43Q1 - THE QUINTINIAN, SPRING 1943

ONE pleasing and remarkable thing this term, as in many of the previous ones, has been the manner in which Old Boys have found their way down to Minehead to visit the School. We are always very gratified to see them, and this term we have had, on the platform, Flight Officers, Y Scheme Naval Ratings, and members of the Army visiting the School. Lawton, who left two years ago, came and gave us further news of Dick Worswick, who is in the same Coastal Command unit; he also addressed the A.T.C.; R. R. St. John, back from his first long sea trip, gave me a very interesting account of the arctic conditions met by the convoy which he helped to protect; D. D. Jones is joining the Fleet Air Arm, and O'Keefe, another caller, gave us good news of himself and an account of his progress towards his medical degree; Doswell, who stayed at The Dene for a few days, gave his account of the work he is doing at Reading before joining the Forces. At the moment we are expecting Sim at The Dene for next week, and Bidgood is due at any time. I believe the Marines are going to be represented in a visit in the very near future by Pegrum, who, I am told, is coming to stay at his old billet. I don't know whether or not he is bringing his fiancée with him!

Present students are keeping up the old tradition very well indeed. This term already we have had news that Bawden, the School Captain, has been awarded a History Exhibition to Jesus College, and as I am writing these notes the good news has just come through that Harvey Miller, in his examination last week at Cambridge, obtained a Major Scholarship of £60 p.a. in Natural Science, to St. Catharine's College.

Boxing, as well as football, is doing exceedingly well in the School this term, and both the old Cadets and the new A.T.C. are giving a splendid account of themselves; news of A.T.C. boxing is given elsewhere. In the Certificate A examination the inspecting officer had very enthusiastic praise to give to the unit for its general turn out and for the excellent standard of its knowledge.

When I was in London on School business I managed to call at the Royal Masonic Hospital, and found Mr. Broodbank making good progress towards recovery, and now, I understand, he has been passed fit for light duties.

While in the hospital I saw Mr. Lee, the Members' Council representative of the Board of Governors, who was looking very fit after his operation.

The School was very pleased to hear of the splendid report I was able to give them of Sir Kynaston's recovery, which I am glad to know has been steadily maintained. The School was very shocked to hear of the accident and was equally pleased to know that Sir Kynaston is getting over his bad fortune in such fine style.

This term we have not had any official visitors from the Polytechnic, but are looking forward to seeing Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey, Dr. Williams, and Major Marchant next term, when, I understand, they hope to call and see us in Minehead.

The School, at the moment, is busy with term examinations and trial examinations for Higher and General Schools, but most of the boys have the 8th April ringed on their calendars! We hope to find that the 4th May is also ringed, and that we shall have another good term in the summer, starting on that day.

THE meeting was being held at a place called Park End. Almost all the huntsmen and hounds had arrived, and the hounds were eager to start. The hunt was on and a stag with a fine spread of horns was seen breasting yonder hill. By the size of its horns it looked as though he was about six years old, which means that it is a good deer. As we galloped on we saw that the stag was slackening pace and that we were getting nearer; but at the same time our own horses were tiring. It was about noon, and we had been hunting about 2½ hours, and we had travelled about 16 miles. We went on for a little longer when, all of a sudden, we saw that there was a commotion being made by the hounds not far ahead. To our surprise we saw that the hounds had driven the stag into a pond, where it was fighting for its life. As the huntsman drew up to the scene the head huntsman drew out the humane killer, waded out to the deer, put a rope round his neck, and shot it. So ended a day of hunting.

ONE day Bill Smith, the sweep, was very tired after a hard day's work. As he was on the way home a thunderstorm started, and, looking round for shelter, he spied a church, into which he went. Sitting down on a seat, Bill thought, "I had better get out of the way in case anybody else comes in." So he entered the pulpit and promptly fell asleep. That evening a meeting took place, and the clergyman stepped forward to speak. He said, "My talk to-day is about the devil. We must denounce him, and if he were here now we would smite him; smite him on the forehead," and from the audience came murmurs of "Hear hear" and clapping. Meanwhile Bill, aroused by this noise, peeped over the edge of the pulpit, and one member of the congregation happened to see him, and shouted, "Look, there he is; denounce him, smite him." The parson looked round and saw the black face. At that he promptly ran as fast as he could out of the church, followed by the whole audience. Bill, seeing this, thought, "I had better go as well," so he ran as fast as he could to catch up with the people, but one member of the congregation was a cripple and, as the sweep caught up with him, he cried, "Please, don`t touch me, sir, I don't belong to them."

Some men were told to sell some apples. The first one had to sell 20, the second 40, the third 60, the fourth 80, the fifth a hundred, and the last a hundred and twenty. They were all given the same instructions for selling them, and they all brought back the same money. What did they bring back?

HERE we are at the meet on Cloutsham Ball, and all the people are in their cross-country "jeeps." The stag is on the horizon. He is made of tin, and goes by clockwork. On the pressing of a small button he will go clattering off. Ah! I see him go crashing through the undergrowth. Tally ho! We're on his trail; our hounds, also made of tin, are just in front of our "jeeps," their barks sound like this: Honk! Honk! Get out of the way. Oh, dash! That's one hound less. Why, the others are slowing down. I know, their clockwork has run down. After that small delay of four hours we are now on our way again. Rat-tat-tat-tat. Ah! somebody has sighted the stag and taken a shot with some armour-piercing machine gun bullets. The stag goes ploughing through a field, then crash! And as we catch up we see that his head had fallen off. Up comes the chief engineer and welds and rivets it on again. Now we are coming to a river, but the stag does not stop. He tries to swim it, but, being made of tin, he sinks. We call the salvage party, who come upstream in a cruiser, and soon have him out of it. The works being rusty, we have to pack up for the day. Phew, what a chase!

