doc1996 -1997
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1996 -1997
F>aptember 1996 July 1997 School Mount House School Fanfare September 1996-July 1997 Photographs by Geoffrey Allen, David Cowgill, Julie Edmonds, Peter Hamilton-Leggett, Tom Inman, Elizabeth Morgan, Peter Newman, Charles Price, Geoff Whaley. Edited by Tracy and Simon Hall. 1 (L iu O a ju i View from the study window View from the Study It is an extraordinary paradox, that in a year which has probably seen the greatest changes at Mount House since the move from Plymouth during the Blitz in 1941, nothing seems to have changed. Girls have arrived, the Pre-Prep Department is a success and yet the things that really matter are just the same: the development of independence, self assurance, personal organisation and responsibility; learning self control and self discipline and realising that there is still a place for excellence and for good manners. Our first duty to the children of Mount House is to arouse the awareness of the enormous possibilities of life, the opportunities that lie before them and the 2 importance to develop to the full the talents which they possess. Children and adults alike learn by example, by inspiration and of course by encouragement. The learning curve during the past year has been steep and when at his first Pre-Prep Assembly the Headmaster found the prayers interrupted by a very small boy announcing proudly, “Mr. Price, I can shut one eye!”, the temptation to reply, “well, shut the other one!” suddenly became, “Can you really! Well done!” That is encouragement at the lowest level, or is it currying favour! Charles Price p E O P L E Governing Body and Staff Governing Body G. Whaley, Cert. Ed., Dip. Ed. Head of Design & J.H. Trafford, DL, BA (Chairman) Technology G.D. Adams, FRICS Miss L.M.G. Young, B.Ed. Maths/English T.D. Denner, MA Mrs. E.M. Morgan, BA, PGCE Head of Pre-prep P.J.D. Hodgson, CBE, FCA Mrs. A.Y. MacDougall, NNEB Nursery Teacher P.H. Lapping, MA Miss J.A. Edmonds Nursery Assistant Dr. C. Leather, MB, ChB Administrative Staff Mrs. S.J. Mumford, JP R.J.G. Anderson-Bickley, Bursar Mrs. M. Sussex Secretary P.G.F. Seldon, MI Mech E, C Eng. R.I. Smyth, MA Dr. R.A. Gude, MB, B.Sc. (Lond), MRCP, MRCGP, C.A. Stuart-Clark, MA DCH School Doctor M.G. Varcoe, FCA Mrs. S.M. Maclaren, RGN, RM Head Matron Miss N. Furse Assistant Matron R.P. Wright, Dip. Inst, du Pantheon Paris Academic Staff Miss K. Butler Junior Assistant Matron C.D. Price, BA, IAPS Dip Headmaster Mrs. S.R. Da Rocha Housekeeper J.D. Cowgill, RD, MA, PGCE Second Master, Head of L. Mitchell Caterer English E.G. Willcock Head Groundsman G.R. Allen, Cert. Ed. English Visiting Staff Mrs. M.I.C. Allerton, NDD (Sculpture) Head of A n J.S. Boorer, FTCL, AGSM Woodwind B. Armfield, FTCL, GBSM Hon., FLCM, ARCM, D.A.E. Crocker, GTCL, ATCL, LTCL, ARCO PGCE Director of Music Piano J.H. Banyard, BA, Cert. Ed. French R. King Guitar M.J. Bassett, B.Ed Director of Studies, Head of Maths L. Mazur-Park, B.Sc., LTCL (Cert. Ed.), LLCM (TD) Oboe & Computing G. Bush, Cert. Ed. Maths Mrs. M. Mazur-Park, B.Mus. (Hons), LTCL Piano G.P.W. Cashell, M.Ed., IAPS Dip. Head of French Miss H. Parke, LGSM Flute, Recorder Miss C.J. Dean, B.Sc., PGCE Junior Subjects A. Smith Percussion R. Tinker, CLCM Dip., LGSM Brass S. Hall, BA, MPhil, Cert. PDE Head of Classics P.R. Hamilton-Leggett B.Sc., IAPS Dip Head of Science Mrs. M. Willmott, BA Hons, PGCE Violin T. Inman Junior Subjects I.E.R. Kilpatrick, Cert. Ed. Carpentry Miss J. Lee, Cert. Ed. Extra English D. Rehaag Golf B. Easterbrook Fly Fishing P. Stephens, B.Ed Maths/Head of PE M.B.L. Stock, MA, Cert. Ed. Head of Geography C. Palmer, NDD (Illustration) Archery J. Symons, B.Ed. Head of History P.R. Bond, SRA Squash Mrs. Y.P. Symons, B.Ed., Dip. Ed. (S.E.N.) English/ Mrs. M. Baylis, LTA Tennis Maths Honours Board P.D. Tuckett Thompson Scholarship Academic Exhibition & Jeremy Irons Exhibition King’s School, Academic Exhibition & Design Bruton Scholarship King’s College, Barrow Taunton Exhibition Radley College D.D. O’Connor Sherborne School C.D. Spalton P.G. Wild Three wise men 3 mrnoniT) School List, July 1997 James, C Alford Clodagh, GH Allerfeldt Rory, L Allerfeldt Richard, CG Amor Christopher, W Anderson George, HW Armstrong Morwenna, LE Armstrong James, EN Arthur Jonathan, CH Arthur Fenton, F Bailey Peter, DH Balm Jack, R Barkwell Lucy, E Barkwell James, R Batchelor Nicholas, C Batchelor Andrew, J Bridger Antonia, L Bridger Zoe, F Bridger A. Rollo Brooke Orlando Browne Matthew, W Burls Thomas, A BumellNugent Alice, R Bush Archie, SD Bush William, A Byrne Stephen, C Caley Alexander PJ Cater J. Bosco Cheung Gary, S Church James, DW Church Robert, JJ Colville Thomas, A Court Seamus, A Crawford Freddie, JL Cunningham Frank, E Dale David, M Daly David, A Dawson William, R Dawson Benjamin, P Dudgeon Eleanor, CR Durant James, M Edwards R. William Edwards Peter, JS Elliott Thomas, A Emerson Max, D Endacott James, F Follett Peter, J Franklin Beau, NA Fraser Jack, R Gabb Thomas, M Gabb David, J Gillmore Edward, W Gillmore George, H Goldberg Michael, RC Gough Robbie, J Gough Thomas, RP Gude David, MJ Hanbury Abigail, C Hardesty Simon, NC Hardesty Jonathan, JL Hare Neil, J Hargreaves Stuart, M Heale Luke, P Heracleous David, A Hitchings Jonathan, PR Holloway Edward, RGH Hooper S. Matthew Howard Lawrence, J Hughes Jonathan, M Jackson Edward, J Jaquiery Matthew, D Jaquiery Michael, JG Jefferson Salvete el Septem ber 1996 January 1997 4 April 1997 J R Barkwell L E Barkwell A R Brooke P A J Martin R Willetts S P Willetts Robert, L Murphy Alexander, J Nail Lloyd, G Nail James, M Neenan Jordan, R Neenan Harriet, J Newman Robert, M Newman Rupert, TL Newman William, A Newman Oliver, H Noble Dominic, D O’Connor Lizzie Painter Joshua, TA Palmer Jake, W Parker Edward, WA Parnell Patrick, J Pearson T. George, A Pickles Philip, A Prideaux Kurt, FJ Rae Jack, E Rangeley Richard, D Rowe Duncan, GB Sage Christopher, D Spalton Alexander, D Tobey Angus, E Tobey Ella, S Toynton Julia, F Toynton Rory, ER Trahair Tristram, J Tucker Edward, J Tuckett James, WR Tuckett Philip, D Tuckett George, E Tyson Henry, AK Vaughan Jacob Ward Thomas, S Whaley Joshua, EN Wheeler Mark, G Wild Peter, G Wild Samuel, P Willetts Oliver, A Williams R. John Williams Alexander, R Woosnam Mills Nicholas, L Wynne Evans John, D Yeomans Andrew, OG Young James, S YoungJamieson Pre-Prep School Johann, PH Allerfeldt May, DH Allerfeldt Lucinda, K Batchelor Christian, BL Brown Christopher, J Cowie Henry, DL Cunningham Caspar, VA Doyle Oliver, GWM Durant Antonella Haywood Cecily Haywood Olivia, C Haywood Rosemary Lee May, A Liddell-Grainger Kirstie, L MacDougall Reavely, JC Maitland Isabella, F Malcolm Rupert, GB Palmer Jarl, IS Rae Alice, C Toynton Joseph, J Whaley Rosie Willetts Valete July 1997 M L E Armstrong J C H Arthur J E N Authur A J Bridger M W Burls G S Church R J J Colville F E Dale B P Dudgeon R W Edwards P J Franklin J R Gabb T M Gabb E W Gillmore M R C Gough R J Gough D A Hitchings J P R Holloway L J Hughes M J G Jefferson C E Johnstone-Burt P G H Kirby-Harris D Kongialis C H R Lambert N L S Lambert C J Langton C R A M Leigh C R McDonald S F Morgan J M Neenan R T L Newman D D O’Connor T G A Pickles P A Prideaux C D Spalton P D Tuckett G E Tyson M G Wild P G Wild A R Woosnam-Mills A O G Young C G H Allerfeldt J P H Allerfeldt M D H Allerfeldt L Batchelor A L Bridger Z F Bridger A R Bush A P J Cater J B Cheung C J Cowie H Cunningham D M Daly C Doyle E C R Durant O G W M Durant B N A Fraser G H Goldberg A C Hardesty S N C Hardesty O W Jones M A Liddell-Grainger P R Liddell-Grainger S V Liddell-Grainger E J Lummis R J C Maitland V B T Maitland E S Malcolm I F Malcolm J Morgan S Morgan R L Murphy H J Newman L Painter J T A Palmer R G B Palmer J W Parker J I S Rae H A K Vaughan J J Whaley J E N Wheeler C B L Brown A Haywood C Haywood O C Haywood A J MacDougall K L MacDougall A C Toynton E S Toynton J F Toynton C. Edward JohnstoneBurt Thomas, W JohnstoneBurt Oliver, W Jones James, A Kaminski Harry, S Kandampully Victor, J Kandampully Peter, GH Kirby-Harris Robert, RB Kitson David Kongialis Andrei Koranteng Hugh, J Lake Christopher, HR Lambert Nicholas, LS Lambert Christopher, J Langton Charles, FAM Leigh Peter, R LiddellGrainger Sophie, V LiddellGrainger Sebastian, P Lim Christian, TM Lowe Edward, JM Lummis Emily, J Lummis Charles, R McDonald Andrew, J MacDougall James, R McKinnel Venetia, BT Maitland Eleanor, S Malcolm Phillip, AJ Martin Timothy, MJ Martin Alick, RG MildmayWhite John, HB MildmayWhite Scott, F Morgan Downe House Truro School Truro School Sherborne School Wellington College King’s College, Taunton Kelly College Clifton College Sherborne School King’s School, Bruton Sherborne School Bryanston School Bryanston School King’s College, Taunton The Royal Hospital School, Holbrook The Royal Hospital School, Holbrook Sherborne School Sherborne School Dauntsey’s School Eton College Monkton Combe School Radley College King’s College, Taunton Kelly College Kelly College Sherborne School Blundell’s School South Africa King’s School, Bruton King’s College, Taunton Sherborne School Sherborne School King’s College, Taunton The Royal Hospital School, Holbrook King’s School, Bruton Radley College Sherborne School King’s College, Taunton King’s College, Taunton King’s College, Taunton Devonport High School (LIUOILJUI John Bax John died on 24th October last year. He was a member of the staff from 1978 to 1982 teaching Classics to the boys in the senior forms. The subject was his abiding love and, during those four years, many of those under his kindly care and attention to detail, gained an appreciation of the Classics which would stay with them all their lives. John was born in 1915 in Cornwood. He won a scholarship to Charterhouse and then a scholarship to Cambridge to read Classics. On coming down he joined the Burmah Oil Company and travelled to Rangoon in 1936. In 1941 he joined the Indian Army and served with the Mahratta Light Infantry, fighting the Japanese, and achieved the rank of major. John met his future wife, Gladys, in India in 1942 and they were married in Madras. They had four children. After the war, he returned to England and became joint Headmaster of Dumpton, a prep school in Dorset. In 1957 he went out to Kenya where he set up the Banda Prep School in Nairobi. He returned once again to England in the 1970s and taught for four years at Wellesley House School in Broadstairs before coming to Mount House. John was erudite and had a keen sense of humour. He enjoyed a wide range of sport and, in his young days, was a gifted games player. In retirement he enjoyed painting, bridge and walking. He became a member of Probus and The Forum. He also continued teaching children and coaching for exams. He enjoyed gardening and he also gardened for Age Concern. He also did stewarding for the Parish Church. John is greatly missed by Gladys, his family and his very wide circle of friends. H.P. Wortham ' Boyd Campbell Boyd died at his home in Torpoint, Cornwall on 23rd October last year. He and his wife Desiree went to live on the waterfront there after his retirement. Boyd was educated first at Mount House from 1920 to 1926 and then at Berkhamsted. While he was there his father, a retired army major, became headmaster of Mount House when, of course, the School was in Hartley, Plymouth. Boyd’s holidays, therefore, were largely spent at Mount House and this perhaps developed in him a particular affection for the School, that led to a close association with it later on. Boyd went up to Peterhouse, Cambridge in 1931 and, on coming down, he returned to Berkhamsted as a member of the staff. During the war he served with the D.C.L.I. and after the war he returned again to teach at Berkhampsted before being appointed Headmaster of The John Lyon School in Harrow. He retired after seventeen years and ran the Independent Schools’ Careers Organisation (I.S.C.O.) until finally retiring in 1978. In 1979 he directed the first Mount House Appeal to raise money for a separate hall for music concerts and lectures, with a music department attached. This was successfully accomplished and marked the School’s Centenary in 1981. Boyd’s association with Mount House was resumed in 1984 when he became the first Chairman of the School’s Old Boys Association which was set up that year. He also had a grandson, James Impey, in the School in the late 1970s and for a time his daughter Frances was an assistant matron. One’s overriding impression of Boyd was his deep and genuine interest in people, combined with an innate friendliness. He enjoyed life to the full and his sense of fun was infectious. Boyd and Desiree loved to travel to distant places and they loved roughing it! But first and foremost, perhaps, they loved the sea. When I first had the pleasure of getting to know them their summer delight was sailing their beloved yacht, “Davinka”. H.P. Wortham Michael May Somerville Governor, parent and friend of Mount House We learned of the death of Michael May Somerville as Fanfare went to print. A full appreciation will appear in the next edition. 5 m rT JO in T J Farewells helping with adventure activities, helping in Mount House has had a remarkable record of long Collingwood and taking on this year’s production of serving staff and when they leave us it is a specially “Fanfare”. His wife also helped in the Pre-Prep sad occasion for the School. Over the last thirteen School. They go on to Radley College next term. years we have been extremely fortunate to have had Tom Inman has spent the last three terms involved very few changes to the Common Room. However, in every area of school life, before going on to this term we say farewell to Graham Bush, who university. He has taught, coached games, supervised arrived in 1969 and who taught Mathematics and music and has made himself available to assist Religious Studies. He ran the cross-country and athletics with some outstanding results, coached many everybody in everything. During the year we also bade farewell to Sarah successful soccer teams and even the 1st XI cricket team (he was once seen umpiring at the beginning of Mills who was a Junior Matron for two years and the season in a duffle coat and Wellington boots!). He went on to be a nanny for Sir Andrew LloydWebber’s children; Barbara Case, who looked after was also willing to help with anything from assisting the dining room and helped with washing-up and on trips to France, to preaching in our Services. cleaning for 18 years, and who also kept the garden of Patrick Cashell arrived at Mount House in 1973 Beach View Cottage so beautifully; Esme as Head of French. He ran the 1st XI cricket for Hannaford retired after 7 years working in the dining many years and saw the XI win the National Under14 J.E.T. Competition in 1991 (a side which included room and pantry, and doing some cleaning. She has been back helping out in the summer term; William Tom Inman!). He also coached rugby and soccer; he Blinco who worked for nearly 8 years as a member of organised the French trips, produced numerous the groundstaff keeping our grounds so beautifully; excellent school plays, organised Scottish dancing, preached in chapel, sang in the choir, was Housemaster Mike Viney, who was an electrician and welder, also helped to care for our grounds, and was very involved of Collingwood, and still had time to be Chairman of in the School and played for the Wanderers; Nicky S.A.T.I.P.S. and be awarded an M.Ed.Degree. Barwell who was Secretary for two terms. Michael Stock arrived in 1984 as Head of We will miss all of them enormously. Old boys, boys Geography. He has been involved in every facet of and girls, staff and parents will, I know, join me in School life, from archery to team teas. He has thanking them for their loyal and dedicated service to coached hockey, rugby and soccer. He has been a the School. It is impossible to thank them properly for tower of strength with the adventure activities and all they have done. We wish them every happiness in arranged many field trips. the future and hope they will visit us from time to time. Simon Hall arrived in 1992 as Head of Classics. He was soon involved in coaching all sports and, Charles Price together with his wife Tracy, running the library, Welcome to Mr. Brian Armfield joined us as Director of Music from the Margaret McMillan Nursery in Plymouth. She has a son and daughter at Mount House. in September 1996. He attended the Birmingham Amongst her many hobbies are swimming and School of Music and Birmingham University. His ballroom dancing. qualifications include Graduate Diploma: Birmingham Conservatoire; P.G.C.E. Birmingham Miss Julie Edmonds joined the Pre-Prep University; Fellow of Trinity College of Music department as a Nursery Assistant in September (Organ); Associate of the Royal College of Music (Organ) and Honorary Fellow of the London College 1996, working for her N.V.Q. qualification in Child Care and Education. She has many hobbies and of Music. He has been Director of Music at Cheam School, Edgarley Hall and Caldicott. He was organist interests and produces superb wall displays. and choirmaster at St. Peter’s, Wolverhampton; and is Mrs. Myra Sussex joined us as School Secretary in an examiner for the London College of Music. He has coached most sports; is a first class county umpire January 1997 and came to us from St. Joseph’s School, Launceston. She has a daughter at University, and enjoys golf and skiing. and amongst her interests are needlework and golf. Mrs. Elizabeth Morgan joined us as Head of the new Pre-Prep department in September 1996. She is Mrs. Nicola Gabb worked voluntarily in the Preno stranger to Mount House, as her son Christopher Prep before being appointed to the staff in September 1997. She has three sons, who were educated at was a pupil at the School. She was awarded her Mount House, and a daughter. She qualified as a degree at the New University of Ulster and her teacher at the Froebel Institute College of Education. P.G.C.E. at Rolle College, Exmouth. She was previously Deputy Head of Whitleigh Infant School in She plays the cello and piano, and sings. She has travelled widely and enjoys badminton, swimming, Plymouth. Her many interests include aerobics, tennis, squash and skiing. swimming, theatre, sailing in the Isles of Scilly and skiing. Mr. Hugh Walkington has been appointed Head of French from September 1997. He was educated at Mrs. Andra MacDougall joined us as Nursery Cheltenham College before going on to Liverpool teacher in the Pre-Prep department in September University where he was awarded a B.A. Honours 1996. She is a qualified N.N.E.B. who came to us 6 m rn o rn i degree in French. He went on to take a postgraduate qualification at the University of Georgia, U.S.A. He comes to Mount House from Stancliffe Hall Prep School, where he has been Head of French and a housemaster. He produces and writes plays, coaches soccer, golf, hockey and cricket. He leads school trips abroad and is an Associated Board Grade 8 piano, organ and clarinet player. His hobbies include writing, concerts, the theatre, travel and gardening. Miss Melissa Danny has been appointed Head of Classics from September 1997. She was educated at Bath High School and was awarded a first class honours degree in Classics at Exeter University. She was a member of the University Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. She has toured Germany and Belarussia with the Bath Society of Young Musicians. She is a grade 8 piano and viola player. Amongst her other interests are tennis and rowing. Visiting Preachers S. Funnell, Esq., M.A., Headmaster of King’s College, Taunton The Rev. John Rawlings, Vicar of Tavistock Parish Church The Rev. Louis Baycock, Rector of Chagford J. Leigh, Esq., M.A., Head Master of Blundell’s School C. Allen, Esq., M.A., Harper Housemaster, Sherbourne School R. Field, Esq., M.A., Housemaster, Shrewsbury School W. Llewellyn, Esq., MBE, Chairman of RSCM, Devon Gifts Received 1996-97 We are most grateful to those who so generously made these gifts to the School: Mr. & Mrs. A.R. Holloway David Bridger Mr. & Mrs. R. Doyle Group Captain & Mrs. G.M. Hitchings Mr. & Mrs. C. Painter Mr. & Mrs. R.N. Browne Mr. & Mrs. N.B. Prideaux Mr. & Mrs. A.J. Dale Rupert Newman Mr. & Mrs. N.E.H. Newton Mr. & Mrs. R.C. Tonks Mr. & Mrs. J. Wynne Evans Miss M. Farrell Mr. & Mrs. J. Jefferson Alexander & Peter Kirby-Harris B.R. & A.S. Clayton Dr. & Mrs. T. Dudgeon Mr. & Mrs. N.G. Wild Mr. & Mrs. K.A. O’Connor Commander & Mrs. J.A. Kongialis Matthew Burls Mr. & Mrs. J. Gough Concert piano, and donation towards musical instruments Donation towards scrum machine Donation towards piano fund Donation towards piano fund Donation towards piano fund Donation towards piano fund Donation towards piano fund Donation towards piano fund Donation towards piano fund Donation Donation Ponation Framed photographs and prints of Admiral Benbow Gift for Common Room, Roses, Jumping equipment Cup for “Outstanding Effort” Books for Library Benjie Dudgeon Cup for Spoken English, and Practice net for cricket Practice net for cricket Practice net for cricket Practice net for cricket Picture of Mars (for Library) Gift for Common Room Donations to Charity August 1996 to July 1997 Age Concern Action Research for the Crippled Child Cancer Relief Macmillan Fund Poppy Appeal Children’s Hospice South West Devon Air Ambulance Trust Dame Hannah Rogers School Help the Aged Marie Curie Cancer Care £ 78.78 133.65 92.88 20.63 179.54 93.81 364.34 55.66 122.52 The “Not Forgotten” Association R.N.I.B. St Luke’s Hospice “Save the Children” Schools Partnership Worldwide White Cross Mission for Romania Cancer & Leukaemia in Childhood Trust The Primary Club Tavistock Chamber of Trade & Commerce Leukaemia Research 46.29 82.85 221.03 99.57 90.95 120.16 60.95 89.44 100.00 142.48 7 The opening of the Pre-prep, on 27th April 1997 Vagaries of builders notwithstanding, the Mount House Pre-prep department opened its doors with a welcoming flourish last September and our son, Caspar, slipped in like a homing pigeon. Misgivings about the temporary accommodation were instantly forgotten: under the spell of the Morgan, MacDougall, Miss Julie team, Collingwood seemed to be the next best thing to Never Never Land. Children clustering around to listen to stories, scrabbling on the floor with toys, art with Mrs Ali and the wonderfully cosy teatimes, held, as Christmas approached, by candlelight beside the tree. “It’s the best school ever and it doesn’t feel like work,” Caspar declared before giving us a detailed account of Guy Fawkes’ plot with construction plans for a tinderbox. His reading and writing improved too Pedal power 8 and he learned to milk a goat. This last on the trip to Pennywell Farm which, in his own words, was “fun, fun, fun!” For the goat I’m not sure, photographs suggest it was constrained in an agricultural adaptation of the stocks. Amazingly, the Pre-prep put on two shows in the first term. One, featuring ‘The Enormous Turnip’, within a month of opening and then the nativity play, much practised and professionally executed. It helped having angels that looked like angels but the real star was Christopher who performed the role of Joseph with a gravitas way beyond his three years. Then came the Easter term, some new faces and a new building. It was a bit of a shock at first, larger and barer and more like a real school. But soon wildlife began to appear: a giraffe, a polar bear, a whale, a herd of zebras, and we felt at home again. Besides, there was more space and more to play with. A shop for the commercially minded, a sandpit, a Ho! Ho! Ho! Having their cake and eating it seesaw ... ... seashore (L DC ui a o c iu o . Pre-Prep Nativity Play Roman chariot to join the taxi and scooter and a big room for singing sessions with Mr Banyard and his trusty keyboard. The theme for the term was ‘animals’ and it was with a typical show of persuasive skill that Mrs Morgan arranged for the chicks to hatch on the very last day. Summer and the grand opening of the Pre-prep by the charming, long-suffering Phil de Glanville. He must have signed autographs for more than an hour Henry, Caspar, Sam, Izzy.... The face of things to come 1 0 ™"" __ on anything from balls to teddy bears’ T-shirts. Like the rest of his class, Caspar is the proud possessor of one rugby ball that is far too precious ever to leave his bedroom. Meanwhile the classrooms were changing again, taking on a nautical aspect, and a lot of boat construction was underway with trips to the Tavy for tests of seaworthiness. Allied to this, came the study of Queen Elizabeth I (“she was bald and had no teeth”) and a widely successful trip to Sir Francis Zoologists The story so far Drake’s home, Buckland Abbey, for one of their Tudor Days. To Mrs Morgan’s delight, and parents’ surprise, the Mount House children were deemed the best behaved, most enthusiastic and intelligent of all the visiting groups. Suddenly term was drawing to a close again. We had the excitement of Athletics with Nellie’s pause to wave to her public, Alice’s errant shoe and Mrs MacDougall showing a nice turn of speed in a leading-rein finish. Then there was Assembly and a final flowering of dramatic talent in the ‘Awongalema Tree.’ Last of all, the Teddy Bears’ picnic and, much too soon, it was all over. Caspar moves to the main school next year and I shall miss the warmth and friendliness of the Pre-prep. Caspar will too although he is already looking forward to Form One. “You Pecking order? have to do a few lessons with Miss Dean,” he informed us, “but it’s mostly grass-sledging.” It is reassuring to know that childhood can still be such fun. Sally Doyle 11 Christmas Term, 1996 Driving down to Devon in beautiful sunny weather which was maintained throughout August was a fine overture to my first term at Mount House. To see the school bedecked in wonderful surroundings reminded me how lucky I was to be coming to such a glorious part of the country. I am deeply grateful to Mrs Asater for her painstaking efforts in leaving me such carefully organised documents setting out the workings of the music department. I do thank her so much for many hours of work in preparing such informative lists. Soon the hour approacheth—the return of the pupils for the new term and my first acquaintance with all connected with the school. It was a relief to see various instruments and music cases—at least—music was about to happen! The sun was still shining. It has been refreshing to see all rooms in the school in use for early morning practices each day at 7.20 am and again after breakfast—my thanks to the Matrons for their help in ensuring prompt arrivals. Mr Inman has been a great asset in assisting with the music practices. I feel it is most important for pupils to have as much help as possible whilst practising and so with Mr Inman’s expertise, we have managed to give as much individual attention as possible while working at their music in practices. During the term, a system of marks for music lessons reflecting punctuality and work has been introduced. A number of children have scored very good marks and they can now have their progress recorded in this way. Earlier in the term, a group of pupils went to Bath to hear a splendid concert given by Wells Cathedral School Orchestra in an entertaining programme including ‘Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra’—Britten; ‘Mars’ from the ‘Planets Suite’—Holst and ‘Indiana Jones’ music—John Williams—all carefully explained by their Director of Music. The Choir (now called the ‘Chapel Choir’) has worked extremely well and it has been pleasing to see most of the boys in the choir coming voluntarily each evening to get extra help to gain ribbon awards. Congratulations to John Mildmay-White and Christopher Anderson who gained the Devon Award—a singing exam set by the Royal School of Church Music for this area. Both boys achieved very high marks in this exam. A number of pupils have joined our new choirs—the Senior Choir—for boys in form 4 upwards; the Junior Choir for pupils in forms 3 and below and also a new Girls’ Choir. All choirs have made a good start and they will be performing next term. The Chapel Choir was busy at the end-of-term singing at Crelake House, Sparkwell, and the main Carol Service held in Tavistock Parish Church. Earlier, we had been to Exeter Cathedral to participate in the Diocesan Choir Festival. Towards the end of term, we introduced two informal concerts which were a great success and an ideal opportunity for pupils of all levels of attainment to play a piece they have learnt during their lessons. Pupils have been encouraged to audition for the I.A.P.S. Orchestral Courses which are held during Easter and Summer holidays. We were delighted to hear that four boys have been accepted—Benjie Dudgeon to the main National Concert Band Course, Robert Murphy and Michael Jefferson to the Easter training Orchestra, whilst Patrick Pearson has been placed on the summer Training Orchestra Course. It was pleasing to hear that all pupils passed their Associated Board exams: Grade 1: Matthew Jaquiery Saxophone Jonathan Arthur Piano Sebastian Lim Saxophone James Kaminski Violin Grade 2 Oboe Robert Murphy Grade 3: John Mildmay-White Saxophone Grade 4: Robert Murphy Piano Theory Robert Murphy Michael Jefferson Clarinet Grade 5: Peter Kirby-Harris Clarinet Merit Merit Merit Merit Merit Merit Merit The sun did eventually disappear not to be seen again for a while but I have greatly enjoyed working with all pupils and staff with tremendous support from Mr Price. I would finally like to thank the music staff for their splendid help and endless energy in the progress of their pupils. Brian Armfield Easter Term, 1997 Pop comes to Mount House! This was in the form of a pop concert given by the ‘Grindstones’—a most accomplished group who quickly captured and captivated the audience. All pupils and a number of parents attended the concert in the Wortham Hall—they performed mainly their own music but also a number of current hits. This group, newly formed, promises well and we wish them all the best as they progress into the pop world. The Set Music Competition dominated events this term—we have split the Instrumental section from the Singing part. There was an enthusiastic response with 12 virtually everyone playing a piece in the first round. The Semi-Finals were most ably judged by Mrs Kilpatrick and Messrs Banyard and Inman. The Final was a closely contested affair with Kangs beating Hawks by a mere two points. David Hitchings won the best musician and piano playing prizes whilst Lizzie Painter won the String and Young Musician prize. John Mildmay-White won the woodwind section and Thomas Bumell-Nugent took the brass prize. We are most grateful to Mr. Andrew Wilson, Director of Music at Kelly College, for his excellent and encouraging remarks. u s I c All four choirs made their first public appearance at a Concert of Vocal and Instrumental music this term. It was good to hear the String, Woodwind and Brass Groups in the same event and the whole evening was enthusiastically received by a large audience. John Wilbraham has been a foremost figure in the brass world for many years and it was a great privilege for us to have him with us for a weekend towards the end of term. His Master Class and demonstrations were most stimulating. His presence in the Special Easter Service helping with the hymns and voluntaries helped to make this a very special occasion. A great tribute also to Mr. Tinker who not only played magnificently alongside John Wilbraham, but who also produced some excellent playing from the Brass Group. Two well-supported Informal Concerts and the Associated Board exam results ended a term with most pleasing progress from a great number of pupils. The exam results reflected the sustained and encouraging amount of practice being achieved by so many. It was pleasing that for the second session running, there were no failures. The Chapel Choir continues to go from strength to strength and their weekly contribution to the Sunday Service is valued. A good number are working well towards the ribbon tests- -8 boys have now reached red ribbon standard. Associated Board Music Exam Results: Grade 1 Lizzie Painter Edward Lummis Archie Bush Grade 2 Andrew Young Max Endacott Philip Tuckett Christopher Anderson Grade 3 Rupert Newman Patrick Pearson Grade 4 Patrick Pearson Robert Murphy Dominic O’Connor Grade 5 Benjie Dudgeon Violin Piano Trumpet Merit Merit Distinction Trumpet Trombone Piano Trumpet Merit Merit Merit Distinction Trumpet Violin Pass Pass Piano Pass Oboe Pass Euphonium Distinction Saxophone Pass Brian Armfield Supplier of Bread and Rolls to Mount House School P R O P R IE T O R W.F. F O S T E R T E L E P H O N E : (0 1 8 2 2 ) 6 1 3 1 0 9 1a PYM S T R E E T TA VISTO CK D E V O N PL19 8 0 W 13 Let’s face the music ... Summer Term, 1997 It was very pleasing news at the beginning of term to hear that six choristers who attempted the Devon Area Singing award had all passed this exam. The awards are given as a result of a singing examination at Buckfast Abbey. Only those who have passed all the ribbon tests devised by the Royal School of Church Music are allowed to sit this test. This means that we now have eight boys in the choir with this award. Mr. Llewellyn, Chairman of the Royal School of Church Music for Devon, very kindly came to the school and presented these awards at a Sunday Service. Early in the term, a pleasant evening was enjoyed by a group of pupils who attended a concert at 14 Stonehouse by the Royal Marines’ Band. An entertaining programme kept the audience interested throughout. An innovation this year has been the introduction of a separate set singing competition. We were delighted that Paul Vaughan, who has vast experience in the broadcasting world, came to judge this and he delighted us with his informative and encouraging comments. Max Endacott was the eventual winner of the Senior Section and Abigail Hardesty scored the highest mark in the Junior section. Owls maintained their hold of the set singing cup with their rendering of a song from ‘Joseph’. The Chapel Choir have had a busy term. It was a challenge for them in June to sing Choral Evensong in St. Andrew’s Church, Plymouth followed by Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’. A highlight of the evening was the delightful singing by our two soloists - Mrs Kate Brown, a parent, and Mrs Yolande Symons. A group of items from the choir’s repertoire was performed at a concert at Tavistock’s Wharf as part of a Ben Morland Memorial Concert. We are seeking to expand the work of the Chapel Choir - and parents or friends with good sight reading ability and who can sing alto, tenor or bass are most welcome to join us. The rehearsals take place on Fridays from 6.30 until 7.30 with a short practice on Sundays from 9.45 until 10.00 prior to the service at 10.15. The Instrumental Concert at the beginning of July gave the opportunity for all the instrumental groups to perform. There were some very pleasing performances by these groups which are progressing nicely. I feel strongly that instrumental groups are vital in the development of pupils’ musical education. We hope to start a school orchestra before long - but we need more violinists and cellists. ‘Joseph and the amazing technicoloured dreamcoat’ involved over one hundred pupils in the choir. For the two performances, we used all four choirs - Joseph will be sad to say farewell to Mr Tom Inman who has given me so much personal help. As a fine musician, he has helped in various performances but he has always been at hand to guide me into the ways of Mount House in my first year of the school. The assistance with the checking and supervision of music practices has been so invaluable - 7.20am will not be the same again! However, we wish him well at Bristol University. We also thank Mr Patrick Cashell for all his contributions to the choir. Brian Armfield The Christopher Anderson and John Mildmay-White Chapel, Senior, Girls, Junior and for this occason the 6th formers were keen to provide the ‘brothers’ choir. Over twenty five pupils sang solos and the shows were greatly enhanced by the accompaniment of the band ably managed by Mr Banyard and Mrs Mazur-Park on keyboards, Mr Inman, trumpet, M r Boorer, clarinet and saxophone. Adam Gibbons, a pupil of Kelly College distinguished himself on drums. The leavers’ service and concert all provided music which ended a busy year with promise ahead also. Another informal concert shortly before the end-ofterm provided a platform for pupils of all standards and experience to play their latest pieces. It has been a great pleasure for me to work with a hard working and loyal music staff who take on many tasks above the call of duty - I very much appreciate all their support and help, always cheerfully given. It Physiotherapy Clinic Bridget Endacott GRAD. DIP. PHYS. M.C.S.P. Chartered and State Registered Physiotherapist Sports Injuries - Back Pain Management O bstetrics/Gynaecology - Emergency Appointments 4 4 Plym outh Road, Tavistock. PL19 8BU Tel: 01822 616900 Car park at rear of premises 15 A Sketches from the Art School We have covered many and various projects this year. Some have been aimed specifically at .a year group, whilst others were directed at more general groupings such as Senior, Middle or Junior forms. Starting with the “Hidden Box” competition, the Middle School and Fifth Forms were invited to paint or colour a composition incorporating a small box, which had to be designed, cut and constructed from light cardboard. The aim was to achieve a “trompe l’oeil” effect. This produced a number of very original concepts, resulting in a colourful display which fooled the eye. Edward Johnstone-Burt Senior projects included painting with translucent enamels for stained glass compositions on clear perspex. At the same time the Fifth Form designed some colourful cushion covers using a simplified Nicholas Wynne Evans Matthew Burls Nicholas Wynne Evans 16 H3B> version of batik. The intention was to make some useful car accessories for sleepy passengers! Further three-dimensional competitions were conceived which did not involve the use of clay. Imaginations were taxed to the full and the Seniors found themselves, in turn, intrigued or baffled, engrossed or exasperated. The projects were always challenging and a particularly ambitious fifth and sixth year enterprise included the construction of three-ply paper waistcoats. These were first cut from templates, laminated, carefully fitted to the designer’s James Follett Edward Johnstone-Burt body and finally customised; the idea was to outdo “Pop”! There were others who took up the challenge of creating a picture “within a box”. After a spell of formal teaching on how to draw the human form, with participation in sport as the central theme, a lighthearted but enthusiastic approach to the whole concept soon developed. Copious quantities of newspaper, pipe cleaners and masking tape were involved and I became very thankful to Trago Mills, and the good humour of the Art Room cleaners who managed to identify some odd looking prototypes, yet clear the dross. Results were variable. But successful compositions ranged from ski slopes to rapids, and rugged climbing situations to gentler scenes of Dartmoor, complete with cars and sheep. The Edward Johnstone-Burt Lizzie Painter excitement of river running was also captured and Rory Trahair’s “Toad of Toad Hall” made an original and imaginative tableau to add to this range. Doubtless encouraged by the huge success of Edward Johnstone-Burt’s two Picasso-style canvases in acrylics, which he produced for the School play “The Last Will and Testament of Ronnie Prat”, several boys embarked on really large paintings this year. Among the latter was Nick Wynne Evans’ very dynamic painting of a tiger. The challenge was then taken up by a number of boys in 6B who combined their efforts, reasonably affably, to produce two equally impressive compositions. Some old display boards, each measuring 4ft x 4ft, were used for these joint projects, which developed into “The Forest Scene” and “Landscape in the Alps”. Although both works started as group efforts, their satisfactory Gary Church completion owed much to Rupert Newman’s skill and enterprise. On principle, and to avoid the high risk of boredom setting in among junior forms, I tend to avoid long drawn out projects. Therefore, I was particularly pleased with the way the two third forms tackled a repetitive tile design project which we called “Kaleidoscope”. This scheme involved tessellating a simple pattern within a paper square. Then, with the aid of a photocopier, we transferred the resulting patterns on to A1 sheets, which were then coloured, using felt-tip pens or paint. An element of surprise crept in when we saw the total arrangement and noticed that a secondary design motif began to Lizzie Painter 18 emerge. Overall, this whole project was accomplished within three hard working weeks. Many of the participants found they had succeeded beyond their wildest expectations! Recently, Seniors were encouraged to attempt real tile painting, using a new range of bright pottery underglazes currently on the market. I am indebted to Mrs. Mary Goldberg for kindly putting the resultant work through her own kiln to ensure that the correct temperature could be reached. At some period during every year I encourage collage as a light relief from more structured learning. We had another competition this Summer which Peter Franklin Edward Johnstone-Burt Lower Middle School Art (3PS & 3MS) Seamus Crawford (3PS) Higher Middle School Art (4A & 4B) attracted the attention of several new participants, who completed work in this very decorative discipline, Oliver Jones (4A) with relish and flair. I was particularly pleased with Imaginative Composition Rory Trahair’s “Yacht Race”, David Dawson’s Rupert Newman (6B) “Golden Orb” and Eleanor Malcolm’s “Queen”. Lucy The Leavers’ Art Prize Barkwell’s magnificent lady would have delighted Shared this year between Beryl Cook. Robert Colville (6B) and It has been a challenging year for many and I Christopher Spalton (6) congratulate those artists who have emerged triumphant, having tackled some difficult concepts The Myles Varcoe Cup for Painting with real determination. Nicholas Wynne Evans (5B) Finally, congratulations to the following artists, The 1997 Willoughby Cup for the Most Improved Artist whose quality and quantity of work during the year of the Year make them worthy winners: Lizzie Painter (3MS) Junior Art (Forms 1, 2Y & 2S) The 1997 Artist of the Year Trophy Alexander Tobey (2S)Edward Johnstone-Burt (6A) Alex also won a prize at King’s School Bruton Preparatory Schools’ Art Competition Mariebel Allerton 19 D R A M A School Plays In the spring term Patrick Cashell produced two plays by Jeff Gallagher, ‘Horror at Hellfire Hall’ and ‘The Last Will and Testament of Ronnie Pratt’. Both these comedies are on the theme of death and inheritance. They proved to be excellent choices for the actors, as they allowed them to throw themselves wholeheartedly into the caricature parts. In ‘Hellfire Hall’ Sir Basil and Lady Jezebel Orfle, played by David Kongialis and Michael Jefferson with convincing ‘awful’ ness, were horrified to discover through lawyer Parchment (a very distinguished looking Pip Tuckett) that their presumed inheritance was in fact to pass to Jennifer Sweetly. Chris Spalton was excellent as Miss Sweetly; he looked like a Barbie doll and simpered delightfully throughout. The Orfles High society Family fortunes had the full support of their dreadful staff in attempting to despatch the heiress. Tom Gabb had exactly the right manner for the butler, Doome, assisted by the McFangs played by Dominic O’Connor and Jack Gabb. For many, the star of this play was the ageing housekeeper, fabricator of the poisonous rock-cakes, the Widow Spyder. Scott Morgan raised many a laugh in this role, with his stooped gait and quivering voice. Fortunately for young Jennifer, the intellectually challenged man servant, Judd Dullard (Michael Gough) saved the day by revealing himself as her protector and admirer, Tristram Trustworthy, with his closing declaration of undying love delivered in true burlesque style. The second play offered even more opportunities for pantomime-style visual humour, as various claimants to Ronnie Pratt’s estate suffered the indignities of Pratt’s practical jokes, including collapsing chairs, black-dye soap, senna pod seed cake, and the like. Benjie Dudgeon and Jonathan Holloway acted splendidly the parts of Amanda and 20 Ice-cream attendant Geoffrey Snootington, while Robert Colville’s portrayal of their nephew, Crispin Grubb, was very funny indeed, his voice and mannerisms excruciatingly snobbish. Pip Prideaux played the hippie ‘friend of the earth’ Hemlock Bindweed, and deserves special mention for his acting ability, which showed considerable promise. David Hitchings, suitably dour, played the lawyer bringing the bad In Stitches The old sea dog news to the aspiring heirs. William Edwards was the old sea-dog, Archie Culpeper, and Ronnie Pratt’s brother Bill was played by James Neenan. Now that Mount House is a co-educational school, producers can offer female roles to the Mount House girls, and an innovation this year was to have Lizzie Painter, with her lovely clear speaking voice, playing Bill’s Trouble in the kitchen 21 D R A wife, Debbie. Christopher Langton was Ronnie Pratt who had been masquerading as Fogg the chauffeur. The part which offered the most scope for comedy in this play was Gladys the Cook, and James Arthur extracted every possible laugh from the role, playing it with a broad west country accent and'much spitting on cutlery and breaking of crockery. Retired Mount House teacher, and producer of past plays, Buff Saxon, was invited to choose the best actor and present him with the Cashell Drama Cup. I doubt if any of those watching would have relished this task, with such a wealth of talent, and Mrs Saxon found the choice difficult. She presented the cup to Benjie Dudgeon for his portrayal of the snooty Amanda, because he acted his part so consistently, even when he was not speaking. Charles Price thanked Patrick Cashell for his excellent production, and also paid tribute to him for his enormous contribution to school drama over many years. Y. Symons A Mount House Presents a ‘Double ’ Bill 6th & 7th March 1997 THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF RONNIE PRATT The scene is the Dining Room of Dunromin, formerly Hellfire Hall, home of the wealthy Ronnie Pratt, recently deceased. THE CAST (in order of appearance) Amanda Snootington Geoffrey Snootington Hemlock Bindweed Archie Culpeper Crispin Grubb, (Amanda’s nephew) Gladys, the Cook Fogg, the Chauffeur Bill Pratt, (Ronnie’ brother) Debbie, (Bill’s wife) Mr. Nabbit, a Solicitor Benjie Dudgeon Jonathan Holloway Philip Prideaux William Edwards Robert Colville James Arthur Christopher Langton James Neenan Lizzie Painter David Hitchings HORROR AT HELLFIRE HALL The scene is the Drawing Room of Hellfire Ha THE CAST (In order of appearance) Sir Basil Orfle Lady Jezebel Orfle Lawyer Parchment Sebastian Doome Mrs McFang Mr McFang Judd Dullard Widow Spyder Jennifer Sweetly David Kongialis Michael Jefferson Philip Tuckett Tom Gabb Jack Gabb Dominic O’Connor Michael Gough Scott Morgan Christopher Spalton Scene 1: Morning in the Dressing Room. Scene 2: Later the same day. Scene 3: Sometime later. Scene 4: Late at night. Scene 5: The next morning. Scene 6: In the afternoon. THE LAST 25 YEARS OF PLAYS AT MHS. 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1982 1983 1984 22 Oliver! The Three Cavaliers. Noah. The Adventures of a Bear called Paddington. Androcoles and the Lion. The Dream of Chief Crazy Horse. Macbeth. Rookery Nook. Mother Goose. H.M.S. Pinafore. Arsenic and Old Lace. ‘Bang!’ 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1996 1997 The Ivory Door. The Royal Hunt of the Sun. The Happiest Days of Your Life! Holy Boy. Smike. The Golden Mask of Agamemnon. The Night before Christmas. Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations. The Pied Piper of Hamelin. King Chicken. Horror at Hellfire Hall. The Last Will and Testament of Ronnie Prai s p 0 K E N E N G L 1 S H The Spoken English Competition, 1996 One of the most entertaining evenings of the school year comes with the final round of the Spoken English Competition. Much hard work goes into its preparation, particularly by those who reach this final round. I am delighted that no fewer than seventy-seven boys and girls were prepared to put their talents to the test and I much enjoyed judging the preliminary rounds. This is always a taxing business and I was very pleased to put the yet more demanding task of adjudicating the finals once again in the trusty hands of Mr Simon Funnell, the Headmaster of King’s College, Taunton who brought with him this year, to share the burden, Mr Richard Yeates. We are most grateful to these gentlemen for sparing their time, wisdom and good judgement. Happily there was again a strong entry from the three junior forms. My thanks go to Mrs Symons, Miss Young and Miss Dean for all their work in encouraging these youngest competitors where the standard was, I felt, higher than ever. The Wortham Hall was full to capacity when the evening started with some of our home grown poets reciting their own work. Though this is not part of the competition proper it heads the bill to show how highly we appreciate the readiness of these poets to share their work with us. In fairness it must be said that there are poets in the school who shrink from the ordeal of public speaking, though we are able to read their work in the pages of Fanfare. We have recently been presented with The Stowe Cup by Mr Jeremy Nichols, the Headmaster of Stowe, and the decision was made to award it to the poet whose presentation of his own work at The Spoken English Competition best pleased the adjudicator, so perhaps some of the shyer poets will be coaxed onto the dais in future years! The cup this year went to John Mildmay-White for his exciting ‘The Brave Knight’. Tom Emerson’s fine rendering of the humorously threatening ‘Tom’s Bomb’ was the worthy'winner of the First and Second Formers’. The Third and Fourth Form Prose Section was a straight contest between two very good competitors. Antonia Bridger’s winning performance of ‘Friends and Brothers’ seemed to come from the bottom of her heart! The Poetry Section in this age group was won by James McKinnel. There was strong competition here, with some most impressive performances, for the first time, by the girls. Roald Dahl was well represented which ensured some highly comical contributions, which are, nevertheless, demanding to put over well. On the night James’s performance of the amusing, painful and cautionary ‘The Porcupine’ won the prize. The competition in the Fifth and Sixth Form Poetry Section showed a greater variety of poetry, though rhyming couplets were still to the fore! Christopher Anderson chose a highly amusing poem, ‘Hi Lost!’ and conveyed the humour with great skill to win this section. The Prose Section was very keenly contested and the great variety again gave the adjudicators problems. Philip Tuckett’s well paced, clear and convincing reading from Jack London’s ‘White Fang’ was adjudged the best and also won him the Rory Benham Cup for Spoken English. David Cowgill THE PROGRAMME Adjudicator: R S Funnell, Esq., M.A. Assisted by: R Yeates Esq. An hors d ’oeuvre Mount House poets read their own work John Mildmay-White The Brave Knight William Edwards The Puffin Matthew Jaquiery It Winner of the Stowe Cup: John Mildmay-White Finalists 1st and 2nd Forms Tom Emerson Tom’s bomb by David Hornsby George Goldberg Give up Slimming, Mum by Kit Wright Joshua Wheeler I’d like to be a Tea Bag by Peter Dixon Winner: Tom Emerson 3rd and 4th Forms: Prose Antonia Bridger Friends and Brothers by Dick King-Smith Lawrence Hughes from Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson Winner: Antonia Bridger Poetry Alice Bush The Lion and Albert by Marriott Edgar Seamus Crawford A Good Play by Robert Louis Stevenson The Cow Abigail Hardesty by Roald Dahl James McKinnel The Porcupine by Roald Dahl Lizzie Painter The Tummy Beast by Roald Dahl Winner: James McKinnel 5th and 6th Forms: Prose Andrew Bridger from England, Their England by A. G. MacDonell Benjie Dudgeon from Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson Philip Prideaux from Roaring Boys by Edward Blishen Philip Tuckett from White Fang by Jack London Andrew Young from Going Solo by Roald Dahl Winner: Philip Tuckett Poetry: James Alford Solitude by Ella Wheeler Wilcox Christopher Anderson Hi Lost! by Christopher Curtis Edward JohnstoneYou are old, Father William Burt by ’Lewis Carroll’ James Neenan Far over the mist mountains by J R R Tolkien Winner: Christopher Anderson The Winner of the Rory Benham Cup for Spoken English, 1996: Philip Tuckett 23 p The Payne Cook Spelling Competition 1996 A Y N E . . c jitk 26 2 u Jeni 2? ■3 som e 28 4- Cc n x lo l z<\ £ L O a ik 6 7- 30 ju r ^ p 3i 32 fe e ls € r^ o p s c r is p s 12 tp a s \le .c L 39- 13 p o u re d 38 /+ b e fo re 3°, 15 r e a lly 4-0 i6 S s o m e th in g O 4-2. c a p t a in 4-3 4-4- 20 t h re e 4-5- A u o ju s t *6 lu e ^ o t a ij lu g g a g e ta m a to & s p r e s e r \C U tie s d o x ) Voff- boftee 4-| i9 Zz 4 -? 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IS C 3Z ^0^ £<AukiScL louro.^-U. br ian^ tur-Ute*** contt-en ^uorci father 6-krtS- CKristr^vxS bri’ot^e odgi-F<Lss odd-ress te m p e r a tu r e a m b a la n c e k e lic o p tc r 03 p a r a ll& lo ^ r o < n n 84- c o m m it l- e o l 86 a c c id e n ta lly <S| Is ra e l 36 62 M ic h a e l 3? 63 a o i m nnpef m o n s b ro u s C h r is to p h e r 82 c o r> i m u n i c a. h o 64- O c c 'te .m e * n fc 8<\ c J 'S a p p e a r e o ( 65 in te r e s te d . 