EDITORIAL STAFF

C. Clutton
Caryl Hilton
J. W. McClure Volume LXXXIX
A. C. Middleton
Number 314
G. R. Napier
R. Sheppard October 1977
W. C. Newbold, Esq.
Artist: W. F. Morris.

SCHOOL OFFICERS

MICHAELMAS TERM 1976

Captain of School: S. Blakey

Prefects: J. T. Keable
R. P. J. Robinson
THE EDITORIAL
J. C. Sym
When the new format of the magazine was introduced three
years ago, the Editorial asked that anyone who wished to criticise
Sacristan: C. J. C. Hilling and suggest improvements should write to us. The response was
overwhelming. Nil! (To the editors at least). We have maintained,
therefore, our original design. We would remind the more creative
LENT AND SUMMER TERMS 1977 and imaginative intellects of those who feel moved to put thoughts
Captain of School: J. T. Keable into words that the primary function of the magazine is to bring
factual reports. With this constraint in mind, should you feel that
beneficial changes are possible let us know.
Prefects: R. C. M. Ashworth All the events of the College year are well documented in the
G. P. Chambers Magazine so to detail them all in an editorial is unnecessary, but
D. C. Corp there is one item which is worthy of editorial comments and that is
T. F. Ellis the devoted career of N.R.A., Housemaster of Woodard for fifteen
P. H. Gilbert years. Nigel has given great service to the College and his help and
C. J. C. Hilling kindness have made the lives of many here so easy and enjoyable.
G. Jinks (A fuller tribute appears elsewhere in the magazine.)
R. C. Wynne-Griffith Last year's edition managed to curtail its size dramatically, but
so much more has been successful since the previous issue that we
Sacristan: J. W. McClure have another large chronicle.
Many of the articles within this cover have been typed, often
more than once, by Mrs. Eburne and yet again we give her our
thanks for all her efforts.
 COMMON ROOM NOTES

The Common Room has a few changes this year for we say
goodbye and our good wishes to Richard Clay, Deryck Wareing
and Colin Pritchard. Our appreciation of DJHW and RAC appear at
greater length on this page, while that of CIP appears under the
heading of Chapel Notes. These well-known faces are replaced by
J. R. Clarke, BA; M. R. C. Henderson, ARCM; and the Revd. M.
R. Ruff.
R.A.C.
The increasing number of pupils in the College has meant that
Common Room has had to add to its members. Consequently we
Richard Clay came to Ellesmere seven years ago to take over
welcome this September D. R. Bates B.Ed.; C. S. T. Cant M.A.;
the Economics Department and he quickly made his mark both as a
and J. J. Morris B. A. To them we send our best wishes and hope
teacher and as a member of Common Room. The gifted he guided
that they enjoy their stay at Ellesmere.
to their proper destination and he gave freely of his time to cajole
and prompt the less able. He acted as a Tutor in Meynell and many
During the Lent Term W.H. Barnett took a sabbatical term will testify to the unobtrusive care which he took over his tutees.
to receive instruction in the latest audio-visual techniques. Richard also played a full part on the games field, coaching the 2nd
His place was taken by Colin Bleasdale, the son of an OE. XI for several years — never an easy task, but one to which he
Colin gave invaluable assistance to Rugby and started an brought a characteristic humour which was reflected in his sides.
enthusiasm for Karate for many bare feet were seen Latterly he helped coach the Under 14s with equal success. The
winter months saw him wielding a golf club with obvious skill. Not
padding through the mud and mire of the Lent Term.
only will the College miss his coaching but Common Room will also
It was a great pleasure to have him with us.
miss his contribution to cricket — both Indoor and Outdoor — and
golf.
For the last three years Richard has been Officer Commanding
D.J.H.W.
the C.C.F. He inherited a flourishing Contingent and he leaves it no
less so. It was not an office he sought, but one to which he brought
Deryck Wareing arrived in Shropshire just over two years ago
his enthusiasm and organising skills, which were far greater than
to run the string teaching at Ellesmere and quickly but quietly made
his own modest assessment would lead one to believe.
his mark with his pupils as a violinist of high standards, and with a
We shall miss him for all these reasons and also for his wit and
real and genuine concern for their well-being. Within six months he
the determined expression of his opinions. His ability to produce a
was at the helm of a flourishing string orchestra whose advancing
logically argued case will have left its mark on more boys than
development as a positive addition to the school's music caused
simply those of the Seven Club. We wish him, his wife Heather,
the admiration of many. Apart from his work at the College, which
and their family every success and happiness in the future.
also included tutorial responsibilities in Lambart, he had teaching
commitments at Moreton Hall and Prestfelde, and his work there J.C.W.
served as a vital link between the three schools. It was singularly
unfortunate that his last term should be ruined through ill health,
for he deserved a better end to his all too short career here. We
have lost a sympathetic and dedicated teacher, and, as he departs
for Oxford we wish him, and his fiancee Rosalie, all success.

A.E.D.D.
 WOODARD HOUSE PRESENTATION TO NIGEL AINSCOW
Friday, 8th July 1977 at the Arts Centre

Mr. Nigel Ainscow took over Woodard House from Col. J.