"COME on, wake up!" cried the bosun's voice, "You're on first watch." Drearily I dragged myself from my bunk and got into my gum-boots and jacket and donned my cap. On the bridge with the captain and officers I took my place. All around us were tankers, ships of all kinds, including the protecting destroyers. After long hours of searching the seas and skies for enemy U-boats and 'planes, I noticed in the distance a series of dots in formation. Into my mind rushed the thought, "Are they ours or enemy?" I at once reported my discovery to the captain, "'Planes coming in from the N.W., sir." The radio officer soon confirmed my report, "Radio reports enemy 'planes coming in from the N.W." At once "Action stations" was sounded, and the speed at which the men got to their guns was remarkable. It was not long before the guns were pounding away at the enemy 'planes. The din was tremendous, and then suddenly one of the 'planes broke through the barrage. It came hurtling down in a dive and the guns began to concentrate their fire on it, but they did not get in a hit, and then five black dots came from the 'plane. We knew they were bombs. At once the captain gave an order, "Hard to starboard," but he was too late. The pilot of the enemy 'plane had sacrificed himself to get in a hit, for meanwhile he had crashed into the sea a good distance away, after being hit whilst pulling out of his dive.

Boom! One of the bombs had hit the deck. At once fire broke out and some of the crew and myself began to try to put it out. Unluckily for us it spread quickly, and I suddenly found myself surrounded by fire, with the deck giving way beneath me, and I found myself falling, falling, until thud! I landed on the floor of the hold. I caught myself a nasty crack on the head, and when I woke up I found myself lying on the floor of my bedroom with blankets all around me.

A HUSHED silence fell upon the group of specially-picked officials and reporters as the Prime Minister shook hands with the stalwart captain of the "Meteor." Although many eyes were turned towards this spectacle, many more were proudly looking at the huge glittering cylindrical shape of the first space-ship ever built. In the year 1973 the news of this monster "bird of space" had burst upon the astonished publics of the world. All through its long and tedious creation, from the drawing-boards to its first test flight, it had been kept a close secret. The crew had to be, of course, specially picked and trained. And now, at this moment, with the crew of 35 standing stiffly to attention, the Captain and Prime Minister shaking hands, the designers and engineers being congratulated by Government delegates, the mechanics were making final preparations for the flight, which, it was fervently hoped by the world would result in the "Conquest of the Moon." The crew filed up the shining, metal gangway into the space-ship to their stations. Giant air-lock doors silently closed as this huge metal conqueror of the skies prepared to "take off." Soon there was a sound like rushing air, and then a thumping staccato noise. Presently this stopped, a red light flashed in the control cabin, and as gracefully as an albatross the "Meteor" soared into the vastness of the blue. With powerful rockets firing a symphony of dull bursts, mile by mile it shot nearer and nearer to its momentous goal.

The crew went about their duty with calm efficiency, donning their space-suits, navigating regulating rocket shoots, repairing and performing a thousand complicated duties. Mile by mile they shot nearer and nearer the moon, and soon the time was coming when they would shut off the rocket power and let the gravitational power of the moon complete the hazardous journey. But almost as the Captain was saying the words, "Cease Rockets," there came a rending crash, while the giant ship staggered to the side, and started a crazy side to side body-jolting movement. Two rocket shafts had got out of synchronisation and were firing at different times. The order was given to fire the main rocket shaft only, and the terrible bone-breaking jarring ceased. As the distance decreased the atmosphere became electric with expectancy and excitement. By now the moon had grown to an unimaginable size; the whole front view was blotted out, while in the rear the black vastness of space, with only the now comparatively small planet, Earth, confronted one. All the crew stood silent and awestruck at their posts. Soon, looking much like a seagull about to land the "Meteor" hovered for a moment, and then almost gingerly alighted on the hard, barren rock. For fully three minutes there was complete silence. The crew tried hard to realise the full meaning. They - they, were the first men ever to reach the Moon. And then with one accord, with special pressure suits on, they rushed out. Several men collapsed, but were soon revived. Soon wireless contact with the Earth was established. And as the first men on the Moon were preparing to explore the Earth's satellite, yet another spaceship, the "Nebula," was about to follow its great predecessor.

A SHORT time ago I happened to overhear the end of a discussion. A fat, bumptious old gentleman ended it abruptly by saying that he doubted if the person in question even knew that the world was round. The other party of the argument agreed with him, and said that he thought that the man in question was a bit of a chump. Almost immediately I dismissed the matter from my mind, but since then I have pondered greatly on the subject. And on thinking things over, it seems to me that the fact that the world is round is important to few people and interesting to even fewer. The subject is never brought up in conversation. Nobody ever broadcasts about it. Literature never uses it as the base of a story or a poem. On top of all this the world does not even look round. To the normal individual the place that looks even slightly rounded is the sea. The layman would remark if he were to see a ship disappearing over the horizon that the earth certainly seems a bit bent. The only people who use the fact that the earth is round are the makers of globes.

When next I see that fat old gent, woe betide him. I will go .up to him and say, "Sir, you seem to think that the knowledge that the world is round is an astounding, discovery. You, sir, know that the earth is round." He will, of course, agree. "Well, sir, have you ever made use of this knowledge in public, or even private?" He will by this time have taken me to be a madman and will be preparing to defend himself. "Time and again you have spoken not only of the ends, but of the four corners of the earth. You ask at your bookstall for the "Wide (not the round) World Magazine." You remark to a friend who has just bumped into you in public that the world is a small place, never a round one. No, sir, never a round one. You are not even capable of verifying the fact."

