|
CONTENTS
EDITORIAL 1
STAFF ... 2
VERDALA JUNIOR SCHOOL ... ... 3
SPORTS REPORTS -- 1956 5
DRAMA AND BALLET NEWS ... 10
ROYAL NAVAL DRAMA FESTIVAL 12
MUSIC CLUB 13
JUNIOR SCHOOL LIBRARY 13
STORIES AND POEMS (VERDALA) 17
TAL HANDAK SECONDARY SCHOOL PRIZE GIVING ... 43
HEADMASTER'S REPORT 46
G.C.E. RESULTS 49
TAL HANDAK DRAMA FESTIVAL 51 |
A TRIVIAL COMEDY FOR SERIOUS PEOPLE 55
SCHOOL CHOIR 57
HANDICRAFTS ... 58
CRAFTS 59
FRIDAY SAILING 62
SCOUT -NOTES ETC., 63
STORIES AND POEMS (TAL HANDAK) 68
INTER-SCHOOLS CROSS-COUNTRY 99
ANNUAL SWIMMING SPORTS 1956 100
SPORTS DAY 1957 101
CRICKET 1956 106
FOOTBALL 1956-1957 106
HOUSE NOTES 110 |
Foreword
I am most grateful to the Editor and Contributors to
this Xlth post war edition of the school magazine for placing on record
such a full account of so many of the past year's activities and
achievements. Their articles will be of permanent interest to all who
know the school and revive many happy memories of Tal Handak and Verdala.
In the recent departure of Admiral W. G. Brittain and
Captain A. D. H. Jay we lost two very good friends and I would like to
take this opportunity of thanking them for their help and for taking
such a personal interest in the school. We hope we shall often see their
successors, Admiral Sir Charles Madden, Bart., CB. and Captain the Earl
of Roden.
Our numbers have risen to 1,953 and many difficulties
lie ahead, but there now seems a good chance that further building will
enable us to find room for the 2,050 children expected in September, and
that other much needed improvements will be completed during the coming
year.
B. J.
Morgan. Headmaster
EDITORIAL
We pay tribute to our Junior School at Verdala, and
acknowledge its greater numbers, by according first place in this issue
to the reports on Verdala activities. Unfortunately, many excellent
contributions from the Junior School have had to be omitted for want of
space. We sympathise with those children whose efforts we had not space
to print, and trust that they will not be discouraged but will try again
next time. One wonders if a separate Junior Magazine might not be
necessary to do justice to the efforts of so large a number of children.
However, this thought poses problems which we cannot solve at once.
Within the compass of a magazine it is difficult to
reflect the diverse interests of 2000 pupils. One can only try. Our
selection extends from the principles of radar to the social
shortcomings of pups, from the aesthetic appeal of the ballet to an
apologia of "Rock 'n' Roll", a truly catholic and formidable range! We
hope you like it.
Some section headings and a title page based on
linocuts made by former pupils at the school, have been re-introduced.
Under one of these headings we have combined reports from both schools
on Scouts, Guides, Brownies and Cubs.
The publication of our magazine is made
possible largely, by the support of those who advertise in its pages. We
are grateful to them, and commend them to you.
Finally, we would like to thank Mr Ruoff, on behalf
of the school, for his services as editor of this magazine during the
last few years. Mr. Ruoff's doughty efforts on our behalf, and the great
debt of gratitude we owe him, can be appreciated fully only by his
successor!
STAFF
Headmaster - Instructor Captain B.J. Morgan B.Sc. R.N.
Deputy Headmaster - Instructor Commander E.V.K.Paynter
R.N.
TAL HANDAK
6G
Inst. Lt.-Cdr. R.Hayes BSc
Miss J. Yule, BA.
|
5U Miss M.Davies |
5G
Mr. T. C. Edgell,
MA., Dip. Ed. |
5M
Miss P. Bower |
4AG
Mr. F. H. G. Ruoff,
B.Sc., Dip. Ed |
4AM
Mr. R. F. Tierney Bsc.,
(Econ.) |
3AG Miss
S.M. Grant MA |
4BM Mr A.J. Corby |
3BG
Inst. Lt.Cdr. A. E.
Simmonds BSc RN. |
4CM Mr. G. Smith |
2AG
Mr P.J. Watson Liddell MA |
3AM
Mr. T. Knight |
2BG Mr A Storm BA. B.Comm. |
3BM
Miss D. E. Knight |
2CG Miss. PM Goddard |
3CM
Mrs M.E. Cronin |
1AG
Inst. Lt.-Cdr. AS Timberlake BSc. |
3RM
Mrs M. Ruddle BA. |
1BG
Miss B. Hudson BA |
2AM Miss
M. Flanagan, BSc. |
1CG
Inst. Lt.-Cdr. H.W. Ogden. MA. |
2BM Mrs O.M. Roberts |
1DG Mrs L. Hibbert BA. |
2CM Mrs H.W.
Ogden BA. |
Miss B. Wells |
2DM
Mr C. Downs |
Miss J.Rippin |
1AM Mr. R. E.
Tomlinson |
Miss J. Davies |
1BM Mr
P.Parker |
Miss M. Stevenson |
1CM Mrs A.J. Rendall |
Mr H. Bletcher ATD. |
4J Mrs K.I. Fisher |
Mr B. Richards |
3J
Mrs V.K. Watson
Liddell BSc. |
Mr C.R. Manners ATD. |
Mr B. Cleaver |
VERDALA - |
Junior Department
|
Mrs M.E. |
Vasey |
4A Mr. P. Ross |
2B Mrs V.E. Tribe |
4B Miss D.
Butters |
2C Miss C. Robson |
4C Miss L. Candey |
2D1 Mrs E.D. Kendall |
4D Miss B. Kernahan |
2D2 Miss G. Stinton |
3A Mr W.F. Wilshire |
2D3 Mrs M. Nettleton |
3B Miss A. Rowe |
1A Mrs. L. Farrugia |
3C1 Mr. J. Ousbey |
1B Miss J. Watson |
3C2 Miss P. Chadwick |
1C Mrs J.P. Jones |
3D Miss H.Holland |
1D1 Mrs P. Male |
Mrs J.M. McLeod |
1D2 Mrs M. Van Dook |
2A Miss P. Lock |
|
VERDALA - |
Infants Department |
Mrs I.M. |
Eaton |
I1 Miss A. Batty |
I6 Miss P Lee |
I2 Mrs J.O. Duxbury |
I7 Miss S. Harris |
I3 Mrs O.M.Vine |
I8 Miss K. Burke |
I4 Mrs B. Instrell |
I9 Mrs G.M.Smedley |
I5 Miss P.Holder |
|
THE JUNIOR SCHOOL
Since the issue of the last school magazine we have
welcomed our new Headmaster, Commander Paynter who has been with us now
for almost a year. He very quickly settled into the school's routine and
we wish him every success in his stay with us.
We were very pleased to welcome Mr. Ousbey to the
Staff and his work for the boys particularly has been greatly
appreciated. Miss Butters and Miss Chadwick came at the same time and
seem by now to be old friends on the Staff.
In September Miss Kernahan and Miss Stinton came from
England and we hope they will have a happy and rewarding three years at
Verdala. Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Kendall and Mrs. Van Dook also joined the
Staff in September and we hope their husbands' commissions will keep
them in the island for some time yet.
It was with sincere regret that we said farewell to
Miss Robinson on her return to England after completing her three year
contract but we wish her every joy and happiness in her marriage to Mr.
C. Mills on January 12th. 1957. She is now happily settled in her new
home in Plymouth.
Twice have we said goodbye to Mrs. Blakey and twice
that goodbye became "au revoir" only which was very fortunate for us.
This time however she really has left us and we hear she is enjoying
life in England once more.
Mrs. Streak also left Verdala in the summer and she
was as sorry to go as we were to lose her.
We are now halfway through the new school year and
already many changes have taken place. We like our four new rooms and
the new desks and chairs are the envy of many children. The vast
playground is now a joy especially to those of us who remember it-on wet
days three years ago! The painters are making the older buildings look
fresh and gay and the interior of the hall looks smart with its new
paint.
We have now two full sized netball pitches and four
extra practice shooting nets and our enthusiasm is great. We play House
Matches and have played two inter-school matches and are looking forward
to a successful season.
Several out-of-school activities flourish. The Cubs
and the Brownies are still most popular on Tuesdays and Wednesdays after
school. On Mondays and Thursdays the Ballet Club meet. At lunch time on
Wednesdays two groups of recorder-players meet, one for beginners and
one for real players who have already played for us in assembly. The
choir still flourishes and sings for us occasionally.
We are now the proud possessors of a film projector
and have already seen one or two interesting film strips and look
forward to some more next term.
Occasionally we bear from Lt.-Cdr. Bowie who is now
at Admiralty and from Mrs. Bowie who is teaching infants in Slough. We
also have news of our previous Headmaster Commander Bellamy who is now
Captain and we congratulate him on receiving the award of OBE He is now
stationed at H.M.S. Thunderer in Plymouth and he and his family live on
the edge of Dartmoor.
We have welcomed hundreds of children throughout the
year and they come from as far away as Australia, the Pacific Island of
Guam, Florida and other American States. We hope they will have a very
happy, busy and worth while stay in this unique Junior School.
VERDALA SCHOOL SPORTS 1956
As in the past Verdala School athletic sports
followed closely upon the annual sports meeting of St. Edward's School.
This arrangement gives us the advantage of using the well-prepared
tracks and the properties of St. Edward's school. We were extremely
grateful to the Rector for allowing us the use of the field, and to his
staff for giving us the benefit of their thorough preparation.
The Sports Meeting followed the usual form. Each
class had previously selected its two best boy and two best girl runners
to represent each house. Thus the flat race events were such that each
of the fourteen classes entered a boys' and girls' race. Points were
awarded to the first four competitors of each race.
During the opening flat races the Infants department
held their own class events in the centre of the track whilst the
remaining finalists of the Junior High Jump completed their event
nearby.
As soon as the first events were completed and points
recorded, announced and displayed, the competitive spirit, that makes
this annual event such a success, was felt, and enthusiasm was aroused.
The excitement soon spread to the spectators whose verbal encouragement,
either to individual competitors or particular houses, echoed from the
grand stand as each event got under way.
Novelty races arranged by each class provided a
lighter side to the afternoon's events. The competitors for these events
were chosen from those children who were not fortunate enough to be
selected to represent their class and house in the flat races. Record
times were recorded in the bun-eating race and those children of 3C who
had arranged the amusing water race, received a welcome refresher.
House relays of the fourth and third year classes
made up of four boys and four girls of each house, as always, proved a
most spectacular and exciting events. The highlight of the meeting
however was of course the Inter-School Relay. Again in teams of eight,
four boys and four girls, the five competing teams entered the very best
representatives of their particular school. After a most thrilling race
results were: Verdala, R.A.F. School Luqa, Army School St. Andrew's,
Army School Tigne and R.N. School Tal-Handak.
The usual parents' races caused a relaxing in the
inter-house cheering whilst children urged their own particular
favourites to show their form. Most regretfully, yet as always,
enthusiastic fathers jostling for position caused the only casualties of
the day as they thundered up the straight. Mr. Kennedy proved to be the
father of the day whilst Mrs. Pain repeated her last year's victory, as
Champion Mother.
The last event of the meeting was the final of the
Inter-house tug-of-war between Drake and Stevenson; this event was
judged by Captain Jay and resulted in a two to one victory for Drake.
Throughout the afternoon each house competed strongly
for points. Drake house showed the first lead, but were soon overtaken
by White house, who pressed steadily ahead. This state of affairs was
not long lived as houses brought in more points for their various
successes. Drake again went into the lead followed by Nelson, Stevenson
and White house. These positions were held with varying margins
throughout the rest of the afternoon resulting in a six point victory
for Drake over Nelson who gained 123-J and 117| points respectively,
followed by Stevenson 108i and White 106J.
The meeting closed with the presentation of trophies
and medallions by Mrs. Jay. David Currie and Ranee Symonds were awarded
their cups as champion boy and girl, having gained most individual
points during the meeting. The house championship cup was received by
the house captains on behalf of Drake House. All other children, first
in their events received medallions, those in second and third places
received certificates.
Once again a most successful afternoon came to a
close. Thanks again are due to those prefects and willing helpers who
stayed behind and cleared the field of all the equipment.
W. F.
Willsher
NETBALL - 1956-57
Netball is the main game for the girls in the Winter
and Spring terms and it is most popular. Girls have been allowed to
borrow balls during the lunch-hour for Shooting Practice and it is nice
to see that they are carefully returned to the P.E. cupboard.
There are now quite a number of children in the
school with a fair idea of the rudiments of the game. Our object is to
introduce as many children to the game as possible.
We have however managed to produce two teams, both of
whom have had a little "match practice" with Tigne School Team, which
was much enjoyed.
The whole school have also enjoyed watching the House
Matches for the Netball Shield.
Netball Teams
1st G. Horn, S. Hickman, V. Tuck, M. Thomas,
L. Walker, A. Downie, J. Stead (Captain), G. Boyd.
2nd D. Lister, P. Locke, L. Tierney, S.
Gladsden, E. Raven, K. Travis (Captain), R. Robertson, G.
Mould.
VERDALA SWIMMING
SPORTS 1956
We enjoyed excellent weather for our Fourth Annual
Swimming Sports held at the Fleet Bathing Centre, Ricasoli, on the 12th
July. Many parents and friends were present to enjoy an exciting
afternoon with close finishes in many events.
There were 23 events on the programme which included
Freestyle, Backstroke events for each age group, open Diving events and
a girls' and boys' relay.
The heats were run on a previous day and each child
competing won a point for his house. In this way Nelson started the
Sports Day with 96 points, Stevenson 72, White 63 and Drake 57,
; Despite the close finishes in most events,
Nelson kept their lead throughout and the final result was as follows:
Nelson 151 points
White 1234 points
Stevenson 121 points
Drake 103f points
The Fathers' Race was won by Mr. Collins and in a
close and exciting finish Mrs. Macey and Mrs. Horwell dead-heated in the
Mothers' Race.
Captain A. D. H. Jay, R.N. very kindly consented to
present the prizes.
The success of these Sports has in the main, been due
to the efficiency and skill of Miss Janet Robinson (now Mrs. Charles
Mills) who, unfortunately for us, has now returned to the U.K. We take
this opportunity to thank her for her work in this Annual Event.
P.
Ross
VERDALA FOOTBALL REPORT 1956-7
This season has been a successful and enjoyable one
for "Verdala school. The Saturday mornings of the Autumn term were spent
in playing off the house competition and in coaching and reviewing the
individual players. By half term our team trials had produced a probable
1st XI and their first test came when they faced an XI chosen from the
first year at Tal Handak. Though playing a team of older and stronger
players the Verdala boys played with great spirit and were not at all
disgraced when losing 1-0.
The spring term brought the excitement and interest
of the Inter-Services Schools Football league games. Though we retained
the Bowie Cup, dropping only one point in the eight matches played, each
game was cleanly and keenly contested. The away fixture at Tigne was a
tremendous struggle and, cheered on by a group of their supporters, the
army school team came very close to winning. Once again the second match
against Luqa was to decide the championship and as this was Martin
Symond's last game for Verdala before returning to U.K., it was
appropriate that he should score the first of our three goals. Martin
was succeeded as Captain by Michael Littlejohn, another third year boy,
who will be with us to Captain the side again next season.
Throughout the season we have had very welcome
support, vocal and tactical, from parents and friends. Mr. Hatrick has
taken a number of cine-films of the various games and hopes to be able
to show them to us all fairly soon, and for the third year Mr. Lines has
acted as a very keen and efficient resident referee. Flight-Lieutenant
Crogan and Mr. Downs have also refereed some of our matches and our
thanks to them both for their services.
The Final match of the season was held at Verdala, on
Tuesday, 9th April, when Verdala, as League Champions, played a select
side from the rest of the league. In a very exciting game, played with
good spirit and skill, Verdala maintained their unbeaten record with a 3
- 2 win, after leading 3 - 0 at the interval.
If you are interested in football, fathers and
mothers, we shall be pleased to see you at Manoel Island next season on
Saturday mornings from 10 - 1.
J.
Ousbey
VERDALA FOOTBALL TEAM 1956-7
Michael Webster, John Beamish, Glen Lewis,
Michael Littlejohn, Peter Bentley, Peter Haydon, Terry Woodward,
Peter Holman, Robert Atkinson, Martin Symonds, David Christison.
Reserves: Roger Fisher, Martin Brown, Tom Hatrick,
Anthony Mullarkey, David Bamber, John Bond, Brian Griffiths.
St. Andrews
0 |
Verdala 3
|
Verdala |
11 |
Tigne 0
|
Luqa |
0 |
Verdala 2
|
Tal Handak 0
|
Verdala 5
|
Verdala |
2 |
St. Andrews 1
|
Tigne |
1 |
Verdala 1
|
Verdala |
3 |
Luqa 0
|
Verdala |
11 |
Tal-Handak 0
|
Verdala |
3 |
The Rest 2
|
VERDALA DRAMA GROUP
The Group opened the Christmas season with the usual
Pantomime, this year's effort being "Dick Whittington and his Cat." We
were lucky in finding some fine talent in the Third and Fourth year
Juniors, and managed to assemble a strong cast.
10/11
This was led by Paul Lovell and Michael Davis, who,
as Idle Jack and Sammy, achieved a great success. They both thoroughly
enjoyed every moment of the show, and entered wholeheartedly into the
spirit of pantomime, even going to the lengths of eating, at every
performance, a plateful of Mince pies (made of Rice paper!)
Kay Travers, as Alice, and Fiona Crichton, as her
"Mum", gave splendid performances, Kay looking charming in her song
scene with Dick.
Clive Fowler, as Cat, did a very good job of work. He
played the part well, putting in a lot of business with a red cape which
he wore.
Richard Murchison. as the Baron, and all the other
members of the cast worked well, and made the show a great success,
particularly Nicholas Bentley, as Dick, in his quarrel scene with Alice.
The Infants, as usual, stole the show, particularly
Infants 6,, who, as a Glow-worm, had a tail that LIT UP! And Infants 8,
as mice, gave the Cat a good run for his money, as they would not lie
down and die...not until they had seen Mummy in the audience, anyway!
There was a riotous scene when the show ended, as Mr.
Ousbey and Mr. Willsher, who were stage hands, escaped from the Stage
Managers eagle eye, (Roderick Watson) and decided that they too would
take a bow...they were thrown off very firmly by Paul Lovell and the
entire cast!
Our grateful thanks are due to the staff who helped
so willingly, particularly Miss Candey and Mrs. Van Dook, who played for
all rehearsals and performances. Also to the long suffering-Mothers who
sewed so many frills for their little ballerinas!
BALLET CLUB
The Ballet Club has become so popular that a waiting
list has had to be opened. There is a limit to the number that can be
accommodated in the Hall It is a great pity, I know, that so many have
to be disappointed, but as we can have only two evenings each week, we
can do no more.
We seem to have settled on a firm basis, now, and
many of our members have taken their Grade exams, and are working to
reach a higher grade.
The Club put on some very good numbers for the
Pantomime, doing a Rose Ballet, and a Czardas. We have two talented
soloists in Lorna Tierney and Suzanne Thriscutt, who danced a Bluebird
Pas de Deux in the Enchanted Wood scene. Suzanne also danced a Doll
dance in the Toy Shop scene. There appear to be many more preparing to
challenge them, as quite a few of our old members have now passed First
Grade. Three hard working little dancers are Marlene Evens, Ann Mintoff
and Valerie Graham, who are worth watching for future displays. They
were a great success as the White Roses in the Rose Ballet.
Practice evenings are on Mondays and Thursdays after
school, and there is a late bus which goes on the Paula, Sliema route.
Practice tunics are black (for Third and Fourth year) and white for
First and Second year. Grades are distinguished by coloured head bands,
and the great ambition of every dancer is to possess a white band, which
means that one is a SOLOIST!
Although a bar is one of the essentials of Ballet
practice, we manage very well hanging on to clothes pegs or anything
else we can find. The delivery of some new Gym. stools has been a great
boon...though they may not be used as intended!
This club has achieved a great deal, in creating an
interest in music, and in developing a good sense of posture, which,
strangely enough, was the original intention when we started. The girls
enjoy it, and are working hard on a mimed ballet, together with some
Musical Interpretation.
DRAMA NEWS
We are always keen on fostering an interest in
producing, and there are one or two plays in rehearsal at the moment,
one being a play by the boys of 3b produced by Brian Griffiths. By the
look of the Props this is a Pirate Play! It should prove popular.
There is now a very good theatrical box, in fact, it
is several boxes, and these costumes can be borrowed by anyone wishing
to put on a play. We have quite a few Historical costumes, swords, some
armour, and some spears.
We are always grateful for any gifts of dresses, as
these can be made into costumes. In fact, our present stock is due to
the thoughtful gifts of parents. Our actors and actresses are not very
tall and it is surprising how far one long evening dress can go! The
children, too, are becoming most adept at printing Historical costumes
with patterns made from Lino Cuts. Some of the costumes worn by the
staff in the late Naval Drama Festival were done by the girls and boys
of 3b Juniors, and most effective they were too.
For the benefit of producers, we have now a
THRONE...it looks remarkably like a tea chest painted red, but it is a
throne...and we have a bench, guaranteed to hold at least two people
without collapsing.
So now, you budding producers, let us see some
plays!
ROYAL NAVAL DRAMA FESTIVAL
Verdala entered the Festival this year with a one act
play entitled "Apple Pie Order". It was set in a historical setting, and
some really beautiful shields were painted for it by Miss Stinton, a new
member of the staff.
It was a farce, and owed much of its success to
Shirley Harris and Pamela Lock (the latter, alas, giving her last
performance as she is returning to U.K.). These two took the parts of
Duchesses who were Ladies in Waiting. They were splendid foils to each
other, and made most of the comedy in the play. Shirley Harris is,
indeed, going to be a great asset in any future play, as she has a good,
clear voice, and a fine sense of theatre.
Alma Battey, as Melisande, the "Bad Girl" of the
story, did a wonderful job with her part, moving with grace and
authority, and giving just the right impression. She wore a long crimson
gown which appears to have impressed most of the audience, and was, as
always, a tower of strength to the rest of the cast. Joan Watson, as
Jehanne, was charming, tackling a part which had to balance between the
naive and the practical, with confidence. She did well, particularly in
the emotional scenes and has gained a great deal of Theatre sense. How
beautifully she did say her lines, too.
We borrowed a Senior girl from Tal Handak, to play
the part of one of the Pages. This was Susan Fisher, who had taken our
eye with a very good performance in the School Drama Festival. She had
as foil, Lorna Tierney, and these two pages created quite a good
atmosphere, making much of their parts, and building up a good deal of
comedy.
The queen was played by Barbara Kerahan, a new comer
to the staff, and giving a first performance on the stage. She did well,
because her part demanded a lot of comedy. To play this on one's first
appearance takes some courage. Barbara Instrell moved beautifully, as
Ysabeau, and was complimented by the Adjudicator on her poise and good
voice. Pamela Lee, as Alys, the Kitchen wench, attacked her part with
confidence, and must be congratulated on managing, not only a quick
change of costume, but an entirely different change of character, as the
play demanded.