90 & P r- 66 c o lo u r h ir r e s p o n s ik /e 67 r e a lis e 92 t-ln e r m o m e b e r 68 tr a in s f e r r e t 69 m in u t e s Jo r n ea S u re rv i € a t c o r \t ro * e . rs ia . L c o m m e r L ta .to r \& u rn o -m e s \fc m e b a . p k o r i & < x L li^ c ^ a a /ifie s o L o r r y v to r y 73 J-4- k e a tc ti P u l 9S s le e h o n E .c L in b u r o ^ k e t e c t » 'o i < \? p r o c r a s b n a tio n 9S h fin rrx e e L i- 99 u n s c i e n 1 1P i’c a . l l t j \r v \ r n e c l. iA t e L ICO o m c. h a n c j e c d o l e n t f s s o K Sixteen of the 140 competitors scored 100% this year, one more than in 1995, one fewer than in 1994. It was appropriate that the eventual winner, after the unseen spell-off, should be Edward Parnell, who followed in brother Miles’ footsteps not only in winning, but in doing so for the forth consecutive year. He is now faced with the exciting possibility of winning two years running and scoring full marks in an uninterrupted five year run in 1997! Amongst those to score 100 Jack Gabb and David Kongialis did so for the third, and Jonathan Holloway, Dominic O’Connor, Frank Dale and Benjie Dudgeon for the second consecutive year. Morwenna and George Armstrong became the first brother and sister combination to produce faultless answers, George from Form 3MS. The others were David Hitchings, Michael Jefferson, Rupert Newman, Thomas Court, Victor Kandampully, Sebastian Lim and Richard Rowe. There were several other highly memorable scores achieved, the most remarkable being 98 from George Goldberg, a seven year old from Form I. Had not the handwritten copy from which George learnt contained two copying errors he would almost certainly have scored 100! Robert Murphy (4A), James Kaminski (4B) and Alexander Nail (3PS) scored 99; Christian 24 Lowe (3PS), 97; Harriet Newman (4A) and Harry Kandampully (2Y), 95—Harry improved his score by 71! Seamus Crawford and Peter Balm (both in 3PS) and Abigail Hardesty (3MS) all scored in the 90s, and John Yeomans (2Y) deserves commendation for his 83. Amongst those attempting the competition for the first time Lizzie Painter (3MS), 84, Beau Fraser (2S), 60, and first formers Joshua Wheeler, 60, and Nicholas Batchelor (47) were outstanding. Form 6 came out top in the form averages with 98.77%. The School average was 71.13%. Bearing in mind that Form I was expected to attempt only the first 25 and the second forms the first 50 questions, this average mark shows a most pleasing achievement. My heartiest congratulations to all. 1996 Winner of the Payne Cook Spelling Competition and Charles O’Connor Cup for Spelling: EDWARD PARNELL David Cowgill Footnote: Deliberate Mistake: The first person to provide Mr. Cowgill in writing, with the correct spelling of the deliberate spelling mistake in the above article will receive a small reward. The Guy Bailey General Knowledge Quiz 1997 Guy Bailey donated a cup for general knowledge in 1995, when he left Mount House. The rules were simple - every boy in the school had to participate and it was to be a Set competition. One hundred and thirty questions were set in a time-limit of 45 minutes. The large number meant that everyone could have a go and answer something. This year with fewer questions nearly everyone finished the paper on time. Last year’s winners, Kangs, were just beaten by Hawks who averaged 55%. Third were Owls and fourth Otters. The standard was much higher this year with form five (74%) just beating the sixth form (73%). The highest individual mark was 95% by Dominic O’Connor, which was a very good effort indeed. The next ten were Peter Kirby-Harris (94%), Chris Spalton (93%), Victor Kandampully (92%), Michael Jefferson (85%), Robert Gough (85%), James Church (84%), Tom Court (82%), David Gillmore (82%), Edward Johnstone-Burt (82%), and Jono Jackson (82%). As might have been expected the quiz threw up the usual amusing answers including: This century Death, Died, RIP Zoos, zebras, aliens, licks The Rumba and Cha-cha-cha are? Plants From what do we make butter? Cows, milk bottles What is unusual about a Manx 2 heads, big ears, it cat? can swim, it is wild In which century was 1930? Die is the singular of? Zoophobia is a fear of? Who composed the Messiah? Jesus What are Apple, Archimedes Fruit, plants and IBM types of? What do you need to play cat’s A Piano cradle? It is a secret What is James Bond’s code name? Chicophski, River Who composed Swan Lake? Dance What did Clarence Birdseye Birdseye Chicken, pioneer in 1925? fish fingers, a boat race Are Men “A & M Revised” is a hymn book. What does “A & M ” stand for? Which crop grows in flooded Seaweed, water fields? What is a group of lions called? A lot If two is company, what is three? A rave What is the most intelligent Monkey mammal? Who killed Goliath? Tom In which sport would you do an Ice hockey, Rugby Eskimo Roll? It was great fun and I hope everyone enjoyed it. Well done Hawks and now it is up to Otters or Owls to win next year. Peter R. Hamilton-Leggett Weekly General Knowledge Quiz The Weekly General Knowledge Quiz was run throughout the year. The format is very simple: twenty-five questions are asked each week and entrants, if they do not know the answer, may seek guidance from staff or parents as to where to look, be it book, newspaper or CD Rom, but must not be given the correct answer - that would be too easy! The Spring term proved very popular with over fifty pupils entering. Peter Balm (3ps) was the outright winner with an average of 24.38. Julia Toynton (2y) and George Tyson (6b) averaged 23.73 and came second equal. Understandably the entries halved in the Summer term. This time Julia Toynton (2y) managed to climb to first place which she shared with Dominic O’Connor (6) with an average of 24.67. Lucy Barkwell (2y) was third with 23.50. Questions varied in difficulty as these examples show: Who was the Viking god of Thor wind, rain, farming and war? Which Scottish city is known as Aberdeen the Granite City? Who invented the bifocal lens? Benjamin Franklin A lack of which vitamin can Vitamin C cause scurvy? Toxophily is a popular sport. Archery What is its most common name? Occasionally a “SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT” quiz was given. These were questions that involved some lateral thinking. A typical selection appears below: Before Mount Everest was discovered, what was the highest mountain on earth? Mount Everest Mr Cowgill went for a walk without an umbrella. He did not wear a hat and he did not take refuge under a shelter; yet, not one hair on his head got wet. How was this possible? It was not raining. In Tavistock, Devon, you cannot take a picture of a man with a wooden leg. Why not? You cannot take a picture of a man with a wooden leg anywhere - you need a camera. (Groan!) Jack Axe charges £5.00 to cut a wooden log into two pieces. How much will Jack charge to cut a log into four pieces? Jack will charge £15.00 since it requires three cuts to make four pieces. In our calendar some months have 30 days and some months have 31 days. How many months have 28 days? All of them have 28 days. Some have some more, of course! Two pounds was usually offered as a prize for the first all correct entry received. Those who rushed did not win. It was the slow but sure who carried off the prize. Peter R. Hamilton-Leggett 25 Design and Technology 1997 Another successful year draws to an end, giving me plenty to think about for the next year. The biggest challenge was to introduce our girls to a new and difficult subject. I feel it was more demanding for me as the girls proved to be as equally enthusiastic as the boys. They created extra opportunities to bring in a lot of new angles and ideas on some old and trusted projects. The junior school pupils very quickly settled into solving their problems via practical means. The first year in particular demonstrated a wide range of abilities in both the design and realisation of a piece of work. This led me to select the winner for the junior Design award from this group. After a great deal of debate and soul searching I had to call in another member of staff for an independent adjudication. Fortunately we both agreed on Tom Whaley, so well done Tom! The inters are always very demanding, covering a wide range of topics. These can vary from Electronics, Structures, Forces as well as multi material based work. I always get a great deal of satisfaction whilst covering the electronics work. This is mainly due to the enjoyment and sense of achievement each pupil displays when their ciircuit works, whether it is a simple circuit to sound a buzzer or a more involved piece of circuitry to control another system. This is also an age group which is constantly looking ahead at the seniors to see what they may cover as their own major project. The competition for the inters Design award was as close as ever, the boy who demonstrated a huge commitment in both his practical development and theory work was Angus Tobey. Congratulations! Two seniors as ever led from the front with their innovative designs and project ideas. Christopher Spalton designed and developed an excellent Tool Caddie which he entered for the scholarship award at King’s School, Bruton. His portfolio was of a very high standard, full of design ideas and plans. He was able to talk fluently about his designs, whilst displaying a broad knowledge of the techniques and materials necessary to produce his Tool Caddie. Many congratulations and good luck for the future! There is no doubt in my mind that success breeds further successes. This is always very evident in the various senior projects developed over the remaining summer term. Peter Franklin demonstrated particular commitment when learning a very difficult skill of brazing. This was necessary for him to be able to manufacture the chassis for his go kart. Peter’s hard work was doubly rewarded with the Mount House Association cup for Design. The senior Design award went to James Arthur. The whole of the seniors in one way or another deserve some form of recognition as the list of projects covered keeps growing and growing. Fire escape ladder Apple picker Clock designs Skateboard ramp Returnable stumps Surfboard storage Occasional table Bedroom furniture Card table Mini Tabletennis Reading desk Quad bike trailer Metal lathework Wood lathe work (Lamp stand) (Naval cannon) The list is endless as is the pupils’ enthusiasm. Long may it continue. Geoff Whaley Mount House Carpentry As usual I get to the end of the year and realise that I have not written my piece for Fanfare. This year was made up of the usual types of work but owing to my having to go to hospital and then performing some The Carpenters 26 painful contortion with my back the boys did not get much of a look in during the Easter term. However I awarded the carpentry prize to Philip Tuckett for a good try at a bedside cabinet in sapele. This was an A school of sharks ambitious project and I had to do quite a lot of work on it myself but I think that it was a very good try at what in my secondary teaching days would have been a job for a 16 year old! I also mention Dominic O’Connor’s magazine rack, Rory Trahair’s post box, Matthew Burls’ small jewellery box. The philosophy I have towards the woodwork at MHS is that the boys or girls should have some idea of basic woodwork skills. These include the use of saw, chisels, planes, drills and various ways of fixing things together, with the uses of differing polishes, varnishes and paints. They should be able to use tools safely without damaging themselves or the tool or the project they are working on. With the use of modem electric tools I also like to give them experience of using the easier ones. This means that when they go home they could, with a bit of care and supervision, use dad’s drill, or sander. I hope that those who do carpentry feel that they are getting useful lessons in Christopher Spalton’s tool caddie an environment that is friendly and calm and that they come out at the end with something of which they are proud. I wonder when I’ll have my first MHS girl carpenter?. We’re walking in the air Ian Kilpatrick 27 ^ rm n c T i BOn 3 7 m J c </>>m r ) somebody coming along the river bank with a dog. There was utter panic as everyone jumped out of the river and ran into the wood which ran along the river bank. Everyone was accounted for except Mark who was left in the river. Mrs Symons must have heard us in the river because she walked over to the place where we jumped in. She was standing on a little cliff which had a small overhang at the bottom. Mark had squashed himself under the overhang. The only problem was that the overhang was under the water so Mark had to hold his breath. Everyone in the wood was held in suspense as to whether Mark had been seen. When Mrs Symons had gone everyone ran around the cliff and down a path to find Mark sitting on a rock panting after holding his breath for so long. He was all too keen to tell us what had happened but we just wanted to go back in the water and mess around. We started playing rugby but everyone became tired so we lay down on the grassy bank to sunbathe and dry off. A problem arose when we saw that there had been no swims because the water was muddy, so we had to sneak in to the school buildings without being seen by a member of staff. We walked up to 6A’s window which was luckily open. We all climbed in and ran into the changing rooms. Prose Peter J Franklin Gone fishing In The River It was a warm summer’s day. After the service we all had to write our letters home. Luckily there was a large number of sixth years staying at school for the day. We played football until lunch. For lunch there was roast beef, potatoes, gravy and beans. During lunch we were thinking what we could do in the afternoon. We had some good ideas but the best one was to go swimming in the river. Everyone charged into the changing rooms, threw on their costumes and tracksuits and grabbed a towel. There was George, Pete, Mark, Edward, Dom and me. We ran down to the patch of river that was the deepest. As the river was out of bounds this was also a dare. We had to be careful not to catch anyone’s attention. We hid all our clothes and towels under a bush and dived in. Just down stream was a weir that made a huge pool. We swam down stream and did a little pot-jumping. We were having a brilliant time but the river was quite cold. Whilst we were splashing around in the river we heard 28 No flies on us m s o c </>>mru 3DOn < r m 3JC7J The Dare Michael Stock Lost! I was in my first term at my new school. There was a tradition, among the boys, that in their first term they had to do The Dare as an initiation test. The Dare was to run from the junior dormitory through two more senior dormitories and back. I was chosen by one of the boys from the senior dormitories to do my dare on the fifth day of term. Our lights had been turned out by the dormitory master and I waited a while till I could not hear his footsteps. I jumped out of bed and started running. As I entered the first senior dormitory I was met by a shower of pillows which I scrambled through, feeling like a gladiator. I entered the second dormitory with my heart beating in my chest like a big bass drum. I was intent on reaching the end without being caught. I had now entered the second dormitory. As I touched the far wall I heard the door open. I darted under the nearest bed as quickly as I could. It was the dormitory master on the prowl. He could not have heard me because he left without a word. I jumped up and started to run. My pyjamas fell to my ankles and tripped me up, because the elastic had broken two nights before in a pillow fight. With one hand holding up my pyjama bottoms and the other fighting off pillows, I made my way back to my dormitory and dived into bed. Every one was cheering. I knew I had made it. It was the best day of my term so far! It was the summer holidays and I was sitting in the back garden with my best friend, James. J. Mildmay-White “Come on,” I said, “there must be something we can do!” “I know!” said James, after a moment of thought. “Let’s go to Manor Woods!” We took our bicycles out of the shed and rode up the road to the cart track which led to the woods. Once there we dismounted and climbed the wall bordering the woods. A faded sign still faintly read ‘Trespassers will be prosecuted!’ but we paid no attention and, after a lot of puffing and panting, we managed to get over and land on dry earth below. “Race you to that fallen tree!” yelled James. “Hey! I wasn’t ready!” I said and brought him down with a flying rugby tackle. We got up together and, tripping and stumbling, we reached the fallen tree in a dead heat. “All right, let’s have a fair race,” I said. “Okay. On your marks, get set, GO!” The race was on and as we ran James tripped over a tree root and brought me down with it. We lay in a tangled heap on the ground. I sat up and said, “Where’s that tree trunk we first raced to?” “I dunno,” said James, “there’s one.” I stood up and surveyed the area around us. I could see about ten tree trunks in all. I felt a sinking feeling inside me as the truth that we were lost hit me. James, who was, quite understandably, fed up, had picked up a stick and was thrashing at the bracken. We spent the next two hours looking around for the way out and, as the dusk was falling, we were scrambling down the wall and getting onto our bicycles. “That was quite an adventure!” I said. “See you tomorrow, if you can!” R. Gough Dib, dib, dib, dub, dub, dubbin 29 mso c </>> mi- tj son <rmncTi The Secret Passage Past times Go Justin His mother gave Justin a kiss on the cheek. “You’ll be all right, Justin,” she comforted him. Justin Rosenfeld attended Mount House School a few years ago. He was a cheerful, happy boy who was always smiling. He loved playing sport. Justin was Antiguan. I loved the West Indies, so he was very special to me. He left Mount House, with good grades in Common Entrance, to Bryanston School. He was very happy there. One day we (the school) received the heartbreaking news that Justin had cancer. He was rushed off to a huge hi-technology hospital in New York. I was very upset and I sat gloomily in the library. We prayed for him in assembly. I did not hear anything of Justin for a while and I forgot all about him. But then one usual day in November we heard the miraculous news that Justin had recovered and only had to go to hospital once every three months for a check-up. The school was relieved and very proud for him. Justin came back one day for a Sunday service and to the Devon match (Devon v. Somerset) at Mount House. I was asked to be a touch judge, but foolishly I decided to go home for the day. In the service I was sitting in the row before Justin and he greeted me with his typical, sunny smile. I did not enjoy that Sunday at home: I always felt as if I should have been at the match. We were now into the Easter term. I dislike this term because you are nearly in the cricket season, but not quite. We had the set rugby competition to aim for. Owls did really well and won the tournament, against all the odds. Justin and I were both Owls; He would have been proud of us. One Monday morning in assembly it was announced by Mr Price that Justin had died of cancer. I was distraught. I felt sorry for Justin, he did not deserve to die. Whenever I see a person smile that welcoming smile of Justin, I remember him. If I feel lonely, or sad, I think of him relaxing in the sun with a smile on his face. “You’ll be all right, Justin,” I say. Benjie Dudgeon 30 I was invited for the weekend to Mrs Wetherby’s large house in Sussex. I arrived at 7.20 p.m. on Friday. Mrs Wetherby greeted me and showed me to my bedroom, which was on the far side of the house from her bedroom. We had a meal and then I walked to my bedroom. I was tired, and went to sleep almost immediately. I woke up. The room was in total darkness, except for the glow of the electric clock. The time was 1.10 a.m. I wondered what had woken me. There was silence. Then I heard a slight noise, coming from underneath the floorboards. Was it rats? No. The sound became louder and I could distinguish a faint dragging sound. It grew louder and louder, until it seemed to be right underneath me. I thought I could distinguish footsteps. I lay quite still in my bed. There was also a sound of heavy breathing. The sound faded away into the distance. I did not go to sleep again that night. Having lain awake for about six hours, I got up at 7.00 a.m. and went to the kitchen to see if Mrs Wetherby was up. She was. “Hello, did you sleep well?” She asked. “Yes, very well, thank you,” I lied. “Does this house have a basement?” I asked. “No.” “Or a secret passage?” “No. Why are you so interested?” “No, I am not interested. I just wondered,” I said. This surprised me. I knew that it had not been a dream. “Will you mind if I go out all day?” she asked. “I’m sorry, but I had a telephone call last night, and one of my best friends has had a heart attack and is in hospital. I would like to go and see her, and I will be And it’s good night from us. Collingwood 1997 mncoomni ujoti ^rmsocTi back by about 7.00 p.m., if I leave now.” “No, not at all,” I said. This was good; with her out of the house I could search it from top to bottom for a secret passage. She left at 7.30 a.m. and I had the house to myself. The house was large and had only one floor, but apparently no secret passage or basement. This was going to be a big assignment. I had to search all the rooms for a secret passage opening. First I tried the library. In nearly all mystery stories the secret passage begins in the library when you pull out a book or bookstand. After forty-five minutes I decided that it was not true for this house. I had pulled and pushed everything in sight, even the door handle. There was no secret passage in this room. I walked to my bedroom. I was sure that I had heard a dragging sound from underneath me, but I could not tell from which direction it came. For seven whole hours I searched the house but found nothing. By the end of this time I was pretty annoyed. I walked outside. The house was surrounded by huge, lovely gardens. There were lots of trees, and at the back of the house there was a patio. I decided to search the patio, which was the only part of the house that I had not covered. I stepped on, jumped on, and tried to lift up every stone, but I found nothing. I gave up and went for a walk in the huge garden. I was walking slowly through some trees, when I suddenly tripped up and found myself lying flat on my face. I picked myself up and looked to see what had tripped me up. There was nothing visible. I ran my hand along the grass, and suddenly uncovered an iron ring! All smiles Milk shake, rattle and roll I pulled it. Nothing happened. I pushed it. Nothing happened. I twisted it. Still nothing happened. In annoyance I stamped on it. Suddenly the ground opened up in front of me, revealing a large tunnel. It was very dark. I closed the ‘door’ and ran back to the house to fetch a torch. I then ran back to where I had fallen over, located the ring and stamped on it. Once again the ‘door’ opened. I cautiously crept inside, with my torch making thousands of shadows. I shone my torch onto the floor of the tunnel and suddenly noticed some blood stains on the floor. It struck me that the dragging sounds that I had heard might have been a body! I walked along the passage and eventually came to a wall. It was a dead end. Suddenly I noticed a little gap, half-way up and on the right hand side of the wall. I cautiously put my finger through the gap and felt a lever. I lifted it up with my finger and suddenly the wall opened silently, like a door. Ahead there was another passage, at the end of which I could see some light. I crept towards it. The passage turned a sharp right-hand corner. I peered round it. There was a little room, with four men in it. I could see that two of the men had revolvers by their sides. They were all sitting around a large table, and the light came from an oil lamp, which was on the middle of the table. I silently retreated back to the secret door that I had come through. I pulled it behind me and it closed silently. I ran back along the long passage until I came to the end of it, where the door to the garden should have been open. But it was not. Frantically I shone the torch in all directions, and luckily spotted a chain, hanging from the roof. I pulled it and a few seconds later saw daylight, as the trapdoor opened. I climbed out into the garden and closed the trapdoor behind me. Then I ran, as fast as I could, to the house and to the telephone. I phoned the police. In the half-hour that they took to arrive, I watched the trapdoor from the house. It did not open. Two policemen came. I showed them the trapdoor, the passage and then we came to the dead-end. I silently opened it and we crept through. The light was out and there was no one there. David Hitchings 31 Poetry Sunny days Winner of the Rosenfeld prize for poetry, 1997 The Setting of the Sun The day was at its end And the sun slipped beneath Its blanket of green trees. The yellow rock of the canyon walls glowed And the sleek river waved like a ribbon As the sun shone brightly off it. Darkness fell rapidly that evening. The moon was full and the light of the stars Was steady, but feeble on the ribbon of water. An owl called at the moon as it steadily rose. The animals scattered as clouds swept Towards the canyon, blocking the moon’s dim light on the river. It seemed it rained endlessly, and when It finally stopped, the sun rose reluctantly In the morning air, preparing for the day ahead. Matthew Burls Nothing I stood Alone, Nothing before me, The place was empty, My hands were bare. 32 Left, Right, Up, Down, My eyes were wandering. Strange yet normal; impossible yet simple. What could it be? It moved around me, Got in my head I could not understand! Was I dead? I wanted to know. What could it be? Until in a flash, I knew. It came before me, Quick a s .............? I wandered on, Stepping on Nothing, Until I saw that one great thing, The reason that we live. I knew at once I’d seen the light. It took me away, To a different time. I was free, the nothingness was gone, The light was there. I could survive, Once more. Philip Tuckett The Owl The Owl is an elegant chap Who likes to take a nap During the day. He hates the light Because it’s so bright. But when it’s night, The only lights, Are the stars And a moon. He hunts during the night, When it’s not so bright, And tries to catch his prey. He looks for mice, And doesn’t think twice, About eating them straight away. He lives in a wood, In his tree, In his hole. In his wood, In his tree, In his hole, He likes to sing a song. In this song, There is only one verse, (Which every owl knows) It goes like this: Towit Towoo, Towit Towoo. Why this bird sings like this, Is a mystery to me, But I think it’s great, And I like to hear him sing, This lonely mysterious song, Which goes, Towit Towoo, Towit Towoo. Jack Gabb mso c </>> mr u 3JOn <rm3JC7) Sense-non When the Viglings first hatched out, I gave an almighty shout, For as far as I could see, They were running straight at me; (to no effect). The Tonsiltights appeared, When through my thick hair seered One of those Weapons: A gigantic great Froponze. Then to my Zears I told, Those Tonsiltights behold, And behind a seething hive, Sat an elevating Slibe. The Slibe rose slowly to the clouds And dropped like a stone towards the brouds Very close to where I stood, (Shielding myself with a hood) For the sun was hot that day, An occasion near the end of May. Dominic O’Connor The Cricket Match Everyone is waiting. The very atmosphere is heavy, tense. Up runs the bowler, releases the ball with a spin. I swing out with all my might, and feel the ball making contact. The fellow batsman opposite shouts, a short, sharp, “Yes!” We both run. I dive over the line, as simultaneously, the ball knocks the bails to the ground. What is the Umpire’s opinion? I breathe a slow sigh of relief as the Umpire murmurs, “Not out.” The bowler starts to run up again, and releases the ball with a deft flick of the wrist. As I swing out, I see to my horror, the ball curve beneath my bat, and hit the stumps with a thud. And then the red-hot feeling of embarrassment, as I begin the short, long walk, back to the pavilion. Edward Johnstone-Burt Time Time never stands still, As you wish it will, When you’re in a hurry, And you need to scurry, Time never stands still, As you wish it will. Michael Gough Music to his ears? Decay In Venice Venice is a city of rotting palaces. Not many real Venetians live there Only tourists and rich foreigners. It has an image of magnificence, slowly fading. Each house tells its own particular story. But the stories are slowly sinking . . . . Into the murky green waters. Edward Parnell The Night The night is dark and cold It gathers everything into its folds. It swirls around and creates A blanket of still, dark air. It crawls around And with no sound Envelops its prey In its quick, still, silent way. Robbie Gough 33 < rm n c T i Calm Seas On occasional days There are not any waves Upon the bright blue sea. The amazing mysteriously coloured waters Are shaded with greens and blues. Unlike the stormy days of grey. In the sun it sparkles and shimmers Magical, the sea is - sometimes calm, sometimes rough. It’s enchanting as it glimmers in the sun As far as the eye can see. Thomas Court 3 m J c </>>m r ) 7 3JOti The library To describe the Library, Here at Mount House School is not Easy, I can tell you. Lights on, In come the boys and girls, Books out and pages turn, Reading begins of both papers and books, And in this Library occasionally lies the odd Resting boy, wanting and waiting for bed, Yawning and then creeping upstairs to sleep. Michael Jefferson ‘B. T. Phone Home’ You queue. ‘Yes,’ you think, ‘it’s my turn’. You walk to the booth, Then dial: 9 144, just like it says. Silence. You wait . . . 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 slow seconds. The silence is broken by a long, ‘BEEEEP’. The time has come; Can you remember the ‘account number’? Do you need the ‘PIN’? One mistake and: “Your account number or PIN, Has not been recognised, please re-enter them now.” FRUSTRATION!! You are unable to remember. Then you guess, as you’ve lost the card. You try, in vain, to remember. You’ve tried lots of combinations, then: “Please hold, while you are connected to a B.T. Operator;” You feel worried and hang up; Only to try again, and again until; ‘Wicked!’ you’ve got it: IT’S ENGAGED!! Chris Langton 34 C.D.P., Phone home Q.3£CIU_I>- The Big Apple A Trip Down Memory Lane ILOflC Q.-I 111 < </) 3 IE 111 When I was a new boy I was very small Compared to all those people tall. I lost my way, Many a day. Time would pass, and I was late for class. I would play sport, And have a good report. I enjoyed my times, In the under nines. Out of class, was a good laugh. But now I look down at the people aged nine, And remember what fun it was to be young, remembering the time when I was nine. The Apple is tough, New York rough. Hot in summers, busy as well. Cold in winters, so traffic stops. Pleasant for some, Hard life for others. Cars speeding, lights changing, Trains stopping, people shopping. Crowds at first light Empty at night. Trucks come in, Unloading goods. Men shout, ladies scream Walking back from Broadway. So beggers beg, People sleep. The City is tough, New York rough, So people live. Peter Wild 5. Caley Dragon If I was a pig The dragon is a fierce creature Deadly in every feature. The brave knight and his horse stand Watching the dragon, they do look grand. And now with the lance held high At the dragon they must fly. But the dragon has a trick of his own, It flies up into the air glimmering green, And falls upon the horse with a gleam. The last thing you will hear is the brave knight’s If I was a pig ... If I was a pig I would be the most handsome of them all If I was a pig I would lie in slimy slushy mud and gaze at the sun If I was a pig I would be as fat as my mummy with me in her tummy If I was a pig I would eat delicious sloppy food If I was a pig I would go straight to sleep at the end of my hard working day. Richard Rowe Confusion I once saw a bear at a fair, he was eating a bun, having lots of fun, When he saw a hare. The hare, Who was trying with great care, To sit on a chair, Was bare. The big brown bear, Took a huge scare, So he ran behind, The nearest mare. The mare, Who was still half asleep, Was trying to eat, Some bushels of wheat. So the bear, Ran into the middle of the fair, Getting away from, The hare. Tom Gabb i Emily Lummis Dog collared 35 (OtLOKH 1st X V 1st X V Rugby 1996/7 The rugby term started so early this year that pre season training was organised for the first time. Fifteen boys gave up a precious day from the last week of their holidays to get themselves ready for the visit of Eagle House from Berkshire. A long and tiring day’s work ended with many sore limbs, but much achieved and a team in place for the following Saturday. The ground was in perfect condition for running rugby. With the sun on their backs, the XV played 50 minutes of free flowing rugby to record a fine 37-0 win. A week after the Clayesmore Sevens the Minibus was packed to the gills as the XV set off on their tour of the North of England. Two tough fixtures lay ahead, matches that would certainly highlight any deficiencies and expose any weaknesses. Both matches turned out to be uncompromising affairs. The forwards proved themselves to be a useful unit, providing a fair share of the ball in both matches. George Pickles’ hooking was too valuable for him to play elsewhere, while former Colt Richard Rowe was successfully harnessed at prop. The backs tackled well, but lacked the power or bulk to punch holes in opposing defences. Too often good passing movements came to nothing as the gain line lay unbroken. This lack of firepower in the three quarters was the main reason for both matches ending in defeat (5-19 v. Caldicott and 10-13 v. Mowden Hall). The spirit of the XV was such however that the team made strong second half showings in both games in attempting to claw back first half deficits. Mowden Hall’s results over the term included several huge victories over good schools and made our result look very creditable. 