Tal Ħandaq Magazine 1978       Sports  House Reports  Uganda  History  Memories

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                                                                             TAL-HANDAQ SCHOOL MAGAZINE 1978  MALTA G.C.

                                  

                              Jubilee Day 1977. The Prizewinners in the "Smartest Red, White and Blue Outfit" Competition. 

   CONTENTS                          

                                                                                       Page
PRIZEWINNERS                                                           5
STAFF CHANGES                                                         5
HEADMASTER'S REPORT                                        6
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL                                     8
PREFECTS                                                                    10
CHRISTMAS CONCERT                                           14
FASHION SHOW AND COOKERY DISPLAY        15
1066 AND ALL THAT                                                 16
S.S. UGANDA CRUISE                                               24
C.C.F.                                                                             30
HISTORY OF TAL-HANDAQ                                    36
MEMORIES. OF MALTA                                          42
SCHOOL STAFF                                                          48
SPORTS                                                                        55
HOUSE REPORTS                                                      66
CREATIVE WORK                                                     72
NEWS OF FORMER PUPILS                                    87
EXAMINATION RESULTS                                       90
 

 

                                                      

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School Prizewinners., 1978 with His Excellency, the British High Commissioner, Mr. Norman Aspin and Mrs Aspin.


                                                      FORM PRIZE LIST 1978

LOWER SCHOOL
1A — Andrew Lane IB — Eline Van Der Hert 1C — Michelle Hipperson       ID - - Tracy Allen
Michael Garbett IE - - Gary Edwards 2A - - Mark Bennett 2B — Julie Burslem 2C — Joanne Barrett 2D - - Sandra Spencer
3A — Julie Lewington  Mark Hart  Mark Warner
3B - - Graham Dolman 3C - - Philip Basson
3D - - Stephen Hall  Katrina Pechal
3E — Stephen Brewer

UPPER SCHOOL
4J — Francine Chapman 4K — Louise Latham 4L - - Stephanie Judd           4M - - Angela Stapley 5J — Christopher Sampson 5K — Christopher Norman 5L — Susan Brooke 5M — Simon Lane
6G Boys — Andrew Basson
6G Girls - - Heidi Hipperson 6A U — Penelope Davison                                6A L — Rosangela Mortimer
 

 

 EDITORIAL


This is definitely the last Tal-Handaq School Magazine you will have the privilege to hold and to read! (Do keep your copy somewhere safe, as in a few years' time it will probably be a collector's item, and dealers will be boring you by queuing at your door, offering prices which will run to four figures). It's not a bumper bundle, as so many of our pupils have left, but those who remain have tried to preserve the standard of previous editions.
As you will notice, reading the Headmaster's report, and those from the Houses, on Sport, Drama, C.C.F., etc., we have managed to keep going in the final year, with all the usual Tal-Handaq exploits: "Business as usual" has been the rule.
In this last magazine we have included a history of the School, the first part being an extract from the 1953 "Royal Naval School" Magazine by the then Headmaster Cdr. A.J. Bellamy. The continuation of the story has been written by Capt. M. F. Law, who has had a long association with the school. Still in nostalgic mood, there are also some memories recounted by Miss Jacquee Yule, some time Headmistress of Tal Handaq, and Miss Lily Harris Candey, also an ex-teacher.
I would like to thank Mr Aquilina, Mrs. Briffa and Grace Graham for all the typing; Miss Shone for the Art Contributions and Mr. Goss for rounding up the sports reports. Thanks must also go to Mr. Mule for his help and to the advertisers for their support.

I. DICKINSON

 STAFF CHANGES

          During the final year, there have, obviously, been few changes of staff. However, at the end of the Christmas Term, Miss Anne Nelson left the school, after having been a member of the Needlework Dept for the last three years. Miss Nelson is now working in London. The other leaver was Mr. Frank Kitson, who taught woodwork, who left the island after living and working in Malta for many years. Frank is now living in Norfolk with his family.
Present pupils at Tal Handaq are often heard to complain about School Transport; this vivid memory from Mr. G.L. Leach, a one-time pupil at the Garrison School, should interest them:—
"Transport.... ..consisted of mule-drawn ambulances,
which were very much like the covered wagons one sees in
the Wild Western Films I remembered many a time when
the mules got out of hand and shied and reared and we kids just sat and held tight."
 

 
 HEADMASTER'S REPORT MARCH 1978


During the past twelve months the reduction in the size of the school, foreseen in my 1977 report, has taken place. At the time of writing there are 350 pupils. Some of them will leave before July, so that at the closure we may expect to have about 300 on the roll. In the past year 143 pupils have joined the school, 364 have left.
Fortunately there has not been a comparable reduction in the number of teachers. Although six members of staff have left since the last report the school continues to enjoy the benefits of a high staff /student ratio: many of the teaching groups are small; in the Upper School the full programme of options for public examinations has been maintained; teaching space is more than adequate; there is no shortage of equipment; in the Lower School there are no classes of more than twenty pupils. Consequently, we are relieved of many of the problems and pressures which apparently beset schools elsewhere while, happily, we are big enough and sufficiently well-staffed to keep the ranges of educational and sporting activities which for a number of years have been enjoyed at Tal Handaq. So we approach the end of the school's life, if not with a bang, certainly not with a whimper.
Last summer's public examinations showed that standards, generally, were being maintained. The 'O' level and CSE results were particularly creditable: the new grading systems (quite properly) discourage any talk of failure, but, if we use the old nomenclature for our comparisons, the 1977 'pass" rates and number of actual subject 'passes' were the best since 1970. After the 1976 figures the 'A' Level results were rather disappointing, if to some extent explicable, but the January 1978 examinations produced another crop of satisfactory performances

 

 The figures are as follows:
Candidates Entries
CSE 105 475 465 graded including 83 at Grade 1
GCE 'O' 112 333 259 at Grade C and above
GCE 'A' 18 37 17 passes
January '78
GCE '0' 31 33 23 at C and above
GCE 'A' 4 55 passes
In the Royal Society of Arts and Pitmans examinations I the record over the year has been good.
Not surprisingly in view of the run-down in numbers there has been little change in the School's organisation and curriculum since the last report. It was helpful to receive support for our judgement on such matters when Mr P. Armistead, Her Majesty's Inspector, looked at the school in the Autumn Term. Mr Armistead's visit, though short, was very useful in that he was able to offer some suggestions for improvements in the remaining months of the school's life as well as reassurance regarding some of our decisions. A visit to a Service Children's Secondary School was a new experience for Mr Armistead and, from such an authority, it was pleasing! to hear his comments on the courtesy and friendliness of pupils — features which we would like to think are the hallmark of Service Children everywhere.
Outside the classroom activities have continued on a scale 1 similar to that of previous years. The Combined Cadet Force has been particularly active: members joined other CCF units
 
in camp at Hal Far; the girl's section received special praise in the Contingent's third annual inspection report; the Cadets have been well to the fore in island walkabout competitions.
The Christmas entertainment took the form of a production of "1066 and All That". The four performances, which were well attended and well received, gave a chance to some fifty pupils to appear on stage, with as many helpers, it seemed, behind the scenes. The last night of the last Tal Handaq musical might have been an emotional occasion for some of those present. At least the number "We're Going Home" seemed to be sung with special feeling.
This January thirty-five pupils joined the SS Uganda for a ten day educational cruise which took them to Athens, Haifa and Bodrum, before returning to Malta.
Tal Handaq athletes, gymnasts and games players (often the same names appear in all the lists) have had a good year. The School's Athletics Championships produced four new boys' records and two new girls'; in the Malta National Championships Tal Handaq Athletes collected fourteen Gold and sixteen Silver Medals. Many of these successes can be attributed to the enthusiasm for athletics fostered by the 5-Star Award Scheme, the Amateur Athletic Association's very worth-while contribution to the cause of Physical Education.
Against adult opposition in the Services' Soccer League the boys have acquitted themselves well; in the Minister of Sport's "Soccer For All" competition the Under 16 XI is leading the section with so far, an unbeaten record. In girls' games the most notable feature has been the improvement in netball which brought success in the League and the tournament. Volleyball was a new addition to the list of competitive sports; boys' and girls' teams gained useful match experience particularly against some strong Royal Marine opposition.

 

 In their games pupils have been helped in the coaching given not only by Mr Ricketts and Miss Loughran, the PE specialists, but also by other teachers prepared to pass on their knowledge and sporting skills.
Indeed in all the activities outside the classrooms, sporting and cultural, pupils have good cause to be grateful for the help and encouragement of their teachers.
School climate is notoriously difficult to measure: examination successes or sports results can always be set out in their most flattering form; from the Headmaster's office it is easy to insulate oneself from the rest of the school, bury oneself in routine paper-work and proclaim that all is well. I hope that I shall not be accused of doing just that when I say that the success and reputation Tal Handaq enjoys, depend largely on the pupils. With very few exceptions, our Service Children and the sprinkling of "non-entitled" students are well-behaved, friendly and cooperative. They work well (though many, I believe, could work harder) and they play well. They are a credit to their parents who, in their turn, encourage their children to get the most out of the school and who make the task of their children's teachers so much easier.
Throughout the year we have much appreciated assistance from our Competent Authority, from the Officer in Charge Schools and his staff, from separate Service establishments and Ministry of Defence departments. At a time when resources in manpower and materials have been much reduced we have had particular reason to be grateful for the efforts made to ensure that Tal Handaq did not suffer. On the school premises we have continued to be well served by the team of industrial and non-industrial employees whose loyalty and cheerful co-operation have made running the school so much easier. To all those who have helped throughout the past year and who continue to assist us, my thanks.
                                *             *           *

I should like to add a more personal note to this last Headmaster's report. When I came to Tal Handaq I was very conscious that it was a great privilege to be appointed as Headmaster of a Service Children's School, particularly one with such a high reputation and a record of success. As well as being a privilege, it was has been for me a great pleasure to serve here. The fact that it has been so happy an appointment is due to the support which I have been given by the senior members of staff, the loyalty and skill of the teachers, the willingness of the ancillary staff and above all to the pupils (no less than 1600 I find, to my surprise, for whom I have been responsible over the past four years), who have been unfailingly cheerful and friendly.
To all those I have mentioned as well as those who, no doubt, I shall remember I should have mentioned as soon as this article has gone to press, my warmest thanks and best wishes for the future. I hope, like me, they will look back upon their time at Tal Handaq with affection and regard.
During the past year we have been pleased to welcome the following distinguished visitors.
His Excellency the British High Commissioner, Mr Norman Aspin, CMG and Mrs Aspin.
The Commander British Forces Malta, Rear Admiral O. N.A. Cecil, CB, and Mrs Cecil.
The Air Commander Malta, Air Commodore H.D. Hall, CBE AFC MBIM and Mrs Hall.
The Chaplain of the Fleet, the Venerable B.A. O'Ferrall, QHC MA Royal Navy.
The Director of Education, Malta, Dr Francis Chetcuti.
The Deputy Director, British Forces Education Service, Mr. Peter Gaskell.
Mr Leon Goossens, CBE.
Mr Peter Armistead, HMI.
His Excellency the Israeli Ambassador, Dr R. Migdal		    VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

 

            

  

  His Excellency, The British High Commissioner, Mr Norman Aspin visiting the Woodwork room, with Mr Lewington and Andy Copeland.

 

     

    Air Commodore and Mrs Hall visiting the Needlework Room.

 

                                                                                                   PREFECTS 1978

 

                                            

 

HEAD BOY: Derek Bonnar. | DEPUTY HEAD BOY: Andrew Basson

Andrew Basson Derek Bonnar Simon Crickmay Nicholas Hall Anthony Jackson
Simon Jackson Alex Groves Matthew Lane Stephen Oliver Ian Rowbottom

Robert Webb Patrick Standford

 

 

HEAD GIRL: Penny Davison   DEPUTY HEAD GIRL: Patricia Ransom.
Jayne Barnes, Susan Bloom, Deborah Canham, Ella Chapman, Grace Graham,

Angela Griffiths, Kim Hanns, Heidi Hipperson, Heather Merritt, Linda Moody,

Rosangela Mortimer, April Morris, Susan Hewett, Maureen Simpson, Debbie Smeeton,

Julie Stace, Anita Wardle, Belinda Young, Penny Davison, Patricia Ransom,

Anne Dowie, Karen Hartley.

 

 
           

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                    Mr Lawrence Bezzina,  on the occasion of his retirement as School Bursar, with Mrs Bezzina, Capt MF Law & Cdr GD Stubbs.      

 

 THE CHRISTMAS CONCERT 1977


There were two performances of the Lower School Christmas Concert given this year; one for the school itself, and one for the upper forms of the two Services' Primary Schools: St. Andrews and Luqa.
A wide variety of carols had been chosen and all the performers (and Miss Gordon and Mrs. Winter-Goodwin) worked hard to produced a seasonal show. Old favourites, such as "I saw Three Ships" and "The Little Road to Bethlehem" were enjoyed, besides the modern carols' "Mary's Boy Child" and the popular "Cowboy Carol". Form 2A showed off their linguistic ability, in singing the German carols, very competently, and Form 1C provided seven soloists, one for each verse of "The Seven Joys of Mary", with the rest of the choir singing the choruses.
Rachel Brown deserves an individual word of praise for her "Christmas Song", which she composed and sang to her own accompaniment on the guitar.
Besides the carols, there were various traditional readings of prose and poetry. Jeremy Starling described "Christmas at Home" and Anna Boissevain, Linda Hart and Carol Hodgson read the children's poem "The Night before Christmas". Others described Christmas in other lands and interpreted the meanings of many of our own traditions and customs.
The concert was greatly appreciated by both audiences and thanks must go to all the performers and producers.
 

 THE FASHION SHOW AND COOKERY DISPLAY

A large appreciative audience packed the Tal Handaq School Hall on Saturday, April 22nd to witness the final fashion show. Since last year's show the number of pupils at the school have reduced considerably but this was not apparent; neither the quality nor the quantity of garments displayed. Evan Parry, being the only boy to model this year, deserves a special mention for bravery! Once more Debbie Gibbons displayed her talent with many superbly made garments.
In addition to the garments made by the pupils there were decorative pieces of work on display around the hall, consisting of beautiful appliques, soft toys and many other well-made items.
At the conclusion of the display Captain Law paid special tribute to Miss Turner and Mrs Elliot without whose help and guidance the fashion show would not have been made possible.
Besides the fashion In the hall, over in the domestic science rooms there was a display of world cookery, arranged by Miss Wilson and Miss Gray. This consisted of traditional dishes from those countries where the pupils had at some time been to school. Maltese dishes featured, as well as cookery from Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany and many other lands.


FRANCINE CHAPMAN — 4J

   
 

4th Year Francine Chapman parades in a suit of her own making

 

 

 

The only boy in the Fashion Show.

Evan Parry modelling the trousers he made himself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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       1066   AND   ALL   THAT

CRITICAL REVIEW FROM AN USHERETTE ON 1066 AND ALL THAT


"1066 and all that" was a very good school production when the hard work and effort of the staff and pupils could clearly be seen.
The opening was very effective as Steven Triffit and his brood visited a museum and displayed their complete ignorance of history which must have upset the historians amongst us. Leaving the rest of his family to see the Chamber of Horrors, the father fell asleep and dreamt of the time between Julius Ceasar and the Industrial Revolution, becoming physically involved himself. The humour and occasional satire was outstanding and the audience laughed heartily, even those who didn't seem to understand some of the contemporary jokes.
Those involved making the costumes, scenery and applying makeup, deserve credit in making the play extremely authentic. The characters portrayed were all exceedingly good, but those that deserve repeated congratulations are those who seem to be born actors, especially Henry VIII (and his multitude of wives) the judge and the colonel who were acted by Andrew Copeland, who seemed to play these parts like a professional. Billy Mack was also very good, playing the parts of Christopher Colombus, Robert the Bruce and King John. The narrator had a very difficult task in maintaining the audience's interest, while introducing the various scenes and commenting on them humorously, which, he had previously confessed, even he did not understand some of the witticisms.
The singing was very good and they tried hard, but the sound could have been better, as the music by the band was superb. Altogether the varying scenes displaying different aspects of history including the humour and gentle satire was greatly appreciated by the audience through their laughter and applause. Therefore, the production was of professional standard and earned great praise from the official visitors and the parents of the characters.


ROSEANGELA MORTIMER — 6A

 

                                    King Canute and his bathing belles.

CONFESSIONS OF A ROYAL WIFE
I thoroughly enjoyed being in the school play this year. It was not the first time I had sung on stage, but ii was the first time I had sung a solo. To my surprise I was not nervous about that — it was the game of musical chairs which we had to play which worried me.
I wag Katherine Howard — Henry VIII's fifth wife. We six queens had to skip around six chairs with our husband Henry (Andy Copeland). One by one we queens were left without a chair. Henry then handed us a chair in turn, sang a little solo, then went off - - stage.
But Henry always had to get to an end chair, and a certain wife had to be left without a seat — very confusing!
The best night for that scene (and the whole play) was the last night Saturday. Everything went very well — for the first time.


CAROLE LAMPARD -4M


1066 AND ALL THAT
On the first night of the play, I was getting ready to on stage for my first scene with the rest of the boy's chorus! as Roman Soldiers.
The visor on my helmet was held together with a piece of wire at the side and it suddenly snapped. After it snapped1 the visor kept falling down, covering my eyes, so I couldn't see where I was going. As I was just going, on for my scene) I didn't have time to fix it properly, so one of the make-up girls used her chewing gum to stick the visor on the helmet but this didn't work so I went on without a helmet, and very small shield which was buckled and battered. The audience didn't seem to mind.


