre's hands like fruit
from a tree, and scurrying away to the other end; and all the backs played well on occasion,
tightening their defence as the season progressed-King's Taunton convincingly rubbed in the
need. The forwards, owing much to the coaching of Mr. Sutherland-Smith and Mr. Facer, to
whom my thanks, were a dynamic unit, well led by their hooker, Taylor, with Seagrim and
Backhouse perhaps the pick of a willing, competent pack. The forwards played the major part
in the team's success, especially in the closer games. A push-over try, with the alert Tombs the
scorer, against Downside, crystallised their concerted effort. From a promising second team,
Caines and Kerr stood out. Well done, then. By the end of the season they could all do anything
except sing in tune on the bus.
U. 14 'A' XV from: R. N. Mackean, H. S. Barry-Taylor; B. Curry, T. R. Williams,
T. J. C. Steele, M. N. Day, J. W. M. Boyd; R. A. Rydon (Captain), H. A. L. Alexander;
J. Seagrim, R. C. V. Taylor (leader), R. H. B. Backhouse; J. N. W. Peck, N. R. Caporn;
J. R. W. Turner, R. J. Spencer, C. A. Tombs, C. K. R. Weatherall.
U. 14 'B' XV from: M. R. S. Bisset; T.J. Dorey (Captain),J. D. Quinlan, A.J. H. Hattey,
T. Milner;J. M.Johnstone, R. A. Caines; A. B. R. Smith, A. R. Nicholl, R. N. Kerr (leader);
J. R. Roberts-West, A. J. Watkins; C. J. Stubbs, A. D. Henderson, R. M. Nitsch.
C. H. R. Niven
THE SHIRBUR,NIA,N
44
Other Sports
GOLF
The omission of any Golf report from last term's issue means that, for the record to be
complete, this account must summarise two terms' activities. \Vith limited space this can comprise
little more than a bald account of the main facts. The Summer term had the usual varied
programme, including six inter-school matches. This was after the school team had produced
an encouraging performance during the Easter holidays at the Burnham tournament where
they were only narrowly beatcn in the semi-final by the ultimate winners, Blundell's. During
the term, we beat Canford 4-2 at Broadstone; Marlborough 4~-lt at Tidworth; and Blundell's
3-1 at Burnham. After exams were over we also had a massive victory over Downside in a most
enjoyable all-day match at Mcndip (8-1). Earlier, the team lost heavily to strong sides from
Bristol G.S. (~-st) at Bristol & Clifton, and from Millfield (I-S) at Mendip.
In individual competitions Peter Martin beat Andrew Jarman in a close final for the
Kemp Cup, and his brother, Clive, won thc Farley Cup (under 16) beating Nicholas Aubin in
the final. A cumulative medal competition, arranged in two divisions, was won by James Lund
and by Simon \tVilliams. There were also the two annual events of a more social kind. The
match between a school and staff team against the O.S.G.S. was, as always, much enjoyed by
the 38 players who madc up the two teams, with victory going to the O.S. for the first time for
some years. The term ended with 20 members of the School Society playing against a team of
parents at Commem., when a splendid afternoon ended with the school team winning 6-4.
In the Michaelmas Term there was rather less activity. In the September two-day match
against the O.S.G.S. (four-ball at Sherborne, singles at High Post) the inevitable inexperience
ofa largely new school team led to a big defeat (2-[ I). Matches were then played, all at Sherborne, against Bristol G.S., Millfield, Canford and Downside. Results were encouraging; after
halving the first, the others all ended in victory, by.5 t against Downside, and by .}-2 in the
other two.
Quite the most distinguished performance of the year', however, came in the Dorset Schools'
Championship at Came Down in October. In a very talented entry, Peter Martin produced a
remarkable two-over-par 73, to come third, closely followed by Clive Martin with 76, who was
fourth. These two splendid rounds led to both being selected for the County Schools team.
In the course of the two terms the following played in at least one school match: P. J. L.
