After five years of silence here comes our first School Magazine.  Since the school opened in 1947 there has been no opportunity of blowing our own trumpets, and so pray silence for our first "magnum opus".

We began our life at Robin Hill with only one form, the remainder of which compose the present Sixth Form.  The first school soon became too small and in September, 1951, we moved to our present premises and for the first time had a sports field of our own.

We were blissfully enjoying a life free from worry when Mr. Cooke sprang upon us the task of editing this, our school's first literary venture.  And so, having delayed the writing of this editorial until the last possible minute, we now offer you our first attempt.

Since an appeal by Mr. Higson, there has flowed a steady trickle into our hands.  These contributions we classed under the following categories : good, bad and deadly.  In our next publication we are hoping for a greater response from the Middle School.

To simplify the task of editing the entries, a magazine committee was formed, consisting of Mr. Cooke, the editors and representatives from each House, with Mr. Wells as business manager, assisted by D. Elwell.  This select body closely scrutinised each entry and decided which were to be included.  To all contributors we would like to extend our thanks, and we ask those whose efforts are not published in this issue not to be discouraged and to try again for future editions.

The summer term is now upon us, and with it the usual outdoor activities and also the end of term examinations and, for the Fifth Form, the goal of all they have been studying for since entering a Grammar School.  We wish these entrants the best of luck in their forthcoming examinations.
Also to compensate for these worries come the pleasures of the summer term. Various trips, outings and camps will be held and already the preparations are in progress.

And with these words we offer you your first School Magazine, which we hope will be followed by many others, and which we hope you will all enjoy reading.

THE EDITORS.

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School Notes

 

At the end of last school year we said farewell to Mr. J. Parker, B.Sc., who had been our headmaster since the school was opened in 1947.  He was forced to retire because of ill-health and is now living at Cleveleys.  Before he left, he was presented with a handsome armchair, the gift of the school, by the Head Girl and Head Boy Joan Wild and John Mellor.

We were pleased to welcome this year as our new headmaster, Mr. T. Higson, B.A., who was formerly Senior English Master at Counthill Grammar School.

Last summer was the first time that we had any pupils old enough to sit for an external examination, the General Certificate of Education.  The results were most encouraging, three scholars - Dennis Elwell, Patricia M. Greenall and Terence Miller - passing in all nine subjects.

The prizes and certificates were presented at the School's first Speech Day, which took place on the 9th December, 1952, and was held at the Hill Stores.  Alderman F. Lord, O.B.E., J.P., was chairman, and Professor Oliver of Manchester University gave the address and distributed the certificates and prizes.  Dennis Elwell achieved an outstanding success in winning eight prizes along with his certificate.

The Middleton Prizes for English, awarded to the boy and the girl with the best results in English in the General Certificate of Education, were gained by two of our pupils, D. Elwell and Pat Greenall.

The house system has this year been revised, there being now three instead of the original four houses.  The new houses are Walton, Lees and Fawsitt.  The housemasters are Mr. Martin, Mr. G. Wright and Mr. Sedgley respectively.  Since the formation of these houses, there has been a series of house matches in Soccer and Rugby for the boys, and Hockey, Netball and Rounders for the girls.  The results are to be found in the house reports.

The school now has a 6th Form for the first time, consisting of 17 students, split up into science and literature sections.  Because of its smallness, most of the students receive almost private tuition.  On the recreation side, a number of clubs have been formed : a Chess Club, a Book Society and a School Choir being all we possess so far.  At the Speech Day the Choir sang several songs, which were well received.  The Chess Club has played two matches, winning one and losing the other.  A Table Tennis Club for members of the 5th and 6th Forms enjoys great popularity.

The boys' teams have had great success during the winter season, four cups having been won and much being achieved in the league tables.

Two of our former pupils have achieved successes in the field of sport since leaving school, these being Peter Marner, who now plays for Lancashire at cricket, and Jean Wrigley, who swam for England in the Olympic Games at Helsinki last year.

A number of trips and excursions have been conducted since the scl'ool first opened.  School parties have spent holidays abroad in Paris, Switzerland and Austria, and a visit to Rome is proposed for next year.  In 1951 a school party visited the Festival of Britain, staying in London for a week, and for two years Miss Turner has taken a party of girls hiking in North Wales.  A number of geographical excursions have been conducted by Mr. Wells to the Lake District, Ingleton and York.

At Christmas, the usual series of parties was held - Junior, Middle School and Senior.  The prefects also held a Prefects' Dance at King Street Stores.  These were enjoyed by all, and we wish to thank the staff and all who helped to make them a success.

A recent innovation has been a series of parents' meetings which have been held in the school.  The parents of the scholars of each form have been able to see the kind of work carried on at school, the various out-of-school activities and school holidays abroad.  According to all concerned, these meetings have been a great success.

We congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Edwards on the birth of their daughter, Nicola.

We also have pleasure in recording the engagement of our secretary, Miss Dunkerley, and we wish her every happiness. 

 

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School Officers

 

 

 

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Staff Appointments

 

The year has seen several changes in staff. Last summer we lost the services of Mrs. Glennon on her departure for Canada, and at Christmas Mr. Hopper left us after a short stay of one term.  We must also say farewell at the end of this term to Mrs. Dearnaley and Mrs. Shepherd, to whom we wish every happiness and to whom we are grateful for the help they have given us.

We hope to welcome back again in September, Mrs. Ford, who spent the Spring Term with us.