DAVID DOVE

                                  1066 AND ALL THAT                                      

The cast is almost ready
The band begins to play
The actors are in position
The curtain begins to sway
The common man and family
Walk slowly across the stage
The guide forgets his lines
Miss Beckett gets in a rage
Along come the Roman Soldiers

Clad in armour shining bright
The second soldier falls over
What a terrible night
 

The Common Man meets Julius Caesar and the Roman Soldiers.

THE BEST SCENE IN THE PLAY
The Judge and the two policemen, were in the court room. Then the Judge called the first prisoner, this was Christopher Columbus. When he got to the box the Judge asked his questions, and most of the time he just answered "yep!!" Then the Judge saw him chewing and said" This isn't a chop house", so Christopher Columbus took it out of his mouth and stuck it on the box, and started to stretch it, then the Judge asked him more questions, then he got the American accent and started talking like an American.
Finally he passed the sentence, and the Judge got out a gun and started shooting at Christopher Columbus. Then when he calmed down he called the next prisoner, which was Guy Fawkes.
The Judge asked him question, like why he wanted to blow up the Houses of Parliament and how, and when he told him, the Judge gave the impression that he also wanted it blown up.
Then the sentence. It was that Guy Fawkes should be burnt to death on the 5th of November, so the policemen went to get him and he fainted, and they pulled out a dummy and Guy Falkes crept round, and the Judge said "Better luck next time."
JAMES RUSSELL — 4L

The Common Man helps King John sign the Magna Carta.

---------------

Next come the three monks
The first Monks halo falls off
The second had to stop singing
For he had a terrible cough
The drummer in the band
Put his foot right through his drum

 

Miss Gordon wishes desperately

That the night had never begun
The headmaster hides his head
He hides it as if in shame
 

Wishing that his invited guests
Had never even come
Next came the pantomime
It was a shocking sight
Mr Ricketts nearly dropped dead
For the cast could not get the dance right
Next came the bathing beauties
They were not too bad
But for one or two who were chewing gum


Which really made Mr Ricketts mad
The whole play was a mess
And that I must say
Some of the audience
Did not even stay
At the end we got a clap
That we did not earn
And you could see the audience
Trying not to yawn
Now that it is over
I will go to bed
And think about tomorrow
And wish that I were dead.
(Written in a state of depression — the play was a great success!)


BILLY MACK —4L

TAL HANDAQ SCHOOL BAND


The first appearance of a band at Tal Handaq was in 1973 (! - see School Concerts 1961-1968. Webmaster) when Barrie Menhams, Judith Stansfield, Jeff Bonner and Bob Woollams combined to accompany the very successful production of 'Oliver'. Since that time various groups have been formed for particular functions such as musical productions and concerts, but it is only in the last two years that there has been a band playing on a regular basis.


The composition has also changed, for these earlier groups consisted solely of staff from this and other Service Schools, while our present ensembles contain several pupils. The staff who have formed the backbone of all the groups are Jeff Bonner, (clarinet and latterly Tenor Sax) a relative newcomer to the music scene; guitarists Bob Woollams (Bass) and Dave Walker (lead/rhythm), fugitives from the world of Rock and Blues respectively who happily manage to reach a compromise for us; Trey Ricketts (trumpet) whose Jazz Band experience is usually more in evidence than his Salvation Army Band intiation, and 'Whispering' Paul Goss (Tenor Sax and occasional clarinet) whose musical influence apparently came from an association with his Uncle's Dance Band. Imported at great expense from Luqa and St. Andrews Schools are another trumpeter, Edgar Davison, whose exceptional expertise stems from a strict and early Brass Band upbringing and flautist Chris Medlicott, renowned for his flashing fingers and golden tone (he plays the flute quite nicely too) All these are fortunately still with us and all the above were seen performing as one (nobody has yet had the courage to say one what) in the recent performances of '1066 and All That' and 'Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat', but the list would not be complete without the inclusion of Geoff Collins yet another teacher, who sadly for us departed with his aged drum kit for Germany, where he continued his never ending search for people willing to form Jazz Bands. Among many incredible performances, undoubtedly his most incredible was as impromptu drum solo during the hymn 'Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory' at a Tal Handaq Assembly which created consternation and hysteria in equal amounts among the platform party and the band respectively.

The major productions which involved a band were 'The King and I' and the very enjoyable and fast-moving show 'Oh! What a Lovely War', but it wasn't until September 1976 that the band started to get its present format. At that time, Tim Webb, who was the Bandmaster of the R.A.F. (Malta) Band, kindly agreed to come in once a week and give Brass tuition and the clarinetists in the school were encouraged to take lessons locally As a result it became possible to form a group consisting pupils and staff, although performances during that year were restricted to brightening up assemblies. The pupils involved were Penny Davison (cornet), Pat Ransom (trumpet), Mi| Clarke, a disillusioned euphonium player who, after much persuasion, took up the trombone and enjoyed remarkable succcess, and Shona Campbell, Sally Procter and Andrew Morse on clarinet. Although rather limited in their output, the bane performances did prompt one of our visiting chaplains, the Rev. Peter Chapman, to suggest that we might like to play a church. Surprisingly not only was the suggestion to at his church at St. Angelo, but also to play on a Sunday during a Service. As we had not yet got to the stage of being overbooked we naturally accepted. The contract was duly signed but as the engagement was not until October, we fortunately, had to perform without our pupil clarinetists, of whom had left at the end of the summer term. This service at St. Angelo was most successful and proved to be the first of several most enjoyable monthly pilgrimages.
Our pupil members in this last year have continued increase and in addition to Pat and Penny, Bernie Fogarty

 

 

and Chris Bennett (cornets), Peter Davison, David Webb and Evan Parry (Baritones) and Mark Hart (trombone) have all flayed. Those staff mentioned previously continue to form the nucleus of the band but now included Gerry Gordon, a welcome addition both as an oboist and as a conductor for our more ambitious musical renderings. We are also most indebted to those members of the R.A.F. (Malta) Band who join us for these Church Services, mainly to supplement our bass section, and these include Bill Hodgson, Taff Parry, Tim Webb, Pete Vann and Graham Cassells.


Undoubtedly, the biggest undertaking of the year was playing for the school production of '1066 And All That' under the direction of Gerry Gordon. This was the first time that pupils were involved in playing a full orchestral score, and Penny, Pat and Mike are to be congratulated on coping so well with such a demanding work.
Our most recent effort was in the School Concert held on 23rd May when in addition to accompanying the first year's performance of 'Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat' we played a rendering of the Floral Dance which was so unusual that I'm convinced that had we recorded it before Brighouse and Rastrick, we could all by now be enjoying a comfortable retirement ( in fact there were some suggestions that we should retire).
In the two years that I have been running the band we have certainly played a variety of music and seen several musicians playing a variety of instruments. I would like to thank most sincerely all musicians involved, whether they be staff, pupils or R.A.F. bandsmen, for coping so well with my arrangements and for the very high standard they have achieved as a group. Arranging suitable practice times amongst so many other commitments has been the biggest problem, but judging by the excellent atmosphere generated when playing, those involved have derived a lot of pleasure and satisfaction from their efforts. I sincerely hope that at least some of their pleasure and satisfaction has been shared by both our captive and volunteer audiences.


JEFF BONNER

 

 

Competitors in the First Israeli Art Competition with their certificates.

 

 

 

S.S.     UGANDA     CRUISE

During the afternoon of Wednesday llth January, a party of 34 pupils accompanied by 2 staff from Tal Handaq School embarked on the SS Uganda in Grand Harbour for an eight day (nine night) cruise. The ages of the pupils were from 11 to 17, with the majority in the 11 to 13 age group.
The SS Uganda became a school cruise ship in February 1968 and can carry over 300 fare-paying cabin passengers, and 920 school pupils.
The school pupils are divided into six groups and, when at sea, are timetabled into:— Assembly Hall Periods, for lectures given by the ship's education staff on the ports to be visited; Classroom Periods, in which pupils carry on their own work programmes; Private Study Periods, for writing diaries, postcards, letters, etc. Visits to the Bridge and engine room are included in these sessions. Games Periods, in which the pupils take part in deck hockey, deck tennis, continuous cricket, quoits or swimming, are supervised by the Staff Officer and two senior PE students.
Even before sailing, the newly embarked pupils had their first Introductory Talk, giving them some "do's and don'ts". After the 6 p.m. sailing, they had their first encounter with the cafeteria, where up to 920 pupils can be fed in less than 11/2 hours.
It is a self-service type cafeteria, though the food is actually served by a staff



Monday was spent in Israel. By 8.30 am we were all on the bus on our way from Haifa to Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The 21/2 hour route was south on the motorway between the sea and Mount Carmel, by-passing Tel-Aviv, and going via Lod and Ramla. We drove through Jerusalem and on to Bethlehem where, after a stop at a souvenir shop, we visited the Byzantine Church of the Nativity, built over the rock-hewn cave containing the 14-pointed silver star marking the traditional place where Jesus was born. After that it was back to Jerusalem where we saw the parliament building (the Knesset) with the giant candelabrum presented by the British Parliament; the Shrine of the Book where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls are kept, and the University.
We then left the bus and entered the Old City of Jerusalem by the Dung Gate, and saw the old Western (Wailing) Wall, where there is continuous praying, the El Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, both built by the Muslims in the seventh century and in use today for Moslem worship.
We then walked the Via Dolorosa from Pilate's Judgement Place to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, past the Stations of the Way of the Cross. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre marks the site of the crucifixion and also the place where Jesus was entombed. Very little of the tomb is visible today, and only 2 or 3 people can get in to see it at any one time. We then returned to the bus at the Jaffa Gate by going through the old streets and shopping area of Jerusalem. Unfortunately there was no time for shopping!
We were then given a view of the Mount of Olives (a Jewish cemetery) before being taken to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was disowned after the Last Supper just before He was seized by armed men led by Judas. This was followed by a short visit to the Church of All Nations. We were then taken to the Mount of Olives to look back at Jerusalem, before going to the Garden Tomb; a tomb undoubtedly similar to that in which Jesus's body was laid, and claimed by some to be the rich man's tomb in which He lay.
 

 

ATHENS
As the train finally rumbled into Athens station, a great sigh of relief was heard throughout the carriage from the various members of Tal Handaq school. After a long delay of waiting whilst a number of trains passed by all of us, with no exception, we were eager to explore the market in order to spend hard earned savings.
The streets seemed narrow and relatively crowded and passers by glanced curiously at us we began our wanderings, and we in turn, gazed expectantly about. People shouted as they advertised their wares, cars driven by youngsters flashed by, whilst carts driven by old men, trundled down the roads as the horse plodded on. We were in the older parts of Athens, and as I gazed down the long narrow street which twisted out of sight I could imagine the town awaking to each fresh dawn and the sun glinting in panes of glass, sending flashes of brilliant light winking on pools of water which may have collected during the night, just as it still does and always will.
As we began to amble down the long road, people offered in doorways and beckoned to us, various sizes and shapes of miscellaneous pots were flashed before our eyes whilst brightly coloured beads were pushed into our hands. I examined each one in a single quick glance, shook my head slowly, smiled and passed on, there were no hard feelings or angry words, everyone was happy. As I continued walking 1 gazed into the mysterious depths of such shops as I passed by. Brightly coloured lights shone upon shining copper plates and as I gazed at them, deciding whether or not my mother would in fact like them, they seemed to beckon and call me as to say "Come in". I stepped over the threshold and trod quietly over the sparkling floor tiles as I made my way over to the

An old woman passed by and then stopped and re-traced her footsteps. Ordinary plain black and white shawls were pressed into our hands and a few of the boys grimaced as the old woman wrapped them about their heads saying "pretty...very pretty...for you". Again we shook our heads and passed on but it seemed she was not to be put off. From there we were continually followed and at various intervals she lowered the price but still no one obliged. It seemed that the people of Greece were indeed insistent. Eventually one was bought but even this did not satisfy her and we were followed for our last few hours which was all we had left of our short stay in Greece.
Many photographs were taken and cameras flashed as their shutters opened for a single split second whilst we fooled around and posed in various positions. People looked on and laughed whilst others sent us a pitying glance as they walked by.
Local foods from nearby restaurants and cafes were sampled as we continued our ambling, munching as we continued on our way. It was ironical watching the expressions which appeared on various faces of separate individuals. Expressions of horror and delight, of distaste and enjoyment, all of these appeared.
Well time had come to an end eventually, but for us only, for the Greeks tomorrow would dawn as it would every day for years to come in the future. Regretfully we began our trek back up from the depths of mysterious darkness and of the interesting objects which we were now forced to leave behind. Again we assembled ready for our train ride back into Piraeus and yet again the ever present old woman with her shawls, appeared again on the scene with her never ending phrase "pretty, very pretty".

It seemed that our stay in Greece had reached an end and I had thoroughly enjoyed it, but we were eager to reach the ship again and explore our purchases so we turned back leaving the flea market to bask in the late wintry sunshine.
MAUREEN SIMPSON — 6A

UGANDA AND THE SEA


Uganda is a ship, a nest, a colony. People swarm from one place to another, Like ants in a nest, bees in a colony.


Uganda is a living organism, cast into an alien Sphere, the sea.
Like an astronaut, protected from nothingness By a double skin, or hull.


The sea is a deadly beauty, it is like a scythe
It cuts down everything in its wake,
But its beauty is loving, and calm, warm and welcome


Uganda sails the sea, to explore and assess, It lives, calm and warm life,
Ready for danger and deadly reaction from the sea And we respect it.
ROBERT WEBB — 6G

 


 

PARAMOUNT GARAGE
MOSTA
Telephones 41193, 43296
GENERAL HIRE SERVICE

---------

On Thursday, the sea was rough and some pupils (not all!) were rather ill! That morning, for those who were able we had a talk on the ship, a visit to the bridge and a class room lesson. In the afternoon, there was a talk and two film, on Athens, and a period of deck games. In the evening, the pupils again had the choice of a film or a disco.
On Friday 13th, we berthed in Piraeus, the port of Athens, at 9 am. In the morning we were taken by bus to Athens where we drove through the modern city, before going up to the Acropolis to see the Parthenon, the Caryatids and the temple of Athene Nike. After this, our guide took us to a souvenir shop before returning to the ship. After lunch we took the electric train into Athens and went shopping in Flea Market.
On Saturday 14th, there was an Emergency Stations Practice, when all pupils assembled at their muster station and put on their life jackets as they would go in a real emergency Also that day, there were two classroom sessions, a private study session, a deck games session, and a talk on Jerusalem and Bethlehem. In the evening, there was again the choice o a film or the disco.
Sunday 15th included two films on Israel and the Holy Land. At 10 am there was an Inter-denominational Church Service in the Assembly Hall, and in the afternoon, the preliminary rounds of the interdormitory deck hockey competi tion were held on the after sports deck. The boys' team were unfortunately beaten but the girls' team won all their matches that day and went through to the final rounds of the competition. In the evening, there was a fun fair to raise money (about £68 were raised) to pay for the prizes to be awarded at the end of the cruise.

We then returned to the ship, having been out for 12 hours.
On 17th January we had a usual day at sea — a talk and films on Turkey, as well as normal classroom, private study and games sessions. Some of the party visited the engine room. In the early evening, we put a team in for the Inter-party Quiz, but unfortunately the opposition was too strong.
On 18th January, Uganda anchored off the small port of Bodrum in Turkey, and the parties were ferried ashore by the local fishing boats. At Bodrum there are several places of interest: the Castle of St Peter (built by the Knights of St John), the remains of the mausoleum (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world), a Greek Theatre, tombs in caves and the local shops!
Unfortunately while we were there it was raining and all we had time to see were the castle and the shops! In the evening, there was a fancy dress parade and several of our pupils took part and won prizes. The prize winners were: Simon Chapman (Traffic Lights), Linda Hart and Sarah Gallaghar (Snake Charmer and his Snake), Kim Lawson and Eline van der Hert (the Order of the Bath and Bubbles).
On Thursday 19th, after a morning of a classroom session, a retrospective talk on the cruise, and deck games, the afternoon was occupied with the finals of the inter-dormitory deck hockey competition. Unfortunately, our girls' team was knocked out after a dubious refereeing decision.
At 5 pm, the prize giving was held in the Assembly Hall. Tal Handaq was represented by Heather Simpson who won the Deputy Captain's prize for the best kept log book of the cruise. In the evening, there was a film followed by the final disco of the cruise.
By 12 noon on Friday 20th, all pupils were home from their cruise with souvenirs, dirty washing and memories which will last them a life-time.


HUGH RITCHIE — Party Leader

 

 

particular shelf on which they stood. But standing above, o its own, as if in a daze, stood a single pot. The warrior which had been painted over the front, held a spear as if in defiance to the world, the mocking smile upon his face, caught my eye and I immediately knew that I just couldn't resist it, had to buy it. I delved into my pocket for my money and drew it out and handed the appropriate rates over to an old man who stood eagerly behind the counter. I walked out of the shop feeling a deep sense of satisfaction, well within me as I did so
Eventually I met members of the school party, most were standing outside a pokey little shop whose interior disappeared into darkness, whilst others held the leather hats, which seemed to be on show in most shops, in their hands and spoke earnestly as they bartered over the price with the old man who stood nearby, watching. A general price was eventual, decided upon and there was a great deal of laughter as hats were exchanged between hands and individuals decided up their particular choice.
Again we walked on. By this time we had reached the twist in the road. Tiny shops lined both narrow pavements, all were brimming over with various goods, some were shining and clear whilst others were small, dark and full dust. The road seemed to continue for as far as the eye could see with leather goods, pots, pans, clothing, hats, shoes, wonderful looking foods spraying forth their tempting aroma beads, bottles of brightly coloured drink and finally genet souvenirs which were to be found in most tourist areas, I those could be seen either hanging from shops doors, displayed in windows or spread over the pavements.
But this was the flea market and not a general tourist area, objects which were either unseen or unheard of were to be found here.
 