Hunter-Watters, O.B.E., some fifteen years ago. Countless groups
Df new boys to the House have been taken in "The Monster"
[sunshine roof open) to the Long Mynd, Church Stretton, a
magnificent piece of countryside Mr. Ainscow knows and loves.
To hear "COME IN" when sitting in N.R.A's room is quite
something and no doubt heard half way down the corridor, and the
often heard roar of laughter is a tonic of merriment. But no-one
ever got coffee after lunch until Puddy had had the cream off the
top of the milk. Pocket money was something boys in the House
could have at almost any hour — no bank hours here. Often the
desk had only recently been locked, but it was soon unlocked and a
friendly "How much?". Sometimes a sad face saw in the pocket Puddy'
money book that there was none left, until a bleat down the phone
speech alluded to Woodard being nurtured on a diet of Tweedle-
to home remedied the matter. On these occasions the always
Dum, Tweedle-Dee, coffee, cocoa and Horlicks, not necessarily in
generous hand of N.R.A. went into his own pocket and produced
that order. When Ellis handed N.R.A. the silver chocolate jug the
something to fill the gap. On Work Tutor days when the cards
cheers and standing ovation went on for several minutes. The diet
came in after lunch, it was always "Lots of plusses — yes?" with a
of Tweedle-Dee, Tweedle-Dum, coffee, cocoa and Horlicks
reassuring smile. Firmness, kindness and great generosity are all
seemed to have befen no bad thing. Ellis said that Woodardians
part of N.R.A's character. The Woodard Housemaster's bedroom
have a great respect, gratitude and affection for N.R.A.
must have been unique, for how many have a sports shop cum do-
In his reply and thanks to everyone for coming, N.R.A. said
it-yourself store in their bedroom? Camping gear, clothes, sleeping
"Life with Woodard has been a very happy time for me, and I value
bags, bats, racquets, spare light bulbs, ping-pong balls, string,
the friendships it has brought me." It must also have been for the
hammers, spare cushions, shoes and often bicycles for safe
many Woodardians who had come from far and wide to be
keeping. In the corner was the Housemaster's bed.
present. One member was missing — "Puddy". Puddy was to
On Friday, 8th July, at 9 p.m. in the Arts Centre, Woodard
have retired, but pressure from the Captain of House and many
House and Old Woodardians presented Mr. Ainscow with a 1757
others, has assured Puddy of a further term of office, starting in
[the year Clive conquered Bengal) Georgian Silver Chocolate Jug,
September in the North Pole.
to mark the occasion of his retirement as Housemaster of
From the enthusiasm of all those who were able to come, the
Woodard. On the stage was a beautiful floral display in Woodard
House system has that indefinable something that perhaps only the
House colours. All Woodard House were present, including
Public School provides.
Tutors, wives, Bessie and her husband and Charlie Bolland and his
The Buffet Supper was excellent and a tribute to those who
wife. In addition there were a great number of Woodardians from
had worked hard behind the scenes. So good in fact that one
far and near, including four Captains of House.
wondered if some members had never seen food before!
The security of the plans for the Presentation must have been
A truly happy, friendly, memorable evening, and as N.R.A.
Watergated, as N.R.A. seemed to find out about the preparations
said "May Ellesmere and Woodard go on from strength to
which were supposed to be secret. It was a most warm, friendly
strength". He also said that there would always be a welcome for
and family atmosphere, made the more so by the presence of the
Woodardians in the Noth Pole.
Reverend H. Ainscow, N.R.A's father, who came up from Devon
for the occasion. The Presentation was made by the present R.A.B.
Captain of House, Tim Ellis. Ellis, in his excellent and amusing
 HEADMASTER'S SPEECH-4th June 1977
Chairman, Mr. and Mrs. Neville, Ladies and Gentlemen,
You will have noticed a theme in the colours of the decor and the flowers,
(for which arrangements I should like to thank all the ladies of College, who
have not only worked extremely hard these last few days to make the school so
very beautiful, but have also contributed all the year round in many unobtrusive
ways to the happiness and welfare of the community), of red, white and blue in
honour of the Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen, an event that has captured the
imagination of the country in a refreshing way that I confess I would have not
thought possible. Communities have joined together and come to life, not just
to celebrate the survival of a stable monarchy in a turbulent world, although in
part that must be so, but also to express something deeper; affection and
gratitude for a happy united family all of whose time and energy is devoted to
uniting and serving the Commonwealth and to encouraging its members in
their turn to serve each other.
As I review the past year in the College and tell you something of my
aspirations for the future, I hope to show you that we, in a small way, are
following their example.
Our service is of two kinds — direct and indirect. In partnership with the
local community we contribute directly in a number of ways. Almost every day
you will find in College one or more groups of people using our facilities, and a
wide variety of voluntary organisations find the College an ideal venue for a
variety of functions. One of the most enjoyable of these was the visit of more
than 400 disabled people from all over the county, brought by the Shropshire
Helping Hand Organisation. Boys provided a variety of demonstrations and a
small fete, as well as a lot of motive power, while Roger Allen played the organ
in Chapel throughout the afternoon and tea was served in Big School. At the
end of the day everyone proclaimed it a great occasion.
The backbone of this effort was the College Social Service Group, who
every week either visit old people in the town to talk, to listen, and to help, or
make their way to the Cheshire Home in the Ceiriog Valley to lend a hand for
the afternoon and once a year, at the beginning of the summer vacation,
entertain children from Saiford here in College, giving them a holiday that
otherwise none of them would enjoy. This has always been financed by an
annual Social Evening - this year a Welsh Evening in the Arts Centre.
The Arts Centre is one other area in which we hope to serve the com
munity directly. Last year as it was in the building, I said "it is in this spirit of
service that the great new venture of the Arts Centre has been conceived so
that the enthusiasm for a full life, which is one of the marks of a truly Christian
community, will spread and make us of service to the wider community of
North Shropshire and beyond". Nine months have now passed since its
Opening by the Master of the Queen's Music, and I think it is important that I
let you know what has happened so far and also put the record straight on a
misconception that may exist. This is that the Centre is something apart from
the College. How this has arisen I do not know, but it must be put right. The
Arts Cenrre is owned by the College, the Director is a member of Common
Room appointed by me on behalf of the School Council, and a significant
Dortion of the Centre is, in fact, the College Music School. It is the major area
in which School film and drama takes place; it also finds use for a number of
other College functions. That is why it is right that the rates and agreed fraction
of the running costs should be met by the College. At the same time members
of Common Room and the College Domestic Services provide considerable
help to enable Arts Centre activities to function satisfactorily. This is part of the
service it is right for College to provide. What it cannot, and while I am
Headmaster will never do, is subsidise from fee income activities which would
not normally be part of the College programme. At the moment more and more
people are coming to enjoy the Film, Music and Drama provided, but the first
year is running at a considerable deficit. As we have received a significant grant
from the Arts Council, to produce the Centre, the School Council has agreed
that for the first two years of its existence, within the limits of the sum received
from the Arts Council, they will support the Centre. We all hope that the
support required will not approach this sum, and that after this time the local
community, through the Arts Centre Association Committee, which will meet
shortly to ratify the Trust Deed just received from the Charity Commission by
the Woodard Corporate Chapter in London, will feel the facility is worthy of
their support and according to the measure of their support will be the scale of
activity possible. Obviously music previously provided by our Subscription
Concert programme will always go. on. Films and the Drama Workshops also
appear to have a good following. The Director is concerned to learn from the
experience of this initial period, and I believe the future is bright, but it would
be wrong of me not to assure parents that the Council and I are responsible
stewards of their money, while assuring the local community that we are not
intent on forcing the Arts to their attention against their wishes or better
judgement. Rather, I hope we can share together our enthusiasms for the Arts,
gaining from each other, thus enriching our personal experience and making
best use of the environment of College.
In talking of the function of the Arts Centre within the College I have
moved into the area of our indirect, but far more significant, contribution of
service to the community. The education we provide for young men and
women which enables them to find their all round potential, to discover and to
stretch themselves to their limits thus acquiring the habit of hard work, and to
learn within the framework of a community deliberately chosen to embrace a
wide range of aptitudes, abilities and cultures a respect and concern for all
sorts and conditions of men. It is this last facet of what we try to achieve here
that transforms what could be a fundamentally selfish activity into a selfless
one, producing in later life men and women who are prepared to take a lead in
serving the community.
At a recent conference on leadership I was invited to talk along with the
Headmaster of a Comprehensive School in the North East. It was of more than
academic interest for me to hear my colleague from the State sector say that in
ten years time there would be no Grammar Schools, only Comprehensive
Schools and Independent Schools, and that in the Comprehensive School the
system was not geared in any way to developing the qualities of leadership that
the Conference was thinking about. For me this was not only alarming but sad,
for I am one of those who far from wishing to drive a wedge between the
maintained and independent sector, would like to see far more co-operation
and interchange. On the other hand if the maintained sector is intent on
destroying the structures which enable young men and women to learn to lead
effectively in industry and elsewhere, then there must be no compromise and
the function of the independent school becomes of vital significance, not just
to the Services, but to the whole fabric of industry and local Government. Of
course, it may be said that the type of leadership training we give in our
Schools is out of date and accounts for the appalling man-management
problems that bedevil our industry today. However, those who make this claim
are at least a full reign of Elizabeth out of date. The days of the harsh
authoritarian discipline in which orders were given and no questions asked is a
thing of the past. Now our schools function happily and quietly with con
sultation the order of the day, respect for each individual, however different he
may be, commonplace, and people are motivated by a genuine respect for the