Martin, A. P. Jarman, C. R. Martin, G. A. Abel, A. I. H. Prentice, Sandall, Tustain, Copley,
Blackburn, Irvine, Clarkc, Munden, \,\lilson, Lund, Macintosh, Barclay-Brown, Winterton,
Aubin, S. J. Love, Lough.
P. T. Currie
THE SHIRBURNIAN
45
SQUASH
The team enjoyed a successful term under the quiet and able leadership of Roger EckersleyMaslin. The team played well in all its matches, including the might of Millfield. It bodes well
for a successful season. For once there is strength in depth and with professional coaching there
is no reason to doubt that next term's results should be excellent.
There was a disappointment in that the team did not win the Dorset Schools' Championships, losing 3-2 to Canford, but there is always next year! A special mention must go to Tim
Scott and Chris Herring for winning both their matches in that competition.
Team: R. Eckersley-M:aslin, T. Scott, P. Macintosh, C. Herring, R. Openshaw.
Also played: D. Paxman, A. Duckworth, C. Coles.
Results
v Bryanston
won
4- 1
v Merriott
won
4- 1
v Dorchester
won
3- 2
lost
v Millfield
0-5
v Milton Abbey
won
4- 1
v Staff
won
5-0
v Bryanston
won
5-0
lost
v Canford
2-3
M. J. Cleaver
SAILING
Lyon House won the House Sailing Cup beating the favourites, The Green, by a narrow
margin on a windy December Sunday. Several boats capsized and it looked as if the result
would be a draw until a 'Green' boat capsized on the last gybe mark and Lyon crept through
to win by two points.
The Old Shirburnian Sailing Society won the Stanger-Leathes Trophy, the final meeting
being on a lovely September day at Sutton Bingham, a complete contrast to the windy, muddy
conditions at ?oole in the summer when the Old Shirburnians broke a mast and their Commodore's car.
The Society have presented the School Sailing Club with five Lark mainsails, a most
generous gift very much appreciated. The sails they replace are now seven years old.
The School team had a mixed season, disappointing at times, but always enjoyable under
the captaincy of Tim Allen and later Marcus Chavasse.
One of the most enjoyable events of the summer was the Round Brownsea Race when boys
invited members of Staff to crew for them. All kept upright in the fresh breeze except AC.M.
who capsized twice. His helm still claims it was unintentional. Miss Cropley, after being soaked
in the Wayfarer produced an excellent meal on the Sailing Club cooker. This event is to be
repeated next year and also a Shell Bay Race with members of the Girl's School as crews. One
of the rules of these races is that the crews must take the helm for part of the time.
ext summer the O.S.S.S. boys' cruising weekend is on 19/20th May in the Solent. Any
parents or O.S. who would like to take part should contact Lt. Cdr. G. E. D. Lang (Gerrards
Cross 85491). This has always been a very successful event.
The 1978 Arne Camp was helped by dry weather and Charles Watson's guitar. The wind
was strong for ambitious cruising but everyone had some exciting planing. I hear that the
Digby have placed a block booking for the 1979 camp.
There are plans to replace one 420 with a 470 and to buy a Windsurfer in time for next
summer at Poole.
A J. Yorke
THE SHIRBURNIAN
Ave atque Valete
We say Farewell and Good Luck to the
following:
School House
D. J. W. Badcock (733-783)
House Prefect; 1st XI Cricket; 2nd XI
Hockey; Senior Under Officer; School
Orchestra.
To Corpus Christie, Cambridge to read
Natural Sciences.
M. P. Card en (733-783)
House Prefect; School Orchestra and Band.
To Christ Church, Oxford to read Zoology.
D. J. M. Dally (733-783)
Head of House; School Prefect; I st XV;
1st XI Cricket; School Sevens and
Basketball; Geography and Cricket Prizes.
To St. John's, Cambridge to read Geography.
A. H. Duckworth (743-783)
Hallkeeper; School Squash.
To St. Andrew's to read Modern Languages.