The play was all female, but the men of the staff
gave their assistance nobly, behind stage. It is always a thankless task
doing this, as one gets all the hard work and none of the glamour. As a
producer, I can only say, we couldn't have done the play without them!
Thank you, chaps! And many thanks to Mrs. Nettleton and Mrs. Kendall,
who sacrificed evening dresses, to make costumes. That was a great
help...all the cast were tall, and each one needed a flowing gown!
MUSIC CLUB
Late in the Autumn Term a choir was formed from forty
children of the third and fourth years. After a few lunch-hour practices
the choir were able to sing two carols "On Christmas Night" and "All My
Heart this Night Rejoices" at the end-of-term Carol Service. On the
strength of this "performance" we were given a Choir Practice in school
time.
The lunch-hour time is now used for the Recorder
Players, about thirty in number. These are mostly beginners, although a
handful have progressed beyond the "BAG" tune. We hope to perform in
Assembly soon.
B.
Kernahanu G. Stinton
THE JUNIOR SCHOOL LIBRARY
The Junior Library continues to flourish and expand.
Admiralty has already sent us a more generous allocation of books and so
far seventy six volumes have arrived and others are on the way. In
addition we have bought and been given many other new books. Some of you
are revelling in them but others are still tied to the Enid Blyton
shelves.
Captain Johns still holds first place with most of
the boys and a few girls too. We now have many copies of Biggies books
of various kinds. The Jennings Books are becoming popular and the Kemlo
books have an appeal to the modern boy interested in the "Space" World.
Humour is provided for the boys in the Bunter and
William series, and girls enjoy these too though they have several
"Jane" books on their own shelves.
For the more sophisticated boy is "The King's Beard",
a story of ships and battle, of courage and hardship, of surprise and
initiative all combined in a sixteen year old boy's account of how he
joined Drake's ships in the daring raid on Cadiz and singed the King's
Beard.
Another popular series with boys (and one girl)
is the cadet edition of "Hornblower Goes to Sea" and "Hornblower Takes
Command". The older boys also enjoy "A Boy's Book of the Sea" by
Monserrat as popular with Fathers as with their sons! For the.
younger toys is "Bombard Goes to Sea" and "The Boys Book of Space". The
third and fourth year boys revel in "The Boys Book of Soccer", "Calling
All Boys", "Black Bob", "Adventure Calling" and any oi the Wonder Books
they can get hold off.
Much attention has been given this year to new-
publications for the younger children. There are many delightful new
books with line drawings and pictures and large print for you,
especially. "Aiinnikin's New Home" is already popular. The "Bear Bus" is
becoming known to some of you. John o' London's Weekly says "These
little bears have made many friends. Easy to see why. They are gay, they
are individual and they are kind."
"The Black Bear Twins" is a true nature story of the
first venturesome weeks of life of the two small furry black bear cubs.
It is hoped that more of you will grow to love Smoky and Tar Baby. If
you like this book you will enjoy "The Porcupine Twins" and "The Beaver
Twins" and all the other Twin animal books.
Children of eight years and over will be fascinated
by "The Little House in the Big Wood" being a family story set in a log
cabin in Winconsin in the days of pioneering when Red Indians and wild
animals lurked outside but gaiety, warmth and a sense of achievement
were found within.
"The Impracticable Chimney Sweep" has all the charm
of the best fairy stories and is full of humour and imagination.
Eleanor Farjeon was awarded the Carnegie Medal and
the Hans Andersen award for 1955 for "The Little Bookroom", As a little
girl she used to find her way to a room in her home where her Father
used to store the dusty overflow volumes from his Lifcrary. She found
this little bookroom a treasure house of delight and has given that name
to a charming collection of her own best stories.
There are two books by Margaret Baker who lives with
her Mother in the Quantock Hills in a house that was once a cider-mill.
Some of her stories have been adapted for children's radio and
television. You should enjoy "Lions in the Potting Shed" and "Nonsense
said the Tortoise".
An addition to the Library this year is the Reference
Section. It is portable and fills ten wooden shelves which can be
carried into the classrooms of the third and fourth year classes. There
is a section for Nature Study, Geography, History, General Knowledge,
Hobbies and Encyclopedias.
Altogether there are 227 books, some very large and
some as small as the fascinating "I Spy" books on all subjects.
One very funny book is "Blood Royal" which traces the
origin of Royalty to the ancient Near East and has the most laughable
expressions on the faces of Kings, Queens and subjects alike.
"Icebergs and Jungles" is already well-read and the
four copies of "My Pets" are favourites. It is to be hoped that the
"Then and There Series" about Medieval Life will soon be here. They
should be as popular as the fllm strip shown to all the third year
children recently. Other reference books on the way are "Adventure of
the World", "Aircraft for All", "Pleasure with Paper", "Tracks Snails
and Sighs", "Your Book of Photography", "In the Steps of Jesus" and
several of the True Book Series.
We have over 1200 books in the fiction Library and we
hope one day to have a room where you can sit down and enjoy the use of
the library and the advice and help of a teacher during a set library
period each week. In the meantime we know how you enjoy taking your
library book home each weekend. We do appreciate the kindness of those
children and parents who occasionally do running repairs to books. We
are also most grateful to the many children who give us their books when
they are packing up to go home.
There are many thousands of delightful children's
books for all ages and on all subjects, and this year we have
concentrated on giving you some of the most up to date publications. We
hope that all 567 of you who are members of our small library will form
the habit and always be lucky enough to have good library facilities
wherever you may be.
A REVIEW FROM "SECRET OF THE BORDER CASTLE"
On each side of the big beam she could just perceive
a dark recess. To get up there was her object. "Dad said the left-hand
one!" she murmured. "I'll climb it somehow!"
Vanessa was agile as a squirrel, or we might say as
an old-fashioned chimney sweep. With a big jump she managed to catch
hold of the chain, and with its help to put fingers and toes into niches
between the stones, and half climbing, half swinging herself up, she
scrambled on to the great beam, and crawled into the recess on the left.
Panting, she rested for a minute, then flashed on her torch.
This book comes from the school library. If you want
to see what happens just try and get it.
Susan Oxford Form
4AJ
A REVIEW FROM "THE CIRCUS OF ADVENTURE"
This book is about four children and a parrot. The
children's names are: Jack and Lucy-Ann Trent who used to live with
their uncle, because they have no mother or father, and Philip and Dinah
Mannering who have no father but a mother.
The adventure begins when Bill (who's a great friend
and a detective) has to hide a boy called Gussy, who is a prince of a
land I will not mention. Bill and Mrs. Mannering get captured. At home
Philip is with the girls as Jack is out bird watching. Some men capture
Philip and the girls but what happens to
Jack ? Don't miss getting "The Circus of Adventure." It
is in the Verdala School Library, by Enid Blyton, and is
a lovely book and well worth having.
Maureen Cleaver Form
4AJ
A REVIEW FROM "THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT MYSTERY MANSION"
You will find this book the most thrilling one you
have ever read.
It starts off by Sing Foo, a Chinese, having a fake
note telling him to go to San Francisco on important business. The
children's aunt tells them that she is looking after the mansion until
Sing Foo returns.
Later on in the story when they have settled down in
the house things begin to happen. Smoky their cat falls down the chimney
and the children phone for the fire brigade who finally bring him up.
As the story gets on a strange man keeps on telling
them to get out of the mansion because he says he has bought it.
Finally Aunt Sally sends a telegram to find out get
this thrilling book of "The Bobbsey Twins at Mystery Mansion."
Peter Bentley Form 4AJ
THE THIEF
Once upon a time there lived a Queen Fish and she was
very beautiful.
One night, before a ball, the King gave the Queen a
beautiful necklace. But when they went to bed a thief came and stole the
necklace. He was a wicked sea-horse and he carried a lantern wherever he
went.
In the morning the King and Queen found out and they
were very sad. Just then a little page-boy swam up and said, "Why are
you looking so sad?" the Queen told him. "It's that wicked sea-horse,"
he said.
They went to tell the policeman (he was the shark).
He soon caught the sea-horse. Then he said, "Tomorrow, I am going to
have sea-horse pie." The Queen got her necklace back and they all lived
happily ever after.
Jacqueline Pearce Infants 1
A CHRISTMAS STORY
(prompted by a tiny picture of a snow-covered church)
Once upon a time, at Christmas time, Judy, Peter,
Mummy and Daddy were going to the church. They were going to see a crib.
It was lovely. There was a little stable with Mary and Jesus in a
manger. The oxen were kneeling by the baby. The Kings were there with
gold crowns on their heads and the baby was about one year old.
Christine Baker Infants 1
|
NOVEMBER 5th
On Bonfire Night I was living with some people and we
had a nice bonfire. We had sparklers and Catherine Wheels. We had lots
of fun. I wasn't doing anything, but when I was just going in, the man
gave me some sparklers, I stayed and watched them. We liked watching the
fireworks go up. The ones I liked best were the Catherine Wheels. I
liked to see them go round and round. I liked the colours.
June Gibbons Infants 1
|
A SAILOR
I'd love to be a sailor,
To sail the seven seas,
Across the wide, wide ocean,
Across to Tripoli.
I'd see all beautiful land,
With ships at the docks and boats at hand,
But if I was to go up in ranks,
I should have to stop my pranks.
John Bennett Form 4BJ
|
A SAILOR
I'd like to be a sailor the seven seas to sail,
Or on a whaling ship to spot the whale,
On a destroyer firing the gun,
Or sailing the Mediterranean 'neath the sun.
Or on a big ship stoking the boilers,
Or steaming down to Suez watching the
oilers,
Or on a patrol boat watching the foam,
Or approaching the land that is my home.
Paul Lewis Form 4BJ
|
By The Sea
Once upon a time I
went for a walk and I saw some birds.
They were flying over the sea and I saw
a boat and it was sailing over the
water. There were seven men in it. It
had two sails. There was a shark near
the boat and the men in the boat were
throwing spears but the missed the
sharks, all the time.
Arthur Booty Infants
2
|
MALTA
Malta is a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. It
is very dusty and there is not much sail so the farmers have to
terrace their land so that the earth does not wash away. Valletta is the
There are lets of shops there. There are toy all kinds of shops. There
is a big garden called Boschetto Gardens. There are lemon trees and
orange trees there. They sell oranges there and it is a nice place for
picnics. There are brightly coloured boats called dghajsas. They have a
piece of wood sticking up in the bow and stern.
Simon Hunter
Form
1B.J
|
NAME
My name is John Larter,
I'm nine years old,
I get up in the morning and do as I'm told,
I'm eager for work and I'm eager for play,
And I run for my bus at the end of the day.
My name is John Larter,
I'm nine years old,
And I never do as I'm told,
I moan at my food and I moan at my play,
And Mummy's fed up at the end of the day.
At eight-o-clock when it's time for bed,
I moan and I moan till my face turns red,
I jump into bed when my prayers are said,
And dream sweet dreams of the stories I've
read.
John Lantar Form 2AJ
|
AN ADVENTURE
I went to the circus where I saw a clown.
He had a red face, he had blue ears, and a big nose. He had
thin legs and orange hair, I liked him. It was getting late
so we went home to have tea. We told Daddy what we had seen.
Josephine Phelps
Infants 2
CAUGHT BY THE TIDE
Once upon a time, all the seaweed had
been washed up on the sand, and it said, "We shall play a
game of 'Catch Me If You Can.'" "All right," said the
others. "The tide will come up as the day goes on and we
shall be swept away,," said one.
One said "Go" and all the seaweed ran
down to the sea and quickly back because a wave was coming
and they did not want to be swept away.
Only one piece of seaweed was caught by
the waves in the morning and that brought misery to the
family "Still, we might meet again one day," said mother
weeping.
The afternoon came and all the seaweed came
out, and one bit said, "Let us see how many can be left by
four o'clock, for the time now is a quarter to two." "What
are you doing? I am going to tell you when it is time to
go," said one. All of a sudden someone said "Go!" All the
seaweed went running down the sand and it was gone because a
big wave covered it all. They had a good day, but had a bad
ending. Nobody knows what happened to that bunch of seaweed.
Susan Gadsden Form 4BJ
|
POEMS FROM INFANTS ONE CLASS
I have a little baby cat, I
give him milk each day, She sleeps upon a
cushion, At the end of the day.
Christine Mordecai
|
I wish I were a fairy, Who lived
in fairyland, With servants to work for me. I
think it might be grand.
Pamela Rhodes
|
I have a little baby
fish, A wriggling in the sea, It always
likes to see me, I give it bread for tea.
Peter Ross
|
I have a little baby dog, . He is so
very sweet.
I took him for a little walk,
And he sat on a seat.
Jennifer
Cockside
|
I wish I were a sailor, A
sailing on the sea, I would put the sails up
Then I'd go for my tea.
Stephen Brewster
|
I wish I were a sailor,
A sailing on the sea.
I'd like to see the pretty
things,
Looking up at me.
Lindesay
Prichett
|
I have a little baby doll,
And she's as good as gold. And everytime I
feed her, I give her a spoon to hold.
Patricia
Bishop
|
I have a little baby doll,
She's so naughty to be dressed.
She kicks and screams and
scratches me,
When I put on her vest.
Christine Baker
|
I have a little baby doll,
Her name is Penny P. She is a little tiny
doll, She likes to play with me.
Susan
Thompson
|
|
MY CAMPING HOLIDAY
Two years ago my Mother, Father and I went for a
camping holiday in Cornwall. We had a big tent to sleep in. Every
morning at seven o'clock I went for a morning swim and when I came back
my breakfast was ready. Mummy used to cook the breakfast on an Alladin
bowl fire. It was a long way down the little path to the hot sand. When
I went down to the beach I had to run across the sand because it was so
hot. If I walked across it I should have burned my feet.
There was a big pool there. It was very deep. My
daddy carried me across a lot of times. In the little rock pools there
were tiny fish.
When it was time to go home I did not want to leave
taut a lovely holiday must come to an end.
Adrian Smith Form 3.CI.
THE DISH WIPER
I wash the plates and then the pots,
I often help at home,
I wipe them with a linen cloth.
And never make a moan.
I often help at home,
And I wash and wipe the bowl,
I make bubbles with the soap,
In the bucket I bring coal.
David Young Form 3.CI.J.
|
DEATH
Down in the church-yard at night,
Under the trees where there shines no
light,
Somebody springs from out of a bush,
The shadow is death, he is in a rush,
He climbs over the wall and is away,
And he's back again at dawn's first ray,
A murder was done that very day,
And somebody new in the earth does lay.
Lorna Phillips Form 4.A.J.
|
MODEL AIRCRAFT
Building model aircraft is a very enthralling hobby.
There are many different and exciting kits to choose from. If you are a
beginner it is better to buy simple aircraft like the Keil Kraft 'Ezibilt'
kits which are rubber powered and quite cheap (about 4/-). The equipment
you should have is a razor blade, a few pins and some balsa cement.
Start by cutting out pieces from the balsa wood cards, then, when
everything is cut out, stick together the fuselage and then stick the
wings and the tail on. When you have done that, fix the undercarriage to
the body, then place the rubber band through the hole in 'the body.
Secure it with a match stick and you have finished the plane. It does
not need painting. After this brief introduction to this constructional
hobby, I wish you the best of luck.
R.
Spedding Form 4BJ
MY HOBBY
I have many hobbies but making Plaster of Paris
models is my best. To make them you get Plaster of Paris, a jam jar. a
spcon, a rubber model and some water and pour it into the rubber model
until it is filled nearly up to the top. Pour it into the jam jar and
mix it with the Plaster of Paris. When it gets quite thick pour it into
the rubber model. Squeeze the air bubbles out and hold it until it is
dry. When it is dry you soak the outside of the rubber model and pull it
back gently. When you have taken it off, leave it for a little while
until it hardens. After, you have painted it you varnish it. It is a
good decoration for any room.
Peter Symons Form
4AJ
LIMERICK
There was a boy from Ree
Who said he would empty the sea,
He started at morn,
And said at dawn
I'll finish it after tea.
Carol
Burton Form 3C1J
MY HOME IN ENGLAND
My home in England is a very nice house. It has a
pond
and a garden. Inside it has a gas cooker, three bedrooms, a
dining room and a front room. Mummy said we could have a
television. In the street there is a park. There are thirty
houses and five trees. There is a lane at the back of the houses.
My daddy gave me seeds to put in the garden. He gave me
a book to look at so that I can put the seeds in the right places.
We had a big garden with a little trough at which the birds
drink. The birds eat at a little house. They have bread and
cake. Paula Robson
Form 1BJ
MY TRIP IN A SUBMARINE
On the 25th of January, 1957, I awoke full of
excitement. I dressed quickly and went into the living room where my
father was waiting.
After we arrived at Msida we went aboard H.M.S. Forth
and my father told the officer on duty that he had permission to take me
to sea for the day in H.M.S. Sentinel. The officer looked at me baffled
and said "All right." After that we went down into the lower deck where
men who did not go home every night were having their breakfast. At 7.30
a.m. we sailed. When we were clear of the harbour I was introduced to
the captain. At 8.30 a.m. we dived and I started to explore the ship.
First of all my father took me to the part of the bows where the torpedo
tubes were. Some of the tubes had notices on them that read "Tube
Flooded". That means there is water in the tube and the weight of the
water is equal to the weight of a torpedo. Next I went into lots of
various places such as: the Asdic Office, the W.T. Office, and the Radar
Office. At 4. 0. p.m. we surfaced and went in search of the sonar-buoys
that the "Shackleton" had dropped. Whilst we were searching for the
buoys a "Sea Hawk" dive bombed us. Previously I had had my photograph
taken having my dinner and looking through the periscope at a
"Shackleton."
Soon we headed for Msida Creek.
M. Fullalove Form 4AJ
THE MOON
The moon shines down in the hall, And glitters
on the garden wall. The silver tree in the garden doth lie
Beyond it, the pretty silver sky. The moon came up big and
round, And gave its glitter upon the ground. It looked a picture
in the sky, And then at last it said "Goodbye!"
Sandra Roberts Form 4BJ
|
THE MOON
Brightly shines that big round ball, Casting
shadows on the wall, On the wall and on the floor, Shining
through my bedroom door.
Brightly shines the moon tonight, Though
'twill soon be out of sight, Then the sun will start to
rise, And brighten up the morning skies.
Fiona
Crichton Form 4BJ
|
JOURNEY INTO SPACE
One day I went for a walk in a field.
Suddenly I saw a space ship on the ground. So I went into
the space ship. I saw some buttons and levers. So I pressed
a button and a lever. Suddenly it took off and I whizzed off
to space. Suddenly I saw a man with red ears and a green
nose, so I got back into the space-ship and I whizzed down
to earth.
Roger Colgate
Infants 2
|
WHEN I GROW UP
When Igrow up I am going to be a Sea
Ranger and I will learn all about the sea. My mother
was a Sea Ranger. She said it was very nice and she told me
all about ships and other things. Mummy said I would be sure
to like it. If I like it I will stay in it a long time.
Sometimes you would go out to sea and you would see the
world.
Ann Bunting Form 1BJ
|
THE WIND
The wind is whirling,
The windmills' twirling,
The daffodils dance in the
breeze,
To the rustling of the old
trees.
The birds in the nest.
All squeeze together,
The leaves are dropping,
In the Autumn weather.
Maureen Cleaver Form
4AJ
|
THE WIND
One windy day as I walked along, The
wind blew my cap in the air, I chased and chased as
far as I could, When I tripped over a bit of wood.
I fell down hard upon my nose, And badly hurt
my head, And when I got home and climbed the stairs,
I had to go to bed.
John Harris Form 4AJ
|
HOW THE FIRST UMBRELLA WAS
INVENTED
Once upon a time there was an elf who
lived in a toadstool. He was the toughest, bravest elf in
the land. One sunny day he came out of his little house
wearing his blue trousers. He heard that a dragon was coming
so they put armour on him. But it began to rain fast so the
Royal Court got ready to find something to keep them dry.
They pulled at a toadstool and it became the first umbrella.
Peter Ross Infants 1
|
THE GOBLIN, THE SNOW AND THE MAGIC
TREE
Once upon a time there was a little
Goblin called Tiny, who lived in a house with a lovely and
neat garden. Tiny had almost everything in it only he did
not have any trees in his garden at all. He very much wanted
one but he could not find anyone who sold them. It was now
winter and snow was already on the ground. Tiny asked
everything in the garden but no one could tell him where to
get a tree. At last Tiny asked the snow if it knew where to
get a tree, and when Tiny asked the snow, it said, "I know
where you can get one Tiny. A pedlar comes around at 2
o'clock at night to your district and whispers "Trees,
Trees, Id. for a tree." You can get one then" said the snow.
"Oh thank you!" said Tiny. At 2 o'clock that night Tiny got
a magic tree which grants wishes, so he lived happily ever
after.
Brenda Harvey Form 2AJ
|
A SNOWSTORM
See the snowflakes falling From the
sky so grey, Hear the children calling As merrily
they play. See the snowflakes falling Gently to the
ground, See the snowflakes dropping Dropping with no
sound.
Susan Oxford Form 4AJ
|
THE RAIN
How beautiful is the rain Though like the
clatter of hoofs, It pounds upon the roofs And on the window
pane.
How beautiful is the rain After the dust and
heat, Of the broad and fiery street And the narrow lane.
How beautiful is the rain But then the
thunder roars And down the gutter pours, The rain, the
welcome rain.
Derek Holness Form 4AJ
|
SPRING
Autumn has gone, and winter's here, Spring will
shortly come, When all the flowers come back again, Winter is
really done.
All sorts of flowers grow on the bank, Spring is
here again, The time when all things liven up, The time for it
to rain.
Fay Jennings Form 4AJ
|
THE BIRD AND HIS FAMILY
Once upon a time there was a little bird and it lived
in a tree and fed on bread. The tree was big and very fat. The bird
lived in a hole in the tree with his wife and three children.
Josephine Phelps Infants 2
|
MY MODEL OF H.M.S. TORQUAY
I began to make a model of H.M.S. Torquay because I
saw a picture of her in the centre-page of the comic "Eagle". I brought
the picture to school and started making the model in the handwork
lessons.
Mr. Willsher, my teacher, told me that I would need
match boxes, match sticks, cardboard, and lots of newspaper.
Sometimes I took the model home to improve her. One
time I took her home to put on the rigging and crowds of people came
round me. Mr. Willsher made some grey paint to paint the model. I was
finished in about six weeks.
One day when the class had come in from assembly I
was told I was to have tea with the Captain of the Torquay. After, all
the boys heard this they started making models of Torquay, hopefully.
My visit to Torquay was postponed for about a month
because she had to go to Suez. One Friday, Miss Vasey sent for me. I
went to her room and she said that on the coming Friday I would go
onboard H.M.S. Torquay, with my model.
I waited until the Friday came then after school I
went to Miss Vasey's office.
Later on I got into her car and we drove to the
dockyard. We parked the car and walked down Torquay's gang-plank where
we were met by an officer and two ratings. The officer showed me over
the upper deck and inside the bridge before going for tea.