community and each other. This is not to say that there is no framework of
discipline nor yet that orders are not given, and received, but rather that both
discipline and orders are reasonable, unobtrusive and seen to be for the
common good. But all these are generalisations. I must justify my claims. This
is easily done as most of you know by looking around, not just today, but any
day; talking with boys and girls, watching them work. In the meantime I will
provide you with a few statistics of the past year's achievements, which I think
will give strength to my argument.
First, on the academic front, it has been a good year. Our 'A' level suc
cesses, which include one or two papers passed in December after failing in the
Summer, produce a pass rate of 79%, which is the best ever. As a result of the
Oxbridge examinations in December our first Offley Wakeman Scholar, William
Crouch, gained a place at Oriel College, Oxford, and it is pleasing to know that
such is the confidence of parents in our ability to gain Oxbridge places, for
pupils of sufficient calibre, that two pupils are joining us for one term in
September, to prepare for their Oxbridge examinations. On the '0' level front,
the pass rate was exactly similar to the previous year, but two results deserve
special mention. First in the English Literature Exam there was an 89% pass
rate, and every boy in the School takes this examination. In the Classical
Studies papers there was a pass rate of 85% made up of boys ranging from
some of the very clever to some of the least clever in the school. One of the
latter was also one of the most hard working and certainly the most
courageous — Piers Talbot; a great credit to himself and the College — if not
more so than William Crouch, for although severly crippled, he played a full
part in College life and moved on with three '0' levels to take a Business
Studies course at a College of Further Education. This is what I meant when I
talked of a deliberately chosen spectrum of aptitude and ability, for if a school
restricts its entry in a way that makes its pupils all of either higher intelligence or
of lower intelligence a vital area of their education is missing, particularly now
that the great mixer — National Service — has disappeared. The highly in
telligent may never learn the worth of normal solid citizens cram full of com
mon sense, while lesser mortals like myself lack the stimulus of minds greater
than their own. We at Ellesmere owe much to the loyalty of parents and
enlightened prep schools — Prestfelde in particular — that enable us to
maintain this vital mix. Another area in which we have widely ranging ability
and in which every member of the school takes part in some form or another is
games, and here it has been an outstanding year. Pride of place must go to the
football XV who were unbeaten for the first time in the history of the College.
Their record is impressive. In an age when many say that to cheat or play dirty
is essential for success it was most pleasing to me to hear it said often that
Ellesmere played hard but not dirty and were always opponents who produced
a good game. A similar sort of comment was made by the Headmaster of
Shrewsbury to me the other day, about the cricket match in which we narrowly
failed to beat Shrewsbury on their own ground. The Daily Telegraph cricket
correspondent wrote of that match as follows "Ellesmere batted soundly to
score 197-6 against Shrewsbury, then had their opponents in all sorts of trouble
at 71-8". Three days later we beat Wrekin by 6 runs having already tied with
Rydal, beaten King's, Chester, and Birkenhead while coming very near to
beating Merchant Taylor's Crosby, as well. When you consider that on the
same day that we almost beat Shrewsbury at cricket, we beat them at Tennis
and that while the cricketers were beating Wrekin, the athletes were beating
Bromsgrove, you can see that it vindicates our policy of having a wide range of
athletic activity in the Summer Term. All the more so, when in addition it is
realised that in the swimming squad 18 new records have already been set this
term, and the intermediate team is unbeaten, while a golf team and a sailing
squad have been enjoying their exercise throughout the term.
There are, of course, other ways of taking exercise and for at least one
afternoon each week as well as on Sundays, we try to forget about our games,
but still stay out-of-doors. This is organised largely through the three parallel
organisations of Scouts, Combined Cadet Force and Duke of Edinburgh Award
Scheme in the Outdoor Training Unit. This year the Venture Scouts have had a
particularly interesting and useful programme of caving and rock climbing on a
regular basis from the Welsh Scout Council Hostel on which they have also
carried out maintenance work. They have also taken part in an intensive one
day course of training at Oswestry Fire Station as one of their most important
roles is that of College Fire Brigade. Those of you who were here yesterday
afternoon saw the C.C.F. in action at their most formal with the annual
Ministry of Defence Inspection. You also saw film of them at their least formal
at arduous training camp in Torridon. Impressive and, I am assured, enjoyable
performances.
Some of you may have noticed a number of people wearing black ties with
a white coffin motif. This has nothing to do with the remark of the Times
Education Correspondent that the latest draft of the Green Paper on Education
is better suited to a detailed manual for undertakers, rather than to the birth of
a new era in education. It does, in fact, indicate that the wearer has completed
the Lyke Wake Walk, over 40 miles of Northumbrian moorland, within 24
hours. This was one of nine walks which many of you kindly sponsored when
under the joint organisation of Scouts, C.C.F. and O.T.U. almost all the
school, including Common Room, seemed involved in one way or another
combining enjoyable exercise with raising money towards converting the old
mission church at Cwm Penmachno to a Field Study Centre. It is important to
remember that while it will be of great value to the specialists in assisting their
studies, one of the greatest values of a retreat in the hills is for relaxation and it
will find greater use in that way too. In this modern world the need to relax is
paramount and I believe, as we were reminded at Confirmation by the Bishop
of Stafford, it is in the Chapel that everyone can find the power to cope with
life without resort to alcohol or Vallium. This is not to say that all will find that
power here. Some will find it many years later, alas some may never find it at
all, but the one single most important thing we do day-in, day-out here is to
present the Christian gospel so that no-one can leave Ellesmere without
knowing what it has to offer. Individuals can then make up their own minds in
their own time and in their own way.
For relaxation different people relax in different ways. Many are fortunate
and can find release in making music and we are lucky in having a music
department that is prepared to give that opportunity to the maximum number.
What is more, this is without any diminution in standard of the specialist music,
rather it gets better, as those of you realise who have been able to listen to our
Chapel Choir singing Evensong in Chester Cathedral, or the Faure Requiem
here in Chapel, or the Choral Society's performance of the Brahms' Requiem
or Thursday night's concert in Big School by the orchestra, Madrigal and
Choral Societies.
 It is easy for Common Room and boys to steal the limelight, but if it were to instil the basic skills and knowledge of engineering, but also to give it a
not for the fact that we were well fed - well clothed and cared for, able to live status in the eyes of the community commensurate with that already
in well kept surroundings, then none of the successes I have mentioned would acknowledged in other fields by our magnificent modern academic, arts, and
be possible. To the Bursar and all his staff I say a very big thank you. athletic facilities. It is an ambitious project but one that I believe we must and
Although I have omitted many significant activities - not least the senior shall achieve.
and junior plays, 'Man for All Seasons' and 'Pilgrim 70', both of which deserve There are those, I trust none of you here, who would say that looking
mention for their excellence, I am sure I have said enough for you to realise if forward to 1984 is pious optimism. Rather they would have us at this time of
you did not know already that unless days are properly planned, and unless Jubilee look back nostalgically. But I believe with Tim Devlin of 'The Times'
individuals are protected from conflicting demands, life for the majority would that the future of independent schools in general, and Ellesmere in particular,
prove impossible. The lynch pin of the system on whom the strain of achieving lies in the mainstream of education for we have the will and the ability to
the necessary control and balance falls is the Housemaster. For the last fifteen provide the leadership for service that this country so badly needs.
years Nigel Ainscow has carried out this task for Woodard unstintingly. It I thank you for your support today, and look forward to its continuing
cannot have been easy for him to survive two new brooms in his time at through the exciting years ahead.
Ellesmere, yet I have always found him completely loyal. Indeed loyalty is the
quality above all that I associate with him, loyalty to his beliefs, loyalty to the
College and to me, but above all, loyalty to his boys. I would like to take this
opportunity of thanking him for all he has contributed to WoodardI and the
College over the years and say I look forward to working with him for many
HEADMASTER'S PRIZES
^I have'now outlined what I consider to be the significant facts of the year Corp D. C.
and I hope you agree that they give a picture of a thriving community Hilling C.J.C.
producing articulate caring young men and women with expertise and energy, KeableJ. T.
for these are the qualities needed for leadership in the modern world, as
summarised by the present Commander in Chief, United Kingdom Land Forces SPECIAL PRIZES
at the end of the Conference mentioned earlier; and qualities needed not for Art: S. Jones, Denis P. H. D., Morris W. F.
military leadership alone, but for leadership in every walk of hfe. Indeed it was Creative Design: To F. S. L., Matthews P. W.
significant that the name put forward at this conference as the greatest leader Pottery: Midwood R. N.
of all time was not a military character at all but an engineer, Isambard Kingdon Shakespearian: Gilbert P. H.
Brunei. Those of you who, like me, are admirers of the Great Western Railway Colin Russell Prize for English Literature: Atkinson C. V. (A level)
will not be surprised. Of Brunei, the Encyclopaedia Brittanica (IXth Edition of Shann N. J. (0 level)
1871) relates: "The genius, energy and industry of Brunei in his profession Music Instrumental:
were not more remarkable than the high moral tone which characterised his Senior: Hammersley A. P. R.
whole life, and the fascinating qualities which gave him immense personal Intermediate: Streeter-Smith T. J.
influence and made him a delight of the social circle. With single hearted truth Junior: Carter A. J.
fulness he devoted himself to his chosen work; he was singularly free from Music Vocal: Gilbert P. H.
professional jealousy and was always ready to commend and help others. With For Services to the choir: Leech P. M., Jagoe R. T.
robust health, which he enjoyed through many years, he had the two in
valuable qualities of good spirits and good temper. In his relations with his UPPER SIXTH
subordinates he was considerate and kindly at the same time that he demanded
faithful service according to a high standard. He cared nothing for popularity. Ashworth R. C. M. (Geography*)
He enjoyed the beauties of a fine landscape and was an enthusiastic lover of