IF you have got a kit for building a model it will include:- (1), A block of wood, partially carved to the shape of the body; (2), one or two pieces of wood for the wings, if the model is a monoplane, or two or four if it is a biplane; (3), pieces of wood for tail, rudder, radiator, and propeller; (4), turned-wood parts such as cowlings, wheels, &c.; (5), plans and insignia; (6), paints; (7), cement.

First of all study the plans and make sure you understand them. Then check the body (or fuselage), block outline by the plans, and trace the fuselage sections on to a piece of cardboard. Next you need a sharp penknife, and with it start cutting the body to the right section, as shown on the cardboard section you cut out. When you are sure you have cut the body to as near to the right section as possible, commence sandpapering. For the first application of sandpaper you should use grade 1, which is fairly coarse, and then, if you are sure the body has the right section, start rubbing it up with very fine, about grade 000. The next thing to do is to cut the cockpit out and then cover it with celluloid, put seat, joystick, and instrument panel in. The body is then finished, except for any other detail that might be shown on the plan. Now come the wings and tail. They are done in almost the same way as the body, i.e., the wing section should be cut out of cardboard and the wing cut to that section with the penknife and sandpapered the same way as body. The tail, fin, and rudder are cut the same way as the wing. The wings are fitted to the body by means of headless pins and plenty of cement. The tail and rudder stuck on, the whole sandpapered for about half-an-hour, and painted in correct colours.

I THINK that no-one will deny that the Poly. has the best collection of unpaid Prefects that it is possible to obtain. No doubt there are a few who disagree with this, but to these I put the question, "Where would we be without Prefects?" Kindly have that boy ejected who dared to say, "Free on Saturday mornings." In Minehead the Prefect has come more into contact with the junior schoolboy. The gap between the young Third Former and the extremely dignified Sixth Form Prefect is being successfully bridged. It is a common sight, when taking a stroll down The Avenue, to see a Prefect taking a fatherly interest in a group of Fourth Formers (minus school caps, but wearing Polychromatic ties).

The friendliness between the Prefect and the Lower School is shown by the fact that the Prefect is called by his first name. On other occasions various other names of an even friendlier character are used. One Prefect, probably on account of his military prowess, has had an American Army car named after him.

The Prefects also take an interest in the handwriting of their young admirers, and occasionally hand out writing exercises for the boys to copy out, about two or three hundred times. Owing to their extreme popularity the Prefect has many friends among the boys. So many, in fact, that the Prefects have to put these boys' names down in a note book so as not to forget them. The very close friends of the Prefects have special tuition in the art of sitting still, on Saturday mornings, probably with the idea of becoming Yogis on leaving school. From the words of praise that are muttered by the boys on leaving this special lesson, I gather that it is very popular. This lesson is, of course, voluntary, and there are so many candidates for it that their names have to be picked out of a hat by the Head Prefect. The boys show their appreciation for what the Prefects do by putting money in the caps as they go round on Saturday morning. So beloved are the Prefects that even the Masters subscribe.

The Prefects also appreciate the boys' co-operation, and as a way of demonstrating this, the Prefect in charge of any assembly always gives the boys loud applause before the entry of the Masters.

The author hopes that the above article will compensate for his absence from last week's detention.

TO use the phrase of the Headmaster of Leighton College, young Dixon "was an everlasting curse to the teaching profession and a problem case for the psychologists," which, for the benefit of younger readers, means that he was a bad lad.

One day the English Master entered Dixon's Form room in a vile temper after being reprimanded by his wife (for although at School a Master rules supreme, at home he is a typical husband, walking in fear of his wife). Upon sitting down the Master felt an acute pain, and rose rather hurriedly, lifting several tin tacks from his chair. Furious with everything and everybody, he threatened to punish the whole Form unless the instigator of the plot confessed. This typically feminine threat had the desired effect and one need hardly say that later in the day Dixon's trousers were being vigorously dusted whilst he was in a bending position. "I would have shuddered at the thought of playing pranks on a Master when I was a boy, and you had better think likewise," the Head Master had said to him as Dixon was hurriedly projected from the study. "The beast can't take a joke. If I were an English Master I would act differently," groaned the punished one as he lay in bed that night.

Several years passed, during which Dixon finished his School career, and eventually became an English Master. One day he came to the hurried conclusion that sitting down was painful, and rose in an undignified way from his chair, much to the amusement of everyone but himself. Tin tacks recovered from the scene of the crime made it inevitable that the culprit was forced to confess by fair means or foul. Escorted by the enraged English Master, the unfortunate one arrived at the Head Master's study, where he ceremoniously received a thrashing. "Boys to-day," said Dixon, "act disgracefully. When I was a boy the mere thought of playing pranks on a Master never entered my head." "The beast can't take a joke," thought the unhappy boy." If I were a Master . . . . . .

AFTER rambling for about three miles along a narrow path which clings precariously to the hillside, I came upon a church and churchyard situated in as extraordinary a spot as man in his whimsicality has ever fixed on for a place of worship. Culbone Church, about two miles from Porlock Weir, is situated in a narrow combe about 400ft. above the sea, and it is so shut in that during the winter months the rays of the sun never reach it. The branches of the trees projecting from the towering slopes brush the walls of this, the smallest church in England. The village of Culbone consists of a couple of cottages, and hence the 33 seats in the church provide ample accommodation for the occupants. The dimensions of this church are 35ft. by 12ft. 8ins.; but, notwithstanding the size, it has a nave, screen, chancel, font, and even a porch. It was planned over 800 years ago, and is built on the site of an old Norman hermitage. The gem of the church is a small window which was built a thousand years ago by the Normans.

