Prefects

Friends, and fellow-classmates of the Third, lend me your ears,

I come to abolish prefects, not to praise them.

The lines that they have given us live after them.

Their hearts are oft of solid stone;

And so it is with prefects.

The noble Miller hath told us they are to be obeyed

But if it were so, it was a grievous mistake, and grievously shall they pay for it.

Here under noble Paul, and the rest;

For Paul is an honourable prefect;

So are they all, all honourable prefects,

Come I to speak in our defence,

For they are not friendly, faithful or just to us.

But Paul says we are rude to them

And Paul is an honourable prefect.

He hath sent many victims to detention,

Whose lines did many dustbins fill.

Did this, in Paul, seem honourable?

When, that his victims hath wept, he hath laughed.

Prefects should be made of softer stuff,

Yet Paul says we are rude to them,

And Paul is an honourable prefect;

You all did see that on Speech Day,

He thrice presented me with lines,

Which I did thrice refuse;

Was this honourable?

But Paul says we were rude to them,

And sure, he is an honourable prefect.

I speak not to disprove what Paul hath said,

But here I am, to speak what I do know.

You all did like him once, not without cause,

What cause witholds you to abolish them.?

Sandra Pickersgill (3C)

Susan Sutcliffe (3C)

 

 

My Desk

There’s nothing much inside my desk,

A hand-grenade or two,

A test tube full of arsenic

And Billy Fury’s shoe.

We mobbed him at the Palace-

He never had a chance –

We charged him at the stage-door;

About ten thousand fans.

There's less important things there, too –

Like school text books and such;

But only used when I am forced,

They don't amount to much.

I saw a mouse inside there once,

And so I set a trap

A prefect put his hand inside –

He won't again, poor chap!

Alas, alack, 'tis sad to say,

Although I use it every day,

And through this term it served me fine,

I hate this stupid desk of mine

D.Chapman 2B

The Beginning of Jazz

Jazz began its life in 1900 in one of the largest Southern States of America, New Orleans. This happy city, at the slightest excuse indulged in either wildly exciting carnivals, lavish balls, colourful processions or enthusiastic marches. During such marches a profusion of bands would also take part. These bands were playing and experimenting with the negro Spiritual Music.

From this struggle inevitable emerged "Kings" of this era. These fine natural musicians and their music were only then in an early stage of development. They used many makeshift mutes half a coconut shell, a bathroom plunger, an old derby hat and a child's sand pail to modify the sounds of their trumpets and trombones.

It was during this period that piano ragtime developed, as bar and club pianists, imitating the banjos of band musicians had the advantage of being able to reproduce the effect of two, three or even four banjos at once.

Ragtime ran a parallel course with Jazz, until it disappeared after the end of World War I, and the many fine pianists and composers contributed to the improvement of jazz. Jazz later spread across to the other States as well. To St. Louis, Memphis, Kansas, Pittsburg, and eventually New York. In new surroundings the bands found tremendous popularity and acclaim for their music.

One of the most successful bands was that of King Oliver and his Creole Jazzband, favourites of Chicago. Their standard of playing was well above average with regard to their instruments, balance, adaptness, fullness and timbre of tone. A great playing power in the band of King Oliver was a young cornet player named Louis Armstrong.

The centre of Jazz in 1927 was undoubtedly Chicago, where the music was styled and tailored by skillful musicians and greatly improved instruments.

S.C. Nelson, Form 2C.

 

Arran

Twenty seven Biologists, Geographers and Geologists arrived outside the school at 7. 15 on the morning of Saturday 20th April. We loaded the coach with hammers, hand lenses, bottles and old newspapers for wrapping specimens and set off for the field week on the island of Arran, Scotland. On the way we passed through Gretna Green. We finally arrived at Fairlie Pier, where we caught the ferry to Arran. Our first impression of the island was of steep sided mountains dropping down to the sea at Brodick Bay. Contrary to our expectations we did not have to pass through the customs when we disembarked; instead we were picked up by what must have been one of the oldest coaches in Scotland and taken to the Guest House at Lamlash, which looked across the sea to Holy Island.