Last September, Mr. Pendlebury joined the staff as our Senior Physics Master, and recently Mr. Reeves has joined us as Senior Latin Master. We extend to them a hearty welcome and we hope they will find their stay here a pleasant one.

 

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Mr. Parker

 

Mr. Parker, the first headmaster of Greenhill Grammar School, retired at the end of the school year, July, 1952.  To mark the occasion, the two Captains, Joan Wild and John Mellor, gave him an easy chair, thus making sure that he would have a comfortable retirement.  He had always been very keenly interested in art and to keep him occupied, the staff presented him with an etching outfit.  I understand, however, that since taking up residence in Cleveleys, he has been very busy establishing a garden and so has had little time for sketching as yet.

Some twenty-five or six years ago Mr. Parker came from Barrow, where he was teaching Science, to his native Oldham, having been appointed to a new position as headmaster of Ward Street Central School - a new school in a new building.  For nearly twenty years this school flourished under his guidance until it was doomed by the 1944 Education Act.  It gradually disappeared as two new schools came into being : Robin Hill Secondary Modern School and the West Oldham High School.

Mr. Parker, in consequence, saw many changes and had the unique experience of establishing three new schools.  Eventually, Robin Hill Secondary Modern School was transferred to its present building and became known as Richmond Secondary Modern School, a separate entity, to make room for the developing third school, West Oldham High.  Later, in 1951, because of the inadequacy of the building in Ward Street, the whole school moved to the present building in Greengate Street and assumed a new name, Greenhill Grammar School.

Throughout all these changes, Mr. Barker's first consideration was for the welfare of the children and staff.  He was always courteous and treated everyone in a kindly, fatherly sort of way, and when in difficulty, or in need of advice, all could be sure of his sympathy and help.

Mr. Parker had not enjoyed good health for some time before retiring but we here at Greenhill all hope that he has regained his old vigour and is now enjoying a happy time along with Mrs. Parker and that such happiness will last for many j'ears to come.

M.W.

 

 

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Speech Day

 

Looking back to Tuesday, December 9th, 1952, what do I remember?  Quite honestly, when I think back I can remember only a jumbled mass of events - the long rows of seats being filled in the space of thirty minutes, the worried looks on some unfortunates' faces, the well-scrubbed appearance of each girl and boy, the shining advertisement for starch which shirts and blouses presented, the draught coming up the stairs and through the doors into the hall, the panic before mounting the steps to the platform, the relief when, with certificate or prize, one walked away after descending the "horrors", the applause from the parents - bless them ! - the lovely singing, the speeches which few heard but everyone appeared to hear - loud voices and soft ones, the empty hall when all was over.

What preparation went into our first Speech Night at Hill Stores and how soon it was ended!  All the work done by scholars summed up in an hour and the presenting of certificates the matter of two seconds, yet how one must work for them !

Professor Oliver had our thanks that night for being our speaker.  I shall always remember him (though perhaps for more reasons than his speech in my case!).  Mr. Higson, our new headmaster, gained our confidence that night as he spoke.  We thought back to Mr. Parker's days with a little sadness but looked forward to working with our new leader.  Mr. Lord and all the other people on the platform merited our thanks, too, for their help to us.

In the prize-giving section of the evening there was a spirit of friendliness and pride in the school around - especially when everyone joined in cheering one boy (I need not name him) for a most remarkable achievement in his work.  That is what the school needs and is one of the reasons why the Speech Night went so smoothly.

As we left the hall that night did we think of the day that had just passed or did we think of that holiday which the Education Committee had granted us?  Anyway, both have gone now and we are left to prepare ourselves for the next Speech Day.

Let us hope that it is as great a success as the first one was!

J. WILD, VI Lit.

 

 

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Receiving a Prize at Speech Day

"Professor Oliver will now present the prizes . . ."

I felt nervous as I rose from my seat with the other prizewinners and stood in the long line behind James Slater who was first on the list.  Two names were called hefore me, one boy and one girl, and then, it came :

"Norman Buckley - IB - form prize".  My heart missed a beat !

I walked dazed towards the platform, up the steps to the professor, shook hands, and, deafened by clapping, staggered back to my place and sank into the chair, while I heard the clapping for the next prizewinner -  as it seemed in the distance.

NORMAN BUCKLEY, 2B.

 

 

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Girls' Choir

 

After Christmas, 1952, a small girls' choir was formed, consisting of about thirty members from Forms 2 and 3.

Our aims were to enjoy singing together, to find pleasure in learning more about music and, if we could rise to such heights, to give pleasure to others, being of use to our school in any way we could.

We have met regularly and worked hard together, being encouraged greatly by our Headmaster, Mr. Higson, and by our Senior Mistress, Mrs. Wild.

We were thrilled and excited when we were asked to sing for the first time on Friday evening, 20th March, for the parents of our Form 2 children.

This was our first public performance, which we thoroughly enjoyed.

In the near future we are hoping to entertain other groups of parents, and gradually to work up to more ambitious performances.

V.M.

 

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Chess Club

Officials:

President :  Mr. T. HIGSON

Chairman :  Miss L. TURBEFIELD

Secretary :  DENNIS ELWELL

Treasurer : ALAN HOLT

Committee :

 

 

Twenty-two boys and four girls attended the inaugural meeting which was addressed by Mr. Higson, who described the merits of chess as a game, and the aims of the club.  A committee was then elected which met the following week to draw up a constitution and general arrangements for the conduct of the club.

