summer term 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term...

43
SUMMER TERM 1950

Upload: lamanh

Post on 01-Nov-2018

218 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

SUMMER TERM 1950

Page 2: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

2

Editorial Committee The Headmaster Mr. Barlee Mr. Brittle Mr. Heriz-Smith Miss McPherson M. Haworth Carmel Hicks J. Rees Pat Searight

Page 3: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

THE MAGAZINE OF

KING ALFRED SCHOOL PLÖN

GERMANY

SUMMER TERM 1950

Page 4: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

2

Contents Page

School Notes . . . . . . . 3 Speech Day 1950 . . . . . . 4 St. George’s Chapel . . . . . . 6 The Dedication of St. George’s Chapel . . . 6 House Notes . . . . . . . 7 House Plays . . . . . . . 10 Scouts . . . . . . . 11 Guides . . . . . . . 12 Riding . . . . . . . 12 Yacht Club . . . . . . . 13 Shooting . . . . . . . 14 Cricket . . . . . . . 15 Boys’ Athletics . . . . . . . 19 Girls’ Athletics . . . . . . 20 Boys’ Swimming . . . . . . 21 Girls’ Swimming . . . . . . 21 Tennis . . . . . . . 22 Rounders . . . . . . . 23 The Science Exhibition . . . . . 23 Commander Peter Scott’s Visit . . . . 24 A Visit to Kiel . . . . . . 25 The Danish Visit . . . . . . 26 Our Visit to Bremerhaven . . . . . 26 Visit to an American Destroyer . . . . 27 Music Report . . . . . . . 28 August Folly . . . . . . . 29 The Whole Holiday on the King’s Birthday . . . 30 The Wyvern Club . . . . . . 31 Malaya Today . . . . . . . 32 Literary Section . . . . . . 33 Examination Results . . . . . . 36 Staff . . . . . . . . 37 Helpers . . . . . . . 38 Keys to photographs of staff and helpers . . . 39 Citation index . . . . . . . 41 Photographs: Views of the New Chapel Interior of the New Chapel Staff and Helpers Drawing: Mr. W.P.B. Aspinall by Mr. P.A.L. Heriz-Smith

Page 5: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

3

SCHOOL NOTES THIS year we have wondered more than ever why the term which includes the months of May,

June and July should be called the Summer Term. Certainly we have rarely seen the sun, and there has been more than enough wind to satisfy

even the members of the Yacht Club. But in spite of the weather it has been a most successful term, the highlight of which was our first Speech Day and the Dedication of our new Chapel.

As usual there have been innumerable changes since the Spring Term. We welcome the Rev. C. Bache, who comes to us from Hamburg as Church of England Padre; Miss Jeens, a Biologist and General Subjects teacher; Mr. Farnell, a General Subjects teacher who was at one time at Gordonstoun; Mr. Laic, a Handicrafts specialist; Mr. Hanauer who comes to us from Bedales School to take on the boys’ P.E.; Lieut. (now Captain) Coleman R.A.M.C. who comes to us as School Doctor, and Miss Kitteringham as Headmaster’s Secretary. Dr. Franz takes the place of Dr. Wiebach to teach German. There were also 91 new boys and girls. We must also congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Clark on the arrival of their daughter Vanessa on 5th July.

At the end of the term we lost no less than nine members of the teaching staff. Mr. Aspinall, the Senior Master since the School started, left us to become Headmaster of Sutton Valence School, Kent. We wish him and his family all possible good fortune. Mr. Graham-Smith, who accompanied him to Sutton Valence, will be missed as VI Form Master, as the Housemaster of Churchill House and as a versatile games player and coach. Mr. Barlee, whose great energy was divided between Temple House, the Science Laboratories and the Yacht Club, left us to take over the Scholarship Biology Form at Harrow. We shall miss him and his family. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have also left us, as well as Mr. Cossar, Miss Brotherton, Miss Clake and Miss Yelland. Our good wishes go with them all.

There have been some important additions to the School buildings and grounds. Work on the new St. George’s Chapel continued at increasing tempo so that it was just ready in time for the service of dedication on 17th July. The new Music Room, in what was the old “Prop” room at the back of Butler Hall, is now completed and with its parquet floor and attractive fittings, has provided us not only with a concert room which will seat one hundred and fifty, but with an excellent place for holding small dances. The eight new hard-tennis courts, in spite of having to be relaid several times, were ready for use by half-term, and cricket has been played in the New Field where the grass has now taken firm root.

The School Farm is still empty, but a considerable number of chickens and ducklings have been hatched out in preparation for the arrival of the gardening and farming instructor next term, and two litters of pigs are being kept for us by Central Messing until we are ready to take them over. Thanks to the efforts of Major Freer, the Command Horticultural Officer, the gardens are looking gayer and more orderly each term, though we are always hampered by shortage of gardeners and funds.

We welcomed the teams from Prince Rupert School, Wilhelmshaven, this term and also the twenty boys and girls from the Danish School, Sønderborg who spent a week with us. We were able to return last term’s visit from the American Dependents’ School at Bremerhaven, a visit which was an unqualified success.

H.M. Cruiser ‘Swiftsure’ spent a week at Flensburg early in July. Thirty Officers came over to the School to sail against us but unfortunately the weather was so bad that the match had to be cancelled. Owing to the distance it was not possible to accept the invitation to send a party of boys up to visit the Cruiser.

Apart from those mentioned in the account of Speech Day, we have had many distinguished visitors to the School this term. Major-General Shapland, the M.G.A., was here on 16th May, and after looking round the School he officially opened the newly formed Social Club (for the benefit of the adult community) in what used to be ‘B’ Mess in Smuts. Major-General O’Carroll Scott, the G.O.C. Hamburg District, also visited the School, and Rear-Admiral the Mackintosh of Mackintosh, Flag Officer Commanding the Royal Navy in Germany.

The Director B.F.E.S. accompanied by two H.M.I.'s, Mr. Arnold and Mr. Browne, spent several days at the School and we were very glad that Mr. Lowndes was at last able to find the time to pay

Page 6: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

4

us other than a fleeting visit. Other visitors were Major-General Bishop, Land Commissioner North Rhine Westphalia, Major-

General Newman, Lieut. Commander Peter Scott and Lieut. Col. and Mrs. Penlington (late K.R.O. Plön).

So ends the first term of our third year as a School. The fear arises in some of our minds - a fear somewhat strengthened by the very poor School Certificate results, that we try to do too much here. But surely the better a School is, the greater variety of interests it should encourage, and the remedy lies not in cutting down the number of activities but in making sure that the individual boy or girl does not attempt to take part in too many things at the same time.

SPEECH DAY 1950 MONDAY, 17th July, was chosen for our first Speech Day because this was the only day that

the Bishop of Croydon could manage to come to Plön to dedicate the new Chapel. It was our plan to combine these two important events and to hold them as near as possible to a week-end so that the maximum number of parents could be present.

School ended at 10.45 a.m. and Juniors and Intermediates had lunch early so that the Dining Hall could be got ready for the official luncheon party at 1.15 p.m. Before this, the teaching and administrative staff, with their wives, entertained the official visitors to a cocktail party at the Club.

The Army was represented by the Commander-In-Chief, Lieut. General Sir Charles Keightley; the Navy by Rear-Admiral the Mackintosh of Mackintosh; the Air Force by Air Vice-Marshal Seward, and the C.C.G by the Chief of Staff, Major-General Wansbrough Jones. Major General O’Carroll Scott, G.O.C. Hamburg District, was present, also Dr. Dunlop, Commissioner of Hansestadt Hamburg, Mr. Asbury the Land Commissioner for Schleswig-Holstein, Brigadier Hume, the Deputy Land Commissioner, and the United States and French Observers. There were also some fifty other guests representing the various organisations that have helped the School: the Staff of B.F.E.S. Headquarters at Herford; German Education Branch; the Administrative Units of Hamburg and Kiel; Central Messing; Welfare; Scouts and Guides; R.A.M.C.; R.A.O.C.; R.A.S.C.; the Car Unit etc. German guests included the Headmaster of the Oberschule, Plön; the Director of German Education, Schleswig-Holstein; and the Burgomaster and Landrat of Plön.

At 1 o’clock the party, some 200 in all, moved from the Club to the Dining Hall for lunch. The 250 senior boys and girls had lunch at the same time and at 2.15 p.m. the whole party went across to Butler Hall for the Prize-giving.

There were more than 1,200 people in Butler Hall. In the back of the Hall sat the 600 pupils, some 400 parents, and representatives of the German Administrative Staff of the School - cooks, waiters, boatmen, groundsmen, clerks etc., The speakers, the teaching and Bursar’s staff, their wives and the official guests sat on the stage.

The Chief of Staff, Major-General Wansbrough Jones, as Chairman, spoke first. He explained the general organisation of the B.F.E.S. and the duties of the Zonal Board of which he is Chairman. He compared education to a three-legged stool, which is only serviceable, if each of the three legs takes its full share of the weight; the three legs represented the teaching staff, the children and the parents, each of which had responsibilities towards the other two. He pointed out that this was the first time all the legs of the stool were represented at King Alfred School and it was now time to see if the stool could be sat on. He then called upon the Headmaster to make his report.

The Headmaster recalled his speech from the same platform on 8th May 1948, on the occasion of the opening of the School by the Minister of Education. In that speech he had quoted Sir Richard Livingstone “that the primary task of education is to build a society wherein each individual can make the most of body, character and mind”. He then set out to examine to what extent, during the two years of the School’s existence, this task had been carried out. He pointed out the advantages: our buildings and setting, the variety of children represented, and the international possibilities, not only boys and girls but - since the School started - boys and girls of 14 different nationalities; the cooperation we had received from the British Hospital at Hamburg,

Page 7: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

5

the R.A.S.C. at Neumünster, Barracks Services and the R.E.’s, culminating in the construction of the beautiful Chapel they were to see dedicated that afternoon.

He then mentioned some of our disadvantages, particularly the deplorable lack of continuity. Of the 600 boys and girls in the School at the beginning of this term, only 162 were here two years ago when the School opened, so that the average stay of a pupil is even less than two years. He then spoke of the nightmare of “redundancy”, not only as far as the parents are concerned, but in the organisation of the School. For instance, there had been three Doctors and three Bursars in two years, and no less than 32 of the Bursars staff had come and gone. Another difficulty was the extraordinary preponderance of younger children in the School: out of the total number of 600, more than half were 11 or 12 years old.

The Headmaster then summarised the positive achievements of the two years of the School’s existence - the academic successes; the setting up of laboratories, Art, Music and Needlework Departments, Workshops, Domestic Science centres etc.; the dramatic performances; the work of the Scouts and Guides, and the activities of the Yacht Club, the Riding Club and the various Societies, also the achievements on the games fields and running track.

“We are sometimes accused”, said the Headmaster, “of offering too much to the children and allowing them to do too much, and I fear there may be some truth in this accusation. But I feel it is so important to offer as many things as possible so that every boy and girl has a chance to excel in something. And that is why the Society you can build in a Comprehensive School (that is a combined Grammar and Modern School) is so much more valuable than that of a stereotyped Grammar School alone, where School Certificate results, football and cricket are often the only things that count. You see, here a boy or girl can achieve something not only in the organized games, but in gardening or handicrafts or sailing or as a scout or guide; and a boy or girl on the Modern side, who may not have an earthly chance of passing School Certificate, has just as much chance of becoming a Helper or even Head of the School. And it is just the same in life. It is character and perseverance and reliability that bring you to the top, not only the ability to pass exams.”

He then referred to the excellent staff, both British and German, who had contributed so much to the School, particularly Mr. Aspinall and Miss Nightingale, the first Senior Master and Senior Mistress. Finally the Headmaster thanked the children, especially the Helpers and Assistants, for the good job they had done, and the parents for their loyal support and encouragement.

The Commander-in-Chief, before giving away the prizes, said that the Services, who represented the greatest number of children in the School, were particularly grateful for the excellent job that was being done at King Alfred School and for the splendid record that the Headmaster had been able to give. After the prize-giving the Commander-in-Chief said that in the Army one looked not for any particular attribute, such as the prize-winners had shown Themselves to possess, but for certain qualities of character which made men fit for promotion. In his view the two most important characteristics for good soldiers and citizens were self-reliance and trustworthiness. He then related a story of an amazingly brave man during the war who won a V.C. in Italy by blowing up two tanks at close range without the slightest thought for his own safety. Before this episode the man - who was a very ordinary man - had become known, not for his cleverness, or even his courage, but for his reliability.

The Director, B.F.E.S. then proposed a vote of thanks to the Commander-in-Chief. The Head Girl thanked him on behalf of the pupils and the Head Boy proposed three cheers.

After the prize-giving the children took their parents over to tea in the Dining Hall, and the other guests had tea at the Lodge before the dedication of the Chapel at 5 o’clock.

A Buffet supper was served in the girls’ gymnasium for all adults while the Band of the 15th/19th Hussars played in the Stadium.

It should be put on record that the School Kitchen staff prepared and served over 4,000 meals during the day and that, although there were very heavy showers during the morning, the prize-giving and the dedication of the Chapel, the sun shone gloriously during the rest of the day, and even the Plön wind ceased to blow.

Page 8: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

6

ST. GEORGE’S CHAPEL WHEN King Alfred School was opened in 1948, a small Chapel was taken over on the floor of

Alexander. This Chapel had been furnished by the Guards Division and was used first by them and later by the Royal Navy. It formed the only existing place of worship for the School, apart from the small Chapel above the Dining Hall for Roman Catholic children. In the early days, half the School was accommodated there at a time, but with the increase in numbers, it became necessary to hold the main Sunday morning Service in Butler Hall, and St. George’s Chapel was used for celebrations of Holy Communion and for evening services.

Because Butler Hall is such an excellent theatre, it could never in any sense of the word become a Chapel, and before the end of the first term it was decided to have a Chapel built which would be large enough to seat the whole of the School. An excellent site was available, contracts were placed, and the Royal Engineers accepted the task with a thorough-going willingness. They had in their possession the components of two Romney huts, and it was decided to use these in building a Chapel of cruciform design, modelled largely on the Garrison Church at Bad Oeynhausen.