The party had been previously divided into groups to study different aspects of the island. Some were to study Biology, some the settlements, others the earth sculpture and a select group were to study the Geology. Enthusiasm and high spirits were dampened considerably by heavy rain in the afternoon of the first day. However for the rest of the week we could not grumble, for there was little rain and the sun shone.

A dull and rather damp Monday was occupied for a trip round the island - a circular tour of 55 miles. There was a visit to the cheese factory, where we were intrigued by the methods of manufacturing the cheese. In the north of the Island we stopped to watch the Red Deer close to the road. A Fifth-Form group with Mr. Thomas, pretended to be map-reading, but at least one was busy inventing a new sport of throwing the duffle bag and has established the record of 2,000 ft. He now has no duffle-bag.

This party spent most of its time scrambling among the crags of Boat Fell.

For the rest of us there was much walking, sketching, talking to farmers and local characters, collecting and analysing soil samples, identifying and counting plants and finally writing. The tatter covering about a hundred sides of quarto paper. There was time for relaxation. Just!

Grateful thanks are extended to Mr. Miller and all members of the staff who made a working holiday very enjoyable.

J. Sandham 6 LA

B. O'Hara 6 LA

 

A Hiker's View of Arran

We arrived at Brodick Pier through an afternoon mist on Saturday, 20th April, and after a short ride, in one of the few buses on the island (It looked as though it had been there since the internal combustion engine had been invented!) we arrived at the Holiday Fellowship Guest House, at Lamlash, in which we were staying. The hikers, 8 + Mr. Thomas, were billeted in chalets behind the main building.

Sunday 21st.

In the morning some of the party went for a short walk round the Clauchland Hills. After a splendid lunch the whole party went southwards up Monamore Glen and on to an area similar to the peat bogs of the Pennines. This day Mr. Thomas misjudged the time (or did he) and we arrived back an hour late for tea.

Tuesday 23rd.

It was a beautiful day and a certain member of our party donned shorts. We were taken by Mr. Miller in his "Utilabrake" (the back seats of which are very hard) to Sannox at the entrance to Glen Sannox. We went up the Glen to a disused mine, and climbed up to the edge of a corrie, and then on to a ridge overlooking the corrie. Here Mr. Thomas got stuck in a crack on a slab and required two of us to push him up.

From the ridge -top "Coich-na-h-Oighe" we went over "Mullach Buidhe", and from there across the Stacach arete to Goat Fell (2866'), the highest mountain on the island. We completed the day by dropping down from Goat Fell through Brodick Castle Grounds and returned to Lamlash in Mr. Miller's vehicle.

Wednesday 24th

It was a miserable day and after a short ride in the "Utilabrake" we headed up Glen Rosa. It was a long wearisome climb, the last part of which was in cloud until, just as we reached the ridge (Saddle) connecting Cir Mhor to Goat Fell, the cloud started to lift. We went down a steep gully cut in a dyke, led by Mr. Thomas (from behind) and so into Glen Sannox. The Glen was very marshy and several members of the party had arguments with the bogs; and by the colour of the trousers the bogs won. After gaining the main road we had to walk almost to Brodick, before we were picked up by Mr. Miller. By this time we were almost collapsing with hunger. As we were unable to get any food from the village store as it was half-day closing. We survived.

Thursday, 25th

This was another bright day although we climbed up above the cloud level. Mr. Miller again ferried us to Sannox and from there we went up the North side of the Glen and climbed into Suidhe Fheargas. We then continued across the ridge-top, skirting the treacherous "Witches Step" or "Ceumna Caillich". From there we went onto the "Castles" (2735' to 2817'), an eerie place enveloped in cloud. Which way to go? After some hesitation one route was followed, which, as the cloud lifted suddenly revealed the surrounding land, proved to be the correct route. This led onto another craggy peak – "Cir Mhor" (2618). It was on the steep descent of this that one enlightened member of the party decided that it was better to throw his duffle bag fell down into the wrong side into Glen Sannox while we went down into Glen Rosa at the other side of the saddle (1 have no information about a reward for the recovery of the wandering bag)

Arran.gif (17963 bytes)

Friday 26th

This was our free day for which we were very thankful. Most of us hired bikes for the day, at a reasonable charge. The weather was hot and windy, and in the morning several sightings were reported of submarines in the Firth of Clyde.