HAIFA
We arrived in Haifa at 8 pm on 16th January on a Monday. We went to our disembarkation stations just over an hour after getting up. We left the ship at about half past eight. Our group went on bus number nine and we had a guide who was called David. He was a very nice man and tried hard to get along with us, and made it a good journey. We went straight from Haifa to Jerusalem. It was a long and tiring journey which lasted three hours. However the seats were comfortable and that made the journey a pleasant one. We did not stay in Jerusalem but went onto Bethlehem where Jesus was born. On the outskirts of Jerusalem we stopped at a shop. We were there able to go to the toilets to everybody's relief. We were also able to buy drinks and souvenirs. There I was able to get a ring made of silver and about four or so things carved out of wood. I of course bargained for all my things and saved myself quite a bit of money. We were only meant to stay there for 15 or so minutes and we ended up staying for over half an hour. We then went to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. We went down into the manger where He was born. I enjoyed this as it is a place most people want to see. The manger was underground and I had thought of it as being above. A church had been built over it and it was called "The Church of the Holy Nativity". We then got on our buses and went to Jerusalem.
 

We went inside the old gates of Jerusalem and we the went up to see an Arab Mosque which was gold plated are decorated with coloured tiles. It is the second most important place to the Arabs after Mecca. From here we went to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus may have been crucified and buried. On the way I got what looks like Russian hat. Many of my friends got hats similar, but mine was by far the best. We went from here to the Mount of Olives. This was where Jesus was betrayed and taken away The olive trees were all very old, and some are supposed date back to the time of Jesus. We went from here to the other place where Jesus might have been crucified and buried It was not all that interesting to look at but it was good know that we knew there were 2 places where Jesus could have been crucified and buried. From here we started our lot three hour journey back, it was around half past four. On the way back our guide who had talked most of the way to Jerusalem was silent most of the way back, as it was too dark see anything. We sang some Israeli songs and then he let us sing songs, we wanted over the microphone. We got back the ship at around 8 o'clock and almost straight away had our dinner. We had said goodbye to our guide who was both kind and good.
MARK WARNER — 3A

 

ATHENS

 When we had disembarked and got into our bus or coach I at once fell into the magical atmosphere of Greece. Its amazing architecture. Of course it was very different to what I had thought it would be. I found Greece a really wonderful country. I was surprised to see marmalade oranges growing at the sides of the road. When we reached the place where the Parthenon is situated and saw the amphitheatre I tried to imagine what it would have been like for the Greeks in ancient times when everything was quite different with chariots dashing by and having to visit the temples of the Gods and Goddesses when it was said that strange monsters lived. I looked round the ancient pieces of architecture in awe and wonder. When we returned to the bus we were driven to one of the souvenir shops of Athens. Then I saw the handiwork of the Greeks, it was just as beautiful as I had been told and I bought some vases and plates. Then on returning to the ship we had lunch. Later on in the afternoon we went by train to the flea market where we shopped for quite a while seeing more gorgeous examples of the Greek handiwork, leather, pottery, brass, material, and wood. Then we travelled back to the Uganda I was tired but happy. We had a few hours on the boat then a few of us went out round the town for a while, had a drink and something to eat then walked back to the ship. I wished we could have stayed longer in wonderful Greece.


SARAH GALLAGHER — 1A

 

CCF

 


From LEFT to RIGHT: P/O I.W. Hesketh RAFVR(T); F/L C.M. Laing RAFVR(T); SSI Miss L. Curtis; Cdt Cpl S. Hill; W/CDR J.H. Carter RAF; CDR G.D. Stubbs RN; F/L A.P. Allen RAFVR(T).

 

 

 

 

 

OPEN     DAY     1978

Warrant Officer Tony Jackson and Ordinary Seaman Judd "GO JUDD!!"

Warrant Officer Tony Jackson, Cpl Sue Bloom and a
Marine —
"THIS ONE'S A GONNER!"
 

 

                           HISTORY   OF   TAL-HANDAQ

Few of the present members of the school are familiar with the History of Tal-Handaq. We reveal it here in this final Magazine, from an account which appeared in the midsummer 1953, Cdr. A.J. Bellamy. We are indebted to Capt. M.F. Law, M.A., Royal Navy, some time Head of Mathematics and later Headmaster of the School, for a  continuation of the School's History.

 
I am frequently asked by visitors to the school as well as by parents, how and when the Royal Naval School came into existence. The service population of Malta contains a considerable number who received their early education at the School in pre-war days (two old pupils are now on the teaching staff) but for the majority who know nothing of our history, this excursion into the past may be of interest.
The education of the children of people who work takes them away from the U.K. has always been a problem. In many colonies the answer lies in the private school. Long ago, however, the Admiralty realised that not everyone could afford private school fees, and some sort of provision was made by them as long ago as 1880, when a Dockyard school was started in an old Dining Hall, just inside the main gates of the Yard. Here some 30 to 40 children, mostly Maltese or Anglo-Maltese were taught the rudiments of Arithmetic and English. The Dockyard Officers who were sent out from England continued to send their children to private schools and in those days few Naval people brought their families to Malta. Most of those early pupils neither spoke nor understood much English when they entered the School, but they were taught so well that many won their way to good positions in the professions or in Government Officers.
Even fifty years ago there were problems concerned with the growth of the School. By 1904 it had outgrown its room in the Dockyard and new premises (an old prison!) were taken over in Prison Street, Senglea. About this time one of the
 		 School staff (and later its Headmaster) was Naval School master W. Candey. In fact, the Education Service of the Navy has always provided the School's head, and, until recent all the male teaching staff.
In Senglea the School grew steadily to about 250 children. Children entered, as now, at the age of 5 and left at 14 when the boys took the examination for entry to the Dockyard. The School's troop of Sea Scouts started about 1910 very soon after the movement began. The old records show that up to 1918 most of the children entering the School were Maltese, but from that time the proportion of English children grew appreciably and as they increased the character of to school changed. In 1925 the level of instruction went beyond the Apprentice Examination and an 'Oxford Junior' class appears in the records for the first time. This was the beginning of a serious effort to run the upper part of the School on Secondary School lines as opposed to a preparing ground for Dockyard apprentices. By this time, too, the School had ceased to cater for the children of locally entered Dockyard employees and had assumed its present function of providing education on English lines for children who would normally have gone to English schools. There were now many Naval, as well as Dockyard children.
Verdala appears on the scene in 1929. By then then were once again too many children for the Senglea building to hold and an old Royal Marine barracks and ex-prisoner-of war camp at Cottonera in St. Clements Bastion was taken over
 
This we now know as Verdala School. Here were buildings which would hold 350 children, but the records for 1932 show only 150 boys and 70 girls attending. This number increased steadily to 530 in 1938, when there were three classes of infants, five of juniors, and six secondary. Boys and girls were taught separately in the secondary school in those days. The School also catered for the schooling of the Dockyard apprentices-in-the evenings. Top storeys were built on the main Verdala Blocks, in 1938. In those days school lunches cost 6d, and the tuck shop sold lemonade at 1d a bottle. The houses for the boys were the same as at present, but the girls had their own houses named Anne, Victoria and Elizabeth.
The school entered its first School Certificate candidate in 1932. He failed, but in 1938 ten certificates were won. This story of growth and development was sadly interrupted by the outbreak of war in 1939, and eventually all English wives and children were evacuated from Malta. The School struggled on in yet another home at St. George's Barracks, but eventually shut down completely in September 1912.
During the war the Verdala buildings were badly damaged and the main hall was destroyed. Part of the School was used as a prison, and another part became H.M.S. Euroclydon, and was used to house the crews of submarines.
After the war English families started to come back to much damaged Malta and education again had to be provided for their children. Early in 1946 the old Headmaster was sent out to see how much was left of the old School equipment, after the bombing. He found seventy-five desks (we still use them) and some mouldering books most of which are now museum pieces, but this was not a very encouraging start for the re-opened school. Re-open it did on 16th May, 1946 with 55 children in two requisitioned houses on the water's edge at
 		 Ta' Xbiex. The staff was two Instructor Officers and their wives. Children under seven couldn't be accepted because no one could teach them. Soon after the School opened it became clear that the two houses in Ta' Xbiex would very quickly became inadequate and another search was made for a new building. Various country houses, hotels, etc., all proved unsuitable, but in September 1946, a disused Army Barracks at Tal Handaq was discovered. This had been built during the war to resemble a Maltese village, in order to give camouflage from the air. However this unpromising and remote spot had room for lots of children and so work began on it to fit it out as a School. So in January 1947 the Dockyard School (children's Section) came to Tal Handaq; and ever since there has been a continual race between the Civil Engineering Department of the Dockyard in preparing new rooms and children coming along to occupy them. In 1947 the name of the School, now completely separate from the Apprentices' School, was changed to Naval Children's School.
The Headmaster's report for 1948 said that no more children could be crammed into Tal Handaq (150 extra have been put in somehow since then!) and in 1949 the old School at Verdala was repaired and restored as a school. The rebuilding of the hall was not completed until 1951 and meanwhile the present hall had been built at Tal Handaq.
The School's record year for growth was 1952 when 300 additional children were absorbed, the total number reaching 1947 by the end of the year. This year also gave us our new name "Royal Naval School" - a more dignified and inspiring title for an organisation which is unique among schools. Now it would seem we have reached the limit of growth in our present buildings. Where next?
 
A recent appeal in the local press has brought me a number of letters of reminiscence (at least one of which appears elsewhere in this magazine) as well as one or two useful leads to original sources of information, and in this respect I am particularly grateful to Mr W. Bellizzi of Balzan and to Dr Depasquale, Librarian of the National Library, Valletta.
The following notice appeared in the Malta Government Gazette of 31 May 1820:
British National School Burmola 20 May 1820.
Wanted, a Governess to instruct the female children of this Institution in Needlework, Reading, Writing and the Rudiments of Arithmetic.                 It is likely that this school was a semi-private venture
but it is noteworthy that it was situated at Burmola (Bormla), better known to us as Cospicua. When it was started, 1 do not know, but since by 1804 there were already 28 English craftsmen in the Dockyard (1) it could have been very early. In a magazine article (2) D. Degiorgio tells us that it was situated near the first Dockyard Chapel, beneath the Sta Margherita Arches, and that it was later moved by Rear Admiral Sir Lucius Curtis to a drawing office (already converted for use as the 'War Game Room') under St Michael's Bastion. It was about this time that a proposal that a Schoolmaster be appointed from England was made by the Dockyard Chaplain, the Rev. M. Tucker. Admiral Curtis does not seem to have been strongly in favour ('never having been consulted on the subject') but he concludes his forwarding letter, (3) dated 10 January 1846, by begging 'strongly to recommend that the person sent should be married, as from experience
 		 I too well know that the temptations are so great that very few single men escape the baneful influence of liquor, which is so cheap that they soon become inveterate drunkards.. '.
The most interesting of my finds, however, has been following Article in the Malta Times dated Tuesday 19 October 1858:
                   DOCKYARD SCHOOL IN MALTA
The friends of education will be glad to learn that arrangements have been made by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty for the establishment of a school in Malta for the use of children (boys and girls) of persons employed in the Her Majesty's Dockyard a Naval Establishments in this Island, and an afternoon and evening school for apprentices.
An excellent schoolmaster, Mr Sullivan, has been appointed who is already arrived from England and the school, we hear, is to be opened on the first of November next. The Admiral Superintendent is appointed visitor and the Committee of Management is to consist of the Master Shipwright, the Superintending Engineer and the Chaplain, who will be charged with the immediate superintendence of the school, and will take it in turn monthly visit the school daily, if possible, to see that it is properly conducted. No female child will be permitted to remain in the school after the age of fourteen years, nor male child after the usual age of apprenticeship; a payment of six pence a month is to be made to the Crown for each pupil for the use of stationery, books, slates The method of education is to be that adopted by National Society in their schools and in those of Majesty's Dockyards at home, as nearly as found practicable.
 
The office of examiner will be performed by the Naval Instructor of the Flagship, or the Senior Naval Instructor present, and in the event of the fleet being absent, bu such other properly qualified person, either a clergyman or a graduate, who will be called upon to draw up a report upon the school for transmission to the Admiralty Inspector of Schools England.
A further paragraph in the next edition of the newspaper apologised for the omission of any reference to
'The Reverend B. Howe, Chaplain to the Yard, who has the honour of first proposing the school to the Admiral Superintendent in March last, Admiral Stopford readily took up the suggestion and forwarded Mr Howes letters to the Admiralty, supporting them with all this influence'.
I think we can take this as firm evidence of the opening of the first official Dockyard School (and direct fore runner of Tal Handaq School today) on 1 November 1858, making the school almost 120 years old. In the preceding article, Commander Bellamy took up the story from the move of the school (originally in or near the Chapel by the sail loft in the Sta Margherita Cospicua, area) to the old dining hall. I now continue where he left off.


(1) Appendix 3 to typescript entitled HM DOCKYARD, MALTA toy W.A. Griffiths copies held by Mr W. Bellizzi and he National Library, Valletta.
02) L-Ideal No. 68 Nov. 1970 page 22.
(3) Appendix 10 to paper in (1) above.
 

 You may have noticed that although he mentions Verdala he still talks about the 'school', in the singular, because at the time there was just one all-age RN Children's School, housed on two separate sites, some but not all of the primary children being at Verdala. It was about 1954 that it proved possible to house all the primary section at Verdala and also about that time a separate Verdala Headmaster was appointed, although he was still responsible to the Headmaster, Tal Handaq.
The huge total of 1470 pupils, referred to by Cdr Bellamy, was for the two sections of the school combined, only 700 of their being at Tal Handaq. He might have been surprised had he known then that in 1960 the numbers were to reach 1050 at Tal Handaq and 1200 at Verdala, those at Tal Handaq being housed in buildings which were expanded from a theoretical capacity of 600 in 1958 to 800 in 1960. I was on the staff at the time and although I can't really remember where all those pupils went, I do know that there were a few 'floating' classes with no rooms of their own. Tal Handaq has always quietly got on with the job of achieving what most people would think of as impossible without making a fuss about it.
In those early days besides being all-age it was also what newspapers today describe as 'all-in', although not strictly speaking comprehensive in the usual sense of that word. The school was divided into separate grammar and modern sections but even in those days transition from one to the other was quite easy. As early as 1964 the school was reorganised on comprehensive lines, which meant that the grammar/ modern division was removed altogether (although some streaming remained) and from the Fourth Year upwards pupils had individual timetables with a wide range of optional
 
subjects which they could take at a combination of different levels, as they do today. This change, when it came, was comparatively small and undramatic, in sharp contrast to the upheavals going on in the UK system. 'Comprehensive' is in some ways what Tal Handaq has always been (and could only be) and the word does not have the unpleasant overtones with which it unfortunately so often seems to be associated at home.

In the sixties, after the closure of HM Dockyard and with Malta's approaching independence and the consequent British run-down (yes, it's been going on for a long time!), numbers began to decline, but never as fast as predicted, and in late 1966 there were still nearly 900 pupils at Tal Handaq. The Sixth form was larger than ever, although still small by UK standards, and examination results in CSE and at 'O' and 'A' level improved steadily in both quality and quantity, reaching 433 'O' level subject passes in 1967 and 80 'A' level subject passes in 1968. Even up to 1971, with numbers in the range 700 to 800, there were regularly over 50 'A' level subject passes a year, and remember this was in a comprehensive school which was notably 'bottom-heavy' (seven First-Year forms but only three in the Fifth Year) and to which parents frequently (and not surprisingly) did not bring out their older and more academically inclined children.

1969 saw the demise of single-Service schools and the formation of a joint organisation called the Service Children's
 		 Education Authority. This was something else which had comparatively little effect on Tal Handaq as ever since the war it had been the only Service secondary school on I island and, although run entirely by the Navy, it catered! the children of parents of all three Services as well as of Government civilians. Its only effects were to take away the Headmaster, Instructor Captain Malkin, to become a full-time administrator (as Officer in Charge Service Children's Schools Malta, Naples and Tripoli), replacing him by an Instrunctor Commander (myself), and to change the name from Royal Naval School to Service Children's School.

The rest is comparatively recent history, but mention should perhaps be made of a little hiccup during the Christmas holiday 1971 when, a few days before term was due to start, it was announced that all Service dependants were leave Malta within two weeks and the schools would not re-open. I can perhaps leave the effects of this short-notice closure to your imagination (they were described in the 1973 magazine), but we certainly did go home and the school reduced to an empty shell in Malta, a vast number of ominously rattling packing cases at Bicester, several large boxes of documents at Eltham and a staff, still technically on strength but dispersed all over the UK, somewhat plaintively enquiring what was to happen to them next. Pupils scattered to the four winds and regrettably there was could do to help them.