the !Tremarkable list of qualities; some inherited, others achieved by way of SIXTH

experience. If we examine them closely all those gained from experience can be Emberton P. C. L. (Economics)
easily instilled at Ellesmere save one. That which is lacking here is indeed Gilbert P. H. (Physics)
lacking in the majority of our schools; an environment and atmosphere that Jones S. (Chemistry*)
aives engineering status and respectability on a par with the more academic Redfern N. A. (Ancient History)
disciplines. For too long, engineering has been a dirty word associated with Robinson P. N. (Mathematics)
dungarees and spanners. I believe that this is something we must put right as Ward S. M. (Geography)
soon as possible, and in consultation with industry. That is why I have Thomas R. G. (Biology, Chemistry)
Proposed to the School Council, and they have agreed, that to honour our WestropS. A. (English, French, History)
centenary in 1984 a modern engineering and design centre should be built, Wongsanguan S. (Creative Design)
providing not only the space and equipment that industry considers necessary
LOWER SIXTH SHELL

Cook M. J. (Mathematics) Done G. R. (Creative Design)

DukeJ. (French) GoynsS. L. (French)
Hulstrom R. P. (Physics, Economics) Gray R. (Chemistry)
KelsallJ. M. (German) Jagoe R T. (English, Geography, German,
KillenA.P. (Physics*) Latin, Mathematics, Physics, History)
Lowarch P. R. (Biology, Chemistry) Jones J. L. T. (Biology)
McClureJ.W. (Geography) KirkpatrickT. A. L. (Classical Studies)
Shann N. J. (Divinity, English, History) ParkerS. F. (History*)
Sheppard R. C. (Ancient History) Parmar A. (Chemistry)
Slous P. G. (Creative Design*)
FIFTH FORM WattR.E.J. (Biology)

Clark J. (Classical Studies, Divinity) FORM I

Clutton C. (Geography, History)
Hockenhull P. D. (Technical Drawing) MuttittR. A. (Form Prize)
LambC. H. (German) Moss S. A. (Improvement Prize)
Messenger P. (Latin)
ShrimptonG. D. (Chemistry*) * Improvement Prize
Streeter-Smith T. J. (Mathematics)
Sykes C. A. (Technical Drawing)
TelferR.E. (History*)
Woolfrey A. M. (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
WringeM. (English, French)

FOURTH FORM

Cobbold T. R. (Biology, Geography)

Done M. J. (Classical Studies)
GasserC. J. (Latin)
LeesT.W. (German)
Poorooshasb F. (Mathematics, Physics)
Shelley R. A. (Creative Design*)
Talbot M. J. (Chemistry)
Walls M.J. (History*)
WalwynP. H. (French)
Whittaker M. J. (Creative Design)
Williams J. M. (Mathematics)
Young P. J. (English, History)
 LAMBART HOUSE

Housemaster: J. M. Scorer, Esq.

Tutors: B. W. Poll, Esq., N. R. Panting, Esq., D. J. H. Wareing,
Esq., J. M. Marshall, Esq.
Captain of House: C. J. C. Hilling.
School Prefect: D. C. Corp.
House Prefects: M. R. Miri, A. M. Spittle.

with limited resources. On the music side we are very sorry to lose
The year started with a bang and great enthusiasm with a
the services to the house of Mr Wareing who leaves after two years
sponsored walk to raise funds to refurbish the House Dayrooms.
as a tutor, and we wish him every success in his new post in
One fine September day almost the entire house walked along the
Oxford.
canal to Llangollen, a distance of 25 miles, thus raising over £500,
The annual Christmas party was held in the Arts Centre, which
which was used to refloor and carpet the New Dayroom, and to
provided a setting for a slightly more ambitious programme of
redecorate and carpet the TV Room. The billiard table was also
entertainment than hitherto. Almost every member of the house
recovered. contributed to the fun in a series of more or less dramatic or
There was little success on the Rugby field this year, but there
musical tableaux ranging from Elton John to the Goons. Pride of
were strong hopes for a fourth successive win in the Hockey. This
place went to the Captain of House, the Assistant Chaplain, and
was not to be, however, and the final was lost, thus bringing an
the Senior Persian in an original version of "Three Little Maids".
end to a long series of wins. There was consolation in the Lent
We are very grateful to Mrs Scorer and the Tutors' wives for once
Term in the form of Squash, for both Senior and Junior Teams
again providing beautifully prepared food.
won their respective competitions. In the Summer Term swimming
The House theatre outing was to the Ludlow Festival to see
was our forte. Led by Chris Hilling the Seniors carried all before and
Henry Vth, a production much enjoyed even if the seats were a
won their competition. The Colts for whom Rolf Ferreira was
little hard.
outstanding came second, as did the Juniors. With the addition of
During the Year House Colours have been awarded to C. J. C.
a rather disappointing second place in the Water Polo, we could
Hilling, D. C. Corp, M. R. Miri and A. M. Spittle. Junior House
justly claim to be the best House in the Swimming pool. In the
Colours have been awarded to M. R. Brammer, R. A. Shelley and
Athletic sports the Juniors showed promise by coming second in
S. J. Chandler.
their section. Both Senior and Junior Tennis teams reached their
We say good-bye at the end of the Summer Term to Chris
respective finals only to fall to Wakeman and Meynell.
Hilling, Dave Corp, Reza Miri, Andrew Spittle, Nigel Baker, Charles
The House Singing and Instrumental Competitions have been
Bartholomew, Nigel Corp, David Russell, and Mehrad Tavakoli. To
organised this year by Andrew Spittle, who has done a splendid job
all of these we say thank you for their services to the House, and
wish them every success in the future.

J.M.S.
 MEYNELL HOUSE

Housemaster: J. C. Wolters Esq.

Captain of School and House: J. T. Keable
Senior Prefect: R. C. M. Ashworth
Prefects: J. C. Sym, F. W. A. Crouch, A. C. Bonell,
A. P. R. Hammersley, St. J. C. W. Berisford, G. Cooper.

Meynell has enjoyed a successful and prosperous year. On the
games field the Juniors must take pride of place, winning the
rUgger - against the odds - Cross-Country, Squash, Tennis and
Shell and Fourth Standards. The Colts also did well, taking the
Swimming and Cross-Country Cups, and stimulated by the efforts
of the younger members of the House, the Seniors surprised
everybody by clinching the Hockey and Athletics. In Athletics
special mention must be made of R. C. M. Ashworth and A.
Fahim-Dejban in taking the Victor Ludorum in their respective age
groups. Several members of the House also represented the
College in various sports and we were pleased to note that we gave
the College the Captains of Rugger, Hockey, Cricket and Athletics.
We took especial pride in the achievements of J. C. Sym and his
unbeaten XV, which is doubtless mentioned in the small print
somewhere else.
Lest it be thought that we only produced leaders of men on
the games field, we must hasten to add that Andrew Hammersley
cajoled the House into winning the House Singing — no mean
achievement as we lay last after the solos. While clearly this was a
House effort, the principal priase must go to him; our thanks to him
for all that he has done for House and College music. We should
also like to congratulate F. W. A. Crouch on getting a place at Oriel
College, Oxford - this shows that some of us do some work as
well.
At the social level we held our annual Christmas Party after the
Carol Service and once again it was a great success. The Sixth
Form Dining Club delved into the traditions of China and India as
well as England — the first two being a new experience for some.
The theatre attracted us too, and we visited Chester and Stoke for
comedies, thrillers and tense drama. Tuesday Coffee Evenings
continued throughout the year and we ended the Summer Term
with what must become an annual event — a Strawberry and
Champagne Party on the terraces for boys and their parents.
Blessed with good weather, this was a triumph. The money raised,
like the proceeds from the Sponsored Walk, Victorian Evening and
Medieval Banquet of previous years, will go to the further
development of Meynell.
It was a very full year! For making it such and for their contri
bution to the enthusiastic and good humoured atmosphere in the
House, I would like to thank J.C.W., his wife and C.D.F. on behalf
of us all. They have put in much time and effort and we are grateful
for it — and we wonder what they will dream up for us next year!
Our thanks too, to the other tutors for all they have done. One of
them, R.A.C., leaves us this summer: we wish him and his family
every success in the future.
Finally, to all our leavers go our best wishes for their future
careers and our thanks to them for their several contributions.
Doubtless when they return they will find more changes as
redevelopment goes ahead — for Meynell doesn't stand still. I have
no doubt they will also find the House as in good order as it is now.
Senior House Colours were awarded to: F. W. A. Crouch, A.
C. Bonell, A. P. R. Hammersley, St. J. C. W. Berisford, G.
Cooper.
Junior House Colours were awarded to: S. J. E. Evans, C. T.
Sharp, T. R. Cobbold, A. Fahim-Dejban.
J. T. Keable
 TALBOT HOUSE