The maximum membership of forty allowed by the constitution was quickly reached during the first month, when no further admissions were allowed.  For the purposes of play, members have been divided into two divisions (Div. I for experienced players, Div. II for beginners), with a system of promotion and relegation.

Averages and positions finally established revealed the following as the leading players :-

 

 

Two friendly matches have been played against Hartford Youth Centre, the school winning the first and losing the second.  It is hoped next season to enter a team in the Chess League.

A knock-out tournament at present in progress will terminate the present season.

New members will be admitted as vacancies arise.  All those interested may submit their application for next season to the secretary at any time.

 

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The Table Tennis Club

 

 

The Table Tennis Club was first established eighteen months ago, and with its thirty members is flourishing very well, even though it is like an iceberg in the club's abode.

The club is open to boys and girls of the V and VI Forms, boys playing on Mondays and Wednesdays, girls playing on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and on Fridays both boys and girls are allowed to play.

Many of the staff have as much interest in the club as the pupils, and regularly come down to the "iceberg" to have a "knock" on the table.

During last term, singles and mixed doubles handicaps were arranged amongst tbe members of the club.  The singles handicap was closely contested throughout - in the semi-finals Elwell beat Hutchison 21-17, and Mr. Martin beat Mr. Nicholls 21-17.  The final was a thrilling game to watch, and Elwell did well to beat Mr. Martin 21-19, although he was winning for most of the game.  The doubles handicap is still in progress with Herr Baldauf and M. Butterworth battling against K. Lang and P. Greenall for the honour of playing Mr. Nicholls and N. Broadbent in the final.

The girls have played three matches with Counthill Grammar School.  In their first match at Counthill, the girls were heavily defeated, but as the match at Greenhill shows, they must have been very nervous.  The next match, played at Greenhill, showed a "turn of the tables", for the girls rallied and beat Counthill six games to four games.  The last match, played at Counthill, was drawn, and it is in this match that special commendation must be given to Sybil Platt, who stepped in at the last moment and only just lost her games.

Now that the club has been firmly established, we hope that it will go on from strength to strength.

BERYL CRESSEY, Secretary.

 

   -  SPORT REPORTS

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Association Football

 

A brief examination of the above table shows that the four school football teams have not had a very successful season, but what this table fails to show is the sporting spirit in which all games were played.

The 1st XI have the worst record, but this is mainly due to the almost impossible odds they were up against.  The boys of both North Manchester and Counthill Grammar Schools have played football ever since they entered the school at the age of eleven, but our boys, on the other hand, have played rugby until the past season, when they were called upon to play Association Football. Nevertheless, the senior boys never gave up, even when losing nine goals to nil at North Manchester.

Congratulations to the U/15 team.  These boys have lost only one game since Christmas.  Before Christmas they lost three of their five games but with the start of a new term came a new determination.  They played better football and combined together more.  They entered the Athletic Cup knock-out competition and played through to the semi-final in which they suffered defeat at the hands of North Chadderton Secondary Modern School.

The standard of play this team has produced is shown by the result of their match with Uppermill Secondary Modern School, who are league leaders of the Oldhatn Schools' Football Association; the U/15 team defeated Uppermill by 4-0.

In the junior school the U/14 team has had an average season.  They have won three and lost three. These boys will improve as they play together more often.

The U/12 team lacks understanding between its members, but we cannot expect too much from boys who had probably never seen one another until last September.  They all try their best and with more practice should prove successful.

The outstanding fixture of the season for senior boys was the match against the Old Boys XI on Good Friday morning.  The weather did not look too promising at the start but the school took the field with a team strengthened by three members of the staff, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Wright and Mr. Petford.  It is disappointing to note that two of the boys selected to play failed to put in an appearance but two of the old boys kindly filled in their places.

The school lost the toss and Peter Marner, captain of the Old Boys XI, elected to play with the slope. The play started at a brisk pace and continued that way for most of the game.  Play was always open and clean and a very friendly atmosphere existed both on and off the field.
When the final whistle blew the score stood at 4-2 in favour of the Old Boys.  The scorers for the winners were Anderson (2), Marner and Stuttard.  Mr. G. Wright and Bentley scored for the school.
The game was enjoyed by both players and spectators, the latter consisting of many ex-pupils.
I should like to conclude with a fitting remark by Fred Fox, the goalkeeper for the Old Boys.  After the game Fred said to me, "The school found out that the Old Boys were not quite as old as they thought!"

To all Old Boys I say, "Thank you for a good game and here's to the next time".

Now, on behalf of all who have played football for the school, I should like to thank Mr. Cooper, Mr. G. Wright and Mr. Handforth for the time they have willingly given to coach the teams and to referee games.  Also on behalf of the rest of the school and staff I should like to wish our teams the best of luck and more success in the future.

F. W. McCANDISH

 

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Rugby

 

As can be seen from the table of results, the teams representing the school at Rugby League continue to carry on the good reputation gained by former teams.

The 1st Year team, although not quite a brilliant side, has started its playing days well and with further practice will eventually be a reasonable side.  They are ably led by W. Scholes, who is well supported by all the other enthusiastic playing members.  This team has won its League and also the Cup, after a hard tussle with Clarksfield.

Although they have not won all their matches, as have the 1st Year team, the 2nd Year XIII have quite a respectable record, winning nine matches out of twelve.  They did not win their League, but were the first team to put a Knock-out Trophy on the display shelf.  The captain of this team is R. Millward, who is a hard-working player and a good leader.