 
Two terms later, in September 1972, we reopened, somewhat reduced in size and with about 50% new staff and 75% new pupils. Numbers reached 600 by September 1973 and stayed about this level until early 1977 when the final rundown began to bite, causing numbers to decline steadily to the final total of just over 300.
Finally, as my main source of material for this article has been old school magazines, and particularly Headmasters' Annual Reports, I should like to pay tribute to former- Headmasters by recording here as many of their names as I have been able to discover.
—
Headmaster W Candey -1918
Headmaster Govier  -Mar 1925
Headmaster H E Hindmand MBE Mar 1925 - Jun 1928
Headmaster G H Rickers Jun 1928 - Dec 1932
Headmaster Lieut W F Plant Nov 1932 - Dec 1937
Headmaster Lieut F J Giles Dec 1937 - Sep 1942
Instructor Commander A H Miles OBE (later Instructor Captain, CBE) May 1946 - Jan 1951
Instructor Commander A J Bellamy OBE (later Instructor Rear Admiral, CB) Jan 1951 - Apr 1954
Instructor Captain B J Morgan (later Instructor Rear Admiral, CB) Apr 1954 - Apr 1959
Instructor Captain D E Mannering Apr 1959 - Aug 1963
Instructor Captain L Broad Aug 1963 - Aug 1966
Instructor Captain H C Malkin (later CBE) Aug 1966 - Jan 1970
Instructor Commander M F Law (later Captain) Jan 1970 - Apr 1974
Commander G D Stubbs Apr 1974 - Jul 1978


.* L-Istorja Tat-Tarzna by K.E. Galea (Il-Hajja 1973)
 

                       

MEMORIES   OF  MALTA

  
We are delighted to include some personal reminiscences of the School, from an ex-teacher, Miss Lily Harris Candey, whose father was Headmaster until 1918, and who taught at the School herself after the Second World War.  
My father was a Naval Schoolmaster. We came to Malta in 1902 where he (my father) was attached to the Dockyard School, then as you know, inside the Dockyard gate in Senglea.

In 1904 the school was removed to the old prison in Strada Prigione (the names were all Italian in those days). Now you will be interested to know that it was the children's and apprentices school in one, because the children's opened at 9.00 a.m. till 12.00 started again at 2 p.m. till 4 — then the staff had to go back to teach the apprentices from 6 to 7.30 p.m.

The children were those whose fathers were employed in the Dockyard (the lowliest labourer was entitled to send his children to the Dockyard school) and of course those of any service men. The children entered at the age of five years, went on until 7th standard (age 14 years) — the girls left, the boys had an examination. According to their position in the result list, so the lads could choose their trade — engineer, electrician etc. On leaving school these lads attended the Dockyard by day to learn their trade — left the yard at five o'clock and back to night school from six to seven thirty.

Many prominent men in Malta are old Dockyard School boys, who later were able to go to Lyceum and/or University. The Garrison Schools stood, apart from St Andrews, at Santa Margarita, Cospicua and Ricasoli.

The children travelled by brakes drawn by lovely great horses. Schoolmasters were in uniform. The Dockyard School Staff consisted of Headmaster, Assistant (both Naval) three civilian male teachers, two Maltese male teachers, extra for night school, and three female teachers for Infants, Standards I and II. Many interesting things happened for the Dockyard School children — the Visit of King George and Queen Mary, also the German Emperor with his great moustaches — for these occasions we all lined the route from Marsa to Valletta. The laying of the foundation stone of the breakwater by King Edward, where the school children went over to sing, under my father's baton (he was the music master).
 

 Once the dear old Duke of Connaught had his birthday here. The school children were all invited to the Palace for tea. On leaving we had to pass along in front of the Duke and Princess Pat, who gave the girls each a doll and the boys a sailing boat.

The Admiral of the Dockyard would call in whenever he liked. Each month a member of the school Committee would be on duty. This committee consisted of Admiral Parson, Engineer Captain, Admiral's Secretary and Civilian Secretary — as far as I can remember. The Naval Parson (who had a fine house in Bighi) came to the school for Religious instruction to the Protestants — Canon Cassar, the Roman Catholic Naval Priest took care of the Catholics; two of the masters were of this denomination.

Eventually my father became Headmaster, being relieved in 1918. After being in England with the family until they died, I gravitated back to Malta, where I was extremely lucky to get a job at the Royal Naval School, Headmaster Commander, later Captain Miles. The staff then consisted of Naval Schoolmasters, their wives and those like myself, locally entered people — Great fun, we had few text books, when these were ordered from the Admiralty they took so long in coming that we all had other ideas by the time they (the books) arrived. We did our best with our own brains!



However, later the seconded people arrived, and it was most amusing to note their chagrin to find how they were expected to work. You see they all wanted "a free hand" they didn't understand "Navy," much less Pink books, white cards, correct reports, with a care not to hurt the feelings of the parents. That's how it was when I was at Tal Handaq. As the school was enlarged the Infants and Juniors went to Verdala, myself with them.

All together I spent seventeen very very happy years, my last Headmaster being Instr. Commander Newbery.

Lily Harris-Candey

 

                                           RANDOM MEMORIES

I joined the Staff at Tal-Handaq in September 1949. It was then known as the Royal Naval School and although Verdala had been opened to accommodate the Infants and Juniors, not all these classes had been absorbed, so Tal-Handaq had not only a Grammar and Modern side (the word Comprehensive was not known in those days) but four classes of Juniors and about the same of Infants — the staff consisted of Naval Instructor Officers — and locally entered teachers, many of whom were service wives.

During the war the school had been an Army Ack Ack Site and most of the ground floor windows were iron barred - all rather sinister. Very few of the buildings were two storied and there was nothing beyond where the Hall is now - just the fields and no through road. The buses all parked in what is now known as the Staff Upper Car Parking Area so the size of the school can be gauged by this fact. Some of these buses are still on the road.

Captain Miles was the Headmaster and his time was marked by the building of the present School Hall until then, the ground floor rooms of Block 2, still separated by folding doors, accommodated all the school at assembly.

In 1950 just before Captain Miles was relieved by Commander Bellamy the present hall was completed — soon after this the first Tal-Handaq Musical Production, "The Princess JU JU" was produced by Mr. Walker. Later, Mr. Cresell produced "She Stoops to Conquer" and "The Rivals". From then on Tal-Handaq continued to put on a major show annually at either Christmas or in the Spring Term. For many years it became the tradition for school and staff to take part in Gilbert and Sullivan operas — these were very successful.

I can remember the visit of the first H.M.I's; as there were still Junior Classes in the school it fell to my lot, not only to take English in the O and A Level classes but once a week I descended to Form I Junior where I taught Geography. One day during their visit I had an inspector at my VI Form lesson in the morning, and that afternoon the same gentleman visited me in Form I. At the end, he greeted me with "Miss Yule you are a very versatile lady" — an unsolicited bit of praise I felt.

We had many more inspections while I was at the school and as Senior Mistress it was my duty to accompany the senior woman inspectress round the girls' cloakrooms etc. To my horror I found one lady's principal interest was the length of the chains in the lavatories. By and large, I doubt if we ever found these visits too over powering.

I cannot count the number of staff who came and went - most stayed for several tours but one domestic science (cookery) teacher — came, saw she had to cook on oil stoves and requested to be released from her contract. This department had many homes and it was not until the present
block was built that they graduated to gas and electric cookers — at one time this department was housed in the men's Staff Room and cooking was done on a Rayburn type stove!

We have had pupils of all nationalities. And when NATO was based in Malta we had Americans, Greeks, Turks and Italians — at one time the American element was very strong. Not only were there NATO pupils but also non-entitled ones whose fathers worked on the Libyan Oil Fields. We then had an American teacher whose special job was to teach American History and Spanish; she also had to work out the "Grades" to be sent back to the schools in the States.

I must also mention the school dinners, which for many years were provided by NAAFI — my chief memories were of being often on duty on Fridays when there was a positive rush for the fish and chips. Another speciality was a sort of jam sandwich fried in batter — a bit more substantial than the couple of prunes and custard which often appeared.

There were also the occasional "Dramatic" events. During one chemistry lesson there was a slight explosion and most of the VI Form joined in the general upheaval — but one studious type solidly went on with his work. I need not add that he is now a Research Chemist. On another occasion during a Christmas Concert, two very gifted boys were performing on the piano and violin — suddenly the pianist threw a faint and collapsed on the floor — the violinist went on playing. Both have taken up musical careers.

These 'Random Memories' cannot close without a tribute to the industrial staff without whom the physical appearance of the school would never have been maintained. For many years they were controlled by Mr. Plant, an ex-British Serviceman, who went out of his way to help up all — before his retirement he was awarded the B.E.M. To those individuals who remain I should like on behalf of us all to wish them happiness and success in the future.

JACQUEE YULE

 		                                 IMPRESSIONS
"When I first came to Malta I looked disapprovingly at the dry and barren land remembering the lush green countryside of England."
"Tal-Handaq at first was a strange sight. It reminded me of Colditz."
"I noticed straight away it had a friendly atmosphere. You have to work hard and play hard and if you do you will soon realise what a great place it can be."
"When I arrived at Tal-Handaq, I thought it was more like an airport than a school. The P.E. Block was to me like a hangar and the rest of the classrooms looked like lots of control towers."
"On my first day at school in Malta, I heard all the nasty things about Tal-Handaq. People said things like "You get the cane for being late", and "Watch out for D.Ts." We all gave it a special name — "Colditz". I was petrified that I'd be going there."
"I came to the conclusion that it was a prison camp, consisting of tortures such as getting egg rubbed in your face and your head flushed down the toilet by the sixth form. There was even a teacher called Hitler and barbed wire round the fences."
"In this, the last term of Tal-Handaq School many pupils will be thinking "Great! Fantastic!" '
"Pupils have always made up names about their teachers, and teachers from this school also have nicknames, some funny, but they are not meant to harm the teachers who work hard by day and mark endless books by night."
"The teachers did not seem to bother about us 1st years very much because we were so small, so we often did not get on well. But it gradually got better."
"Tal-Handaq is closing this year (That's the only good thing about it!). I do not like school as I cannot stand the buildings or the pupils. The pupils normally reckon themselves hard and as a result are good swimmers (their over-inflated egos keep them afloat!).

      LACHRYMA VITIS

       THAT IS THE WINE

 

          THOUGHTS ON TAL-HANDAQ SCHOOL
" it was back in 1978, I was going to a school in
Malta, called Tal-Handaq, I remember the teachers well, especially the French Teacher — what was his name? it
doesn't matter...... any way he used to tease me something
rotten, and the Maths Teacher was just as bad If he ever
found out which boy you had taken a fancy to, you can bet your life you were in for a very embarrassing time."
"The work was hard, the homework plenty, the teachers nice and not so nice. I plodded through the work, getting average in all marks. The next year things began to perk up and work was more interesting, and I started doing sports and played in the school production of "1066 and All That", and I really enjoyed it. Then I actually did not want to go home! My parents were astonished. They would say: "Only a few months and you'll be back where you always wanted to be," and now I could reply: "Just think - - I've been here two years and now I want to stay!"
"Those were the days! School seemed to be much more fun compared to schools nowadays. The teachers had a good sense of humour and they used to make us work hard, but had a nice way of doing it. One or two things I didn't like — there were too many steps up to the buildings and also the English class next to ours in third year made too much noise while we were trying to work."
"In summer, when it was really hot, there was always a long queue at the tuck shop and by the time you got there, there weren't any drinks left."
"There are many memories that will remain with me for

a long time, of Tal-Handaq. But the most prominent was when it rained and we were at a lesson in one of the Nissen huts, for all the while there was a constant patter on the roofs and no one could be heard at all. However, this was more unbearable when it began to hail!"
 

                                 TAL-HANDAQ
Coming straight into secondary school, and into the second year, from primary school is quite a big step and a bit confusing. Tal Handaq was the queerest looking school I'd ever seen (still is) so this didn't help matters. Even today, after two and a half years here, I can't tell the difference between 25P or ITS, 2Q is the only one I know, because it was my form room in the second year, not because I spent a lot of time in there at lunch time! So on the first day or even couple of weeks, life at Tal-Handaq was a bit confusing.
Once of the first things I couldn't get used to was calling the teachers Sir or Ma'am, and another was having to stand up everytime one of them entered |. classroom.
When, my brother and I, arrived home, after the first day, we agreed that just about everyone at Tal Handaq had blond hair! This was probably because both of us have dark hair.
Well it's the fourth year now and we'll all be leaving Tal Handaq this year, but I'm sure we'll all miss it, no matter what we may say of it at times.
 

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                                                                    SCHOOL STAFF  1977 - 78

               

Front row:  S. Beckett; G. Gordon; B. Leonard; I. Dickinson; Lt. Cdr. D. Nield; Cdr. G.D. Stubbs; M. Sherwin; T. Ricketts;      Lt.Cdr. A. Richards; K. Winn; J. Clemens.
Second row: C. Aquilina; M. Briffa; G. Camilleri; N. Ash; S. Camilleri; M. Caseley; D. Gray; M. Loughran; K. Patterson; L. Curtis;   L. Shone; H. Wilson.
Third row: W. Pawley; J. Booker; M. Turner; P. Allen; W. Lewington; J. Rae; C. Laing; A. McHardy; M. Holland.
Fourth row: J. Slide; H. Ritchie; C. Christmas; L. Finnis; B. Woollams; G. Davey; P. Goss; M. Newton.
Back row: D. Walker; A. Latham; I. Hesketh; B. Whewell; S. Bonnett.

                                      
 

                                                           FIRST DAY

Knowing my usual mad last minute rush my mum woke me up half an hour earlier, so I would still be ready in good time for going to my new school! But as usual I was still eating my breakfast at five minutes to eight. Unfortunately we were living in Sliema at this time and during the night my dad had been called out by the R.A.F. for one of their frequent exercises. So me and my mum had to make our own way to an unknown school, in an unknown place, or an unknown island, but finally we succeeded and getting off the bus we found that we had a long walk ahead of us up a dusty track (which looked like an entrance to a farmyard). We arrived, and made our way to the School Offices, had a chat with the Headmistress or rather my mum did as all I was left to do was nod and say yes occasionally. We finally came to the agreement of which class I was to go in 2D. I'll admit that I was disappointed but I soon realised that you can't come out on top all the time!
I can remember walking into that class for the first time on a Tuesday morning. Everyone looks at you and you don't really know what to say or do. I've been to thirteen different schools in my lifetime and still I don't know what to do or how to react or even what to say. All I do is go red, get embarrassed go shy and be nervous all at the same time. But I try to act cool and undisturbed, but it never works.
It takes a few days or even weeks to settle in and you get asked questions about England as if they have never been there in their lives before! But still I've really enjoyed this school even when I was moved up to 2C I thought all my old friends would call me a swot or something but they didn't and I look up to them for that.


GILLIAN EVANS
 

                                                    MALTA

                    Malta
                          Where nothing goes right

                     Mosta,
                            Still stands the dome,

                     Buses,
                              Come they might

                     Bars
                           A home from home

                      School
                              The bane of life

                      Soil
                           Solid and lifeless as rock

                      Drivers
                              Accidents still rife

                      Dogs
                            Flea-Bitten under neither key nor lock

                       England,
                                Where we want to be

                        End,
                               What '79 will see.


CATHERINE JONES —3A
   

 
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?


Where do we go from here?
Where do we go when we lock up the doors,
And we sell all our things,
And we scrub all the floors,
And we pack all our kitbags,
And we wave our goodbyes ?
Oh! Where do we go from here?


Will you be going to Deutschland?                                                         Will you reside in the land of the Rhone (sic)                                          And drink of the wine —                                                                      And eat all the sauerkraut,                                                                      The sausage so long?
Oh! Where will you go from here?


Will you be going to Cyprus?                                                                 Will you be climbing the great Troodos range                                          And sample the sherry                                                                          The kebabs — so strange -                                                                         And buy all the leather                                                                          The bags and the shoes?
Oh! Where will you go from here?


Will you be going to Hong Kong?
Will you be flying far off to the East
Where the locals are many
And give you a feast
Of chow mein and beansprouts
And chop suey, too?
Oh! Where will you go from here?
 
Will you be going to Blighty?
Will you be going back home on the dole                                            Where the queue is all black                                                                 And they're calling the roll                                                                     No dockers or miners —                                                                      Just sacked teachers, who
cry, "Where does one go from here?"
                                                       TNR

 

EST. 1900                                         PHONE: C. 24193

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TAL-HANDAQ REMINISCENCES OF THE PAST


It's 1998 and I'm back in my cosy sitting-room, in Edinburgh. The kids are at school and Jon's at work, so now I can sit down and think about that holiday in Malta last year. I could never explain to Jon how much I enjoyed that holiday, I mean it's not as if Malta was a fantastic holiday resort. To be honest I always thought it was a bit of a dump. Anyway, now I'm going to write it all down just as I remember it.
We landed at Luqa Airport, which looked just the same except for a couple of extra layers on the runway and little details like that. It was a hot, sunny day, typical of the weather in the height of summer, and it was 10.45 a.m. We had booked to stay in Malta Hilton Hotel, as Jon wasn't sparing any expense, why should he with the amount of money he earns? We spent the rest of that first day, Saturday, unpacking and generally loafing around, Malta was just the same, except for one thing — instead of seeing British servicemen and their families wandering around, they were all Libyans. There were however quite a lot of tourists from the U.K. to some of whom we got chatting. Actually, I found one person who was out there at the same time as me, with the Services in '78, so we got talking and she told me that Tal Handaq was still standing although it wasn't in use and was falling to pieces. I resolved to go and see it on Monday when Jon took the kids swimming at Pretty Bay, Birzebbugia.
We spent Sunday sightseeing in Gozo, which is still a much friendlier place than the main island of Malta.
Then came Monday. In the morning I sent the others off to swim at Pretty Bay, promising to join them later. When

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they had gone I put on my sunglasses, wrapped my swil ming thing in a towel and set off. I had to catch a bus to Valletta, and then a number eighty-nine to Qormi. "My God' I thought, "the buses are still the same."
When eventually the bus stopped at Qormi, I began] walk up the familiar road which our school-buses had gone all those years ago. I guessed that buses never went aid that road any more. There's no need. I reached the gate through which the buses used to rumble at 8.30 a.m. and 3, p.m. each weekday. The padlock was broken. I wall through. There on the right were the old familiar classrooms and as I walked on I saw the tennis courts and my ml flashed back to the days when we played ball games against the art room wall. There was the pottery room, the hated geography rooms. I remember in the second year we had really horrible teacher who used to think everyone was stupid. Whenever you made a mistake he would say "What load of waffle," or something like that. Mind you I suppose it wasn't his fault and I can't even remember his name. Tragic! As if I wanted to remember it.
Then I came to the office that dreaded place where the headmaster, deputy head and senior mistress used to hang out. There you had to go for your evening detention cards etc. There was also the staff room. Pretty well fumished it used to be. I looked in, to see a couple of tatty armchairs still there. The windows were smashed and the door hanging off its hinges. As I continued my walk I came to the old English room on my left and there on my right our old form room from the third year when Mr. Davey was our form teacher. That was in the days when I was in the top class and they thought I was clever. Look at me now — 2 'O' levels I got. What a waste. My old desk was still there, a bit worm eaten but still recognisable. There was Mr. Davey's desk and Wendy's and Tracy's and who was the other one  ... oh yes, Linda. I often wonder where they, and all the others, are and what they're doing. We used to all sit in that room and talk at break. The cupboard was still there too. We used to go out, look to see if the typing teacher was next door, and if he wasn't we'd put someone into the small cupboard and then tip them up and shake them around. Eventually, we would lay it down and let our victim climb out, dazed but usually okay.