By the end of 1949 the construction was well advanced, and the difficulty of the sloping ground was cleverly overcome by the impressive design of the steps and porch at the main west door of the Chapel. It was decided that the Chapel should be ready for dedication by the Bishop of Croydon on July 17th, 1950.

The actual construction of the Chapel was in fact finished several weeks before this date. There remained the furnishing of the building and the installation of an organ, all of which was accomplished during the last month as a result of unstinted effort on the part of everyone concerned. Messrs. Hammer of Hannover actually built a two-manual electrically blown pipe organ in the Chapel in twelve days, completing it exactly three days before the Dedication. Meanwhile, the School Scouts and Guides gave a beautiful altar cross, made by a local German craftsman. Offertory bags were made by girls of the School, one boy made an alms dish of beaten copper while another made a candle extinguisher, and a group of wives of the staff made the altar frontal and altar cloth. The Garrison Engineer and the School Quartermaster responded unfailingly to every last minute demand that was made upon them. Altar vases were given by one member of the staff, while others gave the altar Office Book and the lectern Bible. In short, it suddenly became “our” Chapel, with the contributions and effort and love of many people wonderfully expressed in it. And, incredible as it seemed, everything was finally ready and in place by the evening preceding the day of the dedication.

The dedication itself was a crowning and unforgettable experience. The Bishop spoke of the Chapel as a building worthy to be used in the worship of God. More recently, the Assistant Chaplain General said that it was the finest Chapel that he had seen in B.A.O.R. It is used daily by children, and it has very rapidly lost its “new” feeling. It has retained the name of St. Georges Chapel, and the original altar and fittings stand in the north transept. The affection and pride which we all feel is responsible for the steadily developing atmosphere in a Chapel which is a worthy and vital addition to the life and spirit of the whole School.

C. B.

THE DEDICATION OF ST. GEORGE’S CHAPEL July 17th 1950

IT was indeed a great moment in the school’s history, when the procession walked slowly, in

stately fashion, up the Aisle. Another chapter in the history of the School had begun. “I was glad when they said unto me”, they sang “we will go into the House of The Lord.” As the choir took their places the Bishop of Croydon followed up through the Chancel. The

sanctified atmosphere of the rite of dedication was aided by the throbbing refrain of the organ,

Page 9: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

7

itself important in this new chapter of the School. The Bishop’s peaceful yet powerful voice dispelled any doubts as to what was going on. The new Chapel was viewed by a host of awe-struck eyes, which reflected its splendour. Time fled, and the sermon was preached.

The Bishop was pleased with the preparation of the Chapel as it was a wonderful piece of creative work, in these days when often anything will do as a Chapel. He was pleased, too, with the opportunity of being able to dedicate it. He then delivered his message, which was, that the Chapel, should become each of three things - a House of Worship, a House of Prayer and a House of Peace. A place where one could slip away quietly, unnoticed, from the cares of the outside world.

That we should choose not to be egoists, whose sole aim and ambition in life is to strive to get, and to gain, but rather to be those who devote their life and talents to the world. That we should be not “getters” but “givers” in this world.

He closed with the text: “I was glad when they said unto me, we will go into the House of the Lord.”

Sooner than could be fully realized, the last hymn was sung and ended, the collection taken. Too soon was the voluntary played, and the choir made their way back, down the carpeted

aisle, followed by the Bishop and clergy One more phase in the School had been passed, and here was the opening curtain for the new

Chapel. Paul Fillingham.

HOUSE NOTES Churchill House

The boys were very unfortunate in losing Mr. Graham-Smith, the Housemaster and Mr. Harrison the House Tutor. Their loss will be felt both in the House and in the school. John Rees the Head Boy of the School also left us, and on the other side of the quad the girls lost two valuable Helpers in Barbara Willcocks and Patsy Hogan.

This term we have managed to improve our performances on the Sports Field and win five cups. On the scholastic side we have had two School Certificate successes - Bruce Parry and Paul Fillingham, and cleared a reasonable number of prizes at the Speech Day - especially for Music!

At last we have managed to gain several first places instead of the so usual second. This was true of the tennis where we won the Inter-House Tournament and Sally Cook won the Individual Trophy for us. All the tennis team were awarded House Colours. Our other Team success was in the Junior Rounders where we defeated Temple by only one point. Well done!

In the Cricket we had no difficulty in retaining second place, but the top place still eludes us, mainly due to the efforts of Nansen.

In the Riding we fell back to second place but the team of Maureen Knight Roger Jones, Christopher Costin and Dorothy Cox did very well to uphold our reputation in that field.

This term the sailing has improved to the extent that we came second in the Inter-House Pirate Trophy and Bruce Parry won the Individual Pirate Trophy and was made a first class helmsman. Two second class helmsmen were made and also five third class.

We came third in the boys’ swimming and fourth in the girls’. Paul Fillingham won the diving and 50 metres Backstroke and Roger Jones won the Junior Freestyle, the Junior Boys also managed to win their relay.

In the Athletics we were also quite successful, coming third in the Boys’ and second in the Girls’. The Boys did very well to win the actual Sports Day Events but we dropped down two places when the standards were reckoned. John Rees won the Individual Athletics Cup and Roger Jones ran very well and won all his events.

The House also put on two plays, "The Bishop’s Candlesticks”, by the Seniors and “The Burghers of Calais” by the Juniors.

During the last week of term Churchill Girls had a Party to which the House Staff and the

Page 10: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

8

Senior Boys were invited. The party proved to be a good finish to a good term. Jane Hamilton Michael Haworth

Fleming House We commenced this term by welcoming our new House Tutor, Mr. J.A. Farnell, who succeeded

Mr. J.M. Baron. Mr. Baron was one of our pioneer Tutors, and it is with much regret that we have had to lose him. When he left, he very kindly presented the House with two cups which he himself won at Kiel Sports. These cups will be used for individual achievements in the House.

Although the standard of tennis appeared to be higher this year, especially for the first couple, we were unable to carry away the cup and had to content ourselves with third place. As for rounders, play was of a good standard and we succeeded in gaining second place.

We were unfortunate in not having such a strong Cricket Team this term. The result was that we lost all our Matches.

Sailing this term has been quite successful. Anthony Free passed his First Class, Ian Arnold his Second Class, and four others their Third Class Helmsmanship Tests, Michael Greenhalgh, Philip Kent, John Jenkins, and Denis Mayoux.

On the boys side, thanks to Mr. Farnell, we have had a new activity - shooting. Towards the end of term we came third in the Inter-House shooting competitions. Congratulations to Gerald Ball on being first in the inter-school match against P.R.S.

We must congratulate Paul Thompson on being appointed a Helper; also congratulations to Ian Arnold on gaining his School Colours for Athletics. Other colours were gained by Patricia Searight and Edith Van Den Anker, also for Athletics. In the swimming, the girls gained third place. Congratulations to Carmel Hicks and Marilynne Crow, who were awarded their Swimming Colours. A special word of congratulation must go to Patricia Searight for winning the Individual Athletics Cup for the girls.

The House presented “The Tangled Wig”, a pocket melodrama, written and produced specially for us by Mr. P. A. L. Heriz-Smith. From general hear-say, the production was successful in every way. Many thanks are due to Mr. Heriz-Smith for his patience, endurance, and enthusiasm.

Finally, we must regretfully bid farewell to Miss Yelland, who unexpectedly has had to return to the U.K. We say goodbye to Joan Hillind, Head Girl of the School for two terms, who has been with us since the formation of Fleming House. Carmel Hicks and Ian Arnold, who is the House Captain, are also leaving this term. To them we wish the very best of luck in the future, along with all the others who are leaving us.

Ian Arnold Patricia Searight

Nansen House We regret very much losing Mr. and Mrs. Randall from the House this term. Mr. Randall has

been the boys’ Housemaster since the opening of the School, and we shall miss him very much, but we are pleased that he will still be with us as Senior Master. We welcome Mr. Fleming-Thomson as our new Housemaster, and we hope that both he and his wife will be happy with us. We also welcome Miss Jeens and Mr. Hanauer as our new House Tutors.

We congratulate Rosemary Rees on being appointed a House Helper this term. Both the boys and girls of the House must be commended on their enthusiasm and success in this term’s sports and activities. Although we lost the girls’ Athletics Cup to Roosevelt the boys won their Cup for the first time. The girls share the swimming cup with Temple, and the boys retain theirs for the second year.

The Riding Team just managed to wrest the Cup from Churchill. Congratulations go to Isla Murphy for winning the Individual Riding Cup. The Cricket Cup also stays with us another year, due to the enthusiasm and excellent standard of play shown by the boys. We also won the shooting Cup which was presented by Col. Needham.

Page 11: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

9

We were delighted to have two Danish girls as our guests in the House for a week. We hope that they enjoyed their brief stay with us.

At the end of every term we have to say goodbye to some of our number. This term almost twenty boys and girls are leaving. We wish them the very best for the future, and we hope that they will keep in touch with us.

In conclusion, we would like to thank the House staff and Matrons for helping us to make this term the success we feel it has been.

Teresa M. Beavis Roy G. Stevens

Roosevelt House The Summer Term opened with several changes in the House. We welcomed Miss Pepper and

Mr. Laic. We were glad that Mrs. Harrison continued with the girls though she now had a home to look after as well. We wish both Mr. and Mrs. Harrison all the best in the future.

The Girls were extremely sorry that their first Head Girl, Joan Stannard, had not returned. We wish her every success in her new life away from school.

Two new Helpers, Janet Shepherd and Kay Bartlett, and a new School Helper, Kenneth Pryde, were appointed.

The House was enthusiastic in Sport. The boys gained the Junior Cricket Cup and the girls the Athletics Cup. The boys are to be congratulated on coming second in Athletics and swimming; many of them won their House Colours. Boyaval, a new member, was a great asset to the Riding Team.

Tennis and rounders were also played and shooting and sailing were popular. Despite Summer sports, in school many took the School Certificate and Higher Certificate exams. On the first Speech Day of King Alfred School, Roosevelt acquitted itself well.

A gay party made a fitting end to a long, busy but successful term. Our good wishes go with those who are leaving the House this term.

Margaret Renwick Robin Parsons

Temple House This term we soon settled down to the routine of school life and the House began to run on

smooth lines. Although we did not do as well as we might have done in sports, we came near the top in

several events. In swimming the girls came first, tying with Nansen, and the boys fifth. In Athletics we did not do so well, Boys coming fourth and Girls fifth.

Even though we took an interest in the shooting, we only came fourth this applies to the Junior cricket and riding also. In the Senior cricket we did better, coming third.

The Yacht Club was well supported by helmsmen from the House. Wilcox became a 1st Class helmsman and sailed for the school. We have also done well in gaining the Sailing Cup.

We welcome John Mant as a Helper and we must congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Curran on the birth of a daughter earlier during the term. Very unwillingly we say ‘goodbye’ to Mr. and Mrs. Barlee who have done so much for us. We wish them the best of luck in the future.

The only thing left is to say “Goodbye” and this is said by all with regret. So it is “Goodbye” and “Good Luck always” from Temple House.

Peter Bowd Tessa Wilcox

Page 12: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

10

HOUSE PLAYS Churchill House Plays

THERE was one great weakness in the evening’s entertainment given by Churchill House - the

audience. Considering this liability the standard of acting, especially in the Seniors’ play, was remarkably good and well sustained. It is no joke for the actor when an audience laughs in the wrong place and this audience repeatedly did so. For this the choice of play was partly responsible, the actors occasionally so, but the main blame lay with a thoroughly uncooperative audience.

“The Burghers of Calais” was a good choice in that it provided many parts for the Juniors, but as a play, it has little action and the speeches are formal and stylized, lacking the simplicity essential for child actors. The effect was statuesque but the grouping was excellent and the colours and costumes glorious against the pale blue curtain.

“The Bishop’s Candlesticks” was pleasantly spirited. Sally Cook as Persomé flounced through the soup and salt cellar incidents and Barbara Willcocks was a good foil. The name of Paul Fillingham was a threat to an audience who knew him, but his performance was dignified and impressive. Barry Le Blond too, started with the handicap of a name - the name of Ben Gunn, but he acted strongly and successfully and soon the audience forgot; he certainly showed ability in a part extremely hard for a youth of sixteen to play. I enjoyed the gendarmes; I know they were straight from comic open and Ruritania but they were colourful and lively and I approved of the easing of tension there, before the final build-up. Altogether it was a hard task, well performed and well produced, and Churchill is to be congratulated on such a good presentation of this serious and moral play.

E.G.Y.

The Tangled Wig THE success of “The Tangled Wig” began even before the curtain rose on the hall of Shudderton

Manor for, by some magic, an air of eager hushed anticipation had been instilled into what has been known to be a not so quiet audience.

As soon as the first eerie bars of music reverberated through the Butler Hall, audience and stage were all caught up together in the thrills and laughs of “The Tangled Wig”. We were gripped by the predicament of the busload of travellers, discomforted by the really nasty household among whom they had fallen, and chilled down the spine by the sinister ‘lady’ of the house, Mrs. Pinecoffin. Thus when Right was done in the end by dint of a few straight rights and lefts to the jaw and the odd brace of revolver shots, we couldn’t have been better pleased.

Perhaps the most striking point about this performance was the splendid teamwork in every side of the production. This relieves the critic of having to pick anyone out for criticism, but it also makes it very difficult for him to select special performers for praise, when all were so good. But the critic must get on with his difficult task. Anthony Free, as the villain, played his Boris Karloff part with tremendous venom, and when justice caught up with him went impressively demented.

His henchmen, Twisty, Slash and Slugger, with the sinister Morg and his wife, played by John Marshall, John Corke, Stephen Dally, Charles Aidulis and Cathie Cassidy were as nasty a crew of thugs as ever menaced an innocent collection of citizens, while as Maisie the innocent maid Shirley Littlejohn really made us feel for her in her distress.

On the side of Right, Ian Arnold had a difficult part as the Professor, but he seemed to gain confidence as the play proceeded until at the end, he was completely master of his part as well as the general situation.

“Mrs. Barlow and her family”, played by Anne McDonald, Pat Humphreys Elizabeth Foot and Brian Dicken were all beautifully natural. Derek Francis played Percy the bus driver with a cocky assurance which was just right for the part and Ronald Davey was a fine upstanding young soldier, ready to take on two villains at a time and despatch them both neatly. Marilynne Crow as the decorative gold digger Merlina, made one take it for granted that buses would be stopped for her and people get into trouble on her behalf.