As in previous years we have tended to excel in the Summer

Housemaster: H. R. Hill, Esq.
Term and this year was no exception, for we managed to retain the
Tutors: K. J. Shuttleworth, Esq., A. F. Thomson, Esq., W. C.
Water Polo cup for the seventh year in succession. This was not
Newbold, Esq., S. A. Elwell-Sutton, Esq.
without a struggle however, as we made a shaky start and lost 0-1
Captain of House: G. Jinks.
to Woodard in the first match. However, we soon picked ourselves
School Prefect: R. C. Wynne-Griffith.
up and won the remaining games without difficulty with a
House Prefects: R. P. Lambert, G. Owen, S. Wongsanguan, I. R.
devastating strike force consisting of R. C. Wynne-Griffith and G.
Attoe, G. P. Brown, M. J. W. Napier, S. G. Clay.
Jinks along with a solid defence built round S. Wongsanguan, the
captain. Despite it being examination season we won both the
Talbot House celebrated the Queen's Silver Jubilee year with
Senior and Junior Cricket Cups. I. R. Attoe (as last year!) in a
an excellent record, not only on the games field, but also in artistic
partnership with I. Owen enabled us to beat Woodard in the
fields, notably the House Instrumental competition, which was
Seniors and the Juniors showed their potential for future years by
won for the first time for many years under the direction of M. G.
beating Meynell convincingly against the odds. This future promise
Entecott. We have been extremely fortunate this year to have been
was again exhibited when they won the Junior Swimming after
able to capitalise on the strength of last year's Lower Sixth, and
being disqualified in the relay!
this has been shown by the number of House Prefects and School
Finally it is fitting that the last words should go to Mr.
Prefects that have been appointed throughout the year. A great
Shuatleworth who at the end of this year, having climbed to the
depth of talent and tremendous enthusiasm have meant that the
dizzy heights of housemastership, is preparing to take over
House has gone well this year. G. Owen and R. C. Wynne-Griffith
Woodard House in September. Over the last ten years he as
both achieved double colours in Rugby and Cricket along with I. R.
contributed a tremendous amount to the House in many areas. We
Attoe and S. Wongsanguan who achieved their Rugby colours.
are very grateful to him for his kindness and friendliness, and in
These and other factors have helped to create the healthy and
particular for his readiness to give up his time to help others. It is
happy atmosphere which is prevalent in the House at the moment.
with deep regret that we see him move two blocks away from us in
The highlight in the Michaelmas Term was once again the
Chapel, for without his vocal support the Talbot choir may well
annual House Party which, as last year, was held in the loft and
become obsolete. We wish him well for the future. Finally I should
proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Yet again it was the
like to express our thanks to both H.R.H. and K.J.S. who run the
artistry of S. Wongsanguan which enabled the loft to be tran
House so well.
sformed into a glittering dining room, after he had played a key part
Senior Colours were awarded during the year to G. Jinks, R.
along with the captain, R. P. J. Robinson, in beating Wakeman 24-
P. Lambert, G. Owen, R. C. Wynne-Griffith, S. Wongsanguan, I.
6 to win the Senior Rugby cup.
R. Attoe, M. J. W. Napier, G. P. Brown and S. G. Clay. Junior
This year's annual flood struck us in the Lent Term, but past
Colours were awarded to 0. J. P. Brocklhurst, C. Clutton, D. G.
experience showed through and the House, under the direction of
Jones, A. M. Woolfrey, G. R. Napier, P. R. Done, R. C. Davies, C.
the Captain of House and Mr. Shuttleworth's wellies, were able to
H. Lamb, D. W. Roberts, J. M. Brown, R. C. M. Hopkins and W.
clear the water quickly and efficiently. On the other front the
G. Whitehead.
Senior Seven managed to gain revenge against Woodard in the
We say farewell this term to G. Jinks, I. R. Attoe, G. P.
sevens final by beating them 12-9 and thus clinching the Rugby
Brown, R. P. Lambert, G. Owen, S. Wongsanguan, S. G. Clay, A.
double in the Seniors. Once again the House was persuaded to
J. Hargreaves, S. A. Westrop, P. C. L. Emberton, S. Menon, S.
turn down and compete in the Cross-Country and this year we
Broadhurst, 0. J. P. Brocklehurst, J. C. Wyatt and M. Jalili to
were unlucky not to win both the Senior and the Colts, but alas,
whom we wish every success in their future careers.
the Colts course was too much to ask and so winning the school
grounds was not enough, which left the Seniors victorious alone. G. Jinks
10
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 WOODARD HOUSE
Housemaster: N. R. Ainscow
Captain of House: T. F. Ellis
House Prefects: G. P. Chambers, G. J. Lushey, I. A. Clarke, A. N.
Jevon
During the year there has been an unrivalled enthusiasm on
the sports field. It is a travesty of justice that these efforts have not
yielded the thoroughly deserved crop of cups. In thej Michaelmas
and Lent Terms the determined efforts of Tim Ellis and Guy
Chambers drove both the rugby teams into readiness, but the cups
eludTd them. The Senior Sevens reached the final but were
narrowly beaten by Talbot. In the same term Mark Hayward was
given the task of Choregus, but through no fault of h,s Woodard
came fourth. The highlight of the Michaelmas Term was certainly
the great success of the House Party. The energy and vigour of all
Top Table made this the most enjoyable party for many years. In
the Lent Term the Sip 'n Nibble easily surpassed its predecessor
thanks both to tutors and boys.
Once again the Senior Hockey, not least because of the spirit
instilled by Ian Clarke, was set for victory. All came to naught in the
ost minutes of the final. Other cups have slipped from our grasp. In
Senior Cricket and Water Polo we came second, but two junior
cupshave been won in House Athletics and Fosterwon the Junior
Victor Ludoru^^ ^ Woodard seems to have had a disap-
nointinq year, but nothing could be further from the truth. We have
been.endowed with an exceptional amount of House spirit. Despite
a jocund, healthy atmosphere was ever present.
12
This can be attributed to three main causes. The first is the
eagerness with which the Juniors have responded to the coaching
and coaxing of the Seniors and the efficient running of the House
which has resulted; the second is the co-ordination of the Top
Table members with both the Captain of House and the demands
of the school; and thirdly and more important is the leadership of
our Housemaster, Mr. Ainscow. This is his last term at this post
and nothing could be more sincere than the thanks the whole
House wish him. He has served fifteen years as Housemaster of
Woodard, caring for each of the many people that have been in the
House more as a second father, a thing so rare in these present
times. Good wishes must also go to Mr. K. J. Shuttleworth who
takes over next term.
Leaving: J. R. Bosanquet, J. St. J. Burns, G. P. Chambers, L.
Chung, I. A. Clarke, P. J. Dolan, J. Fell, R. L. Anthony-Jones, A.
N. Jevon, F. Korangy, G. J. Lushey, R. S. Neal, B. Sotudeh, W.
Whitfield, R. 0. Williams (i) and M. Williams (ii).
Senior House Colours: J. R. Bosanquet, J. St. J. Burns, G. P.
Chambers, I. A. Clarke, R. L. Anthony-Jones, A. N. Jevon, G. J.
Lushey, R. 0. Williams.
Junior House Colours: Ditcham, Fell, Turner, Nesbitt,
Hockenhull (ii), Gharavi-Ram, Humphreys (i), Elkes.
 CHAPEL NOTES ... C.I.P.