The science laboratories came next. In the third year we had chemistry and biology upstairs and physics down below. I remember our science teacher in the second year put me, and another girl, in evening detention for writing on the newly varnished desks in his room.


Suddenly I glanced at my watch, "Heavens!" I thought, "It's ten past twelve. I must go." As I slowly walked out of the main gate I turned to take one last look as S.C.S. Tal Handaq before going for good.


So now, as I said before, I am back in Edinburgh taking a nostalgic look back. I never regretted going to the old school, back in 1978. In fact it was an experience because it was so different from a civilian school.


 
                                                              VALETE


It is with very great pleasure that I accept the invitation to write a few lines in the final Tal-Handaq magazine, pleasure which derives not only from my present job, carrying responsibility for this as well as other schools, but also, and I am afraid undisguisably, from my personal association with the school, which goes back to 1958 and includes more years in Malta than most of my Service colleagues think is reasonable. How can anyone be entirely dispassionate about the place where he first set eyes on his wife (even on such an unromantic occasion as a beginning-of-term staff meeting?)

We are seeing the closing of a school whose history goes back at least until 1890 (as you can read elsewhere in this magazine), a school whose achievements we can look back on with pride and, above all, with gratitude to various groups of people who in different ways have been responsible for those achievements and some of whom may, I hope, read this final magazine. I am sure, then, that many will wish to join me in saying 'thank you' —
to those much maligned people, the administrators, both in Malta and at home, in the Ministry of Defence and in the Admiralty (as it was), for all the support they have given us and without which we could not have existed;
to countless friends in Malta, both Service (all Services and all levels) and civilian (Service-attached and local, British and Maltese) for all their official and unofficial help, so willingly given;
 

  

 

to the Headmasters, past and present (all Naval Instructor Officers, I am proud to say) for the dedicated they have served the school, many in much more difficult circumstances than we have recently had to cope to all teachers, past and present, not only for exercising their professional skills in the classroom b often for their complete dedication to the wider asp of education extending far beyond the normal sell limits of time and place;
to the Maltese industrial and non-industrial staff ' have served us so loyally and whose employment we  so sorry to have to terminate;
lastly, and perhaps most of all, to the many thousands of pupils and parents who have helped to the school what it is today. Few visitors to Tal-Handaq have failed to be impressed by its relaxed, friendly happy but purposeful atmosphere, an atmosphere whichrity stems, I believe, from pupils who come from the secu| of good homes and who work under an unobstrusive but firm discipline at school. To all of you, pupils and staff (teaching and non-teaching), I say 'Goodbye' and wish you God speed and good fortune wherever you may go. Remember Tal-Handaq, and its atmosphere and standards (which you may appreciate more in retrospect). Once the school has closed, its rcputation will become the responsibility of you who have served and studied here. It could not be in better hands.


                                                                              M.F. LAW

 


                                                                        SPORTS  

               

           NETBALL 'A' TEAM

The 'A' Team this season played extremely well, even though there was a lack of players. Our two shooters, April Morris and Debbie Canham, also played very well, and their shooting was of a very high standard.
The team as a whole managed to come second in the league, and when the knockout matches were played we came first, which pleased the team no end.


Team members being:—-


Nicky Shipp GD
Belinda Young WD
Kim Hanns GK
Angie Griffith C
Debbie Canham GA
April Morris GS
Pat Fairclough WA


NICKY SHIPP

 
                                                      NETBALL 'B' TEAM


                             Back Row: J. Stace, J. Hills, S. Woods, H. Hipperson.

                                Front Row: L, Oliver, C. Church, S. Burns.

INTER SCHOOLS JUNIOR NETBALL TOURNAMENT
The inter-schools Junior Netball Tournament took place this year on Saturday, 6th May. There were ten teams competing in all — two from each of the Junior Schools: St Andrews and Luqa, and two from each of the Tal Handaq Houses: .Alanbrooke, Cunningham and Tedder. Because the reduction in numbers, in all the schools taking part, this was a noticeable uneveness in size - - third year Primary children in some cases competing against second year Secondary, but a high standard of netball was reached, and all teams thoroughly enjoyed the morning's play.
'A' TEAMS                                                       'B' TEAMS
Tedder           8 pts                                           Cunningham   6
Alanbrook ..., 5 pts                                           Luqa             4
Cunningham.   4 pts                                          Tedder           4
St. Andrews . .3 pts                                          St. Andrews   4
Luqa               0 pts                                          Alanbrooke    2


Capt. and Mrs. Law presented the cups to the two winning teams, and a further cup was presented to St. Andrei as the primary school achieving the highest number of poll overall.

 

                      
                                                                    GIRLS HOCKEY TEAM


N. Shipp, E. Dryden, A. Morris, L. Brewis, L. Dryden, D. Canham, D. Dawson, S. McKee, Y. Bennett B. Fogarty, G. Evans.
  

                                  BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIP
Between the dates of 11 and 18 March 1978, the Maltese National Junior Badminton Championships were held.
Tal Handaq were represented by 8 of its members.
U-13. All the members of Tal Handaq who entered this past of the competition were drawn in the top section. This meant that only one person could get through to the final. Mark Judd was beaten by Mark Bennett 21-11, and Christopher Bennett narrowly lost 23-22. Mark Bennett went on to the final getting in by in the semi finals. He won the final beating G. Schembri 15-5, 15-2.
U-15. 6 persons entered this competition: J. Turner, R. Brierly, D. Dove, M. Fegan, T. Woods and M. Bennett.
M. Egan got through to the final, knocking out R. Brierly on the way. Mark Bennett got through to the final after having a very hard game in the semi-final. M. Egan beat M. Bennett in the final 13-2, 15-7.
In the U-18 competition Matthew Lane got through to the semi final then lost to the eventual winner G. Grech.
MARK BENNETT
 
  

Back Row: A. Madge, M. Egan, A. Basson, Mr. Newton, Da Silva, M. Morris, S. Oliver.
Front Bow: G. Smythe, D. Bonner, S. McKee, J. Russell, Lambert, S. Morris.
 

                                              1ST XI SOCCER
Season 1977-78, the last season for Tal-Handaq Soccer, was a very good one which saw the team challenging for honours.
During the league season many fine results were obtained (including a 2-0 defeat of Overseas) and a comfortable place in the League Table reached. In the League Cup only a close 2-1 defeat by H.M.S. St. Angelo prevented the team reaching the final. But perhaps the highlight of the season was the match against the Malta XI played at Marsa Stadium in front of a large crowd. After a superb match the school lost the game but won many admirers for their skill and sportsmanship.
The team was well led by Derek Bonnar, a gifted knowledgeable player, who efficiently organised the mid-field boiler room. Alongside in mid-field were the ubiquitous Steve Oliver, always a gritty competitor and Tim Lambert, who worked hard on the left side.
But all teams need to defend and this year we had a sound and efficient unit to cope in this department.
Jon Kitchen, in goal, was agreeably the best Tal-Handaq keeper for several seasons. His handling and occasionally breath-taking saves were an inspiration to his colleagues.
At right back Martin Egan played consistently well with his accurate chip passes often initiating attacks. At left back Tony "Rocky" Da Silva was powerful and reliable. Matthew Lane did well at stopper using his strength and experience to good effect. The defence was well generalled by Stuart McKee who was always sound and often brilliant as "libero".
In attack Mike Morris was used as an old-fashioned right winder and did well since his speed, crossing-ability and shooting could be used to maximum advantage. John Russell and Andy Basson were prolific goal-scorers with their speed, flair and penetration often causing havoc to opposition defences.
 
                                   

                     The Winning Tedder Team in the Minor Soccer League.                             .

                                      

                 Michael Walker of Tedder receives the cup from Mr. Ricketts,,

                      on behalf of the Winning Team in the Minor Soccer League

                                      



All the above players in playing regularly enjoyed soccer and merited the kudos but teams need more than eleven players and this year was no exception. Steve Dove did well when required to play in goal but special mention must be made of Sean Morris who filled in as required when injuries struck and was a reliable substitute when the full team was available. Statistics:

                                    P      W      L      D      F      A
                                    21    9       9       3       59    64


Leading goalscorers: A. Basson 14; D. Bonnar 12; Russell 12; M. Morris 5; S. Oliver 3.


Full colours awarded: D. Bonnar, A. Basson, M. La| S. McKee, S. Oliver, J. Russell.


Half colours: M. Egan, A. Da Silva, T. Lambert, J. Kitchen, M. Morris, A. Madge, G. Smythe.
 

 

                                            RUGBY 1977-88
Results:
Lost to St. Edward 10-6 Won 7's Interservices Knockout Plate The goal potential of this year's Rugby XI remains unrealised mainly due to a lack of fixtures. However the school seven fighting against the odds showed that skill still counts far more than muscle and managed to defeat the RAF 'B' team. 24-4 to take the Interservices Knockout Plate.
A short but still comparatively successful season.


D. BONNAR
 
                                               ORIENTEERING
This year's competition took place on Saturday 28th January. The competition was held west of Rabat, starting at Fiddien Bridge and ending two miles up the road at Bahrija. The teams finishing with over a 100 points would have covered approximately 10 miles.
Each year let off at different intervals of 2 minutes. All teams had 1 hour to complete the course visiting as many checkpoints as they could. For every minute over the given time, 1 penalty point was deducted.
A special mention goes to S. Dove and M. Morris (A) 5th year, D. Bonnar and A. Basson (A) 6th year, and S.Mckee and P. Groves (C) 5th year, who achieved more than
100 points. The top girls' team were D. Canham and H. Hipperson (A) 5th year who scored 38 points.
Final Score            Score Penalties Total points House points
Alanbrooke            770   147         623             46
Cunningham           765    287        478             42
Tedder                  535    115        420             39
Individual team with most points:
S. Dove 5th year
M. Morris - 5th year
  
1st year C. Hodgson  T, McConnell   l36   (Alanbrooke)
2nd year M. Judd      M. Bennett      65     (Alanbrooke)
              S. Grant       R. Christie       65    (Cunningham)
3rd year P. Basson    S. Brewer       74      (Cunningham)                                                  4th year M Keating     S Fairclough  84       (Cunningham)                                                 5th year S. Dove      M Morris        116      (Alanbrooke)                                                  6th year A. Basson   D. Borinar       110      (Alanbrooke)
Highest scoring girl's team: D. Canham, M. Hipperson 58 points (A).
Many thanks to the organisers.
A. BASSON — 6C
 		 TAL-HANDAQ MALTA A.A.A. NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP REPORT


This year the Championship was held on the track at RAF Luqa. This track is not the best but we are very grateful for the use of it.
The opposition proved very strong and due to our deterioration in numbers, we could not cover every sport strongly.
In the Youths we received three firsts; K. Stephenson (now left) in the 400m with a time of 58.9 seconds, M. Keating in the 1500m with a time of 5.01 minutes and finally the 4 x 100m relay team whose time was 52.3 seconds.
The Juniors and Seniors did not have as many firsts with only Andrew Basson in the Javelin with a distance of 41.77m and Anthony Da Silva in the Shot with a distance of 9.51m receiving a Gold.
But do not let these results tell the story as we proved to be a formidable problem taking many second and thirds placings in a classical challenge with the local schools.


STUART McKEE
 

                  
                                                                              TAL-HANDAQ BOYS HOCKEY 1977-78        

                         

                                         

 

Despite the decision of the Malta Hockey Association not to run an U18 League this season (which Tal-Handaq were favourites to win), more hockey has been played at more levels than in any previous year.


1st XI — U18
After two convincing victories over De La Salle (2-0 and 4-3) in early season friendlies, the 1st XI found itself without regular opponents. Two keenly contested matches against Overesas resulted in a narrow 0-1 defeat and a 1-1 draw. The U18 Six-a-Side team has had an outstanding successful season. In the Luxol Cup competing against the best adult Maltese and Services sides, the school failed to reach the quarter finals but went on to win the Plate for the best non-qualifying team. The season's zenith was reached on Sunday May 7th when Tal-Handaq 'A' won the Malta U18 Six-a-Side Championship beating arch-rivals De La Salle in the final. At the time of writing, Tal-Handaq 'A' and 'B' teams have entered the Inter-Services Six-a-Side competition, to be held on Saturday May 13th, in which the 'A' team is again expected to do well.
Tal-Handaq boys have also made a sterling contribution lo the Overseas Hockey team in the Inter-Services competition and in friendly .matches against local sides and visiting ships.
S. Oliver, A. Basson, S. Hill and M. Egan have been regular stalwarts of the side, and J. Russell has made a more recent but nonetheless valuable contribution.
 

 1st XI Squad
S. Oliver (Capt), A. Basson (vice-capt.), S. Crickmay, P. Davison, S. Dove, M. Egan, N. Hall, S. Hill, J. Kitchen, S. McKee, S. Morris, M. Petrie. C. Sampson.
Inter House Competition
Again for the first time, a Boys' Inter-House hockey competition was held during the Spring Term. Although it was mainly intended to give the regular hockey players more competitive games at a time when the Malta Junior League was experiencing a hiatus, it also introduced the game to S3ms boys who, despite their sporting talents, had previously shunned the curved stick. Their evident enjoyment - - and their technical improvement as they became more familiar with the rules — testified to the value of the experiment. Tedder were the worthy victors, after Cunningham unexpectedly defeated favourites Alanbrooke in the last match.
Although it is always invidious to single out individuals, I feel that Steve Oliver deserves special mention in this (regrettably final) hockey report. AS captain of the 1st XI, Tedder Hockey captain, and leading goal-scorer for the Overseas Club, he has shown qualities of sportsmanship allied to skill and determination which have earned him the respect of many of the senior hockey players in Malta. This in no way demeans the contribution of all the others who have, by their efforts over two or even three seasons in some cases, made Tal-Handaq probably the best school hockey team on the island this year.


D.J. WALKER

 
                      U16XI
The strength in depth of Tal-Handaq boys' hockey this season was shown by the fact that for the first time we were able to field a 2nd XI. This team began as a Fourth Year L XI and as such gained four consecutive victories over a Naxxar Secondary U16 XI. When the Malta Hockey Association decided at length to replace the U18 League by an U16 League, the Tal-Handaq U15 XI was strengthened by the addition of the younger members of the 1st XI for the purpose of this competition. Unfortunately this meant that some U15 players were deprived of competitive hockey. The U16 League after some dislocation, is now functioning more satisfactorily.  Tal-Handaq lost narrowly to De La Salle 0-1 in the opening match, but overwhelmed Grejmpads, 4-0, in the second fixture. The third and decisive league match against Qormi| remains to be played at the time of writing. A victory would mean entry into the semi-finals of the competition.


U16 Squad
S. McKee (capt.), S. Hill (vice-capt.), S, Beckett, P Davison, D. Dove, M. Egan, J. Kitchen, S. Morris, M. Petrie, L. Roy, C. Sampson, S. Tinker, S. Triffitt, J. Turner, S. Whitehead.
 
TAL-HANDAQ CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP 1978


This year the school Cross-Country Championship got off to a fine start!
The Juniors, as usual, started the occasion with a fine run from S. Jones, of Cunningham, coming in first with a time of 15 minutes and 55 seconds. Second came M Bennett of Alanbrooke and third I. Shipp of Cunningham. The results of the Juniors were:
Alanbrooke with 40 points, Cunningham with 48 and Tedder with 90 points.
In the Colts Mike Keating set the pace coming in first with a time of 15 minutes and 23 seconds for Cunningham Second came M. Petre for Alanbrooke and third D Doc for Tedder.
The points awarded were Cunningham with 41 points, Tedder 54 and Alanbrooke with 76.
The final positions lay on the results of the Seniors Steve Oliver, of Tedder managed to overrun the ever powerful Derek Bonnan of Alanbrooke with a time of 25 minutes and 56 seconds. Phil Groves came third having an excellent run against great odds.
The points for the Seniors were Alanbrooke with 36 points, Cunningham with 68 and Tedder with 75.