A. J. C. Gash (761-783)
To Brynteg to complete A-levels.
R. P. D. Gun Cuninghame (733-783)
House Prefect.
To Edinburgh to read History.
R. S. O'G. Haly (74L783)
House Prefect; Athletics Team; 2nd XV.
To Nottingham to read P.P.E.
N. C. R. Isaac (74L783)
School Prefect; Entrance Scholar; 1st XV;
1st XI Cricket; Cross Country Colours;
Senior and Junior Longmuir Prizes; Upper
and Lower Sixth Latin Prizes.
To university to read English.
E. P. U. Mead (741-783)
House Prefect; Leader of School Orchestra.
To Bristol to read Engineering.
Abbey House
C. J. E. Bulford (743-783)
Head of House; School Prefect; Entrance
Exhibitioner; Oxford Hockey Festival XI
'77; I st XI Cricket; Whittingdale Medal.
Exhibition to Trinity College, Oxford
to read Greats.
J. L. Kitson (743-783)
Hallkeeper; Cross Country Team.
To The London Hospital to read Medicine.
R. J. Robotham (73L783)
Head of House; School Prefect; Internal
Exhibitioner; 1st XI Hockey.
To university to read Maths.
S. A. S. Small (731-783)
Head of School; Head of House; School
Prefect; I st XV; Athletics Colours;
Athletics Captain-All England Finalist '77
and ' 78; Cross Country Colours.
To Magdalene College, Cambridge
to read Law.
R. A. B. Wilson (741-783)
Hallkeeper.
Exhibition to Pembroke College
to read Maths.
The Green
D. C. Eckford (741-783)
Hallkeeper.
To Bristol university.
D. G. Moore (74L783)
Hallkeeper; Entrance Scholar; Honorary
Secretary of Green Ribbon Club and
Wildman Debating Society.
Exhibition to Downing College, Cambridge
to read Law.
A. 1. H. Prentice (723-783)
Head of School; Head of House; School
Prefect; 1st XV; Captain of Squash; Golf
Team.
To University.
G. H. R. Tillotson (741-783)
Head of House; School Prefect; Honorary
Secretary of the Agora and Green Ribbon
Club; 'Shirburnian' Editor.
To India; and then to university.
Exhibition to Trinity College, Cambridge to
read Philosophy.
Harper House
J. H. Belfrage (743-7 83 )
Head of House; School Prefect; School
Orchestra and Band; 3rd XI Cricket.
To King's, London.
C. D. Miller (74L783)
Hallkeeper.
To St. Andrew's to study Languages.
N. D. Oborne (743-783)
House Prefect; 1st XI Cricket; 1st XI
Hockey; 2nd XV.
To Durham university.
J. L. S. Scholte (7SL783)
Leaving to complete A-levels.
R. E. C. Verstage (7SL783)
Leaving to complete A-levels.
THE SHIRBURNIAN
R. I. Young (733-783)
House Prefect; Entrance Exhibitioner;
'Shirburnian' Editor.
Exhibition to Worcester College, Oxford
to read English.
Abbeylands
G. A. Abel (733-783)
Head of House; School Prefect; 1st XV;
Cross Country, Athletics and Golf Teams;
School Orchestra.
To university to read Economics and Law.
J. H. Cubbon (733-783)
House Prefect; School Orchestra.
To university to read History.
J. D. W. Pocock (733-783)
School Prefect; Music Scholar; National
Youth Orchestra and School Orchestra;
Cross Country and Athletics Teams.
To Bristol to read Engineering.
M. J. Taylor (74L783)
Head of House; School Prefect; 1st XV
Captain; Athletics, Fives, Soccer and Sevens
Teams.
To Queen's College, Cambridge to
read Medicine.
Lyon House
S. Boddie (733-783)
House Prefect; School Orchestra.
Post-Oxbridge Short Service Limited
Commission; to Gonville and Caius College,
Cambridge to read Economics.
P. M. G. Chavasse (733-783)
Hallkeeper; School Orchestra; Captain of
Sailing.