Page 13: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

11

While as for Maureen Minhall’s Miss Hopstitch, that archly genteel spinster, this performance was a joy; particularly that good lady’s unfortunate indiscretion with the rum bottle.

But perhaps the high spot of the evening was the magnificent fight slugged through with a dash and abandon which wouldn’t have shamed Humphrey Bogart or Erroll Flynn, leaving Charles Aidulis as Morg hooked up on the banisters and Stephen Dally as Slugger spreadeagled across the doorway in an impressive scene of carnage.

But one cannot go further without mention of the Stage Management and Lighting which contributed so much to the effective atmosphere of the play. Ronald Frost and his assistants made the lights dim and dazzle, the wind howl and the revolvers report with a completely professional touch.

Nor was there anything amateur about the brilliant set with its baronial staircase complete with secret panel and doorways through which the ugly household appeared and disappeared at awkward moments.

This was Mr. Heriz-Smith’s’ own work as was the whole production, his fifth in five terms, and his masterly touch is beyond praise. He has that sure and certain knack of coaxing the best out of every member of his team. Both players and audience will agree that he could not have written a more suitable play to serve his purpose and we await with eager anticipation for him to delight us again in the future and enhance still further the already sound tradition of dramatics in the school.

In fact one might exclaim - Oh what a Tangled Wig only Mr. Heriz-Smith can weave, and with what aplomb only Fleming House can put it on!

SCOUTS, SUMMER TERM, 1950 ALMOST at the commencement of the term, a representative party of 50 Scouts went to Herford

for a Whit-weekend Zonal Rally. In spite of continuous rain and consequent mud, most of programme was carried through. During the term, the “Clerk of the Weather” continued to frown on weekend camps, and rain is now accepted as an integral part of K.A.S. Scout camps; but Scouts don't mind such trifles!

Many of the Patrol Leaders now realise the importance of regular Patrol meetings, and already this increased emphasis on the Patrol System has shown results in several ways.

Training courses for Seniors and Patrol Leaders for Ambulance and Venturer badges took place during the term. These courses, which were kindly arranged by Captain Coleman, R.A.M.C., and Major Milsom, brought several Scouts within reach of King’s Scout Badge. Already, Ronald French is to be congratulated on being the first British Scout in Germany to qualify for this distinction. It is hoped that three other boys will complete their tests in time to accompany French to London in October for the presentation of the Royal Certificate. These four boys are from Roosevelt House.

In July, the third Birthday Rally of British Scouting in Schleswig-Holstein was held on the School Stadium While the “Clerk of the Weather” frowns on camping, he continues to express approval of the Birthday Rally. After a March Past, the Salute being taken by the Land Commissioner, Mr. W. Asbury, a programme of displays followed, given by British, D.P., and German groups. The concluding item was a spectacular Wheel of Friendship. At the Camp Fire that evening, the County Commissioner, Mr. F. Spencer Chapman, presented the Bushman’s Thong to three Seniors, Ronald French, Barry Stanley, and Jimmy Johnstone. One of the features of the Rally was the construction by the Seniors of a model camp. After the Rally, this was left standing and was visited by large numbers of interested visitors on Speech Day.

A note-worthy development of Scouting in the School is the increasing number of Scouts who have become Helpers or Assistants. Scouting is not only a game for younger boys. It can offer a tough training of mind and body and a worthwhile way of life to the older boy.

W. F-T.

Page 14: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

12

GUIDES DURING the summer term the Guide Companies and Sea Ranger Crew flourished successfully.

Proficiency badges were gained by several Guides and others’ managed to pass their Tenderfoot and Second Class tests.

In the middle of the term three week-end camps were arranged to give to the Guides and Rangers attending the Tegernsee camp in the holidays, some campcraft training. They were a great success.

Hikes and the six-mile expeditions for the first class badge were very popular. Even so, not one Guide reached the standard that is required to be a First Class Guide. Several Guides were left with small parts of this test to be completed next term. “Get down to it, Guides”.

On Thursday and Friday evenings the Sea Rangers were often seen dressed in very peculiar garb making their way to the Sailing jetty. There they took possession of one or more boats and proceeded to try and to put into practice all they had gathered from "Sea Sense”.

In July the inter-company cup, kindly presented by Mr. and Mrs. Crowley, was competed for. The competition was judged by Mr. Fleming-Thomson and Major Milsom and took the form of cooking a two course meal over a hike fire from ingredients provided and menus made on the spot. The successful patrol was the Red Rose, Patrol Leader Jill Marshall of the Thursday Company. Congratulations Red Rose.

On July 15th the Rally was held in the School Grounds to celebrate the third year of Scouting and Guiding in Schleswig-Holstein, Mr. Asbury the Regional Commissioner taking the salute at the March Past. The Rangers and Guides took part in the March Past, a Flag Display, the wheel of Friendship and the camp fire.

As usual we lost many of our Guides and Sea Rangers at the end of term. Our Best Wishes and Good Guiding go with them.

Our thanks go to everyone who kindly helped us throughout the term, especially to Miss Verling Brown who was called upon frequently to supply extra food for hikes and camps.

Doreen Nixon

RIDING CLUB NOTES ONCE again there have been several changes at the stables. We were very sorry to find that

Corporal Banks had been recalled at the beginning of term, and since then a series of Corporals has come and gone. But we have been very lucky to have had the help and advice of Major Freer for a greater part of the term in the organisation of the stables, and in instruction in riding and grooming.

The high light of the term was our entry to the Hamburg District Horse Show. Isla Murphy on Valdemar, Roger Jones on Siegfried and Dennis Mayoux on Oberon competed both in the “C” jumping and team jumping. Competing with experienced adults over courses longer and more difficult than those to which they were accustomed, they acquitted themselves most creditably. Isla Murphy had only 12 faults in the “C” jumping and for a long time led the field. Berrigan, who arrived as spare man, was lucky to be offered a ride in another team event, and gave a most plucky and successful performance.

The Inter-House Competition this year was organised into three events:- teams of four for jumping, of six for horsemanship, and six for “bending”. The horsemanship event seems invaluable in estimating teamwork and the first principles of riding, and it was most gratifying to see how smartly the teams were turned out, and how excellent in most cases was the teamwork. Churchill were easy winners in the jumping. In the horsemanship Roosevelt just beat Nansen with Churchill third. On the last day Churchill and Nansen were therefore equal for first place, and it was left to a most exciting “bending” final to decide the winners of the whole competition:

Page 15: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

13

1. Nansen 2. Churchill 3. Roosevelt 4. Fleming 5. Temple

No gymkhana was held this term, but during the last week most riders were able to practice gymkhana events, and many realised how simple races like “potato and bucket” can improve their riding.

On the “whole holiday” two paper chases and a picnic were organised for about 30 riders. And one Sunday a party of riders rode over to watch a German horse-show at Bosau.

Many thanks are due once again to Miss Brotherton and Miss Delmage for helping with “activity riding”, and especially to Miss Delmage for all her work as treasurer of the Club. Thanks also to Isla Murphy, the School riding captain, who has always been ready to help with organisation and instruction.

P.J.H.

KING ALFRED YACHT CLUB

SUMMER 1950

THESE notes are written by your ex-secretary during his well earned Summer Holiday. Looking back over last term the most important factor was the weather, and in particular the wind. Many days we had none at all, and on many days we had too much, but the beginning and the end of the term were excellent.

Most of our helmsmen had left since last season, and R. Wilcox was the only member of the School team left. Soon however many more members qualified as helmsmen, and by the end of term we had more than ever before.

Three new Pirates were obtained during the winter and this brought our Fleet up to 15, 3 per House, and made inter-House racing much more interesting.

Another addition was Klaus, a Jolly-Cruiser, the possession of which enabled us to give our more senior helmsmen the experience of sailing a bigger boat.

Several of our boats had new sails made during the winter, and we had these dyed. The result was that when all the boats were out we had a gaily-coloured scene with blue, red and brown sails.

Capsizals were few, but those we had were especially noteworthy. The spectacular capsizal of a Pirate, manned by three members of the Staff, in front of a large and critical crowd, will always be one of the most treasured memories of many of us.

A word of criticism to many of our helmsmen - many of you imagine that because you can handle a boat without disaster, that you know everything. Most of you could learn a great deal more seamanship. There is a right and a wrong way to do everything - paddling a boat round to the moorings, tying her up, hoisting sails, and so on. Many of you are content to do most things the wrong and easy way. Try to improve if you can.

Many of you take the boatmen for granted. Few Clubs have such an enthusiastic and skilled party of boatmen; and none have a more devoted or willing party. Nothing is too much trouble for them; see that you show proper appreciation of their efforts.

Racing. We competed in three of the Plön regattas, and on one occasion had the pleasure of

coming in 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the 15 sq. metre class. Roger Wilcox was 1st in one race and 2nd in another.

Page 16: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

14

Racing Match v Schleswig Yacht Club The Schleswig Y.C. sent over a team to race against us in our boats. We sailed two races, changing boats after the first race. The first race resulted in a close win for Schleswig Yacht Club, most of our helmsmen being

overcome by the importance of the occasion. In the second race however we won easily, Mr. Randall getting first place, closely followed by Goddard, Wilcox B., and Mr. Graham-Smith. Thus on points we won the match fairly easily.

Inter-House Racing

For the inter-House Pirate Trophy we had 5 races, 3 helmsmen per team, changing boats after each race, so that all boats were used by each House.

Race 1 1st Pook (T) 2nd MacDonald (T) 3rd Goddard (N) Race 2 1st Wilcox R. (T) 2nd Jones R. (C) 3rd Free (F) Race 3 1st Parry (C) 2nd Jones D. (R) 3rd Jones R. (C) Race 4 1st Cullerne-Bown (C)2nd Pook (T) 3rd Jones D. (R) Race 5 1st Parry (C) 2nd Jones D. (R) 3rd MacDonald (T)

1.Temple 263 points 2.Churchill 195 points 3.Roosevelt 144 points 4.Nansen 135 points 5.Fleming 112 points Novices Trophy: - This trophy was raced for by the helmsmen who had qualified since May 1st.

It was blowing pretty hard, and several times boats nearly capsized. Williams (N) was in the lead after 1 lap, but in the second lap Lacey (T) came through to win by

20 seconds. Colours were awarded to the following: Roger Wilcox - Captain of Sailing, Bruce Parry, David

Jones, John Goddard. Roger Wilcox was awarded a special Trophy for “the helmsman who in the opinion of the

Committee was the best seaman”. J.B.

RIFLE SHOOTING

THE demand for this has greatly exceeded our supply of .22 ammunition. About a hundred boys have tried their hand at it, but the bulk of the bullets has gone to the training of the school first and second teams and the House teams, whose match records are shown below. The standard of shooting improved steadily through the term, the rifle was more confidently handled and the time taken to shoot the standard practices decreased. One-inch groups became more frequent, and so did the landing of six rounds in the bull and inner ring within thirty seconds - a considerable feat with the .22 rifle where every round requires to be loaded separately.

G. Ball of Fleming House, who has been a consistently high scorer, got all six of the difficult paper bulls in the match against the Fleming Fathers, thereby winning, we understand, a certain sum of money. We are grateful to all those who have fired against the school and provided us with valuable experience, and we must thank the Armourer, Waffenmeister R. Zabel, for his skilled attention to the rifles,

Page 17: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

15

School Match Results Result Score 1st VI v German Staff WON 418 - 376 1st VI v British Staff WON 355 - 305 2nd VI v H.M.S. Swiftsure WON 215 - 212 Fleming Sons v Fleming Fathers : Sons WON 221 - 217 1st VI v Prince Rupert School WON 381 - 277 The following have fired for the School: — 1st VI P. Fillingham (Capt.) G. Ball, B. Le Blond, M. Greenhalgh, I. Arnold, also S. May, R.

Wilcox, and J. Edwards. 2nd VI: R. Gildare (Capt), J. Edwards, R. Fox, F. Wilcox, D. Back, A. Carrington.

House Match Results. 1st Nansen 355 points 2nd Churchill 350 points 3rd Fleming 322 points

4th Temple 313 points 5th Roosevelt 301 points

This is the first time that the Inter-House Shooting Cup presented by Col. J. H. Needham, D.S.O., has been competed for, and Nansen (Messrs. R. Gildare, J. Edwards, P. Glass, G. Birch, B. Perkins, and A. Carrington) are to be congratulated on their win.

J.A.F.

CRICKET 1950 THIS season it has been possible to concentrate more on the general standard of cricket owing

to the acquisition of one cricket pitch for each house, and more nets have also been possible. Consequently this season the cricket has been better than ever before and bodes well for the future.

We must extend our thanks to all the members of staff who have turned out so regularly and given some very valuable coaching.

This season two Leagues were played - a Senior and a Junior. The latter was won once more by Nansen with Churchill runners up, and the former by Roosevelt with Churchill again runners up.

1st XI Report

The 1st XI has enjoyed a very good season’s cricket, having lest only one match. The standard of play has improved considerably due to extensive net practice and the help of our coaches. With the acquisition of a slip ‘cradle’ the fielding was quite good but there is still much room for improvement.

The first game the 1st XI played was against the RAF Station St. Hubertus. Fillingham and Stevens opened the bowling when the RAF came in to bat. Fillingham bowled steadily and had taken one for seven when he was relieved by Benton. Stevens was bowling well at one end but two more bowlers, May and Robert were tried at the other end before the RAF Station were dismissed for 80, Stevens taking 6 for 24. KAS started disastrously with Berry, Fillingham and Cornock back in the pavilion with only 12 runs on the board. Stevens found partners in Parsons and Robert and the score moved along slowly. Parsons and May were out with the score at 61 for 6. Robert and Stevens carried the score past the RAF Station’s total, Stevens making 54 and Robert an undefeated 31.

The next match was against our old rivals the CRASC from Neumünster, who generally manage to give us a sound beating. The 1st XI batted first and with the score at 6, Berry was run out.

Page 18: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

16

Cornock came in but was bowled with the addition of only one run. Parsons followed quickly being stumped with the score still at 7. Robert batted quite confidently for 7 before being run out. May was stumped with the score at 24 for 6. In the next over Haworth was L.B.W. for 8. The 1st XI innings closed for 32. CRASC had made 17 before their opening batsman was bowled by Haworth for 4. But the next wicket did not fall until the score was 55 when Robert took a magnificent catch off May at midwicket. One more wicket fell and the CRASC innings closed at 113 for 3.