The modern name of the church comes from the dedicatory saint, Culbone, but the old name, Tritnore, was possibly derived from the Anglo-Saxon cyta, a cavern, and ore, the seashore. Culbone is the most peaceful church I have come across; no sound from the outside world disturbing it. The only sounds inside the tiny shrine are the whisper of the wind in the trees and the babble of the brook which hurries down the ravine to the sea. The view, although limited, is beautiful. The descending hills frame a strip of blue sea, bounded by the coast of Wales in the distance. As I wended my way back along the narrow path I marvelled that such a quiet, still spot could be found in this world so full of noise and action.

BELOW is a parody of Milton's sonnet "On his Blindness," with the final line omitted. A prize - a free subscription to the Quintinian for next year - will be awarded to the sender of the best line. Entries should reach the Editor on or before June 18th, 1943.

NUMBERS are well maintained, and the enthusiasm at the weekly Monday evening meetings is as great as ever. All four Patrols are doing good work, and there is a healthy rivalry between them. In no previous term have so many Scouts qualified for the 2nd Class Badge. A full day was spent out of doors on the Saturday of half-term, when the Troop was pleased to join with the Land and Sea Scouts in a wide game over the moors. Before the end of term several boys should qualify for their Air Mechanic's Badge. Wells has given a good deal of his time to this group. Jones has turned up whenever he could spare the time, and has been most helpful with outside activities at the week-ends. Mr. Eckersley has classes in Morse at varying standards, and we are again most grateful for his help.

WE have had a good term's scouting. Our activities included many wide games with the Land Scouts, regular Patrol and Troop meetings; and a four-week course on the Coastwatchman Badge, for which we give our heartfelt thanks to Captain Lawrence, R.N. A companionway to the Den has been erected, and various internal decorations have been effected. We must congratulate P.L. Ralph Worsnop on gaining his 1st Class Badge and Q.M. John Bullen and P.2nd William Alison on becoming King's Scouts. We look forward to good camping this summer, and hope to have many opportunities for boating.

QUIET work has been the main feature of the term. Lt. Breek, an old boy, spoke to the Cadet Corps and the Unit on the work of the Armoured Corps. On behalf of the O.C. South-West Command, F1t.-Lt. Snape inspected the unit and reported very favourably on the bearing of the Cadets and the organisation of the Unit. A boxing team was sent to Bridgwater to compete in the Somerset elimination bouts. Cpl. Sheardown defeated a Minehead opponent, and Za, Warran, and Hentschel had walkovers. These four Cadets will compete in the S.W. Command tournament, at Exeter. Our best wishes go with them.

SINCE Christmas the strength of our Corps has been increasing, and we are now almost up to our official "ceiling" of 100 boys over 14. All recruits are very keen. Unfortunately, some of our best Cadets left last term. Our C.S.M., Robertson, has joined the R.A.C. We were very sorry indeed to lose him, and on behalf of the Corps I give him these words of thanks and good wishes. As Sgt. Driffield also left, the band suffered considerably. Recently Sgt. Bawden and Cpl. Fox have been accepted for six months University short courses for the R.A. and R.C.S. respectively. We wish all these the best of luck and hope their past training will serve them well. At present a large amount of the administrative work of the Corps is done by C.Q.M.S. Jeffery, while the training is mainly in the hands of the new C.S.M., Branscombe. We are grateful to these Cadets for the time and energy they put into their good work.

Captain Smith, after a week's attachment to a Primary Training Centre, at Plymouth, returned to describe to Cadets the excellent kind of preliminary testing and training every entrant to the Army has to go through, so that suitable jobs are found for a maximum number of men. L/Cpl. Thorogood went to a P.T. course Salisbury and won commendation, passing all the severe tests. Since his return he has been useful, since the Corps is now putting all Cadets through physical efficiency tests for Cert. A. These are not yet compulsory, but our Corps likes to be ahead, rather than behind, the times.

The Certificate A examination is being taken on Friday, 19th March, when 20 "over 16's" hope to pass the full exam., and 15 others the first part only. Last year we obtained over 25 per cent. of the passes for Part I. in the whole of the County of London, and 15 per cent. of the passes for Part II.

High lights of training to date consist of:- 1, A visit by an O.Q., Captain Drake, who is an authority on Tanks and Intelligence; 2, a commando Captain, who described training, and was, with difficulty, prevailed upon to give us a few details of a raid he was on. The value of these talks is that we always get visitors to answer questions, so that boys can get a real idea of the merits of all the various Services they might join.

Our semi-permanent instructors have been R.S.M.'s of three Guards Regiments. They have put the final polish on to the drill in the square and perfected the timing of prospective n.c.o.'s words of command. Besides the above, shooting, night op.'s, and compass marches have kept us busy.

Lastly, it is good to record the volunteer work done by Cadets as junior H.G. messengers (work shared with the Poly. Scouts), and as senior Headquarters messengers and signallers of the Home Guard.

AT the beginning of the term Dunford was forced to resign from his office as honorary secretary, owing to his increasing work for Inter. This was greatly regretted as it was with his help that Mr. Elgood was able to run the Club so efficiently. During the term many certificates for both 3rd and 2nd Class tests were presented by Dr. Worsnop; so that, with other certificates which are expected very soon, there will be a great majority of the Club ready to take the 1st Class test as soon as the official cards are available. Also, plastic models for recognition purposes have been arriving regularly from the Air Ministry, and have already been used by the new members.

A South-West Regional meeting, held at Bristol, was attended by G. B. Maund, who acted as our delegate. Many general topics concerning the Spotter's Club in this Region were discussed, and soon we will be expecting experienced lecturers to talk upon their work and how it is connected with "raid spotting."

IT has been very difficult to obtain a suitable evening on which to hold our meetings this term, as other School activities have priority during the week, and we have been unable to hold the meetings on Sundays. However, in spite of these hindrances, we have had one very successful debate, when Mr. Eckersley introduced the subject of "Federal Union," with an extremely eloquent paper, which resulted in a very lively discussion.