To St. Peter's, Oxford, to read Engineering.
S. J. Keable-Elliott (733-783)
Head of House; School Prefect; 3rd XI
Cricket Captain.
To Durham to read Economics.
N. D. Morant (741-783)
Hallkeeper.
To Bristol to read History.
A. E. C. Neubauer (74L783)
Entrance Scholar; Senior Plumtree, Driver
and Turing Prizes. Honorary Secretary of
the Whitehead Society.
Exhibition in Mathematics at Trinity
College, Cambridge.
R. A. Payne (733-783)
House Prefect; Secretary of Swimming.
To university to read American Studies.
47
S. M. Tuke (743-783)
House Prefect; Entrance Exhibitioner;
Honorary Secretary of the Globe Society;
'Shirburnian' Editor.
To university to read English.
J. M. Ware (743-783)
Entrance Scholar; School Orchestra.
To university to read Modern Languages.
Westcott House
M. J. F. Bak (73L783)
School Prefect; I st XI Hockey Captain;
1st XV; 1st VI Tennis.
To King's College, London.
F. J. Thompson (741-783)
Hallkeeper; 3rd XV; School Orchestra and
Band.
To university.
D. P. C. Tomson (743-783)
Hallkeeper; Entrance Scholar and Music
Exhibitioner; School Orchestra and Band;
Honorary Secretary of Les Philosophes.
Exhibition to Trinity Hall, Cambridge to
read Biology and Chemistry.
J. D. Turing (74L783)
House Prefect; Entrance Scholar; Honorary
Secretary of the Science Society.
Exhibition to King's College, Cambridge to
read Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.
The Digby
C. J. Coles (733-783)
Head of House; School Prefect; Internal
Exhibitioner; 1st V Squash; Economics
Prize.
Exhibition to Brasenose College, Oxford to
read P.P.E.
P. W. M. Johnson (743-783)
Head of House; School Prefect; Internal
Scholar; Biology Prize.
Exhibition to Gonville and Caius College
Cambridge to read Biology and Chemistry
I. C. J. Spencer (73L783)
Hallkeeper; Captain of Shooting; L6th
Francis Iles Prize.
To Downing College, Cambridge.
J. N. Wilding (733-783)
House Prefect; Alan Blenkinsop History
Prize and Harley Stays Prize.
To University College, Cambridge.
THE SHIRBURNIAN
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COMPLETED AND CURRENT WORK
1.
N. Transept: insertion of concrete ring
beam to secure leaning walls;
frame supports for fan vault;
releading roof; masonry
repairs and releading window
(£ 50,400)
lights
2..
Nave High Roof: releading and repairing
vault
(£ 29,875)
3. Nave N. Clerestory: masonry repairs to
windows and buttresses;
releading lights
(£ 69,600)
4. Nave N. Aisle: timber repairs and releading
(£ 16,560)
roof
6. S. Porch: releading roof
(£ 5,925)
7. Nave S. Aisle and St. Katherine's Chapel:
timber repairs and releading
roof
(£ 23,400)
8. Nave S. Clerestory: masonry repairs to
windows, buttresses and
releading lights
(£ 45,967)
9. S. Transept: repairs to roof trusses and
releading; rebuilding part of
E. wall
(£ 27,944)
TOTAL
OUTSTANDING WORK (Estimated costs)
10.
Choir S. Aisle: releading roof
I I.
Choir S. Clerestory and E. Window:
masonry repairs to windows and
releading lights
12. Bow Chapel: masonry repairs to S. wall
13- Choir High Roof: releading; examine vault
and repair if necessary
14. Choir N. Clerestory: masonry repairs to
windows and releading
lights
15. Choir N. Aisle and Ambulatory: releading
roof
16. Tower: releading roof and masonry repairs
to pinnacles and walls
5. Great West Window: masonry repairs,
releading lights; new
glass?