The usual game with the staff was faced with some trepidation as they had quite a strong side. The staff batted and lost their first wicket with only 2 runs on the board, Mr. Cox being bowled by Haworth 6 runs later Mr. Harrison was caught at mid-off by Robert off Haworth. Mr. Curran and Webb carried the score to 26 before Mr. Curran was caught at third man off Mant. May bowled Webb with the score at 30 for 4. Mant had Mr. Liesching caught at square leg by Frost 4 runs later. Mr. Clark, the big danger, was bowled by May, for a duck. The score went to 44 for 9, but a last wicket stand by Benton and Drew took the score to 65 before the former was caught and bowled by Haworth for 19.

The 1st XI score had reached 11 before Haworth was bowled by Webb for 2. Parsons joined Berry and with both batting steadily the score went to 39 before Parsons was unluckily run out. Then Berry who was batting very well was bowled by Mr. Clark for 25. The score was then 52 for 3 and the 1st XI seemed well set for victory. After Fillingham and Cornock were out for 6 and 5 respectively the 1st XI needed only 4 runs to win and 5 wickets in hand. But Mr. Harrison found a length and Robert, Fawcett, May and Downie were all out for the addition of only two runs. Frost and Mant batted very carefully and between them made the runs necessary to give the 1st XI victory in a very exciting match.

The 1st XI travelled up to Prince Rupert School for the needle match of the season where they achieved their first ever drive against P.R.S. K.A.S. batted first and when only 6 runs had been scored Berry was caught behind the wicket for 2. Stevens came in and was soon caught at backward square leg for 6. Fawcett took the score along to 18 before Lett was caught. Robert came in and with some careful batting the score reached 30. Then Haworth was bowled for 18. Cornock and Parsons went cheaply and Robert was caught and bowled when he had made 7. The rest of the wickets fell for 7 runs and K.A.S. were all out for 51.

Haworth and Stevens opened the bowling and Stevens took a wicket in his first over. The P.R.S. wickets then fell quickly; with only 6 runs scored, half their wickets were down.

A stand of 9 runs followed but when this was broken by Stevens the last four wickets fell for 7 runs and P.R.S. were all out for 22.

The last match of the season was against the B.F.E.S. Hamburg. K.A.S. batted first and Haworth was bowled for 9. Then Stevens joined Berry and made a very quick 34 before being bowled. Fillingham scored quickly and made 16. The score was then 82 for 3. Berry was caught soon after having batted steadily for a very sedate 19. The innings was declared with the score at 89 for 4.

Hamburg were soon in difficulties when their opening batsman was bowled by Haworth for a duck. But the next wicket put on 20 runs before the partnership was broken. Three wickets fell with no addition to the score, Stevens taking them all in one over. The last five batsmen made only five runs and the Hamburg innings closed for 30.

Summary of 1st XI Games 1st XI v. RAF Station St. Hubertus RAF:- 80, Stevens 6 for 24

1st XI:- 121 for 6 Stevens 54 Robert 31 n. o.

1st XI v. CRASC Neumünster 1st XI:- 32 CRASC:- 113 for 3 1st XI v. Staff Staff:- 65 Haworth 4 for 13 May 4 for 17

1st XI:- 66 for 9 Berry 35 1st XI v. P.R.S. 1st XI:- 51 Haworth 18. P.R.S.:- 22 Haworth 5 for 7, Stevens 4 for 9 1st XI v. Brit School Hamburg 1st XI:- 89 for 4 dec. Stevens 34

Page 19: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

17

Berry 19 Fillingham 16 Hamburg:- 30 Stevens 7 for 12, Haworth 3 for 5.

Played Won Lost Drawn 5 4 1 0

1st XI Averages

Batting Inns. Runs. Not OutHighest ScoreAverage B.Stevens 3 94 — 54 31.3 J.Robert 4 48 1 31 15.3 P.Berry 5 50 — 25 10.0 M.Haworth 4 37 — 18 9.25 C.Benton 2 8 1 4 8.0 P.Fillingham 4 22 — 16 5.5 R.Parsons 4 16 — 8 4.0 J.Fawcett 5 10 2 4 3.3 C.Cornock 5 16 1 5 2.5 S.May 4 7 — 3 1.75 C.Frost 2 3 — 2 1.5

Bowling Overs Maidens Runs Wickets Average R. Stevens 27 11 45 17 2.64 M. Haworth 34 9 53 16 3.3 S. May 16 2 67 6 11.1 Also Played: Corke, Downie, Mont 1st XI CRICKET COLOURS WEREAWARDED TO: C. Cornock, J. Fawcett, J. Robert

CLUB XI GAMES Club v. Neumünster CRASC Club:- 179 for 7 Mr. Clarke 103 n.o. CRASC:- 64 Mr. Harrison 4 for 20 Stevens 4 for 20 Club v. A Danish XI Club:- 93 Stevens 29 Danish XI:- 76 for 7 Stevens 4 for 16 Club v. Kiel CCG(A) Club:- 122 for 6 dec. Mr. Graham-Smith 62 n.o. Kiel:- 71 for 7 Mr. Clarke 4 for 13 Club v. Kiel CCG(H) Kiel:- 154 for 8 dec. Mr. Close 6 for 27

Club:- 171 for 1 Mr. Clarke 93 n.o. Mr. G.-Smith 70 n.o.

Club v. Hamburg CCG - Hamburg:- 182 Mr. Aspinall 2 for 21 Haworth 3 for 48 Club:- 190 for 6 Mr. Aspinall 116

Played Won Lost Drawn 5 3 0 2

Page 20: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

18

Farewell Match Mr. Aspinall’s XI 233 Stevens 56 Mr. Cox 60 Haworth 4 for 71 Mr. Graham-Smith’s XI 230 Haworth 89 Mr. Close 43 Mr. Cox 4 for 38 Stevens 4 for 61

INTER HOUSE CRICKET Senior

Churchill v. Temple - Churchill:- 74, Edwards 15, Cullern-Bown 14 n.o. Mant 6 for 24 Temple:- 38 Taylor 13, May 4 for 6, Haworth 4 for 10 Roosevelt v. Fleming - Fleming:- 31 Robert 8 for 14 Roosevelt:- 34-9. Bawden no. 12. Churchill v. Nansen - Nansen:- 81 Frost 26 n.o. Haworth 4 for 16 Benton 6 for 19 Churchill:: 69 Haworth 19 Cornock 5 for 28 Stevens 4 for 25 Fleming v. Temple - Fleming:- 24 Temple:- 46 Roy 9 Godbehere 8 Churchill v. Fleming Churchill:- 69 Haworth 19 Cornock 5 for 28 Stevens Fleming:- 21 Arnold 4 Haworth 4 for 4 Benton 3 for 8 May 3 for 2 Nansen v. Roosevelt - Nansen:- 144 for 5 Stevens 58 Cornock 50 n.o. Roosevelt:- 38 Stevens 7-12 Fleming v. Nansen - Fleming:- 48 Davey 21 Nansen:- 49 for 2 Fawcett 16 n.o. Cornock 16 Roosevelt v. Temple - Temple:- 41 Roosevelt:- 68 Parsons 13 Churchill v. Roosevelt - Roosevelt:- 28 Haworth 5 for 1 Benton 5 for 10 Churchill:- 29 for 4 Haworth 19 n.o. Nansen v. Temple - Temple:- 60 Roy 19 Nansen:- 62 for 3 Cornock 41 Fawcett n.o. 16

M. Haworth

It is generally the custom to give an appreciation of the characters of the XI but owing to lack of space this cannot be done. However, the Captain and Vice-Captain are appended below.

Haworth-Captain. He started the season with little practical experience of leading a side. But his captaincy developed throughout the season and his handling of his bowlers and field were quite sound. He worked untiringly to make the season a success, both on the pitch and in the pavilion. A sound bat whose off side play is, at times, a pleasure to watch, his confidence has grown, and he should make many more good scores. His bowling has been accurate and consistent, coming off the pitch quite fast. He should look forward to the future with confidence.

Stevens - Vice Captain and Secretary. A good attacking bat, whose play all round the wicket produces a variety of strokes seldom seen in one of his age. His bowling, though still inconsistent at times, and certainly not helped by his injury, has developed and he has learned to take punishment as well as make it out with cunning. But he must never allow himself to become disinterested - as a secretary he has been disappointing, and though these duties are sometimes irksome - they are nevertheless a most important aspect of an efficient and smooth running XI.

D.J.V.C.

Page 21: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

19

BOYS’ ATHLETICS (Team Captain: John Rees)

I find it rather difficult to write an interesting report on Athletics as I am not really in a position to compare this term with the two previous Summer terms. I shall, therefore, write only about this term’s events.

Very early in the term we accepted an invitation by the U.S. Dependents’ School, Bremerhaven to take part in a ‘Track Meet’ in which American Schools from Berlin, Wiesbaden and Frankfurt also took part.

Short notice, coupled with the difficulty of having most of the regular ‘Team’ members doing exams, forced us to send a smaller and weaker team than we would normally have been able to send. Despite this and the fact that all our boys were sadly out of training the team acquitted itself most creditably and gained four 2nds; five 3rds; one 4th; one 5th places.

After we returned from Bremerhaven, a visit incidentally which we all thoroughly enjoyed and which, we hope, will become a regular home and away fixture between the two schools, the new standard system got into its stride.

We still have a long way to go if we are to make it the success which it could and ought to be. It went very well for the first season though, and I should like to congratulate all of you, especially those boys who found it very hard to gain these extra half points for their house but who kept en trying with great determination until they finally succeeded. I, personally, appreciate just as much, and in a way even mere, the odd Bronze standard achieved through sheer hard endeavour and perseverance, than the maximum Silver Standards gained by some of our ‘cracks’. This is just a personal opinion and far be it from me to belittle the achievements of these boys who gained maximum Silver Standards. Rees, J. 11 Palmer, R. 11 Jones, R. 9 Downie, R. 11 Watson, P. 4 The success of the standard system depends en all of you, whether you be good, mediocre or bad athletes. Just one piece of advice for next year. Do not leave it again until a day or two before the Inter House Sports before you make an effort to gain the odd points. Make those efforts right through the term. It will help your house and it will improve your performances.

The Inter House Sports were, in any case from the performances point of view a success. Only four or five of the old records are still standing, all the others were broken this year. I have just read in the Red Dragon, Summer 1949 that ‘future contenders for School records will have to be very good indeed if they can improve on the existing records’.

I am certainly not going to make such a rash forecast concerning the new records. They are not first class records by any means, although some are very good, but I do hope, that, in a few years time, you will have made it difficult for new ‘contenders’ to break existing K.A.S. records.

The Inter House Cup was won by NANSEN after an exciting tussle with ROOSEVELT while CHURCHILL, the House which gained most points during the actual sports days, only came third because of poor achievements in the Standard competition. It just goes to show!

Some of the individual performances were very good. Most outstanding, I think, were John Rees’s 10.4 secs. for the 100 yards and Roger Jones (under 14 years) 11.2 for the 100 y and 25.3 secs. for the 220 y.

Michael Haworth’s Hop, Step, and Jump distance of 38’ 4½” is also very good considering that he did it more or less for the first time.

John Rees, Robert Palmer and Roger Jones all gained a good number of firsts and second places and I found it most difficult to decide on the winner of the Individual Athletics Cup, which in the end went to John Rees, the senior boy. I hope that we will discontinue the ‘Victor Ludorum’ system but instead perhaps give the cup to the boy who achieves a really outstanding performance.

The achievements in the running events are mostly quite good but the performances in most of the field events are still rather poor although they are improving. It does need a lot of patience, perseverance and practice to achieve really good results in field events. We have some good material in the school and I do hope that next year’s will compare very favourably with the results

Page 22: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

20

which you achieved this season. In our annual fixture with Prince Rupert School, Wilhelmshaven, we achieved, I think, our most

overwhelming victory so far. We won 13 out of a total of 18 events: a most creditable performance. From the first event in both the Senior and Junior classes, we never looked back and finally beat P.R.S. by a considerable margin.

John Rees crowned a very successful season by establishing a new Long Jump Record with a good jump of 20' 6”. Ian Arnold at long last broke the existing High Jump record with a jump of 5’ 3”: under the existing conditions a very good performance. Roger Jones again delighted all, except perhaps P.R.S. by his really magnificent running and Edwards, Berry and Pryde did well to put up new times for the 440 y, 880 y and 1 mile respectively. Athletic Colours have been awarded to:- Ian Arnold, Michael Haworth, Roger Jones, Peter Berry, and Peter Bowd. Herr Sonntag’s help has been invaluable and it is largely due to his good coaching that the performances improved so considerably.

B.R.H.

GIRLS’ ATHLETICS THIS year, the girls’ athletics has been taken much more seriously: standards have been

properly organised, and each house given an athletics day. The standard system proved successful. A standard was set for each group, senior,

intermediate and junior. The object of this was to gain a better standard of athletics, and also to add points towards the inter-house athletics meeting. Gym periods were given up to swimming and athletics, to enable the girls to get more standards. Thus, when the athletics meeting was approaching the houses were able to choose their teams easily, picking their people through the merit of their standards.

The Inter House Athletics Meeting was held over a period of four days. Each house put up an excellent show, and deserved their good results, Roosevelt Girls won the cup and must be congratulated for their hard work. The individual Girls Athletics was won by Pat Searight who gained all possible “A” standards.

The Inter Schools Athletics Sports was held between K.A.S., P.R.S. and B.S.H. on 22nd July. The events were cut down in this meeting, as opposed to the Inter-house. We lost to P.R.S. by a few points.