"She was a good cook as cooks go; and as cooks go she

went." So wrote Saki in "Reginald on Besetting Sins". For
"cook" read "Assistant Chaplain" and you will realise that Colin
Pritchard is leaving us after a ministry of three years at Ellesmere
and returning to the parochial scene (though I hasten to add that
his departure has not been triggered off by a similar accusation as
that levelled at the cook!). He will be much missed for he is a man
of many parts who has added much to our common life.
To be secular for a moment, there has been Pritchard the
Swimmer (or at least Pritchard the Stopwatch)—there has been
Pritchard the Runner—there has been Pritchard the Singer—there
has been Pritchard the Social Servant—and those who look after
these activities will miss his help and enthusiasm. But he left no
one in doubt that, enthusiasm or not, these were secondary ac
tivities, and that what mattered to him most were matters spiritual.
As anyone whose life is supported by the Benedictine vision must
do, he laid great stress on the importance of prayer and worship,
and those he prepared for confirmation will testify as to his
dedication and thoroughness; those who sought his aid and advice
found that he would take endless pains to help with their problems.
During his time at Ellesmere he has given the Chaplain a ritual
and liturgical overhaul—the opening "Father, might I suggest
..." I became especially wary of—but he had a very good idea of
how much he could get the Chaplain to swallow and managed to
keep a reasonable control over his passion for the ultra-montane. I
am very glad to have the opportunity of thanking him for all he has
done, for the school, for the Chapel, and for me personally over
these years, and to wish him well and to assure him of our prayers
as he starts at St. Luke's, Duston; they are very lucky in their new
priest.

M.W.H.G.

13
 dulci jubilo', and other choir carols included 'The truth from above'
At the start of the year a decision was made to reduce the
(arr. Vaughan Williams), 'Ding-dong merrily on high' in a new
rows on Cantoris from three to two, and this enabled the choir to
arrangement by David Willcocks, Philip Ledger's arrangement of
achieve a much better balanced sound than in previous years.
'Away in a manger', and the ever popular 'Shepherd's Pipe Carol',
However, the trebles were less experienced than their predecessors
while the Madrigal Society sang 'The Cherry Tree Carol' from the
and it seemed at first that music would have to be carefully chosen.
Lady Chapel. Congregational paricipation was as enthusiastic as
It is especially due to their hard work that it was possible to
ever, especially in 'The Carol of the Star' by Noble, another
complete the programme of activities, for, in many ways, this year
novelty.
was more varied tand interesting than before.
In the Summer Term at the Commemoration Service a new
Certainly 'away fixtures' were a prominent feature. Evensong
anthem by Elgar was given; the prologue from his oratorio 'The
was sung on two occasions in Chester Cathedral, a new venue; a
Apostles', 'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me'.
small group sang at the wedding of the daughter of the Divisional
Although tricky to bring off without the full resources Elgar
Bursar in Great Ness Church, and, at the end of the Lent Term, we
demands, the choir clearly enjoyed this new piece and rose well to
combined with Prestfelde choir to sing the Faure Requiem, first in
its challenges. The congregation gave vociferous support to a new
Chapel, and then in the Abbey Church, Shrewsbury, where we
canticle, a setting of the Benedicite in G by E. W. Naylor, as they
joined the Abbey Choir for Evensong. Thomas Jagoe and Mark
also did in Rex Lumley's arrangement of 'Ye watchers' when the
Messenger were the treble soloists, RWA sang the baritone solos
brass group, led by Andrew Hammersley, was on specially good
and Ted Donnelly played the organ. In our own chapel, RWA
form.
directed two Eucharists sung to plainstong, while a short recital
Other anthems sung during the year included 'Ascribe unto
was given to music masters attending the Ellis Committee meeting
the Lord' (Travers) with Philip Leech, Stephen Evans and Charles
for music in February.
Allen as soloists, 'Rejoice the Lord is King' (Bryan Kelly), '0 taste
'Going public' meant learning settings of the canticles and
and see' (Vaughan Williams), 'The strife is o'er' (Ley). After half
singing the psalms properly, and this we do not do nearly often
term in the Summer Term two new pieces were sung 'In God's
enough. At first the choir found chanting the psalms in the
word will I rejoice' (Purcell) and '0 Lord, I lift my heart to thee'
resonant yet favourable acoustic of Chester Cathedral a rather
(Gibbons) and the term ended with Vittoria's 'Jesu dulcis
daunting prospect, but by the time we returned for our second
memoria'.
visit, confidence had increased with familiarity. Settings of the
Again the choir were fortunate to be entertained to a barbeque
canticles were chosen from the repertoire of late 19th and early
by kind invitation of the Headmaster and Mrs. Skipper, an occasion
20th century church music. In Chester, Hylton Stewart in C and
much enjoyed by all. My thanks, as always, go to all those whose
Dyson in F were sung, the latter with Thomas Jagoe and Peter
efforts have contributed to the smooth running of the Chapel
Gilbert as soloists, Walmesley in D minor in Chapel with
music, from those who put out and collect up the congregational
congregational participation, and Stanford in B flat in the Abbey.
music, to those who supervise the robes and do the hymn boards.
The Carol Services again attracted large congregations of
All these small, often thankless, yet necessary tasks help to make
parents and friends and were especially memorable, for me at any
the more important job of singing the music well all the more
rate, for the outstanding solo singing of Thomas Jagoe, a standard
pleasurable.
by which all future treble soloists will surely be judged. He was ably
supported by Edward Cutting, Philip Leech and Charles Allen in 'In A.E.D.D.
14
 BRAHMS' GERMAN REQUIEM

Having attended the College Chapel in previous years for

major choral works we looked forward to this year's production
with anticipation of a worthy performance of the Brahms'' German
MUSIC
Requiem'.
The Choral Society, re-inforced by singers from Moreton Hall,
and supported by an orchestra drawn from the College and
surrounding district, was most ably directed by Anthony Dowlen.
The work, in spite of its title, is not based on the liturgy of the
Requiem and is certainly not a Mass, but consists of well chosen
passages from the Scriptures which relate to the mortal nature of
man.
The brief introduction showed that the orchestra was well up
to its task and throughout their performance one was aware of the
beautifully sustained string tone.
The work began on a subdued note calling for well controlled
singing which gave an atmosphere of tranquillity. This was
followed by a slow solemn march, 'Behold all flesh is as grass',
written in sombre tones, bringing one, as it were, into the vry
presence of death, that was admirably portrayed by the well
disciplined choir and orchestra.
We were most impressed by the magnificently controlled
voice and perfect diction of the baritone, Richard Jackson, in his
two solo passages.
Delia Fletcher, soprano, had only one solo to give, but this she
did with beautifully ringing tones, entirely devoid of the coarse and
excessive vibrato which detracts from so much present day
singing. Unfortunately, her words did not always come out clearly
above the orchestral accompaniment.
The choral work throughout showed an excellent standard of
varied singing, responding well at all times to the conductor's
baton and overcoming the many difficulties in tackling the fugal
passages in some of the choruses. A special mention must be
made of the clear diction of the large choir.
We came a long way to hear this work performed and returned
home feeling well rewarded.
E. N. & H. J. Shuttleworth.