The 3rd Year team has had a very successful season, playing ten matches, in League and Cup, and have only 18 points scored against them, whilst scoring 230 points themselves.  This team has won both League and Cup in their section.
The leader of this fine side is G. Lawton, a forceful player, and he is well supported by F. Stuttard and B. Lyons, a fearless player.

In spite of this brilliant record, the 4th Year XIII are the school's "pride and joy".  They have won the League and Cup in their section, and by so doing they qualified to represent Oldham Schools in the "Daily Dispatch" Competition.  Although they were well beaten in the latter competition, the main reason for the defeat was the fact that the Widnes school which they played had a greater number of boys from which to "mould" a team.
As captain of this team, A. Brierley is well supported by D. Schofield, M. Ratcliffe, J. Hardy and W. Patterson.

Five people from the 3rd and 4th year teams have represented the Oldham Schools regularly in inter-town matches and we look forward to a repetition of this form next season.

Besides playing in League and Cup matches, the 3rd and 4th year teams had an enjoyable day's outing at York, where two matches were played against a school to which a friend of ours, Mr. Sheppard, has moved.

Both matches ended in victory for our teams, the 4th Year X11I winning 35-0 and the 3rd Year XIII winning 34-0. This latter victory was due to fine displays by McCandlish and Smith, two of the 6th Form and former representatives of the school.

After the match, an appetising tea was taken at a cafe in York and visits were made to the Minster and the famous York Museum.

I must finally add that, although the teams must be complimented on their performances, the person who must be congratulated is Mr. Nicholls, who has given much of his own time to coach the teams. He has been aided in his task of coaching the 1st Year team by F. Smith and F. McCandlish.

 

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Girls' Games

TENNIS

The summer of 1952 was the first time that Greenhill had a 5th Form, from which the majority of players on a school tennis team is derived, but as many of our opponents were 6th Formers, Greenhill was usually, on average, the younger team.  Several matches were played against nearby Grammar Schools, all of whom are fortunate enough to possess courts within their own grounds.  The greater opportunity for practice which this provides was reflected in the final results, but although Greenhill lost their matches, the successes of individual players and the standard achieved in spite of disadvantages, shows great promise for the future.

ROUNDERS

Difficulty was experienced last season in arranging fixtures and only two were secured, those against Hulme and Rochdale, the first being a victory and the second a draw.  This year, two teams are being coached and a full fixture list has been arranged for the summer.

NETBALL

During the winter, three teams (two senior and one junior) played several matches.  The senior teams were much less successful than the juniors, owing to difficulties in finding shooters.  We were unfortunate in losing the services of Sheila Knott at the start of the season, owing to cartilage trouble.  Sheila Butterworth deputised in one senior game and proved as reliable there as in the junior team.  The match against Rochdale was particularly memorable because of the extremely high standard of play achieved by our opponents, which was of great value to our teams.

During the summer, a junior team was entered in the local Secondary Schools' League and had a very successful season, winning all their games except one.  Sheila Horrocks and Evelyn Thompson were outstanding players in this team.

HOCKEY

The fixture with Chadderton was the only one which could be played.  The demands of three teams of netball playing on the same day left very few from whom to raise a team, and the younger and less experienced players from Greenhill had little chance against opponents fielding a 1st XL.  Next season, however, it is hoped to concentrate more on hockey, and several fixtures have already been arranged.

JOAN MARLAND, Games Captain.
BERYL CRESSEY, Games Secretary.

 

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Swimming

The school has done very well at swimming in the last two years.  In the year 1951 the school won the Whittaker Trophy in competition with all the schools of Oldham.  In the 1951 final gala, one boy, Bobby Millward, deserves special mention for his excellent display of diving.  In 1952 we managed only second place in the Town Gala, but we hope to improve on this in September.

In the swimming tests taken recently, 31 boys passed tests, but 5 boys, A. Dyson, N. H. Wright, M. Taylor, W. Scholes and A. Russell, deserve mention for passing their Life Saving tests.  There will be further tests in July when we hope those boys who failed recently will take advantage of another chance and pass their tests.

 

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Sports Days, 1952

 

Last year four houses, Milton, Caxton, Daltou and Newton, competed in the Sports.
In the Junior Sports it was soon obvious that unless the other houses pulled something extraordinary out of the bag, Newton House was going to win by a big majority.  Nothing out of the ordinary occurred and the result was a big win for Newton, with Caxton House second, and Dalton House one point behind them.

One of the reasons for Newton winning was that D. Schofield won both the 100 yards sprint and the 220 yards.

In the Senior Sports, Caxton won, with Newton taking second place.  Once again Milton and Dalton had to fight it out for third place.

Many big thrills were offered in the Senior Sports.  In the high jump, which is always exciting to watch, the boys fell out one by one until only three boys - Bottomley, Brook and Wood, representing Dalton, Caxton and Newton Houses, were left.  No-one had expected Wood to get very far, but thanks to great determination and the use of his own particular jump - known as the "Maastricht Special" - he came third.
Brook and Bottomley carried on until the climax came, when Brook failed to jump 5ft. 3in. All through the event, however, it had been obvious that Bottomley's longer legs were taking him over easily.

In the long jump there was quite a lot of excitement, the decisive jump by Bentley coming in his last attempt, with Mellor coming second.  Both were from Newton House.