 This make the final positions: 1st Alanbrooke   152 points 

                                             2nd Cunningham 157 points

                                             3rd Tedder         219 points


STUART McKEE



 

        
   


                                                                                       HOUSE     REPORTS

  

                                      ALANBROOKE GIRLS


Again this year Alanbrooke has had a very successful sporting season. Both last year's Swimming Gala and Sports Day were won by Alanbrooke.
At the beginning of the Autumn season the Netball began, with Alanbrooke coming first overall.
The teams consisted of the following:
Junior Team — F. Draper, J. Burslem, L. Parry, L. Raynor, A. Gibson, V. Barkby.
Intermediate Team — M. Proven, D. Jenkins, Y. Gayle, J. Keating, L. Brewis, S. Bums, D. Ramsay.
Senior Team — N. Shipp, C. Stace, D. Canham, D. Gibbons, H. Hipperson, J. Hills, B. Young, J. Stace.
All teams played very well when it came to Hockey. The Seniors won their matches 3-1 against Cunningham and 8-0 against Tedder. Both the Juniors and Intermediates played very well in their matches. The teams consisted of the following:
Junior Team — V. Barkley, A. Gibson, A. Boissevain, F. Draper, L. Raynor, M. Hitchings, K. O'Malley, S. Holman, L. Hart, R. Brown.
Intermediate Team — J. Keating, L. Latham, D. Ramsay, G. Evans, D. Jenkins, L. Dryden, D. Paul, L. Hastings, L. Brewis, A. Stapley, Y. Gayle.
Senior Team — N. Shipp, D. Gibbons, L. Brewis, S. Stace, J. Hills, H. Hipperson, D. Canham, D. Hipperson, C. Spanton, S. Carpenter.
For the third time running Alanbrooke managed to win the Orienteering Competition. This was a very pleasing result for the house.

The housepoints for Alanbrooke are looking good at the moment and hopefully we should regain the cup, but knows what will happen between now and the end of term.
Lastly we would like to thank all members of Alanbrooke for their consistent effort throughout the year. The house would also like to thank Miss Rae for all the hard work has put in since taking over from Mrs. Parry Jones — Thank you.


NICKY SHIPP — Games Captain  HEIDI HIPPERSON — House Captain
 

                              ALANBROOKE BOYS — 1977-78


Yet another successful year for Alanbrooke boys.! summer of 1977 saw a clean sweep of the available sport and academic trophies. The all round power of the senior part of the house enabled us to take the Cricket, Athletics, Swimming and Champion House Trophies. In the Cricket Davies and Dave North provided the class with both bat ball to ensure easy victory. However, in the swimming athletics the final result was in the balance until the last event where we obtained the points to take the Trophy.
The start of the 77/78 school year saw the departure many talented sportsmen. However the house marched on undaunted to take the Soccer, Cross Country, Orienteering and Six-a-Side Soccer Trophies.
In the Soccer it was the senior side with 6 of the self 1st XI that showed the younger members of the house way to victory. The junior and colt sides failed to emulate the seniors but still managed to gather enough points to give
House overall success. Special mention must go to Bennett and Judd in the juniors, as well as Basson, Kitchen, Da Silva, Russell and Morris all of whom performed admirably.
The basketball season was not as successful as it could have been but we still managed to secure second place. Here too the senior side came away with a 100% record but due to a less impressive play by the colts the final positions saw Alanbrooke trailing by 2 points.
The cross country championships saw Alanbrooke at its superb best. In the juniors fine runs by Bennett, Winchester and Triffitt saw the house come away with an 8 pt lead. The colts didn't do so well but Petrie ran a fine race to gain 2nd place. The seniors put in what can only be described as an amazing performance— the first 6 of the Alanbrooke team all came in the first 10 placings. These fine efforts were duly awarded by the cross country championship Trophy.
The Orienteering competition again saw the house in fine form with the 1st place in each age group being taken by an Alanbrooke pair. It should be noted that this is very much a team event a second performance by the rest of the house ensured victory once again. Special thanks to Mr. Winn for masterminding our success.
With the talent present in the senior hockey side victory looked like another forgone conclusion. However a collapse in the second round saw the team fall into second place. Perhaps this result will show that petulance and bad sportsmanship win neither trophies nor friends,

Eventually we were able to get the opposition back onto the soccer field and after an enjoyable competition we emerged as six-a-side champions. This was a closely run affair as at the beginning of the final round any of the Houses could have won.
On the whole a good year for the house — unless there are any surprises we should again take the championship trophy. Thanks must go to Mr. Newton for all the hard work and support he has put in through the whole year.

D. BONNAK


Note from Mr. Newton:
Derek Bonnar has modestly omitted to mention himself in the Sports comments but his contribution to Alanbrooke Sport has been remarkable. An excellent soccer player, fine athlete, brilliant basketball player - - but a duffer on the hockey field - - he has been an inspiration to the younger members of the house.
M.J. NEWTON






 
                                              CUNNINGHAM GIRLS

Many thanks must go to all girls who took part in sports this year. With the great reduction in numbers, there have been some difficulties in gathering together full teams for all the various events.
Well done to all those who faithfully turned out to practices, and to those who helped out to make up the teams.
There have not been resounding success in sports this year, though everyone has been very keen and tried hard. In netball, all the teams were enthusiastic, but only the Junior Team managed to carry off a cup. In the inter-schools Junior Netball Tournament Cunningham 'B' Team was victorious.
In Hockey too, the Juniors beat all their opponents, though the Intermediates and Seniors played very good games, but were unfortunately beaten by the opposition.
We hope that our results will be better in the next two major sporting events of the year — the Athletics Championship and the Swimming Sports. It would please everyone in Cunningham if the House could win these in this the last year of the school's life.
At the beginning of the year, Cunningham was ably led by Pat Fairclough, who was also responsible for the games. Unfortunately Pat left at the end of the Spring Term and her place was taken by Sue Hewitt as House Captain and Lindy Oliver as Games Captain.
Good luck to everyone in Cunningham House and best wishes for the future.


S. HEWITT (House Captain)

 

         QUICKWAYS

    PACKING & REMOVAL SERVICES

         ANGELO BORG & SONS

                       CASA DEBORAH                               UPPER ST. GEORGE'S STREET, GZIRA

    (NEXT DOOR TO QUICKWAYS WAREHOUSE)

                                Telephone 31277

                                      CUNNINGHAM BOYS

Due to dwindling numbers, Cunningham House has achieved the excellence that it had in past years. How the enthusiasm, team spirit and certain skill is present among the members of the House. As this will be the last Cunnigham House report many thanks to those members of staff affiliated with the House, namely Messrs Bonner, Walker, Davey and Goss and Matthew Lane who held the post of Games Gaptain so ably. Thanks also are due to all the members the House from the 1st to 6th years for all the effort they put in.
As usual soccer was the predominant interhouse sport In the Seniors, Matthew Lane, Martin Egan and Stuart Mel were the strongest members of our team, and they backed up very ably by such players as Phil Groves, Sin Lane, Anthony Jackson, Nick Hall, Simon Jackson, Sonmez Tinker and Stephen Whitehead. They played well in all their games and came second in the Senior Competition.
The Colts and Juniors played with characteristic determination and enthusiasm and their squads were as follows
Colts: Basson (Capt.), Lane, Brewer, Whitehead, Spencer, Grant, Simpson, Jones, Shipp, Hall, Warner, Goodyear.
Juniors: Dawson (Capt.), Lane, Goodyear, Beresford,  Proctor, Warner, Salmon, Young, Ciantar, Campbell, Clements, Preston.
Basketball is a sport few have mastered in Cunningham mainly through lack of practise, yet we still achieved some worthy results. The Seniors had a very close, fast paced game with Tedder in which we lost in the last minutes of the The Colts played well beating Alanbrooke but losing to Tedder.
The Cross-country this year was a very close event, Alanbrooke just pipping Cunningham at the post by 5 points.

Special mention should go to Philip Groves who ran a fine race, and to the excellent effort by the Colts and Juniors who took 1st place in their sections.
The Orienteering Championship was another close event between Cunningham and Alanbrooke, the latter just winning by 4 points. The 2nd (Grand and Christie) 3rd (Basson and Brewer) and 4th (M. Keating and Fairclough) all came first in their respective years — well done! Notable performances were also made by S. McKee and P. Groves of the 5th and S. Jackson and M. Lane of the 6th who came 2nd in their respective years.
Our Hockey results were most disappointing in view of the fact that on paper at least we appeared to have a very good side. However, we did manage to win one of our matches and prove strong opposition in the others.
In the Athletics we were well beaten into third place, although it should be pointed out that on the clay our results were at least comparable to the other houses and our low placing was due to a poor total of pre-event standard points. Particularly good results were obtained by:—
Andrew Lane (1st year) — a school record of 2 min. 45 sec. obtained in the 800m. and also winner of the Triple Jump.
Stuart McKee — winner of the Senior 200m, 400m. and Long Jump in which he equalled the school record.
Stephen Brewer and Phil Basson in the 2nd/3rd year group — winners of the 1500m. and 800m. races respectively.


SIMON JACKSON — House Captain

 
                                         TEDDER GIRLS


The past year has been one to remember, and although the numbers in school are falling rapidly our performance has not fallen at all. Even the house members who don't usually take part in sporting activities have helped make up numbers where needed.
Once again we have excelled in our lower school matches. The Junior team won every game, as did the 1st years who carried off the 'A' Team trophy in the Inter-schools Tournament. Our Intermediate team also played very well and won one trophy during the session. Our Seniors came second to Alanbrooke after a hard fight for first place.

On the hockey field our last year's strong Junior team became an unbeatable Intermediate Team and won both trophies. It may seem unfair to single out individuals, but I am sure the whole house would join me in congratulating and thanking Sandra McKee and Dawn Dawson who have supported the house so loyally and ably for three years and who have formed the nucleus of an enthusiastic and talented team. Well done, everyone.
Although we didn't win the orienteering our house's spirit didn't wear for a minute. Even the first years seemed to have amazing fighting spirit. So on the sporting scene Tedder seems to have done well, but we seem to have come out top on the academic side. At the moment we are winning on the credit count, and if we manage to sustain this lead at the end, then Tedder will receive the last House Point Trophy that Tal-Handaq will award.
I now hope that we will do as well in the forthcoming Swimming and Athletics competitions, as I'm sure 'we will.
Finally, I am sure that the House would like to join Miss Ash and I in thanking the members of the staff in Tedder, and our Games Captain, April Morris, for all their hard work and support throughout the year, and everyone who has made this final year at Tal-Handaq such a memorable one. I would also like to take this opportunity of wishing all House members the best of luck in their new schools and careers


KIM HANNS — House Captain
 

                                    TEDDER BOYS REPORT


The sporting side of Tedder House has been subject to a dramatic fall in the numbers of athletes due to the rundown of forces in Malta. As a result, those remaining athletes have done far more in the way of sport than normal. However, Tedder has managed to produce reasonable standards of sportsmanship, throughout the school year. In fact, Tedder has managed to beat the opposing houses, Cunningham and Alanbrooke, in basketball and hockey, Alanbrooke being firm favourites in both events.
At this point I would like to thank all those who took part in events, for their effort and support throughout the year. I would also like to thank on behalf of Tedder House Mr. Lewington and Mr. Casely for coaching and organising the house.
S. OLIVER — Games Captain


The beginning of the 1977-78 school year saw the raising of the cloud of apathy that had descended on Tedder boys due to the leaving of their previous House Master. This mood was soon lifted by the drive and determination of the new House Master, Mr. Lewington.
New activities were encouraged within Tedder House, one of which was Table Tennis, the final being between Chris Rodgers and Raymond Cassar.
Mr. Lewington, along with other Masters including Mr. Caseley, have sharpened up the sporting skills of the Tedder boys and have turned them into formidable opponents of both Cunningham and Alanbrooke. These sporting skills which have been moulded to the boys' characters will stand them in good stead for the future years.
With the gentle persuasion of House Masters, Tedder boys set out in the academic field of the school to gain many House points as possible. This resulted in Tedder House being top of the House Points Competition. This interest House Points brought about the House Point Certificate was pioneered by Ian Rowbottom and Simon Crickmay.Already 35 House Points Certificates have been awarded. certificates may only be gained by boys who have awarded 5 credits in a half-term.
T. Groves is leading the House Point race; he has but is closely followed by E. Bradshaw with 36; both of these boys also have the highest number of credits gained in week; they both have 8.
So now let us hope that this drive and determination carries on until the end of this fina year at Tal Handaq. If it does, Tedder will be top at the end of the year.
We would like to finish off by thanking Mr. Lewington Mr. Caseley, Lieutenant Commander Richards, Mr. Slide a Mr. Holland for all the help they have given to Tedder this term.
IAN ROWBOTTOM — House Captain

 SIMON CRICKMAY — Vice House Captain

 


                                                                           CREATIVE   WORK 

                                THE WAY OF WOMAN
Ah such raptures hold me fixed when by chance I
See that maiden fair tripping lightly by
Her figure so neat (she may well flaunt)
Her face set so well so nonchalant
But wait, those eyes of blue I sense mischief
Why I see she's dropped her silken hankerchief
What stroke of luck is this ? or was it plot
I'd rather fate played a part but I think not
I give it back, - - what fiendish vile is this ?
she smiles her thanks — oh but what I'd give to steal a kiss
Then this sweet child trips serenely on
And I watch 'til she has almost gone
And another man appears in view
Ah see how he's fallen under her spell too
But wait why it is beyond belief

There falls again the silken hankerchief
Poor fool see how his heart is eager to obey
each self centred whim a woman's heart may lay
And now fair maid tease me not with looks of lust
For I see now and am filled with complete disgust.


SUE WOODS — 5 J


                               DESOLATION OF A TREE


                              In youth she stood erect and slim
                              and never knew a lonely hour,
                             fresh and sweet her blossomed limb,
                                     radiant in her shady bower.
                            To her each troubled little child,
                            would go when laughter found no place
                            and filled with love she'd gently smile
                                 'til glee lit up each tiny face.
                             But with age the little children gone
                             and she not slim but wild and free
                              but not so free for one steel bond
                               a chain of love and memory
                         With thoughts of laughter gone before
                         she sighs a lost and lonely breath
                             and knowing now there is no more
                                  accepts the solitude of death.

                                    Michele Norton — 5th Year

                           SPIDER POEM HIT OR MISS
                                 Pay
                                Counting bullets,
                                Lift gun,
                                Load.
                              Wait for the target,
                                Bang!
                                 Bang! Hit or miss?
                                Prize!


                           ANDREW LAING — 2C

 

                   
               

                                          WITCH'S ENCHANTMENT
                                            I threw into the cauldron
                                            All big and round
                                          A juicy toad which I had found.
                                           A leg of a horse,
                                             The head of a bat
                                         A horse's tail, how about that!
                                              I mix them all around
                                                       And spin them all over
 

 THE WITCHES CHANT
We met at dawn,
On Mayberry hill,
The sun was just rising,
Away went the chill,
The cauldron was warm,
Ready for use,
Too, were the ingredients ready,
A head of a cow, a leg of a moose,
A plant off the ground, nicknamed
Mayberry thistle,
A heart from a rat, a leg of a dog,
Wool from a sheep, a piece of thistle
Two grey geese and a head of a squirrel,
An earn of corn, a piece of pork,
A lump of cheese and a lump of cork.
Around we go. "tiddly ho,"
And "WHOOSH" we disappear.
CAROL HODGSON — IB


            Then turn them all out
And cover with clover.
I roll up in mud and dip in the stream                                                                              Then wash my claws .
So that they are clean
Then I put them all back
In the cauldron to bake.
Then hope they're all done
For hallowe'en's sake.

LESLEY JACKSON — IB




 
                                           THE ART COMPETITION
I was very busy the day I came home for half term after going to Safi that night. I had already planned to paint a picture for the art competition, a picture of an old Maltese lighthouse or tower which was used in the Second World War for sending light .signals across the island from one to another.
I was going to paint it in an oil-based water paint. I started it on the first Saturday of half term.
The most difficult time was the most important, lugging it to school because it was still wet. So holding it with tissue paper I just managed. In the end I won the prize for the best painting.
STUART WARNER — 1C


                          CAROUSEL            

Wooden Horses .Painted Bright Pay your money Rings the bell "Climb aboard the Carousel'' Faster Faster Round the ground Spinning far Above the ground Then the driver Gives a yell "All aboard the Carousel"

            KERRY OLIVER 2C

 

 THE SEED OF LIFE
The seed of life
Once planted will go on for ever
Whether it be a human seed
Planted in a moment of tender passion-
Or whether it be a flower seed
Planted in a moment of simple delight
This concept is easy to understand
But not so easy to believe
Faith is the first step towards this belief
And belief is this faith.

 

ANONYMOUS 5th FORM




           

 

                 

         THE  HELTER  SKELTER

 

Pay the money

Up we go

Right to the top

Far as we go

Sit on the mat

Hold very tight

Now we are off, for

The magical flight.

Sliding so fast

As we go round

But all too soon we're

 Back on the ground

                     TRACY GLENN 2D

 

TREEMENDOUS! !