36 The week following the tour saw much work on alignment behind the scrum. The three quarters remained unchanged, but were rejigged to provide a more powerful centre pairing and a little more pace out wide. The first test of this new combination came at Taunton Prep School where the XV found themselves up against a huge pack. Superb ‘first up’ tackling in the back row and centre quickly prevented Taunton from playing the physical card too strongly. Rucking superbly, the Mount House forwards dominated the game and five tries were scored through quick handling and decisive running. Jack Gabb scored the final try with a splendid solo effort from deep inside his own half. Our next match was a very tense affair against a large and skilful Exeter Cathedral XV. The XV found itself under pressure for long periods and it is good to record that the boys showed courage and resilience in these conditions. The game was scrappy throughout, due chiefly to poor refereeing of the off side line at the ruck. The match ended in a draw with both sides scoring two tries. This was undoubtably the best Exeter Cathedral XV for a very long time, their draw earning them their first ‘points’ from us in 20 years. The lack of penetration in the three quarter line continued to cause concern and brought about a change in tactics for the next match against Ring’s Hall, Taunton. Back row forwards Peter Franklin and Nick Lambert were kept out of the rucks and were fed ball in order to create the first dents in the opposition defences. It was difficult to know how well this would work given only a short time to prepare following a mid-week game. No worries! The XV adapted to the new tactics so well that they produced perhaps the best 50 minutes of rugby of the term. The backs and forwards combined </> h o o c h superbly to put on a demonstration of handling, passing and running skills. Peter Franklin carried the ball to such effect that he scored four tries himself. Four further tries gave the XV a splendid 44-0 victory over a competent XV. For the first time since 1975 Mount House are playing rugby fixtures in the Easter Term as well as the previous Christmas Term. Easter Term fixtures began against old rivals and friends, Prior Park from Swindon. This fixture has been running for eight years with Prior Park coming to Tavistock as part of their Rugby tour. This year, for the first time, the XV travelled to Wiltshire. As ever the match was a very tight affair with little between the two sides. After the opening exchanges however the Mount House pack, with Edward Gillmore outstanding, established a firm footing in the Prior Park half. Following a five metre scrum, fly half Peter Wild made a half break before slipping a pass to centre Tom Gabb who scored under the posts. Pip Tuckett kicked the conversion. Possession for the middle part of the game was evenly shared and both sides tackled well to prevent further scores. Mount House’s second and decisive try came due to a piece of quick thinking by skipper Andy Bridger who dived over from a five metre penalty with the opposition too slow to react. This sound 12-0 victory was based around a fine performance from the forwards and the result bode well for the remainder of the XVs’ season. Illness and bad weather however prevented further fixtures, but the performance suggested much promise for the Rugby Sevens season which was to start in late February. 1st XV Results 1996/7 P :ll W: 6 D: 1 L: 4 F: 260 A: 66 v. Eagle House, Berks (H) W 37-0 T: Wild P., Lambert, Tuckett 2, Morgan, O’Connor, Gabb T. C: Tuckett v. Caldicott, Bucks (A) L 5-19 T: Gillmore v. Mowden Hall (A) L 10-13 T: O’Connor 2 v. Taunton Prep. School (A) W 29-10 T: Lambert, Franklin, Gillmore, Rowe, Gabb J. C: Tuckett 2 v. Exeter Cath. School (A) D 12-12 T: Franklin, Lambert C: Tuckett v. King’s Hall, Taunton (A) W 44-0 T: Franklin 4, Lambert, Bridger, Pickles, O’Connor C: Tuckett 2 v. Wolborough Hill (H) L 5-7 T: Lambert v. The Downs, Wraxall (H) L 0-5 v. St. Peter’s, Lympstone (H) W 46-0 T: O’Connor, 2, Pickles, Gabb T., Franklin, Wild P., Gillmore, Spalton C: Tuckett 3 v. St. Michael’s, Tawstock (H) W 60-0 T: O’Connor 4, Lambert 2, Gabb J., Gabb T., Bridger, Tuckett C: Tuckett 5 v. Prior Park (A) W 12-0 T: Gabb T., Bridger C: Tuckett John Symons (jorsemoor Catering UNIT IE, EXETER ROAD, IND. ESTATE, OKEHAMPTON, DEVON A Professional Cordon Bleu Catering Service OFFERING A FULL RANGE OF HIGH QUALITY MENUS FROM STARTERS TO PETIT FOURS FOR HOTELS, RESTAURANTS & WINE BARS, WEDDINGS, FUNCTIONS, BUFFETS, BUSINESS PRESENTATIONS & DELICATESSENS - Only Fresh Produce Used - S* (01837) 53601 37 </> CLOOCl- 2nd X V Rugby Results 1996 Taunton (H) Won 14-0 Tries: Junior School T. Johnstone-Burt Con: M. Jefferson Exeter (H) Won 68-0 Tries: Cathedral A. Bush, School V. Kandampully, M. Jefferson 2, S. Morgan 2, A. Woosnam Mills 3, D. Gillmore, P. Kirby-Harris 2 Con: M. Jefferson 4 King’s Hall, (H) Won 26-0 Tries: Taunton T. Tucker, M. Howard, Ja Neenan, M. Jefferson Con: M. Jefferson 3 St. Petroc’s (A) Won 38-17 Tries: M. Jefferson, R. Rowe, P. KirbyHarris, G. Church, T. Johnstone-Burt, S. Morgan Con: M. Jefferson 4 Wolborough (A) Won 12-0 Tries: Hill P. Kirby-Harris, A. Woosnam Mills Con: M. Jefferson The Downs, (A) Won 14-5 Tries: Wraxall P. Kirby-Harris, A. Woosnam Mills Con: M. Jefferson 2 P:6 W:6 L:0 F:172 A:22 The following represented the 2nd XV; G. Church, T. Court, D. Kongialis, F. Dale, D. Gillmore, T. Tucker, M. Jefferson, A. Bush (captain), Ja Neenan, E. Hooper, V. Kandampully, P. KirbyHarris, E. Johnstone-Burt, T. Johnstone-Burt, M. Howard, A. Woosnam Mills, R. Rowe, S. Morgan, M. Gough, M. Endacott. 2nd XV RUGBY REPORT 1996 The beginning of a new season brings with it all sorts of expectations and sometimes rash assessments. Fortunately, my belief that this team would struggle to win any games was, I am glad to say, totally wrong. Their unbeaten record says much for the spirit generated within the team and the fierce competitiveness with which they played. They worked hard to improve their deficiencies and made the most of their strengths. Taunton Junior School were our first opponents, both sides lacked attacking flair in the three quarters, 38 and victory was secured by taking our opportunities when they came. Our only passing movement of the first half produced a penalty try when Tristram Tucker was dangerously tackled just short of the line. Taunton nearly levelled but dropped the ball when over the try line. Late in the second half Tommy Johnstone-Burt touched down after a scrappy lineout. Exeter Cathedral School were our next visitors, this was the only one-sided encounter we had, the 68-0 scoreline emphasised the comparative strengths of the two sides. With an abundance of possession we crossed for twelve tries, four were converted by Michael Jefferson. King’s Hall provided stiffer opposition but tries by Tristram Tucker and Matthew Howard in the first half and James Neenan and Michael Jefferson in the second, with three conversions from Michael Jefferson, gave us a convincing 26-0 margin. Our first away match took us to St. Petroc’s, Bude to play their 1st XII. The concession of an early try prompted our best rugby so far, Michael Jefferson, Richard Rowe, Gary Church and Peter Kirby-Harris all scored first-half tries. St. Petroc’s replied with two second-half scores but again we responded and finished strongly with further tries by Tommy Johnstone-Burt and Scott Morgan. This had been a hard fought encounter in which the brave tackling of Tom Court in the centre had been an important feature. Shortly after half-term we visited Wolborough Hill for another very keenly contested match. The forwards through Peter Kirby-Harris and Alexander Woosnam Mills scored the two vital tries but it was the spirited and determined tackling, despite periods of intense pressure, which was the feature of the match. The final game of the season took us to The Downs, Wraxall and another tight game between two well matched sides. Peter Kirby-Harris again scored from a penalty move mid-way through the first-half, and Michael Jefferson converted. The Downs replied with a try early in the second-half, a slick handling movement gave the winger space to score in the comer. Shortly before the end Alexander Woosnam Mills ensured victory by diving over from a scrum, which Michael Jefferson converted. The 14-5 scoreline was perhaps flattering but showed the value of solid tackling. From unpromising beginnings this was a successful 2nd XV, their commitment, hard work and genuine team spirit were the key factors in an unbeaten season. The forwards’ ability to win more than their share of possession kept the side moving and enabled us to enjoy territorial dominance in most matches. The three quarter play was much weaker in contrast, promising moves were often halted by wayward passing or erratic handling. Effective and determined tackling, however, made up for deficiencies in other areas. In all, thirteen different players scored tries. Philip Stephens (OftOKH Penalty kick 3rd X V Rugby 1996 A season of mixed fortunes began with an excellent game at home to Taunton. We had the lion’s share of possession but could not turn that into points, due to over eagerness and good tackling by Taunton. Their coach felt a draw would have been the right result but they scored and we didn’t! There followed a very pleasing home win against King’s Hall Taunton. It was good to see the backs so involved in this 12-a-side game and all four of our tries came from them. St. Peter’s 2nd XII proved just too strong for us this year and we lost our nerve somewhat against a larger team, although some of the tackling was very good. The final game at St. Michael’s proved to be a fitting finale to the season as a mixed 2nds and 3rds team ran in five tries on a very muddy pitch, on which much pleasing rugby was played by both teams. Although rugby is a team game, several individuals deserve a mention. O. Noble and E. Parnell both tackled superbly, as did J. Follett. Ru. Newman won plenty of ball and B. Dudgeon set an excellent example as the captain of the side. My thanks to all of you who enable the 3rd XV to continue to thrive. 3rd XV Results: P4: W2: L2: F 52 pts: A 30 pts. v. Taunton Junior School v. King’s Hall, Taunton v. St Peter’s Lympstone 2nd XII v. St Michael’s Tawstock 2nd XII (H) Lost 0-5 (H) Won 20-0 (A) Lost 5-19 (A) Won 27-6 Tries: O. Noble 2; V. Kandampully 2; F. Dale, S. Lim, C. Anderson, E. Parnell, M. Endacott and A. Bush - 1 each. Conversion: D. Gillmore Team: B. Dudgeon (Capt.), C. Anderson, J. Follett, S. Lim, O. Noble, J. Mildmay-White, Ru. Newman, E. Parnell, J. Holloway, S. Caley, F. Dale, R. Gough, Ja. Arthur, A. Young, E. Lummis, W. Edwards, P. Prideaux, G. Tyson, R. Trahair. Also played: J. Alford, T. Court, D. Gillmore, A. Bush, M. Endacott, V. Kandampully, E. Hooper, T. Johnstone-Burt, M. Howard. Jonathan Banyard 39 (OaOlKh Colts ‘A ’ squad Colts ‘A ’ Rugby 1996 Played: 11 Won: 8 Drawn: 1 Lost: 2 Points For: 231 Against: 69 The season started early with a match against a confident team from Eagle House, Berkshire. Although we lacked experience in rucking, mauling and three-quarter play, the standard of passing, tackling and support play was very good indeed. Mount House played with great enthusiasm and skipper Chris Lambert scored the only try of the match to give his team their first taste of victory, the game ending at 5-0. The next two weeks were spent improving team skills and the 39-0 victory over Treliske proved that time was not wasted. Chris Lambert, Lawrence Hughes, Seamus Crawford, James Kaminski and James McKinnel all produced fine individual breaks, and all scored, but again it was the support play that kept the game going the way we wanted. The next two games saw comfortable wins over Taunton Prep. School (41-14) and Exeter Cathedral School (56-7). The following game against King’s Hall was a real battle. We won considerable ball in the forwards but were unable to put it to good use. The resulting 5-5 draw was disappointing but fair. The day, however, will always be remembered as the day Lawrence Hughes hurt his shoulder. He was the last to get up from a ruck, the referee asked if he was alright, Lawrence nodded and played the last 10 minutes of the match. After the game a consultant (a King’s Hall parent) looked at Lawrence and said, “It looks like a broken clavicle. Which hospital, Plymouth or Taunton?” Exit Mr Price and wounded soldier. This was the end of Lawrence’s season. Bad luck! 40 Plymouth College Prep, arrived with a very good side and the ensuing match was both fast and physical. James Kaminski produced some super attacking breaks, being very elusive when given room to run. James McKinnel and David Dawson also made outstanding contributions to the game, which we just won 10-5. Our game against Wolborough was the toughest of the season. We won considerable possession but were put under great pressure and never managed to beat their defence. Although we lost 19-0 this was a well contested game and played with great spirit. The next three matches saw three victories, The Down’s (22-0), St. Peter’s (12-0) and St. Michael’s (31-0). The last match of the season was against touring side Paplewick from Ascot. This was a super game and the result was a narrow defeat for us (19-10). During the course of the season five players scored twenty or more points, James McKinnel (20), Lawrence Hughes (30), James Kaminski (49), Christopher Lambert (50) and Seamus Crawford (52). The team consisted of the following: Patrick Pearson, Lawrence Hughes, Robert Kitson, Charlie Leigh, Christopher Lambert, Richard Amor, Seamus Crawford, David Dawson, James McKinnel, George Armstrong, Jono Jackson, James Kaminski, James Tuckett and Robert Newman. The Intermediate Set Rugby was won this year by Hawks and the runners-up were Kangs. Malcolm Bassett (OQlOOCH Colts ‘B ’ Rugby 1996 Played: 5 Won: 2 Lost: 3 Points For: 47 Against: 109 It was a month from the beginning of term that the Colts ‘B’ team was selected for its first match, but there was no very clear dividing line between several players, their positions and whether they slotted better into the ‘A’ side or the ‘B’. It was, perhaps, because of this uncertainty, that the standard of team-play was still not very high when we entertained The Cathedral School, Exeter. The winning margin (17-5) flattered us, for we did not play in either a disciplined or convincing way against technically weaker opposition. The determination of individuals to do all the work and ‘go for glory’ spelled out a ragged performance and one that lacked the ‘team’ effort. George Armstrong (2) and Alexander Cater scored our tries and Tom Bumell-Nugent (Captain) converted one. I wrote, at the time, of a strong performance by prop, Charles Leigh, and some good individual runs by the outsides, Christian Lowe, Jonathan Arthur, Joshua Palmer, Alexander Cater and George Armstrong. The following Saturday, King’s Hall visited us and emerged worthy winners (10-0). Some lessons learnt from the previous match brought one or two changes in the side and the match was played with commendable spirit. We had opportunities to score but a knock-on or a dropped pass denied us the chance. King’s Hall came back hard in the secondhalf and, under pressure, we cracked. The next match was against Wolborough Hill, away, after a long period of no games and punctuated by half-term. Our 32-5 defeat was by no means a disgrace and, in fact, our forwards, particularly Jordan Neenan who scored our try, looked very good when driving forward and rolling the ball. Wolborough outclassed us at half and three quarters—the handling skills of their line were very impressive. Despite many brave tackles, it was hard to stem the flow bf their attacks, particularly in the second half. St. Peter’s, Lympstone, had a very stomg side and we were at once put under pressure, playing uphill on their big pitch. Conceding early tries had a demoralising effect on the team, which then made more and more mistakes in trying to counterattack. Several individual players emerged with credit from the defeat (5-57) and our second half performance, during which Jordan Neenan again crossed to score, restored a little confidence. I noted some brave tackles by our much smaller backs. St. Michael’s, Tawstock, in bitterly cold and wet conditions was not the ideal venue for our final match. Our 20-5 win, however, was a first class performance and every member of the side, despite numbed hands, did his best and put up a brave show. Christian Lowe (2), Jordan Neenan and Alexander Cater scored the tries set up by our forwards, who dominated the set scrums, rucks and mauls. The following represented the School: G. H. W. Armstrong*, J. C. H. Arthur, O. Browne*, T. A. Bumell-Nugent, A. P. J. Cater*, W. R. Dawson*, D. M. J. Hanbury*, R. R. B. Kitson, C. F. A. M. Leigh, C. T. M. Lowe*, T. M. J. Martin*, A. J. Nail*, L. G. Nail*, J. R. Neenan, J. T. A. Palmer, J. W. R. Tuckett*, J. S. Young-Jamieson and J. R. Batchelor* did sterling service as touch-judge and potential replacement. It is worth noting that eleven* of the side will still be U. 11 and should be competing for places in the 1997 Colts ‘A’ XII. This season, they represented the School in: Under 10 Rugby The *members of the Colts ‘B’ were joined by Patrick Pearson and Seamus Crawford, strong forwards of the ‘A’ side to take on Plymouth College Prep, on the relatively dry Rowden pitch. I have to confess that I thought we were going to win by a cricket score, such was the intensity and success of our attack in the opening minutes, but the old enemy of selfishness crept into our play and we were, perhaps, lucky to emerge 12-7 winners. Seamus Crawford stormed over early in the first half, but Plymouth responded and gained much confidence as we wasted opportunities by playing individually, although it was clear the pack was stronger and, with experienced halves, we should have dominated. The second half saw both sides with chances to score and it was, indeed, James Tuckett who saw a gap, seized the opportunity and ran in a good try which Seamus Crawford converted. A report of the season’s Rugby perhaps should not include a coach’s advice, but I would like the boys that have read it to consider the game far more as one to be played by a team. There are bound to be strong individuals whose scrummaging or three quarter play put the icing on the cake, but awareness of others, play to a game plan and the team spirit, thus engendered, would, to my mind, improve the general standard at this level and produce the sort of consistent results for which we strive. Good luck to you all next season and in the years to come—is there another International player among you?—remember that Philip de Glanville also played on Herongate! Patrick Cashell 41 </> CLOOCI- Under-Nine Mini Rugby 1996 The pool of players from which the under-nines were drawn was smaller than usual in 1996,.but the spirit of enthusiastic determination was by no means diminished. We enjoyed the benefit of a handful of players who brought with them experience from last year: Harry Kandampully (scrum half) and Freddie Cunningham (fly half, but probably destined in later years for the forwards) made a useful and productive combination; John Williams was an alert, rumbustuous, fast running forward, and Tom Emerson a lion-hearted tackier on the wing. Neil Hargreaves and Luke Heracleous also showed distinct promise in the back division. The first test against outside opposition came at St. Peter’s, Lympstone. We took a squad of thirteen, and each boy had at least one game. Wins were recorded against King’s Hall (10-5), St. Peter’s (15-0), St John’s (35-10); the match against St. Michael’s, Tawstock was drawn (5-5) and we lost to Wolborough Hill (0-15). There was much to encourage us in the afternoon’s play: nearly every player showed a willingness to tackle and we saw the beginnings of some passing movements. The forwards were not aggressive enough in the rucking and mauling and their support play was weak. Lapses in concentration did not help our cause. Some exciting tries were run in by Harry Kandampully (5), Freddie Cunningham and Neil Hargreaves (3 each) and John Williams and John Yeomans (1 each). We practised very hard to improve before the Wolborough Hill tournament, but in the event our performance that afternoon was disappointing. There was too much in the way of individual endeavour, which was snuffed out by the good defence of the opposition. Any suggestion of team work disappeared, and our tackling and determination suffered as we were put under pressure. As a result we lost to St. Michael’s (0-15), St. Peter’s (15-20), Wolborough Hill (10-15) and Plymouth College (0-20). A win against King’s Hall (25-0) was our only compensation. Tries during this tournament were scored by Harry Kandampully (7), Luke Heracleous (2) and Stuart Heale (1). It becomes increasingly difficult to find schools prepared to allow their under-nines to take part in games which allow contested three-man scrums, twoman lines-out and kicks to start the game and convert tries. As the pick of this year’s under-nines stand a chance of representing their schools’ colts next year, it would seem a sensible introduction to the next stage. Apart from that, the evidence that I have shows that the boys enjoy this version of the game more towards the end of the year. However, only Treliske, Plymouth College and Wolborough Hill agreed to contest our tournament under these rules. Our opening game saw us gain most of the territorial advantage and possession against Treliske and we used this to good effect, leading to a 22-0 win. What a difference it made to see the boys playing as a team, with good passing and support work! Tries were scored by Harry Kandampully (2 and 1 conversion), and John Yeomans and Freddie Cunningham (1 each). The next game, against Wolborough Hill, was very evenly balanced. Our opponents won just about all the scrums, but we were able to put pressure on them and were more than once very near to scoring. The passing remained good. We lost this game 0-7. Plymouth College fielded a very formidable team, with two particularly fast, strong runners. The score mounted steadily against us to a final 0-26, but our commitment remained high and we produced some excellent tackling, which enabled the team to emerge from the season with their heads held high. Well done! Those who played in all three tournaments were: N. Batchelor, F. Cunningham, T. Emerson, B. Fraser, J. Hare, N. Hargreaves, S. Heale, L. Heracleous, H. Kandampully, A. Mildmay-White, J. Williams, J. Yeomans. David Cowgill Senior Set Rugby This year’s plan to play this competition on a Otters throughout their match, though the Otters league basis foundered on sickness and bad emerged winners by 19-5. weather. In the end this was probably as well, for The final was played on a foul afternoon, with biting wind and rain. The Kangs ran the ball superbly the competition was dominated by a Kangs XV that needed to call only on 1st and 2nd XV players in these conditions to score a convincing 20-5 victory to make up its XV. and to add the Staveley Cup to their groaning In the semi-finals the Kangs overwhelmed an Owls trophies shelf. XV that played with little spirit or sense. By contrast, a weak Hawks XV played far above itself to worry the John Symons 42 (OfLOKH Devon Prep Schools Match Somerset 10 Devon 12 This year five Mount House boys were selected to represent the Devon Prep Schools XV in the annual match against Somerset. The five chosen were Pip Tuckett on the wing, Peter Franklin at flanker, Edward Gillmore at lock and Andrew Bridger at hooker. Peter Wild was selected as a replacement. As ever, fate intervened and Peter Franklin’s freak training injury prevented him from taking part. The game was played in excellent conditions at King’s Hall in Taunton. From the start it looked as though Devon faced a difficult afternoon. However, the XV weathered the early Somerset storm and in its first venture into Somerset territory broke down the blind side to score a well executed try. Somerset evened the scores by half time and then dominated for long periods of the second half to take a deserved lead. It looked long odds on a Devon revival, but with time running out Devon managed to score a try under the posts to take a two point lead. The drama however was still to come. In the dying seconds Somerset were awarded a penalty in front of the posts. The pressure of the situation proved too great, the kick was missed and Devon, not for the first time in this fixture, emerged unlikely winners. All four of those who played performed well. Edward Gillmore dominated the middle of the line out and Andrew Bridger did well in the front row where he won several scrums against the head. Pip Tuckett was less involved on the wing, but did make a number of crucial tackles during the nerve-racking second half. John Symons 1st VII squad 1st V II1996/7 The Clayesmore Sevens appeared even sooner on the calendar than usual - six days and three games sessions after the start of term! Yet it would be untrue to suggest that we travelled in trepidation. Four of the VII were regular members of last year’s 1st VII and all but one of the squad had played some matches for the 1996 VII. The VII gelled even better than expected. The 43 </) HOOCh- early Downs try, but the VII reacted swiftly with two tries in two minutes by Peter Wild and Dominic O’Connor. Superb tackling kept The Downs pinned in their own 22 and the decisive score came when one such tackle saw a spilled ball picked up and run in by Peter Wild. This was a magnificant performance and the Hugh Glazebrook Cup now resides in the Mount House trophy cabinet for 1997. The icing on the cake came when skipper Andrew Bridger was voted “Best Player in the Tournament” by the referees and tournament officials. The end of the Christmas Term saw the VII at Bryanston. Here the VII were slow to start and paid the penalty with a defeat in their first match. However, a team talk did wonders and wins over Papplewick and Wolborough Hill saw the team through to the quarter finals. Here a large and robust Hazlegrove side were too powerful, though throughout they played good Sevens. The Easter term began at the Port Regis Tournament. Despite missing several scholarship candidates, comfortable wins in the group matches saw the VII into the quarter finals. Here they met Millfield Prep who proved far too strong on the day. At the Downs, a similar train of events took place. Qualifying from their group with good wins over Plymouth College and Clifton College, the VII again found themselves facing a quarter final match against Millfield. Though defeated for a second time, this was a much closer affair with Millfield squeezing home by two tries to one. The biggest disappointment of the day was the re-emergence of Peter Franklin’s knee problem, an injury that was to end his season. Further bad news followed as Nick Lambert was also ruled out