The greatest achievement, however, was that of Sharpe, of Newton House. He ran away with the mile, running like a machine, and then went on to win the 880 yards, never seeming to be out of breath, and, running fourth in the relay team, trebled a lead of three yards by the time he had finished.

The final position of the Houses was :-

 

    -  HOUSE NOTES 

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Fawsitt House

  Officials:

This year dawned showing a reorganisation in the Houses - three in all, viz., red, green and blue.  Our House - red, was named Fawsitt House, not after a certain member of our house, but after an eminent Oldhamcr of bygone days.  The House seems fairly well balanced in brain and brawn, but with a slight excess of brawn.  Some of our boys play on the school rugby and soccer teams, and the girls play on the newly-formed teams of their sports, with quite a large quota upholding them from our House.

Our sporting abilities were shown in the House matches. In December, 1952, the first House matches were played, scores and results reading thus :—

 
This shows a very good set of results, which were upheld during the next series. Results were :—

 

The next series were Netball and Rugby matches played on March 25th.

 
These results undoubtedly show a lowering of the former prestige, especially on the boys' side.  But in losing, they played very good, sporting games, and the girls only just lost their games.
That brought to an end the first term with the new organisation, which works very well.

B. GARTSIDE.

 

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Lees House

Last Autumn the houses were reorganised into three sections. Later the names were announced and our own house, blue, was named Lees after Dame Lees, a prominent figure in Oldham who left her house and grounds for the benefit of Oldham children.  At the first house meeting on October 1st, the officials were announced :

Girls' Captain, Joan Wild;   Vice-Captain, Patricia Greenall.
Boys' Captain, F. Smith;   Vice-Captain, J. Wareham.
House Secretaries, Barbara Sutcliffe, Arthur Whitehead.
Girls' Sports Committee: Gwenda Jones  (V),  Sheila Butterworth (IV), Beryl McGee, Beryl Hickling and Trudie Kenworthy (III).
Boys' Sports Committee: F. Smith, J. Wareham (VI), A. Whitehead, W. Challinor (V), I. Hibbert and W. Patterson (III).
Senior Cricket, Rugby and Soccer Captain, F. Smith.
Junior Soccer Captain, I. Hibbert.
Junior Rugby Captain, W. Patterson.

 

In the Senior Rugby and Soccer we emerged equal top with Walton House.    In the Junior Rugby and Soccer we were again top of the series.

B.J.S., F.S.

 

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Walton House

House Master :   Mr. MARTIN
House Mistress :   Mrs. DEARNALEY
House Captains :  D. ELWELL,  JOAN MARLAND
Vice-Captains :  F. BROOK,  J. HURST

 

* Archive Note - This believed to be in error and should be JOAN Whittaker

Since the formation of Walton House, we have obtained considerable success both in the examinations and in the inter-house Soccer, Rugby, Hockey and Netball matches.  The house has developed from a collection of individuals into a united body, and the house spirit was shown by the support at the matches.

In the Soccer and Rugby matches, all the teams did very well, and tied for first place in all sections. In the Soccer matches the senior boys beat Fawsitt House fairly easily (2-1) and drew with Lees (1-1), but if conditions had been better they would probably have won.  The juniors lost their first match to Fawsitt 2-0, but in their second game they played very well and beat Lees 5-2.

In the Rugby matches, both teams won their first game, but they were tired for the second game and the seniors lost to Lees while the juniors managed to hold Lees juniors to a draw.

Although the girls' teams did not fare quite so well, they were not disgraced.  In the Hockey, the senior girls lost 4-0 to Lees, the sound defeat perhaps being due to lack of practice.  In the match with Fawsitt House the girls adopted a "do-or-die" attitude and managed to make a draw.  The junior team also lost one game and drew the other.  The Netball results were rather better.  The senior girls drew two keenly-fought matches, and the junior team beat Fawsitt House but lost to Lees.

With the winter series ended we can now look forward to the summer competitions with every hope of success.

Finally, I should like to thank the staff members of Walton House for their support and encouragement during the matches.

D. ELWELL, VI Sc., House Captain.

 

 

    -  FORM REPORTS 

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Form Notes: 1M

 

Although we are the most junior of juniors, we do hope our form news will interest you.  At least we are very interested in all that goes on in school!

Our form captains are Sylvia Hihberson and Derek Wilde.  M stands for mixed, but there are only nine hoys in the form.  Some of them, however, have made their presence felt - Wilde, Hardman and Maybury have played for their houses and Kershaw has been a regular member of the under-twelve Rugby team.

Congratulations to Doris Harrison for being top-of-the-form and to Barbara Jones and Derek Wilde, the "runners-up".

Some of the girls took part in morning assembly and hope to have an opportunity to do so again. Sandra Hollingworth, our star gymnast, has chosen a Rounders team already, which looks forward to many games this term.

We have other talents, too. Veronica Hetherington sings well, but she is not an early bird!  The form artist is Vera Partington, and Maybury has a good collection of coins.  Some of us hope to see our literary efforts published for the first time in the magazine !

 

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Form Notes: 2M

 

This is the first Form 2M to be known; it was formerly 2A.

Our form room is the pleasant and sunny room 17.  There were originally twenty-five members of our form, but, early in the first term of this year our numbers diminished to twenty-four as Robert Frost left for Fleetwood Grammar School.

In  the classroom, Lesley Wallis and James Stone take the lead.

Neil Thornley, Kenneth Goodwin and Terence Cooper have played Rugger, Michael Taylor played Soccer and Neil Thornley has swum for the school.