The meeting was very successful, as regards timings etc., as can be seen below: Jun. Girls - 100 yds

1st E. Van den Anker; 2nd L. Irvine, 12.1 secs (an all school girls’ record); l2.7s respectively

Sen. Girls - 100 yds. Jun. Girls — 70 yds. 3rd A. Sargeant lst E. van den Anker 8.9 secs 3rd L. Irvine 9.5 secs 150 yds 3rd A. Sargeant 19.0 secs Sen Ball Throwing Jun Ball Throwing 2nd C. Dalton, 183' 6” 1st E. van den Anker 152’ 11" 3rd T. Holtsbaum, 183’ 0" Sen Girls’ High Jump Jun Girls’ High Jump 1st A. Trigwell 4' 7” 2nd P. Greenwood 4’ Sen Relay Jun Relay 2nd K.A.S. 54.7 secs 1st K.A.S. 54.4 secs

Pat Searight

Page 23: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

21

BOYS’ SWIMMING (Captain P. Howley)

THIS term we introduced the Standard system also to swimming. It took the form of two tests (A & B) of progressing difficulty. The easier B test for instance entails 2 lengths (100 m) continuous swimming, two different strokes one of which has to be Breaststroke, to be used for each length. ‘A’ swimmers received 2 red stripes and ‘B’ swimmers 1 red stripe to distinguish them not only from one another but also from non-swimmers. Apart from this an ‘A’ swimmer gained 1 point and a ‘B’ swimmer ½ point for his House. Next year we shall enlarge on this system and bring in more tests one of which will be especially designed for real beginners.

Out of a grand total of 287 boys 127 gained an ‘A’ and 88 boys gained a ‘B’: a total of 215 safe swimmers. There are only about 10 - 15 non-swimmers left in the school. I hope that I shall be able to report next year that there are only 10 - 15 boys left in the school who have not passed either their ‘A’ or their ‘B’ swimmers test.

Churchill House did best in the tests. From 57 boys 31 gained their ‘A’ and 17 gained their ‘B’: a total of 48 boys.

The Inter House Swimming Sports, which were won by NANSEN by a considerable margin, produced some good results and very nearly all the old records went by the board. Williams D., Jones R., Nash B., Walter G., Fillingham P., and Hicks M., did particularly well.

The Inter School Swimming Sports against Prince Rupert School, Wilhelmshaven ended in an overwhelming victory for us in both the Senior and Junior classes. From 10 events, including 2 relays, we won 9, besides coming 1st and 2nd in 6 events out of 8. We could not very well be 1st and 2nd in the relays!

We won all these races and every winning time, including those of the relays, again produced new school records. There are no 1948 or 1949 records left standing. Most of the performances were very good indeed and I thought it a most appropriate ending to a very successful, hut much too short swimming season.

Peter Howley, George Walter, Roger Jones and Michael Hicks were our star performers and they have been awarded their Swimming Colours.

B.R.H.

GIRLS’ SWIMMING SWIMMING was again delayed this term owing to constant bad weather but, despite this, our

standard of swimming was higher than it has ever been. A new system of standards was introduced whereby a swimmer was qualified as an A or B

swimmer, the former entitling her to swim in the cuter enclosure and the latter allowing her to swim in the pool. This system helped to heighten the enthusiasm of the girls and by the end of the term even previous non-swimmers were added to the list of those who had obtained standards. The awarding of the swimming cup was also largely determined by the number of standards obtained by each House during the term.

In the inter-house swimming gala the number of events for each person was restricted because the girls’ distances had been increased. Only one event was allowed to be entered for by each person. Congratulations to Nansen and Temple girls for diving for the Cup.

The swimming against Wilhelmshaven this year was of even higher standard than last with one record being broken, that of the Senior girls’ relay. The result was that we won handsomely.

I would also like to congratulate Marilynne Crow and Anne Trigwell on receiving their School Colours.

Carmel Hicks

Page 24: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

22

SCHOOL TENNIS UNFORTUNATELY during the first month of the term the six new tennis courts were not

completed, but after this we were no longer handicapped by the lack of sufficient courts, and owing to this the general standard of tennis throughout the school has improved immensely. Tennis activities were arranged for each House to have the use of the courts one day a week, and a member of staff was in charge to coach the House; this was made compulsory for 3rd forms upwards.

A School tennis team was picked from a selection of roughly fourteen girls and was as follows:- 1st couple Gillian Walker Sally Cook (Captain) 2nd couple Maureen Knight Janice Collins 3rd couple Valerie Swinnerton Jennifer Davies Reserve: Sheila Baggarley.

We started our matches by playing the staff and were badly beaten. Here we saw the need for a lot of practice.

On July 9th we played our annual match against Prince Rupert Wilhelmshaven, and expecting as usual to be well beaten were very surprised when the final score was 5 - 4 matches to P.R.S. and 91 - 88 games. The final set was tense and exciting, but at the same time terribly disappointing. However we made up for this by winning all 9 matches against British School Hamburg.

Following these inter-school matches we played two more - one against a B.A.F.O. team who were playing 4 inter-service players in their team, and the last of the season against Kiel Ladies (C.C.G.) Unfortunately we lost both of these - these scores were 7 - 2 matches to B.A.F.O., and 53 - 50 games to Kiel Ladies. The latter was the second match we had lost by only 3 games and if we were to start our sets without the defeatist attitude which so often exists, it might be more than possible to reverse the final scores.

The House tennis matches were played within the last 3 weeks of term and again the Cup seemed to rest between Fleming, Churchill, and Temple. Throughout these matches a general improvement in the standard of play was very obvious. The Cup was finally won by Churchill with 228 games, followed by Temple with 178, Fleming 170, Roosevelt 119 and Nansen 102.

A Singles tournament was played off in the last month of the term and several matches ended in close competition.

On the whole this tennis season has been very successful and as the Summer term comes to an end it is clear the standard of play in the 1st team is higher than last year, and throughout the School the general improvement is marked.

Finally congratulations go to Jennifer Davies on winning her School tennis colours, and much appreciation is due to Miss Clake and Herr Behrens for the coaching they have given the team, also the other staff who have coached their respective Houses.

Sally A. Cook (Tennis Captain)

The singles final was between Sally Cook and Valerie Swinnerton. Many of the games went to

deuce but Valerie’s inexperience was against her, and although her play was steady, Sally won the match - and the Cup - 6-1, 6-2.

Congratulations and best wishes to all teams for next season.

Summary of School Matches Staff v K.A.S. (i) 55 - 26 games (ii) 60 - 21 Kiel v K.A.S. 53 - 50 games P.R.S. v K.A.S. 5 - 4 matches B.S.H. v K.A.S. 0 - 9 matches B.A.F.O. v K.A.S. 7 - 2 matches

Page 25: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

23

INTER HOUSE ROUNDERS OWING to shortage of time, only the Juniors played House rounders matches. Some Houses

had difficulty in fielding a team of a reasonably good standard, as it was difficult to gather all the team together apart from the one afternoon per week activity.

The first round of matches was not too satisfactory owing partly to lack of practice but largely to excitement. However the games improved considerably with experience but it is to be hoped that next year, some Houses will see that their Umpires have a little better knowledge of the rules before the matches commence!

The result was six points to each of Churchill, Fleming and Temple Houses, and so the number of rounders had then to be counted. The final winner was Churchill team with 25½ rounders, followed by Temple 24½, Fleming 23½, Nansen 17 and Roosevelt 11. We should like to thank all the Staff who have helped to coach the House rounders teams.

J.C.

Senior Rounders v. P.R.S. Score 3 - 1 lost. THE Seniors have not played rounders this term, but have left it as a junior game. We did

however, muster a team to play against P.R.S. A week beforehand we began to practise but did not have much time.

The game itself was enjoyable, but it was obvious that our team-work was not very good. We fielded first, and our lack of practice was soon evident. The throwing in was not always accurate; and the 2nd and 3rd bases, who were playing off their bases, often played too far out, and were therefore not in contact with their bases where needed. The hitting wasn’t really as good as it could have been. From this game, we certainly learned that fielding practice was necessary, if a good game was to be played.

Patricia Searight

The Rounders Match versus B.S.H. ON Friday the 28th June the Junior Rounders Team played Hamburg. We won the toss, and took our positions on the field. We all agreed it was the best junior rounders match yet versus Hamburg. It was a very hot day; by the end of the second innings we were almost worn out. Diana Ritchie made three rounders, which was the best individual score. Some good hits were made by B.S.H. team, but due to good fielding by the deep fielders B.S.H. only managed to reach third base. On the whole the fielding was much better than the hitting for both sides. The score was 2½ - 7 for K.A.S. We look forward to playing Hamburg again next year.

Mary Ryan Captain

THE SCIENCE EXHIBITION WHEN the School and its many activities were on show for Speech Day, it was thought that the

excellently equipped Science Department should also be open to visitors. It was decided that the best way to do this was to organise an exhibition on the lines of South Kensington Science Museum, but on a much more modest scale.

Various projects were assigned to groups of senior pupils, who were then left to make a success of the particular experiment or demonstration. In most cases this involved designing and making many of the articles required. Ultimately, almost all the exhibits worked, some of them only after much experimenting and disappointment which was soon forgotten in the excitement of final achievement.

The Biology section consisted of a survey of the plant life in the school and surrounding district; exhibits to illustrate photosynthesis, respiration, embryonic development, tropism and

Page 26: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

24

metamorphosis; living exhibits, in natural settings, of wasps, ants, and snakes; and several aquaria stocked with local pond life.

In the Chemistry laboratory, the demonstrations included the composition of water, distillation, crystal structure and silicate growths.

The Physics section occupied two laboratories; one for Heat, Light and Sound; the other for Magnetism and Electricity. Considerable ingenuity was shown in the construction of many of these displays; particularly the oscilloscope made from a gramophone motor and an old loud speaker; the rainbow produced by a flask of water; the doll dressed in chemically treated material which changed colours under ultra-violet light; and the use of alternating current to illustrate resonance. Electric motors, model car trafficators, radio transmitter and receiver, and many other working experiments proved to be a considerable attraction to visitors, many of whom came more than once.

Each exhibit was accompanied by a card giving the names of the pupils responsible for it, the instructions for working it, and the reason why. These explanation proved inadequate for some visitors who returned to ask for fuller and more detailed information.

The exhibition was organised by Mr. Fleming Thomson, Head of the Science Department, assisted by Miss M. Jerome, Miss Jeens and Dr. Roder, and was in several ways a valuable contribution to the Science side of the school. The pupils who prepared the exhibits have learned many things by doing, and have experienced the joy of achievement. Others have found a new interest in Science which is apparent in many classes this term.

COMMANDER PETER SCOTT’S VISIT

LIEUT. Commander Peter Scott, M.B.E., D.S.C., is an old friend of mine, and I was very glad that he was able to come and spend a few days at King Alfred School on his way to Upsala in Sweden, where he was to attend an Ornithological Congress. Peter Scott is not only the son of a very famous father - Scott of the Antarctic - but he has made a considerable name for himself as a bird artist, an author, lecturer and broadcaster, an authority on wild-fowl (he is now Director of the Severn Wildfowl Trust) and a small-boat sailor.

It was particularly fortunate for us that his visit coincided with a whole holiday in honour of the King’s Birthday. Every boat in our “fleet” was out that day, so that he was able to inspect our sailing; and in the evening he gave us what was probably the best lecture that has aver been given in Butler Hall.

The sun shone warmly on the morning of Thursday 8th June, and the weather forecast was promising, so even the fine-weather helmsmen were allowed to go out. The fifteen ‘Pirates’ sailed across to the Ascheberg Lake; a party of Helpers rowed the ‘Discovery’ across to one of the islands down by Nehmten, while the Red Dragon and the Daffodil with more than 200 children on board acted as ‘Mother Ship’ to the five cutters and the other six sailing boats in a voyage to the extreme southern end of the lake.

At mid-day Peter Scott and I went down by car to the far end of the lake to see how they were getting on. To our horror - as about 300 children were on the water or picnicing on dry land, but separated by 3 or 4 miles of water from the School - a violent storm broke suddenly over the lake. The wind blew at gale strength, the land was blotted out and the water was lashed by ruin and swept by wind squalls. Our boatmen, who were in charge of the Red Dragon, were experts on the local weather, and they assured me that the gale would soon die down, so the fleet anchored in shallow water while 300 children huddled under the bushes and ate sodden sandwiches. The boatmen were right; in the middle of the afternoon there was a lull in the storm end the Red Dragon and Daffodil soon set off homewards, the sailing boats rushing through the water with a spanking beam wind so that they resembled a brood of busy ducklings round their mother.

Peter Scott, John Barlee and I were standing on the jetty as they came in. The wind was still blowing very strongly and the cutters seemed to be heeling over alarmingly but the helmsmen -

Page 27: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

25

fine-weather or not - came about smartly off the end of the pier and one by one ran the harbour and tied up.

Still there was no sign of the ‘Pirates’ and an anxious Headmaster had visions of their being in difficulties in the Ascheberg Lake. But no, apparently they were waiting in the lee of one of the islands for a lull in the storm. Suddenly one of the boys sighted their red sails through the mist of a rain squall, and soon the fifteen boats, running straight before the wind, were clearly visible. As they all came in within a few hundred yards of each other, Mr. Barlee had to call them into the harbour one at a time, and considerable skill was needed to manoeuvre as each helmsman awaited his turn.

At last all the boats were safely tied up. Peter Scott congratulated John Barlee on the skill and coolness of his yachtsmen, and the Headmaster gave a great sigh of relief.

It had been given out that Commander Scott was going to show the coloured film he had recently taken on his expedition to the Parry River in the Canadian Arctic in search of Ross’ Goose. The lecture was voluntary but the entire school turned out as well as most of the adult community - an audience 700 strong. Although most of us were exhausted at the end of a very strenuous whole-holiday, such was the skill of the lecturer that we all listened with intense interest for well over an hour while Peter Scott drew maps and amusing sketches on the blackboard and then showed us his beautiful coloured film of the expedition.

We all felt at the end of the lecture that we were indeed privileged to have had a pre-view of the film (which was to be shown at the Ornithological Congress) and to hear such a fascinating story so entertainingly and skillfully told. F.S.C.

A VISIT TO KIEL WE arrived at Kiel about 2.45 on a fine Sunday afternoon, and were met by a naval officer who

escorted us to a trim, speedy looking launch lying alongside the quay. Soon we found ourselves speeding over the blue waters of Kiel Bay towards the Baltic Sea. On our left was the opening to the Kiel Canal, the most important canal in Germany. As we ploughed on our way at a good twenty knots, the shores gradually became more and more distant and the huge Bismarck Memorial loomed up ahead.