Saturday 27th

We were awakened very early in the morning and after a reasonable meal we all piled into the old coach - the holiday was over. We would like to thank all the members of staff and especially Mr. Thomas for a very enjoyable holiday.

P. D. Johnson. 5 Sc. l.

Lakeland Trips 1963

On a frosty Sunday last December, a party from school left by coach for the Lake District with the object of climbing Scafell Pike, England's highest mountain. We left the coach at the Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Great Langdale and climbed up to Esk Hause via Rossett Gill and Angle Tarn. When we reached Esk Hause the party divided, the more masochistic individuals continuing over Broad Crag to Scafell, while the other half descended via Grains Ghyll to Seatoller in Borrowdale. Here we rejoined the coach and returned home via Keswick, stopping at Kendal en route

A further expedition to Borrowdale was arranged in March, and thus one Sunday morning found us once again at Seatoller. En route we had stopped besides the ice-bound Lake Windermere. From Seatoller we climbed up amongst the snow - covered conifers to Sty Head Tarn - a bleak spot surrounded on all sides by snow covered mountains towering high above us. From here we climbed via Sprinkling Tarn once again to Esk Hause. The main party then descended Grains Ghyll while a small group continued onto the snow-covered ridge of Glaramara. Here certain individuals decided that it would be faster to slide down the fellside - it certainly was!

Eventually after a few minor incidents we all arrived, one way or another, on foot or otherwise, at Seatoller.

Our thanks go to Mr. Thomas and the other members of staff who take part in these activities.

W. A. Chapman 55c.l

The School Trip

to the Scottish Highlands, 1963

On Friday, May 31st, after a school dinner, 38 boys and 3 masters set of for ten days in Scotland. Nine hours later, after a warm journey, stopping at Gretna Green, the coach pulled up outside Loch Lomond youth hostel. Once we had been put into dormitories we were free to explore until bedtime, at 10.30 p.m.

At half-past four next morning most people were awake and at 5 o’clock Mrs. Smith told everyone to "go away and not to be back until 7.15 a.m!" Later, after a cold breakfast, the coach set off fur Luss where we halted. Afterwards we stopped by the river at Killin for lunch and paddled - one boy went swimming unintentionally - before going to a car park at the bottom of Ben Lawers, 3984'. This mountain we attempted to climb, with varied success for the reward of a free bottle of pop. The lucky six were all under 14. It was so hot that some equipment, shed on the ascent, was not retrieved on the way back. When everyone was back in the coach we proceeded to Garth youth hostel, another large country house, for supper and bed.

Next morning, having been awakened at 7 o'clock, a more reasonable hour, some of the party went back to Ben Lawers, to find mislaid belongings, and the rest went on a long hike in Glen Lyon, passing through Aberfeldy. Having returned to the hostel we concluded the day with an energetic game of football against a group of boys from Newcastle.

On Monday the coach headed north. Having stopped at Glencoe (the site of the massacre) Fort William (we stopped to do some shopping) and Dingwall (to stretch our legs), we arrived at Carbisdale Castle youth hostel, built in 1910-12 by the Dowager Duchess of Sutherland, whose ghost haunts the place (we did not see her). This was a self cooking youth hostel, so the meals were not quite up to standard, and our dishwashing stopped up the sink. (Proposed; that some girls or a Domestic Science Course be taken next time!)

On Tuesday morning there was a choice. One could go on a 25 mile "slog" with Mr. Smith, in a competition hike, or a 7 mile amble to Shin Fall’s via the railway viaduct, with Mr. Turner and Mr. Hardman. The first party returned muddy and exhausted. On the expedition hike the last team in won, the first team having missed one grid reference. The Shin Falls party had a lazy day, and caught two 1' adders.

In the morning we turned south again to Inverness, to do some shopping, stopped at Culloden, where Bonnie Prince Charlie was defeated in 1746, and King Ussie, then on to the Pass of Killicrankie. After walking through this Pass, we went to Strath Tummel youth hostel just above Loch Tummel. Here the meals were cooked for us, and as at Loch Lomond and Garth, we heartily enjoyed them.

On Thursday morning we went to Pitlochry to see the Dam and Fish Ladder, which was interesting, but all we saw was one small trout, and some huge salmon - on a fishmongers slab. Back at the hostel some people went for a swim in the ice-cold Loch Tummel, while others explored.