15
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REQUIEM . . . GABRIEL FAURE
Two performances of this work, one in the College Chapel and the other in
the Abbey Church, were given by the combined choirs of the College and
Prestfelde School; the baritone soloist was Roger Allen, the treble soloists
were Thomas Jagoe and Mark Messenger, the organ was played by Edward
Donnelly, and the work conducted by Antony Dowlen.
Unlike most requiems of the great composers since Mozart this Requiem is
suited to liturgical use and does not really ask to be a concert work; thus in any
performance that catches its essential spirit the choir must convince us that it is
singing about death and also that it is aware of the composer's attitude to it.
This, I felt, they failed to do. For, above all things, Faure's Requiem is a
requiem without the Last Judgement. The terrors of the after-life are hardly
more than touched upon and, compared with Gerontius for example, there is
also the absence of any notion of Purgatory. Thus to Faure death comes as a
comforter rather than as a summoner, as a curtain descending at the close of
life rather than a fulfilment of it, as a serene state "all passion spent" rather
than the strenuous activity of those who "rest not now day and night" - all
this is conveyed by its ethereal tranquillity.
Of the soloists Roger Allen conveyed this sense of mystical repose as to a
lesser extent did Thomas Jagoe, but the performances as a whole, despite the
obvious hard work that had gone into their preparation, remained too firmly
earthbound to evoke magical glimpses of Paradise.
M.W.H.G.
INFORMAL CONCERT
On Thursday 27th January, those of us with enough courage to brave the
adverse weather conditions and make the journey to the Arts Centre, were
rewarded by a most enjoyable evening's entertainment. I feel sure that the
success of the concert was largely due to the relaxed atmosphere that prevailed
and to the apparent enthusiasm and willingness of the performers.
It is almost unfair to single out any particular performances from a concert
that displayed such a consistent standard, but nevertheless, there were soloists
whose contributions were especially pleasing. Stephen Evans sang "Silent
Worship" with confidence and poise far surpassing the norm for one of his
age! He managed to captivate the audience within seconds of making his
entrance and was a joy to watch and to listen to. Philip Bellamy gave an
assured and skilful performance of a movement from Bach's French Suite No.
3 for piano, and in contrast, Thomas Jagoe played a clarinet solo, a Romance
by Wolf-Ferrari, with great sensitivity and warmth.
The Madrigal Society sang arrangements of two Negro Spirituals: Swing
Low Sweet Chariot and Little David Play On Yo' Harp. They sang well and
demonstrated a fine command of tone and wide dynamic range.
The String Orchestra was impressive in both size and sound. Their second
piece, a March by Antony Le Fleming, was particularly interesting, calling for
somewhat unconventional bowing technique.
The finale came from the College Orchestra who played the Farandole
from Bizet's L'Arlesienne Suite. Unfortunately a slight error on the conductor's
part resulted in a false start, but this did not deter the orchestra and they
provided a suitably rousing conclusion to the concert.
M.E.D.
SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS 1976/77 SEASON
The 1976/77 series of Subscription Concerts provided local patrons with a
wide variety of high class professional music making. The opening evening of
the season featured the Opera Players in Mozart's operatic masterpiece, 'The
Magic Flute', composed immediately prior to his death in 1791. The skill with
which this company adapted their production to fit the narrow confines of the
Big School stage was most impressive, as was the musical execution which,
despite the lack of orchestral colour, was clear and lucid throughout.
November's concert was given by the Chilingirian String Quarter and this
fine young ensemble gave an evening's intimate chamber music in the best
Eighteenth Century tradition. Not all the music was Eighteenth Century in
origin, however, and the best performance of the evening was of the Ravel
string quartet in which the players demonstrated their virtuosity and technical
command. The opening Mozart quartet suffered a little from insecure in
tonation, but the great G major quartet of Schubert was played with great
panache and showed an obvious grasp of the inner structure of this work.
The highlight of the season was undoubtedly the visit of the octogenarian
oboist Leon Goossens. All of us who came into contact with this great artist
that night will never forget the warmth and humanity of his personality and the
kindly benevolence with which he helped us shape the music according to his
requirements. The small string orchestra, conducted by Anthony Dowlen,
accompanied competently and unobtrusively and provided a suitable
background to the liquid sound of Mr. Goossens' oboe. Truly a memorable
evening.
The final evening gave the audience a change from the usual style of
concert. The artist was the well known radio personality, Antony Hopkins, and
he delivered a delightfully informal lecture on music for the theatre, television
and films. His wide knowledge and experience, together with his ready wit and
rapport with the audience ensured a highly entertaining and enlightening
occasion.
Once again these four concerts have been given to capacity audiences; a
situation which has been ensured by the annual regularity with which each
concert has been given together with the enormous amount of good will built
up over the past fifteen years by Rex Lumley and Anthony Dowlen. May the
new administration of these concerts be as successful as the old in providing a
valuable link between the College and the local community.
R.W.A.
17
 JUBILEE SUMMER CONCERT
The annual summer concert this year took place on 2nd June and,
predictably enough, formed part of the College's Jubilee celebrations.
Accordingly, the evening was divided into two, although only the second half
of the programme reflected any very obvious concern with the 25th anniversary
of the Queen's accession. Perhaps this was no bad thing, for ceremonial and
the constraints implicit in composing "pieces d'occasion" can tend towards a
certain monotony whereas this was a nicely varied programme, with the
selection to the interval calculated to show the active and accomplished in
strumental and orchestral life of the College.
Saint-Saen's Romance, Op. 36, was played in the version for horn and
orchestra, as distinct from the cello alternative. The quiet opening of this piece
is dangerously exposed, and absolute precision is necessary if it is to make its
full effect; here there was a trace of uncertainty in the strings at the outset.
Occasionally, too, the balance between the orchestra and the soloist, Peter
Gilbert, was not ideal, but both he and the orchestra were successful in cap
turing the warmth of the main theme.
John Gardner's overture 'Half Holiday' was given an extremely confident
performance by the College Orchestra under Roger Allen; they were par
ticularly successful in conveying the languor of some of the music, and in
projecting the humour of the piece. Humour, too, was much in evidence in the
contribution of the String Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Dowlen in the
absence of Deryck Wareing. The three short pieces which comprise Anthony
Le Fleming's 'Suite for Strings' abound in some less conventional, almost
metronomic effects, but... "brevity is the soul of wit", and the performance
was pointed enough to produce chuckles from the audience.
Giuseppe Torelli has been described as the originator of the concerto; his
'Sinfonia con tromba' points the way towards the later balancing and con
trasting of a solo instrument and an orchestra, but the seminal nature of this
work was clear and it was fascinating to hear it. Andrew Hammersley 'blew his
own trumpet' with great confidence and considerable sense of the requisite
style. The orchestra is of no less importance, though, and there was an ex
cellent relationship between the trumpet and the remainder of the players, with
the harpsichord prominent enough to remind us of its key role in Baroque
music of this type. It was a pity, though, that so few members of College were
included in the reduced orchestra which, for the most part, comprised visiting
players.
It is inevitable, I suppose, that Benjamin Britten's Coronation opera
'Gloriana' should receive some attention in this Jubilee year; the College's
choice was a performance by the Madrigal Society of five choral dances from
it. The Society's disciplined approach and precision are well-known to regular
attenders at College concerts, and these qualities were as much in evidence as
ever. If one of the Dances has to be singled out for special mention, it must be
the third, 'Time and Concord', where the harmonies were beautifully
sustained.
Handel's two anthems for the Coronation of King George II and Queen
Caroline involved the massed forces of the Choral Society and the trebles of
the College Choir as well as the Orchestra and four soloists from the College
itself: Thomas Jagoe, Edward Cutting, Philip Leech and Christopher Green.
The initial projection in 'My heart is inditing' was variable, but the protagonists
were never less than spirited and the result was suitably rousing. The Choir
were clearly on their mettle, for their first entry in 'Zadok the Priest' lifted what
18
had seemed a slightly prosaic orchestral opening; thereafter, both chorus and
orchestra (not forgetting their energetic conductor) seemed at one in the
fervour of their approach, and this provided what was, in effect, an exciting
climax to a most successful concert.
Michael Messenger
RECITAL OF MUSIC IN THE CHAPEL
A late-evening recital for Trumpet and Organ in the College Chapel on a
warm summer evening could not fail to be appreciated by the audience which
assembled on 8th July to hear Andrew Hammersley and Roger Allen.
The trumpet is possibly the one instrument which can hold its own against
the power of the organ. This was very evident in the resonant building in which
it was played, and with the player using a powerful trumpet of larger-than-
usual-bore. The elevated position in the gallery from which it was played gave
additional clarity and weight, though it must have caused some problems for
the player on this particularly warm evening, when one realises that the
stratification of the air in the Chapel ensure that the temperature is always
several degrees warmer in the gallery than it is down below!
An impressive point about Andy's playing was his ability to strike a top G
with great power and perfect pitch as the very first note of the recital in the
John Stanley Trumpet Tune (originally a keyboard piece) - a work for which I
have a particular affection in this transcription by Dr. Henry Coleman for
Trumpet and Organ as I was 'in' on its first performance in 1944. By the way,
the first performance in this form in the College Chapel was when I ac
companied Robert Ashcroft playing it on 14th July 1958 (I hope that he, as an
O.E., may chance to read this!).
In both the John Stanley work and the very demanding Torelli 'Sinfonia
con Tromba' with which he ended the recital, Andy's well-tuned and powerful
top notes were much in evidence and his rhythm was never at fault. There were
some beautifully-controlled soft passages as well. If I were to be severely
critical I might have wished for rather more mezzo-forte playing in places; but,
in all fairness, one should add that the volume of sound one is producing is very
deceiving when one is playing in the gallery and when a not-full Chapel creates
much reverberation.
Roger Allen's playing of the Mozart Fantasia in F minor and major was a
model of artistry — the most delightful choice of stops, together with the
precision of the playing, adding immeasurably to Mozart's delightful jeu
d'esprit which, after all, was written for a purely mechanical instrument and
which seems to me to profit from 'tight' rhythms and 'perky' registration.
To have been asked to write about this recital has given me great pleasure
— first, because Andy has been the holder, since 1972, of the last music
scholarships I was privileged to award whilst Director of Music, and it gives one
great joy to hear his fine playing as he is about to embark on what must surely
be a happy and successful musical career; and secondly to be able to pay
tribute to Roger Allen's superb playing on an instrument in which I have more
than a little interest, since its conception and birth-pangs filled a very busy two
years of my musical life between 1967 and 1969. Ellesmere is indeed fortunate
to have the services of such an artist.
Rex Lumley
 HOUSE MUSIC COMPETITION