for the rest of term with a hip problem. In three days the VII had lost two crucial 9 stone forwards. Wednesday saw the VII in Buckinghamshire at the Caldicott Sevens. They had worked hard to readjust following the loss of Peter and Nick, but this was a test of the VII’s future chances. The VII came through its group games to play The Downs in the quarter finals. In a poor match, the VII eventually sneaked home with a single try by Jack Gabb. In the semi final (yes - against Millfield!) Jack Gabb opened the scoring with an interception, but Millfield scored twice to sneak past us once again. Our day at the Millfield Sevens was long and extremely wet. As a light weight side the last thing we needed was three inches of mud, driving rain and a cold wind. We got all of those for about six hours. We suffered two defeats in our group games and thus progressed to the Plate Competition. Here we played well to defeat Port Regis and The Downs, but performed badly to lose to Rokeby in the Plate Final - the most disappointing result of the season. Andrew Bridger, best player in the tournament at Sherborne Sevens by contrast was played on a Clayesmore delightfully warm and sunny afternoon. On perfect group games started well with comfortable wins over pitches, the VII progressed comfortably to the Final. The Old Malthouse and Sandroyd. Much tougher We met Port Regis, a team already beaten earlier in opposition came from Haslegrove House and Port the afternoon and at Millfield the previous Saturday. Regis. The VII came from behind to defeat As evidence that Sevens is as funny an old game as Hazlegrove by two tries to one, but had to be content soccer, Port Regis deservedly won, playing by far the with a draw against Port Regis. This was sufficient to better on the day. see the VII through to the Final against old rivals and Our annual pilgrimage to London was as ever a fun friends, The Downs School from Bristol. The Downs’ time, an end of term rugby celebration mixed in with record in Sevens over the years is second to none. A serious business on the pitch. win over them ranks among the “great achievements”. On Monday we strolled around watching Old Boys In the first half of the final the VII controlled the playing for their Senior Schools: John Lawrence (St game thanks to the possession won on the ground by Edward’s, Oxford), Ed Jones and Simon Wilsey (Sherborne), Ben Righton (King’s College, Taunton), George Pickles and Andrew Bridger and the kicking of Pip Tuckett. The second half started badly with an William Keeler (Stowe), Thomas Jefferson (Eton), 44 s p o R T Mud pack Robert Tait, Austin Smith and Oliver Pool (Blundell’s). On Tuesday it was down to business! Our group matches were overcome without much trouble, though the injury jinx hit again. Pip Tuckett damaged his shoulder in making a brave and crucial tackle and was to miss the rest of the tournament. As evening drew in the VII played the final game of the day - against the 1996 winners of the tournament, St Olave’s, York. In one of the finest performances since the school began playing Sevens in 1985, the VII came from behind to win by four tries to one. It was the ultimate team performance with all seven boys emerging as heroes. The outcome of this splendid victory was a quarter final against Caldicott. While the VII never gave up, it quickly became obvious just how much the previous match had taken out of them. Injuries and fatigue apart, Caldicott were the better team on the day and thoroughly deserved their comfortable win. As they went on to win the Tournament, we could at least take heart from the fact that we had lost to the eventual winners. This was a splendid Sevens squad - a delight to coach, honest, talented, hardworking and 1st Class ambassadors for the school. They leave a record that will be difficult to equal in subsequent years, let alone better. The following played for the 1st VII: Andrew Bridger (capt), Peter Franklin, Jack Gabb, Tom Gabb, Edward Gillmore, Nick Lambert, Dominic O’Connor, George Pickles, Christopher Spalton, Pip Tuckett, Mark Wild, Peter Wild. John Symons Rugby Sevens 1996-1997 1st VII P: 40 W: 27 D: 1 L: 12 F: 514 A:245 Mount House players with the Captain of England The Clayesmore Sevens Group Matches v. The Old Malthouse v. Port Regis v. Hazlegrove House v. Sandroyd Final v. The Downs W D W W W The Bryanston Sevens Group Matches v. Westboume House v. Papplewick v. Wolborough Hill v. Monkton Combe L 5-10 W 10-7 W 17-12 W 17-7 17-5 5-5 12-7 19-0 17-5 Quarter Final v. Hazlegrove House L 0-10 — — — — — — — —— 45 </) HOOCH The Port Regis Sevens Group Matches v. Clayesmore v. Port Regis II v. Sherborne II Quarter Finals W W W v. Millfield -L 17-10 12-0 30-0 5-24 The Downs Sevens Group Matches v. Plymouth College W v. Clifton W v. Wolborough Hill L 7-0 7-5 0-5 Quarter Finals 7-14 L v. Millfield The Caldicott Sevens Group Matches v. Davenies v. St John’s, (N) v. Wolborough Hill W W L Quarter Finals Semi Finals W L v. The Downs v. Millfield The Millfield Sevens Group Matches v. Taunton v. Clifton v. Dulwich v. Shrewsbury House 24-0 17-7 5-7 5-0 7-12 W 22-0 W 7-0 L 0-10 L 5-14 Plate Matches Plate Final v. Port Regis v. The Downs v. Rokeby The Sherborne Sevens Group Matches v. Sherborne II v. Clayesmore v. Port Regis Semi Final v. Sandroyd Final v. Port Regis w w w L 17-0 12-0 0-12 17-0 31-0 7-5 19-0 0-14 36-7 25-0 29-0 22-7 0-24 Tries: O’Connor 19, Gillmore 12, Wild P. 11, Gabb J. 10, Tuckett 9, Gabb T. 7, Pickles 6, Bridger 5, Franklin 5, Lambert 3, Spalton 1. Cons: Tuckett 32, Wild M. 2, Pickles 1, Gabb T. 1, O’Connor L Telephone: (01822) 612293 P. & J. HOWELL LICENSED TO SELL GAME Free Delivery PANNIER MARKET, TAVISTOCK, DEVON 46 W The National Schoolboy Sevens Group Matches v. The Mall, W Twickenham v. St Andrew’s, Berks w v. Eagle House, Berks w Group Winners v. St Olave’s, York w Quarter Final v. Caldicott L mnraim uiuiii|iin FAMILY BUTCHER W W L (AfLOGEH Colts Sevens 1997 The sevens season began at Plymouth College and as in the past we took two sides. The 2nd VII began well by drawing a close game with Treliske 5-5, our only try was scored by winger Morwenna Armstrong, who was making her debut. Against a strong Clifton side we lost 26-0 and against the host team we lost 12-5, with David Dawson the try scorer. The first VII began disastrously losing 10-5 to Wolborough Hill 2nd VII. There followed a dramatic improvement against St Petroc’s and against St Michael’s, Tawstock 2nd VII, in matches which saw us score over forty points. This gave us a quarter final draw against Clifton. In a close game we narrowly won 12-10 thanks to a last minute penalty try converted by James McKinnel. The semi-final against Wolborough Hill was dominated by James McKinnel who scored two tries and two conversions in a fine display. The final score was 14-10. The match against Millfield Prep was a disappointing performance, and we conceded seventeen points before half-time. Despite a much improved second-half showing we failed to score. A week later at Millfield we encountered not only some strong sides but some extremely wet conditions. We started solidly with a 15-5 win over St Michael’s, Tawstock, and lost narrowly to Clifton 5-0. In a quarter final with Dulwich College Prep, we made chances which were squandered by poor handling. They scored the only try in a sudden death extra time period. The short trip over to Kelly College prompted a nervous start but we recovered to win 20-5 against St Petroc’s. In a determined performance against Millfield Prep, we scored four tries in a 24-0 win. The last group match against St Michael’s, Tawstock, produced a solid showing and a 12-0 win which saw us qualify for the semi-finals. The team was at last playing some impressive running sevens, with sound tackling, and plenty of clean handling. In a clinical performance we ran out 25-0 winners against the Downs to qualify for a place in the final against Wolborough Hill. We had played well to reach the final, but the team excelled at the right moment against a strong side. Seamus Crawford ran strongly to score the first try in the opening minute and from then on we dominated play, winning possession, and exploiting it well with the pace of James Kaminski, Lawrence Hughes and James McKinnel. Jono Jackson at scrum half acted as an effective link in moving the ball inside, and James Kaminski who had scored several tries during the afternoon was named player of the tournament. Philip Stephens Plum bing, Heating & Gas Fitting Specialists CHAMINGS £=£= 6AS BOILER SERVICIN6, MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS CHAMINGS (k) TAVISTOCK (01822) 610222 w (PLUMBING & HEATIN6) Catering Equipment Service/Repairs CHAMINGS N O W A T 2 0 W E S T STREET 47 s p o R T Milton Abbey Prep Schools’ Golf Tournament 1996 Sunday, 22nd September B. Dudgeon, M. Jefferson, D. Dawson, V. Kandampully Schools: Mount House; Hazlegrove; Port Regis; Sandroyd; Sherborne Prep; Stroud. Date: Team: Mount House failed by just one point to win this tournament - a remarkable performance considering only Benjie Dudgeon had played for the team before! The three best scores were added together in each team and Benjie Dudgeon had the joint best score of the day - 16 points; 4th year David Dawson did very well to get 11 points and Michael Jefferson scored 6 points. My thanks to the parents of Benjie and Michael for providing food, photographs and splendid support! Jonathan Banyard Clubbing together at Milton Abbey Golf Summer 1997 — The level of interest has again been very high indeed and the golf course has rarely been empty. In the Junior Golf Final, David Dawson beat James McKinnel, but not before James had gone two up at one stage! In the Senior Final, Mark Wild triumphed in another good contest against Peter Franklin, by going two up on the eighth green. My thanks as always to Eric Willcock for keeping the course in such good order - especially in the wet weeks of term! Peter Franklin and Mark Wild 48 Jonathan Banyard n a jo 'o w Netball September 1996 saw the arrival of thirteen jprls and a wonderful new netball court at Mount House. Netball seemed like a good starting point since there were so few of them and they ranged in age from six to nearly eleven! The memories of the first couple of weeks are not good. These girls, although keen, were very unfit! We soon deserted netball and got running around the school. After a few sessions of this, we returned to the court, full of enthusiasm and energy for the game. Soon it seemed the girls were shaping up to form the makings of a team and so contacts were made with other schools in the area to investigate the possibilities of inter-school fixtures. Indeed, the first few weeks of term saw us travel to Ring’s Hall, Taunton to play in a friendly tournament. This went well and we returned, hungry for some competitive matches! In the Christmas Term, three matches were played, against Wolborough Hill, St Peter’s and St John’s Sidmouth. All three resulted in fairly comprehensive defeats against Under 11 sides. Of our team, four were under ten and two were under nine so we were rather outsized! However, both the girls (and the coach) learnt a lot from these encounters. The improvement in all of the girls’ play over one term was fantastic and I am convinced that this was largely due to the experience of playing other schools. During the Easter Term, more matches were played, and the margin of defeat was smaller. I remember Lizzie Painter running off the court, having just scored the team’s seventh goal to announce that, “we’d never scored that many before!” But that was nothing to the delight displayed when the team actually won its first match against St Joseph’s, Launceston. So, it was a B team, and their A team had just beaten us, but that didn’t matter. It was a real pleasure to watch and the girls certainly deserved it. The remainder of the term saw a few more victories. We did particularly well in a tournament, again at Launceston, only narrowly missing qualification for the semi-finals. We rounded the term off with a match against Treliske which can only be remembered for the sight of Chloe Allerfeldt head butting a netball post - ouch! I look forward to next season when we will be older, more experienced and (hopefully) taller! Thank you to the girls, especially Morwenna Armstrong who made a fine netball captain, when she could fit it in around her rugby! Your enthusiasm, motivation and determination, even against much older sides, was great to watch. The following girls played for the team. Morwenna Armstrong (captain), Chloe Allerfeldt, Antonia Bridger, Zoe Bridger, Alice Bush, Abigail Hardesty, Venetia Maitland, Eleanor Malcolm, Hattie Newman, Lizzie Painter. Ceri Dean 49 </> HOOCh- Colts ‘A ’ Soccer 1997 Played 4 Won 2 Drawn 1 Lost 1 A very exciting season began with a 1-1 draw at Plymouth College. Both sides gave their all in an attempt to win the match, but a draw was a fair result. Another very close game followed at Wolborough Hill with several key players out through illness or injury, the team performed well in a 1-0 defeat. A comfortable 6-1 win victory occured in our first home match of the season against St. Petroc’s, Bude. Lawrence Hughes, injured in the previous games, gave us a new dimension in attack and the spirit and confidence of the team grew visibly. The season finished with a real cracker against Exeter Cathedral School. It was a game we won literally “by a nose” as the winning goal in the 3-2 result came off the forehead and nose of Seamus Crawford! Both teams could barely walk off the pitch at the end of the match - such had been the determination shown! Colts ‘B ’ Soccer 1997 i The Fixture List promised two matches for the Colts ‘B’ side but, inevitably, this was halved and we took the field just ten days after the start of term, with little practice and not a great deal of belief against Plymouth College Prep. A comprehensive 8-0 defeat underlined just how difficult it had been to generate the sort of competitive edge, understanding, commitment and basic skills in a very short time. True, the Plymouth boys were enthusiastic, wellorganised and physically more powerful, but we were far too easily inclined to give up, give the ball away and crack under pressure. We managed just one shot on goal during the game and spent most of the time packed in defence and struggling to clear our lines. Without some brave goal-keeping by our Captain, Tom Burnell-Nugent, I fear the score could have easily reached double figures. Over the season, Rob Newman made some brave saves in goal, with Chris Lambert and Patrick Pearson especially strong in defence. Captain James McKinnel and Jono Jackson both covered every blade of grass in midfield, while James Kaminski, David Dawson and Alex Cater were all goal-hungry in the forward line. Talented Seamus Crawford played in numerous positions. James Tuckett, James Batchelor, Lawrence Hughes and Andrew MacDougall also represented this promising, happy team. My thanks to a very keen group of parents for their support. The following played: J. McKinnel (Captain); D. Dawson; C. Lambert; L. Hughes; A. Cater; J. Tuckett; P. Pearson; J. Jackson; S. Crawford; R. Newman; J. Kaminski; A. MacDougall; J. Batchelor. Jonathan Banyard Play during games periods did improve through the first part of the term and I think we were a little better prepared to take on Wolborough Hill but, in the event, the match had to be cancelled, illness and adverse weather being contributory factors to the decision. The following represented the school: O. H. Browne J. C. H. Arthur D. N. J. Hanbury G. H. W. Armstrong R. C. G. Amor A. J. Nail* W. R. Dawson* J. Ward* C. T. M. Lowe* A. J. MacDougall* (Reserve T. M. J. Martin) Five of the side* remain to play at U. 11 level next year—with a little more strength and more determination, they could wreak their revenge! Good luck! Patrick Cashell Under-Nine Soccer VII, 1997 Played 4 Won 3 Lost 1 Goals for: 16; against: 4 us play well to win convincingly by 8 goals to 0. (Goal scorers: Heracleous 3; Kandampully 3; Every so often chance throws together a really good Hargreaves 2.) We knew our encounter with St. Michael’s, Under Nine team in one sport or another. On this occasion it was the turn of the 1997 Soccer VII, who Tawstock, would be more of a challenge and indeed must qualify as the best we have seen for years. There the first half, ending at 0-0, was a very close contest. really was not a weak link in the team, and our The second half saw a greater competiveness from our players and they were rewarded with two ‘replacement’ was as good as any of the full-time players. Each boy played with utter determination and beautiful goals from Luke Heracleous to end up as 2-0 winners of an intriguing match. Perhaps it was each had enough individual skill to be able to think our better organisation—positioning and about the game instead of having to spend all his concentration on controlling the ball in his possession. passing—that tipped the balance in our favour. This enabled them to play intelligently, as a team, to Our next fixture was away at Newton Abbot against pass effectively, to position themselves to best advantage our old adversaries Wolborough Hill. Playing on a larger pitch, and with a bigger ball, than we were and to make use of the space available to them. Every member of Game Seven, from which the accustomed to, it took us some time to settle into our stride. Wolborough Hill struck first in what was to be team was drawn, entered into the spirit of team a frantic period of goal scoring: (Mount House scores building, which made our practice games a joy. Several of the youngest remain to carry on the good first) 0-1; 1-1; 1-2; 2-2; 3-2; 3-3—all inside eight work next year. minutes! The battle remained furious, though the scoreline unaltered, till half time. Then Luke Our first match, at home against St. Petroc’s, saw 50 (01LOKH Under-nine soccer squad Heracleous took us ahead to 5-3 with two splendid goals and John Williams scored the final goal to take us to 6-3 in the final minutes of a most exciting and remarkable match. Plymouth College Prep. School were our hosts on our final outing. We had not met them on the soccer pitch at Under-Nine level, certainly for a number of years. This, too, turned out to be a fiercely contested game, played in four ten minutes periods instead of the conventional two halves. Midway into the second quarter Plymouth scored the only goal of the afternoon, though both goal keepers were kept busy and defended with distinction. Plymouth gave us no quarter, and by close marking and effective tackling denied us the time to play with our previously successful rhythm and style. Their kicking, passing and ball control were all superior and, sad as it was to yield up our unbeaten record, we took comfort in the fact that our effort was unflagging and that victory went to the better team, as it rightly should. To mention individuals is probably unwise, especially when the team’s most outstanding quality was its very teamwork, but I cannot forbear to remark on John Yeoman’s bravery and sterling service in goal; the immensely skilful defence of the truly ubiquitous Andrei Koranteng; the tireless, intelligent ball distribution of our captain, Harry Kandampully, who set a most inspiring example in both defence and attack, and the prolific goal scoring ability of Luke Heracleous. This will certainly be a season to remember. Team members: Goal John Yeomans Andrei Koranteng Left Back Right Back Freddie Cunningham Left Midfield Jonathan Hare, John Williams Right Midfield Harry Kandampully (Captain) Left Forward Luke Heracleous Right Forward Neil Hargreaves We were wonderfully supported on the touchline by the boys’ parents and families and greatly helped by the behind-the-scenes work of the groundstaff and kitchen and those who served the rightly renowned Mount House teas. Our thanks to them and to the Matrons for all they did. David Cowgill St Petroc’s Cross Country U9 Boys (77 runners - 19 teams) Mount House: 4th William Dawson (12th) John Williams (18th) • Freddie Cunningham (23rd) Harry Kandampully (29th) U9 Girls (52 runners - 14 teams) Mount House: 4th Eleanor Malcolm (3rd) (Bronze Medal) Emily Lummis (16th) Venetia Maitland (19th) Sophie Liddell-Grainger (31st) U ll Boys (84 runners - 22 teams) Mount House: 7th James McKinnel (1st) (Gold Medal) David Dawson (22nd) George Armstrong (25th) James Kaminski (44th) U ll Girls (58 runners - 15 teams) Mount House:6th Morwenna Armstrong (9th) Alice Bush (22nd) Hattie Newman (24th) Lizzie Painter (34th) U13 Boys (40 runners - 10 teams) Mount House:4th Andrew Bridger (3rd) (Bronze Medal) Peter Franklin (19th) Tommy Johnstone-Burt (21st) Michael Gough (38th) 51 </> Q.OOCIAnd they’re off Cross Country 1997 Junior Inter Senior Just the ticket 52 Hawks 10.1 (1st) 22.4 (3rd) 24.6 (3rd) 57.1 1st Kangs 20.3 (4th) 22.7 (4th) 21.4 (2nd) 64.4 4th Otters 19.0 (3rd) 19.7 (2nd) 21.0 (1st) 59.7 2nd Owls 14.7 (2nd) 17.9 (1st) 29.6 (4th) 62.2 3rd Individuals: Junior 1st: Harry Kandampully 2nd: Freddie Cunningham 3rd: John Williams Inter 1st: James McKinnel 2nd: George Armstrong 34rd: James Kaminski Senior 1st: Andrew Bridger 2nd: Peter Franklin 3rd: Tommy Johnstone-Burt Special mention: Junior Tom Emerson (4th) Eleanor Malcolm (7th) Venetia Maitland (12th) Inter Edward Tuckett (5 th) Hattie Newman (12th) Morwenna Armstrong (6th) Lloyd Nail (7th) Senior Edward Lummis (6th) Nick Wynne Evans (13th) (OCLOCCH Senior cross-country Mr. Bush keeps the scores under his hat 53 HaOTBW Squash team Squash 1996-1997 Squash at Mount House enjoyed another good year under the guidance of Mr Bond ably assisted by Mr Inman (whom we shall miss next year). Through the year thirty boys received regular coaching on Monday and Tuesday evenings and it is hoped that some of the younger boys who have shown potential will continue to develop in the next few terms. Shortly before Christmas we played a strong Plymouth College U14 team, and despite giving away age and experience many of the matches were closely fought, and provided match practice. We lost 3-2. In the new year we entertained Plymouth College again, though they were only able to bring three 54 players. Mark and Peter Wild both won tight contests and Michael Gough lost narrowly. The annual encounter with St Michael’s Tawstock, saw the opposition retain the Dennis Ball trophy for the third year. The margin of seven matches to two was, perhaps, a little unfair as Matthew Jaquiery and David Dawson both lost extremely close games. Michael Jefferson and James McKinnel were our only successful players. In the Christmas term we played the senior and junior Set competitions. Mark Wild defeated Michael Gough to win the senior trophy and David Dawson defeated James McKinnel in the junior final. Philip Stephens (OfLOGCh1st X I squad 1st X I Cricket The extremely arid and warm weather experienced in April proved a false dawn and as soon as the Summer Term began so did the rain. Pre-season practice attended by many of the potential XI was for the first time on The Oval and the wicket was extremely hard. In fact Eric Willcock was having to water the square such was the severity of the drought. The season began with the J.E.T. Trophy match at Wolborough Hill. After electing to bat we struggled to make 93 for 8 in our allotted 25 overs. None of our batsmen looked comfortable and we were hesitant in pursuit of runs. Early inroads into the Wolborough batting provided some hope, however solid batting in their middle order gave them a comfortable seven wicket win. Only Michael Gough bowled his five overs with necessary control. Dropped catches and sloppy fielding did not help our cause. Plymouth College U.12s were our first visitors to Mount House. Captain Benjie Dudgeon opted to bat first and more consistent batting enabled us to total 134 for 7 and declare at tea. Dominic O’Connor with 32 top scored. Particularly good bowling by Michael Gough (3 for 10) and off-spinner Mark Wild (5 for 13) led to a more convincing performance as Plymouth were dismissed for 41. Exeter Cathedral were our next visitors a few days later. On a damp wicket against some useful bowling we only managed 104 for 5 before being obliged to declare. Pip Tuckett with 31 was supported by most of the batsmen but a lack of urgency in the strokeplay, and poor running between the wickets cost us vital runs. The Exeter reply centred around their opener who compiled a powerful 78 not out despite losing seven partners. His was the only innings that mastered the damp wicket and it deservedly won the match. Gough with 5 for 39 was again our most threatening bowler. Against Whitchurch U.13s Dudgeon’s decision to bat first was vindicated as solid batting enabled him to declare at 151 for 6, with Peter Franklin 47 not out and Dominic O’Connor 32 the principle scorers. Whitchurch replied aggressively and looked to be safely batting for a draw until a flurry of wickets gave our bowlers the scent of victory. Dominic O’Connor’s occasional leg-spin was decisive: he took 4 for 30 and Michael Gough 4 for 40, and the last wicket fell in the penultimate over, all out 106. For the only time Benjie Dudgeon asked Chagford to bat first. They steadily accumulated runs and at tea were 128 for 6. Jack Gabb bowling outswingers took 4 for 18. After a slow start to our reply, opener Chris Anderson and Pip Tuckett at No. 5 played some aggressive and effective strokes to accelerate the innings. The target was passed with six wickets in hand. The unusually wet June accounted for the fixtures with King’s Hall and St Michael’s, Tawstock, though a mix up with telephone messages also attributed to the cancellation of the latter. The long trip to Hordle House and Walhampton in Hampshire turned out to be the last fixture in term time. The two schools combined their resources and put out a Hordlehampton XI. Our batting not for the first time was slow and lacking authority, with hesitant calling and running not helping our cause. It was left to the tail enders Edward Gillmore 20 not out, Mark Wild 55 (OfLOKH Taking guard and Michael Gough to add the necessary impetus and give us a respectable score of 96 all out. This looked to be far too few as Hordlehampton started well, though slowly, to be 46 without loss with plenty of time remaining. It took probably the best bowling of the season by Michael Gough (6 for 23) to reduce them to 77 for 8. A dropped catch with an over still to be bowled cost us the chance of an unlikely win. Hordlehampton ended 16 runs short with two wickets intact. An honourable draw was a just result. The term ended with a match against a Fathers and Mothers XI (which included John Symons and Tom Inman). The parents managed to make 87 for 8 by tea, top scorer was Mr Wild who was most severe on son Peter dismissing two deliveries into the woods, the rest of the batting looked rusty. The 1st XI began well and looked set for an easy win, but clever bowling saw the middle and lower order collapse. It was left to the last pair, Peter Wild and Tom Gabb to win the match. Individuals within the side possess much potential though they did not play consistently good cricket throughout the term. The weather was one factor and limited not only practice, but made playing conditions and run scoring difficult. Pip Tuckett was the most consistent of the batsmen and deservedly won the batting cup for his generally positive approach. Others such as Dominic O’Connor and Peter Franklin played one influential innings but failed to reproduce another of the same quality. The Bowling Honours went to Michael Gough, who consistently attacked the batsman by pitching the ball up and maintaining an accurate line. Of the other bowlers Mark Wild’s off spin was always a threat and Jack Gabb did not always take the wickets that his outswingers deserved. The fielding was varied, at times sharp catches and smart run outs were executed, however concentration in the field often waned and this was when mistakes were made, and vital catches dropped. Christopher 56 Anderson for his consistent and generally tidy performances behind the stumps was awarded the fielding cup. Benjie Dudgeon for the second year proved a most capable captain. Only once did he ask the opposition to bat first, preferring to take the more attacking option and bat first when the opportunity arose. His field placement and management of bowling resources showed an astute understanding of the game and usually reflected the needs of a given situation. Sadly his batting, which had shown great promise last season struggled on the generally damp wickets. All but Christopher Anderson move on to new schools and I look forward to seeing how they develop as cricketers in the future. The Oval wickets and those of the other pitches were once again a tribute to groundsman Eric Willcock; on our travels we have yet to play