The Captain could not have tea with us so the officer
who showed us round took us into the Wardroom for tea. I had orange
squash, toast and buns. We were taken into the Captain's cabin and shown
a very beautiful model of Torquay made by the Captain. Afterwards I was
asked if I wanted to see the engine-room and I said "Yes!"
The officer explained each thing to me and showed how
the engines worked. He then asked me if I wanted to see the bottom of
the ship. I went down a different gang plank to the dockside, and walked
down the steep steps to the bottom of the dock. I was shown the
propellers, rudders and asdic. The asdic is used for detecting
submarines underwater.
We went on board again and said "Goodbye!" after a
very enjoyable two hours on board.
Brian Marsh Form 3AJ
A SPRING MORNING
It is a spring morning and the sun is shining
brightly. It is making the dew glitter on the grass blades. The lambs
are frisky and bright as they dance in circles round the older sheep
There is a gentle breeze blowing as all this
happens.
As well as all this, on the grass there are pretty
spring flowers.
Everything is bright and happy as I walk through the
fields on this sunny, early spring morning.
Susan Stewart Form 2AJ
|
THE PEACOCK
The peacock is different colours, I love to
touch a feather And see his hundred glittering spots That shine
in sunny weather,
Suzanne Scholfield Form 3CIJ
|
THE ROBIN
I saw a Robin Redbreast upon a big Oak tree,
He sang a song so gaily I think he sang to me.
The sun was shining brightly The Robin came
to see, What he could find for supper And I went into tea.
Susan Wilkinson Form 4BJ
|
THE FUNNY
DREAM
What a laugh,
What a scream.
What a funny little dream,
Kangaroos and Koala Bears,
In the lounge and up the stairs,
Down again, out and in,
Goodness Gracious what a din.
Lynne Felters Form 4AJ
|
THE PARTY
Once upon a time there lived a little pixie in
pixieland and his name was Glenn. One day he had a message from the
Queen to say that they were going to have a party that very day. When
they were in the palace eating the cake, they heard a noise. They looked
out and saw a storm. The Queen was very frightened so were the pixies.
They could not go home, so they went to sleep with the King and Queen.
Jacqueline Pearce Infants 1
|
BROWNIES
At Brownies we do many exciting things, we play games
and do hard work as well.
We go for outings in the summer. Last year we went to
see Lady Baden Powell and I got her autograph. We went to Military Bay
last year and had a lovely day there.
I joined the Brownies when I was seven and I'm glad I
joined because I enjoy it. I want to fly up to the Guides.
Sheila Ellard Form 4BJ
|
CHRISTMAS AND EASTER
On Christmas Day the bells are ringing
And in the church the choirs are singing
"Ding, dong! Ding, dong!" went the bells
While in the church the voices swell.
On Good Friday we have a feast
Of hot cross buns which were soaked in grease
On Easter Day we cheer and play
For we have easter eggs that day
Whilst in the church the suns great ray,
Turns our hair from black to grey.
Peter Hayden Form 4AJ
|
THE OLD AGE
There's the master's stone age grave There
lies the master's son named Dave So the story tells of age
By the bent and humble slave.
Year by year the stories told Daily tended
by young and old In humble amazement there The past unfurls
a mystery air.
Peter Whitby Form 4AJ
|
GARDEN FLOWERS
Red, white, green and blue, Pretty flowers so
frail, Daffodils and tulips, Dancing in the gale.
Hollyhocks and geraniums. All so tall and gay,
Swaying in the wind and breeze, On a
summers day.
Rosalyn Robertson
Form 4AJ
|
MALTA
Malta is a small island in the Mediterranean
Sea. It is quite rocky and there are quite a lot of bays. There
is a big harbour called Grand Harbour. Lots of ships go into
Grand Harbour. The farmers have to terrace their land because it
does not rain much. Valletta is the capital of Malta and there
are lots of shops. There are lots of green fields in spring
time. The dghajsas take people from ships.
John Rayner Form 1BJ
|
MONKEY TRICKS
I know a little monkey,
His fur was white and grey,
He used to live upon the moors,
But very sad to say,
He danced over the hill and down the
dale,
He danced so far his bread was
stale,
And still to this very day,
We don't know why he danced away
Sandra Bell Form 3C1J
|
THE LION
The lion stands in the jungle,
He's ready for a fight,
You know he is very fierce,
He's hunting every night.
Jane Stubbs Form 3C1J
|
MY HOME IN ENGLAND
In England my garden is bigger than my home
and in the garden there are lots of flowers. My grandfather let
me have part of the garden and my uncle sent me a book with
seeds in it. My father made me a nice Union Jack of flowers.
There were lots of other colours as well as red, white and blue.
We have a front garden and a back garden.
Nicholas Linkins Form 1BJ
|
THE PARTY
Once upon a time there lived a pixie in
pixieland. One day there came a rat-a-tat-tat on his door. He
said. "Who is that knocking on my door?" "It is I, John the
postman," was the reply, then he came in. "What do you want?"
asked Peter the pixie. "I have brought you a letter." "Thank
you," said Peter, and he opened it. It said, "To Peter from the
Fairy Queen. Come to the party." So Peter got ready and he was
soon at the party. Suddenly a storm came and Peter was
frightened. He couldn't go home, so he slept in the castle.
Stephen Brewster Infants 1
|
SHIPS
The ships that come to Malta,
Are very often grey,
I like to stand and watch them,
Sail in Msida Bay.
The ships that come to Malta,
Let down their heavy anchor,
There is one big ship,
Which is an oil tanker.
June Christison Form
3C1J
|
APPLES AND CHANGES
I know a lady who's bright and gay, Who
stands at the corner all the day, Selling oranges sweet
and sour, Doing her knitting every hour. By the side of
the lady, Stands a little girl called Sadie, Selling
apples sweet and juicy, Talking to her sister Lucy.
Elizabeth Raven Form
4BJ
|
A TRIP TO SEA
One day in the summer holidays my father took
me on board H.M.S. Manxman for the day. At 8.30 we left harbour
to look for submarines. I sat on a little table on the bridge
whilst my father was speaking to the captain. Ten minutes
later we saw a green flare arise from the sea. This meant that
the submarine had fired a torpedo at the ship, but it was only
practice, the ship was not sunk. We went away from the submarine
to practice again. This time all the men were looking for the
periscope with binoculars and telescopes, tout the Asdic man
shouted, "Echo!" and some numbers. The Captain turned the ship
and a man threw over board two hand grenades that went bang and
the submarine sent up a Smoke Candle to say they had been found.
It was then dinner time. After our meal we went to another place
to do some practice shooting with the small guns at a target
behind an aircraft. The aircraft kept going up one side and down
the other while the gunners practiced shooting. The shots were
very near but the target never came down. Later we came back
into Sliema and tied up to the two buoys.
Peter Whitby
Form 4AJ
THE PRINCESS AND THE MAGICIAN
Once upon a time, there stood a castle in
which a magician lived. He was quite an old magician so he
wanted someone to look after him.
One day a princess came wandering through the
trees, looking for her pet monkey. The princess had a lovely
hair-band that, when the sun caught it, it would twinkle.
It was a beautiful spring morning, and the
birds were singing their sweet song when the princess's
hair-band caught the sun and it shone.
When the magician looked down he saw the
hair-band and then he caught sight of the princess, He thought
for a moment and then he shouted out, "Hey you down there." The
princess looked .up "What is it?" she cried. "Come up here," he
replied. i "How can I?" said the princess. "Wait down there,"
said the magician. The princess waited and soon the magician
came back to the window with a long ladder. The princess climbed
up the ladder and found herself in the castle with the old
magician. "Now," he said, "I want you to be my wife, and do all
my work for me. I am too old to work." "No," said Rose (the
princess), "Yes," replied the magician. "No," said Rose.
Then the magician flew into a temper. "I
shall turn you into a frog," he said and with that he took
his wand and turned her into a frog. So now Rose is living in a
pond.
Alison Macey Form 2AJ
THE GUINEA-PIG
Oh how did that there Guinea-pig
Grow without a tail,
I think it was that thing-um-a-jig
Who made him have no tail.
One day that horrid thing-um-a-jig,
Came waddling under full sail,
And went right up to the hut of that
pig,
And snipped off all his tail.
Nicholas Allen Form 4AJ
|
THE ESKIMO
In the land of ice and snow,
Lives the hardy Eskimo,
In his snow hut called igloo,
He's as snug as me and you.
For his food he eats bear's
meat,
Blubber too to give him heat,
Seal and bear and Artie Bird,
Tallow candles, so I've hear
David Kingdom Form 4AJ
|
WITCHS MAGIC
Once upon a, time there lived a fairy. One
day she met a witch. The fairy was very poor, so the witch made
a magic spell over her. The fairy was so pleased that she asked
her to tea, but she only had bread and butter. The witch made
some magic over her plates and all her plates changed into gold,
and they all lived happily ever after.
June Gibbons Infants 1
|
THE WITCH
There in the wood the old witch stood
Her eyes so fierce and grey
Midst mumbling and grumbling, she put on her
hood
Then astride her broom with her cat she
stood.
There on her broom
She flew off to the moon
Some spells for her to collect
Her cat on the end said "Oh what a shame,
You witches get all the fame."
Rita Couch Form 4AJ
|
SHIPS
My dad was a Royal Marine and was on H.M.S. Sheffield
in the year 1942 when the Royal Navy was trying to sink the German
battleship Scharnhorst, for it was one of the Nazi's biggest
battleships. In that time most English cruisers kept together to hit big
Nazi battleships Graf Spee and Bismark. The Belfast and Sheffield were
always together like the Exeter and Ajax. That was how they sank the
Nazi battleship Graf Spee. Then in the year 1942 H.M.S. Sheffield and
Belfast sank the Nazi battleship Scharnhorst. My dad took a photograph
of the Scharnhorst sinking.
David Hudson Form 3C1J
|
MY TRIP ON THE FORTH
One morning I woke early and suddenly remembered I
was going on H.M.S. Forth on an exercise. We weighed anchor at 10.30
a.m. and started moving slowly at first, and then faster as we picked up
more speed. My father had supplied us with binoculars, so when we went
past the harbour entrance all eyes scanned the horizon for a speck of
black which would reveal H.M. Submarine "Tudor's" periscope. Finally a
flare told us that the "Tudor' 'was surfacing. At twelve o'clock we went
down for lunch. At approximately 1.15 we sighted a herd of dolphins and
spent a pleasant 15 minutes watching them. At 1.30 we sighted "Decoy";
we commenced with the exercise. We had tea at 4 o'clock and then we left
"Forth" by launch and came into Msida Creek.
Michael Lucas Form 4A
|
CLOUDS
The clouds are many different shapes,
The black ones are nimbus,
They bring the rain,
And the curved ones are cirrus.
Some times clouds bring rain,
Some times they bring sun,
And we always wish
The cumulus would come.
Linda Haesler Form 3C1J
|
MY HOME IN ENGLAND
In England I have a lovely house. Over the fence
there is a horse. When I was going to feed him he nearly bit my fingers
so I ran away. I ran up and down. I loved it. We have red garage
doors and a red gate. We have a very big garden. I have a dolls house
and dolls furniture. We lived in it for three months. I like to look at
the builders. I like to climb up the ladder of a crane. I have a bedroom
all for myself. My dolls-house is by my bed. We have a hole in the roof
and we put our boxes in it. We have a cupboard in which we put our
clothes. It keeps them dry too.
Lynne Chapman Form 1BJ
|
ROADWAYS
One road leads to Mosta, Where there is
a dome, One road leads to Sliema, And the other leads me
home. One road leads to the grocers, One road leads to
town, One road leads me up the road, And the other leads
me down.
Andrew McLeod Form 2AJ
|
AN AFTERNOON AT
ARMIER
One sunny afternoon I was asked out to Armier
beach with some friends.
We went in their car. They have a little girl
called Lisa. I sometimes play with her.
When we got there, first of all we put our
bathing suits on and then we jumped into the water. We had a long
swim then we had tea at the beach. When we went home I told my
mother I had a lovely afternoon.
Anthea Jessica Watson Form 2AJ
|
WHEN OUR CAR BROKE DOWN
As we have a 1938 affair of a car, it is not a wonder
that it broke down.
She is quite a "good girl" as we say, and we call her
Genavieve, Jenny for short. It happened one day when we decided to climb
a hill, (a very steep one too). We managed to get halfway up, when
suddenly, Jenny revved up, and stopped. Daddy said, "That's it!"
We were quite a bit shaken, so Daddy said, "Well we'd
better get her down again." Off we went, Alison and Andrew, (the twins)
in the car, but Mummy and I got out, and walked.
When we were down again we parked in a convenient
place, and Mummy and Alison went to see the garage man, who said it was
the crankshaft that had broken.
Mummy, Alison, Andrew and I went home on a Mellieha
bus, and Daddy came on later, being towed by a lorry. When we had all
had a bath and had changed into our night-clothes, Mummy said, "Quite an
exciting day!"
Ann Macey Form 4 A
|
MY TRIP TO ITALY
In 1955 I went
with my parents on a two week trip to Italy. It was in the
summer holidays in August that we went. First we took a taxi to
the Phoenicia Hotel and then we took an airbus to Luqa Airport
to catch a B.E.A. plane. The journey lasted two hours and when
we arrived at the Airport in Rome we were taken to a
waiting-room. After that we went on a bus along a road that had
notices all along it. At last, we were walking along a wide road
to our hotel. While we were in Rome we saw the Colossseum, and
had a trip to Tivoli, a place just outside Rome. There was a
lovely waterfall there. We had tea there as well. Next we went
to Milan and saw Milan Cathedral and almost went to the top,
daddy took my picture and it turned out ever so funny. Then we
went to Florence. Next we went to Streiza near the Lake Magiori
and on the way we passed some places, Burano, and Murano. It was
lovely in Streiza and we saw some lovely gardens there. We then
went to Venice and had a hotel in a very narrow street and we
saw the church there. Then we went to Rome again and there we
caught the plane back to Malta
Fay Jennings Form 4AJ
|
A VISIT TO THE PALACE ARMOURY
We went to the Palace Armoury in August with some
relations who were staying with us. When we got there we paid the
fee and went up the stairs, through a revolving door and emerged in
the Armoury. After looking round a bit my brother rushed off and
after a while he came back and announced that he had seen an
aeroplane. I followed him and there stood the Gloster Gladiator
"Faith", now without wings or body plating because they are at the
War Museum, London. There are torpedoes, cannon, cannon balls, an
Italian howitzer, swords, axes, spears, the George Cross of Malta
and many other things. If you are interested and have not been there
before I strongly recommend you to visit the Palace Armoury.
Peter Kendall Form 4AJ
|
THE LITTLE GOBLIN
There was a little Goblin Who got
married yesterday, He had a little pony Whose name was
Dapple Brey.
Little Goblin and his wife Thought they
would settle down To a long and happy life Just outside
of town.
They were happy everyday As happy as can
be, Together with little Dapple Brey They all lived
happily.
Alan O'Hagan Form 4BJ
|
THE STORY OF HELEN OF TROY AS TOLD BY AN INFANT
Once there was a great Lady. Her name was Helen and
she was beautiful. Prince Paris took her to Troy. The King of Sparta
brought her back, but before they got her back there was a long war.
Ullysses thought of making a wooden horse, so that
the soldiers could hide. A lot of Trojans were captured. Helen is at
home now.
Patricia Bishop Infant 1
|
MONDAY MORN
It's Monday morn and dad's in a hurry, He
eats his breakfast down with a flurry, Then hurries off in
Sliema bus,-His destination Lascarus.
Michael Lucas Form 4AJ
|
OUR CLASSROOM
In our classroom we have a Portrait Gallery. We have
only eight pictures upon the wall so far, but we are working for more.
Over to the right of them are our Guy Fawkes: we have ten of those.
I think they are very good. In the corner of the
classroom we have some paintings of clowns in every colour you can think
of. To the left of them we have some pictures of the Spanish Main. Some
of the ships show fighting but others don't. Some of the paintings I
think show a lot of care. I like painting patterns best, pictures are
far more complicated.
Patricia Morris Form 4BJ
|
MY HOBBY
My favourite hobby is Aircraft Study. I find it very
interesting too. I've got a big box full of books about them and plenty
of photographs as well My uncle is an engineer and works for Skyways
Airways and he takes me into some planes. He has taken me into a Hermes,
a Dakota D.C.3., a Viking and a York.
In England I went in an Auster A,O.P.14. I went about
7000 ft. up, didn't I go green, as it was my first flight in a plane. I
still think Aircraft Study is a good hobby.
David Stray Form 4AJ
|
STAMP COLLECTING
I began to save stamps when I was four. I saved
stamps from all over the world, but I now only save stamps which are
British Colonies. I received a stamp book, a crown one with 80 leaves
and more pages can be bought to fit in at 4/6 for 25. The main country
in my collection is Malta. I have a set from the id. to the 2/-. The
two-shilling is worth £2 - 5s. - Od., the five shilling is worth 18/6.
I hope to get the 2/6 and 10/- soon. I have about
1,000 stamps, all British Colonies.
P. Bromley Form 4AJ
AMBUSHED
A cowboy rose at break of day,
And said "I must be on my way,"
So he saddled up and rode away,
Soon he came upon a shack,
Then he heard a rifle crack,
He fell wounded in the back,
His blood ebbed out upon the
track.
From the undergrowth arose,
A dirty leer upon his face,
A slimy halfbreed by the name of
Jose,
Boded ill for cowboy Race,
With a squirm our hero drew his
gun,
And blasted Jose to Kingdom
come,
Race's life was also done,
For he died beneath the mid-day
sun.
Kenneth Bratton Form 4BJ |
THE PIRATE SHIP
Once in the days of old,
When pirates roamed the water
The Castle met a Pirate bold,
There followed a great
slaughter.
They fought upon each others
deck
With dagger and with sword.
"Come on lads, put their ship to
wreck,"
The Captain of the Castle
roared.
The Castle though she valiantly
fought
The pirates were too many
They plundered on leaving nought
And nor did they leave any.
Richard Moon Form 4AJ |
MY TRIP ON A DESTROYER
I got up at about half past six in the morning. I was
just about to doze off again when Daddy came past my bedroom and said.
"Time to get up, Nick."
After I had got myself all dressed up in a thick
pull-over Daddy and I got into the car and drove away. (Mumrny was there
to drive the car back).
We soon arrived at the place where an H.M.S. Dainty
boat was waiting for us. Mummy said good-bye to us and drove away while
we got in the boat. We soon arrived at the 'D' Class Destroyer and
climbed up a rope ladder on to the deck. Captain Gibson (the Captain of
the ship) was there to meet us. We went straight to his cabin and had a
cup of coffee.
After that we went up on to the bridge. Suddenly we
started moving, I had no idea that the engines had started until I found
that we were moving. A sailor came with a bundle of flags. He undid the
bundle and put some in some holes at the side of the ship. Daddy told me
that they were to tell what speed we were going to another Destroyer
H.M.S. Carisfort who was coming up at our stern. We were on an exercise
to pick up by radar, a submarine which was under water.
H.M.S. Carisfort was coming up at seventeen knots,
while we had reduced from fourteen knots to seven knots. I was still
gazing about when the Captain said, "What about going and having your
breakfast down in my cabin now? you see I have my breakfast up here."
While we were having breakfast we had to keep our
cups from tipping over with the roll of the ship. Our breakfast
consisted of, first of all a fruit, then some Corn-Flakes with tinned
milk, toast with fried egg on top, fried spam, arid then toast and
marmalade.
After we had had our breakfast we went up on to the
bridge again. I was given a pair of binoculars to look through.
After a while daddy said, "Come down to the Ops room
(the Operations Room) with the Captain and me." In the Ops room there
were all sorts of gadgets. Some for showing what course we were going,
some for seeing where Carisfort was, and one showing the outline of
Malta and Gozo. While we were in the Ops room "Bangs" of the aeroplanes
guns went off.
After we had been in the Ops room we went back onto
the bridge. Soon the message came from the Ops room that the submarine
had been found. So we left H.M.S. Carisfort to surface the submarine,
while we went off at thirty-two knots to fire at a target towed by a tug
called Mediator. First of all we plugged cotton wool in our ears. (If we
hadn't the noise of the guns would make our ear-drums burst). When the
guns did fire they made a terrible noise.
Soon we arrived at Grand Harbour. When we had
anchored we had our lunch. The lunch consisted of, first of all
vegetable soup, and then potatoes, omelette with meat inside and peas,
and for pudding we had jam-roll and custard.
When we had got down from lunch the Captain produced
very kindly for me, a lovely penknife, a sailors cap band and a
photograph of H.M.S. Dainty. Before lunch I had been down to the engine
room and the boiler room.
After we had had a sit-down after lunch we got into a
boat and went to Customs House. Mummy was there to meet us, and then we
went home.
Nicholas Allen Form 4AJ
A PARTY
Have you ever been to a party? If you have you will
know it was very gay with all the games to play, like Blind Man's Buff,
Hide the Thimble, Ring-a-Ring of Roses. You play lots more games too. I
have been to lots of parties. I liked Manoel Island party. If you went I
suppose you liked it when you were watching films, playing on the round-abouts,
having slides, and trying to put on the donkey's tail. If you have ever
been to your friend's party 1 suppose you would enjoy it very much. At
nearly every party you receive a parcel and give one. I expect every
party is jolly and gay.
Christine Grossman Form 3C1J
|
THE ROBIN AND THE BUMBLE BEE
The little red robin high up in a tree,
Talking to the bumble bee, Said robin with his breast so
red, I'm feeling tired so I'm going to bed.
Sheila M. Smith Form 4AJ
|
THE TWINS
Once upon a time there was a boy and girl. They were
twins. The boy was called John and the girl was called Mary. One morning
John said, "May Mary and I go out into the hills and take our dinner and
tea with us?" Mother said they could but told them to be back before
six-o-clock. So off they set "Let us have a little sleep before having
our dinner." John said, humming a tune. At last they found a nice spot.
Mary said, "All right." So they had a sleep. They woke up about
half-past eleven. John said, "Let us have dinner." So they set out their
dinner. Afterwards they picked some flowers. At last it was time to eat
tea. After tea they set off home. They went to bed as soon as they got
home.
Heather A. Ellsey Form 1BJ
|
COMMENTS IN INFANTS CLASS I
Definition of Paradise "A man who can't walk."
Local Spot Bus-eeder Round-bout.
(Msida round-about with bus in
mind).
"Charming" description of the Headmaster's new car by
"you know who" "cream with pink spots on it."
Malta (Com)plications
"Do children in Britain use the Britainplication
Table instead of the Maltaplication Table?"
|
A PRAYER
Father we thank thee for everything,
For the many birds that sing,
For the flowers that open everyday,
And for the sun that shows the way;
For the people that I know
And for the flowers at my feet,
I love them all.
Christine Herrington Form 3C1J
|
EXAMS
How we tremble, how we shake How we quiver, how we
quake, How we line up at the door, Crawl unwillingly across the floor.