Friday was the first really wet day we had, but the coach took us to Crieff, Linlithgow, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, Stirling Castle, which we visited, and the Forth Bridge, finishing at Hailes House youth hostel, about 5 miles outside Edinburgh. That evening we went into the city and, having visited the castle, separated for sightseeing.

On Saturday June 8th, a boiling hot day, we went back into Edinburgh and, almost penniless, wandered about the city. At 12 o’clock we heard the 21-gun salute fired for the Queen's birthday, and later, the 1 o’clock gun. We returned to the Castle in the evening to watch the Beating of the Retreat, and then toured Edinburgh again, notably Prince’s Street and the Royal Mile.

Bright and early, next day, we lugged our rucksacks out to the coach, and left. We had decided to make one stop at Penrith, to save making sandwiches. Then we sped on, arriving at Monton Green just after three in the afternoon. We had had a very enjoyable trip, seen many places of historic importance and much beautiful and varied scenery. We are indeed grateful to the masters who organised and lead this lively party on such a comprehensive tour of Scotland.

R. M. Britton 3A

 

Art Club

The Art Club has continued to meet though in decreased numbers during the past year. Its most vital task has been the display of reproductions around the school, trying to bring about a greater awareness of painting and good design amongst the unconverted pupils of the school.

Practical meetings still prove to be popular with members, but film shows have proved almost as successful this past year. During the summer months the club does not hold organized meetings but its members continue to draw and paint out-of-doors. The pleasure that can be enjoyed by this spare-time hobby cannot be over advertised. The Art Club would encourage everyone to have a sketch book and make use of it, particularly during the summer holidays, when a personally created record of your activities and adventures will provide you with something of lasting interest and value.

            1. Z

Railway Society

The Society was formed in January this year, after a successful trial tour of Doncaster Works and Shed last October.

The Society meets once a week on Thursday evenings and caters for every kind of railway enthusiast, whether they are interested in steam, diesel or electric locomotives. Several films, outlining the organisation of British Railways, have been shown and members are encouraged to bring their own photographs to exhibit at the meetings. Mr. Coles has delighted many steam enthusiasts with his records of railway sounds which include examples of the Doppler effect.

The opening tour of the Society was to the Liverpool area on February 22nd, but unfortunately the number of engines seen, only 171, was not up to expectation.

During March, two tours were arranged to visit the Manchester locomotive depots. Many members made the trips on bicycle and invariably arrived at their destination before those who used public transport. The once-famous Gorton works which closed in May this year was visited on one of these trips.

The most enterprising tour was on the 7th April when the Society arranged a coach trip to the East Midlands. For those who wonder why a railway society travels by coach, it is because many of the depots are inaccessible and trains on a Sunday are few and far between. Ten locomotive depots were visited and some six hundred engines were seen. Whilst visiting Colwick Depot (near Nottingham) we were fortunate to see a locomotive (number 63639) built by Nasmyth of Patricroft, whose steam hammer is included in our school badge.

Approximately 1,500 engines - l0% of those on British Railways - have been seen at the 25 depots and 3 works which we have visited so far.

Last but not least we would like to thank Mr. Coles and Mr. Hardman for their support and help.

M. J. Ramsbottom.

Camera Club

With the departure of several of its stalwarts, the Camera Club has been non-operative during the current year, although D. Jackson (4 Sc. I) put in some excellent solo work in preparing publicity photographs for the school play.

The club, however, is being revived and it is hoped to start activities next term There appear to be several boys interested in photography and with their help, the club can serve a very useful purpose in the life of the School. Girls, too, will be welcomed. Watch the notice boards for information.

N

Jazz Club

Jazz Club which was started initially for a few enthusiasts in the Sixth-Form in December 1961, is now a flourishing pastime in the music room during the Tuesday dinner Hour.

Encouraged by Mr. Hardman we have been introduced to such as Dave Brubeck, Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa, Stan Kenton, Artie Shaw, Muggsy Spanier, Glenn Miller and vocalists such as Frank Scnshia, Mel Torme and Ella Fitzgerald. Mr. Hardman has very kindly let us borrow his records which we have faithfully returned unbroken. Our Club has a regular attendance of approx. 25 people, most of whom sit tapping their feet, and just naturally nodding their heads (not sleepily I hope.).