Before the term is completed there is to be a debate on "Darwin in the light of modern scientific thought," introduced by Miss Collinson and Mr. Elgood. I hope that, with the exams. finished, the attendance will be large.

On the whole the-standard of play by the XI. has improved during the term and, on occasion, it has been quite attractive. Perhaps the chief fault in the team is the lack of drive by the forwards; but it must be admitted that in Army matches they have been opposed by heavy and experienced backs. There has also been a lack of staying power, and it has been most disappointing to find players absolutely beaten half-way through the second half. This was particularly noticeable against Huish's, for after leading 3-1 up to 15 minutes from the end, we only drew 3-3, and were perhaps lucky to secure a draw.

May I pay a tribute to Mr. Sambrook for his excellent work as referee and to Warran for his keenness as Captain this term.

At half term we organised a House knock-out competition for boys under 14. A great deal of enthusiasm was shown, and in the final Lambert-Newman only succeeded in beating Kerridge-Swan 2-1, after extra time.

THIS term boxing is again proving its popularity in the School. There has again been a large attendance at the practice meetings, held in the Methodist Hall every Thursday evening. Most noticeable, however, is the fact that the majority of the new members have been coming from the upper part of the School. It is very unusual to find such aspiration among the older and heavier boys. This keenness among the senior members is probably due in part to the organisation of the A.T.C. National Championships. 622 Flight entered a strong team for the Somerset Area Competition, which was held at Bridgwater on March 6th. It was a new experience for our competitors, none of whom had previously taken part in any competition boxing. Despite this initial handicap, however, all members of the team put up a splendid show, and reviewing the tournament as a whole, it may be stated that for scientific boxing no other unit was superior to 622 Flight. We were indeed fortunate to gain three championships on walk-overs, but this was counterbalanced by the results of three very close and exciting bouts, which went to our boxers' opponents. To be able to send forward four representatives to the South-Western Command Championships, at Exeter, on April 3rd is, however, a very creditable achievement, and the A.T.C. is heartily to be congratulated.

At the time of writing preparations are being made for the now annual Inter-House Boxing Competition, and a record number of entries has already been received. Here again the keenness of the competitions over 9st. is remarkable.

In conclusion, I should like to express the appreciation of all members for the valuable assistance which Mr. Beadon has given us in regularly turning up to the meetings and acting as coach this term.

I AM sure that all the members of Andrews-Hough House join with me in congratulating F. N. Grainger on his promotion to School Prefect. He has proved himself an able Captain of the House, and there is no doubt that he will fulfil his new School duties just as competently. We must also congratulate S. Gregory on his election to Vice-captain of the School Football XI. I also take this opportunity of thanking all the boys and staff who helped in our Christmas concert, which was certainly an outstanding success. Unfortunately, our juniors were not successful in the football competition over half-term, but there is some consolation in the fact that our team was defeated by the Lambert-Newman XI., which won the final. However, we have a fairly large number of entrants in the boxing competition this term, and we have every chance of doing well. Don't forget that the sports occur at the beginning of next term, and it is now high time that training commenced in earnest.

So far we have had quite a good response to the appeal for farm workers during the summer holidays, but I should like many more to volunteer.

THE House concert held with Andrews-Hough at the end of last term was very successful. This was due mainly to the House Masters and the Committee, and many thanks must be extended to them for the work they put into it. School boxing and the School sports are approaching, and it is up to the House generally to keep up the Broodbank-Stevenson tradition and start training now. The Juniors' put up a good show against Hester-Lowe during half-term at football, but were rather unfortunate and lost. There is, however, good talent there to be developed for the future. I hear from H. Lesser that we are doing much better with the War Savings, but I am sure there is room for great improvement, and that there could be many more boys contributing. We were very sorry to lose G. R. Driffield as House Secretary at the end of last term, and wish him every success at his new work.

Since writing the above notes, Fox has left us.. On behalf of the House I should like to express our thanks and best wishes.

SINCE the last House notes were written we have had the pleasure of seeing a very successful House concert. We should like to take this opportunity to thank the House Masters, whose untiring attendance at rehearsals made the concert possible, and also to thank the many boys whose hard work made the show such a success. Our Junior House football team was successful in the first round of the competition at half-term, but was knocked out by Kerridge-Swan in the second round. There appears to be possibilities in this team, and perhaps they will be more successful next time. These notes are required before the Inter-House boxing contest takes place, and it is, therefore, not possible to include the result, but at present there do not appear to be sufficient entries to enable us to win the Sergt.-Major's trophy. We hope to see more turn up on Thursday nights next term, even if it is only to find out for themselves what boxing is like. They will probably enjoy it. The School sports are approaching, and boys should commence training in their spare time. A great effort is still required in connection with House savings. Fish reports that, although we are not at the bottom of the list, we are certainly not at the top. This is not good enough. We must congratulate Miller on being made a Prefect. We were also glad to see a former prominent member of this House, D. D. Jones, re-visit us. We wish the best of luck to those boys who are taking part in the mock Matriculation and mock Higher Schools exams. this term.