Take our seats with trepidation Accept our papers with
hesitation, The dreaded moment at last has come, The examinations have
begun.
Ann Downie Form 4AJ
|
TAL HANDAK SECONDARY SCHOOL PRIZEGIVING
Prize Day at Tal Handak was on Wednesday, 21st
November. The Flag Officer Malta, Rear-Admiral W. G. Brittain presided
and Lady Grantham presented the prizes and certificates. Admiral Sir Guy
Grantham, GCB CBE DSO., Commander-in-Chief Mediterranean was also
present, and other guests included H.H. The Lieutenant Governor and Mrs.
Trafford-Smith, Captain the Earl of Roden. Instructor Captain and Mrs.
A. H. Miles, and Heads of Malta Schools and Colleges.
The programme included songs by the school and choir;
opening remarks by the Flag Officer Malta; the Headmaster's Report which
is reprinted below ; and after the presentation of the prizes. Lady
Grantham asked Admiral Brittain to grant the school a holiday - a
fitting end to a most successful and enjoyable afternoon.
PROGRAMME
1. School Song.Admirals All ... W. Veitch.
- The Flag Officer Malta - Rear-Admiral W. G. Brittain, CBE.
- Headmaster's Report.
- Songs by the School Choir.
Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring ...J.S.Bach.
Now oh Land and Sea Descending ... Handel
- Presentation of Prizes and Certificates by Lady G. Grantham.
- Song by the School.
I vow to thee my country Gustav Holst.
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN
The Prize-Winners were:-
1AG
Kathleen Pilsbury, Malcolm Grant, Peter Tribe. |
2CM Victoria Lowe, Patricia McElhatton, Michael
Coles. |
1AM Helen Coombs, Jaqueline Gilpin,
Pauline Slade. Progress Fredk. Green. |
3AG Elizabeth Furness, Graham Benfield, Derek
Hammond. |
1BG Angela Denman, Pauline Bentley,
Barbara Mortimer. |
3AM David Harvey, Priscilla Spencer, Patricia
D'arts |
1BM Colin Symonds, Jeanne Ashton, John
Byrne. |
3BG Pamela Hunt, Beryl Brierley & Geoffrey
Gibbons. |
1CG Carol Ann Gowan, Peter Hayes,
Anthony Perks. |
3BM Thomas Turner, Lilian Mundy, Malcolm Harris. |
1CM Michael Fenn, Eileen Brown,
Marlene Ashby. |
3CM Geoffrey Day, Clifford Foreman, Barry Gay. |
1DM Terence Francis, Anthony Azzopardi,
Michael Ingram. |
4G John Knight, Richard Beavis, Marion Watson. |
2AG Elizabeth Allen, Amanda Tapley,
Rosamund Bruce. |
4AM Terence O'Connell, Pamela Jeffreys, Doreen
Kemp. |
2AM Brian Shackleton, Pamela Cross,
Michael Hunt & Charles Bromley. |
4BM Lawrence Belcher, William Lear, James Smith. |
2BG Marilyn Williams, Peter Sulman,
Ann Buckland Pinnock. |
5G Gerald Whitehouse, Christopher Beavis, Craig
Love. |
2BM Raymond Felters, Malcolm Bunting,
Mary Pace. |
5M Norma Leask, Helen Acton, Anne Stimpson. |
2CG Brenda Little, Lynn Hughes. |
|
Subject |
Prizes |
Art |
4G Jeffrey Instone. 1AG
Kathleen Pilsbury. |
History |
5G Gerald Whitehouse. |
Domestic Science |
6G Wendy Hayes |
Craftsman's Certificate |
4AM David Harvey |
R.S.A. Certificates |
Joan Constance Madeline Couzins Sheila
Fisher Marie Harrison Norma Leask |
HEADMASTER'S REPORT - PRIZE DAY ,
21st NOVEMBER,
1956
Headmaster welcomed the Commander-in-Chief and Lady
Grantham; H.H. the Lieutenant Governor and Mrs. Trafford Smith; Admiral
and Mrs. Brittain; Captain the Earl of Roden; and other guests, and
said:
Since Captain Miles opened the School at Tal Handak
in May, 1946, numbers have grown at an average rate of approximately 200
a year, and we are now a little over 1,900. When I joined in May 1954,
the number of Teachers was 51; now it is 75. In a little over two years,
the Secondary School has grown from 473 to 796, we have had 141
different teachers, the help of 18 Padres, and 10 Secretaries; and since
1st January this year, no less than 1,130 new children have joined the
School - a turnover of over 220 each month.
Accommodation is still a major problem, in spite of
the fact that since Admiral Brittain came to Malta in August, 1954, 21
classrooms have been added to the School (13 at Tal Handak and 8 at
Verdala). Part of the field has been improved by levelling; and we are
hoping soon to have a new entrance at Tal Handak to relieve dangerous
congestion among the buses. For these additions and improvements, we
have to thank the Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Brittain, Captain Jay, the
Fleet Instructor Officer (Captain Miles), and the Dockyard Departments
who have done the work. Unfortunately the end is not yet in sight. This
afternoon, I have sent home nearly 300 children because there was not
room for them in the Hall, and we are hoping for enough money next year
to improve the Dining Hall; to build a Gymnasium, and another three
rooms; and to improve the general layout of Tal Handak, which at present
is more like a village than a school.
Since September, the facilities for Woodwork, Domestic
Science, Needlework, and Art, have been expanded; we now have two rooms
for each of these subjects; and high on my priority list of requirements
are a Music Room and extra rooms for Light Crafts, Science, and
Commercial Subjects. The main change in the curriculum this year has
been the introduction of Metal-work for Senior Boys In the Modern
Department, who now spend one afternoon a week in the Dockyard. Typing
classes for the for girls have ceased, but will be re-started as soon as
possible; and Games, we are still using a field belonging to the Army;
and Sports Grounds at Takali, Safi, Corradino, and the Marsa. We have
also been to Luqa; and we are grateful to all three Services, and the
Marsa Committee, for the privilege of using these grounds.
We had the usual good result in the General Certificate
of Education at Ordinary and Advanced Level. This year it was the boys
turn to do better than the girls, but some encouraging results were
obtained by the girls from the Modern Department. Boys and girls have
also taken Common Entrance; Civil Service; Royal Society of Arts; and a
variety of Apprenticeship Examinations, and some boys in the Modern
School are now preparing for the new Royal Society of Arts Technical
Certificate. Recently a number of boys have joined from Technical
Schools in England, and 1 have been concerned to find that their
standards are well below the standards reached by "A" Stream classes in
the Modern Department of this School. We hear a lot these days about
Technical Education, and it is very easy to get confused, taut a good
boy from the Technical School should be able to hold his own in
Mathematics and Science, and possibly other subjects, to G.C.E. Level,
with boys from Grammar Schools; and this standard must not be allowed to
fall. Possibly the new Royal Society of Arts Technical Certificate will
be a useful pointer to standards expected of boys from Technical
Schools, and bright boys from the Modern Schools.
In April, we had a General Inspection, which
personally I found very helpful. During their travels, Inspectors
see some first-class teaching, and acquire a clear picture of what
standards should be. They commented very favourably on the tone of
this School, and it is very gratifying to read in their report, and
I quote - "that the standard of work in Service Schools in Malta is
at least up to the average; that the best of the teaching is as good
as the best in U.K.; and that parents can feel confident that their
children do not suffer educationally by attending Service Children's
Schools in Malta." This is a real tribute to the Staff, who carry
out their work in such unusual and difficult conditions, and will
encourage parents who naturally wonder how the move to Malta will
affect their son or daughter's education. We are, in fact, fortunate
that so many parents take such a keen interest in the School, and
give their children so much encouragement, because it is well known
that the family and home background have the greatest influence on a
boy or girl's progress.
In this short review, I have only time to mention
a few of our many and varied activities. The Royal Marine Commandant
at Ghain Tuffieha, and Commanding Officers of H.M.S. "Ranpura" and
"St. Angelo," have generously supported our Outward Bound Courses
and given us facilities for Boatwork (pulling, sailing, and power
boats), some boys have been to sea in an R.A.F. Air/Sea trips to
Italy - first when a party of boys climbed Etna at Easter, and later
when a party of 40 went to Rome, Florence and Venice. Rescue Launch
for a night exercise; and there have been two Last Christmas,
classes from the Modern School produced their own short plays, and
competed with great enthusiasm for a day's holiday: everyone got a
great deal of fun and enjoyment from the School Production of H.M.S.
Pinafore; and in July, we were glad to welcome competitors from
other Service Schools to a Music Festival, which we hope will become
an annual event.
All well-established activities, like the Scouts,
Guides, and Life Saving, have continued as usual. It is impossible
to mention them all, but I would like to thank ALL (parents,
friends, and Staff), who have been in any way responsible for
organising activities which have given pleasure to so many of you.
Lastly a word to the School - all of you are old
enough to understand your parents' worries, and the need for each
one of you in these troubled days to spare no effort to overcome the
handicap of changing Schools, and to take full advantage of your
opportunities. Good intentions are not enough - it requires a
sustained personal effort, if you are to acquire the habit of
working hard; and natural good manners, which, as you have heard me
say many times, are always to your own advantage.
And so, Sir, with the backing and encouragement
of parents; and the method and discipline of the School; the stage
is set for boys and girls to do their best in a vigorous and
cheerful manner, and we hope they will always try to be a credit to
their parents, to the School, and to themselves.
1956 G.C.E. RESULTS ... ADVANCED LEVEL
Boys |
|
Keith Elliott |
English
Literature, French, History. |
Malcolm
Livingstone |
History,
Geography |
Robert Ware |
English Literature, History.Pure
Mathematics, |
Michael Yorke |
English
Literature, Geography, |
Girls |
|
Anne Ashworth |
English
Literature, Geography, Art. |
Rosalind Newman |
Art |
Wendy Hayes |
Cookery. |
1956 G.C.E. RESULTS ORDINARY LEVEL
Boys |
|
Girls |
|
John Allen |
English Language and
Literature, History. |
Helen Acton |
Needlework. |
Christopher Beavis |
English Language and
Literature, Latin French, History, Religious Knowledge,
Geography, Mathematics |
Lesley Cole |
English
Language, History, Art. |
Anthony Benfield |
English Language and
Literature, Mathematics |
Madelaine
Couzins |
English
Language. |
Roger Chandler |
English Language, Latin, French Mathematics,
Physics, Chemistry. |
Eliza Dick
|
English
Language, French, Art. |
David Edwards |
English Language- and
Literature, History, Religious Knowledge, Geography,
Mathematics, Physics |
Sheila
Fisher |
English
literature. |
Malcolm Hill |
English Language and Literature, History.
Geography. Mathematics. Physics. |
Ann Gapper |
French, Mathematics. |
Michael Long |
History, Mathematics, |
Shirley
Hicks |
English
Language. |
Craig Love |
English Language and Literature, French,
History. Geography. Religious Knowledge, Mathematics,
Physics, Chemistry. |
Valerie
Hills |
French, Geography.
|
William McKinnon |
English Language, Latin. French, History,
Geography, Mathematics Physics. |
Wendy Hobbs |
English Language and
Literature,
French,
History, Art. |
Richard Morris |
English Language and Literature, French,
History. Geography, Mathematics, Physics. |
Norma Leask |
French, Art. |
David Muckart |
English Language- and
Literature, History, Religious Knowledge, Physics. |
Margaret
Mayhew |
Art |
Christopher
Newberry |
English Language and
Literature, French, History. Geography. Mathematics.
Physics. |
Helaine
Michaels |
English
Language and Literature. |
David Plater |
English Language, History,
Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry. |
Enid Morey
|
English Language and
Literature,
History. |
Roderick
Robertson |
English Language and
Literature, History. Geography, Art, Mathematics. Chemistry,
Biology. |
Janet Ogden
|
Mathematics. |
Graham Stubbs |
English Language and
Literature, History, Religious Knowledge, Geography. |
Dorothy
Penman |
English
Language, Art. |
Gerald
Whitehouse |
English Language and
Literature, French, History, Geography, Religious Knowledge,
Mathematics, Physics. |
Rosemary
Richards |
English Language and
Literature,
French,
History, Geography,
Religious Knowledge. |
|
|
Glenys Roberts |
Art |
|
|
Kay Skinner |
English Language and Literature, History
Religious Knowledge, Geography, Art, Biology. |
|
|
Ann Stimpson |
Art.
History. |
|
|
Rosemary Sugden |
English Language and. Literature.
History, Religious Knowledge, Biology. |
|
|
Sheila
Tetchner |
English
Language, Needlework,
Religious Knowledge. |
|
|
Carole Tudor |
English
Literature, History. |
|
|
Pat
Turner |
English
Language and Literature,
Latin, French. History, Geography,
Religious Knowledge. |
|
|
Maureen Watkins |
English
Literature. |
|
|
Jill
Watson-Liddell |
English
Language and Literature,
Latin. French, History, Geography.
Religious Knowledge, Art. |
|
|
Ann Welham |
English
Language and Literature, Art, |
|
|
Sylvia Waller |
English
Language and Literature,
Religious Knowledge. |
|
|
Wendy Hayes |
English
Language and Literature |
|
|
Patricia Organ |
Art. |
TAL HANDAK DRAMA FESTIVAL
This Festival, run by the Secondary Modern School, is
rapidly developing into an annual institution. The teams enter with
enthusiasm, and the various productions show a developing knowledge of
theatre.
The entries this year were of much higher grade of
production and costume than last. Acting was not up to standard,
excluding individual performers . but the choice of plays was good. In
some cases, excellent adaptions from stories had been written, showing
that there is some talent for play writing. It would be interesting to
see some original efforts in this line.
Taking the plays in order of presentation, they
were:
"CANUTE THE KING"
A beautifully staged play by 2bm. There were some
good production points, original, very carefully carried out. with an
intelligent use of the stage.
The idea of a chorus, speaking verse was good,
but they must be careful not to intrude on the action of the play.
Costumes were excellent as was the beautifully
painted programme.
The grouping of the team was well done. In fact, this
team were infinitely better than some of the individual performers
-their graceful and often powerful changing of groups gave a dramatic
content to the play, and always a good picture.
There was a bad point in using such a heavy chair and
too low a seat. The King, as central figure, should have been on a
slightly higher level than the others.
Diction was good. Outstanding performer was N. Pletts,
as the Bishop, who, wearing a most impressive costume, possessed poise
and a good sense of stage position.
The producer is to be congratulated on originality
and good theatre. It would be interesting to see another play by him (or
her?)
"THE BARMECIDES FEAST" ID.M
This was a difficult play, as it depends on very
clever miming. The actors must forget themselves and make the audience
really believe in the feast that is not there. A little over-acting
helps in this, and can be extremely funny.
Costumes were good. The diction too "speedy" in
parts. Props were excellent, and showed a great deal of thought and
planning.
Barmecide was inclined to be too much off stage. One
outstanding performance was given by the Begger, who was an excellent
mime, carrying the play with assurance.
"THE ROYAL XMAS PUDDING" 2D.M
Here, a most original cast opened with an original
theme, of a Television Screen. A very good idea, indeed, and well
handled. The Table could have been smaller, as it tended to mask the
excellent costumes.
This whole team can be congratulated on their attack.
Each gave a clear picture, as he entered, of what his particular
character was supposed to be. We had the imperious Queen, the Court
Chamberlain with a good sense of humour, and the King, who spoke his
words beautifully.
One point to be watched was a tendency to turn heads
away from the audience.
Acting and Make-Up were by far the best.
Outstanding performance in a cast of very fine
performers, was Anthony Fenton as the King. His voice was good, it was
flexible, and he knew when to raise it. A very good show!
"POCOHANTAS AND CAPT. J. SMITH" 2C.M
A good try, this one. Unfortunately spoilt by the
restless use of curtains. I would suggest that the producer, when faced
with a number of small scenes, should lower the lights to eliminate
this.
There was some excellent dramatic grouping in this
play, particularly when the stones were raised above Smith's head. The
play had been well adapted, and was lucky in having Margaret Hutchinson
as Compere. She possessed a clear diction and waited for the attention
of the audience before introducing the various, episodes.
Outstanding performer was Carol Hatton as Pocahantas,
who is worth watching for future plays.
" TOM SAWYER" 1B.M
A welcome change in costume and quite a good
adaption. The cast started off nervously, but warmed up to their parts
later. The grouping could have been better, as there was too much
inclination to sit with backs to the audience, instead of slightly more
facing.
The well was very good, making a focal point for
action, which was not used sufficiently.
The intervals between scenes were rather long, but
this can be improved with experience.
Tom did best in the white-washing scene.
Mother was quite good.
" TOM THUMB" 1AM
This team were very close runners up to the winners,
and gave an excellent performance. They worked as a team, and the
Producers, Susan Baynes and Judith Butlin are to be congratulated on
this.
Entrances and movements were slick, grouping was
good. There was an intelligent use of the furniture and most original
ideas in the contrast of Giants and Tom Thumb.
The costumes were excellent, so was the use of
colour.
Outstanding performances were those of Martin Little
as the King, Susan Cummings as the Queen, and the two soldiers, who
attacked their parts with real understanding. Highly recommended.
"UNCLE
PODGER HANGS A PICTURE" l.C.M.
An extremely funny play, but rather dependant on one
good actor.
Grouping was good, and the cast moved to their
various positions as though they knew exactly where they had to go,
and did so.
There was an unfortunate bit masking as the
family gathered around the picture.
Father was excellent, but too much depended on
this one actor. Diction was apt to be hurried.
"RUMPELSTILTSKEN" 2B.M
Again a play of several small scenes, spoilt by
restless use of curtains.
Props were excellent, particularly when the straw
turned to golden coins. This was very well done indeed. The cast
were well balanced, although Rumpelstiltsken could have been more
sinister.
Outstanding performers were the King and Queen.
The young girl was good, although at one point her face was masked
as she held the baby.
Costumes were uneven, some being excellent,
others rather careless.
"THE MAGIC FIR CONE" 2A.M.
This team are to be congratulated on having an
excellent designer in Susan van der Byl, who made and painted a very
good fireplace and window. The whole set was good, quite the best
one in the Festival, and set the atmosphere of the play. The cast
moved in it as though they were used to living in that particular
room.
Gwen Stocker, as the kind mother, and Rita
Sawyer, as the daughter, gave sound performances. Pamela Blackburn,
as the maid was confident and moved very well.
The second mother, played by Valerie Lawrence was
very good, but could have been more imperious. Janet North, as her
daughter, gave an excellent and most convincing performance.
Jean Ellard, a sound little actress did very well
in a boy's part, but was hampered by the fact that she was obviously
a girl, in a cast of very good girls playing strong characters.
If the team could have used a boy there, it would
have been better balanced.
The two unseen voices were clear, with good
diction. A good compere; Helen Coombs, introduced the play.
"THE GUNPOWDER PLOT 3A.M.
This team were the winners and are to be
congratulated on the effort put into this play.
It was written by Susan Ballian, and Produced by
Jane Taylor. Costumes, which were excellent were by Susan Fisher.
who did a remarkably good job with such an enormous cast to dress.
There was some good lighting particularly in the
cellar scene, and very good props.
Make up was not as good as it could have been;
Guy Fawkes himself should have been older. One bad point in the
opening scene was the positions of the chairs, which were too stiff
in arrangement; also, Mrs. Catesby could have moved away from the
table to give more atmosphere.
Diction was good, particularly in the case of the
compere, Janet Mead.
The Guards, as they arrested Fawkes should have
been more forcible. Outstanding were Bryan Shackleton as Catesby,
Janice Hayes, as the Queen and a beautiful performance by Susan
Fisher as the maid, and Tommy Wellman, as King's Messenger.
The whole production gave an atmosphere of
interest, and real research into costume and mannerisms. A very fine
effort.
Plays in order of excellence were: GUY
FAWKES TOM THUMB THE ROYAL XMAS PUDDING THE MAGIC FIR CONE CANUTE
THE KING POCOHONTAS RUMPELSTILTSKEN BARMECIDES FEAST UNCLE PODGER
HANGS A PICTURE
A. L. Rowe
A TRIVIAL COMEDY FOR SERIOUS PEOPLE
Even before the curtain rose on the first
performance of "The Importance of Being Earnest," on February 12th
at Tal Handak, the audience were prepared for the play's delightful
period decor by Mrs, Watson Liddell's elegant flower arrangements
which flanked the proscenium arch.
The first set - Algernon Moncrieff's drawing room,
superbly Monccrieff relations. David Muckart was entirely at ease as the
experienced, but ever-hungrey young man about town, while Craig Love
brought the right touch of sincerity to John Worthing, who eventually
discovers that all his life he has been speaking nothing but the truth,
Lane the manservant (Roderick Robertson) was suitably unobtrusive.
Janet Ogden as Lady Bracknell found it easy to
intimidate both young men, although under protest from her daughter
Gwendolen Fairfax (Ann Welham.
The Second Act revealed a charming Elizabethan Manor
House garden setting, with sweetly eighteen Cecily (Joy Suttan) watering
the roses as a delaying tactic to avoid returning to her German lesson,
the delights of which are propounded by Miss Prism, (Wendy Blanchard)
her governess. Lessons are forgotten by a fluttering Miss Prism when
Canon Chasuble (Peter Pond) arrives in a welter of pedantic theological
references. It is left to the aged retainer-type butler (John Knight) to
announce the visit of the hitherto unknown wicked younger brother
(impersonated by Algernon) of Cecily's guardian, Mr. Worthing. Gwendolen
also arrives on the scene, and one of the highlights of the play was the
quarrel between the two young ladies, when Cecily reveals that although
she is a country-girl, a sophisticate from London has little to teach
her.
Everything ends happily ever after in the
oak-panelled morning room of the manor house, with Jack discovering his
long lost relations, arid Miss Prism and Doctor Chasuble being united,
among others.
As is true of most plays, the silly things that occur
during rehearsals and back stage, are probably the best remembered, by
the cast at least. The expenditure on biscuits, which doubled as
cucumber sandwiches and muffins was quite phenomenal, and of course,
there were never any left-overs. Gwendolen's hats very nearly
became impounded in the ladies' staff ;room, so charming were their
arrangements of ribbons, violets and tulle. Lady Brancknell's hat, with
its original flower garden, ostrich feathers and dead bird (imitation)
was, however, released without protest.
Miss Rippon's creations topped charming costumes
which blended delightfully with the period colourings of Mr. Bletcher's
magnificent settings. The make-up provoked both amusement and protest.
Amusement from those being transformed into Edwardian dandies, with
authentic curly side burns (Not to be confused with Teddy boys) and
protest from at least one member of the cast, who feared that his white
hair would cause a distinct fall in favour in at least one quarter. Van
Gorder, as the silent footman, became so attached to his wig that he
felt quite under-dressed when we decided a crew cut was more suitable.
One stage effect which fascinated all of us was the
Knight patent mechanical fire, glimmering realistically in the hearth;
while no one could resist testing the steps created by Mr. Richards. As
they bore the weight of the producer, they were deemed quite safe. We
recall with some delight that it was Mr. Manners himself who picked up
by its plasticine handle the vase which he had doctored.