The emphasis at Jazz Club is on Jazz and not pop music and to give variety, all kinds of Jazz have been played, traditional, modern, swing and mainstream.

We are all very pleased that Jazz Club's flourishing as it is, and our thanks go to Mr. Hardman for brightening our Tuesday dinner hour.

Fiona Collins 4 Bio.

 

 

"There are two sides to every question"

(a) The statement "there are two sides to every question" presupposes that to every question there are two answers, a right answer and a wrong answer. To many questions there is a multiplicity of answers, especially questions concerning ethical problems; that is, questions to which the answer may not be proved correct, but depends on the opinions and views of those concerned. The statement that "Major social issues divide mankind into two groups", is an over generalization. Often two sides resolve themselves in such issues, but more usually the issues divide mankind into many groups with widely differing views. Some deny that any God exists at all; Some say that there is a God, and He is in the form of a person; others say that "God is the ultimate reality", or "a God is the universe", or even "a God is the laws of Physics".

It is true however, that each group presents a certain amount of valid arguments and exhibits a certain amount of self-interests. In the question of the existence of God, each group has reasons for its beliefs, and many of their reasons are founded on sound and logical reasoning. Social issues concerned with the government of a country often divide the people into two main groups, namely those who are against the government and those who support the government. As usual of course, there are numerous people who are neither in favour of the governments action nor completely against it, but support some "middle of the road" type policy. Consider the social issue of whether hanging should be abolished - there are in this case two well defined group's of people, those in favour of hanging and those against it. Those in favour of hanging give as their reasons (1) that hanging is a deterrent, (2) That murderers ought to be punished for their deeds, and that their life imprisonment is not enough. In fact, neither of these reasons is valid - statistics prove conclusively that hanging has no deterrent effect, and the doctrine "an eye for an eye" overlooks the fundamental reason for punishment - to deter the offender from further crime, although hanging does, of course, appeal to the sadistic nature of the retentionists. Thus although the retentionists certainly show a certain amount of self-interest (namely submission to their sadistic tendencies), they present no valid argument. The abolitionists, however, present a host of valid arguments so much so, that during the past five years, over thirty books campaigning for abolition have been published while not a single one has been published to explain the use of the death penalty, unless we can count the 1949 Royal Commission’s report on hanging, a classic piece of government contradiction and ignorance.

Hence we can see that the statement (a) while being correct often, namely in issues concerning government, is, invariably incorrect, when applied to issues concerning ethics or moral judgements.

(b) In any situation, while there is usually a plurality of choices, they are, by no means all equally good. From any point of view, there is usually one choice which is more desirable than the others. For instance, consider the methods of selection of jurors. Many ways of deciding who should serve on a jury are possible. Jurors could be chosen at random selection (for instance all jurors should have attended grammar schools), possibly even by age (younger jurors, not being as experienced as older jurors, could not be counted upon to give wide decisions). Clearly the possibilities offered are not equally good - random selection seems to be the least effective way of choosing satisfactory jurors since it includes the p05'sibility of lunatics or felons serving on juries. Selection by age seems to be just as impracticable as random selection - a jury of old, feeble-minded veterans is no more capable of giving wise decisions than a jury of inexperienced teenagers.

Hence we see that although every situation offers a plurality of choice, they are by no means equally good - in the case of jurors, selection by merit is more satisfactory than the other offered.

(c) The statement "there are two sides to every question", means that to every question there are bound to be different points of view. The statement does not imply any moral obligation to hear all the points of view before reaching a decision. It can be argued that there are two sides to every question, therefore we ought to hear them all before making a decision, and therefore all parties to a controversy have a right to be heard.. While this logical argument is correct, it is in fact deduced from the original statement not implied by it.

(d) As in statement (c) "There are two sides to every question" does not mean, "you should never come to a decision until you have thoroughly studied the issues"; although it is quite logical to deduce the second statement from the first. Consider the statement "railways are dangerous". The statement means railways are unsafe places for people to walk about. We can see from this statement; "we ought not to go on the railways" but, in the same way as statement (d) or statement (c) the original sentence did not say this.

K. Knight 6 U.

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