SHORTLY before the conclusion of the Christmas term we were all sorry to lose Robertson, who had been our House Captain since Easter, 1942. He is now training with the R.A.C., in which, we hope, he will gain his commission. Davis is proving himself a very worthy successor in the House. Cockman is to be congratulated on his election to the vice-captaincy. Congratulations are due also to Brandhandler on his appointment as a School Sub-Prefect. When the last House notes were written preparations were being made for the House concert, which was held at the end of last term, in conjunction with our old friends, Lambert-Newman. Although the war may have proved fatal to the House tea, which is normally an inseparable adjunct, it could in no way diminish the standard of the entertainment, and the concert was a great success. So far this term our most outstanding achievement has been our success in the Junior House football competition. Our team again reached the final, where, after having been deservedly in the lead almost until the final whistle, it was very unfortunate to lose after extra time. The sterling spirit of the House has again been manifested in the fine response to the call for boxers to continue our tradition of always winning the Inter-House boxing competition. A considerable improvement has been witnessed this term in our contributions to the School National Savings Movement. While this is encouraging, it should not be taken as a signal for any relaxation of effort. By the time these notes appear in print the annual School sports will be at hand. To retain our position here should be the supreme object of every member of the House. For us the athletic sports has this year a special significance. For the past five years we have held first place. That has been done before by Lambert-Newman, but no House has yet held the Athletics' Trophy for six successive years. Let no-one neglect the slightest opportunity for helping our effort. Only by a large entry and hard training can we secure this success.

These are the last notes that Bawden will write as House Secretary as he has to report for Military service on April 6th. His House Masters would like to express their very real appreciation of Bawden's unstinted devotion and hard work over a number of years to Kerridge-Swan House, and to wish him every success for the future.

MY first duty in these notes is to report the undoubted success of our 1942 House concert, held in conjunction with our friends of the Kerridge-Swan House. In spite of the absence of the customary tea, both boys and Masters seemed to enjoy themselves, and the cast is to be thanked and congratulated. At the end of last term the House had the misfortune of losing, among others, our popular House Captain, Peter Pantry, who is now training as a radio mechanic in the R.A.F. Pantry was an invaluable representative in every branch of School and House activity, and his is an example that many juniors in the House would do well to emulate. The good wishes of the House go with him and with the other leavers. The loss of Pantry makes several changes in the House officials necessary. Eric Smith is our new House Captain, and Sheardown is in charge of House football. The duties of House Athletics' Captain are shared by Smith and Sheardown. Two familiar subjects again come up for mention in these notes - conduct and National Savings. There are still certain members of the House whose names appear far too frequently on the detention lists. Those concerned must realise their obligations and begin to pull their weight with the rest of the House. In the House National Savings Movement, too, contributors are too few, and contributions too irregular. The Junior football team is to be warmly congratulated on its performance in the Inter-House knock-out competition, held during the half-term holiday. After defeating Andrews-Hough (3-0) and Russell-Matthews (2-1), they met Kerridge-Swan in the final round. A hotly-contested game ensued - extra time being necessary - but finally Lamberts emerged the victors. Early in next term we shall have the athletic sports. Remember that the time for training is not a week before the event, but now.

THE annual House concert, given in conjunction with Hester-Lowe House, was a great success. Congratulations to those of both Houses who took part. For the first time for several years a House tea could not be provided, but better luck next time. During half-term the Junior football XI. were unfortunate in losing to L-N. 2-1, after a hard fight. Next term I should like to see a big entry for the sports, for which all entrants should start training now. Savings this term have been reasonable and fairly regular, but there is considerable scope for improvement. The general appearance and conduct are good, due in no small measure to our House Masters. If the House is to maintain its high position every boy should be certain he is doing his best in work, conduct, and games.

This is our first Poly. gathering (the Kingtinians) at King's and we are taking advantage of this meeting to send you all our news. In a similar fashion to the other Poly. circle at Cambridge we are seated round the fire, but with one difference - we have no intention of working. The beginning of this term has brought an addition to our ranks, namely, Ted Steward, who has entered wholeheartedly into the traditions of King's. We can assure you that the war will be over "in one fell swoop" now that Ted has "volunteered" for service in the S.T.C. The Poly. is well represented in the various activities at King's. Bob Hartley plays in his usual position in the 1st Soccer XI.; Bob Musgrove has been awarded his Winter Eights Scarf by the Boat Club; and John Gibbons pulls his weight in the Second Eight. "Colonel" Beck is keeping his head above water in the Swimming Club, and also takes a great interest in the Music Club. Ted has hardly had time to think about activities of this type as yet.

In spite of the change over to College life, we still have amusing lectures. The typical atmosphere of a Physics lecture runs as follows:- The Professor comes in and turns out a stray dog and then commences to lecture. After changing his glasses to look at the time he turns off the lights for a demonstration. Suddenly we hear pathetic cries of "Oh! where am I?" and on ringing the bell for the lab. steward, somebody calls out, "Mine's a bitter, please." Engineering lectures, according to Johnny, are run on similar lines, but are more noisy; this being due to lack of feminine society.

Court is now adjourning for light refreshment. Having toasted the Poly., we continue with renewed vigour.

Among outstanding examples of interesting papers given during the session are those of Doctors Femaro and Pincherle on "The Internal Constitution of the Stars" and "The Uncertainty Principle" respectively. A short while ago some of us were invited to Shuttleworth's home, where we passed a most enjoyable evening talking of the good old times. Shuttleworth is taking Honours Maths. at the Bristol University, as you know. Please convey our kind regards to all members of the Staff, and we hope to come in force to visit you some time during one of our vacations.

P. PANTRY is now in the R.A.F. and doing an intensive wireless course at a College in the Midlands.

G. WHITTARD, now Flight-Lt. and D.F.C., is taking a bomber pilot's course in Rhodesia, and after nearly three years in the Middle East, hopes to be home on leave in May.

G. NICHOLS has been awarded D.F.M., and been granted a commission for his work in the raid on Philips' works in Holland. Just after that he crashed, and had to go to hospital with pneumonia. We are all very glad to hear, however, that he is now fit again.

G. METZ is in the R.A.F. in Canada and having, so he says, "a wizard time." Out there he met Flying-Officer Bardega, D.F.M., who, after being an observer, is now training as a pilot.