The annual House Singing Competition was held as usual on the day
before half term in the Autumn Term and was adjudicated by Professor Basil
Smallman of Liverpool University. Much hard work had gone into the ASSOCIATED BOARD EXAMINATION RESULTS
preparation of all entries and all performers felt the event was going to be a
close run thing, as indeed it was. The solos were helped by being given in the
M. Talbot Grade II violin Pass
new studio theatre of the Arts Centre, where everyone taking part enjoyed the
W. Swinnerton Grade III violin Pass
pleasant acoustic and intimate surroundings. Among the more outstanding
Grade IV piano Pass
performances were Peter Gilbert with 'The Spanish Lady', Mark Hawyard The A. Carter
D. Riding Grade IV piano Pass
Plough Boy' (Britten), William Whitehead 'How soft upon the evening air
E. Cutting Grade IV cello Pass
(Dunhill) and Philip Leech 'Now sleeps the crimson petal' (Quilter). Some of
J. Drummond Grade VI violin Pass
the younger members of the school certainly make their mark as stars in the
ascendant especially John Howard with 'The lona Boatsong', Christopher
P. M. Messenger Grade V cello Pass**
Green 'Bright is the Ring of Words' (Vaughan Williams), and Thomas Jagoe
A. Fawcett Grade IV piano Pass**
'Mary of Allendale'. At tea Lambart were ahead with Woodard and Talbot
R. Muttitt Grade V piano Pass*
C °S In the evening some excellently disciplined singing from the House Choirs P. Leech Grade V singing Pass*
kept everyone guessing still further. Talbot impressed everyone with their T. Jagoe Grade V clarinet Pass*
A. Greenwood Grade I piano Pass
clarity and precision with an amusing song about the Pope, while Meynell and
M. Beach Grade I violin Pass
Wakeman chose gems from the storehouse of Barber shop quartets. It was left
to the Unison Songs to sort everyone out and here Meynell stole the show, and
indeed won the cup by one point, with an excellent performance, complete C. Allen Grade VI Cello Pass*
P. Messenger Grade V Piano Pass
with visual aids, of the 'Drinking Song' from the 'Student Prince'. In second
place were Wakeman with 'Captain Stratton's Fancy' (Warlock) and Lambart J. Clark Grade I Viola Pass
third with 'On the Road to Mandalay'. Woodard and Talbot were less suc P. Leech Grade II Viola Pass*
cessful in unison than they had been in four parts or solo, but ended up not far P. Bellamy Grade VI Cello Pass*
J. Scott Grade VI Clarinet Pass
After Professor Smallman's concise and appropriate comments the cup A. Hammersley Grade VIII Trumpet Pass
J. Drummond Grade III Piano Pass*
was presented to Andrew Hammersley. .
In the Summer Term the instrumentalists took the stage with John M. Entecott Grade IV Organ Pass*
Yarnley, the new Director of Music at Shrewsbury School, in the chair.
R. T. Jagoe Piano Grade I Pass*
Jeremy Douglas (organ) gave an authoritative account of the Bach Canzona
L. J. Brown Piano Grade IV Pass
in D minor, and Andrew Hammersley again set the chapel ablaze with some Piano Grade IV
R. Chapman Pass
rousing trumpet playing in the Torelli Sinfonia. Other performers to gain at Piano Grade VI Pass
P. Bellamy
tention were Timothy Streeter-Smith with a delicious piece of French music by Violin Pass*
G. Humphreys Grade I
Benjamin Goddard, Malcolm Entecott in a movement from a Rosetti Horn
R, Muttitt Cello Grade I Pass
Concerto, and Philip Bellamy's performance on the cello of 'Orientale by Cui.
C. I. T. Green Cello Grade III Pass
The ensembles provided varied fare. Wakeman again chose a piano trio,
W. G. Whitehead Trumpet Grade V Pass
this time by Beethoven, and gave a polished and well-rehearsed account of the
T. J. Streeter-Smith Flute Grade VI Pass*
third movement from op.1 no.2. Meynell chose the well-known Wesley
Gavotte and their ensemble of flute, two clarinets and cello blended very well
* with merit
together. The other houses had worked hard but were less successful. After
♦* with distinction
Mr. Yarnley's adjudication Talbot emerged as winners (their first win since
1962!) with Meynell and Wakeman equal second just two points behind.
A.E.D.D.
19
 PILGRIM '70 CAST IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE

Narrator C. I. Green
JUNIOR SCHOOL PLAY March 1977
Pilgrim (Act 1) M. D. C. Dawson
Obstinate P. J. Bellamy
"Pilgrim '70", an updated version of "Pilgrim's Progress" Pliable P. H. Walwyn
(which, although in its dotage, is still entirely relevant today), Wiseman E. M. Cutting
Helpful A. M. Miller
proved a felicitous choice as this year's production, being neither
Ignorance J. M. Brown
too pretentious nor too clumsy and artless, and, therefore, was T. R. Cobbold
Apollyon
intelligible as well as gratifying, for both audience and actors. The Faithful W. G. Whitehead
Arts Centre stage was exploited to the full as regards scenery and Hopeful R. C. Davies
P. R. Done
drama; the close proximity of auditorium and stage (which on Mr. S.S.
Mr. K.G.B. D. G. Jones
several occasions merged) fostered a greater empathy between the A. M. L. James
Hategood
players and the spectators. The result was a lively, animated and Superstition L. J. Brown
highly entertaining performance. Envy J. M. Smith
The main characters were supported by a vast but, on the Pickthank S. R. L. Prichard
Pilgrim (Act 2) M. H. F. Beach
whole, competent cast, and the variegated roles were spiced with
Despair M. J. Done
some novel and startling adaptations! M. Dawson and M. Beach, Brother Doom M. J. Talbot
who shared the taxing role of 'Pilgrim', merit special mention, and Mrs. By-Ends R. G. Larder
also A. James, whose sparkling and flawless performances in the Mrs. Hold-the-World A. S. Fleming
Son to Mrs. By-Ends N. P. Hammersley
guise of, firstly, Judge Hategood and secondly the Hawker,
Mrs. Money-Love R. N. Midwood
Demas, qualify him for a place in the final accolade. D. P. Riding
Mrs. Save-All
The stark simplicity of the scenery fulfilled its task effectively Demas A. M. L. James
and, together with the improvised costumes, the lighting — which Flatterer F. Poorooshasb
Fiends M. I. Adams, G. R. Davies, N. C. Fox,
painted graphic images on the back-cloth, and the numerous,
M. J. Hill, R. V. Simpkinson, G. J. Young,
sometimes dubious, sound-effects, enhanced the overall impact of A. J. Young.
the play itself. Other parts played by: N. J. Bates J. M. Howard
It was a spirited, vivacious performance salted with clear, pure J. L. Bowring M. W. Madders
humour — a humour that was perhaps, at times, excessive, and A. J. W. Campbell H. D. Park
F. Centelles F. S. L. To
this tended to distract the audience from the fundamental P. J. Dolan R. E. J. Watt
philosophy of the play, albeit an axiomatic and trite one. But this G. R. Done N. C. White
minor defect did not by any means mar the production, and it is in
fact justifiable in that the objective of the director and actors was to Producer: W. C. Newbold, Esq.
entertain and amuse, and any distorted symbolism was com
pensated by a generous larding of jollity and buffoonery.
All those who participated, including, of course, the faceless
stage crew and make-up team and nameless director (Mr.
Newbold — Ed.), are worthy of the admiration of all those who were
privileged to see the play and even of those who were not.

S. A. Westrop

20
D.G. Jones, M.D.C. Dawson, W .G . Whiteheao Wii. Done

A .M .L. Jam es

D.P. Riding, R.N. Midwood, A.ML. James, A.S. Fleming, 21

R.G. Larder