on wickets that compare with our own. Our thanks also go to Les and Pat in the kitchen, Mrs Price and Mrs Da Rocha for serving the teas and the matrons for ensuring the teams were smartly turned out. Philip Stephens 1st XI Results 1997 v. Wolborough Hill (away). Lost by seven wickets Mount House 93 for 8 in 25 overs; Wolborough 97 for 3 v. Plymouth College U.12s. Won by 96 runs Mount House 134 for 7 declared; Plymouth 41 all out v. Exeter Cathedral. Lost by 3 wickets Mount House 104 for 5 declared; Exeter 109 for 7 v. Whitchurch U.13s. Won by 45 runs Mount House 151 for 6 declared; Whitchurch 106 all out v. Chagford U.14s. Won by 6 wickets W 0 Those who represented the XI were: Benjie Dudgeon (captain), Mark Wild, Peter Wild, Pip Tuckett, Jack Gabb, Michael Gough, Peter Franklin, Dominic O’Connor, David Kongialis, Edward Gillmore, Christopher Anderson, Peter Kirby-Harris, George Pickles, Andrew Bridger. H 3 J O " Chagford 128 for 6 declared; Mount House 129 for 4 v. Hordlehampton. Match drawn Mount House 96 all out; Hordlehampton 81 for 8 v. Parents XI. Won by two wickets Parents XI 87 for 8 declared; Mount House 88 for 9 2nd X I Cricket 1997 This looked like being a competent XI with a high percentage of 6th formers and the best of last year’s Colts XI . . . but looks can be deceptive! The first match of the term was at home to Wolborough Hill. Played over 25 overs, the XI found itself batting after losing the toss. Runs were scored at a reasonable pace, but wickets also fell at a regular rate. A seemingly mediocre total was turned into something more substantial by an 80 run partnership between Peter Franklin (47no) and Edward Gillmore (32). Both batted very straight and hit the ball along the ground rather than into the air. Mount House’s total of 123-7 dec. proved well beyond Wolborough’s capabilities. Archie Bush (4-8), Tom Gabb (2-7) and George Pickles (2-11) all bowled accurately and were well supported in the field by some fine catching. The fine weather that characterised the early weeks of term had disappeared by the time the XI crossed Dartmoor to take on Exeter Cathedral School. Depleted by scholarship calls and promotions to the 1st XI, they struggled. The artificial wicket played well, but mentally the XI never came to terms with an ‘alien’ surface and capitulated to 47 all out. Notable exceptions to the debacle were George Pickles (10) and James Arthur (14). The latter, through patience and good technique (he was the only batsman not bowled!) took the score from 24-8 to 46 before being caught. Exeter batted in a more positive manner in their innings, but Arghie Bush again bowled with great accuracy to take 4-26, before Exeter passed the Mount House total for the loss of five wickets. It is pleasing to record that the XI showed much spirit in defending this small total. Good ground fielding and fine catching by Sebastian Lim and Victor Kandampully ensured that the game was a contest throughout. The match against St Petroc’s 1st XI was lost in the field, previously one of the team’s strengths. The bowlers again did their job, but several dropped catches and sloppy ground fielding enabled St Petroc’s to reach a total of 114 all out. Archie Bush continued to bemuse batsmen with his ‘dibbley dobbley’ bowling - accurate, but seemingly innocuous deliveries until you try to force the pace - which brought him 6-28 off 11 overs. Openers George Pickles and Sebastian Lim batted with determination against good bowling, but only David Kongialis (23) looked comfortable among the remaining batsmen. Too many gave their wickets away cheaply and the Mount House total of 74 was well short of the required score. Some of the 2nd XI played in the U12 match against Whitchurch C.C. David Gillmore, James Alford and Victor Kandampully all had a chance to bowl, but it was Sebastian Lim’s batting that took the eye. Sebastian opened the batting and was still at the crease two hours later having scored 30no to save the match for his team. The bad weather that saved England in the Lord’s Test Match and disturbed the early rounds of Wimbledon also caused the matches against King’s Hall and St Michael’s, Tawstock to be abandoned. In summary this was a slightly disappointing season. Runs were in short supply once Peter Franklin and Edward Gillmore moved to the 1st XI. Sebastian Lim emerged as the top batsman from among the younger players and showed the value of good technique and a sound temperament; too many of the batsmen wanted to score runs off every ball no matter its merits. James Alford was the best of the rest. The bowling was dominated by Archie Bush who topped the bowling averages by a distance. Unfortunately, he lacked regular support when Tom Gabb moved ‘upstairs’, though Michael Jefferson, James Arthur and Peter Kirby-Harris all bowled well at times. Fielding and catching was generally of a good standard. The difficult captaincy job was safe in the hands of Tom Gabb, his second year in the position. He was a credit to the school both on and off the field. John Symons 3rd X I Cricket Once again Eric Willcock worked very hard to prepare another new pitch for Game 2 on Homelands. Sadly the terrible June weather prevented us from playing our only match of the season against King’s Hall, Taunton. This was a tremendous disappointment for those hoping to play, however I would like to put on record the team as chosen. Richard Rowe (capt); James Alford; Stephen Caley; Frank Dale; Jonathan Holloway (wkt); Edward Hooper; Matthew Jaquiery; Victor Kandampully; Scott Morgan; Chris Spalton and Tristram Tucker. I have kept the second game statistics for a number of years and this year the standard was fairly high, especially considering the inclement weather. 2094 balls were bowled and 1134 runs were hit during the term. 57 </) Q.OOCI- The top five bowlers were: overs Johnstone-Burt, 12 Tommy Jaquiery, Matthew 47 Caley, Stephen 20 Rowe, Richard 32 Morgan, Scott 28 maidens runs wkts ave 2 28 5 5.60 5 3 7 4 and the five top batsmen: Inns highest 4’s score Dale, Frank 11 40no 15 Rowe, Richard 10 55 16 Kandampully, 6 14no 5 Victor Morgan, Scott 9 35 9 Tucker, 8 28 9 Tristram 135 6i 75 118 21 8 8 12 6.43 7.63 9.38 9.83 6’s total times out 2 113 7 7 153 10 — 40 3 ave 2 2 13.00 11.67 91 70 7 6 16.14 15.30 13.33 Jonathan Holloway was the only survivor from last year’s third XI but he had another contender for his position as wicket-keeper in Tommy JohnstoneBurt. It was a close thing but Jonathan just won the day. Our fielding was excellent, a joy to watch and, above all, catches were held. Matthew Jaquiery and Victor Kandampully each held six and Rupert Newman five. During the term we had several friendly matches against the 2nd XI. Although some games were very close we never managed to beat them. My thanks, once again, to Mr Simon Hall who helped with the game and coached the team. I shall miss his conversation and skills next year and wish him well. Peter R Hamilton-Leggett Colts A squad Colts A ’ Cricket 1997 Played 4; Won 3; Lost 1 One of the wettest summers for years meant that three of our matches were called off - against Whitchurch, King’s Hall, Taunton and St Michael’s, 58 Tawstock, but we won three of the four matches that were played in what proved to be a most successful season. Our only defeat came in the first match of term at Wolborough Hill. On a very hot afternoon (before the <00. O K I- rain set in!) our batsmen failed to score enough runs, brilliant innings of 74 - the finest I have seen at Colts although Jono Jackson (16) tried very hard. Mount level. In a support role, Chris Lambert’s 23 proved very valuable. Treliske never gave up and victory was House 86 all out, Wolborough 88-4. only ensured with two balls remaining of this most As the season went by, the spirit and standard in exciting match. the team rose considerably and our next opponents, Exeter Cathedral School, struggled to 65 all out. Hawks won the Set Cup this year - and James David Dawson bowled beautifully to record figures of McKinnel, James Kaminski, Jonathan Arthur, Tom 6-5 and Seamus Crawford took 4-29. James Bumell-Nugent are all Hawks! - and James McKinnel won the Single Wicket Competition, by beating James McKinnel (21) and Jono Jackson (16) formed the Kaminski in the final. batting backbone of the 8 wicket win. I have been most impressed with the enthusiasm of Plymouth College proved to be tougher opposition on the day and Seamus Crawford’s excellent 39 saved the Colts this season and David Dawson led the side the team from what might have been a very low score. in an excellent way. Thank you, David! My thanks to Patrick Cashell for all he has done to Plymouth looked to have at least a draw in the bag, but another superb bowling display by David Dawson help the Colts to flourish in recent years and to the (5-38) ensured a 35 run win with three minutes of parents for their support at the matches. Team: D. Dawson (Capt); J. McKinnel; S. play left! Seamus Crawford took 3-27 to claim the “man of the match” award! Crawford; L. Hughes (wicket-keeper); C. Lambert; J. Treliske brought a very strong team over from Tuckett; J. Arthur; J. Jackson; C. Lowe; J. Kaminski; Truro and declared on 140-6. With twenty overs left, R. Newman; T. Burnell-Nugent. Mount House still needed 114 to win, despite a solid James McKinnel was top of the batting averages and opening partnership from David Dawson and James David Dawson was top of the bowling averages. McKinnel. It was then that James took 19 off one over and quickly turned the match on its head with a Jonathan Banyard Colts CB ’ Cricket 1997 i Leigh hammered 20 in the closing overs after we had The brevity of this report compares favourably with decided to bat on after tea, and 76 for 7 was our final the shortness of the Cricket season, destroyed by the tally. Oliver Jones (3 for 26) was our most successful most awful weather, which made picking a team a bowler, removing their first 3 batsmen. Sadly, we lottery since so little practice was possible. were to take no more wickets and the match was The first match, just one week after term had begun, was a 25-over tussle with Wolborough Hill comfortably won by their captain who scored an unbeaten 50. School. Laurence Hughes, captain for the day, won the toss and put Wolborough in to bat. They scored A hot, close afternoon in Plymouth saw our final 92 for 5 - not a big total - with two batsmen match against Plymouth College Prep. Battling first, dominating our bowling attack of Harry Kandampully we got off to a brisk start with Morwenna Armstrong (13) and Alexander Cater (11) scoring quickly but, (1 for 23), Timothy Martin (1 for 16), James Batchelor (1 for 22), George Armstrong (1 for 12), with their departure on 26, we stumbled along to 50 Alexander Cater and Charles Leigh. Smart fielding with some very insecure batting. Such a total is not from James Batchelor, Alexander Cater and George sufficient on their very small ground and Plymouth Armstrong kept the score within bounds. Our reply reached the required target, having lost only three of 74 for 6 was due, mainly, to a stout effort by wickets. Alexander Cater (3 for 20), enjoyed man-ofour under 9 representative Harry Kandampuly the-match status, Captain Robert Newman and Oliver (21*) and Lawrence Hughes (19). Other batsmen Jones bowled reasonably accurately but the result was came and went without very much sense of urgency never really in doubt. nor, apparently, knowing how to keep the So ended our fixture list, the other two matches scoreboard moving. It was a match I felt we could being cancelled because of rain. The following represented the School: G. H. W. have won and just wished we had had more than Armstrong, T. M. J. Martin, H. S. Kandampully, L. two practices. We froze in a cold wind on the vast, heavily grassed J. Hughes, M. L. E. Armstrong, A. P. J. Cater, A. J. Nail, L. G. Nail, J. R. Batchelor, R. C. G. Amor, C. playing fields in Exeter where the Cathedral School F. A. Leigh, P. J. Pearson, R. M. Newman, O. W. entertained us. Asked to bat first, we scored very Jones, A. J. MacDougall, W. R. Dawson. slowly with only Oliver Jones (12) of the top order batsmen making an impression. With 7 wickets down Patrick Cashell for 48, we looked vulnerable, but, happily, Charles 59 <0 0.0 D CIU9 squad Under-Nine Cricket, 1997 My report for 1996 began, I see, “Our match season did not start until the worst of the wet weather had passed . . I wish those words were as true for the season we have just completed, with only half our fixtures played. Having prepared well in the nets during the Easter term and with a fair number of last year’s squad eligible again this year, we confidently looked forward to the new season. Early practice games and regular evening net sessions soon helped us to discover the reliable bowlers and batsmen. We were as ready as could be, therefore, for our first match in mid June, against Exeter Cathedral School on the Countess Wear ground. This was an VIII aside game in which each team starts with 200 runs, which can either be added to in the normal way or deducted at the rate of four runs per wicket lost. Batsmen bat in pairs for four overs per pair. Each fielder apart from the wicket-keeper has to bowl at least two overs, hence the emphasis put on the need to bowl reliably to qualify for selection to the VIII. We also play two matches of ‘proper, out-whenyou’re-out’ cricket, against Treliske and King’s Hall which allows us to select an XI with room for those who can bat but are unable to bowl. At Exeter we won the toss and took the field. Harry Kandampully gave us a good start by taking a wicket with the first ball bowled and a second wicket in the first over. It soon became clear that we were up against a rather inexperienced batting team. Their starting score of 200 was nibbled away as the wickets fell, due largely to much straight bowling. The ball hit the stumps seven times, there was one l.b.w., four catches were held (one hard chance was dropped) and we claimed one run out. The fielding, throwing 60 and backing up were of a high standard. Our batting was unexciting but sensible against some very erratic bowling which included thirty wides. The target set for us was 170. One way or another we took our score from 200 to 269 giving us a comfortable win. A few days later we set off with a full XI to visit Treliske on an afternoon when rain always threatened and eventually a persistent heavy drizzle set in. Our hosts invited us to bat first. Harry Kandampully and John Williams (5, run out) gave a brisk start to the innings until a quite unnecessary run out broke the partnership. Alick Mildmay-White (10, caught) and later Freddie Cunningham (7, bowled) gave Harry Kandampully sound support as he batted most sensibly and correctly for an hour for 37 before he was caught. Jonathan Hare took over the scoring role with a brisk 11 not out, and when Neil Hargreaves was bowled for 6 Joshua Wheeler had time to face just one delivery before tea was called. I thought at this time we needed another twenty runs, but Harry quite rightly declared our innings closed at 106 for five. Andrei Koranteng, Nicholas Batchelor, Stuart Heale and Luke Heracleous did not bat. Harry Kandampully and Andrei Koranteng opened the bowling with some hostility and the former with commendable accuracy. Treliske’s opening batsmen batted with style and level headed concentration. Their first four overs yielded only extras and it seemed that we might have difficulty in bowling the side out. The breakthrough came when Harry Kandampully bowled their Number 2 with the score at 5. This was followed by a rush of runs until Andrei Koranteng bowled their Number 1 with the first of his four wickets in that over, which included A HAT (oaooEH TRICK. Further wickets tumbled, three to Joshua Wheeler. The bowlers had a rather flattering reward for some very straight bowling. All ten Treliske batsmen were bowled out for a final total of 18. Freddie Cunningham, who was tested severely behind the stumps, emerged with credit and the fielding by the rest of the team was generally sound. With two confident and competent wins behind us it was particularly frustrating to lose our next three fixtures, against King’s Hall, Wolborough Hill and St Michael’s Tawstock, to rain. Our frustration was increased when, as hosts, we had to call off the last two of these matches at 11.00 a.m., only to find that the weather later cleared and we were able to play our own domestic game quite happily at 2.30 p.m.! This experience, coupled with the willingness of St Peter’s VIII to travel over from Lympstone despite the rain and take their chance with the conditions (they had also lost almost half their fixtures) allowed us to play our final match - and it will certainly be a match to remember! When play was due to start it was raining, but it was decided that unless we made a start there and then we would probably never see a ball bowled. The wicket was already under water when the St Peter’s opening pair arrived at the crease. The conditions underfoot were treacherous. Turning for a second run was almost suicidal, even backing up was hazardous! The ball was horribly slippery and bowlers without spikes had to adapt their run ups to cope with the slithery mud. My scoring sheet was almost immediately soaked through so recording all but the barest essentials was out of the question. All seemed set for what a respected colleague of mine once referred to as ‘a travesty of the game’. However, that was not to be: St Peter’s batted sensibly, with one or two very narrow escapes but scoring several valuable boundaries, to total 253. In reply we battled sensibly too, but found some of the bowling a little beyond our reach which made scoring difficult. Only Harry Kandampully (14) and Andrei Koranteng (11) really made much impression with the bat. Some of the running between the wickets was excellent, some a little foolhardy, and we were made to pay the full price for this by some remarkably fine throwing in to hit the stumps directly. When our innings closed I thought we had lost by 2 runs, but a closer inspection of my dried out scoring sheet reveals that the margin was just one run! The result was unimportant. What really mattered was that both teams managed to overcome the dreadful conditions to produce a surprisingly high standard of play in a match which they thoroughly enjoyed. The very exciting finish came as a reward to the gallant band of parents and grand-parents who had stood huddled under umbrellas on the boundary from the first ball until the last. It was specially sad that the heart should have been ripped out of this season, as we had the most promising VIII for a long time, and there was, unusually, even real competition to gain a place in the XI. Harry Kandampully now moves out of the Under Nines after three years here, and is a player of unusual talent and promise. He captained the side with growing authority and is beginning to think cricket as well as playing it! The other seven members of the VIII, and many from Game 7 who did not even reach the XI, put in a lot of time in the nets over two terms, a tangible sign of their enthusiasm. They were great fun to coach and I hope that the seeds sown at this level will flourish in later years. David Cowgill The Athletics Team 61 </) HOOCH Devon County Championships, 10th & 11th May 1997 held at Brickfields, Plymouth weather. With an equally committed team, it wasn’t A much depleted team (due to scholarship commitments), travelled up to Plymouth’s Brickfields long before we had our first day’s success with track. Although the weather was very wet, windy and Richard Rowe in the U13 boys Javelin with a fine throw of 26m. 86cm. to secure second spot and his cold, it wasn’t enough to dampen our team spirits. second medal. This gave Dominic O’Connor the spur Saturday’s start was an excellent one with an to go one better in the U15 boys Javelin which he opening event victory for Richard Rowe in the U 13 successfully achieved with a winning throw of 31m. boys Discus, whose winning throw of 23m. 68cm. 66cm., and gold. Richard Rowe went on to the U13 was a new county record. James Kaminski had only just been given the all clear to compete having a badly boys Shot putt securing a hard fought bronze medal. He then ran over to compete in the High jump gashed shin. He managed to focus on his long jump competition along with James McKinnel. Both boys in the U 13 boys competition, where he was able to managed to clear the same height of lm. 25cms. leap 3m. 39cm. to earn a silver medal and a lot of satisfaction. Success soon followed on the track with Richard Rowe was awarded gold on count back and a an outstanding performance from James McKinnel in happy James settled for silver spot. The end of the day saw excellent performances in the U13 1500m where he ran an excellent time of the 4 x 100 relays as the U13 squad finished 2nd, and 5 min 10 secs earning him a bronze medal position, all the more remarkable as James is only 11 years old. the U15 squad came in a creditable 3rd. Excellent performances from two Mount House The U15 boys 80m. Hurdles was a strong event with staff saw Ceri Dean kick start her running career with three Mount House boys in the final. Philip Tuckett a strong run in the women’s 400m. and 800m, ran a technical race to secure a good silver medal place. Sadly George Pickles fell at the first hurdle but winning bronze and silver respectively. Geoff Whaley was also in positive mode winning both the men’s still managed to get up and finish a gutsy 4th. Michael Gough was unable to pick himself up from a Shot and Discus. heavy fall mid way through the race. Geoff Whaley The following day heralded much the same South West Athletic Championships at Millfield School, Friday 13 June A small but eager team travelled to these championships hoping for some good experience. For the first time Mount House entered a full, but young girls’ team in the under 12 section. First in action for the girls was Venetia Maitland in the 70m hurdles, although she was very nervous at making her debut, she managed a very creditable 5th in the final. Lizzie Painter had a good start to her athletics career by producing a PB. long jump of 3m.37cms. Team captain Morwenna Armstrong led by example and experience to produce one of the best performances of the day. In her first ever high jump competition she managed an excellent height of lm.32cms. to win the competition. Meanwhile on the track Hattie Newman Morwenna Armstrong wins gold 6 2 ..................... — — — ^ Richard Rowe wins silver ^ (OQiODCH was making her debut in the 800m. After a nervous start she settled down midway through the race to finish 6th in a new school record time of 3m.02s. The final event was the 4 x 100 relay. A very young Zoe Bridger made her debut. In the heat the squad managed to qualify for the final beating Millfield in the process. The final race saw the girls come in a very strong 4th. The under 12 boys had only two competitors from the school. James Kaminski had a very good day in retaining his triple jump title with an excellent leap of 9m.l2cms. and he was 4th in the long jump. Top performance of the meeting came from James McKinnel in the 1500m. James led from gun to tape never being pushed as the opposition trailed 50m. behind. His winning time was a superb 4m.59s. The first Mount House colt to break the magic 5 minute barrier. His winning time was also a meeting record. Only one boy competed in the under 13 group. Richard Rowe, who continued his excellent season with a win in the javelin by throwing 30m.38cms. and a strong second place in the discus with a RB. throw of 24m.24cms. Dominic O’Connor was the pick of the under 14 boys in winning the javelin with an excellent throw of 34m.38cms. and an equally strong performance in the triple jump where he finished 2nd with a RB. jump of 9m.71cms. All in all, a very satisfying day’s performance from the whole squad, especially the girls making their debuts. Geoff Whaley National Prep School Championships Held at Northwood stadium, Stoke on Trent, Monday 30th June 1997 A very cold and grey sky met us as we arrived at the stadium, bringing back memories of the previous year’s harsh conditions. However there was great optimism and excitement when the day’s events finally started. First on the track was Philip Tuckett in the U14 75m hurdles heat. This was a very fast heat with Philip recording 13.1 secs. The next event on the track was eagerly awaited as it brought out James McKinnel in the U12 1500m. A poor lane draw saw James having to fight his way out of being boxed on the kerb. This completely threw his stride. However, he gave it his all finishing a very commendable 5th in a time of 5 min, 4 secs. This was despite spending the previous few days in bed with tonsillitis! George Armstrong dears the bar James McKinnel 63 (OfLOKH The giant relay On the field we watched our surprise entrant Robbie Gough making his debut in the U 13 High jump. The day was a real eye opener for Robbie who didn’t let the occasion get to him, managing to clear lm. 35cms. Richard Rowe was also in action in the Javelin where he managed a solid throw of 30m. 34cms. for an excellent 5th slot as it is Richard’s second string event. He later went on to throw in the Discus U13 competition. His opening throw was one of those agonising efforts that was good enough to lead through rounds 1, 2, and 3. Sadly in the 4th round he was passed by the previous year’s champion. As Richard very philosophically put it, “there’s no disgrace in losing to a champion”, and he sportingly shook the winner’s hand. The performance of the day came in the girls’ U12 High jump where Morwenna Armstrong was competing in only her 3rd event. Managing to clear all her heights at the first attempt, Morwenna had a long wait as the rest fell by the wayside. It soon became a two horse race with Morwenna in the driving seat as she followed the other girl’s attempts. It was equal up to lm.35, a height which Morwenna had never even attempted before let alone cleared! Morwenna knew a first time clearance would be Leaping into action Baton change 64 (O & O K h Victores ludorum enough to take the lead as the other girl failed on her first attempt. As usual her effort was good enough. The bar was pushed even higher. At lm.37cms. both girls failed in their opening efforts. This seemed to spur Morwenna on as she managed to clear this remarkable height with her second effort to ensure victory in style. At the same time James McKinnel was back in action in the U12 boys’ High jump. He managed to raise his spirits, and body, up and over lm.30cms. for a share of 5th spot. Keeping up this remarkable High jump standard was Peter Franklin who competed in the U14 boys’ High jump. Making a late debut he cleared a height of lm.45cms. also sharing a 6th place. James Kaminski was back at the nationals in the U12 boys’ Triple jump hoping to improve on his previous year’s performance. He did manage a leap of 8m. 88 for 6th place. Edward Gillmore had a very successful day in his debut for both the U14 Shot and Discus. A putt of 10m.22cms. earned a very commendable 5th spot, as did his effort in the Discus going out to 26m.40cms. The successes continued on the track with Andrew Bridger running in the U14 800m. Despite running in the second graded race, his time of 2 min, 29 secs was quick enough to earn him overall 6th position. Obviously this was a very rewarding and satisfying day for both the pupils and myself. At this point I would like to record my thanks to Graham Bush who not only showed me “the ropes” at Mount House but has been an invaluable source of support both in coaching and running the athletics. Thank you Graham. Ceri Dean has also made an invaluable contribution. Geoff Whaley 65 (01LOKH The Swimming Gala Taking the plunge On a gloriously humid afternoon one of the most exciting swimming galas within recent memory took place. The afternoon’s events started with the Open Butterfly Final. This was won by George Pickles (Kangs) who later also went on to win the Over 12 (2L) Frontcrawl. The winners of the Under 9, 10 and 12 (1L) Freestyle events were Freddie Cunningham (Hawks), Seamus Crawford (Kangs) and Thomas Court Splashing out 66 1111 ................ .................. (Hawks) respectively. James Kaminski (Hawks) had a comfortable win in the Under 11 Freestyle but sadly there is no cup for the winner of this event. Hattie Newman (Kangs) won the Gent Cup for the Under 11 Breaststroke while Peter Franklin’s impressive win for Otters in the Over 12 (2L) Michael Stock ........................ ........ </>Q.OOEh- Breaststroke secured for him his third win in the breaststroke in the past three years. The Under 10, 11 and 12 Backstroke events were won by Andrew MacDougall (Otters), Jonathan Arthur (Hawks) and Matthew Howard (Otters) respectively. The Over 12 (2L) Backstroke was won by Michael Jefferson (Owls) who saved his Set from leaving the Gala empty-handed! The relay events also proved to be very exciting. The Under 8 (2 x 1L) race was won by Nicholas Batchelor and Simon Hardesty (Hawks) who set the record for this new event. A particularly strong team comprising of Jack Gabb, Tom Gabb, Peter Wild and George Pickles won both the Over 12 Medley and Freestyle Relays. The Taylor Cup for the Best Swim in the Gala went to Sophie Liddell-Grainger (Otters). The final scores were:Hawks - 94 Kangs - 94 Otters - 92 Owls - 90 The Set Cup went to the Hawks as they also won the Dolphin Relay. I would like to express my thanks again to Mrs Jefferson for presenting the cups and the medals, and to all the staff for their assistance on the day. Patrick Cashell Lindsay Young Archery The group may have been smaller than usual but this does not mean that there has been any lack of enthusiasm, and this despite the worst weather conditions I can recall. It is also encouraging to note that all except three of the archers return next year. The site on Homelands is exposed and was especially so during the match against Wolborough Hill which we lost by 320 points. However, some of the younger members of the team shot particularly well. Pip. Prideaux was the leading scorer and wins the archery cup. My thanks go once again to Mr Palmer not only for his coaching but also for the maintenance of the equipment and the professional field lay-out on match day. Michael Stock Target practice 67 A C T I V I T I E S Foppollo, Italy 23-29 March 1997 The school ski trip began with everybody convening in the departure hall at Gatwick Airport at 4.00am on Sunday 23rd March. Most of the children travelled up in the school minibus with Geoffrey Allen as the “Leader”, some travelled up by car and some flew by plane. Mr Rangely and childen were so eager, they arrived a day early. After landing at Bergamo Airport and being greeted by the ski representatives, we had an hour and a half’s drive to the hotel. The scenery was glorious and the weather very warm. The coach trip passed through pretty Italian villages such as Branzi in the Brembana Valley near the Alps. Arriving at the Hotel Stella Alpina, we were served lunch which consisted of dried roll, pasta with tomato sauce. We were not forewarned that this was the fare for the rest of the holiday. After lunch the boys had a wander around the hotel area and were told to be careful of the slippery ice. However, Tristram decided to do a “Superman” act and unfortunately took a tumble, scratching his face. His war paint during the week covered any facial blemishes. That evening everyone went to the ski school to be “fitted up”. Monday saw our party up early and eagerly taking the bus into San Simone since Foppollo was declared an “unsafe” skiing area by our leader. Hardly any snow and the snow guns were hard pushed to produce anything worthwhile. The weather was warm and everyone was raring to “hit the slopes”. San Simone was a pleasant little resort with a hotel and apartments, a couple of bars and clothes shops. At the next level there was a “grillery” cum restaurant. School lessons for the Mount House party were between 11.00-1.00pm and those who could already ski were able to go off in safe numbers whilst the beginners had to wait a couple of hours for their lesson. However, after lessons they were proficient enough to try on their own. Lunch was dried rolls with a piece of ham. After quite a hard day’s skiing with no untoward accidents we left the resort at 5.00pm. and all seemed quite happy with their progress and relieved to be going back for a rest. An early night was called for and there seemed to be a hushed sigh of relief. Tuesday was very cold and snow began to fall which encouraged the party but we were still transported to San Simone due to lack of snow on the Foppollo slopes. Again another busy day with many 68 of the beginners proceeding to the second group. Lunch consisted of rolls and ham. Many thanks must go to Mr Y-J, who kindly spent a lot of his time as leader of one of the groups. However, on one occasion a few choice phrases could be heard echoing across the mountain tops as Mr Y-J climbed rather a steep slope to retrieve David Dawson’s pole and slid quite a way down in the process! Wednesday saw all the party at second base camp and the weather turned out to be glorious with extra blue sky and pure clear mountains. Mrs Murphy, who had previously torn a knee ligament was transported up to the second level by skidoo, much to the envy of many boys. After lunch, it was decided that the adults would be having a grill in the restaurant the next day and thereafter it became the norm with most boys buying chips and sweets to supplement their rolls and ham. However, the meals during the week became more varied with lasagne on the menu, chicken and venison all accompanied with chips. Thursday was a celebration birthday for Harry Kandampully who reached his 9th birthday - yet again. By Friday everyone was very confident of their skiing abilities, so much so, that Mr Allen was able to have a run on his own. All week he had carefully monitored each group ensuring that they had proper supervision from an adult and many thanks must go to him for such a well organised skiing holiday. Saturday was very cold and everyone seemed to be winding down ready for the return home the next day. Skiing finished at 3.00pm by which time the weather had turned very cold and the slopes to slush. After our evening meal, everyone packed to leave with Mr Allen doing the rounds to ensure nothing was left behind. After an early morning breakfast, we were seen off by the proprietors. The coach trip to the airport started off in darkness - still, the Easter Holiday was upon us and we had something to look forward to!! We boarded the plane on time and were about to take off when the Captain said there would be an hour’s delay. We eventually took off and had a pleasant flight home, landing at Gatwick to sunshine and our own language again. We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways and felt that good friendships had been made. Mrs Murphy A C T I V I T I E S Padstow Mini Trip This year’s Padstow mini-trip was not blessed with good weather but all the participants thoroughly enjoyed themselves in spite of the rain. Once again we were camping right by the Camel Estuary at Dennis Cove, just outside Padstow. After careful instruction in the use of stoves and the cooking units everyone settled down to cook their first meal, which was a partial success! One of the main features of this holiday, however, was the fact that the actual camping was really enjoyed, and there was little grumbling about the washing up. Everything was kept spic-and-span, especially the girls’ site! The Padstow town walk and tour was as popular as ever, as was the visit to Prideaux Place, made even more interesting because several popular TV programmes have been filmed there recently. There were some crazy scores on the Krazee Golf, but the undisputed highlight was whizzing around the bays on Jaws II, one of the fast speed boats. Several pupils came back slightly damp! On another day we spent a couple of hours crabbing from the quay. Alas, the Padstow crabs were in hiding and only one took the bait, but you should have heard the stories about the huge crabs that got away! Ricky Stein would have turned green with envy! We all cycled along the Camel trail, swam in the campsite pool, visited the lighthouse at Trevose, drank in the campsite bar (hie!), all topped off by a hot shower every evening. We mention this because parents and matrons seem to believe that no one washes or showers at camp! The best day was our visit to The Shires, the Cornish Shire Horse Centre. This has seen many developments over the years as the owner has invested heavily in new attractions. The Shire horses, gentle heavy giants, are certainly well worth seeing and the site has endless adventure playgrounds, death slides, flumes and an indoor fun factory. At 2.30 p.m. Catching a crab Some bear necessities every afternoon there is now a revamped display in the indoor arena. The old display had been running for some years and Geoffrey Allen knew it by heart. As always, one of our group was asked to join in the display and raced his Shire Horse, Regent, against a young lady’s Shetland, Angus. The Shetland won the young lady was declared the winner and James Neenan was awarded the booby prize - to wipe the Shire horse’s bottom! A C T I V I T I E S Leavers’ Camp - Padstow “Blood, Sweat and Tears. Leavers’ Camp, ten years”, reads the message on Geoffrey Allen’s T-shirt. At a rough estimate over 350 leavers have attended the various camps over the years, either at Padstow or the River Dart Country Park. Most of the helpers, John Symons, and Simon & Tracy Hall, are now experienced veterans and the general success- of these camps is mainly due to their constant help and support. In addition, we normally manage to pressgang former pupils and parents to help and, of course, each activity requires a fully qualified instructor. Usually there are some 40 people in camp and certainly this year’s was no exception. The Adventure store looks extremely bare for the week as every tent, cooking unit, stove, water-carrier and item of adventure gear is required. The organisation and logistics are huge and one always wonders why we do not leave something, or someone, behind. The kitchens need special mention, as the ordering and packing of the supplies needed for the week is formidable and 32 hungry boys eventually devour most of it. The staff reckon it would be easier to organise a regiment on exercise, than one of our leavers’ camps. Dennis Cove campsite, near Padstow, is situated on the Camel Estuary, and for the Cornish contingent who have been trying to convince us that the estuary is so called because it is in the shape of a Camel, the actual derivation is “Cam”, meaning crooked, and “Hayle” meaning estuary - the Crooked Estuary. On April Fool’s Day, 1st April, many years ago Geoffrey Allen and a friend applied to organise Camel Trekking on the Camel Trail. They had a genuine, but bogus, Saudi Arabian export licence to bring 20 camels to England. Padstow Town Council joined in the joke, but they turned down the application because of the low bridges on the trail! The estuary is Slip sliding away certainly very beautiful, however, and the campsite is situated right by the shore. The leavers camped in groups of four and were responsible for their own tents, cooking, hygiene and washing up. Generally standards were quite good and they all seemed to enjoy cooking anything available each evening, though one or two of the less organised groups had to re-do their washing up in the dark. Group organisation, giving and sharing, responsibility and a good sense of humour were all vital ingredients on each site. Though many camping activities were strange to several individuals most were willing to have a go and tried hard to camp well. Once breakfast, chores and duties were completed each morning the boys joined different groups to take part in a wide variety of activities. Each group completed six sessions. Climbing was based at Mother Ivey’s Bay (by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Woosnam Mills) and once again everyone was encouraged to have a go, and enjoy the sessions. Instruction was on a 1/2 basis, so individuals were In buoyant mood 70 A C T I V I T I E S extremely well cared for. This group alternated with the surfers at Harlyn Bay, supervised by Mons and Rudi, an Australian and a local lifeguard. The boys gave Rudi much stick because of Australia’s defeat in the First Test. It was jolly lucky that the leavers’ camp was not a week later when England were 77 all out - in the Second Test! Unfortunately, there was no surf until the Wednesday but Rudi managed to keep all the groups entertained with his energy and wit. Mons was especially happy being on the beach for three days and gradually began to assume the surfers’ image and jargon, though we did wonder why he needed sex wax on his wooden body board! Another two groups alternated between Padstow and cliff walking. The Padstow visit included the lobster tanks, where the huge conger eels proved fascinating, town tour and quiz, and a visit to the Rrazee Golf on the North Quay where there appeared to be some slight problems with the scoring. There was even some time for shopping. The cliff walking route started from the Padstow War Memorial, or “starvation gate” as it used to be called because of the unemployed Padstonians who waited there to sight cargo ships coming into the estuary. They would then race down to the shipyards to obtain temporary work unloading. This stands below the deer park of Prideaux Place and above “Chidley Pumps” a shortening of “Ship my Pumps” where vessels used to pump their bilge out before entering harbour. The path then passes St George’s well, a little cove with an old concrete swimming pool where the Prideaux Brunes used to bathe, and Battery Point, a Second World War gun emplacement, before going on the wide sweeping expanse of Crugmeer Haven, known to the locals as Tregirls. North of this is the dreaded Doom Bar that blocks the estuary’s mouth. Local tradition has it that a Padstow fisherman was foolish enough to kill a mermaid. The punishment was the gradual silting up of the estuary. Unfortunately, it is a major hazard to modem shipping and still claims lives. Beyond Crugmeer is Hawker’s Cove and the old Lifeboat Station. The Arabesque left here many years ago never to return, wrecked on a rescue. We often snorkel in the cove. Next comes the hard climb to the quarries at Stepper Point and the old coastguard lookout. Heaven knows why, but American troops tried to dynamite the headland away during the war. Nowadays the point is often used to drop injured fishermen from their boats. Near the coastguard lookout the Padstow ’obby ’oss once danced, so they say. French privateers were threatening to sail into the estuary so the Padstonians sent the ’oss up on to cliffs to frighten them away . . . it worked! At the top of the cliffs is the Daymark, a tall tower to guide ships into the only sheltered harbour on the North Coast, from where it is a quick romp along the cliffs, past Pepper Hole. The tired leavers then made their way along the low cliffs past Newtrain Bay to Harlyn, to meet up with the surfers. The route is exactly 1.0 miles, and all the boys completed it - Simon Hall did it six times - 60 miles in all! He loved the wild scenery and the wonderful seascapes, but perhaps the boys were more interestred in the ice-creams at Harlyn? Geoffrey Allen did 90 miles but he was on his bike! The groups had a choice of routes and most of them opted for the Camel Trail, though several did back routes around such areas as Breock, St Merryn and St Issey. We were able to go off trail occasionally and the bikers much enjoyed the old quarries where the mountain bikes came into their own, and time-trials were held. One group reached Bodmin, most reached Wadebridge and Grogley Halt, and one group enjoyed Eddie Prin’s stone circles. The cycling alternated with a visit to the Shires the Shire Horse Centre in Cornwall. This was a popular activity and the details of the attraction have been listed elsewhere. Mrs Woosnam Mills, Mrs Tyson and Mrs Gough did staunch work in shepherding the various groups and proved quite cut throat in their financial negotiation at the gate. Many of the boys, as usual, became involved in the display and one famous quote provides a suitable finale for this account. Mons, who has never visited The Shires and knows nothing of the display, was totally bemused and amused to hear Pip Prideaux exclaim: “Regent (a Shire horse) and I won the race against Angus (the Shetland) and the girls, but the Teddy Bear said that I hadn’t!” 71 A C T I V I T I E S The Kusti Cafe Leavers’ Camp requires you to attempt to cook a vaguely healthy meal. The amount of food that was ‘lugged’ into the ‘transport’ was immense. Can after can of beans, cans of soup, fruit, tea, snackbars, and yes, this is true, Chilli Con Carne! The biggest tent was surprisingly not Mr Allen’s but the food tent. The inside of the tent looked like one of those food mountains where all the excess food of Europe is kept. We had to prepare every meal and all breakfasts and dinners had to be ‘cooked’ on the stoves provided. The excess of food meant that you could eat as much as you could. The only problem with eating a vague selection of food is that you have to go through the strenuous task of washing up. That, by the way, was an activity in itself! It took almost twice as long as the cooking. The cooking had another flaw; apart from most of the gas bottles running out, the cooking groups contained four famished boys with their own likes and dislikes. Just about every morning someone wanted something different. When you are attempting to cook Chilli Con Carne and rice you need both burners. When someone does not want Chilli Con Carne they often want something else. So the Came is not cooked properly and there is one egg and of course one slimy, hot, filthy, greasy frying pan that needs washing. Eughh! When cooking in the morning, dew is on the ground so you have the inconvenience of wet legs when you finished. Now if you have ever had the pleasure of cooking on wet grass you will realise how uncomfortable it is. It is a deterrent to the ‘would-be’ “Oh I’ll have another fried egg” type of person. When cooking on Leavers’ Camp there is an incentive to experiment with all sorts of fried goodies. This is an unfortunate incentive because quite often your experiment will go wrong and you have to eat either burnt or disgusting food. The alternative to eating this ‘delicacy’ is ‘binning’ it and then you still have to cook some more to satisfy your now dying hunger. In general I would strongly advise trying camp cooking but only on dry, sunny, days. But I would also strongly advise inventing and bringing a portable dishwasher to deal with your dirty washing up. Chris Spalton Learning the ropes Leavers’ Camp 1997 Our group had a dome tent to erect and after an hour we thought we had it up with one pole left unused. Luckily we were able to change the poles around without much trouble. The tent was on a slope and every ten minutes we had to move up the slope again in our slippery sleeping-bags. As the floor of the tent was also slippery every night we had the same problem of slipping down the slope. On the Monday night when cooking began someone suggested making chips and Mrs Hall was declared the judge to see which group’s chips were the best. We never found out who was the winner! Appetite for the great outdoors 72 Michael Jefferson A C T I V I T I E S Leavers’ Camp: a mother’s view Well, my husband really did it this time. He dropped me right in it, and left me with no real way to wriggle out. He had volunteered me for the sixth form camp at Padstow. I could only hope that Ray Mears could spare the time to show me the ropes and toughen me up a little. The backwoods woman from West Sussex was not the most apt title I could think of to describe myself! The thought of tents, rain, wind, cold showers, and sand everywhere . . . Sunday arrived, the start of the camp. I drove down to Devon, kitted out in camouflaged Laura Ashley togs and waterproof Clinique makeup. I was physically if not mentally prepared, and I had my giant sized lilo! I needn’t have worried. The camp saw good organisation throughout, a splendid camp site, willing helpers and happy boys. Things were just great. There follow some of my personal highlights: - the superb cooking - boys as well, although their washing up was perhaps only worth 5/10 at times! - the marathon talk-in from the boys on the first night; - G.A.’s voice put under increasing strain; - lovely sunny days in glorious Cornwall; - driving Georgina to the Shires with a full load of boys; - Pip. Prideaux and his race with Angus and Regent the horse with the cleanest behind! - the speed of the Devon drop-slide; - Simon Hall’s crispy bacon; - Tracy Hall’s shopping expeditions to Padstow for fudge, treats, etc., etc.; - Scott Morgan’s record mud slide to collect seconds of crispy bacon . . .; - very hard rain during the final night drumming on the tents . . . Together with these few snippets from our four days at Dennis cove, I shall remember the friendship and team spirit, the laughing and enthusiastic boys always hungry, helpful and never down for long. Truly the camp proved to be a privileged insight for a Mum with boys away at boarding school. The last words must go to John Symons: “A QUALITY CAMP WITH QUALITY STUDENTS!” (Mrs) G. S. Gough Sailing “Push your helm away, number four. Push your helm away, I said. Number five, sit forward. Number nine, you’re luffing. Number six, haul your sheet in. Get that sail taut. Follow me, everyone!” A good afternoon’s entertainment can be had on Commerical Wharf near the Barbican in Plymouth most Wednesday afternoons as Barry, the Devon Schools’ Sailing Association instructor, gathers his brood of Oppies, Optimists and Toppers and heads away from the wharf towards Clovelly Bay in the shelter of Mountbatten. Rumour has it that he can be heard from the Devonport Dockyard. One does wonder about the sudden increase in coaches parking above the Association’s boat house. Not many of Up, up and away 73 A C T I V I T I E S them seem to be boarding the pleasure steamers to view the war ships anymore, but are content to lean over the railings and look at Barry and the Mount House group getting on to the water - the best entertainment on the Barbican, says the Pier Master! Many years ago Mount House maintained a dinghy fleet - Wooden Mirrors - with the emphasis on “maintained”. They required a great deal of work and other activities suffered, so reluctantly it was decided to stop sailing, especially as there were difficulties with access on Weir Quay and Sibley Back. For several years sailing was only by courtesy of 'parents, normally on cruisers at home and abroad. Mount House sailing was in the doldrums! Several parents were still anxious that sailing should continue and suggested the Devon Schools’ Sailing Association. Based at Commercial Wharf in Plymouth, they cater for all the Plymouth Schools and surrounding area. They are an extremely well organised, safety conscious organisation and everything is run to a high standard. They have a wide range of boats - Wayfarers, Toppers and Optimists - but their main advantage, to us, is their Oppie Fleet. These are really small bath-tubs with a single sail, strong and forgiving. Each child has his or her own boat and really learns to sail very quickly in all conditions and weather, particularly with Barry zooming around in his rescue boat, criticising, advising and helping. In addition there are always two other rescue boats in attendance. Help is constantly at hand. To date three boys have gained their Gold Awards, nine their Silver and the four beginners have just started to go single-handed and are well into their Bronze Award. The most competent are now sailing Toppers and will go on to the R.Y.A. Awards. The Devon Schools’ Sailing Association has given us a tremendous start again and the staff there deserve a hugh vote of thanks from all the sailors. If the weather is kind we intend to continue throughout the year, and free ear plugs will be issued to those pupils who are sensitive to Barry’s dulcet tones! Geoffrey Allen Chess Club Chess is still a popular pursuit, especially in the junior knight attacking a bishop that is the main attraction. forms when the pressures of Common Entrance and Computer chess can be very instructive for the Scholarship are still ‘light years’ away! beginner or the advanced player alike and I recommend that anyone with a computer invests in a Our champion this year was really unchallenged and Jack Gabb held his position at the top of the chess game. The various chess quizzes have stumped a few but Chess ladder for the whole year. Now that he has left Stephen Caley could usually be relied upon to supply it will give several others a chance and it should be more closely contested next year. some cunning answer. Several members can be seen in the computer room Peter R. Hamilton-Leggett playing Battle Chess. I am not sure whether it is the challenge of the computer or the 3D animation of a Cycling Course Our first course was run at the end of the Christmas holidays, in freezing conditions, but proved extremely valuable and it was immediately apparent that the children were in urgent need of such a course! It is designed to give the children a better understanding of the use of the road, to help them to ride with an improved degree of safety, and to reduce the risk of accidents on the road. The course is organised and backed by the Devon County Council Road Safety unit, and is under the control of a fully qualified instructor. Candidates received a thorough training, over four days, and completed all the sections with “flying colours”, though the formation display was rather hair-raising on occasions! More courses are being organised in the future and any child over 10 who owns a bicycle should attend. Geoffrey Allen 74 A C T I V I T I E S Stamp Club The club continues to flourish, meeting in the Science lab three or four times a week. The different country packets have now grown to 310. You do not have to collect stamps to enjoy them and numerous pupils just ‘pop’ in to soak stamps off paper or sort them. There seems to be more interest at the moment in thematic collecting. What starts as a few stamps with a transport theme rapidly becomes subdivided into cars, lorries, planes, helicopters, cycles, motorbikes, steam and electric trains and so on. Other popular subjects include the various sports and, of course, natural history with its many subdivisions. Thematic collecting is most educational and can lead to masses of research. Single country collecting has not been neglected and after Great Britain, Australia, and the USA, * Hong Kong has proved popular but stamps have been hard to come by. When purchasing a stamp album, try to go for the loose-leaf type as this allows expansion in any direction and always get the best quality, readyfolded, stamp hinges. A stamp catalogue is also useful, but do not invest in an expensive, new one. Second-hand ones are quite cheap and good enough to begin with. As usual, we are always on the look-out for stamps, on paper, loose or in albums, so if you have any unwanted collections at home then please remember the MH Stamp Club. Many thanks to everyone who has donated stamps during the course of the year. Peter R. Hamilton-Leggett L D News from Mount House Association (1959) is still playing cricket at 50 and is in charge of Media at South East Arts in Tunbridge Wells. T im C orn ish Pau l G ay (1959) left Kathmandu in January and now lives in Somerset with wife, Katie, and daughters Philippa and Bryony. He has ended his direct service with the Gurkhas and is now involved in Army training. (1962) is M D of Barts Spices Ltd and on the board of the parent company, W.T. Foods Ltd. E d w a rd Shaw From the Secretary: John Symons reports (1920) won a King’s Scholarship to Eton from M HS and then a scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, he was killed during WWII in 1941. His sister, Cicely Martin bumped into Joy Seldon (see below) outside her house in Surrey and while talking found their MHS connection! Cicely’s nephew, P eter S im m s was also at MHS before going onto Sherborne. He has recently retired and returned to England after working in India and Canada. M ich a el Tutton (1940) who is Cecily’s son in law was at M HS in Plymouth during WWII. Cecily’s fascinating letter goes on to say that she knew M ount Tavy as a WWI Convalescence Home for soldiers, four of whom she invited to her birthday party at which they duly arrived in blue flannelette pyjamas with red crosses. M a jo r-G e n e ra l P eter C h isw ell t (1922) was at M ount House in Plymouth in the early 1920s when M r Machell Cox was Headmaster. He was Vicar of East Meon for some years and a ceremony was recently held at St Peter’s Church, Petersfield to celebrate his sixty years in the Church. This news came in a very interesting letter from Joan Wise, whose brother Basil was in the same form as John Lawry. John L aw ry was killed in action in 1940. Younger brother attended M ount House for a short period before the family moved away from Plymouth. Later he joined the Army and died a Brigadier aged 60. B asil W ise A d ria n W ise L aw rie S kipper Chester. (1929) is a retired Canon and lives in (1939) is a retired GP living in Plymouth as is his brother, James (1945). A rth u r M orris (1945) visited M HS in February. He is a