J. E. BENNETT is in the R.A.F. Armoured Cars in the Middle East, and after being in Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus, and Libya, is now in Tunisia.

G. EVANS, our former School Captain, sends greetings from the Middle East, where he is serving in an Air Sea Rescue Flight.

We have now heard through the Japanese Red Cross, Tokio, that Major J. B. GALLOWAY is a prisoner of war there.

P. E. WARD is a flight mechanic in the R.A.F., and is finding the work very interesting.

D. D. JONES writes to Dr. Worsnop: "I am glad to say I have been selected for the Fleet Air Arm, and begin training in March. I must say that without School Cert. and the knowledge I gained at the Poly. I would never have had a chance. It was the best training a boy could ever wish to have."

R. MITCHELL-LANMAN has gained a commission in the R.A.F., and is "Works" officer, corresponding to the Royal Engineers of the Army. He says he can't say much about the job as he is under "Security," but adds: "The life is grand. My only regret is that I didn't volunteer much earlier."

R. TOURNET, now working for his degree in London, sends word that R. F. ETHERINGTON and H. A. MORELL, who left the School about 1939, are L.A.C.'s in the R.A.F.

I was very much interested on a recent visit to the cinema here to recognise in the Flight-Sergt., who in the news reel described the daylight raid that his Mosquito Squadron had made on Berlin, an old boy of the School, FLETCHER, who left about 1932.

It is with deep sorrow that we record the deaths of these old boys:-

K. BRAMALL, killed in action.

IAN GEDDES, killed in action, November 23rd.

P/O. K. RAWLINS, killed in flying accident, September 9th, 1942.

P/O. JOHN STENNING (1934-9), killed, January 31st, 1943.

The following is an extract from a letter sent by the Wing Commander of the Squadron to which Rawlins was attached:- "He was on a cross-country flight and got caught in some storms and coming down through them, presumably to establish his position, he perhaps in an attempt to land, hit some trees and then went straight into the ground. Although he had only been here such a short time, we are going to miss a brave and cheerful personality of the type we can so little afford to lose in these days. His instructor spoke very highly of his ability, and I am sure, had it not been for this regrettable accident, that he would have been an extremely useful pilot on Night Fighter Squadron."

We regret to report as missing from a raid on Germany in October, 1942, Sergt-Pilot G. W. RHODES. This letter was sent by the Wing-Commander of Rhodes' Squadron:-

Dear Mr. Rhodes, - I am deeply grieved at the necessity for a letter of this sad description. During a stay with my Squadron, which has proved all too short, your son had quickly settled down and had made a host of friends by his never-failing cheerfulness, his willingness, and his quiet confidence. He had amply proved himself to be a most capable and efficient pilot and captain of aircraft, and at all times displayed skill, keenness, and determination. His loss, a temporary one, I hope, is a heavy blow to the Squadron and to the great cause for which he has so nobly fought.

He had already completed five successful operational sorties, three of which were against heavily-defended targets in Germany. There is little I can tell you of this fateful sixth sortie, for which he and his crew were detailed to attack yet another target situated deep into Germany, for no further signal was received from his aircraft after it had left base. Thus we have no clue as to the nature or extent of the disaster which has befallen it, but, knowing his own skill and determination and the excellence of his crew, I feel that we may learn during the next four or five weeks that they are all safe and well as prisoners of war. Any news which may come through will be sent to you without delay.

The officers, n.c.o.'s, and men of my Squadron join with me in expression of deepest sympathy to you in your time of sorrow and anxiety. We pray with you for his safety.

SCHOOLBOYS usually have the idea that the Bible and religion are "things for old ladies," and are matters of indifference, or even contempt, to people who matter. The following compilation was started with the idea of showing the falsity of this conception.

From Mr. CHURCHILL'S "Give us the tools" speech:- "At that time I ventured to draw General Wavell's attention to the 7th Chapter of the Gospel of St. Matthew at the 7th verse where, as you all know - or ought to know - it is written: "Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you."

General MONTGOMERY, addressing his staff officers before going to Egypt. Among his final words were: "Gentlemen, I read my Bible every day, and I recommend you to do the same."

From General MONTGOMERY'S Christmas Message, 1942, to all ranks of the 8th Army: "Before the battle began I sent you a message in which I said, 'Let us pray that the Lord Mighty in Battle will give us the victory.' He has done so, and I know that you will agree with me when I say that we must not forget to thank Him for His mercy."

General DOBBIE tells that while he was Governor of Malta he received a telegram from Lord Ironside, then Chief of the Imperial General Staff, stating: "Deuteronomy, chapter 3, verse 22." He looked up the reference. It read: "Ye shall not fear them, for the Lord your God He shall fight for you."

General DOBBIE, in a broadcast talk: "During these two years of the siege I was very conscious of the good hand of God upon us, and I am sure that the continued safety of Malta was ultimately due to His divine protection. I am not alone in this conviction. Many others share it with me, and are glad to acknowledge it humbly and thankfully."

Right Hon. R. S. HUDSON, Minister of Agriculture, in a broadcast talk. "But I believe that we have a higher Power to thank as well, from the depth of our hearts. Some Power wrought a miracle in English harvest fields this summer, for in this our year of greatest need, the land gave us bread in greater abundance than we had ever known before."

The Right Hon. Lord HANKEY, Paymaster General:- "And, above all let us make full use of our limitless spiritual resources. Let us turn in all humility, with public and private prayer and thanksgiving, to our only omnipotent Leader, Whom in the days of our prosperity we have sometimes neglected, but never forgotten, in the absolute confidence that in His own time and His own way he will bring us victory."