Meanwhile when our explorations of the ship’s machinery and gadgets had finished most of us sat on the deck railing in the sun, admiring the magnificent view and commenting on our huge wake as compared with that of the “Red Dragon” at Plön or guessing at the nationality of various cargo boats we passed. We soon left the Bismarck Memorial behind, and the shore on the left fell away so that we could see twenty miles away the cranes and the dock’s at Eckernförde jutting out into the sea.

As it was about four o’clock we turned back towards Kiel, and on our way we passed many kinds of boats from big ocean-going steamers to small “pirates” bobbing up and down in the wake of the big boats. The ocean racing yachts with about 80 metres of sail aroused great interest, speed was in their every line. At last we reached the quay and boarded a landing craft where we had tea. We were then allowed to explore the three tanks with which the landing-craft was equipped. The tank crews told us briefly how they worked and started their engines for us. However all too soon it was time to go after a most enjoyable and interesting time.

H.R. Taylor 5 A

Page 28: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

26

THE DANISH VISIT REMEMBERING how much we had enjoyed their last visit we were delighted to hear that our

Danish friends were coming to King Alfred School again. Some twenty of us waited at the main gate for the bus to arrive from Sønderborg on Sunday

the 25th of June. It was about 6.30 when one of the buses finally rolled in through the gate, with a crowd of smiling Danish boys and girls. Each House had sent a representative to meet the guests who were to be accommodated in their Houses. After a very welcome supper we entertained them for the remainder of the evening.

On Monday morning the Danes and the fortunate members of the Upper VIth assembled in a form room to discuss the arrangements for the week. That afternoon we all went for a trip round the lake in the Red Dragon. The weather could not have been better and everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly. After supper the Headmaster gave a lecture in St. George’s Chapel and showed his lantern slides of Tibet. The Danes found this most interesting and they said afterwards that they had understood nearly everything the Headmaster had said.

Mr. Aspinall had arranged for the guests and their guides to visit Lübeck on Tuesday afternoon. We are lucky enough to have on the staff Fräulein Rahn, who lives in the town and is an expert on its history and architecture. We saw the Rathaus there, and the semi-ruined Cathedral with its three remaining spires. That evening the school film ‘Looking for Trouble’ was shown. Although the school now knows it rather well, the Danes seemed thoroughly entertained by it.

On the Wednesday afternoon we paid a visit to the Cloister at Preetz. This was originally a women’s Community founded in the 14th century, and its buildings stand in extensive grounds, with a large and impressive Chapel as their focal point. It had been used until recently by the British Army as a Church Leadership Centre, and we found it deserted and in process of transition to its original German function. The Chapel, with its mass of carved and painted woodwork, and its separate boxes which had been used by the members of the Community, was particularly interesting.

The visit to Hamburg on Thursday was the highlight of the whole week. We took both our lunch and tea with us, and started off immediately after breakfast. Mr. Hanauer and Herr and Frau Behrens, who lived in Hamburg before the war and who also have lived in Denmark came with us. When we arrived there, we visited the Zoo, and then went on a launch round the harbour. Luckily enough we saw a Danish merchant ship at anchor, and our guests and the sailors were able to shout ‘hallo’ to each other. When we returned to school Mr. Randall showed us the excellent photographs that he had taken in Denmark last year.

On Friday evening there was a farewell dance for the Danes, the Staff and the Helpers. It was held in our beautiful Music Room which was gaily decked with roses, the Danish flag and the Union Jack. The band, buffet and dancing were excellent. The party was a riotous success and a fitting end to a thrilling week.

It was with a sense of anticlimax and of genuine regret that we had to say goodbye to each other on Saturday morning. After photographs had been taken, addresses exchanged and farewells said, the British hosts rushed up to the barrier and sat on it to try and prevent the bus from leaving. However it was all in vain, and we had to let them go. But we can still look forward to next year when our Danish friends will come again to stay at King Alfred School.

Tessa Beavis

OUR VISIT TO BREMERHAVEN ON Saturday morning the 20th May, fourteen boys and eight girls, accompanied by two

members of Staff - Miss McPherson and Mr. Hanauer, set out on a visit to the American High School at Bremerhaven. The boys had been invited to take part in a track meeting and the girls were invited there as ‘cheer-leaders’.

We sang the same old songs and choruses on our bus journey and after arriving in Hamburg

Page 29: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

27

we went to the NAAFI Club and relaxed for an hour. At 5 o’clock we arrived at the Country Club in Bremen and were met by the Headmaster of the American School, Mr. Heiges, and some of the “students”. We were taken inside and given Coca Cola which we drank with great gusto. Afterwards we were given our instructions. A number of our people stayed in Bremen with their hosts or hostesses and the rest scrambled into the bus for another hour’s journey into Bremerhaven. We were immediately told that there was going to be a dance held in our honour at the local Teen-agers’ Club which had just recently been opened. What a hectic beginning, we thought, and hurried off to get a wash and brush up.

We spent a most enjoyable evening there - chatting to the friends we had made, dancing and all the rest of party fun.

On Monday we all visited an American Destroyer which came into the Naval docks. We went on board and’ spent a most enjoyable and interesting time looking round the decks and testing morse signals, inspecting guns and depth charges. That same afternoon the sports were held. Fortunately the weather didn’t let us down and we had periods of very bright sunshine. Our Athletic team did very well, gaining places in nearly every event.

On Tuesday morning, after packing our cases ready for our return journey, we paid our last visit to the High school, where we were given a short talk by the Headmaster on how American schools are run.

Apparently the American students seemed very impressed by our uniforms and they admired the Helpers’ ties and badges very much indeed.

After taking snaps before boarding the bus, we said our reluctant goodbyes and felt we had made some very firm friendships.

Jennifer Davies, 6 M

VISIT TO AMERICAN DESTROYER Monday 22nd, May 1950.

THIS morning the High School students and ourselves went by bus into the Bremerhaven Port

of Embarkation to berth 2, where USS. Meredith was moored alongside Columbus Quay. This destroyer is the fourth naval vessel of its kind to bear the name in honour of Sergeant

Jonathan Meredith, US. Marine Corps, killed in action near Tripoli in 1772; the present “Meredith” was commissioned in 1945. This class combines the duties of escort to convoys with those of submarine-chaser. Their top speed is about 32 knots which enables them to manoeuvre quickly. They were used extensively during World War Two in the radar-warning picket line around embattled Okinawa.

The “Meredith” has had ports of call in Newfoundland, Scotland, Denmark, Cuba, the Arctic area, Europe and the Mediterranean Sea area, and after her visit to Bremerhaven will return State-side to refit.

Crossing the gang-plank we made our way along the port side; here we were able to examine the 40 mm. emplacements and great fun was had elevating, depressing, sighting, the guns on craft in harbour. Some idea of the terrific thrust of a 40 mm. could be gained from the length and thickness of the recoil springs. When you consider the exposed position of the 20 mm. and 40 mm. guns, even with the armoured-plating, it gives an idea of the danger for those manning them against say aerial attack. As you moved round the batteries the rows of black depth-charges came in view, waiting to fulfil their deadly purpose; the catapults are ready loaded and only need a button to be pressed to throw the load out and down into the sea, to explode against marauding submarines.

From there we went forrard past life-boats and deck cabins, up a companion-way on to the top deck; from here it was possible to see further 20 mm’s., alongside one of the twin 5-inch gun-houses, part of the main battery. The 5-inches are supplied mechanically from the magazine between decks, whilst the lighter calibres are loaded with ‘clips’.

Page 30: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

28

Towering above this deck is the mast, the topmost part of which supports a radar-grid, of the latest design. Afore it is another radar-grid, whilst aft of the mast is the one large funnel of the vessel.

On this deck also is the wheel-house and control cabin, the brain of the destroyer, for inside are all the intricate instruments needed to guide and direct the ship, and control-panels for various weapons and gadgets; here are the maps on which the ship’s course is marked and calculated; the delicate chronometer, used for fixing for example longitude at sea; the binnacle containing the main compass, which is connected to a gyro that corrects other compasses automatically; and many other instruments such as the latest type radar-screen, asdic, a fathometer. The later sends out radar impulses from the lowermost point of the keel down to the sea bed the echoes being transmitted to a recorder showing the number of fathoms below the ship.

The top deck overlooks the forrard 5-inch gun-house on the main deck, in front of which are the anchor-winches.

The cost of a single torpedo might interest the reader Dollar 10,000 or over £ 3,000. These are fired from tubes, four in number - set on a mount on the deck amid-ships, in such a way as to be able to fire to starboard or larboard as necessary.

When finally it was time to go a most interesting visit came to an end, John Rees, Form 6.

MUSIC REPORT THE beginning of term saw another event in the school’s musical history the long awaited

music room was ready. We are naturally very proud of this, and thank the Headmaster for arranging it.

The first use of the room was by a German pianist, Frau W. Bertelsen, who on 11th June gave us a wonderful recital. All enjoyed it, and we very grateful to Mrs. Harrison for organising her visit.

Earlier in the term, the Band of Coventry City visited us and played to the school. Their performance was much appreciated and many of the tunes played were hummed for over a fortnight.

It is rather interesting to note that Coventry adopted a town in Germany, as a token that there was no ill feeling between them and the Germans; in spite of the fact that Coventry was very heavily bombed during the war the town was Kiel.

Speech Day saw three well-won prizes go to deserving prizewinners. They were William Brown (flute), Roger Jones (clarinet), and Christopher Costin (clarinet). It is interesting to note that all three prizewinners were in Churchill House. They are to be congratulated on their success.

The Choir’s activities this term were dormant throughout the greater part of this term. It was felt that they lacked enthusiasm, and it was not until the preparations for the Dedication Service were under way, that they really got down to work. It is hoped that next term, some more volunteers will be forthcoming, and that the choir will start singing really well at the beginning of term.

The orchestra made a fairly successful debut on the night of the Churchill House plays. They played “The Lord-Mayor’s Swan-Hopping Trumpet solo”, a 16th Century traditional tune, The Duke of Malborough’s Funeral March, and Haydn’s St. Anthony Choral.

It is with deep regret we say farewell to William Brown and Roger Jones. G.H.P.F.

Page 31: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

29

AUGUST FOLLY I thought it would be a good idea to spend the summer holidays at home here in Plön. Other

members of the staff could go to England, Tegernsee or tour the continent, but I would stay and enjoy the peace and quiet of King Alfred School minus its children.

It has been a delightful holiday and the weather has been kind, the lake warm, and the wind just right for sailing. But it has certainly not been quiet.

In fact it has been bedlam, sheer bedlam. The noisy activities of term time were but the husky whisperings of laryngitic mice compared with the thunderous bangs and crashes of the builders and decorators. For the latter have been our ever-present guests throughout the holiday.

Their day began early, much too early. First, they arrived, chatting laughing and joking. Next the equipment would be off-loaded and sorted out the noise of long planks of wood being dropped from the back of a lorry makes a most gentle reveille at 7.30 in the morning. Men would them be allotted to their various tasks and the noise of the day would begin in earnest.

In Fleming they have been constructing studies way up in the roof somewhere, and men have been perched like monkeys in the treetops, hurling not coconuts but tiles at unwary passers-by. Nobody was ever actually struck with a direct hit, but several suffered near misses and it was felt that with a bit more practice some of the men would qualify for their bronze standard in marksmanship.

Then in Nansen alterations to the changing rooms have been in noisy progress, involving the knocking down of one wall and the putting up of another, together with basins and other paraphernalia. The din of hammers on hard bricks has been a continuous background music during the whole of this operation and perhaps, before it is too late, it would not be a bad idea to convert this new room to a cosy little padded cell for the near-demented house-tutors whose ears have been subjected to this ceaseless battering.

The windows in all the buildings have been another source of entertainment to the workman. They have opened them end shut them, taken them off their hinges, and hung them back again; they have stripped them, scraped them, painted them; turned them upside down, trodden on them, and generally got more amusement out of them than would have been thought possible. This sort of harmless fun is quite all right if carried out in its proper place and time. But I do not consider immediately after lunch as a proper time. I like a short rest after lunch in my comfortable armchair under the window and I hate being woken from this rest by anything; least of all by a howling draught coming through a hole in the wall where just now a window was, but is no longer, because some humorist has removed it for painting.

Amongst all this general confusion and noise, three little men stand out in my mind, and curse them as I might at the time I have come to regard them almost with respect, so conscientious were they in the performance of their unlikely tasks.

The first was never seen by me, only heard. His seat of operation I guessed to be somewhere at the top of the building above the Dining Hall. He tapped. That is all he did, just tapped. I don’t know what it was he was tapping (except that it was something metal) nor do I know or care why. But from dawn to dusk for fourteen days he tapped out his regular, rhythmic measure. I think he must have been put there by the foreman just to ensure that some sort of noise was always to be heard, in case the more spectacular bangs and crashes should at any time of the day cease.

The second was a little man with a hammer and a neat little pile of bricks. He arrived one day just after lunch and installed himself outside my sitting room window. It was obvious what his instructions were. Each day, just as the newspaper dropped from my hands and I was drifting peacefully, blissfully into my post-prandial coma, he would start to pulverise those bricks. He would do this systematically, brick by brick, until he saw me give up the unequal struggle, rise angry and bleary-eyed from my chair and go out for a walk. At that moment he would break off, light a cigarette, pick up his revolting little hammer and walk away, his devilish task completed until the same time tomorrow.

Thirdly there was my little comedian. He caused me no annoyance, didn’t get in my way (much) and merely made me laugh. He was very short, (just a shade higher than the average table), wore a very dirty shabby trilby hat, dungarees, and carried a ruler. He never measured anything with this ruler; nor did he beat time with it or swot flies with it, or anything. He just carried it under his

Page 32: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

30

arm. He walked up and down amongst the busy builders, quietly, vacantly, never speaking, his face giving the impression that he was looking for something. But whether he knew what it was he was looking for I have no idea. He suddenly disappeared one day and I haven’t seen him since.

Finally there has been the mystery of the paving-stones. Perhaps not a mystery really; they haven’t suddenly disappeared or taken on human form or anything exciting like that. They have just been thoroughly chivvied around and altogether have had almost as disturbed a holiday as the men and women on the camp. It started with the cobbles which line the roads in the grounds. These cobbles which had been leading an apparently harmless and inoffensive life ever since the day they were first placed in position, suddenly had the even tenor of their existence shattered, by being taken up and rudely removed from their cosy beds, to be left lying cold, unwanted and untidy along the edges of the roads for several days. Then equally suddenly they were returned to their former resting places and laid just as they had been before, with one difference, that they were covered with a thin layer of red sand. Perhaps this last was an apologetic gesture by the disturbers of their peace, as if to provide them with a warm blanket to compensate for their previous exposure.