There are many more helpers whom we have had no room
to mention here, but we are nonetheless grateful to them. By a happy
coincidence, our final evening at Tal Handak took place on 'Earnest's'
sixty-second birthday, which was also, very suitably. St. Valentine's
Day.
The play was later produced at Manoel Island Theatre
in the Royal Naval Drama Festival, where it gained the Rosina Depares
Make-up prize.
SCHOOL CHOIR
Those fortunate or unfortunate pupils who remain in
school after 3.30 p.m. on Thursday afternoons, may have often wondered
at the varied sounds wafting from the direction of the dining room cum
music room. At 5 p.m. the sounds cease and the school choir 'packs up'
for the day and each choir member scrambles for 'his' or 'her' bus.
During the Autumn term, much hard work went into
rehearsing for the Annual Prize-Giving Day and for the Christmas Carol
Service at the end of term. The Spring rehearsals continued in
preparation for a concert given to the school during the last weeks of
term. Soloists from each year m both the Modern and Grammar departments
took part (not forgetting the members of the Junior School), helping to
make the concert an enjoyable as well as a successful event.
New members are always welcome provided they are
conscientious and enthusiastic about their singing, and provided of
course that they are able to sing in tune! Next year it is hoped that
the choir will venture into more ambitious works, entailing much hard
work.
To any aspiring member, I would quote:
"There are times for hearing others singing,
There are times for learning how,
Time as well for a song of our own
And the best of them all is now.
Then sing, sing music makers
A song for the joy of the singing."
HANDICRAFTS
One of the greatest problems in our school is the
constant turnover of pupils. This perhaps is felt more in Handicraft
(meaning the heavy crafts, Woodcraft and Metalwork as distinct from
light crafts), than in any other subject. One may have a scheme of work
that is rigid or, on the other hand, a scheme which is flexible enough
to treat each boy as an individual.
The latter is aimed at through the adoption of a
Craftmanship Scheme. There are three Classes. Third Class which is
compulsory, embodies eight basic joints (with some variations) in
exercise or model form, and the ability to make a simple drawing. Second
Class is purely voluntary and involves a series of tests, on the
successful completion of which the boy is eligible for the First Class
Tests, and on the presentation of a completed piece of work. A pass-mark
of 80% is required for the whole scheme, to obtain the
Craftsman's Certificate awarded.
What of the results? The tests help the individual by
giving a definite goal towards which he can aim his skill, and his
persistence and effort are rewarded. The standards set are high and the
Certificate has therefore a scarcity value. One boy has attained it
since the scheme began eighteen months ago. The scheme also covers
several other courses, e.g. R.S.A. (Tech.), G.C.E. etc. In addition to
the above, Scout Proficiency Badges may be taken in relation to
Woodwork.
Little mention has been made of Metalwork, as it is
in its first year and limited in its field of activities. A temporary
workshop has been set up in the H.M. Dockyard and is available to 4th
and 5th years of Modern School only.
It would be greatly appreciated if a simple apron
could be provided, mainly to protect clothing, and to add a more
workmanlike atmosphere to the workshops.
What of the future? Workshop facilities are being
improved, a Woodworking Lathe will be in operation soon, which opens up
a new field of interest, and other machines have been ordered.
CRAFTS
In the past two years the department of Light Crafts
has been increasing in both size and scope and now a wide variety of
crafts are taught. These include bookcrafts and bookbinding, canework,
lino-cutting, leatherwork, weaving, clay modelling and casting,
scraperboard, fabric printing, calligraphy and model-making; the first
three are general throughout the school.
In the Grammar School pupils study crafts at the
G.C.E. advanced level and sit the combined Oxford Art and Craft paper.
To work for examinations and consequently have some definite object in
view is more or less accepted practice in the Grammar School but this is
not so in the Modern School. In recent years a few senior Modern School
pupils have sat the G.C.E. papers in some of the academic subjects and
now, to make the choice of subjects wider and also to provide the
necessary incentive to study, pupils are being encouraged to work
towards' an Associated Board of Examiners examination in Craft. This is
equivalent to the G.C.E. but does not include the papers on art. It is
hoped to make the first presentations in June, 1958.
Plans have been made to increase the size of the
department in September by the addition of a second specialist room and
so develop even further this important side of modern education.
Appreciation must be expressed of the work done by
Mrs. Cronin, Miss Horobin and Mr. Downs who have all been taking craft
classes in addition to their usual subjects.
Charles R.
Manners
The illustrated "Ex Libris" bookplate was designed
and then executed in scraperboard by a 6th form girl pupil. The original
design was about 10" x 6" and it was sent away to be photographically
reduced and made into a line block suitable for printing. The exercise
required the girl to use her hobbies and interests as the theme for the
design.
The "Ex-Libris" Bookplate produced below Is the work of
Ann Welham an Advanced Level Crafts' Student.
BOATWORK
During the last year, the school's activities afloat
have continued increasing in frequency, variety and attendance.
Very many hours have been spent in whalers, both
pulling and sailing, in and out of harbour.
Night has sometimes found us quietly pulling across
Grand Harbour, illuminated by a single candle lantern, usually on our
way to a surveying exercise. This sort of thing is excellent training in
initiative and enterprise.
The weather has given us plenty of opportunity for
some most exciting whaler sailing and in the last year, the standard of
work has improved tremendously. Several boys have taken the helm and
have shown a good knowledge of boat handling, although one boy tried
"rock-climbing."
Lately cutter-pulling has occupied some of our time
and a great deal of energy. This is in preparation for forthcoming
cutter-sailing of which we have done a very little.
Although one or two boys were rather surprised at the
size and weight of a cutter, the response has been splendid and a great
deal of satisfaction has been gained all round at the feel of twelve
good blades "going-in" together.
In September we started dinghy-sailing in earnest,
and in November, Craig Love and David Muckart both of 6G gained
coxswains certificates, and in February, William Lear (5M) and Derek
Cydenham (4M) did likewise. These certificates are NOT given by the
school. They are genuine naval coxswains certificates, presented by the
Headmaster to a successful candidate after a practical and theoretical
examination by the Boat Officer of H.M.S. St. Angelo.
The classes are held at H.M.S. St. Angelo on Friday
afternoons, on some Saturdays and lately, on Wednesday evenings.
The qualified coxswains take away the dinghies for
their own pleasure and for the instruction of potential coxswains who
crew, leaving the Sailing Master, Mr. A. J. Corby, free to instruct the
beginners in whaler work. Several boys have practiced power boat
handling in the Diesel Harbour Launches, and some have worked the engine
controls below.
There was no time to include a report on the Whitsun
Seamanship Camp in the previous issue of the magazine. A dozen boys
camped for 3 days at H.M.S. St. Angelo and the time was filled with all
the previously mentioned activities, as well as shooting and swimming,
everything being so much simplified by being- on the spot.
We hope to avail ourselves shortly of the R.A.F.
permission to go away in their fast rescue launches.
The main purpose of these activities is to instil
into the boys a sense of self-confidence, reliability, tolerance,
alertness and co-operation, and to develop physical skills and fitness.
Ours is the only school in the world which can boast
Grand Harbour, Malta, as one of its class-rooms!
For all this we owe our gratitude to Captain The Earl
of Roden, R.N. of H.M.S. St. Angelo, to Captain Pond, R.N. of H.M.S.
Ranpura, and to all of those of their ships companies whose active
co-operation, so freely given, has made our boatwork. possible.
FRIDAY SAILING THE INSIDE STORY For
a small section of the school the week's scholastic work finishes
promptly at one o'clock on Friday. This group can be seen half an hour
later disappearing in the general direction of Valletta in some form of
transport, carrying bundles of outlandish-looking clothes. A few minutes
later they are usually deposited at St. Angelo in a rather bruised and
bewildered state after a shaking over grade A Maltese roads in an R.N.
truck whose maker had never heard of springs.
This is only a beginning. Almost before we realise
where we are, we are all bundled off into the cells, fortunately only to
change. The cell that we use is meant for one, at the most two
occupants, and the last few weeks we have had at many as sixteen people
in there at one. Trying to change one's clothes in such a crush is an
experience in itself. Some hectic minutes later we all troop out and
stand awaiting the voice of fate. The words "cutter pulling" are
received with set faces, "whaler sailing" with enthusiasm and "dinghy
sailing" with great jubilation.
The first step is to rig out the various craft which
are usually moored as far away from the boat store as possible and, as I
have found, a whaler's mast is rather heavy. The rigging is carried out
as quickly as possible with the crew, in theory, working in
co-ordination.
When all has been rigged and approved, the fortunates
in the dinghys cast off and make their way into the clearest part of the
harbour that can be found. Grand Harbour being what it is, though, there
are no really clear stretches of water so that avoidance of other
traffic is an added danger. Unfortunately the wind plays some queer
tricks in Grand Harbour, with the result that being becalmed is an
all-too-common experience. This is not actually unpleasant in clear
water taut when it happens, as it has once, in the main channel of Grand
Harbour just as a large cargo ship is entering the harbour, it is a
harrowing experience. Fortunately there are oars carried In all craft in
case of such eventualities.
Other happenings come to mind in far too great a
number to be recorded here, such as, the time an oar was seen blithely
floating away from the bow of a cutter, or when a whaler had to be
prised off the rocks with a boat hook. Even without these happenings, no
day's sailing is ever like any other day's; one day there may be a flat
calm, another almost a gale or far too rare an occurence perfect
conditions. Whatever the weather, and despite any mishaps it is always a
tired but happy group of boys who tie up and unrig before sunset,
pausing only for the last jest as the sun finally sets.
R. Trott VIG
THE SICILY TRIP Friday, 12 April.
We were taken by dghaisa to the ship Ichnusa; at 5.50
p.m. the anchor was taken up and the small black ship steamed off
towards Sicily at a steady five-six knots. Although we started late we
made good time.
Saturday, 13th April.
Arriving in Syracuse at 5.15. At 6.30 we passed through the customs
and began our nine mile walk to Priolo. The walk was along the road all
the way and that made it easier going, but in spite of this most of the
boys were pretty tired and by the time we had made camp by the sea
(12.30) half of the boys went into Priolo and spent three hours there
while the other half stayed to look after the camp.
Sunday, 14th April. The camp was struck at 6 a.m.
and we prepared to. catch the train to Agnone, from there we would walk
about two miles to Carridore D'pers, which was near the sea. The station
was
about five minutes walk from our camp (Priolo) and soon
we were leading towards Agnone. We pitched camp early, had lunch and
rested for the afternoon, while Mr. Cleaver and Mr. Parker went to buy
some food. At eight o'clock we lit a fire.
Monday, 15th April. It was a windy
day and we were soon on our way to Ponte which is a large bridge
crossing a river. We camped by this bridge at 12.15., had lunch and
rested for the afternoon. We had rather a late supper but the last tent
light was out by about 9.30.
Tuesday, 16th April. We caught
the 10 a.m. 'Sita' bus to Catania where we stopped for lunch and then
went onto Nicolosi which is some way up Mount Etna where we camped on a
flat stretch of ground near the main road. Five boys went back to
Catania to look around and returned at 9.30.
Wednesday, 17th April. We
caught a bus to Rif Sapienza which is on the snow line. It was quite
interesting and there were varied amusements to pass the time. e.g.
looking at the blow-holes, tobogganing on the slopes, and having
snowball fights. The evening meal was at 7.15 and by 8 p.m. every boy
had gone up to the dormitory.
Thursday, 18th April. Breakfast
was at 7.30 and after that Mr. Parker and Stubbs went up Mount Etna,
going early in order to obtain photographs of the crater. Mr. Cleaver
and party started at 9 a.m. It was pretty hard going at first but one
got used to it. Unfortunately no one reached the crater as it was giving
off poisonous gases. We caught the 1400 hour bus to Nicolosi where we
changed buses for Acireale; and we had difficulty in finding our camp
site in the dark. During the night 7 - 9.30 p.m. the boys went into
Acireale for a meal.
Friday, 19th April. We
caught the train for Taormina and made camp on the lawn of a large house
over-looking the sea. When everything was in order the boys left in one
and two's to walk into the town in order to buy presents for their
parents. On the way back most of the boys saw a red stream of lava
emerging from the crater and we connected this incident with the eight
loud bangs heard in the early morning.
Saturday, 20th April. When the
boys awoke they saw not snow surrounding the crater but ash, which
during the night reached the rifugio and more lava streams were seen
during the night. Some boys went swimming during the day and others went
into Taormina; the majority of them resting the afternoon.
Sunday, 21st April. There
was a general clean-up all round and when everything was in order Mr.
Cleaver and Mr. Parker visited an old Greek theatre. Mount Etna was
still erupting.
Monday, 22nd April. By 9
a.m. the whole camp was tidied and we found that we had an hour to spare
before going to the station. The train stopped at Syracuse and we got
out and walked to the quay-side to wait for the arrival of the
'Argentina' which was considerably larger than the 'Ichnusa'. We
embarked at 9 a.m. and we all clambered into our bunks. It was a pretty
rough trip and when the ship anchored in the Grand Harbour not everyone
was in high spirits. We were taken to the customs steps by dghaisa and
having passed through the customs the four groups dispersed to go home.
All the boys enjoyed the trip and we owe our thanks to Mr. Cleaver and
Mr. Parker.
SCOUT NOTES
At the time of going to press, the Sea Scouts are
again eagerly preparing to move into their Easter camp at Ricasoli. We
visited this site last August and spent a most enjoyable time. In
addition to the training in Scoutcraft and Seamanship the boys were also
trained on the rifle range and revolver range, which proved a great
treat and was loudly acclaimed by all. During the Summer holidays. Sea
Scouts were taken to sea on board Miner VI and employed in the arduous
task of torpedo recovery.
Probably the highlight of the year was the trip to
sea in H.M. Submarine "Sea Devil" with a run 'below the waves' to add to
the thrill. Our sincere thanks go out to all the officers who helped to
make these facilities available for us.
There has been, as usual, a great change in the
membership of the troop - Scouts have gone and new ones have taken their
place. Altogether twenty four new Scouts have been invested since last
Summer, many of these have been from our own Cub packs.
On December 28th the Cubs and Scouts had a combined
Field Day at Tal Handak when the Cubs were initiated into the art of
peeling potatoes and leaving something to go into the stew. On this
occasion we saw an American Cub, Bobby Lowell, transferred from the Cubs
to the Sea Scouts. After his investiture as a Sea. Scout he was invested
as an American Scout - a ceremony which proved most fascinating and
interesting. The whole procedure was photographed in coloured cine film
and was later shown to the Cubs and Scouts.
While the Scouts have been enjoying themselves, the
Parents' Committee has been working very hard to raise the necessary
funds to provide our camping equipment. We have always been fortunate in
having a very good Parents' Committee and right now we have one which
must be the envy of every other Group. To them we pay a Scout's "Thank
you" for their untiring efforts.
GIRL GUIDE NOTES
Verdala Brownie Report
Verdala Brownie Pack continues to flourish. We still
have a waiting list, and as soon as a Brownie returns to U.K., an eager
recruit takes her place.
This year has given us many outside activities. At
the end of October, we had a visit from Lady Baden-Powell, the Chief
Guide.
Two of our Brownies went up to Luqa to help form the
Guard of Honour on her arrival at the airport. The following day, we all
went to a Rally of all Guides, Brownies, Scouts and Cubs at Floriana.
Unfortunately, owing to inclement weather, this had to be held indoors
and consequently we were rather tightly packed in the small hall.
However, this did not stop everyone having a good time.
In February, we joined the Guides and Brownies in
celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the birth of our Founder, Lord
Baden-Powell. On Saturday we went to a party held at Floriana, where
Mrs. Denaro and Father Brookes spoke to us about Lord Baden-Powell. On
the Sunday we went to a special Church Service at Tigne Church. At this
service we were all able to renew our Guide and Brownie promises.
As this will be the last report I shall write for the
Verdala Brownie Pack, I should like to take this opportunity of thanking
all the Brownies for their loyal support and of wishing them and my
successor the best of luck in the future.
VERDALA CUBS
The 2nd Royal Naval School "Wolf Cub Pack" continues
to meet every Wednesday afternoon at Verdala School and its strength is
being kept up to a steady 24 Cubs.
The Pack took part in the annual St. George's Day
service at St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral and afterwards in a parade and
"run past" His Excellency, The Chief Scout of Malta and Gozo.
The Pack visited the Boy Scout camp at Safi and had a
wonderful time.
During the summer months the Pack met at H.Q.
Floriana, where many outdoor activities were held. A ceremony took place
at 1st Savoy's Group H.Q's when Walter Hatrick, "A Leaping Wolf" went up
to Scouts.
The highlight of the year was the visit of Lady
Baden-Powell to the Island.
Would parents of cubs please note that once a week
during the cool of the summer evenings "the Pack" will meet at Scout
Headquarters, Floriana, and I would like to point out that one evening a
week is not too much to expect from parents to see that the Cubs attend.
I wish to thank the Headmaster and Staff of Verdala
School for their co-operation.
The parents have also been co-operative in many ways
for which I am grateful.
My hope is that what you learn as a Cub may be
carried into your daily life, so that parents and teachers will find
themselves saying 'what a difference joining the Cubs has made to you'.
Good
Hunting Cubs, AKELA
OUR BABY
We have a baby, small and fair; Mother
thinks the world of her. I "don't go" for babies much.
She plays with beads and blocks and such And
says her prayers in double dutch I don't like babies.
Maurice Bowling Form
3J
A DAY WITH ATTILA
Imagine my delight and suprise when one day my
favourite historical character paid me a visit! He was the famous
warrior, Attila, chief of the Huns, who had had the then-known world'
under his heel!
He was an arrogant, haughty Mongol with a fierce,
gloomy face. A black drooping moustache and an aquiline nose adorned his
leather-like countenance. On his head he wore the queer-shaped Mongol
helmet, round which a belt of jewels was tied. A chain-mail shirt with
short embroidered sleeves covered his big chest. Fastened round his neck
with a heavy gold clasp was a thick dark purple cloak. Heavy gold
bracelets encircled his wrists. Around his waist he wore a long
intricately-embroidered garment which reached to his ankles. A pair of
short leather furlined boots were worn to keep out the cold. As a
weapon, he clasped in long, bony fingers the huge sword of Mars. He was
a powerful man indeed.
How quickly his arrogance and pride left him however,
when a sabre jet zoomed over his head! This man, fearless in his own
age, was paralysed with fear at our modern invention, taut some of his
awe was dispelled when I explained that these planes were used nowadays
fir war and transport. I took him on a 'bus journey to the airport to
show him these wonders of modern science. I had an extremely hard job
persuading him to get into this monster! We spent over an hour watching
transports and huge jet bombers taking off an d landing, but Attila was
amazed still more, when I said that these were used as weapons of war!
While we waited for another 'bus to take us back for
lunch, Attila's exclamations of wonder, at the roads, cars and shops,
were profound.
On reaching home, we both sat down to watch
television, and for half an hour Attila goggled at it, sure that someone
must be inside!
When I began lunch, eating with a knife and fork,
Attila said, "That is not the way to eat!" and he promptly gobbled his
food with his fingers.
Attila and I spent the afternoon in the country, at
my uncle's farm. How amazed Attila was when the combined harvester got
to work, turning out sheaves of corn immediately! In his days, he
explained, all corn was cut by scythes and it was many days before it
was finally stacked. Later on, while watching the farm animals, Attila
said that he thought the clever sheep-dogs were all mechanically
operated to do such work!
At last it was time for Attila to vanish back into
the mists of time. What a wonderful time I had had with him!
Peter Tribe Form 2AG
MY FIRST BOXING CONTEST
Before I came to Malta I lived in Weymouth in Dorset,
England, and my two brothers (older than me) made quite a name for
themselves in the town for their boxing abilities. The day came when Dad
took me along to the premises of the Weymouth Boxing Club and I was
introduced to everybody as the youngest brother of Tim and Frank Prince,
and I became a member of the Club.
For a couple of weeks I was left to my own resources
and then one of the trainers said he was going to take me in hand, as I
would most probably be boxing on the next bill at Poole, a town up the
coast from Weymouth. A few days later the Secretary asked me if I was
willing to box as my father had said he was quite agreeable. I was
terrified, but as my brothers had quite a reputation and I didn't want
to seem scared I said in a very quiet voice, "Yes, I would love to box",
and so sealed my fate.
After days of hitting punch balls, bags and skipping,
the day I had been dreading arrived, and I was escorted by my brothers
and father on to the Club's Private coach and away we went to Poole.
There we entered a large well-lit room in which a boxing ring was
rigged, and after going into the dressing room and being examined by a
Doctor, who said quite mercilessly that I was fit, my father took me on
one side and I was gloved up to go into the ring, as I was "first
contest" on the programme.
I haven't much recollection of the following events
except seeing a lot of big lights over the ring, a lot of noise and
shouting, being wiped with a rough sponge and then being pushed to the
centre of the ring for the referee to speak to my opponent and me and
make us shake hands. Then we went back to our corners to wait for the
bell to ring.
The man in my corner said, "He is bigger than you,
Mick, but never mind you have more to hit." The bell rang and the other
boy rushed across the ring and straight into my left hand which I put
out in desperation; he sat on the floor. When he stood up he rushed
again and the same thing happened, then when he got up I managed to hit
him with my right hand and he started to cry, so the referee stopped the
contest and I had won. The Mayor presented me with a certificate and a
diary, and I felt so happy I volunteered to box again any time. Mr.
Shonfield took me at my word and a few weeks later I fought again
still, that is another story.
M.
Prince Form 4J
BINGO, THE DOG
Bingo is a fluffy dog,
And very naughty too,
He never,never eats his tea,
And wets the carpet through.
We took him for a walk one day, And good
as gold was he, We bought for him his special meat, And
some he ate for tea.
We asked a visitor to tea,
And Bingo was not pleased,
He growled and growled and growled
again,
We spanked him; then he ceased.
But now Bingo is very good, As good as
good can be, He never, never wets the mat And always
eats his tea.
Elizabeth Ryder Form
1BG
FROM NEW YORK TO LOS ANGELES BY CAR
Several years ago I rode from New York to Los
Angeles, California with my parents. I will start with a few facts about
New York.
New York is built on an island which is mostly rock.
For this reason skyscrapers can be built without fear of toppling over.
It is one of the largest cities in the world and the most important
importer and exporter in the eastern part of the U.S.A.
We left New York by the Lincoln Tunnel, which goes
under the Hudson river to New Jersey. We got on the New Jersey Turnpike
and went to Washington D.C. There are many farm areas and the land is
flat and green. New Jersey grows many fruits and vegetables and produces
chickens and eggs. As we passed through Maryland I saw many dairy farms
and I particularly noticed the beautiful riding horses behind the white
fences.
',ROYAL NAVAL SCHOOL MAGAZINE
Washington is a very beautiful city with stately
government buildings and many parks. The weather is terrible. Raw, cold
winters and hot, humid summers can make life very uncomfortable. We were
very lucky, however, to have the lovely spring weather. The cherry
trees, daffodils and tulips were in blossom to add to the splendour of
the city. We took pictures of the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington
monument, the Capitol, the White House, President Washington's home at
Mt. Vernon and General Lee's Mansion. I hope to return some day to see
the Smithsonian Institute, a very large museum.