Of the girls, Barbara Wade, Yvonne Millward, Christine Brierley and Marlene Turner have represented the school as swimmers.

Our form master is Mr. K. Wright.

 

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Form Notes: 2B

 

At  Speech Day in December, the following boys won prizes :

IN CLASS.

ON THE SPORTSFIELD.

Recently,  a  new  boy  (David Wilson) joined  our  class, and  we  are pleased to welcome him home after four years in Canada.

 

 

 

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Form Report: 3X

 

Our form now consists of 28 pupils, 19 girls and 9 hoys.  At the beginning of the school year we were happy to welcome several boys and girls who had been promoted from last year's 2B and 20, and we give our best wishes to those who have been moved into 3Y and 3Z.  Just before Easter we bade goodbye to Trudie Kenworthy, and we wish her the best of success in her new life at Cheltenham.

Everyone worked hard for success in the examinations in January, and congratulations must go to Mildred Taylor, who gained first place, especially as she entered the form from 2G only in September.  The next three places were won by boys.  Our form master, Mr. Wells, is very keen for us all to do well.

Our form has had a large share in this year's sporting events, with several representatives on the school Rugby, Association Football and Netball teams.  Whilst no school Hockey match has yet taken place, we have had several girls playing in practice teams.  An even larger representation took part in the house matches at the end of the Autumn and Spring Terms.  Two boys have already been called upon to attend a town team Cricket practice, and one boy has played for the town team at Rugby.

In anticipation of the future, we are expecting 3X to make a large contribution to the sporting events of the summer term, Tennis and Rounders, Cricket and Swimming, and also to maintain its very high standard of performance in the final examinations in July.  The third year coach outing to Stratford-on-Avon is also being awaited with eagerness and we hope to be favoured with fine, sunny weather.

IVAN HIBBERT.

 

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Form Report: 3Z

 

I have been privileged to write about our form, which consists of twenty-one pupils (ten hoys and eleven girls).  Jean Naylor left us at Easter to live in Bradford and we all hope she will enjoy life among her new friends.

Joyce Siddall holds the honourable position of top in class, with Jean Evans second and Jean West third.  Joyce also holds a position on the school netball team.

Four of the boys are in the school rugby team : Raymond Richards, Terry Cullcn, William Patterson and Jack Sutherland.

Our form master is Mr. Nicholls.

JEAN EVANS.

 

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Form Report: 4X

Form Mistress :  Miss D. E. TURNER

 

SPEECH DAY

This was the first important event during the Fourth Form year. It was also important inasmuch as it was our school's first Speech Day.  The girls from 4X were among those who sang in the choir, and the following pupils were prize-winners. 

We congratulate these people and hope that they do as well next time,

HOUSES

Another important event was the formation of three houses in place of the previous four.  They were named Fawsitt (Red), Walton (Green), and Lees (Blue).  Barbara Lees was chosen as the vice-captain of the nethall team for Walton House.  Sheila Butterworth was selected for the Games Committee for Lees House.

SPORTS FUND

A Sports Fund has been formed and it is for the purchasing of sports equipment.  We are glad to report that most of our form paid the fund willingly, but from certain members the shilling was quite a long time in appearing.  We hope that the shilling will be more quickly forthcoming next term.

FORM ACTIVITIES

During the recent East Coast floods, a number of pupils knitted squares to contribute to a blanket which was sent to the flood victims.  Laurence Holloway, the outstanding pianist of the form, is a member of a band which plays at many Sunday Schools.  Valeric Knowles is also musical for she has a very sweet soprano voice.  Together with these two there are two other musical pupils in 4X but they like doing impersonations of today's crooners, Frankie Laine and Guy Mitchell.  There is also a girl in the form who is a good impersonator but she is rather shy about it.  The form's expert on "bopping", the latest form of dancing for teenagers, is Barbara Lees, who likes to practise this form of dancing during her odd moments.  Trevor Swain is an ardent collector of gramophone records; nearly all of them are by the top-line singers of radio.  I have not heard of his collecting any classical records!

Margaret Walton recently received a prize as a result of winning a knitting competition in the magazine "Woman".  Peter Lomas, Trevor Clough, Alan Brierley and Brian Sutcliffe were all on the Rugby team which represented Oldham against Widnes.  Our form was very proud of them although they did not succeed in winning the match.

SHEILA LINSKEY, BARBARA LEES.

 

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Form Notes: 5X

 

After spending four happy years in blissful ignorance, 5X suddenly awoke to the fact that School Certificate loomed on the horizon and found them unprepared for the ordeal.  The urge to work possessed everyone (almost).  The Christmas and Easter holidays formed a respite from the labours of school.

The form was well represented at the First Annual Speech Day in December, when we carried all before us (the rewards of past labours).

Although not a particularly sportive class, Table Tennis provides a tranquil recreation to our overworked brains.

For the last five years our form master, Mr. G. Wright, has suffered us for better or for worse.  In February, for the first time, he was able to meet our respective parents officially.  His opinions that night remain a closed book but ominous hints lead us to suspect the worst.

During the Easter holidays, two trips were kindly organised by Mr. Wells, the Geography Master, and were patronised by 5X. They included a local trip to Chew Valley and a hiking tour of Ingleton and district.  Aches and pains ensued the following day but all enjoyed these outings.

Alas, we are now back with our noses to the grindstone and we are overpowered with the steady increase in our amount of homework.