The same procedure followed with the paving-stones in front of Alexander. Those were all taken up, dusted, stacked, and then put back again - just as before (except that, like their smaller comrades they too were covered with a thin protective layer of red sand). What the purpose of these operations was nobody seems to know. One can only surmise. Perhaps it was felt that with all the lovely fine weather and sunshine we have been having, it was only fair to let beetles, worms, and weevils and other forms of nature’s lower orders have a breath of fresh air and a chance to get a pleasant sun-tan.

At the time of writing the roads are still bordered by untidy stacks of paving stones, the builders are still noisily engaged in knocking down walls and building up fresh ones; the decorators are still swishing paint and distemper, causing doors to jam shut and windows to refuse to open - there is still bedlam. Let the new term begin soon when this hideous cacophony will give place to the soft, sweet, soothing hum of 600 children at work and play.

J.H.C.

THE WHOLE HOLIDAY ON THE KING’S BIRTHDAY IT is very convenient having the King’s Birthday in the middle of the Summer term for it means

a whole holiday for the boys and girls. Of course there were various pursuits to take up but most people immediately cast their eyes

towards the blue waters of the lake. As soon as it was known there was to be a whole holiday, our party made a dash to Mr. Barlee

to book a Jolly Boat. We said we wished to row the boat. This induced Mr. Barlee to send the other four Jolly Boats to row also. The boatmen unstepped the mast and the boats were ready for the great day.

I think quite a few people breathed sighs of relief when the day came and the weather was fair, and not all of the sighs came from the boys and girls.

Our party had already prepared for the great day and after the assembly piles of cooking utensils, axes, food and water were carried down to our Jolly Boat. Then, with our destination at Nehmten we set off. It was good fun rowing down towards the other end of the lake but it was even better when we picked up a tow from the Red Dragon. From then on it was plain sailing or rather plain rowing as all we had to do was sit back and keep out of the spray coming over the side.

With the lead we had obtained from the Red Dragon it was nearly one and a half hours later that the other Jolly Boats turned up at the rendezvous end by that time we had a good fire going and our lunch in preparation.

Then came our one and only setback. Mr. Fleming-Thomson told us we were camping in the wrong place and by this time we thought so too because we had already seen three large ugly

Page 33: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

31

looking snakes which had terrified most of the girls. We set off for a new destination, but after a time the lake was rather stormy and it was

becoming tiring. But we had reached our destination which if looked at on the map is known as Rotten Warder but is named “Peike” to us.

Well, we landed and then set the girls to work while the boys gathered firewood and constructed a camp of sorts. Soon we smelled an appetising aroma from the camp fire, and contrary to our expectations the meal was very well turned out.

After lunch we set about clearing our camp site and then proceeded to build a shelter as there was the threatening roar of thunder in the distance. For the next one and a half hours we sat huddled under a meagre shelter of branches and a few raincoats thoughtfully provided by the girls.

Then suddenly the fact dawned upon us that the day was nearly over and unless we hurried we would be later for supper. So with rather heavy hearts, although supper was waiting at the other end of the journey, we started rowing home and found we would never make it in time. Then from the Sailing Jetty came the roar of a motor and along came the Daffodil which towed us home and then we had three minutes before the Tannoy went.

So ended our whole holiday, and I am sure everyone was too tired at the end of the day to stop and consider what it would have meant to have the King’s Birthday in the holidays.

P. Bowd.

THE WYVERN CLUB ON 19th July 1950 a letter was sent to all Old Pupils, of which the following is an extract: “We

are now beginning our third year as a School and the number of boys and girls who have left us in constantly growing. Man ex-pupils have expressed the wish that they should be kept in touch with the progress of the School, and that they should be given from time to time news of the friends they have made here and, if possible, opportunities of meeting them again.

The WYVERN CLUB, as Association of Old Pupils, Staff and Friends of King Alfred School, Plön, has now been started for this purpose and a copy of this letter is being sent to all old pupils and staff, whose addresses we can trace, inviting them to join the Club. To meet the costs of running, each member is being asked to pay a subscription of 10/— a year in return for which he or she will receive among other things copies of the illustrated termly magazine of the School “The Red Dragon”. It is also hoped that it will soon be possible to arrange for re-unions among old pupils and friends.

If you would like to join the WYVERN CLUB will you please write to me at the address above, enclosing cheque or postal order made payable to King Alfred School Amenities Fund.

Do please write and let us know you are getting on. With all good wishes for your success and happiness

Mr. Parsons, who is Secretary of the Club, has already received about fifty answers to this letter

and the Club is now a running concern. Here is some news of Old Boys and Old Girls, including extracts from a letter from Michael Tarvis on his experiences as a young soldier in Malaya. PETER ARNOT (R) is still at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. He is now an ‘Intermediate’

and finds life a bit quieter and more settled. JANE (T) is still in Germany. She is shortly moving to Hamburg so we should see her fairly often. PETER BOWD (T) has registered for the Army and is waiting for his call-up. CAROLE BROOKES (C) is now at Stowmarket Grammar School. PAMELA CHAMBERS (N) has been working as a Shorthand Typist in the Life Office of the Royal

Insurance Company at Preston. She found it an interesting job, but has to leave as she is moving shortly to Canterbury.

JANICE (R) and JENNIFER (C) COLLINS are now at Chipping Norton Grammar School and settling down well.

Page 34: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

32

JOHN CLARIDGE (R) is at Maidstone Grammar School. PETER FROGGATT (F) (Midshipman) is bound for Australia on the M. V. Jason. PETER HAGGER (T) is at the Mid Essex Technical School and is to take up engineering in the new

term. FRANCES HAMAND (R) is at a Girls’ Boarding School in Devon. PETER HENSHAW (R) after a term at Surbiton County Grammar School is going to Abbottsholme

in Derbyshire. He writes that his aim is King’s Scout by his next birthday. MAVIS HILLMAN (R) after working on an Accounting Machine for en Insurance Company is

shortly to take up an appointment as a Doctor’s Secretary. She has had a further short experience of film making with Mr. Hammond.

PETER HOWELL (C) is doing well in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He is at present doing six months Technical Training with an exam every two weeks.

KATHLEEN HOUGH (C) is at present at Barmouth Grammar School, N.Wales. MICHAEL JARVIS (N) is a Gunner in the 26th Field Regiment R.A. now in Malaya. He seems to be

having a hectic time including train escort duties in which he has been derailed and shot at by bandits. Earlier in Singapore he formed part of the Guard of Honour for the King of Siam and the Regiment was complimented by General Dunlop, O.C. Singapore District, for its smartness.

PAMELA JORDAN (C) has just started at the Methodist College, Belfast. SYLVIA NEWSON (C) after a period at Saltley Grammar School now works for a firm of Stock

Brokers. She had a Credit in School Certificate Maths so would seem to have found the right job.

JUNE ROCKLEY (T) now in Lübeck. expects to start a Nursing Career at Manchester Royal Infirmary in January.

JUNE SPACKMAN (N) will start the new term at Salisbury Technical School for Shorthand, Typing and Book-keeping.

PAMELA THORPE (T) is a pupil at Weston Super Mare Grammar School. DAVID TRUSCOTT (T) is serving with the R.A.M.C. in Hong Kong.

PETER WEBSTER (N) is now at Okehampton Grammar School. His Headmaster was stationed at The Schloss, Plön, at the end of the war. With DIANA (N) Peter now lives on the edge of Dartmoor.

ROGER YOUNG (T) is now settling down and doing well in Salisbury. Southern Rhodesia. ROSEMARY (C) is at Newport High School.

MALAYA TODAY LIFE in Malaya today, from my point of view, that of a comparatively young soldier, is extremely

exciting, perhaps at times a little too much so. I say a young soldier, because I know that the opinions of the older soldiers, who have been serving in this country since the Emergency began, differ immensely from my own. Danger is always imminent wherever we may be, in the jungle itself, or on the roads and railways. As a result of this we carry small arms at all times, even in the confinement of our own camp.

For one to understand the difficult and hazardous job the Army is doing out here it’s imperative to know the object and present activities of the bandits, perhaps more generally known as Communist terrorists. Their object is as in other countries in the world, to disrupt the economic structure of the country thereby bringing the Government into disfavour, and placing a Communist Government of their own in power.

The bandits’ activities at the moment are centred on ambushing road and rail transport, terrorising the population in general by night attacks on insolated kampongs and dwellings, demanding food and subscriptions to the Communist cause. Attacks on rubber estates and in mines are frequent: the indirect results of these attacks may be well imagined as rubber and tin

Page 35: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

33

are the two main products of Malaya. The British Forces are working in close co-operation with the Police Force as the country has

not been placed under martial law, hence the Army is not in sole command. Our main occupation is patrols into the jungle to hunt and to oust the bandits from their hideouts. Even if we are not lucky enough to kill or capture them we keep them continually on the move. These patrols often consist of two sections of military and one of police under a British police sergeant. Sometimes the patrol is led by a captured bandit to some obscure camp in the heart of the jungle, other times by informers and the majority of times, unfortunately, we are given an area to search in the hope that we might possibly run into some bandits. We are continually in wireless contact throughout the patrol and are thus able to notify base of any action with bandits, of wounded and successes. In the event of casualties or being left with a dead bandit on our hands we immediately proceed to the nearest road, perhaps an hour’s march, perhaps a day. On reaching the road we arrange for transport for the wounded as quickly as possible and send the bodies of the bandits to the nearest police station for identification, and scrutiny of clothing and equipment to ascertain the origin.

It the patrol runs out of rations, base is notified by a map reference of a suitable place to receive an air drop. Then in the quickest possible time toed is dropped by R.A.F. Dakotas from either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. About a week ago one of our patrols received the millionth ration pack dropped by parachute in Malaya since the beginning of the Emergency. In this pack was an extra carton of cigarettes and a bottle of whisky with best wishes from Major Gen. RE. Urquhart, G.O.C. Malaya. and A.O.C. Malaya, Air-Vice Marshal Melhuish.

Another job we have been called upon to do is that of escorting trains through the more dangerous areas. The bandits quite frequently fire at these trains and many attempts have been made to derail them, some successful, others not. One successful attempt I can remember was on the single track railway from Bahan to Kemayan. The method used was quite simple, the bandits loosened a length of rail on a bend. To this loosened length they tied creepers taken from the jungle, and simply waited until the train appeared around the bend, then pulled the rail down the embankment and made off as fast as possible into the jungle. Fortunately on this occasion the damage took only twelve hours to repair, with the loss of only four crash wagons which were in front of the engine for that purpose.

We also work in close co-operation with the R.A.F. on air-strikes on bandit hideouts. We lay ambush positions on tracks leading from the jungle and wait for the bandits to be blasted from their positions by rocket firing Brigands and the new heavy Lincoln bombers. It becomes very unhealthy at times when the bombs begin to fall a little too short of their target!

However exciting or interesting these various jobs may appear they are locked upon with distaste by most of us in this regiment at least, as we are hardly ever called upon to act in our correct role, that of Field Artillery. We have been described by many as the “infantry gunners” in the local newspapers.

However, weighing up the pros and cons I think I shall never regret the experience which I have gained by serving in Malaya.

Michael Jarvis.

Page 36: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

34

LITERARY SECTION

PLEASURES To walk with the wind and the blowing rain, To walk in tire spring through a high hedged lane. To watch wild waves rise and burst on the shore, Dashing up spray with a rush and a roar.

To watch a gull as it battles its way High up through the wind and down through the spray. These are all small pleasures in my simple life, And yet they have their moments of strife.

ON HOLIDAYS Bring me breakfast on a tray, Go down to the library, Not before the sun is high. Fetch a novel, lively, gay. Whisper in my ear and say, Bring me muffins for my tea “Wake, for luncheon soon is nigh”. In the evening of the day.

Read in bed till half past one. Calm the yowling cats outside. Yes, the holidays are fun, Sweeping cares of term aside

D. A. Thomas 5 A.

THE SEASONS OF KING ALFRED SCHOOL WHEN the school year begins, in Autumn, the school assumes a rather sad, depressed look. The beautiful beech-wood behind the school clothes itself in a soft pastel brown, the earth is

covered with small beech nuts that crackle open when one treads upon them. The ducks swim lazily across the ornamental pond and dabble and dive in the thick green water. The pine woods that surround the houses are littered about with fir cones and dead, brown withered pine-needles are shed for a better garment.

The lake breezes blow soft, and gently carry away the dying yellow and red tinted leaves. The last rays of summer are here. The buzz of the large swollen mosquitoes is now almost inaudible, and one can feel the faint perception of a slight chill in the quickening wind. Some mornings the grounds are enshrouded by a soft cloak of mist that gently embalms the stark raked trees.

Still later, the winds grow more cold and all is darker, The stars seem to twinkle with a new lustre and the moon gleams as if it were of polished silver. A hush comes over the gardens as if silence were more fitting for this rather sad phase in the year. No longer is a faint rustling sound noticed as the wind passes through the trees, nothing but a faint taptapping is heard and sometimes a crackling of twigs.

Winter draws near. The holidays come closer and soon the school will resound no longer to the merry laughing and

chattering of children, but corridors will ring hollow, to the sound of emptiness. All the vast grounds are silent. As all grows colder and darker the place will perhaps radiate the happiness of children, and soon the nights seem less long and the day is more real.

Then, one night, late, the purr of buses is heard and a Ford swings round through the gate and then another, and another. The spell is snapped as the bus-loads of children are brought to their Houses. The school once more echoes and re-echoes with the petty joys and sorrows of these

Page 37: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

35

beings. It grows colder. Then, one morning, the ducks awake, perhaps to find that all is solid. No longer can they

exercise themselves swimming in the murky water. The ice grows harder, and more thick. The nights are now bright with myriads of stars, and the moon sheds a soft but frozen, sombre, and yet icy glow over all. Soon the ice becomes a skater’s paradise, and the biting winds pile up the fragments of cat ice. And then the air becomes a little warmer, all is fresher end soon a large blanket of snow spreads about the earth. The sun’s rays glitter and glister all over this white mantle. The ducks? They are inquiring as to what this new and interesting stuff is.