"Shut up. Maple! Who are you trying to cone?"
"Leaf me alone I'm twigging onto a new idea for the
laboratree."
'Stop barking about it and leaf it for the special branch, the police are completely stumped, although they thought that they wood get to the root of things."
"Oh, get knotted!"
"We're up to the elmbows in this case so stop branching off the subject. I wood have thought yew knew better "
"Oak-ay, let me finish my apple. It's pure treeson, yew know."
"Sorry. Willow yew come to the beech with me this afternoon?"
"Oak-ay Ivy," said Maple as she birched up her apple core.
"Make sure you've got the treebor mints and don't forget to larch the door as you are the elder of us," she said as I she put on her trunks.
"Stop brambling on. If we work fast, they won't cactus. Ouch!" she said. "I've got acorn on my foot."
"Before we go, don't forget to bring the catkins in
Look out! That dogwood get our catkins!"
"I'm getting spruced up for the beech because we might I
meet General Sherman on the plane he's quite poplar, yew
know. He uses Alberta Balsa shampoo."
"Sorry. On second thoughts, I'll go to the woods. By the| way, are yew English Maple?"
"No, I'm Irish Ivy."
 ELMNONYMOUS — 5J
 
AUTUMN
Autumn is the time when
Squirrels gather nuts,
For when hibernating time is over.
Leaves fall off trees
With colours of red,
Orange and gold,
And crackle when they are trodden on
Autumn is when crops are gathered in.
Days get shorter,
Nights get colder.
JACQUELINE EDWARDS — 2D
 

                                 

                  

    MY DOG BEN


I have a dog whose name is Ben. No dog is more playful than he He means to me much more than a friend I'm glad he belongs to me.
His coat is soft and always shines, His eyes are as clear as glass, He barks but very rarely whines And what a waggly tail he has.
But like all the other dogs in town, He has his mischievous features, Like knocking dear old ladies down And biting legs of teachers.
He leads the younger dogs astray With dire and downward paw And tells them nasty things to say They never knew before.
Hut when he wants some food to eat He turns all kind and good He makes his eyes lok large and sweet Bat it's only to get his food.
In general he's quite good you know. Though naughty he seems to be He can be polite when he holds out his paw And while I shake it he winks at me.


TRUDY CURTIS — 2A
 
   CARGOES
(with apologies to John Masefield)


Colourful Viking ships from Sweden, Rowing through the North Sea,
With a cargo of slaves,
goats, horses, Cows, sheep and unwilling company.
MICHELLE HIPPERSON — IB


A dirty dull Drifter coming from fishing grounds Moving through the North Sea, chugging all the way
With a cargo of Herring
Hallibut and Haddock Washed, cleaned and filleted by the end of the day.
CARL HASTINGS — IB


Beautifully coloured Gondola coming down from Venice Punting down the river near the Palace Vera
Carrying tourists,
Parents, Children, And earning brightly coloured lira.
CAROL HODGSON — IB


The trawler comes from distant lands, Dipping slowly through the water so cold,
With a cargo of haddock
And pikes and eels Cod and fishing nets all stored in the hold.
CHRIS BENNETT — IB
 

              

MUSICAL MARTIAN
Name: Walmo Lanelic. Occupation: Space Ship Operator. Mission: To find a talent from Tal-Handaq — a creation of happiness which makes people shiver and shake 10 the rhythm caused by modulation of sound waves transmitted through the air.
As you can see, I had an assignment to discover this certain unknown Talent Room Tal-Handaq.
On the twenty-second of the second, nineteen seventy-seven, I orbited earth — the round wooden ball of life, or so we called it — and headed for the centre of the Mediterranean Sea. Soon we sighted our positive destination, the limestone rock of Malta, on which stands a school, on which the talent lies.
Our landing arrangements — its site and my invisible equipment -- had all been previously prepared 'Look out for a group of white blocks, situated on a hill. Mind the planes' were my instructions. Anyway, the landing went well, a field it was littered with trees and a curious looking pond or moat surrounding an island, but Was I in the right place? Everything was so quiet and still, except a sparrow thudding, as a hostile dark looking human, with a handkerchief over his head, and a thick leather belt around his waist, held an ancient looking fire-arm, with smoke coming out the end.
All the green doors were closed, the yards empty. Was this its disguise. I looked at my interstella nucular chronometer, and adjusted it to local time to find out, by a flick of a dial, that it was zero light fifteen, and with that I heard a rumble, like a pack of elephants, coming from up the hill. Down the school-yard came the green long monster, tooting a horn — a school bus? Yes. A lot of these came, twenty in fact coming and going, leaving their contents behind — kids.
There was nothing wrong or strange with that, every-

thing was the same with us, just that our transport system is more sophisticated and its development is on much different lines!
After three hours of slogging in the heat, dodging kids with bags, close investigation, bell ringing — my search had proved negative.
It was then, I decided to retire to my ship, but as I passed Block Twenty-Eight I heard a strange but pleasant sound drifting from inside the room. Did it sound like anything I was searching for? I hesitated, yes, it was!
I crept up to the window and cautiously peered inside. Inside I saw a group of men and kids sitting together in a group, and were holding strange twisted and carved wooden and metal objects. The metal, which was very shiny, was one I was not familiar with, but appeared as if the sound was made by air. All very strange but interesting. But even as I watched this amazing sight, my blood quickened and I felt like marching.
Littered around these people were black bags or cases of some sort. Judging from the 'objects' and the cases they seemed to fit together, I decided to examine more closely. I then took out my 'sight' from my pocket and focused it on the cases. There was writing on them. In large broad letters it stated SCHOOL BAND. So this is what I have travelled two hundred light years to find out.
This is the talent of Tal-Handaq which is the creation of happiness


MARK HART — 3A
 
  IMAGES

School buses rumbling up the hill Elephants on the march
Valletta on a Saturday morning The tuck shop at break
Soldiers in an army Desks in a classroom
A miser counting his money
A housemaster, counting the week's credits
A strong magnet A fire on a cold day
A drunk trying to walk straight
A right-handed person attempting to right with
A netball post
Someone tall with a large head
School bus rumbling up the hill My old grandad and his mates
A baby crying for food A never filled hole
An old man blowing his nose A slight earth tremor
 

                      
         PIGS

Large floppy ears
Big rubbery snouts
Small greedy eyes
Rippling rolling fat
Ever-eating mouth
Small arty tail
Horny little trotters
Great yellow fangs
Big- bloated belly
Short stocky stature
Short sharp bristles
Horrible smelling dung
Ring in his nose
Mark on his ear
Great big thighs of ham
Long side of bacon
Four short legs
Supporting a massive body
PIGS!

GEORGE BELL — 2A
 

 There was a young fellow from Malta,
Who thought he could swim to Gibraltar,
Then one day he tried.
But sadly he died,
And that was the end of poor Walter.

LOUISE QUIN

There was a young rebel called Tom,
Who started fooling around with a bomb
They got most of him up,
With a teaspoon and cup,
And returned him by post.to his mom.

JULIE BURTENSHAW

 
                                        DAFT DEFINITIONS 
AMISS
ALAS
ATHSMA
BOMBARD
BANJO
BELFRY
BEATNIK
CARPET
CATACOMB
CATKIN
CANOPIES
DUMPLING
DEPRESS
DIGEST
DOLPHIN
EGO
EVENT
ENTREAT
EARWIG
EXPANDER
FALLOW
FUNDAMENTAL
GLADIATOR
GOODBYE
GRANARY
GRENADE
HUMPHREY
HOLLYHOCK
HERON
INVEST
JUPITER
KIDNAP		 Unmarried Lady
Scottish Girl
What a father says to his son
I.R.A. Poet
Forbid Joe to do it again
A bell which is free of charge
A groovy police station
Pet that lives inside a car
What cats use to keep their fur tidy
Brother or relative of a cat
Tin of vegetables
A baby dump
The men from the local newspaper
The Joke
A skinny doll
A man leaving
Including T
Chickens tea party
Hairpiece for the ears
A panda that's retired
Fall down low
A Men telling his friends he had found a crazy person
Satisfied cannibal
Bargain
Place for storing grandmas
A new kind of fizzy drink
Special breed of camel with three humps
Prickly wine
Expression meaning 'not bald'
Wearing a vest
Question asked by irate mother
Quick sleep taken by a baby goat

               


                     There was a young girl of New York
                     Who was Crazy on sweet and sour pork,
                     Until one sad day,
                      She got carried away,
                      As she accidentally swallowed the fork.


                                                   M. LEGGETH

                
 
LOLLIPOP
LUNATIC
LUNATIC
NORTHERN
MONEY
MELANCHOLY
MUSIC
NOBLE
OOZE
PARSLEY
QUICKSILVER
RUMINANT
RUFF
RAGAMUFFIN
ROLLERSKATE
SEAFRET
SILICONES
TRAPEZE
TYRANT
THAW
UNIVERSE
UNCANNY
UNDERBRED
VERMICELLI
VESTIBULE
WOOLLEN
WHOLESALE
X-RAYS
YAK
YEW
ZEBRA
ZINC
YEOMAN
YELLOW
ZULU
 		 Rich father
Moon Bag
Clock on the moon
Urn which originally came from the North
Part of my leg
Man headed dog
A sick cow
A lonely cow
Question of ownership
Dada Toboggan
Money earned quickly
An ant addicted to rum
Sound made by dog with sore throat
A muffin made from rags
A fish on wheels
Worried waves
Ice cream for stupid people
Simple catch
Terrible female relative
A donkey with a cold
A poem with only one verse
Comes in a packet
Bakery in a cellar
Pasta made from worms
Underwear for male cow
Farmyard fowl made of yarn
A sale selling holes
Unidentified flat fish
Expression of distaste
Third person singular
French ladies' undergarment
Where the saucepans are washed
Man who plays with a yo-yo
To shout in pain
Public toilet in a zoo
 

                                                 FIRE
My family and I were sitting together shivering around a fire and wrapped in deer and rabbit skins. Outside, the fiercest storm known was lighting up the sky with great flashes, followed by loud cracks. The gods were angry today! Suddenly there was a blinding flash, much brighter than the others. When our eyes were recovered from it, I looked out of the cave mouth and saw a tree not very far away, had come alive with a sort of yellow and orange, dancing flower. As I watched, unable to speak for fright, I noticed that this flower began to grow bigger. I began to get even more frightened thinking that the 'flower' could be a monster from the skies, maybe even a god sent to punish us for doing something wrong.
My little brother began to cry, which made me feel a little like crying myself (I didn't though). Then suddenly, the dancing flower began to wilt and grew smaller. The rain was killing it. The flower died altogether not very long afterwards.
When the rain had stopped, I went out to look at the tree where the flower had been. There I discovered the flower's food. Trees. It was all black and dusty. If it can do that to a tree, I hate to think what it could do to us. I'm staying in during a storm for the rest of my life!


KAREN STANTON — 2A
 
                                     ESCAPE TO THE REAL LIFE


"When you say you're coming home at nine o'clock you do that not ten hours later now get to your room!"
I stamped up the stairs in a bad temper, after all it wasn't my fault because the party was supposed to have ended at nine o'clock, but it was such an ace party that it became better and better and just went on. It was still going strong at the end when the cleaners appeared!
I wasn't ready for bed. I wanted to have a good time, sort of show the world what life was... My God! I'm suppose to be meeting the gang at ten for the film.
It's a good job mum thinks I'm going to see a film like the 'Jungle Book.' She'd kill me if she knew that instead I was going to see something similar to the 'Exorcist!'
How am I going to get out of the house? It's hopeless. Mum will be walking around the house and watching my door like a hawk.
I jumped on my bed, picked up the Dandy and began to read it. Desperate Dan was up to his tricks again, tying sheets together and...wait a sec., what a fantastic idea.
I pushed the window up, after first locking the bedroom door, and proceeded to pull the sheets off my bed. It's lucky I'm only one floor up because my four sheets only just touch the ground and I haven't tied them yet.
I changed into some Jeans, grabbed some money and before you could shout, "Crackerjack," I was outside the window hanging onto dear life with a sheet and a thin cotton one at that!
I had to make a little jump at the bottom, but I was soon on my way to the bus stop. I arrived in town about fifteen minutes later.
The gang were there, and as soon as they'd noticed me the complaints came for being five minutes late - - if only they knew what I'd been through.
The film started an hour later and so we walked around the shops and went into a cafe for a coffee. The time passed quickly and before long we were sitting in pitch-darkness waiting for the film to start.

 
The film was quite good, but a bit far fetched — the girls  either screamed with terror all the way through or covered their faces up. It was now one o'clock.
I bought myself some hamburgers and we all decided it would be good fun to have a knockout pool competition, at a cafe.
This went on until about five o'clock. We moved to the bus stop and while we waited for a bus we talked about the party the night before.
I was the only person to step on my bus and so I had aj seat to myself. Mum's going to kill me when I get in. I bet I she's worried stiff. The thoughts ran through my head and! the nearer to home I got the more frightened I became!
I. was amazed to find my sheets still outside my window] as I entered our garden. Surely someone must have noticed] them. There again dad'll be still watching Grandstand and Mum'll either be washing or cooking. Cor, I was starving.
I began to climb the wall step by step, it felt as if the sheets were going to tear. My hands reached the window ledge and as I gripped it something heavy sat on my hands. I looked] up to find my sister sitting on my hands eating a piece of  creamy cake. "The bitch", I thought. I could fall anytime and] as for that cake my mouth melted like ice in the sun!
A little bargaining went on - - if she didn't let mum or dad know I'd lend her my records and give her ten pence| every week.
I was let in through the window. I smirked at her and shouted, "What a sucker!" She clouted me and just as she! screamed I placed my hand over her mouth, bent her arm back and tortured her so she'd know what would happen if she split one me.                  
      I then went back to see mum, putting on the "all sorry & innocent" act and apologised for being late in that morning and if she didn't mind I would have something to eat.
Her reply, "Well I'm glad to see you have realised what you have done. Poor thing being kept in his room all day with no one to talk to. There's some soup in the sauce-pan and Apple pudding in the oven - help yourself. And with that I kissed her!

                                   JAMIE MERRIT 4K
                     

                  THE OLD TRAIN

The train is old                                                                                                               Its metal is rusty                                                                                                             Its funnel is dented                                                                                                      And it smells all musty
Its windows are broken                                                                                                 Its boiler is fractured                                                                                                      Its wheels have seized                                                                                                  But its memories are raptured
Its coal bucket is empty
Its whistle is tarnished
It is covered in dust
And its wood is not varnished
Its outside is dirty It was built to last It was very good But the past is the past.


GARY GREGORY
 

             THE GHOST TRAIN
When I paid for the ghost train fare,
I struggled, should I go, do I dare?
I was brave and went in the train;
Then I felt something, was it rain?
I looked to my front, back and sides,
And decided never more to take one of these rides,
Because I saw horrible and strange looking creatures,
And also there were queer ghost pictures,
I was so afraid and frightened, I almost fell out of the train.
In my loudest voice, I shouted: "Never again!"
The people looked at me and laughed;
"Who is that girl, who is being so daft?
The creatures, monsters and ghosts aren't real,
Don't worry, they won't have you for a meal!"
But I still wanted to get out of this place,
And then, as if I were in a race,
I ran out of this horrible ghost house.

ANNA BOISSEVAIN — IB


There was an old lady called Jean,
Whose face was a shrivelled up bean,
She looked at the sky,
Which fell with a cry,
That ugly old lady called Jean.


HELEN WINTER-GOODWIN
 
              There was a young lad from Tal-Handaq
Who trudged round the isle with his ruck sack
He passed Victoria Lines
Ten thousand times
So they nick-named him Albert the hunchback.


GRAHAM LANE
 

  

There was a young woman from Malta ,„

Whose brain was certainly a faulter,

While crossing the street

She was run down by feet,

Before the policeman could halt'er.