TOTAL
(£ 18,600)
(£ 35,400 )
(£ 12,600)
~
~
~
::t.:
~
(£ 24,600)
(£ 21,000)
(£ 25,200)
(£ 6,600)
(£ 13,800)
--
£157,800
~
._
1'.4.. 2 7,47 1
=--DECEMBER 1978
GRAND TO TAL
£ 26 9,67 1
~
50
THE SHIRBURNIAN
The Abbey Restoration
Sherborne Abbey Church was completed by the monks in about 1500 some forty years
before the monastery disappeared and the parishioners bought the building for their parish
church. Like Christchurch, Tewkesbury and Selby, the Sherborne parishioners took over a
building the size of a small cathedral with all its problems of maintenance and repairs, but with
~:nly the financial resources of a single parish. Some parishes, like Malmesbury, solved the
problem by pulling down most of their abbey churches and retaining only the nave. Except for
the east bays of the eastern chapels, the people of Sherborne courageously retained the whole
building, hence major repairs are beyond local resources and outside aid is needed.
During the "protestant" centuries (I 540-c. 1830) minimal work seems to have been done
on the fabric and the interior was covered with a yellow ochre wash to minimize the distraction
of its "popish" decoration! The great restoration of the 1850'S corresponded with the revival
of the high church movement and neo-gothic architecture, and much of the building had to be
renewed. All the window tracery, for example, had to be completely replaced; the pinnacles,
flying buttresses and vault of the choir rebuilt, and the timber roof of the S. transept replaced
and those above all the vaults heightened and releaded. The eastern tower piers and the tower
itself were almost completely rebuilt.
The Victorians saved the Abbey bu t not all their work was wisely conceived as their technology
was limited. The use of iron straps to strengthen the vaults and to gird the base of the tower was
unwise, as, when constantly wetted, iron expands to six times its volume and shatters the masonry.
Today we use stainless steel. Many stones, particularly the long window mullions, were wrongly
laid mainly because the quarry beds of Ham Hill were too thin to allow proper bedding; this
has resulted in vertical splitting by frost. Today we are using limestone quarried from thick
beds from Southern France, the same stone used by the Romans to build the Pont du Gard.
Having less iron in it, this stone is lighter in colour than the golden brown of Ham Hill, so the
builders are coating their finished work with liquid cow dung in an attempt to make the whole
weather uniformly.
Another shortcoming of the Victorian restoration was the failure to make provision for
access for the inspection of vital parts of the building, with the result that decay, particularly
of timbers, has passed unnoticed until the present restoration. We only expected to renew the
lead on the S. transept roof, but, on opening it up, the tie beam roof was discovered to be in a
very dangerous state. The timber wall plates along the tops of the w~lls and the ends of the
great tie beams had rotted away leaving only the wall posts supported by their stone corbels or
brackets to support the whole structure. All the jointing in the roof had also shifted and some of
the masonry of the eastern wall was defective and required rebuilding. The wall plates have
been renewed and great stainless steel "shoes" have replaced the rotted cnds of the tie beams.
The Abbey Architect, Mr Kenneth Wiltshire, is now ensuring that the whole roof space is
easily accessible for inspection by inserting trapdoors and ladders and effective electric lighting.
Also unforseen was the extremely dangerous state of the N. transept vault. In no way can
this be blamed on the Victorians; in fact R. H. Carpenter, who restored the tower in 1883,
warned the Abbey authorities that the vault required constant watching for signs of movement.