And yet on this passes, nature’s moods go on and on, like a merciless Juggernaut, crushing all those who lie in its way.

Spring draws near, and the green buds seem to be alive again. A reincarnation has begun. Flowers, big and small, and of many colours, appear from nowhere, and the fresh green leaves begin to grow, and soon it is summer again. The sun smiles down, benevolently, on all these that are growing. The gentle rains quicken and yet sometimes in anger they beat upon the poor plants, but soon all is peaceful once more.

The cool lake breezes blow on shore, and one is drugged to sleep and rest by the faint rustling of leaves and the high buzz of small midges.

Paul Fillingham 5 A.

THE WOOD NOT far out from the town there stands a wood. I have seen other woods before of course and

though they may all seem the same, this one is different. At all times of the year I’ve been there and one of the loveliest times is in Autumn when the leaves are crisp and crackle under foot. Winter makes it foreboding with the leafless trees and no sound except for the chirp of the robin which breaks the stillness and gives it some life.

Then suddenly out bursts the spring like a spot of petrol poured onto a fire. The birds come back and fill the woods with nature’s music and to add to this a soft breeze rustles the leaves in harmony with them. The flowers bloom and small lilies of the valley sprout up to spread their scent with other flowers through the wood.

I have been there for picnics and I always like to leave just as the sun is setting, and as you ride away there seems to be a golden background, also there is a feeling in your heart which seems to say “Come again, soon”.

S. Dally Remove Form

CHAUCER AT KING ALFRED In Holstein whylom was a companye Of yonge folk, that haunteden folye, For alle day they learned not by rote But haunteden the beach and eke the boot. In filthye mud they had thir greteste joye, There at the balle they kicken, everich boye. When that one of them hits but emptye aire, Then it is grisly for to hear hem sweare. Hir tyme was eke at sport alwaye y-spente, They cared nought for bookes that were lent To hem, so full of knowledge rich and rare. For schoolemen eke hadde they nought a care

Page 38: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

36

In dininge halle y-sate they daye and nighte And eten and drinken also over hir mighte. Unto this like school of slothe and ease There came an English teacher, harde to please. Unto the highest form she made hir waye, Hir task to make them work both nighte and day. Many of words to hem did she adresse, Until she made hem work (well, more or less.) For three long terms they laboured there. (I trow She maken other folk to labour now) Then grete scholemen did send to test, To finden out which scholare conned the best. This ilke ladye here of whom I telle, Hir scholars (nearly all) did fairly well. My tale is short and here will ended be. The moral of it I will yeve to thee: The teacher who some harde words will yeve, Will from hir scholars goode works receive.

J. Edwards Form 6

EXAMINATION RESULTS HIGHER CERTIFICATE RESULTS, 1950.

Tessa Wilcox and Tessa Beavis have gained their Higher Certificate. Tessa Wilcox has been awarded a Higher Exhibition by Kent Education Committee and is studying at Birmingham University.

SCHOOL CERTIFICATE RESULTS, July 1950.

The following have gained School Certificates: Collins, Janice Fillingham, Paul Jones, D. King, Isobel McCall, Brenda (with matriculation) Parry, B. Taylor, H. Thomas, D. Webster, Sheila

Page 39: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

37

STAFF Mr. F. Spencer Chapman Headmaster Mr. W. B. P. Aspinall Senior Master Miss E. M. Alcock Senior Mistress Mr. W. H. Close Bursar Rev. C. Bache C. of E. Chaplain Mr. J. Barlee Science & Mathematics Housemaster, Temple Herr H. Behrens German & P. E. Miss J. Bell Mathematics House Tutor, Temple Mrs. E. L. Boswell Matron Mr. H. W. Brittle Classics Housemaster, Roosevelt Miss M. Brotherton Domestic Science Housemistress, Temple Miss J. Clake Physical Education House Tutor, Temple Mr. D. J. V. Clark History & English House Tutor, Fleming Capt. Coleman, RAMC School Doctor Mr. K. B. G. Cossar Geography House Tutor, Roosevelt Mr. J. H. Cox Modern Languages House Tutor, Nansen Mr. G. Curran History House Tutor, Temple Miss N. V. Delmage General Subjects Housemistress, Fleming Mr. J. A. Farnell General Subjects House Tutor, Fleming Mr. W. Fleming Thomson Science & Mathematics Dr. W. Franz German Mr. R. A. Graham-Smith History & English Housemaster, Churchill Miss D. L. Hale Matron Mr. P. J. Hall Geography House Tutor, Churchill Mr. B. R. Hanauer Physical Education House Tutor, Nansen Mr. H. R. Harrison Mathematics House Tutor, Churchill Mrs. B. Harrison Music House Tutor, Roosevelt Miss K. J. Hart English & General Subjects Housemistress, Roosevelt Mrs. E. W. Herfurth German Mr. P. A. L. Heriz-Smith Art Housemaster, Fleming Miss P. H. Hicks Domestic Science House Tutor, Churchill Mrs. M. Holland General Subjects Housemistress, Nansen Miss J. M. Hopkins Needlework Housemistress, Churchill Mrs. N. H. Hudson B.F.E.S. Stores Miss M. E. Jerome General Subjects House Tutor, Fleming Miss E. M. Jeens Biology House Tutor, Nansen Miss A. K. Kitteringham Secretary to Headmaster Mr. L. Laic Handicrafts House Tutor, Roosevelt Herr S. Levin Modern Languages Mr. C. Liesching Mathematics House Tutor, Nansen Miss M. E. McPherson English House Tutor, Churchill Miss M. Mitchell Gen. Subjects & Handicrafts House Tutor, Nansen Mr. G. Parsons Metalwork Miss J. Pepper Art Mr. G. F. Randall Mathematics Housemaster, Nansen Herr H. Schnoor Music Mr. T. D. Thomas Woodwork House Tutor, Temple Miss B. Verling-Brown School Meals Miss E. M. Webber History House Tutor, Nansen Miss B. Winwood General Subjects & P. E. House Tutor, Roosevelt Miss E. G. Yelland English House Tutor, Fleming

Page 40: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

38

HELPERS

Head Boy Rees J.G. (Churchill House) Head Girl Hillind Joan (Fleming House)

CHURCHILL HOUSE BOYS GIRLS

Head Boy Haworth R.E.M. Head Girl Jane Hamilton Helpers May, S. Helpers Pat Hogan Le Blonde, B. Sally Cook Barbara Willcocks

FLEMING HOUSE

Head Boy Arnold, I.M.M. Head Girl Pat Searight Helpers Free, A.C. Helpers Carmel Hicks Cole, D. Gillian Walker Thompson, P. Jennifer Davies Marilynne Crow

NANSEN HOUSE

Head Boy Stevens, R.G. Head Girl Tessa Beavis Helpers Fawcett, J.S.E. Helpers Gillian Hayward

Edwards, J. Brenda McCall Gildare, R.

ROOSEVELT HOUSE

Head Boy Parsons, R.L. Head Girl Margaret Renwick Helpers Pryde, K.D.B. Helpers Janice Collins Sargent, J. Janet Shepherd

Thomas, D.A. Kay Bartlett Brown, H.G.

TEMPLE HOUSE

Head Boy Bowd, P.J. Head Girl Tessa Wilcox Helpers Back, D. Helpers Joleen Huckle Taylor, H. Muriel Oxley Mant, J. Barbara Evans

Those in heavy type are members of the School Council and therefore School Helpers

Page 41: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

39

KEYS TO CENTREFOLD PHOTOGRAPHS

PHOTOGRAPH OF STAFF July 1950

Back Row Herr Schnoor, Mr. Thomas, Herr Levin, Miss Kitteringham, Mrs. Hudson, Mr. Liesching, Fräul. Dumann, Herr Dr. Franz, Dr. Colemann, Mr. Farnell. 3rd Row Miss Yelland, Miss Pepper, Mrs. Harrison, Miss Hicks, Miss Webber, Miss Bell, Mr. Laic, Miss Jeens, Mr. Cox, Mr. Hanauer, Miss Verling Brown, Mr. Curran. 2nd Row Mr. Dearman, Mr. Clark, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Stark, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Parsons, Miss McPherson, Miss Winwood, Miss Clake, Miss Jerome, Mrs. Boswell, Mr. Fleming-Thomson, Mr. Cossar, Miss Hale, Mr. Hall. Front Row Mr. Randall, Mr. Graham-Smith, Miss Hart, Mr. Heriz-Smith, Miss Mitchell, Padre Bache, Miss Alcock, Mr. Spencer Chapman, Mr. Aspinall, Mr. Close, Miss Delmage, Mr. Brittle, Miss Brotherton, Mr. Barlee, Miss Hopkins.

PHOTOGRAPH OF HELPERS July 1950

Back Row Hugh Taylor, John Mant, Dennis Back, Marilynne Crow, Margaret Gadd, Paul Thompson, Barry Le Blond, Rosemary Rees, Janet Shepherd, Dennis Cole, Barry Evans, Kay Bartlett, James Sargent, David Thomas, Harry Brown. 2nd Row Simon May, Brenda McCall, Richard Gildare, Gillian Walker, Barbara Willcocks, Patsy Hogan, Jennifer Davies, Janice Collins, Muriel Oxley, Judy Hayward, Joleen Huckle, Anthony Free, Sally Cock, John Edwards, John Fawcett. Front Row Jane Hamilton, Michael Haworth, Tessa Beavis, Roy Stevens, Tessa Wilcox, Peter Bowd, Joan Hillind, John Rees, Margaret Renwick, Robin Parsons, Pat Searight, Ian Arnold, Carmel Hicks, Kenneth Pryde.

Page 42: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

40

CITATION INDEX BOLD indicates contribution Italic indicates former pupil

ACCURACY NOT GUARANTEED

Surname Initial Page Aidulis C. 10 Arnold I.M.M. 8, 10, 15, 20,38 Arnot Jane 31 Arnot P. 31 Back D. 15, 38 Baggarley Sheila 22 Ball G. 8, 14, 15 Bartlett Kay 9, 38 Bawden 18 Beavis Tessa 9, 26, 36, 38 Benton C. 16, 17, 18 Berry P. 15, 16, 17, 20 Birch G. 15 Bowd P.J. 9, 20, 31, 31, 38 Boyavel 9 Brookes Carol 31 Brown H.G. 38 Carrington A. 15 Cassidy Cathie 10 Chambers Pamela 31 Claridge J. 32 Cole D. 38 Collins Janice 22, 31, 36, 38 Collins Jennifer 31 Cook Sally 7, 10, 22, 22, 38 Corke J. 10 Cornock C. 15, 16, 17, 18 Costin C. 7 Cox D. 7 Crow Marilynne 8, 10, 21, 38 Cullerne-Brown 14, 18 Dally S. 10, 35 Dalton C. 20 Davey R. 10, 18 Davies Jennifer 22, 27, 38 Dicken B. 10 Downie R. 19 Drew 16 Edward

J.

15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 36, 38

Evans Barbara 38 Fawcett J.S.E. 16, 17, 18, 38 Fillingham

P.

6, 7, 10, 15, 16, 17, 21, 35, 36

Foot Elizabeth 10 Fox R. 15 Francis D. 10 Free A.C. 8, 10, 14, 38 French R. 11 Froggatt P. 32 Frost C. 17, 18 Frost R. 11 Gildare R. 15, 38 Glass P. 15 Godbehere 18 Goddard J. 14

Surname Initial Page Greenhalgh M. 8, 15 Greenwood P. 20 Haggar P. 32 Hamand Frances 32 Hamilton Jane 8, 38 Haworth M 2, 8, 16, 17, 18, 19, 38 Hayward Gillian 38 Henshaw P 32 Hicks Carmel 2, 8, 21, 38 Hillind Joan 8, 38 Hillman Mavis 32 Hogan Pat 7, 38 Holtsbaum T. 20 Hough Catherine 32 Howell P. 32 Howley P. 21 Huckle Joleen 38 Humphreys Pat 10 Irvine L. 20 Jarvis M. 32, 33 Jenkins J. 8 Johnstone J. 11 Jones D. 14, 36 Jones R. 7, 12, 14, 19, 21 Jordan Pamela 32 Kent P. 8 King Isobel 36 Knight Maureen 7, 22 Lacey 14 Le Blond B. 10, 15, 38 MacDonald 14 Mant J. 9, 16, 18, 38 Marshall J. 10 Marshall Jill 12 May S. 15, 16, 17, 18, 38 Mayoux D. 8, 12 McCall Brenda 36, 38 McDonald Anne 10 Minhall Maureen 11 Murphy Isla 8, 12 Nash B. 21 Newson Sylvia 32 Nixon Doreen 12 Oxley Muriel 38 Palmer R. 19 Parry B. 7, 14, 36 Parsons R.L. 9, 15, 16, 17, 18, 38 Perkins B. 15 Pook 14 Pryde K.D.B. 9, 20, 38 Rees J.G. 2, 7, 19, 28, 38 Rees Rosemary 8 Renwick Margaret 9, 38 Robert J. 15, 16, 17, 18 Rockley June 32

Page 43: SUMMER TERM 1950 - kaswyvern.org.uk · the magazine of king alfred school plÖn germany summer term 1950

41

Surname Initial Page Roy 18 Ryan Mary 23 Sargeant A. 20 Sargent J. 38 Searight Pat 2, 8, 20, 23, 38 Shepherd Janet 9, 38 Spackman June 32 Stanley B 11 Stannard Joan 9 Stevens B 17 Stevens R.G. 9, 15, 16, 17, 18, 38 Swinnerton Valerie 22 Tarvis M. 31 Taylor H. 18, 25,36, 38 Thomas D.A. 34, 36, 38 Thompson P. 8, 38 Thorpe Pamela 32 Trigwell Anne 20, 21 Van Den Anker Edith 8, 20 Walker Gillian 22, 38 Walker Gillian 38 Walter G. 21 Watson P. 19 Webster P. 32 Webster Sheila 36 Wilcox F. 15 Wilcox R. 9, 13, 14, 15 Wilcox Tessa 9, 36, 38 Willcocks Barbara 7, 10, 38 Williams D. 14, 21 Young R. 32 Young Rosemary 32