Green, heavy wooded mountains closed in on us from
every side as we entered Virginia. Down in the valley tobacco, peanuts,
and corn are grown. Large areas covered with fine white cloth on tall
frames which were to cover and protect the young tobacco leaves from the
sun, were often seen.
As we went through North Carolina, South Carolina and
Georgia, we saw many new housing areas. Industries are moving southward
and as industry grows housing areas develop. We stopped to see what a
cotton plant looks like. We saw the cotton blossom and the cotton ball.
We also saw a cotton ball weevil -a small beetle less than one half of
an inch long with a very sharp and strong beak which it uses to destroy
a cotton ball. I saw some pop corn for the first time. It grows to a
height of about ten feet and has a dark green colour. This type of corn
has to be planted far away from a corn field so as to prevent cross
polination. Southern corn is used mostly for feed for livestock. The
pine forests in the South are important for industry. Southern pine
grows fast. As we drove along the road we saw the strips of bark cut
away on one side. This cut is shaped like a "V" so that when the sap
collects in a bucket it runs down the sides of the "V" faster. This
method of getting the sap from a tree is called "bleeding" the tree.
Each year the bark is cut in another side of the tree. On an old tree
you can see where the tree has been "bled" for many years. If the bark
were cut all the way around the tree at one time, the tree would die.
Many Naval stores products are manufactured from pitch pine and many
light inexpensive wood products are manufactured from pine pulp. Many
peanut areas were seen. Peanut oil is used in America since olive oil is
mostly imported. We visited St. Simons Island, Ga. Both John and Charles
Wesley preached there to the British troops at Fort Frederica. The
British stopped the Spanish from the conquest north of Florida at the
decisive battle of Bloody Marsh on St. Simon's Island. By winning this
battle the English decided the language and customs of the United
States.
Our next stop was Jacksonville, Florida. It is a
large export centre, Naval Base and has a large U.S. Navy airbase. We
didn't have time to drive to Miami. Florida has the longest coast line
of any state in the United States. Many people take winter vacations in
Florida to enjoy the sun, swimming and fishing. Many also spend winter
months to improve their health. Central Florida has large orange and
grapefruit groves. Florida is rapidly becoming famous for cattle
raising. I didn't expect to see cowboys in Florida. Fishing is important
all along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. New Orleans is at the mouth
of the Mississippi River. It is a large important importing and
exporting centre. Goods from Central America and world materials are
brought into this important port. It is the centre for export of farm
industrial products. Dredgers are always working to keep the shipping
lanes free from accumulating silt. The old section of New Orleans is
very much as it was when the French owned Louisiana. Many natives can
still speak in French. There are large dikes along the banks of the
Mississippi to prevent floods during the Spring. The river is wide and
muddy. Beyond New Orleans we drove through rice and sugar cane fields
and I saw as we approached Texas that oil wells were more frequent. All
of the southern United States have mild winters and hot humid summers.
Almost every restaurant, motor court, and hotel had air conditioning for
summer in the south. Air conditioning in the south is as common as
central heating in the north. Crossing Texas we first found flat rice
lands, then rolling hills and then into the arid east side of the Rocky
Mountains. We visited the famous Cralbad Caverns in New Mexico. The
countryside looked much like Malta does in the summer. The only
difference being that the yellow wasn't limestone but sand. The Rocky
Mountains are very high and rocky. We had to watch the temperature of
the radiator, water boils at a lower temperature in high altitude. We
crossed the desert after the sun had gone down so I didn't realise,
until the next day, how green the Rocky Mountains are on the Pacific
side. From Los Angeles we could see the snowy peaks of the mountains
although we were enjoying the sun. Los Angeles is a huge city. It is a
seaport. It has many oil wells and is the centre of the motion picture
industry. It is a shipping centre for South California's fruits and
vegetables.
This journey only covered two outside edges of the
United States. I hope to see more of my country in the future.
J.
van Gorder Form 3BG
OUR GARDEN
In Springtime we plant all the bulbs and the
seeds. And try to destroy all those nasty old weeds, The
Snow-drops are first to appear on the scene, With petals of
snow-white, an d leaves fresh and green.
And we watch all the flowers lift up their heads
high. In Summer the sun shines down from the sky, There're
tulips and daffodils, pansies so sweet; To see them in bloom is
a beautiful treat.
In Autumn when breezes are starting to blow, We
think of these flowers - the last of the show, The gay
antirrhinums and asters so true. They give to us freely their
colourful hue!
The last of the Seasons is Winter, I know, And
all that appears is the rain and the snow, The flowers have
vanished away from our ground So we patiently wait till again
Spring comes round.
All of these flowers, so we've been told,
Give comfort and pleasure to both young and old,
And all marvel, still, at their beautiful
blooms.
Sandra Arnold Form
3J
A VISIT TO THE CERAMIC POTTERY
We all set off for the potteries on Friday. We went
in a Private Hire 'bus and as we were rather excited and talkative Mrs.
Fisher only let us talk to the person sitting next to us. The Ceramic
Pottery shop was very neat and tidy. It had a glass door leading into
the first room which was full of pottery. The walls were covered with a
thousand and one different things. There was a table, or rather large
bench, in the centre of the room, which was also covered in pottery. At
one end of the table was a little box of postcards of workers painting
or making pottery. Mr. de Trafford, the owner, took us through two rooms
into a room which also had pottery in it, but the pottery was only
"seconds" which were much cheaper than pottery in the other room.
After visiting the "seconds" we went into a room
where a man was making lids for teapots. Mrs. Fisher asked if one of us
could try making a model. Mr. de Trafford looked doubtful, but said,
"Yes", and a boy tried with a ball of clay. The man set the spinning
wheel going and the boy, who was going to try and make a small vase,
caught hold of the ball of clay to shape it. It slipped out of his hands
but after a few attempts he finally made a small vase. Then we were
taken into a room where the guide lifted up a tin under which were some
rolls of clay. She said that they were imported from England.
Next we went into a room where two men were working
on a rather large plaque. It was explained to us that the clay is poured
into a plaster cast, and inside was the outline of a model which they
were going to make. After a time they split the plaster and out comes a
perfect model.
We were taken up some stairs into the painting room.
There was a man painting a vase. Next we went into a room where there
were three ladies trimming and finishing models. We went downstairs into
an almost open-air room where the glazing was to take place. There are
all sorts of glazes such as clear, pink, blue and other colours.
We were then taken into the room which had the kiln.
The kiln looks like a huge brick stove. The pottery is stored in saggers
in the kiln for baking, for about five days. After that it is taken out
and painted.
That was the end of the journey around the pottery.
We thanked Mr. de Trafford, and said "Goodbye," and went back to
school.
Janet
Maylor Form 4J
SKI-ING
Up in the morning. Put on your skis,
Take care of this warning If you please;
Don't ski alone in case of disaster.
Your friends will all laugh, if you come home in
plaster.
So off to your class To see your master;
A test you must pass before you go faster. You take all
the morning to master a turn, The harder you fall the
quicker you learn.
On to the ski lift Your face in a glow.
Don't fall in a drift, Glide over the snow.
At the top of the mountain the sky is
all misty, So nobody sees if you can't do a "Christie".
Nigel
Brooke
Form
3J
A VISIT TO CHADWICK LAKES
Last Monday 3J and 4J piled into two
private-hire buses, ready for a visit to Chadwick Lakes.
The buses stopped at a very nice little place quite far
along the bank.
We were told to find a nice spot not
too far away, to eat our lunch. Walking down by the
stream I was surprised to find such a lot of tadpoles
collected together, and wondered what would happen if
the water dried up.
After I had finished my lunch I
climbed down by the stream and started fishing for
tadpoles, with a home-made net, which, after much pain
and trouble, I had made the night before.
When I had caught a jar full of
tadpoles I tipped them back again and was going to start
catching them again, when Mrs. Watson Liddell asked me
to go and find some buttercups for her. Janet Ashwell,
Gerald and I went on a search for buttercups.
After walking up as far as the bridge
and back again, without sighting a single buttercup, we
returned to get on with our fishing.
Very soon after it was time to go
home, so picking up our cases and dragging our jars
behind us we got on to the bus and happily made for
home.
Gillian
Allison
Form
4J
DAYDREAMS
When we are busy learning
the rule, My mind is far away from school I
dream what I would like to be And see in
vision only, "ME".
A model, neat, with hair
well done, A skier having lots of fun, Then
suddenly, I wake with a cry, I have been
spotted by teacher's eye.
"Oh, Mary Jane, Oh, Mary
Jane What are you doing? dreaming again?" I
stand up meekly, head hung down, The teacher
wears an angry frown.
So for to-day my dreams are
finished, But believe me they are not
diminished, For to-morrow morning at
half-past ten You wait and see they'll start
again.
Pat
Jones
Form
ICG
THE PALACE ARMOURY
Two classes of excited children
boarded a bus to leave TaL Handak in the morning of the
14th 1957. I was one of those children.
As I had never been to the Palace
Armoury I was looking forward to it very much. When we
got to Valletta, we entered the Armoury and were shown
around by a guide, who said this was the biggest Armoury
in the world, there being over 5000, pieces of armour.
The pieces of armour came from Italy,
France, Malta, Turkey and Spain. The thing that
interested me most was the Aeroplane called "Faith",
which was one of three aircraft which defended Malta in
the early days of World War II. Also on view was the
letter that King George VI wrote to the Governor of
Malta, giving the Island the George Cross.
After a very interesting morning, we
boarded the bus, and returned to school.
G.
Walsh
Form
3J
MY BOAT
I have a little rowing
boat; It's painted blue and red, I like
my little boat so much I dream of it in
bed.
And when the summer
comes again, No more need for wishing,
I'll set my little boat afloat, And get
on with my fishing.
I hope on one fine day to catch
A Shark or p'raps a
Whale,
And though I may not
bring one home,
I'll tell a fishy tale.
R.
D.
Chalmers
Form
3J
TOWN RAILWAY STATION
Waterloo, Victoria, Paddington;
these names are household words to anyone who has
travelled on the railways. Indeed to Londoners, huge
railway stations are very commonplace. Let us pick on
the most famous of all, Waterloo.
This terminus is situated on the
south bank of the Thames, near Westminster, right in the
centre of the great city. There are two ways of arriving
at Waterloo; one by "Underground" or tube and the other
by taxi. In London the tube is far quicker and cheaper
than the 'cab', but if a lot of luggage is going to be
carried it is far better to go by taxi. Arriving by tube
is for some people a bit of a novelty, especially when
confronted with automatic doors and seemingly endless
escalators. Upon emerging into the daylight one is
confronted by innumerable book stalls, news vendors and
porters. Dominating this scene is the massive clock
which is favoured as a meeting place for so many people.
After buying a ticket and entering the station proper
the noise is almost unbearable; this, coupled with the
screeching of wheels and the hiss of escaping steam,
provides the background of any large station.
The cheerful ticket collector punches
the tickets with a very professional air. All down the
train, doors are slamming, windows being thrown open for
last goodbyes. The red light winks out and its place is
taken by a green one, the guard unfurls his flag and
blows the whistle.
The fireman flings one last shovel of
coal on and slams the door. The driver opens the
throttle and with slow powerful traction, the huge noisy
monster takes the strain. The huge driving wheels begin
to roll and, aided by a mass of connecting rods, spin
faster and faster until, with a final whistle, the last
coach disappears around the bend.
There on Platform seven is the
magnificent "Golden Arrow", this Maritime class
locomotive is the very essence of cleanliness, with
gleaming levers, wheels, and paintwork. The Pullman
coaches attached seem to look at their junior brothers
in despair as if saying, "Common lot, why don't you tidy
yourselves up?" Even the engine seems to wear a stiff
collar and despises the rather shabby engine opposite.
One cannot fail to notice the quiet,
efficient-looking electric trains finished in a lovely
shade of green. No heaving giants these; one press of a
button and away she goes, with a low hum, pleasant to
the ear.
The monotonous voice of the announcer
drifts across the station, telling everyone that a small
boy by the name of Peter is in the Station Masters
office awaiting collection. Nearly every day someone
gets lost, which is no small wonder.
At night the station takes on an
entirely different aspect; from the locomotives comes a
red glow and sparks shoot up into the air at intervals.
As the electric trains move, many brilliant sparks jump
from point to point.
Outside, little red Post Office vans
scurry back and forth like eager ants. A neat row of
taxi cabs are waiting for the next onslaught of people,
many of the drivers having "Forty Winks".
Meanwhile, inside the station the
11.15 draws in and with a final screech of brakes and a
last exhausted hiss the giant stops and immediately
doors open and many people, anxious to get home, stream
for the gates, exchanging a word of thanks with the
driver on the way. Porters touch their rather shabby
caps in exchange for a tip. Taxi drivers spring to life
and dip their "For Hire" indicators and drive away into
the sleeping Metropolis.
At about four a.m. the famous milk
train pulls in and before it has finally stopped, the
various dairy's vans screech to a halt all anxious to
collect their quota of milk.
Meanwhile, red, blue and yellow vans
panting after their breathless dash from Fleet Street,
unload the papers "fresh off the press" into the now
empty train. Within ten minutes the engine has been
changed and the train is ready to leave again.
As dawn breaks the pulse of the
station quickens a little as early morning
travellers catch their trains. Overnight the station has
had a "wash and brush up" so to speak, and is ready to
start the day afresh.
It will be a sad blow indeed if the
romance of these huge stations has to go, for I think we
would be lost without them.
Michael
Cane
Form
5M
LIMERICK
There was a young fellow
called Jack. Who went to the moon in a sack,
He saw some queer creatures, Who had funny
features, He decided he'd better come back!
B.
Spencer
Form
4J
PRESTER JOHN
Everybody knows, or should know,
about the story 'Prester
John'. This was written by John Buchan.
But Did you know there was a real Prester John?
The real Prester John was supposed to
be the Christian ruler of a vast but ill-defined empire.
The first mention of a Prester John occurs in the
Chronicle of Otto, bishop of Freisingen; in this we are
told that Prester John sprang from the ancient race of
the Magi of the Gospels.
His progress to Jerusalem was stopped
by the intervening Tigris; this and his power are all
described in the book. The Tigris is described as
stopping him because it refused to freeze over to give
him passage. He wrote to the Greek Emperor Manuel. In
this letter we read of the wonders of his rule, how he
ruled over three ladies and countless hordes of men,
armies of ten thousand knights and one hundred Thousand
Foot, that all his subjects were happy, and that
attendant upon him were seven kings, sixty dukes, three
hundred and sixty-five counts, twelve archbishops and
twenty bishops, while seventy kings and their kingdoms
were his tributories.
Before his throne stood a wondrous
mirror, in which he saw everything that was happening in
his vast dominions. His kingdom contained:
The Fountain of Youth, The
Sea of Sand, The River of Stones,
The River whose Sand was
Precious Gems, Ants that dug Gold, Fish that
yielded purple, Pebbles that give light and
make invisible, The salamander which lives
in fire, from the covering of which were
fashioned robes for the Presbyter to wear.
From this one may get some idea of
the wonders of his realm BUT YOU WILL GET A BETTER IDEA
IF YOU READ THE BOOK.
D. Gray
Form 2BG
THE SCARECROW
Still and erect on his
wooden pole, Sammy the Scarecrow stands,
Tatters and rags are all he wears, But he
guards the farmer's lands.
Black crows fly overhead,
Cawing loud and long, Scoff at his tattered
coat of red, As they cry their raucous song.
When the cold and icy winter
comes, And the snow is falling fast, He's
stored at the back of Long Acre barn, And
he'll think of his useful past.
J.
Holt
Form
4J
A COUNTRY RAMBLE
One fresh Autumn morning, I set
off for a walk in the woods with my dog Laddie. It was
very early, only about 7 o'clock, and the dew was still
sparkling on the grass, like thousands of diamonds.The
sun was nearly awake, and was peeping over the hill,
sending its warm rays to light up the green and amber
leaves in the wood.
I walked on, stopping every now and again to gaze at
the beauty surrounding me.
Laddie was enjoying himself immensely, every scuffle
in the leaves or chirrup overhead aroused his immediate interest. The
trouble was, that he kept on getting stuck in the rabbit burrows, and I
had to pull him out.
I soon came to the rabbit path which leads to
Primrose Valley, for this was my destination.
A little later I came to the small but old wooden
gate that leads down to the valley. I was nearly there!
There it was spread before me. At last I was in this
beautiful valley made golden now by the Autumn colours of the bracken.
The Primroses, of course, were over, but still one or
two remained, as lovely as ever.
The variety of colour in the woods surrounding
Primrose Valley amazed me. Each kind of tree had a different colour. The
Beech trees had a combination of gold and russet leaves, while the Limes
and Hazels were brilliant gold.
Although I felt I could stay in that beautiful valley
for a long time yet, I thought it would be nearly breakfast-time, and so
I began to wend my way homeward.
I walked along the grassy track until I came to the
foot of the hill, which rises above the wood, I climbed until I came to
the summit, where I sat down on a hillock to gaze at the panorama spread
before me. It was a wonderful sight to behold, like a many-coloured
patchwork quilt.
I sprang up, and bounded down the hillside with
Laddie barking excitedly at my heels.
A little further down I tripped over a hillock and
rolled down the rest of the way. I picked myself up at the bottom, leapt
over the style and crossed the fields to home, and breakfast.
Pamela
Roberts Form ICG
THE SCHOOLBOY'S ANCIENT MARINER
(with apologies to Coleridge)
It was an Ancient Mariner, who stoppeth one of
three, A horrifying raconteur and travel bore was he. His victim was
a Wedding-Guest who listened while he told A story that went on and
on, and never did unfold. It told about a voyage that went round
Cape Horn and back. He worked aboard a sailing ship, I think he got
the sack. With nothing but a crossbow-shaft, he shot an albatross,
His shipmates did not praise this feat, but were extremely cross.
They hung the bird around his neck, which must have been unpleasant
For when an albatross gets "high" its not like
grouse or pheasant. The Ancient M. went off his head, got sunstroke
or D.T's A guilt-complex afflicted him, which nothing could appease.
He thought he saw his ship break up, and all his comrades die, He
thought he saw the stars behave most oddly in the sky.
MORAL
Don't let yourself be buttonholed when you have got
a date. Don't travel in a sailing-ship (they're nearly always late).
Beware 'old salts' especially those who have a glittering eye. Above
all don't shoot albatross - or is it "albatri"?
P.S.
The Ancient M. is far too good for usages so vile,
And if you read the whole darn thing you'll find it well worthwhile.
Alan
Harris Form 3AG
PARIS
La belle cite La vieille cite Ou se
coule La Seine si fraiche.
Ses grands jardins Ses jolis coins Ou
Notre Dame leve sa fleche.
Le Sacre-Coeur La blanche eglise Qu'on
peut voir toujours,
La Madeleine Les Tuileries Qui
n'oublient pas les autres jours.
La Tour Eiffel La Gare de 1'Est
Les magasins grands et petits,
Place de 1'Etoile Place de la Bastille,
J'espere les voir encore une fois.
Form
1BG
HORSES
I like horses very much because
they are very interesting. When I was new to the stable
my riding teacher took my horse on the lead. As I have
been sixteen weeks or more, my horse goes without the
lead.
There are three things you must
learn. These are walking, trotting, cantering. I used to
hate cantering, but now I like it. They have so
many horses in the stable I cannot remember all their
names. I know, however, that most of the horses are of
Arab breed. There is a new horse who is pure white, just
arrived from Egypt. He is only seven years old. I
believe he is going to be called "Refugee", but I think
I would call him Nasser!
It would be nice to go riding in
England, on a nice sunny morning, across the moors, and
to feel the wind on my face. I look forward to that very
much.
David
Balment
Form
3J
LOST
One Saturday I went for a walk as it
was a sunny afternoon. I set off and started to climb
the hill, which ascends slowly, at the end of our
village. Suddenly, I heard a shout behind me, and turned
to see my friend scrambling up the hill, and falling
over the heather. She told me she had seen me go, but
had to finish the washing-up. I suggested that we should
go to the tower at the top, and Ann agreed.
In another ten minutes we had reached
the summit, and looked down upon a patchwork quilt of
fields, with corn, barley, grass and some just ploughed
up. It was a wonderful view with hills behind that
looked blue. Ann and I started to walk down to a stream
where it is rather boggy.
We noticed it was getting late, and a
mist was coming up. I remarked on this to my friend and
she replied that we had better go home. By the time that
half a mile had been covered I realized this was easier
said than done, but we plodded on till we were
thoroughly lost in a maze of tracks. Ann told me it was
no use and that we must find a cave for shelter as it
was beginning to rain, and we could just shout and hope
someone would hear us.
Meanwhile, our parents were getting
worried about us, and my father came out with a
storm-lantern. As we were sitting shivering in the cave,
suddenly I heard a yell, "A-a-n-n", so we sprang out,
and there was my father, very muffled up.
When we got home, we were told that
both of us had been away four and a half hours.
It was a long time before Ann and I
went up the hill without first making sure the weather
was fine.
Auriol
Round-Turner
Form
4J
THE CHRISTMAS TREE
When I first saw our Christmas tree,
it looked so very small, I hardly thought it worth
my while to dress it up at all. So I left it on the
table, not bothering to see If with its decorations,
a thing of beauty it could be.
I woke on Christmas morning and,
feeling full of glee,
I crept into the sitting-room and
there I saw "The Tree".
It was so very lovely, it took my
breath away.
Was this the little tree that I had
seen the other day?
It was gaily dressed with tinsel, a
star and fairy bright, It would take its place of
honour, my tree on Christmas night. But I felt a
little guilty for in my heart I knew That I could
have helped to make my tree a thing of beauty, too.
Janet
North
Form
2AM
BY THE SEA
Often I wonder how much my friends in
England would envy me if they knew how near I was to the
sea.
Sometimes I find myself strolling
along the rocks, looking into the small rock pools for
any signs of marine life that there may be.
As I glance out to sea, I am
sometimes rewarded with a glimpse of a destroyer racing
past, a submarine creeping surreptitiously on its way,
or an aircraft carrier majestically gliding into a
position to fly off its planes.
I feel that there can be no greater
thrill than to stand close to the sea on a hot day, with
a light breeze lashing the wavetops into a fine spray,
seeing the ships ploughing their way to distant places.
It is then that I let my imagination
have full rein, and I too, stand on the bridge of some
vessel, and issue my commands to an imaginary crew.
Now I am captain of a steam ship with
a mutinous crew, making for distant Singapore, with a
cargo of motor-vehicles; again I am in command of a
flshing vessel sailing for nearby Sicily.
I need no ship on these adventures
for my dreams carry me to any place I wish to go, and
though at times I walk with danger, it requires but a
thought to bring me back to my starting point.
David
Fowler
Form
ICG
BRANDY
Brandy was a Chow. He was most
affectionately brought up by two elderly patients of
Doctor Monserratt. Neither could leave the house without
Brandy following at their heels. When they worked in the
garden, he would find a shady spot and sit watching
their every move. He always seemed to be alert for fear
they might slip away without him.