 MIA SCANLAN

 
                                NEWS OF FORMER PUPILS                                      ( By Miss Yule)
This last issue of the School Magazine is a very sad occasion for me as I joined the staff in September 1949 and retired in July 1971, which means that my connection with the school goes back for twenty eight years. I have remained in Malta and have kept in close touch, not only with the school, but with many old pupils and members of the staff, so I now feel that I cannot let this last issue of the Magazine go without news of the many ex-pupils and staff who have called or written to me.
It is always sad when something good has to end but I am sure that all of us who have had any connection with Tal Handaq will cherish many happy memories.
Recently several ex-members of the staff have had holidays here, among them Mr Roy Tatton who now lives at Tankerton, near Canterbury. Mrs Dewstowe has had several holidays here; she now lives at Cockermouth and teaches in an infant school nearby. Miss June Herbert has recently spent a holiday with Captain and Mrs Law, they were all on the staff together in the late 1950s. She is now the Deputy Head of a big Comprehensive school at Loughborough. Miss Dorothy Knight was here this Easter and now teaches in a Hospital School in Canterbury. Miss Pat Hunt who is now married to a Czech was here on a visit from Australia where she and her husband both work. Mr Eddie Mcallister expects to come here for three weeks during the summer holidays this year.
From these visitors and letters I have had news of many other ex-members of the staff — Miss Chisholm is teaching Biology at Newcastle, Mrs Reynard has emigrated to Australia where she has a good post, Miss Janet Hunt (Signora Brando) now lives in Verona where she has gained an Italian Degree and is teaching there; she has two children.
When I was in England last summer I stayed with Mrs Vicky Hitchcott who is Head of Geography at Millfield; 		              
there are two other ex-members of our staff teaching there — Captain Broad is in charge of Mathematics and Mr John Lowe, of the Art department, we all met and exchanged news. I also spent a day with Commander and Mrs Currie who live in Cornwall; he is Deputy Head of Liskeard Grammar School.
Miss Bailey who was in charge of the Home Economics dept. for a long time has been married to Mr Ernest Harris for several years and lives in Malta in the same flat overlooking the Grand Harbour. Miss Gweneth Reed is now teaching at Arundel and lives at Bognor Regis. She often meets Miss Bannister, now Mrs Green, who lives at Selsey, she is teaching near. Incidentally she and her husband were here for a holiday last August, they came to supper with their delightful ten-year-old daughter.
Mr Andrew Gallacher is now working in an advisory capacity in Iran, this is his second tour there and since he left Tal Handaq he has worked in the Ivory Coast and Egypt. He has a house in Glasgow, so is able to keep in touch with many ex colleagues and pupils. Also living and working in Glasgow is Miss Margaret Flanagan who has a post at a College of Education there. She sent me news of Miss Matheson and Miss Grant who both live over the border.
With a school such as Tal Handaq where some staff only had a tour of three years it is difficult to keep track of their movements but I am sure that they all look back on their time here with nostalgia.
The same may be said of the pupils, it is clear from their letters and visits that they consider the time spent here with affection. Many of the boys who have joined the Services have called at the school and it is sad that after this year this link will be lost.
Roger Tatton is a Royal Naval Helicopter Pilot, he is now seconded to the R.A.F. at West Brayton, he is married with two children. Another member of the R.A.F. is Roger Wilkin;
 		 his brother, Andrew, is a lecturer at Stirling University. I get a Christmas card every year from Rayner Brammall who is a W.E. Office in the Navy. Commander Stubbs' notice in the Navy News was answered by Nicholas Franks who is now a Lieutenant Commander on H.M.S. Hermes, he was a pupil at the school in 1949/50 when some of the junior classes had , not yet moved to Verdala.
Many ex-pupils are teaching. Bill Duncan is the music master at Saltus Grammar School in Bermuda, a post which gives him great satisfaction. Malcolm Chesney is the Deputy Head of a Primary school in Birmingham; his sister, Elizabeth, is teaching at Pickering in Yorkshire. Penny Tatton, now Mrs Currie, is teaching in Brunei where her husband has a government appointment with the fisheries Dept. Clare Garvey trained as a teacher but is now working as a hotel receptionist.
Susan Kitson did an art course and has now got a post as a textile designer in London; she is married to Martin Lee. Alexander Brown studied Music in Manchester and is now a member of the English Opera Company.
Many pupils of the years 1961-65 have sent me news, Jane Carver trained as a P.E. teacher, then got a commission in the Wrens, she has now resigned and is a trainee as a building society manager. One of her contempories, Maureen Sillis, now Mrs, Bleakley, lives in Cornwall, she has a little girl and seems to have plenty to occupy her. Patricia Satchell is also! married, after taking a degree in Chemistry at Southampton.
Jean Proctor who qualified in Physiotherapy is also married. Melanie Lusty married Richard Sanders, an ex Tal Handaq boy, he has a Commission in the R.A.F. and visited the school fairly recently while on a 'flying' visit here. Rosemary Andrews after spending several years in the hotel business married about a year ago a Swiss banker and came to Malta for her honeymoon.
  She gave me news of Paula Goodale, now Mrs Gilbert, who lives at Old Amersham, also of Rosemary Dearden who, after graduating in Geography, married a colleague, they have collaborated in published a Geography textbook. She is now Mrs Grenyer and lives in St Albans. Angela Salter and Pamela Hinton both graduated and married engineers and have spent a fair amount of time in the Middle East where their husbands have had appointments.
More recent leavers are Linda and Brien Cottam; Linda is now doing a degree course at Nottingham, she has decided to specialize in knitted textiles. Brien is now at Price's School (a sixth form college) where he is working for Science A Levels. Linda has news of Sarah Harbour who is making a career with W.H. Smith's -- also of Shannon Branch who is at college in the States.
The Armstrong triplets who left in 1970 are now all doing well, Mark gained a B.A. at Kent University, he is now in Paris, working as a 'lecteur' at the same time studying for an M.A.' Sean has a post in the City, while Patrick, having done a course in Horticulture, has now won a place at Merrit Wood Agricultural College.
Denise Flatt and Danuta Robinson called on me last summer, Denise has now married Mario Agius and settled here; Danuta is working as a secretary in England, she gave news of her family, Johanna is in her final year at Birmingham College of Education. Alec has gained a place at Salford University, his heart condition has greatly improved.
I recently had a letter from the mother of Norman and Evelyn Morgan, Norman is doing Post Graduate research at Liverpool University, while Evelyn is teaching Domestic Science at Swanage County School.

 
Earlier I mentioned that Commander Stubbs had received a letter in answer to his notice in The Navy News, he also heard from Jackie Frewins, now Mrs Sinnatt, whose chief memories were of the bus ride up the lane in the heat of summer with the overpowering stench from the tomato paste factory permeating the air. Roger Emmit also wrote, he had called during the summer holidays when a member of the staff on duty had shown him round, he was pleased to find that the tree he had swung on in 1952 was intact. Peter Brankin wrote that he had just finished a course at a college of Education and was applying for his first post which I hope he is now enjoying. Patricia O Brien, now Mrs Gilmore, has also completed a Mature student's teaching.
In conclusion I hope that, although Tal Handaq as an institution will cease to exist after July of this year, those of us— whether staff or pupils, will continue to retain a soft spot for what has proved to be a happy period in their lives.
                                       

                                                 

          EXAMINATION     RESULTS

 

GENERAL, CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION
— JUNE 1977
LONDON 'A' LEVEL
E. Chapman -- Art.
A. Copsey -- Economics, Physics.
D. Davies — Ecnomics, English.
A. Dowie — Physics, Biology, Chemistry.
A. Griffith -- English, French.
D. Helliwell — History, English, Biology.
K. Lamb— Home Economics.
M. Orr — Maths, Physics.
A. 'Young - - English.
 		  
                                                                    LONDON 'O' LEVEL

                                     BOYS:
English Language: A. Ball, W. Bleakley, M. Corcoran, S. Crickmay, G. Dimeck, M. Gatenby, T. Johnson, P. Kit-son, M. Lane, C. Wedlock. G. Bell.
English Literature: M. Attrill, M. Clark, G. Dimeck, A. Groves, I. Rowbottom, G. Smyth.
Maths: A. Bell, L. Bower, M. Clark, D. Cox, S. Cox, ML Gatenby, A. Groves, I. Hewett, T. Johnson, P. Kitson, K McCosh, A. Madge, R. Norris, I. Rowbottom, C. Sampson, G. Bell, G. Smyth.
Art: M. Attrill, W. Bleakiey, C. Elwis, N. Hall, V. Helliwell, B. Male, A. Perry, P. Sheppard.

Geography: M. Attrill, W. Bleakley, L. Bower, G. Di-| meek, M. Gatenby, A. Groves, I. Hewett, A. Jackson, P. Kit-son, R. Norris, G. Smyth.
British Constitution: M. Attrill.
Biology: M. Booth, M. Clark, V. Helliwell, P. Kitson, RJ Norris, S. Oliver, I. Rowbottom, G. Smyth.
Physics: L. Bower, S. Cox, M. Gatenby, A. Groves, ij Hewett, T. Johnson, V. Heiliwell, P. Kitson, R. McCosh, RJ Norris, S. Oliver, I. Rowbottom, G. Bell, G. Smyth.
History: W. Bleakley, M. Clark, S. Crickmay, G. Dimeckj M. Gatenby, A. Groves.
General Paper: D. Bonnar, A. Copsey, D. Davies, MJ Orr.
Technical Drawing: M. Booth, D. Cox, S. Cox, M. Ga-j tenby, A. Groves, I. Hewett, P. Kitson, B. Male, R. Norris] S. Oliver, G. Smyth.
Chemistry: L. Bowser, M. Clark, A. Groves, T. John son, V. Helliwell, P. Kitson, K. McCosh, I. Rowbottom, G Smyth.
Religious Studies: C. Brennan, M. Lane, B. Male.
Music: M. Clark.
French: M. Clark, P. Kitson, R. Norris, G. Smyth.
German: M. Clark.
Spanish  M, Clark.
Nuffield Physics: A. Madge.
Commerce: G. Tall.


            OXFORD 'O' LEVEL
Woodwork: M. Beresford, C. Elwis, M. Hall, T. Johnson, K. McCosh.
Engineering: M. Gatenby, T. Johnson. Ceramics: P. Egan, M. Lane.                     English Literature: A. Madge.                                                                            History: A. Madge.                                                                                               Chemistry: A. Madge

 GIRLS:
Food and Nutrition: S. Bloom, J. Cohring, P. Fairdough, K. Hanns, H.H. Hipperson, R. Le Quesne, H. Lewington, M. McKay, D. Smeeton, G. Spanton.
Geography: J. Barnes, S. Bloom, P. Buick, S. Carter, J. Cohring, H. Lewington, K. McKay, L. Mack, R. Mortimer, A. Rodgers, D. Ruff, B. Shaw, G. Spanton, A. Wardle.
Physics: J. Barnes, H. Lewington, F. Rendle, A. Rod¬gers, D. Ruff.
Maths: J. Barnes, S. Campbell, P. Fairclough, K. Hanns, L. Mack, L. Moody, F. Rendle, D. Ruff, D. Smeeton.
Needlecraft and Dress: F. Buick, J. Hartley, L. Moody, F. Rendle, A. Rodgers, J. Stace, C. Vernon.
English Literature: S. Campbell, J. Cohring, L. Davies, H. Lewington, S. Mackinnon, L. Mack, R. Mortimer, A. Rod¬gers, D. Ruff, M. Simpson, G. Spanton.
Art: S. Bloom, F. Buick, J. Cohring, L. Davies, G. Fielding, K. Hanns, J. Hartley, R. Mortimer, F. Rendle, M. Simpson, C. Vemon.
Biology: S. Bloom, J. Cohring, L. Mack, D. Ruff, D. Smeeton, G. Spanton, A. Wardle.
English Language: S. Bloom, S. Brooke, S. Carter, P. Fairclough, K. Fitches, F. Fogarty, A. Glenn, S. Johnson, T. Kennard, K. McKay, P. Patterson, H. Ransom, C. Vernon, S. Woods, T. Wood.
History: S. Bloom, S. Campbell, J. Cbhring, L. Davies, H. Lewington, L. Mack, R. Mortimer, F. Rendle, A. Rodgers, M. Simpson, D. Smeeton, G. Spanton.
Religous Studies: S. Burns, S. Campbell, J. Hartley, M. Simpson, G. Spanton, A. Wardle.
Commerce: D. Canhan, S. Carter, H. Hipperson, R. Le Quesne, R. Mortimer.
French: L. Davies, P. Fairclough, H. Lewington, L. Mack, R. Markwell, R. Mortimer, F. Rendle, A. Rodgers.
German: L. Davies, R. Mortimer.
General Paper: L. Morris, J. Wiggins, A. Young.
Chemistry: H. Lewington.
Add. Maths: A. Rodgers
 
CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION — 1977 GIRLS
Z. Baker — English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Biology.
J. Barnes -- English, Biology, Geography, Needlecraft. L. Bendall - - English, Maths, Needlecraft, Parentcraft. S. Bloom — Maths, French, Geography.
F. Bevick — Maths, History, Geography, Needlecraft.
S. Campbell - - Maths, Chemistry, History, Geography, Needlecraft.
D. Canhan — English, Maths, History, Geography, Needlecraft.
S. Carter - - Maths, French, German, History, Geography, Needlecraft, Commerce.
I. Ciantar - - English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Commerce, Technical Drawing.
G. Cleverley — Maths, Parentcraft, Civics.
J. Cohring — Maths, French, Biology, Geography.
D. Collins — Parentcraft.
M. Cross — Maths, Parentcraft  

L. Davies — Maths, Biology, History, Geography.
P. Fairclough - - English, Biology, History, Geography.

K. Forwood -- Maths, Parentcraft.
S. Fothergill — Parentcraft.
T. Giles - - English, History, Geography, Parentcraft.
G. Graham — English, Maths, French, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geography, Needlecraft.
K. Hanns - - Maths, French, Biology, History, Geography
J. Hartley -- English, Maths, Biology, History, Geography, Needlecraft.
S. Hewett — English, Maths, French, Physics, Geography, Commerce.
H. Hipperson — English, Maths, French, Physics, Geography, Commerce.
F. Jefferson — Maths, Geography, Parentcraft.
S. Johnson — Maths, Chemistry, Biology, History, Home Economics
R. Le Quesne — English, Maths, French, German, History, Geography, Commerce.
D. Lewis — English, Geography.
S. Long — English, Biology, Home Economics.
L. Mack — Geography.
S. Mackinnon — History, Parentcraft.
S. Maloney -- Maths, Parentcraft Physics.
K. Markwell — English, Parentcraft.
K. McKay — English, Maths, Parentcraft, Civics.
Z. Mockford — English, Geography, Parentcraft.
L. Moody — English, Maths, French, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Needlecraft.
A. Morris — Maths, History, Technical Drawing.
R. Mortimer — Maths.
L. Murphy — English, Maths, French, German, Chemistry, Biology, History, Home Economics.
G. Painter — English, History, Geography, Civics, Home Economics.
K. Poulson -- English, Biology, History, Home Economics.
P. Rendle -- History, Geography, Needlecraft.
A. Rodgers -- History, Geography, Needlecraft.
D. Ruff - - French, Physics, Biology, Geography.
A. Ryan — English, Biology, History.
B. Shaw — Parentcraft
M. Simpson — Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Geography
D. Smeeton -- English, French, Chemistry, Biology.
B. Smith -- Maths, History, Parentcraft.
J. Smith - - Parentcraft, Civics.
G. Spanton — Maths, Biology, Geography.
D. Smeeton - - English, French, Chemistry, Biology.
B. Smith — Maths, History, Parentcraft.
J. Smith -- Parentcraft, Civics.
G. Spanton -- Maths, Biology, Geography.                                                                   P. Spencer — Home Economics, English.                                                                     A. Stirton — Biology, English, History, Geography, Parentcraft.
C. Vernon - - Biology, History, Geography, Maths, French, Needlecraft.
A. Wardle -- Home Economics, Biology. English, Chemistry, Geography, Maths Needlecraft.
E. Watts — History, Civics.
 

                              BOYS
M. Attrill — Maths, Technical Drawing, Civics.
S. Barr - - English, History, Geography.
A. Basson — English, Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Civics.
G. Bell - - Chemistry, History, Geography, T.R. Religious Studies.
M. Beresford - - English, Maths, French, Physics, History, Geography, T.D. Woodwork.
W. Bleakley -- Maths, French, Biology, Geography.
M. Booth - - English, Maths, Chemistry, Biology, History, T.D. Religious Studies.
L. Bower - - English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics, History, T.D. Civics.
C. Brennan — English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, Religious Studies.
M. Clark — Spanish.
G. Cleverley — English, Maths, German, Chemistry, Biology, History, Metalwork, Civics.
M. Corcoran - - English, Maths, French, History, Geography T.D.
D. Cox — English, Chemistry, Physics, Woodwork.
S. Cox — English, Chemistry, Woodwork.
S. Crickmay - - English, Maths, Chemistry, Woodwork. G. Dimeck -- Maths. T.D. Civics. P. Egan — Maths, T.D. Civics.
C. Elwis -- Maths, English, Physics, Geography, T.D.
Civics, Woodwork.
J. Fisher - - English, Maths, French, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography.
M. Gatenby -- French, History, T.D.
D. Green -- English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geography, Home Economics.
A. Groves — T.D. Civics.
M. Hall - - Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Civics, Woodwork.
N. Hall — English, Maths, Biology, Physics, Geography, Civics, Woodwork.
V. Helliwell -- English, Maths, Chemistry, T.D. Civics.
I. Hewett -- English French, Chemistry, History, T.D.
P. Hobson - - English, Biology, Physics, Religious Studies.
A. Jackson — English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, T.D., Civics.
T. Johnson — English, French, T.D. Metalwork, Woodwork.
K. Kiddle — Maths.
P. Kitson — T.D.
J. Lambert — English, Maths, French, Chemistry, Phy¬sics, History, Geography, Metalwork.
M. Lane — Physics.
B. Male — English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics, History, T.D. Religious Studies.
K. McCosh — English, French, Chemistry, Biology, Woodwork.
G. Millar — English, Maths, Physics, History, Geography, T.D. Metalwork.
R. Norris -- English, Geography, T.D. Metalwork.
S. Oliver - - English, Maths, Geography, T.D. Civics, Woodwork.
A. Perry - - English, Maths, History, Geography, T.D. Woodwork, Religious Studies.
I. Rowbottom -- Civics.
J. Russell -— English, Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, T.D. Religious Studies.
P. Sheppard -- English, Maths, Physics, Geography, History, Civics.
G. Smyth — T.D.
P. Stanford -- English, Chemistry, T.D. Metalwork, Civics, Woodwork.
J. Storry — English, Maths, Chemistry, Geography, T.D. Civics, Woodwork.
G. Tall — Geography, T.D. Civics.
D. Virden - - English, Maths, Chemistry, Physics, History, Geography, Religious Studies.
C. Wedlock — Chemistry, Biology, Physics, T.D. Civics. Woodwork.

COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS — JUNE 1977 PITMAN EXAM:

Pitmanscript J. Barnes, S. Fothergill, K. McKay, K. Lamb.
R.S.A. — JUNE 1977
Stage I Elementary Typewriting — F. Jefferson, L. Mor¬ris, L. Bendall, K. Davies, S. Johnson, G. Fielding, K. Lamb.
Stage II Intermediate Typewriting — E. Watts, J. Barnes.
Stage in Advanced Typewriting — B. Shaw.
R.S.A. EASTER 1977
Stage I Elementary Typewriting - - J. Barnes, T. Giles, J. Dawson.
R.S.A. — WHITSUN 1977
Stage I — Elementary — I. Ciantar, F. Buick, K. For-wood, S. Maloney, J. Smith, A. Griffith. Stage II — Intermediate — J. Barnes.
R.S.A. — SUMMER 1977
Stage I Elementary - - F. Jefferson, L. Morris, L. Bendall, K. Davies, S. Johnson, G. Fielding, K. Lamb. Stage II Intermediate — J. Barnes, E, Watts. Stage HI Advanced — B. Shaw.
AUTUMN
Stage I Elementary — H. Merritt, K. Hartley.
C. Whitehead — Biology, Geography, Civics.
K. Williams — English, History, Civics, Woodwork.
 
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AGENTS FOR ADMIRALTY CHARTS AND OTHER HYDROGRAPHICAL PUBLICATIONS.

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