Many people of the form hold official positions in the Houses and so an increased weight rests on their shoulders, as well as their heads,

Although we are unaggressive by nature, certain calamities do occur, such as three broken picture-frames, many autographed desks, and walls re-decorated by ink and apple cores.
We (the fairer half of the class) speak for ourselves, but our self-styled better halves shirk the responsibilities of authorship.

However, we shall endeavour to uphold the honour of the school by showing to the full our numerous capabilities and we will no doubt produce at least one of the leading statesmen of the world!

 

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Form Notes: 5Y

NEWS—PROGRESS REPORT

We are pleased to report that our friend, Sylvia Ogden, is back at school, and we wish her all the best for her future health.

The girls who went with Miss Turner, youth hostelling, would like to thank her for a very enjoyable time.  Also, we would like to express our thanks to Mr. Wells, for organising a pleasant trip to the Lake District and to Ingleton.

For three days the girls of our form knitted enthusiastically and produced twenty-four squares for the blanket which went to the flood victims.  We would like to thank Mr. Sedgley for his encouragement and are pleased to report that few stitches were dropped in the process!

The Christmas Party was a great success and so was the Glodwick Glee Club (mentioning no names except Mr. Nicholls, Mr. Wells, Mr. Handforth, and, of course, our own Gilly Potter, alias Anthony Gilmour).

Extra French and English students thank Mr. Nicholls for the Market-place demonstration, viz. :
"Tins of salmon coming up in a minute, lady. Now we have two more pots of plum jam".
Does this remind you of Mark Anthony's speech or the crowd's reply :
"The will, the will.    We want the will" ?
We are also very well-informed on the subject of bull-fighting.

So much for news. Now we of 5Y present to you our very own story.

There was once a young girl called Janet who had long hair which she wore in two Platts, a long one and a short one.  She lived in a cottage at the junction of three fields, Scho-field, Cor-field and Drans-field.  In her garden she grew Seville oranges and Murphy potatoes.  At the bottom of the garden in the old Og-den she kept a Barrow.  She was a "Grainger" fan and once when she went to the pictures in Lees she met a man with a White head called Kershaw who had just been to the Barber's.  Kershaw was angry.

"Du-rant and rave like this every day and go off in a Hough?" she asked.
Kershaw and his friends had a race to the "Blue Home", owned by Davies, but Kershaw was beaten and with that and the fact that the Barber had cut off all his hair, he was very angry and he shouted and Stuttard.
"Never mind", said his friends, we'll let the Bald(one)win".

When Janet arrived they had one Gil-1-mour before the Light went out.

 

 

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Form Report: 5Z

 

During the past two years our form has gradually dwindled to eleven members, all boys. This enables us to discuss each member individually.

Bottomley's main interests lie in the direction of photography and cinematography, whilst Challinor is a keen cyclist, being Secretary of Saddleworth Border Road Racing Club.  Football is Cooper's interest, and as full-back for the School against the Old Boys, played an outstanding game.

Curley is a veritable mine of information, and can advise on all topics, whereas Fawcett's accomplishment will be in wielding the willow this season, keeping the out-fielders very busy.  Foden knows more about bridges than we shall ever cross.

Hutchison holds an important position at the Hartford Youth Centre, representing them in games and other activities.  Though Lang may never reach Wimbledon, his skill at tennis has increased considerably since he joined Lees Spa Tennis Club.  One of the fastest-moving members of the school is Scholes, who represented the town in the county games held at Blackpool, and representing the town at Rugby Football, Smith proved to be a robust and skilful hooker.

Finally, we come to Wolstencroft, who leads an outdoor life, and may be seen in all weathers beside the banks of local rivers.

These are but a few of the attainments of 5Z, whose academic ability needs no stressing, and whose sporting accomplishments are easily assessed by the fact that we have more players on school teams than any other form, despite our small numbers.

ALAN  BOTTOMLEY.

 

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Ye Report of ye Olde Sixth Forme

 

Come ye that thinketh of the sixth forme as a number of uninteresting folkes who have decided to further their education and thus befit themselves for the Cruelle Outside World.  Let us tiptoe gently down the passage from the Staffe Entrance.  (All ye who are not on the Staffe or who are not Honorary Members of the Sixth Forme, go outside again and round to your own doors!).  Look not to left nor to right as ye go through the doors at the far end of the passage and ye will miss it.  There to the right, almost in the region of No Woman's Land, is THE room.

We enter by just touching the door gently.  It flieth open - the catch is faulty (due, no doubt to the efforts of one Honorary Member who flingeth the door wide open at each entrance, giveth an exhausted sigh and then slammeth the door behind him - regardless of who may be coming in behind him - and strideth to his table, a giant in form).  Looking round the room we may observe the square box-like arrangements in the left-hand corner.  They look as if they may hold mice (did I see some of the Science Sixth exchange guilty glances?) but no - they merely contain the books which are left when the tables, shelves, window sills and cupboard tops will stand no more weight.  - (NOTE. - I find it necessary here to explain that the Forme is split into two main divisions - besides the other two of Labour and Conservative - namely, that Section Which Worketh in the Library and that Section Which Messeth About in the Laboratories).