This fan vault, perhaps the finest in the Abbey and the last to be built, was inserted between
older walls, and two large Perpendicular windows pierced through the east and west walls of
the transept. The north wall, against which the monks' dormitory butted, contains an extraordinary mixture of periods: the lower 37 feet is I I th century and possibly pre-Conquest. The
foundations of this wall do not reach down to firm gravel but sit on a layer of soft tufa, and the
THE SHIRBURNIAN
top part of the wall has "floated" outwards by at least a foot. There has also been outward
movement in the west wall. In order to make the vault butt firmly against its four retaining
walls and to stop its crown dropping and the whole vault flattening dangerously, Carpenter
inserted thin stone wedges into the vault at four separate points. However, the outward movement of the walls has continued to such an extent that the vault has become more twisted and
flattened and is exerting even more thrust on the outer three walls. The inner wall, being the
N. wall of the tower, is, we hope, stable! Normally a fan vault exerts little thrust. Again, it was
impossible to assess the full extent of the problem until scaffolding had been erected over the
organ and a platform built under the vault. Last July, while Mr W'iltshire was inspecting the
underside of the vault, a large stone from it came away in his hand, and the scaffolding had to
be doubled and the vault supported on jacks. The Clerk of \Vorks, Mr Pike, carried out this
major operation in four days so that wc could hold the Commemoration Service-in the Abbey.
The problems of the . transept are being solved in two ways. A steel, reinforced, concrete
ring beam is being inserted inw all four walls above the vault with their corners strengthened by
diagonals; this will stop further outward movement of the walls. Light steel girders, supported
on the ring beam and the tie beams of the roof, will then be laid across and above the vault.
From these girders thin steel tie-rods will be suspended down to the vault, their bottom ends
being screwed into individual stones of the vault. In effect, the vault will become a "hanging
vault", supported by the steel girders above it and exerting no pressure on the walls. A normal
vault depends upon its shape and weight for stability; this solution, by transferring the weight
to the girders above, reverses the normal principle of vaulting.
Apart from the repairs mentione:l all the high windows will have had their glass removed
and releaded. It has not yet been deci::led whether to retain or renew the glass in the great west
window. The badly ero::le:l School arms and those of the 1560 governors on the south wall of the
Lady Chapcl (the Headmasters' House for three hundred years) will be restored.
The S. transept and most of the nave is now complete and the cleaning of the high vault
of the nave and its 115 bosses has returneJ them to their pristine magnificence. The eastern
arm of the church yet remains to be tackle::!. The "Outstanding Work" printed above lists
what has to be done, and we can only pray that no nasty surprises are in store for us when the
scaffolding allows a close inspection!
The restoration by giving access to many parts of the building has made possible a reassessment of much of the architectural history of the Abbey. For example, the twelve life-sized heads
carved on the corbels of the S. transept roof prove to be 14th century. A single similar head on a
corbel found under the floor in the Norman tower suggests that the tower was re-ceiled at the
same date. The Victorian artist who repainte::! the nave bosses left a note pencilled on a rib
beside the mermaid boss: "finished bosses, 6th June 1850-Yl. Smith". Many of the bosses
and corbels have been photographed in colour and the Friends of the Abbey will be publishing
a booklet on them next summer. Inspection of the roof space over the aisle3 will hopefully lead
to an explanation of odd anomalies in the history of the Saxon and Norman nave. The history
of the S. transept roof also has its problems. The existing oak roof was built in 1850 by John
Elliott whose grandson possesses the original designs and his account book. The building costs
(less materials) for the roof were £110-17-5 and for craving ten new bosses and repairing five old
ones: £8-g-6' The wages of his workmen are also recorded: an unskilled labourer received
18/g (94P) for a six-and-half-day week; a skilled joiner £1 - I 5-9. Stylistically the roof fits the date
of the corbels (c. [370) and may be a copy of the original, but there is dcoumentary evidence
for a rebuilding in r. 16go, but yet again many of the bosses are medieval and stylistically
attributable to the 15th century! Finally, a detailed inspection of the burned masonry of the
tower and choir will enable us to reconstruct the Great Fire of 1436 and use the evidence for
dating building sequences.
The Appeal Committee so far has raised £155,000, but we have had to increase the target
to £300,000. This sum, with the 50 % grant from the Department of Environment (paid for
money spent only on the actual work) should put our total up to over £400,000. We shall need
every penny of it.
J.H.P.G.
THE SHIRBURNIAN
An unusual view of the Abbey scaffolding
53
THE SHIRBURNIAN
The Fan Vaulting
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