When Brandy reached the middle age of
his life, his foster parents both suddenly passed away.
He was taken to the village by friends and tied up so
that he would become reconciled to his new home. But
Brandy refused to eat or drink. Realizing that he was
starving himself to death they let him go. After a
couple of days the villagers went to Brandy's former
home and found him on the veranda keeping watch.
Soon afterwards, they discovered that
if they left food every night he would come to the
village and eat, and then promptly return to his vigil.
In about a year Brandy's farm was
sold and a new family moved in. But he didn't give up
his long and faithful vigil. He just moved to the hill
behind the house.
Then, at long last, came the time
when his food was not eaten. His good friends, who had
fed him for many years, went to see what had happened.
And one morning, as the snow drifts were melting, Doc.
saw a tuft of red hair sticking out of the snow on
Brandy's hill. Doc. Monserratt scraped the snow away.
There lay Brandy, his head pointing
to the South. He had kept his faithful watch.
Michael
Hunt Form 3AM
MALTA
Dusty, dirty, dreadful,
Dreary, desolate, drawn. This is sweating
Malta, On a blazing Summer morn.
Limestone rocks are cracking
Herbage burnt away, All the beasts take
shelter, On a blazing Summer day.
The deep, blue, sea
outlines, The white cliffs, straight and
tall. "I'm cool, deep, blue and calm", The
sea cries, seawaves call.
Fresh, sweet, smelling
wetly, Green and glorious, gay, This is
lovely Malta, On a windy, Winter's day.
White clover, poppy, spurge,
Sorrel, broomrape, daisy, Pimpernel, anenome,
Grow sweetly by the verge.
Orange, apple, melon,
Banana, lemon gay,
Fruits reflect the sunshine
On a windy. Winter's day.
Form
5G
J.
Ogden
A CAT I KNOW
This bundle of bones and fur,
which must be the most infamous cat in Malta, happens to
reside in our street, much to its good fortune. The
local residents like to pretend they hate and despise
"Scruff", as our family call him, but, in their
good-humoured Maltese way, our neighbours adore him, and
would be very sad if anything happened to this
"alley-cat".
We first got to know him when he was found curled up
on outdoor-step, taking a siesta for a few minutes, .during his humdrum,
daily activities.
I had just been told to go and buy some "Aspro" for
my father, who had a headache, and on opening the door I saw a cat
resting on the door-step, and, knownig the manner of a Maltese cat,
expected it to bolt. No! It just looked at me, yawned, as if to say,
"Did you have to disturb me?" and ambled away!
Amused, I asked the man in the shop if he knew this
cat. "Oh yes, that thing; if I had my way it would be shot!" he said.
I walked away, and by this time "Scruff was exploring
our dust-bin. He eventually emerged with an old condensed milk tin.
Placing it in the road, he started to polish it with his tongue,
regardless of the cars which went by, and of the drivers' curses he
received.
This made me laugh, and on telling my father about
it, I learned that "Scruff" is renowned in the neighbourhood, calling at
each house every day for food and, if he is lucky, milk.
''Scruff" is always up to something new; if it's not
defying the most ferocious of dogs, it is stealing something from the
grocer's shop.
No, we couldn't do without "Scruff", who is a good
tonic when you are feeling miserable. A truly amazing animal.
R.
Youngman Form 4AM.
OUR (TEMPORARY) ISLAND HOME
Malta is a small island in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Maltese people talk a different language from us
and some are very poor and live out in the open in little huts. If you
come to Malta you will probably see some children dressed the same. They
come from Convents or Orphanages. You might not believe it, but some
Maltese live in caves. Some of them go around barefoot in Winter and
Summer. In the Summer it is very hot and some Maltese even go in the sea
with their dresses on and when they come out of the water they hang
their clothes out to dry. Sometimes you can't get on the beaches because
they are so crowded. The Maltese women sometimes start talking in the
middle of the road and they let their goats wander all over the place.
Summer in Malta is very pleasant but it sometimes
gets far too hot for me. It is not like an English summer, which is
fresh and cool. It is very hot and stuffy. The countryside in Malta is
dry and barren, but apart from that it is not too bad. There are lots of
sandstones and huge rocks in Malta. There are a few trees and not much
grass. What grass there is in Malta is very dry and more like straw. Now
to go back to the climate, if by chance you should be here in Malta when
a bad storm comes over, you should take cover very quickly. You might
get hit by hail stones as big as marbles, lightening or thunder bolts,
and when, the storm goes over there is a very bright rainbow.
Transport in Malta is largely by bus and lorry. There
are a great many "gharries" on the island. They are often used for
transporting carpets, beds, chairs, mirrors and other household
articles. The buses are not as comfortable as the English ones and they
very often break down. Many of the Maltese own English cars, but mostly
they are very bad drivers and there are often accidents. The buses have
very loud horns and the drivers blow them as they go up hills or round
corners.
It' you go sightseeing in Malta you would probably go
to see ' Mosta Dome which is the third largest unsupported, dome in the
world. The people of Mosta built it themselves. You would also like to
go to the Armoury which is in Valletta. In there you would find a lot of
old armour belonging to the knights of St. John. They also have some
cannons there. Another place you would go to would be M'dina which is
the old capital city of Malta. If you have a look over the wall you
would have a lovely view of Malta. Another place you would go to is the
Roman Villa. It is now a Museum. While you were round that way you could
visit Chad-wick Lakes, which is a reservoir. If you want to go to Gozo
you would get a bus to Marfa and then cross by ferry boat. On the way
over you would see Comino, which is a very small island with few people
living there. The sea is very blue between these islands.
In the summer time in Malta people pass their time by
swimming, it gets so hot that you feel like swimming all the time. I
mostly go swimming in the summer.
In the Winter people go to the pictures, but when it
is a grownup film I go and play "Sorry" with my brother, mother and
father. Sometimes in the Winter people go swimming but I would not like
to swim in the Winter.
When people shop in the summer they mostly go in
the evenings and there are crowds of people and they walk in the
road as well as on the pavements.
Although we often grumble, our lives in Malta are really
very happy.
Written by 1CM. Paragraphs written by: Carol
Brown, Barbara Brown, Brett Batchelor, Andrea Driffield and Wendy
Nicholls.
I USED TO LIVE IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA
When I was quite young I used to live in
Czechoslovakia. I used to live in a place called Roztoky, five miles
from Prague.
The life there is very different from the life I am
living now. As far as I can remember the children work harder, also they
play harder. There is an organisation called "Falcon", the motto of
which is "Healthy mind in a Healthy body". Children of all age groups
attend twice a week meetings where physical training, sports and games
are being taught. Usually the youngest children attend in the early
afternoon. They are taught by trained volunteers. The nicest part is
that everyone, however weak or strong, can find there the game most
suited to him:-friends made there are usually for life. During the
winter many children carry out skiing and tobogganing right from their
own doorstep. All lakes are frozen and tennis-courts are turned into
ice-rinks for skating and hockey.
The summer activities are centred on the rivers and
lakes, as the weather is quite hot.
In the winter the babies, instead of going out in a
pram, go by sleigh. Occasional thunderstorms become very wild causing
lots of damage and are a nightmare to all farmers.
When I was small Daddy had a pit in the ground and
hedgehogs used to fall in it and I used to collect them and make them
guard our chicken-house.
It is a very different country and I am sure that all
children there love it as English children love their country.
John V.
Kaslik Form 2BG
HOW RADAR WORKS
Millions of people who are familiar with the word
"radar" believe the technical process is so involved as to be beyond
their comprehension. Actually it is simple in principle. Radar which
stands for. "Radio detection and ranging", is based on the
discovery twenty-two years ago in Britain that very short radio waves
are reflected back by solid objects, somewhat as a shout bounces against
a cliff and returns as an echo. The big revolving aerial conspicuous at
airports is a part of a warning system which scans the skies day and
night and reports the appearance of aircraft long before the human eye
can detect them. Built like a searchlight - with the transmitter in the
position of the light bulb, and the concave grid serving as a reflector
- the aerial revolves continuously 26 times a minute. It sends forth a
narrow beam of radio microwaves which, fanning upwards and downwards,
brushes the sky in a circle about 40 miles in radius.
When an aircraft enters that area, the waves that hit
it are reflected back to the aerial.To hear the echo of your voice, you
shout and then wait for the response; radar must do likewise. So it
sends its wavesin a series of short pulses lasting one two-thousandth of
a second. Then the sending device is automatically turned off and
becomes,for an equal interval of time, an electronic ear to pick up any
echoes. Caught by the curved reflector, these echoes are focused on the
transmitter, which alternately acts as a receiver. Signals received are
relayed to a control room, where the observer watches a screen similar
to that of a television set. This circular screen shows the area of the
sky scanned by the revolving aerial, Pivoted in the centre (in the
position of the aerial) is an electronic arm, suggesting a windscreen
wiper, which sweeps round the screen in exact synchronization with the
revolutions of the aerial. When a plane enters the field of vision, the
electro charge of its "echo" is transmitted to the arm and excites the
sensitive coating of the screen to form a spot of light, called a
"blip", at the exact point on the screen corresponding to the plane's
position in the sky.
While the arm sweeps on, in time with the aerial's
examination of other parts of the heavens, the blip still glows because
the screen has been treated chemically o make the image last until the
aerial performs another revolution and picks up the plane in its new
position. In this way the observer "sees" planes approaching from all
points of the compass at the same time. Since the top of the screen
represents North, the observer sees at a glance exactly where in the
area the plane is. The distance of each plane from the airport is
continuously and automatically calculated by measuring the time it takes
for the radar signal to bounce back from the plane, and each plane's
blip appears on the screen at a corresponding distance from its centre.
At many airports this type of radar is supplemented
by "Ground Control Approach", which keeps track of incoming planes down
to the runway and enables the operator to "talk the pilot down" by radio
in difficult flying weather. "Early Warning Radar" can detect an
approaching plane at a distance of 200 miles. An aircraft can identify
itself by responding automatically to "interrogating pulses" with a
message tacked on to the returning echo displayed on the screen. In the
many other types of radar - the radar altimeter, the type used in
bombers and on naval vessels to spot unseen targets; the one used on
ships to prevent collisions, and so on - there are many ingenious
adaptations and refinements, but the principle remains the same.
P.
Pond Form 6G
HELPING
MOTHER
I always love our baking day,
Helping Mother every way,
Cleaning currants, washing dishes,
Everything that Mother wishes
Stoning dates and chopping peel,
Preparing for our mid-day meal,
But best of all I love the cakes
All spicy warm that Mother makes. ,
She beats the eggs with vim and vigour To
make the cakes grow light and bigger, And when she's very
pleased with me, She gives me one before my tea. I never go
outside to play, When it's Mother's baking day.
Marilyn Ovenden
Form 3J
A TRIP TO COMINO
Early on a Summer morning we went to Comino an island
close to Malta. The sun was shining down on the clear blue water and on
our boat It was a long journey but an enjoyable one. There had recently
been a rumour that a shark had been seen, so I spent most of the time
looking for one. However, I didn't see one.
When we reached our destination which was a small
bay, but a very pretty one, there were already two boats anchored, so we
had to anchor further out than we expected.
Some of the people who had children went to the shore
by the rowing boat that we had trailed behind us. The others stayed on
board and dived off the edge of the boat. There .were some steps which
went, down to the surface of the water, so that you could go to and fro.
We had a very enjoyable day, and I liked swimming and
snorkling in the clear warm water. There was a beautiful colour contrast
with the yellow sand and blue sea which was dotted with gaily coloured
swimming costumes.
All too soon it was time to leave for home. It didn't
seem long before we were getting off the boat and making for the car.
P. Gard Form 4J
A VISIT TO AN ACTIVE VOLCANO
One of the most interesting places I have visited is
a volcano in Italy on the outskirts of Naples. It is much smaller than
Vesuvius in height but I think it is just as wide.
When we arrived there we hired a guide to show us the
way into the crater, and to point out to us the most interesting things.
In he crater the guide picked up a large rock and then dropped it. When
it hit the ground it made a loud "Booming" sound like a drum. The reason
for this, the guide pointed out, was because the ground underneath was
hollow.
The guide then took us to a place where lava was
bubbling up from the ground (sometimes this, when cool can be carved
into brooches etc.).
Up the slopes of the crater we could see little wisps
of smoke coming out of small holes in the ground. Then the guide took
some paper and lit it. At once the smoke began to pour from these holes,
much thicker than before
We then went back to our ship which had brought us
from Malta to Naples. It really had been an exciting day for me.
Christopher
Gibbons Form 1BG
A VILLAGE POLICEMAN
A village policeman is usually a very fat man who
lives in a cottage just outside the village. In the morning after he has
had breakfast he goes round the village on his bicycle, and gets a very
red face in doing so, to find out if some miserable character has been
raiding farmer Jones' orchard for apples. If he is lucky enough to find
someone, out comes his notebook and stub of a pencil and he begins, very
laboriously to write that person's name and address.
After he has had his lunch he starts to dig his
garden for worms so that he can go fishing on Wednesday afternoon.
N.
Instone Form 1AM
I KNOW
I know that most folk say it's right That
girls should always be polite, And when they're walking in
the street, They should be demure and discreet. But when a
chum of mine's espied Just strolling on the other side, I
wave, and always want, I fear, To yell out, "Cheerio, my
dear!"
At meals how often it is said, "I'd like
you, please, to pass the bread". You know the girl who
states the wish Will take but one piece from the dish; How
easy then to save a stir, And throw a piece across to her!
But manners tell you that it is not Correct unless you pass
the lot!
It sometimes seems to me a farce How work is
managed in a class: The mistress loves to question us, But
makes a simply awful fuss If, out of turn, you chance to
yell The answer that you know so well. And when at last it
is your turn It's just the thing you didn't learn!
Sharman Currie Form 5AG
"GOOD WIVES" by Louisa M.
Alcott
A book I have read and recommend to you is "Good
Wives". This is a sequel to "Little Women". It is an interesting story
about the four March girls after they have grown up. Beth dies half-way
through he book. The other three get married and the rest of the story
is about their married life.
For three girls so different it is not strange to see
that they married such different men but their choice of husbands hardly
seems to fit their own characters at first.
Jo, who was a torn-boy, married a very settled man of
great religious beliefs who was bringing up two orphan nephews. One
would have thought that he would be too serious for her liking and
happiness.
Amy, the one who wanted to be an artist, married a
rich young man. It was thought originally that Jo and he might have been
married. This fact lent interest to the story.
Meg, the third sister, married a poor young man who
died not long after their marriage and she was left to rear her own
family without much money.
The story of these three sisters and their married
lives is very interesting. The book is well written and is suitable for
girls.
Elizabeth Brown
Form 1BG
MY TRIP TO MALTA
We started off at Birkenhead, Liverpool, at my
grandmother's house. We were driven to Liverpool through the Mersey
Tunnel in my uncle's car.
When we arrived at Liverpool we waited about three
quarters of an hour for the ship, a troopship called the "S.S.
Lancashire", we were on its hundredth voyage.
On the way over I was sea-sick as I had never been on
a ship quite as big as this one.
Angela and Jean, my friends, I met on this voyage. We
had a lot of fun together playing chasing and deck-tennis. Trust me! I
accidentally dropped four tennis rings over the side of the ship.
One day Angela, Jean and myself were talking to a
friend of ours when Angela's ice cream slipped off her paper and some
went down his neck. It was very funny but it must have been most
uncomfortable for him.
The rest of our voyage was very exciting.
We passed the Bay of Biscay which was extremely calm,
then Portugal with its coloured lights, Gibraltar with its apes, Sicily
and then Malta.
We first set foot on Malta at the Grand Harbour
where, after waiting a few minutes, a car came along and took us to '"Tigne
Court Hotel".
Valerie Jean Pickering
Form 2BM
SMUTTY
Smutty was a small grey dog, about a foot to nine
inches high. He was a first-cross between a Scotty dog and a Cairn
Terrier. His main hobby was chasing birds.
We were making our way to London, where we were to
leave Smutty, until we arrived back in England. When we had ridden about
twenty miles in our car, with my father driving, we stopped at a little
cafe named the Malta Inn. Leading down to the Malta Inn was a small
narrow lane. When the car had reached the bottom of the lane we saw a
river flowing with clear fresh water. At each side of the river was a
parapet a foot or so high. On the opposite side of the river, was a
large grass lawn on which the Malta Inn stood. Leading over the river
was a small wooden bridge.
We all clambered out of the car eager to see what the
Malta Inn was like. Forgetting about Smutty we walked over the bridge.
When we reached the Malta Inn we entered it. It was a neat little place
with tables all set. It was quite empty. We ordered some dinner, and
came out to see what had happened to Smutty. He was playing his usual
game at chasing birds. We watched for a few minutes and then our hearts
leaped to our mouths, because Smutty was chasing a sparrow and it was
flying over the river. We held our breath as we watched Smutty rushing
towards the river. He got nearer and nearer until at last he reached the
river. He leapt over the parapet and straight into the river. Daddy
walked up to the river and pulled him out. He looked like a little
drowned rat. We had to take a wet little Smutty to London that day.
Janet
Perrin Form 1AM
THE DOG I WOULD LIKE TO OWN
Oh! how I would like a dog of my own, A dog, all
white and brown, I'd take him for walks, I'd take him to roam,
I'd take him on buses to town.
I'd give him a bath nearly every night,
I'd bathe his eyes, so he'd have good sight,
I'd let him jump on stone and lea,
And take him to swim every week in the sea.
I'd let him sleep every night on my bed, I'd
brush his coat and his shining head. I'd buy him a collar, a
lead and a bone, And I'd let him keep them all for his own.
Oh! for a dog, a lovely dog.
A dog I could call my own.
Can you guess what I'd call him?- can you
Guess? I'd call him "Master Bone!"
L.
Eaton Form IBM
"PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN GLASS HOUSES "
Have you ever sat, ear glued to the radio, listening
spellbound to a Mr. Presley bellowing, 'You ain't nothin' but a hound
dawg', or informing 'Honey' that she may do as she pleases provided she
abstains from stepping on his blue suede shoes? You have? And Mum. or
Dad. has come into the room and made derogatory remarks about your taste
in music?
Well, next time, ask mum to tell you how she used to
delight in lending an ear to 'Ta-ra-ra-boom-de-ay' or 'Hands, knees and
boomps-a-daisy', (early Rock 'n' Roll?), and ask Dad to tell you about 'Mazey
doats and dozy doats and little lambzy divey'?
To go back even further in this age of nonsense
songs. Rock 'n' Roll and Rythm 'n' Blues, ask Grandma to explain how a
writer of her era could sit down and, in cold blood, pen the
ungrammatical monstrosity, 'You didn't orter have did what you done when
you dooed it.'
When you face relatives with these tactless reminders
of a Lone-gone riotous youth, they start to think more kindly of 'See
you later, Alligator'.
R. J. Walton Form
4AM
A "SQUARE'S" LAMENT
Unearthing scarlet tubers indigestible Our pristine
peasant ordered, "Dig that beet!" But modern youngsters, somewhat less
suggestible To Ceres' blessings, often deem it meet At orgies nigh
sabbatical, By Rock 'n Roll erratical, To deify the functions of the
feet.
Insidiously the scarlet letter "A"
Has wrought a revolution; "beet" is "beat",
And "Dig that Beat!" can only mean, today,
An accolade's been won! The strident bleat
Of wailing trumpet's noisome noise
Has oust Sir Malcolm and His Boys.
"It makes you think, y'know". to say the lea't
(Anon Please!!)
INTER-SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY-
1957 -
The event took place, this year, over the Saint
Edward's course as the course at Mosta was unsafe.
In the Senior Event the team prize went, as last
year, to Saint Edward's College while we; although having the
same points as Saint Aloysius, were placed third as the fourth runner in
our team was beaten by the fourth runner in Saint Aloysius team.
The individual winner in this event was Stubbs. The
next members of the Royal Naval School team home were Evans, Instone and
Roddick.
The Junior event was won over a shorter distance and
the Royal Naval School came second to Saint Aloysius.
Individual Racings were Strutt sixth, Harrison
seventh, Slack eighth and Birch tenth.
Jenkins who won the event in 1955 and 1956 very
unfortunately suffered an asthmatic attack, whilst leading, and finished
fourty-fourth.
Both teams deserve credit for a very commendable
effort.
D. C. Love Form 6G
ANNUAL SWIMMING SPORTS - 1956
The Ninth Annual Swimming Sports were held at the
Fleet Lido, Ricasoli, on Friday, 13th July, the prizes being presented
by Mrs. Miles, wife of the Port Education Officer, Malta.
RESULTS
Final House Positions:1. Nelson 190J points
- Drake 177 points
- Stevenson 135 points
- White 974- points
The awards for Champion boy and girl are given to the
boy and girl who obtain the most points. This year the Champions both
came from the 12J.- - 14 year age group. They were John Wakeford (White)
and Janet Orchard (Drake).
No records were broken, and quite a few times were
far from the record times. But, with everything considered, it can be
said that it was a satisfactory afternoon.
SCHOOL SPORTS 1957
The School Sports were held at Ta-Kali on a rather
windy Saturday, llth May. This is the first time the Sports have been
held at Ta-Kali, the previous ones being held at the Marsa and most
people thought the grass track was a great improvement on the cinder
track at the Marsa.
The results of the sports were practically identical
to last year's, only the gap between the winning House and the last
House was lessened. Drake won the Sports and Stubbs (D) and Currie (D)
were again Champion Boy and Girl respectively.
In the Senior 100 yds. Stubbs won in 10.2 sees., but
he was only just ahead of Chandler (S) who also beat the previous record
of llsecs. In the Open Mile Armstrong (S) ran a very fine race to beat
Evans (W) into second place who, after leading from the 2nd lap was
overtaken by Armstrong in the home straight.
The 1st form relay (boys) produced a very tight
finish Nelson beating White by inches. In the Girls' 1st year 100 yds.
Perry (W) won with convincing ease showing that she obviously has the
makings of a good runner. Tyndale-Biscoe (D) won the Girls' Senior 220
yds. by quite a few yards.
The Sports indicated clearly that there are some good
athletes in this School who are well ahead of the others, who are very
average and it is pleasing to see that this factor, the difference in
class, does not deter the average performers from giving their best and
there are no indications of the 'I can't win therefore I won't try
attitude.
Drake 431 points, Nelson 385
points, Stevenson 365 - points White 345
points
RESULTS
CRICKET1956
The Cricket Shield this year was won by
Stephenson with Drake and White tieing for second place.
The School XI played one match against the
Staff at the end of May at Manoel Island which ended in a
comfortable win for the latter. The School batted first and
scored 70 before 'being dismissed. The Staff then replied with
71 for four wickets, thus winning by six wickets.
There were no more School fixtures during the
Summer term, but during the holidays the School XI had eight
matches with the "Olympians". The School won three of these
games and lost five. The School had mixed fortunes in these
games partly due to indifferent fielding which must have cost
many runs. There was sound, steady batting from Livingtsone,
Robertson and Chandler with some unauthodox hitting from Stubbs
and Whitehouse. The bowling was quite steady, the brunt of it
being borne by Robertson and Chandler supplying the quicker
variety and Livingstone with the slower. M. Yorke, whose
services behind the stumps were sadly missed on his return to
U.K., also did some useful hard-hitting.