Right Hon. ERNEST BROWN, Minister of Health:- "There is one role which all can play: all can answer the call of Christ to be instant in prayer. Prayer is the one thing necessary above all others today. To win the war and the peace we shall need in this nation a higher proportion of spiritual power which some call morale. God's equipment for His cause which in this fourth year of the war is clearly beginning to prevail, is 'power from on high.' The secret of that power is prayer, both public and private."

General Viscount GORT, in a broadcast sermon:- "Strong, therefore, in the support of our faith and of that armour of God, of which St. Paul speaks, we dedicate ourselves anew to this crusade which shall rid the world of a scourge. In this spirit let us all go forward together."

President ROOSEVELT:- "In making this first day of the year 1942 a day of prayer, we ask forgiveness for our shortcomings of the past, consecration to the tasks of the present, and God's help in the days to come. We need His guidance that we may be humble in spirit but strong in the conviction of the right, steadfast to endure sacrifices, and brave to achieve the victory of liberty and peace."

Sir STAFFORD CRIPPS:- "We believe that there is a power greater than any material power - a power of the spirit, without which we can never succeed in transforming our lives and our society. That power of the spirit we call God."

R. A. BUTLER, President of the Board of Education, in a Broadcast speech:- "I know that there is a widespread agreement that, subject to the rights of conscience, children should have, at all stages of their school life, opportunities for simple worship, a knowledge of the Bible, and instruction by well-qualified teachers about the life and teaching revealed. These, surely, are the proper heritage of children in this country."

You know, life is full of pictures if only we had eyes to see them. I wandered into Glen Lyn the other day to see if anyone else had fallen out of the top floor window. The boys were finishing breakfast, and there was no sound except the usual low twanging noise made by 20 sets of pearly teeth steadily nibbling the fat off 20 lengths of bacon rind tightly stretched between the first finger and thumb of each hand. Mr. Merrills was quietly designing a new soup supper dish, and the new hostel dog was eating Williams' maths. homework.

What a scene of sweet, simple domesticity! You know, all you boys ought to be in hostels. You don't realise what you miss. There's comradeship, emulation, stimulation, perspiration, intoxication, and desperation. They're all good Scouts. You know that fine Scout motto: "A Scout is a fiend to all and a bother to every other Scout."

In the hostels the 6th Form chaps take it in turn to do all the homework, and the Prefects vie with each other who is to clean the boots. The Masters in charge count your spots, give you pocket money and advice. In fact, there's that "Toujours la Polytesse" spirit pervading the whole. All the hostel boys have either a garden or are encouraged to do some other form of war service, keep white mice, pigs, or what not. In the Lodge two chaps have half a share in a grey rabbit, and I've just been let into a secret: at Mr. Newman's new hostel, at Hopcott, five boys have got a three-quarters share in an ostrich. The other quarter is divided between The Lodge and The Dene. It all happened rather curiously.

A Hopcott boy saw an advertisement in the local paper: "Eggs for sale, 2/11¾ a dozen." He collected 2/1 in five fivepences on the spot, and there he stuck. By dint of strenuous barter he at last obtained 10d. from The Dene boys on a promise of a one-eighth share and in exchange for a self-filling fountain pen nib; and the odd farthing from The Lodge, on promise of the last one-eighth share and in exchange for a Bren gun, seven tracer bullets, and 9ft. ½in. of quick-firing fuse. When the eggs arrived the toute ensemble, all agog with expectancy sitting round in Mr. Russell's and Mr. Judd's den (which was reckoned as the only neutral ground), had a shock. There were 10 ants eggs, a bright green thing about the size of a snooker ball, and a large creamy contraption something like a small Rugby ball.

When Mr. Russell, aided by Mr. Judd, had restored order, it was decided unanimously that the eggs should not be shared out until they were hatched. (Three boys did not vote as they were standing outside in a line with their hands on their heads). Quartermaster Jeffery was commissioned to keep the eggs in a warm, damp place; so they were put in a warm, damp place in the shower baths. Unfortunately, the ants hatched out first and got away down the plug-hole. Then the snooker ball split and proved to be a duck-billed platypus. This was given to the caretaker at Meth. as a pet. Finally, the big egg blew up with a bang while a Prefect was having a hot shower, and out stepped Elise, the ostrich. She is still with us, I think.

She immediately exhibited very taking ways, and celebrated her birthday by eating a towel, three tubes of toothpaste, a copy of Sir William Beveridge's report, which the Prefect was reading, and a box of electric light bulbs. I am told the expression on her face when the latter popped at odd intervals inside her was most disturbing to watch. From The Lodge she was sent, with none too glowing credentials, to the holders of the major share, subject to one condition, viz., that every 8th egg should become the property of The Lodge (The Dene boys had already stipulated that every 7th out of eight eggs should be their property). The last I heard of Elise was that she had five eggs in the coal shed. There's the story to date, and that shows you what can be done in hostels by team work.

WANTED. - An ostrich (male), no reasonable price refused; or would exchange for Hall and Stevens Algebra Part 1. (without answers). - Apply, The Hostel, Hopcott.

LOST. - From the Hostel, Hopcott, 50 gramophone records, an electric train, and five gas masks (small size). Finder suitably rewarded.

Their instructions were to sell as many as possible at seven a penny, and the rest at 3d. each. This will be found in each case to come to 1s. 8d.

Jan. 9	v. Senior Schools, at Chiswick	Won	5-2
16	v. Minehead A.T.C.	Lost	3-5
23	v. An R.E. Co.	Won	7-2
Feb. 6	v. Bomb Disposal Unit	Lost	1-7
13	v. Wireless Wing	Lost	3-5
20	v. Huish' School, Taunton	Draw	3-3
27	v. Bomb Disposal Unit	Won	4-2
Mar. 6	School A XI. v. County School	Won	4-2
13	v. Wireless Wing	Lost	1-3