surveyor in the USA, but travels extensively and also writes. Unable to send his two boys to M HS, he taught them himself while sailing around the South Pacific in his schooner “Lizard King”. A lexa n d er C rig h ton C . G . M o rris (1947) is now retired from the Army (Major) and lives in France. His father was at Garfield House in Plymouth, before it joined with Alton School to become M ount House. M a rra ck G ou ld in g (1950) has completed his time at the U.N. where he was Under Secretary General for Political Affairs and is now Warden of St Antony’s College, Oxford. He was awarded a KCM G in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. (1945) has retired as a teacher of the cello to numerous M ount House schoolboys. H ugh P ratt (1951) attended Allhallows after MHS and is now engaged in hospital management. He lives with his wife and son at Newton Ferrers. A . John D en n is (1952) retired from the Navy in 1992 and spent three years as Chief Executive of the Magistrates Courts Service in Herefordshire. He is currently working in Tewkesbury. John Fin n igan C h arles H om a n (1958) is running his own firm, Arden Vending, after 25 years working for Michelin-Goodyear. He is married with two sons. 76 R ich a rd H olm es (1963) lives in North Saanich, near Victoria in British Columbia. He works in Real Estate and is married with three children. He visited MHS in April. (1964) who was Headboy at MHS before going on to Kelly College visited the school in March. Ian M a ck en zie (1965) is working in the Housing Department at the Department of the Environment. A d a m S co tt (1966) is a partner with King Sturge Chartered Surveyors, specialising in business rates. A former rugby referee, he is now a regional manager of the London Society of Rugby Referees. G ra h a m B ea u m on t (1967) is married with 3 children, lives in Whitchurch, Tavistock and teaches at Plymouth College. John Jackson (1967) is involved in the illustration of children’s cartoons. P a trick H olm es (1968) lives, like his brother, in British Columbia where he runs his own contracting business involved in the forestry industry. A lan W o o llco m b e (1968) is still ship building in Jarrow. He is soon to join the Jarrow Advanced Research Design as a consultant. P a trick K ettle D a v id M atthias (1968) is teaching A Level Biology in Alberta, Canada and last summer made his annual expedition to a Marine Biology Centre in British Columbia. E d B ye (1969) is now a freelance TV producer/director. He lives in Holland Park with his wife, Ruby Wax, and their three children. P a d d y M cK illop the Seven Seas. (1969) is now a Master Mariner, plying D o m in ic M u rch (1969) is an estate agent in Portugal and married to a Portuguese. He has one child. (19**) is a Leisure Property Consultant based in London. He is married with a 12 year old daughter. B ria n P ea rce (1969) is an accountant with Walker Davey in Christchurch, New Zealand. H arvey P h illip s (1970) is a director of Gribble, Booth and Taylor, Chartered Surveyors. Like his brother, Graham, he too is a rugby referee. K eith B ea u m on t G era ld H eath (1970) was last heard of in Japan teaching T on y H itch en (1970) is a Director of Penfield Insurance. English. (1970) left the Navy some time ago and is now in commerce. G ra h a m W o o llco m b e (1970) is now a practising Buddhist. R ich a rd K ettle (1971) is farming near Chester and recently received a visit from L aw rie Skip per (1929). Both knew each other from their connections with the Cheshire Yeomanry, but it took last year’s Newsletter to alert them to their common background! N igel H ill (1971) is Senior Registrar and anaesthetist at Bristol Royal Infirmary. G eoffrey M o rris (1971) works for a paper manufacturing company in Bavaria. R ich a rd P a scoe 0 L D (1971) works with Standard Life Insurance in Edinburgh. He is married with 2 daughters. N ich ola s R ich a rd s R o b in R ussell (1972) is a major in the Royal Irish Guards. P h ilip R ich a rd s (1973) works with book publishers Heinemann in Oxford. He is married with 2 sons. M ark D e eb le (1974) has been in Kenya making underwater films. This year Mark and his wife, Vicky, were awarded the “Green Oscar” for their film, “A Little Fish in Deep Water”. Jam es B u rton in London. (1975) runs a contracting building company (1975) is returning to Tanzania as part of an international survey on the environment in and around Lake Tanganyika. W illia m D arw a ll P U P 1 L S (1975) is a Squadron Leader in the RAF and is currently working at Buckingham Palace. John G ilb ert (1975) is working in the City for the merchant bank, Robert Fleming. He moves this year to Australia where he is developing a derivatives market in retailing. He married New Zealander, Janet, in January. He is a keen sailor and flier, recently gaining his private pilot’s licence. A d a m F o x -E d w a rd s (1975) is farming near Plymstock. His sister, Claire, is married to Rupert Noy Scott (1981). P e te r H en d y (1975) is now Controller of News at Westcountry Television, having spent 10 years with the BBC in Yorkshire. He is married to Annabel, a “Yorkshire lass”, who is settling into life in the region. J erem y H ib b a rd P eter Jackson (1975) is working for Lloyd’s Bank in Reading as a Personal Banking Manager. Married to Jocelyn in 1987, Peter has two daughters, Caroline and Elizabeth. (1976) lives and works in Hampshire where he runs an accountancy software company. He is married with two children, Anna and Rosie, and occasionally plays golf with T im Cashell. S im o n C a rter (1976) is an engineer and production manager in a paper making business. C h risto p h er C o le N E W s Steph en M orris (1976) is a GP in Sherborne. He is married with three children. t W illia m P h illip s (1976) is a race engineer with Ford for their British Touring car Championships. Both he and brother, Harvey, are married with families. (1977) is now a Lt. Commander RN and a Maintenance Test Pilot. He is married and moved to RNAS, Culdrose in June. D a v id B artlett (1977) has left the Army after 12 years and is currently looking for work in industry. He and his wife, Clare, have just celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary. D a v id T h o m p s o n (1977) is now with the International Service Corporation - an American funeral service organisation. He and his family are based in Newport, South Wales. R ich a rd W illia m s (1977) has left the Navy, during which time he served on the Royal Yacht, and now works fot a cruise line company in Los Angeles. R u p ert W ood a rd D ig b y F ox (1978) is a sailing journalist. He is to be married this year - his future wife is also involved in sailing. G eoffrey Sayers (1978) is a broker working in Bangkok with SBC Warburg. He hopes to return to the UK in the • near future, visit Devon and perhaps play some Old Boys cricket. (1978) is a land agent and is now No. 2 on the Wilton House estate near Salisbury. W illiam T rin ick S im o n W eston (1978) is married and living in Australia. (1978) continues with his design and manufacture of high quality furniture. Rufus W ix on (1978) visited MHS recently. He is married and now lives in New Zealand. R ich a rd W righ t C h ristop h er B arley (ACC) in London. Stephen Chalk students. (1979) works for a telecoms company (1979) is teaching English to foreign (1979) works in Essex for IML, a media marketing firm. Recently married, he commutes from Coad’s Green, near Launceston. R ich a rd E dw ards D u n ca n Tytler (1979) is now a PhD, working for Redifon Technology, a job that takes him regularly to Florida. G u y B artlett (1980) works for Deloitte in London where he tries to help firms with financial problems. (1980) is currently touring Sicily with his father. Brother Jonathan (1982) is marrying this summer, while Julian (1987) is at Sandhurst following his 2.2 in Classics. He is hoping to join the Parachute Regiment. Julian H urst (1980) is an associated partner with Cluttons, an Estate Agents near Tower Bridge in London; M atthew K irw an (1980) is an Estate Agent and director of four offices in Bristol. He is married with four children. Jam es M a ck en zie (1980) lives and works in Southampton as senior manager of a contact lens manufacturing company. He spends a good deal of time overseas, but enjoys gardening and hill walking when at home. S im o n M eers (1980) leaves Price Waterhouse this year to go to Edinburgh to train to be a vet. D o m in ic P h illip s (1980) last year passed his maritime law exams in Cape Town and has now moved to Durban. He lives in a flat close to the Indian Ocean and continues his sport of long distance swimming. He hopes to swim across False Bay (40kms) in the near future. HPW enjoyed being shown around the Cape by Lewis and his mother last year. Lew is P u gh A n drew T h o m p s o n Rail. (1980) is married and works for British Stephen W illiam s (1980) is now at Sun Life Assurance as an Investment Manager covering the Pacific. He lives in Wandsworth, London. (1981) married Katie Gibson at Ugborough Church in May. Best Man was D o m in ic P h illips (1980) and Toby’s brothers H en ry (1982) and W illiam (1988) both attended the wedding, as did G ord on Lew is (1982) and brother Evan Lew is (1983). Also present, as bridesmaid, I happen to know was M HS’s first “Old Girl”, M orw en n a A rm stron g! T ob y A sh w orth (1981) is engaged to be married to Miss Victoria Ellis in the near future. J. Sebastian B en n P h il de G lanville (1981) was undoubtably the Old Boy with the highest profile in 1996/7 following his appointment as captain of the England rugby team. In May, Phil visited MHS to officially open the new Pre-Prep School. (1981) is head of the Healthcare Counselling Division of Frost and Sullivan in London. R u pert H ou gh ton (1981) has passed his ARICS (Chartered Surveying) exams and is joining Kivells of Tavistock. R u p ert N oy S cott A listair T h o m p s o n (1981) lives in Edinburgh and recently married. He is working as an Investment Manager for a company called Edinburgh Fund Managers. His work takes him to Asia and Australia. He wrote a splendid letter to JS recently recalling his time alongside Phil de Glanville in the 1st XV. 77 0 L D P U P 1 L S N E W s (1981) is currently living in Wimbledon and working for the Royal Bank of Scotland as a Derivatives Trader. He ran in the London M arathon this year for the second year running. R o b in B ertra m (1983) has recently qualified as an architect from Edinburgh University. A n drew C ra ig (1983) teaches French at Crookhom Community Centre near Portsmouth. A n drew G ilb ert (1984) is now in New Zealand varying his activities between teaching and building. He is married with 4 children and has a degree in computing. M a rk W ilson (1984) is with Prudential Insurance in Holbom. He enjoys rowing on the Thames. P eter P arsh all (1984) is teaching Religious Studies at Lord William’s School, Thame. He is also Director of Music at St Mary Magdalen in Oxford and is very active in the Oxford Choral scene. A la sd a ir C a m eron (1985) continues with his landscape gardening and is based in South West London - 7, Jeypore Road, SW18. Jonathan Jam es (1986) conducted his own newly formed orchestra, the New Bristol Sinfonia, for their first concert in Clifton Cathedral in June. E dw ard M a dg w ick (1986) has a BDs (Dentistry) with Gold Medal from King’s College, London. Johnny W raith P au l W ilson Chiswick. (1986) works for a marketing agency in Jam es G askell Reading. * (1987) has a BA 2.1 in Fine Arts from (1987) is working in London for a firm called Anderson Consulting. G a rro d T reverton (1987) has a BSc 2.2 in Neuro Science from Cardiff. M ich a el B aw tree (1988) organised a highly successful Sherborne Choir tour to New Zealand. Ticket sales ensured that it was a financial and cultural triumph. Jam es M iln e (1988) has achieved a BSc 2.1 in Economics at York. T im P ratt (1988) has graduated from Southampton with a 2:1 in Archaeology and is currently earning some money as a courier in London. He recently performed at the Edinburgh Festival with the University Orchestra. R ich a rd Seld on (1988) has just finished his finals at Oxford Brookes. T ob y B orra d a ile (1989) is playing rugby in Cape Town this summer and hoping to do some schoolboy coaching as well. Toby played for Cornwall this year and is playing regularly in the Wasps Development Squad. Jam es H olla n d (1989) has gained a 2.2 Diploma in Agriculture and Farm Management from the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. A d a m H urst (1990) toured South Africa with Bristol RFC Colts. He played matches in Pietermaritzburg, Port Elizabeth and East London. He is currently at the University of the West of England in Bristol, hoping to play rugby for Gloucester RFC. T o b y K eane (1990) is enjoying life at Plymouth College where he is studying A Levels in English, History and Ancient History. M atthew M c C o y (1990) has left Plymouth College as his family have moved to East Anglia. H u go W ilkinson (1990) is at Eton in the middle of A Levels in History, English, French and Art (Sculpture). He is planning to read English at university. O liver S eld on 78 R ob ert C ross (1991) is currently travelling having finished A Levels at Plymouth College. In the summer he is an instructor at the sailing school in Newton Ferrers. R ich a rd F erguson (1991) left Monkton Combe with two A Levels, having rowed in the 1st VIII and played trombone in the Big Band. M ich a el F ollett (1991) has left Marlborough College and is reading History at Balliol College, Oxford. P eter F rien d (1991) has spent his gap year teaching in Malaysia. When not teaching Peter has been building fish ponds and staying with members of the Kayan tribe in their long house. After Christmas, Peter travelled to New Zealand and Australia. Jam es F u lton (1991) left Eton with three A grade A Levels and is now reading History at Brasenose College, Oxford. James represented Brasenose on the rugby field and at Christmas toured South Africa with an Eton XI. This term James gained selection into the Oxford University Cricket XI and scored 50 on his first class debut. More recently he won a “M an of the M atch” award in the game against Sussex. P a trick G ra n t-S tu rgis (1991) is playing his rugby at Exeter RFC, now a National League Division 2 club. T h om a s In m an (1991) left K CT with three A grade A levels and is planning to read Geography at Bristol. He has spent his gap year teaching at M ount House. S im on K in g (1991) has left Blundells and is now at Magdalene College, Cambridge reading Computer Sciences. S im o n K ongialis (1991) left K CT with four A Levels and has recently changed from reading Chemical Engineering to reading Mathematics at UCL. J erem y L ott (1991) left K CT with three A Levels and is reading European Business Studies at Swansea. R o g e r P erow n e (1991) left K CT with excellent A Levels and is applying for university entrance in 1997. T im P erow n e (1991) also left K CT with excellent results and is now reading Dentistry at Newcastle. N ich ola s R a d fo rd (1991) has left Marlborough with A Levels in Art, Maths and Classical Civilisation. R u p ert S eld on (1991) is recovering from 1st year exams at Bath. His rugby with the Bath RFC Development Squad goes from strength to strength. P eter Sh arp (1991) has left King’s, Bruton with A Levels in Maths, Physics and Biology and is planning to read Mechanical Engineering at either U CL or Southampton. Jam es W arren (1991) recovered from his A Levels by joining the “Tall Ships” race. He sailed to Russia, Finland and Denmark, where he greatly enjoyed the city of Copenhagen. James is now at Edinburgh reading Ancient History. Jam es B a b b in gton (1992) is at the International School, Stavanger in Norway where he is studying for his A Levels. He will be back in the UK this November. E d w a rd C ra d d o ck (1992) is studying A Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Economics at Uppingham. When not in the classroom, Edward has represented the school Athletics and Cross Country teams and taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award. He has been asked to be a House Captain in his final year. R ich a rd C ross (1992) passed 10 GCSEs and is now studying A Level English, French and History at Plymouth College. Richard has travelled to Nepal with the College, taking part in a project that built a school and health centre for the Nepalese. BBC footage of the project was shown on local television. C h ristop h er K ing (1992) is at Blundell’s and is soon to tour Australasia with the Blundell’s 1st XV. Also in the party are O liv e r P o o l (1992) and A ustin Sm ith (1992). 0 L D O liv e r C o ry to n (1992) played 1st XV rugby for Canford in his final year and was Head of the Marines Division in the CCF. (1992) is in the Army and has been selected to represent the Combined Services U21 rugby team. C a lu m Z a lou m is Sydney Z a lou m is (1992) has now left the Army and is pursuing a career in catering. (1993) is enjoying Stowe and has achieved a fine set of GCSE results. A n th on y B u rn ell-N u gen t S im o n C h u rch (1993) obtained excellent GCSE results and is now in the Radley 6th Form studying Maths, Physics and Design A Levels. P U P 1 L S (1993) left King’s, Bruton with seven GCSEs and is following a course in Agriculture at HND level. H ayden C la rk O liver C o llie r (1993) has visited South Africa with the Canford' 1st XV and also hopes to be rowing at Henley Regatta. Sports Studies, Design and Geography are his A Level options. H u go C o x (1993) is studying A Levels at K CT having achieved 10 GCSEs. (1993) is at Eton where, following 10 excellent GCSEs, he is studying Maths, Geography and Economics at A Level. M ark F u lton (1993) is at K CT and last year achieved 10 GCSEs, mostly A grades (inc. History!) P e te r G o o d fe llo w Jam es Irvin e GCSEs. (1993) is at K CT and achieved 9 good (1993) is in the 6th Form at Stowe after achieving good GCSEs. I enjoyed watching him play for Stowe in this year’s National Sevens Tournament in London. W illia m K eeler (1993) is studying for A Levels at K CT after gaining 9 GCSEs. M a rtin K ongialis N E W S (1993) was also at the National £evens playing for St. Edward’s, Oxford. John has recently been asked to attend training sessions for the Welsh U19 squad. John L aw ren ce A n drew Lytle (1993) achieved 10 GCSEs at KCT, all with very good grades. (1993) achieved outstanding GCSE grades at Plymouth College, where he is now studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths. Jaim in P atel (1993) achieved excellent GCSE results at Kelly and was presented with prizes for Physics and English at Founder’s Day. Alexis has represented the school at Athletics and Cross Country. Alexis T an ner (1993) is at Queen’s, Taunton and achieved 10 very good GCSEs last summer. O liver W arren T h o m a s B a b b in gton his GCSEs. (1994) is at Blundell’s, studying for (1994) played for the Devon U15 rugby team against Cornwall in April. B en B assett T h o m a s Clarke (1994) and brother E dw a rd (1994) visited MHS recently. Both are at Ivybridge Community College . and Edward had just completed the Ten Tors. (1994) is rowing for the Canford Colts crew which also represents Dorset and is hoping to become Wessex champions. He rows in the same boat as K in der G o o d a ll who left M HS in 1992 when his family moved to Hampshire. Jam ie C o llin G iles D a rch (1994) has recently been to Hong Kong. At Winchester, Giles has taken his GCSEs. He already has French and Latin and also took three science GCSEs early as well. He has greatly enjoyed his time in the College C.C.F., which included a rigorous training exercise in Scotland. P h ilip Jam es (1994) has just completed his GCSEs at Radley. John Seld on (1994) continues to enjoy his time at Stonyhurst, as does brother, W illia m (1994) who recently won the Headmaster’s Prize for his achievements. H en ry Tonks (1994) is in the middle of GCSEs with the sciences “going best”. His work experience was with Westlands in Yeovil. A lex C layton (1995) finished third in King’s, Bruton’s end of year exams. He played rugby for the U14 Bs and has also enjoyed cricket and hockey. His housemaster writes that he enjoys the ‘rough and tumble of boarding school life’. E dw a rd G ent (1995) played in an unbeaten K CT U15 XV and has added the Saxophone to his repertoire. He has joined the College Jazz Band. W illia m H atch ard (1995) has recovered from a nasty bout of glandular fever. He has enjoyed success on the rugby, hockey and cricket fields and still plays the electric guitar! T h om a s Jefferson (1995) played rugby for Berkshire U15s, captained the Eton Junior Colts XV and played Sevens for the very successful Eton Colts VII. In August he is travelling to Ireland with the Eton 1st XV. Thomas played cricket for Eton and Devon and trained with the Western Division squad. He also found time to take two GCSEs a year early. T im Jenkins (1995) has left Charterhouse and is now a day pupil at Kelly College. M atthew M a rtin (1995) has left King’s, Bruton to become a day pupil at Kelly College. C h ristop h er M o o r e (1995) has settled well at King’s, Bruton. He has tried his hand at a variety of activities, representing the school at rugby, hockey and swimming. E dw a rd M o o re (1995) took longer to settle than brother Christopher, but is now happily progressing at King’s, Bruton. N ich ola s P e p p e r (1995) is playing a full part in the musical activities at Plymouth College, playing in the Orchestra, Brass Ensemble and Wind Band. He has recently returned from a music trip to Venice. He is studying for 11 GCSEs and is taking French early. He has started keeping snakes and is the proud owner of a boa constrictor and a royal python! Ivan T an ner (1995) is enjoying life at Kelly, playing hockey for the school and getting ready for GCSEs. A lexa n d er B eagley (1996) wrote with the startling news that the was playing rugby for Sherborne Mini Colts D XV. He added that his “History teacher here is very nice and I am now enjoying the subject.” R o ry B ell (1996) was a recent visitor to the school. He is greatly enjoying life at Clifton College, especially the Art, but like so many, misses M ount House breakfasts. He remains a surfing addict. D a v id B rid g er (1996) was a leading light in the Sherborne U14 A XV and he has found time to play football, squash and basketball. His leadership skills (honed as a dormitory captain in Collingwood) led to him becoming Deputy Head of the Dayroom. C h ris B urls (1996) has enjoyed a successful year at Wellington, particularly on the rugby pitch. W illiam C a rew -G ib b s (1996) quickly became a leading member of the U14 XV at King’s, Bruton. He played fly half (!) and was one of the leading try scorers in the school. William also went on to captain the school U14 football XI. 79 0 L D P U P 1 L S N E W S He said he scored one goal thereby doubling his MHS record. Off the games field William has joined the Army section of the CCF. William has been asked to tour South Africa with KSB’s 1st XV squad in 1999. (1996) has settled well at Radley. Described by his Housemaster as a “colourful character", Matthew played rugby for the Midgets 2nd XV, learned to row and may end up as a cox. M atthew H oga n G eorge H unt (1996) is heavily involved in Kelly College’s Star Trek Society. He has developed new interests through the Video Film Making Society and is currently making “Spotlight Kelly”, a termly video news programme. O sw ald Lee (1996) settled quickly at Sherborne where he won the Abbey House prize for the highest number of academic commendations in the term. He also played on the wing for the U14 A XV. S a m M a son (1996) is happily settled at Sherborne (he very kindly came to support the 1st VII in the tournament at Sherborne last term), playing basketball and running cross country. C h ristop h er M orga n 1996) has made his mark as a rugby player at Kelly College in the U14 XV. His sensitive reading at the end of term candlelight service was widely applauded. (1996) has enjoyed a successful start at Marlborough, where he has played rugby, hockey and 1st VI Tennis. Nick has now left Hong Kong and is soon to live in South Africa. N ick N ew ton (1996) is recovering from a car accident at Millfield. He has settled down very well at the school, playing rugby and basketball and thoroughly enjoying the drama options. Ian T h o rn to n (1996) left MHS last year when his parents moved to the south east of England. He writes that he is enjoying his new school, but missing the MHS breakfasts! H arry T rah air (1996) says that Marlborough is “brilliant”. He played rugby for the Yearlings 3rd XV and has become heavily involved in carpentry. His housemaster wrote that he is building up an impressive score of “academic commendations ”. Joe W a rd (1996) wrote from King’s, Bruton to compliment Wycombe Wanderers FC on their excellent season and added that he has been moved up to the top form of his year, joined the Army section of the CCF and played in the Military Band. A lexa n d er R ob ertson R e m e m b e r to w rite to us w ith y o u r n ew s:John S ym on s (M H A S ecreta ry), Mera Ghar, M ount House School, Tavistock, PL19 9JL (Tel 01822 613897) or T on y W orth am , Herongate, M ount House School, Tavistock, PL19 9JL (Tel 01822 615066) or C h arles P r ice (H ea d m a ster), M ount House School, Tavistock, PL19 9JL (Tel 01822 612244) (FAX 01822 610042) You ca n even E -m a il P eter H am ilton -L egg ett: h a m le g @ a rg o n e t.c o .u k Mount House Wanderers 1997 This year the Old Boys’ Cricket team celebrated 25 years of playing matches and it was great to see so many who have played such an important part in its history during the tour. For example, Ken and Trudi Cload, Tony Wortham, John Jackman, Patrick, Tim and Chris Cashell, Chris Cole, Ross Allen, John Gelsthorpe, John Symons, Graham Bush and James Fulton, to name but a few. v. The Mount (H) - 9th July 1997. Lost by 49 runs On a glorious afternoon, The Mount batted first and declared at 200-4. Ten teenagers (and Jim Hannaford, our “senior” Wanderer!) made a brave attempt to match the target. Debutant Peter Wild scored an impressive 30, Jamie Grey scored 26 and Crispin Proctor kept the spirits high with an unbeaten 33 as the team finished on 141 all out. Other debutants were Andrew Bridger, Michael and Robbie Gough, and Mark Wild who had been Old Boys for about 2 hours when the game began! Victor Kandampully and assistant, Harry Kandampully, made their debut in the score box. v. Whitchurch (H) - 10th July 1997. Lost by 2 runs A fine spell of bowling by Mark Fulton, Tom Jefferson and Crispin Proctor (who bowled 18 overs without a break!) kept the visitors down to 151-7 at the tea interval. Debutant Pip Tuckett held three fine catches - one of which gave another debutant, Jack Gabb, a wicket. A magnificent innings of 88 by opener Tom Inman brought victory within reach but he was, sadly, last man out attempting to strike the winning blow! Jack’s brother, Tom, also made his debut in this exciting match. 80 v. The Quakkers (H) - 11th July 1997. Lost by 9 runs A day of nostalgia saw John Jackman - captain for the day - receive a bottle of champagne for 25 years of service to the Wanderers during the tea interval. John played in the very first Wanderers match in August 1972! Earlier, The Quakkers had declared at 190-4 on a cloudy but dry afternoon. James McKinnel became the youngest ever Wanderer - aged 11 - and Chris Anderson - aged 12 - became the youngest wicket-keeper! Andrew Young made his debut in the scorebox. Mark Fulton hit a splendid 84 to set up another victory chance but yet again we finished the innings just short of the winning post! J. Banyard’s XI v. J. Elworthy’s XI. J. Banyard’s XI won by 5 wickets. Another most enjoyable match saw Tim Cashel (58 not out) and John Elworthy (42) star as Elworthy’s XI reached 145 all out at the tea interval. Will Churcher (18) also looked in great form. In reply a partnership of 52 from Phil Stephens (32 not out) and yours truly (34 not out) paved the way to win ably assisted by Graham Bush (23). In the evening, special bottles of port were given to Graham Bush and Patrick Cashell at The Plume of Fethers, Princetown, in recognition of their services to Mount House. Appropriately, a 4-hour power cut ended as they received their prizes amidst loud cheering. A marvellous end to the 25th Wanderers season. My thanks to all of you for your support. Jonathan Banyard 1996 Competition Result The 1996 Competition prize-winners were the McKinnel family with “Baywatch GA” Typeset, p rin te d and b o u n d b y L a tim e r Trend & C o m p a n y Ltd, P ly m o u th PL6 7PL Tel: (01752) 738942