Batting averages for school
matches:
Chandler 24.8
Livingstone 21.9
Robertson 18.3
Bowling averages for school
matches:
Chandler 12.1
Livingstone 9.9
Robertson 9.2
This article would not be complete without
thanking the Staff for their kind services in umpiring at the
matches and for bringing the cricket bag to the matches.
Roger G.
E. Chandler
SCHOOL FOOTBALL (56-57)
Only four matches were played in school
football this season, one other being cancelled and another in
which the opposing side didn't turn up. The 1st XI this year was
a considerably lighter team than last year and the players were
also less experienced, but, even though the team was weak on
paper it put a much better show than was expected of it.
Our first match was against Dockyard
Technical who beat all Malta Schools last season. We soon learnt
that we would have to be quick in getting used to the Maltese
fast and nervous type of playing. Even though we pressed hard
and got the first
goal, we were tired out towards the end of
the second half and they obtained three goals in quick
succession, the final score being 41.
Our match against Stella Maris was our only
success due to our continual opening out of play and using the
wings. The Maltese tended to use a lightning dash through the
middle and hard shooting which didn't pay off. We won 42.
The match against St. Alberts was a ding-dong
battle all the way. The standard of play deteriorated after a
while and feeling ran high after a few trippings, but the result
was a hard-fought game which we lost 10.
Our final match against Lyceum promised to be
as tough as the St. Alberts match but either the forwards were
slow in realising their position or the backs failed to keep up
with play because the opposing forwards took advantage of the
large gap and shot two quick goals late in the second half.
On the whole the team did well. We learnt not
to keep the ball high in the air with these Maltese teams,
because their heading is far superior to ours and also, that
opening out play towards the wings produced many openings for
the forwards, because the Maltese like to play close together
taking the ball up the field using short passes.
Our only regret at the end of this season is
that we didn't have a crack at St. Edwards. There is always a
lot of competition between individual members of our School and
St. Edwards, and if this competition were to spread a bit it
might do something to prevent the tremendous lack of team spirit
amongst the senior forms of the school.
The team for this season consisted of
Chandler (Goal); Harrison (L.B.), Stubbs (R.B.), Stephens (L.H.),
Riley (C.H.), Lloyd (R.H.), Kiggell (L.W.), Robertson (I.L.),
Evans (C.P.), Holness (I.R.), Roddick (R.W.). Those deserving
mention for their efforts are Chandler who, although never
having played in goal befroe, pulled off many good saves and
Harrison whose determined tackling and long accurate passes
broke apart most of the fast Maltese attacks.
R. Robertson
Form VIG
TAL HANDAK JUNIOR SCHOOL SOCCER (1956-57)
Played 11, won 3, lost 8!! and yet no-one will deny that this
was a successful season. The boys were very keen to learn,
especially as most of them had never played in a school team
before, and that keeness made winning or losing of little
consequence.
In fact the team spirit weakened after the
first victory and casual play was noticed in the next game. If
the boys had played in their normal spirited way, there would
have been a different result in the second match against Tigne.
The task of forming a team from twenty-five boys, half of whom
were in 3J class, seemed practically impossible when the first
practice games showed that their idea of Soccer was chasing a
ball all over the field. However, a nucleus of three or four
boys, who had some knowledge of the game, and the keenness of
the rest enabled a team to be chosen. Needless to say, the boys
were quite convinced that Tal Handak Juniors would emerge league
champions, and even when half the games had been played and
lost, they were still going to win the remaining fixtures.
That never-say-die spirit was the feature of
the season. Whatever the score the boys stuck to it and the
high-light for them, the victory over St. Andrews, was just
reward for some very hard effort.
The effort was sometimes wasted by several
players getting in the way of one of their own team who had
control of the ball. This fault, of bunching together, is very
common and destroys any chance of developing teamwork. By all
means keep moving during the game, but you should usually move
away from your team-mate, who has the ball, so that you are in a
position to receive a pass from him. Also the skill of kicking
with both feet, heading and trapping must be thoroughly
practised if you are to achieve your ambitions.
Manager Matt Busby will be pleased to learn
that most of Tal Handak Junior Soccer team intend to play for
his club when they leave school. We only hope that this keenness
and enthusiasm will last.
The team was chosen from these boys:
R. Chalmers, M. Morgan, J. Echterling,
B. Spence, N. Carter, R. Prince, G. Walsh, R. Peacock,
G. Oakley, G. Whitehouse, S. Oakley, I. Ralph and J.
Quinn.
Prince and Peacock were chosen to play for
the rest, against the league champions Verdala, in the closing
match of the season. Carter was first reserve.
Results
Luqa v Tal Handak 4 0
Tal Handak v St. Andrews 0 1
Tigne v Tal Handak 0 1
Tal Handak v Verdala 0 5
St. Andrews v Tal Handak 4 0
Tal Handak v Luqa 0 5
*Tal Handak v St. Andrews 2 0
Tal Handak v Tigne 0 3
Verdala v Tal Handak 9 0
*Tal Handak v Verdala Team 2 3
Tal Handak v Verdala Team 2 - 0
* Friendlies
DRAKE HOUSE NOTES
The House has continued to put up a good
all-round performance and we may well congratulate ourselves on
such activities as football and athletics. As usual we have for
the most part relied on a few outstanding individuals and to
them we must say thank-you. On the other hand the majority are
very prone to be lacking in support and loyalty; for example
the*re are seldom any supporters for the House when playing
football matches: a little encouragement from the side lines
goes a long way when a team is being hard pressed and the other
side is toeing cheered on by a pack of enthusiasts.
During the coming School Year we must remind
ourselves that a School House is not a collection of individuals
but an association or fellowship; common ties of loyalty and the
hope that our House will lead the School both at work and play
should be sufficient incentives to persuade all to get off the
fence and join in the race whatever it may be: in fairness we
must point out that our success in Athletics was largely due not
only to the few but also to those who, knowing that they were
only moderate performers, were still prepared to "have a go";
this is the spirit of tenacity and perseverance which we must
all encourage and foster in our House during the next twelve
months for it will spell success not only now but also in life
many years hence 'when our ship has left the river bank'.
A final note in praise of our two House
Captains June Currie and Graham Stubbs; both have worked very
hard to get the teams organised and to carry out the many
tedious and unrewarding tasks that always fall to the lot of
House Captains. This year Stubbs won the Inter Secondary Schools
Cross Country Race; there is no need to say that this was an
outstanding feat and was the result, not only of athletic
ability but of constant and persistent training for the event
after school hours.
C. Edgell
DRAKE HOUSE NOTES (BOYS) Football 1956-57 Season
The Senior team continued their unbeaten run
of success and went through the season without losing a point.
The only survivors of the previous seasons' team were Harrison,
Gaunter and Stubbs. However, with the luck of the draw we were
supplied with new talent in the form oi Riley, Youngman,
Campbell and Morgan and with these and some up-and-coming third
formers we made up a strong team. In the first round we beat
Nelson 61; White 21 and after a hectic battle Stevenson 43.
In the second round we repeated the performance beating Nelson
70; White 50 and Stevenson 1- -0.
In the Junior matches we only lost twice,
both times to Stevenson. In this team we have some very
promising players notably Smith, Turney, Symons and Derrick. The
results were as follows, beat Nelson 10, beat White 30, lost
Stevenson 10 and in the second round we beat Nelson 30, White
20 and lost to Stevenson 10.
As a finale to the season Drake Senior played
"The Rest". The match was one of the best we had played, it was
a really ding-dong battle with "The Rest" finally winning by 3
goals to 2. Cross Country 1957 Season
For Drake the prospects of Cross Country
seemed grim because although we had a good Junior team the
Senior one was weak.
However, on the day the Junior race started
first over the 2i mile course and Jenkins soon took his
usual position in the lead being closely supported by Birch,
Slack, Harrison, Gibbon and Symons. Jenkins finished the course
in 15 minutes 40 seconds, a remarkable run.
A few minutes after the Juniors had started,
the Senior race commenced, the competitors having to run 34
miles. For the first mile the runners were bunched but then the
field began to string out. The leading Seniors then started to
overtake a few stragglers from the Junior race who often tried
to run alongside them. At the finish however, it was Stubbs who
came in first but the next Drake competitors came in 12, 13 and
22 giving us a total of 48 points and the third position.
However, with the Senior and Junior totals added together we had
only 77 points which placed us comfortably ahead of White our
nearest rivals and thus giving us the Championship.
Athletics 1956 Season
Drake had yet another victory in the 1956
sports and not content in just winning the event we took both
Junior and Senior girl and boy Championships. The mainstays in
the boys events were Wellington and Allen in the mile, half mile
and javelin, Love and Gaunter in the relay, Taylor in the shot
and relay and Stubbs who was Champion Boy. Eric Smith was the
Junior Boy Champion.
Swimming 1956 Season
It is said that Athletics, and Swimming do
not mix. This may be so but Drake has had a good try at both and
came second to Nelson in the Swimming Sports. In the Junior
events we held our own and the outstanding swimmers were Daborn,
Phillips, Symons and Nesbit. In the Senior events we did not
fare so well but this is irrelevant as everybody did his best.
Keech, Harvey and Stubbs were the best Senior swimmers.
In spite of the lack of Senior swimmers we
managed to keep level with Nelson until the relay events when we
fell slightly behind to take second place.
Cricket 1956 Season
This season we had a strong Senior team which
was ably captained by Wellington. The Seniors won all their
matches but one which was against Nelson. The best cricketers
were Wellington, Allen, Wood and Taylor.
In the Juniors we were not so fortunate and
lost as many matches as we won. The team was captained by Wood
who was the most outstanding cricketer. The other Juniors who
deserve to be mentioned are Jenkins, Keech and Benfield.
DRAKE HOUSE (GIRLS)
Drake has done very well in Netball this
year, retaining the shield gained last year.
In the Christmas term we were first house in
the 4, 5 and 6th year and 3rd in the 2nd and 3rd year and
retained the shield on goal average having drawn for points with
Nelson. In the Easter term however, we had improved, winning the
shield outright.
We would like to congratulate Wendy Scott,
Anne Beare, Kathleen Quinn, Brenda Harding and June Currie on
being chosen for the School team and the last two on gaining
their School Netball colours.
We have some promising players in the second
and third forms particularly Christine Collins, Jane Ashworth
and Carol Agass.
Netball teams 2nd and 3rd year. Goal
Defence- Anne Greatbatch. Defence- Diane Bray.
Centre Defence -Carol Agass. Centre -Shiela Ayling. Centre
Attack - Jane Ashworth. Attack- Christine Collins. Shooter
-Susan Allen.
4th, 5th 'and 6th year. Goal Defence
-June Currie. Defence-Rosemary Powell. Centre Defence -Susan
Dixon. Centre - Wendy Scott. Centre Attack-Anne Beare.
Attack - Kathleen Quinn. Shooter -Brenda Harding.
Hockey
In the Hockey we have not been as successful
as we could have been. In the Christmas term 1956 we were last
in the House Championships. This was mainly due to lack of
enthusiasm amongst the Seniors in the House. However in the
Easter term 1957 much more effort was made and we managed to
come second.
We have some promising players such as
Rosemary Powell, Susan Dixon, Janet Tyndale-Biscoe and Wendy
Scott all having gained places in the School 1st XI.
Rosemary Powell
Kay
Skinner
Wendy
Scott
Kathleen Quinn
June Currie
Christine Collins
Right Wing Jane Ashworth
Right Inner Susan Dixon
Centre Forward Brenda Harding
Left Inner Janet Tyndale-Biscoe
Left Wing Diane Bray
STEPHENSON HOUSE NOTES
Hockey
Hockey this season has not been as good as in
the previous season. We gained second place at Christmas and
were last at Easter. This is due to the lack of enthusiasm among
the senior girls. We congratulate Gillian Gaithouse on gaining a
position in the School XI Hockey team. Pamela Hunt left at
Christmas; we are sorry to lose her, but we have a promising
player coming up in the third form, Gillian Loveridge. We hope
she will be with us for another year.
ft
The team was:
Goal Keeper Grace West
Right Back Pamela Munt
Left Back Eileen Waterworth
Right Wing Beryl Brierly
Left Wing Gilian Gaithouse
Centre Half Brenda Little
Centre Forward Helen Acton
Right Half Shiela Waterworth
Left Half Naomi Lavers
Right Inner Mairilyn Williams
Left Inner Gilian Laveridge
Reserves 1. J.
Tailour 2. N, Jeffreys
Netball
In the house Netball Tournaments the 2nd and
3rd years came first both at Christmas and Easter. The 4th, 5th
and 6th years were not so good; they came last at the end of
both terms
The teams were:
4th, 5th and 6th years
Goal Defence P. Spencer
Defence G. Gaithouse
Centre Defence H. Acton (Capt.)
Centre Centre Attack
Attack
Shooter
Reserve G. Hart
Goal Defence Defence Centre Defence Centre
Centre Attack
Attack
Shooter
Reserve J. Mead
Cricket 1956
Throughout the season the only deficiency in
both Junior and Senior teams was fielding. Both teams were
strong bowling sides and the need for good fielding was
apparent. Because of a lack of really good batsmen we had to
rely very much on our bowling to win matches and the need for
good fielding was emphasized. The spirit of the teams were on
the whole good, but members were inclined to panic in the face
of stiff oposition. Unfortunately it was the Seniors who were
lacking in keenness but if the up and coming Juniors play as
well next year as they did this year, we should retain our
position as the best cricketing House. Johnston, Armstrong,
Matthews and Kiggell formed the backbone of both Junior and
Senior teams and their example should be noted by various
non-sportsmen in the House.
Swimming1956
We had no exceptional swimmers although
certain members of the Juniors were very successful. Despite
this fact and our complete lack of divers of any shape or sort,
we showed the House was not below standard and that on the
average we were the fastest House resulting in our winning the
two relays easily. The turn-out for the Sports was rather
disappointing and consequently we started the events with less
points than we did at last years meeting. Members of the House
will have to remember that in the heats for the swimming sports,
it is quantity, not quality that counts. The more people
entering, the more points we can get.
Cross-Country
In this year's Cross-Country the House came
off very badly. The Seniors did well to come in second taut our
points still could have been pushed up by a few. The main
trouble was slow starting which resulted in some runners getting
too far behind the main pack.
The Juniors failed miserably by all accounts.
They failed to turn up regularly for practices with one or two
exceptions and their whole attitude towards the run can be put
down to cockiness and downright laziness, resulting in third
place. Admittedly Cross-Country is not an attractive way of
winning points but members of the House must show the right
spirit and be willing to put in that extra effort that makes the
difference between success and failure. We cannot afford to have
repetions of this sort of show if the House is to Rive any
reasonable opposition in the Championships.
R. Robertson (House Captain)
Football (56-57)
The House put up a very good showing in this
seasons football. The Juniors played excellently throughout and
deserved to win the Championship. Their only drawback was their
inclination to panic under pressure and this was the case when
they lost to Nelson but will no doubt wear off as their
experience grows. The team was ably captained by Eddie Fleming,
who although absent for two of the matches, set a splendid
example to the rest of the team. Quinn at centre half, Martin
inside left and Hopperton outside left deserve mentioning for
their efforts.
The Seniors were less fortunate in coming
second in the Championship. The two games we lost against Drake
were hard battles with neither side giving any quarter and only
the odd goal deciding the winners (43; 10). Throughout the
season the sore points were the large gap that repeatedly opened
up betwen forwards and backs and the fact that we often failed
to open up play to our advantage because we possess the best
forward line in the School, especially the right wing. Shooting
was rather slap happy at times and our draw with White was due
to cockiness and too much passing in the opposing goalmouth.
On the whole the House has been taking second
place pretty regularly but second place isn't good enough for
Stephenson and if we all pull our weight and prevent these
periodic deteriorations in form, we will find the House
Championship shield well within our grasp.
WHITE HOUSE NOTES
Swimming1956
In this the House as a whole failed miserably
to accomplish anything and for the points that were gained the
House depended on a few, notably John Wakeford, who was the Boy
Champion, obtaining Hi points in the Junior Competition and thus
narrowly beating the totals obtained by Stubbs of Drake and
Yorke of Nelson in the Senior Competition.
Cricket
Both teams were average; the Juniors were
more successful than the Seniors and in the placing (combined)
at the end of the Season the House was 2nd. equal.
Football1956-57
In the First Round neither team gained a
point. This meant that the Seniors had gone a season and a half
without a point. But on the arrival of 1957 the Seniors, to
everyone's surprise, improved greatly, gaining 3 points out of a
possible 6 in the second round thereby just beating Nelson for
3rd. place. Unfortunately the New Year had no effect on the
Junior team.
Cross-Country1957
At last the House has won something, with
Instone 2nd., Evans 3rd., Cane 6th and Whitehouse 9th, the
Seniors won their Cross-Country beating Stevenson by 4 points.
The Juniors, led by Taylor 4th, did surprisingly well and came
second to Drake.
Thus at last it looks as if the House might
be making its way out of the bad patch.
G. Whitehouse (House
Captain)
Netball
It was unfortunate that White House did not
do better in Netball this season. The Seniors were beaten by
Drake and Nelson but just managed to beat Stephenson. The 2nd
and 3rd forms, unfortunately, lost all their matches, but it was
certainly not for want of trying! The 1st Year team is very keen
and has made good progress since September.
Carole Humphreys
(Captain)
Hockey
In Hockey we have not been so successful as
could be wished. This is mainly due to lack of enthusiasm. I am
quite sure we could do much better if the majority of the girls
took more interest in the game. A commendable player is Gillian
Shaw, who makes all the difference to the team.
Margaret
Powell (Captain)
NELSON HOUSE
1956-57 Netball Notes
The Netball this term was rather
disappointing as far as attendance was concerned, but we managed
to gain 2nd place in the final results. This also applies to the
2nd and 3rd forms who played very well.
4th, 5th and 6th team was:
Shooter Wendy Blanchard
Attack Christine Squires
Defence Mary Woodhatch
Centre Defence Marigold Barrett
Centre Attack Gillian Howe
Centre Valerie Wood
Goal Keeper Barbara Mantle
The 2nd and 3rd form teams varied
considerably due to the irregular attendance but credit for good
play goes to Barbara Mortimer, Kathleen Pilsbury, Sally Angel,
Janet Angel, Marilyn Saunders, Rita Sawyer, Susan Van der Byl,
Anne Pinnock, Carol Pitt and Teresa Long.
Form 4AJ
The 1st forms also played very promising
netball and maintained a strong enthusiasm.
Hockey Notes
The Hockey team for the season was:
Goal Keeper Christine Squires
Right Back Marilyn Saunders
Left Back Joy Button
Right Half Janet Chetwynd
Left Half Marigold Barrett
Right Wing Rita Sawyer
Left Wing Susan Van der Byl
Right Inner Janet Angel
Left Inner Valerie Wood
Centre Forward Wendy Blanchard
Centre Half Gail Tainsh
Hockey for the House this term was encouraged
by the presence of quite a few Senior girls of whom the majority
were in-clued in the School 1st XI. We had a good attendance
from the team during the Hockey tournament and managed to win
the Hockey Trophy, a good standard of play being maintained
throughout each game.
A. Welham (House
Captain)
NELSON
HOUSE BOYS
House Captain David Muckart
Football Captain Lance Kiggell
Cricket Captain Michael Yorke
Nelson House, handicapped since September by
a shortage of Senior Boys, has enjoyed all the competitive
sports which have been organised and has been able to give the
other Houses some good opposition both in the Junior and Senior
competitions.
We were pleased to receive the
congratulations of the other Houses on winning the Swimming
Tournament and we, in turn, congratulate them in winning the
other events. We will, of course, relieve them of the onerous
responsibility of being Cricket, Football and Athletic Champions
during the coming season. (Ambition, to us, is not so grievous a
fault as Brutus would have us believe). We look forward to a
most enjoyable season on the sports field whatever the results
and if all the boys (and the girls, too of course - we couldn't
do without 'em) give of their very best it should be a
successful one as well. We lost David Muckart this term and his
place as House Captain will be taken by Robert Trott whom we
welcome to his post of responsibility. David Muckart carried out
his duties satisfactorilly under rather difficult conditions and
all in the house have appreciated his efforts. We wish him all
success when he returns to Britain.
Swimming
Nelson showed at its best in this sphere by
taking the Cup. This success was largely due to the efforts of
the girls who put up a splendid show, being placed in thirteen
out of fourteen events to the boys eight out of fourteen. Nelson
won 10 out of 29 events and was placed in 21, a very good show
indeed. Nelson's total was 190i points, the nearest rivals,
Drake, having 177 points.
The following people came first in their
events in the girls section, S. Hicks, S. Jackson, A. Ware, C.
Knight, J. Foley and P. Carey and the Senior girls relay team S.
Hicks, S. Jackson, V. Wood and A. Ashworth. In the boys section
M. Yorke and R. Hammond have to be congratulated on their
successes.
Cricket
The 1956 Nelson Cricket team played some very
good matches. The Senior team though not always successful
played very well throughout the season.
The batting and fielding was of a good
standard but the bowling could have been stronger - a good fast
bowler would have made all the difference. M. Yorke behind the
wickets and D. Edwards with C. Newbury in slips played extremely
well and took advantage of every opportunity. L. Kiggell and R.
Powell were the two medium pace opening bowlers with D. Muckart
and R. Dolling as change bowlers. The best batting average went
to Newbury with Kiggell holding the best bowling average.
Athletics
Nelson had a fairly good athletics season
coming second in the School Sports. If the Nelson competitors
had a bit more training we might have had even more success.
The boys did very well on the whole but a
lack of support from the girls was rather a drawback.
M. Yorke, D. Edwards and C. Newbury were
three of the better of the Nelson Athletes.
f'ootball
As a result of a lack of players in the House
this year's soccer season, particularly in the Senior section,
has been rather unsuccessful for Nelson.
The Senior boys were unfortunate in being
drawn against the strongest team for their first match and as a
result lost 6 1. This defeat rather dulled the enthusiasm of
the players and unfortunately that enthusiasm never revived.
The team was captained by David Muckart and
Lance Kiggell. Martin Thomas, Robert Powell and David Strutt
deserve a mention for their efforts to hold the team together.
The Juniors were more successful and had a
very good season. The team, captained jointly by Roy Hammond and
Michael Sare, was most enthusiastic throughout the season and
good opposition to any side.
Roy Hammond, Michael Sare, David Scott-Currie
and Derek Pugh deserve a special mention for their efforts.
Cross-Country
On March the 8th this year's Cross-Country was
unsuccessful for Nelson in both the Senior and Junior sections.
Our lack of success was not due to the poor
efforts of the boys but to the lack of runners in any shape or
form in the House.
David Strutt is to be congratulated on his
success in coming 3rd in the Junior race, our only runner to be
in the first ten home.
David Muckart (House
Captain)
Back
to Top
Back to Top
|
|