Back to the Room.  Here it is that one must he careful when one sitteth down for in this green and blue room one may easily become black and blue if one sitteth down and one's chair hath been spirited away!  Here it is also that the wind bloweth holes in the windows and that one may hear all the sounds of nature, from a cat fight, from birds (for there are trees at the bottom of our garden!), from two men using drills discussing the latest football match or trying to imitate Johnny Ray. Sometimes, also, the wind wafteth the sounds of childhood to this peaceful spot ("Hey, Mavis, give Ronnie 'is chewin' gum back! Ye've 'ad it fer ten minutes now!").  Occasionally one may enter to find oneself back in the Good Olde Days.  A crowd standeth tense nearby while two swordsmen with grim faces (and rulers - did someone say "Foiled again"?) stand at the ready.  One sayeth "On guard!" and what reply cometh from the other?  "O.K., Plum, but mind my thumb this time!"  Or if one is lucky, one may see a bull fight.  But fear not, Mr. Caretaker!  The Honorary Members have not become so drastic yet as to bring a bull into the Booke Shoppe.  No, take but a closer look and ye will perchance recognise the gleaming eyes and tousled mane of El Toro.  Aye, 'tis but the same Honorary Member that fenceth, using the implements with which he fighteth for horns.

Let us think back to some special events which occurred last term :

1.     A "fair one" was tied to a chair during the Auction Sale.

2.     An early start to Spring Cleaning was made by a few Members by removing everything from the tables during the Auction Sale.

3.    The sale of a certain Wall's product decreased from the year before—perhaps because the buyer hath now left?

4.     Every free period now, everyone is fighting to do his homework.  In the Fifth Form everyone just fought in free periods !

And finally, 5.  Last term came to a "ripping" end by someone's coat becoming caught in the door.  By accident?  Hardly!  Remember the mice I mentioned earlier?  Well, the Science Sixth made a smell peculiar to Mickey's friends and they made a too liberal (dare I use that word before the Scientists?) use of it.

However, I, and I suppose ye, are now exhausted by our travelling, so I will end - but just a few words of advice - Be not too hasty in forming your judgment on the Sixth Forme - you may be in it yourself one day!

J. WILD, VI Lit.

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Sixth Formers' Conference, Counthill

 

Although the idea of a Sixth Form Conference was extremely good, the best use of such an opportunity was not taken.  The first speaker was not, in our estimation, an ideal person to be in the forefront of such a gathering.  He did not make his points at all clearly, and frequently wandered from his subject, "What do Christians Really Believe?"  A more apt title for his address would have been "What should one believe to become a Christian?"

The second speaker was much more interesting, perhaps because of his unusual sense of humour, which served to give more interest to his address.

Although many students were disappointed with the discussion groups, on the whole they seemed to be quite profitable.  The questions which resulted were, however, not of a very high standard, but even so, many answers given by those on the platform were hardly direct, and several were ineffectively evaded.  The principal drawback was the amount of time available, and it was too evident that we were racing against the clock.

By the end of the conference it was obvious that everyone's queries concerning Christianity could not be attempted in such a short space of time.  We hope that when another such conference is held an attempt will be made to obtain more stimulating and well-known speakers to address the assembly.

B.S., VI Lit.

 

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The Junior Christmas Party

 

The day dawned, and although it was a dull, wet day, all the juniors at Greenhill Grammar School were eagerly awaiting the afternoon, for it was then that they were having their Christmas Party.  The morning in school slowly passed by, and when twelve o'clock came, the juniors rushed home to have a quick dinner and to change for the party.

In ones and twos the children arrived back at school, and I must say that with all their colourful dresses the girls were the envy of the whole school.  At about two o'clock the party began, with the "Fancy Dress" competition, the first item on the programme.  The competitors had to walk round in a circle and a few of the teachers stood in the middle of the floor, making their selections as judges.  When the prizes were finally given out, there was a dance while the "Fancy Dress" competitors changed.

Later on in the afternoon there were some games for boys and girls and then half of the party went down to the gym. and had their tea. After this there was a game called "Railway Riots".  While half of the children were having their tea the other half had square dancing, and I am sure that it was one of the most entertaining events of the evening.

As usual, Mr. Nicholls contributed a short one-man sketch, to everybody's delight.  He was supposed to have a performing flea, but through some small accident the flea got lost, and when he found another flea he was very upset.  The party then carried on and lots of funny things happened during the next few hours, and as usual they finished the evening by singing "Auld Lang Syne".

I am quite sure that all the junior members of the school enjoyed every minute of the party, and maybe they are awaiting the day when they again will have their own Christmas Party.

SANDRA WOLSTENCROFT, 2G.

 

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The Senior Christmas Party

The Senior Party, which took place on the Thursday before school closed for the Christmas holidays, was held in the Upper Hall, and to it came many pupils who had left school during the past year.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the entertainment provided by Mr. Nicholls, Mr. Wells and Mr. Handforth.  Mr. Nicholls gave a sketch entitled "School Dinners", in which he showed us a very slightly exaggerated picture of what really does happen at school dinners.

Next, all three teachers appeared as "The Glodwick Glee Club", giving us a number of songs.  The singing of the "Floral Dance" by Mr. Wells was thunderously applauded.  The climax of this part of the act occurred when, after singing a wrong note, both Mr. Nicholls_ and Mr. Wells were "shot" by Mr. Handforth with a very realistic-looking gun, and an even more realistic bang, and Mr. Handforth committed suicide after making the same mistake.

The three performers again appeared dressed as angels in not very white dresses, which were tastefully trimmed with purple and red frills round the sleeves.  Each sported a tinsel-trimmed halo, and dainty wings, which flapped most realistically. They were apparently on the vyay to heaven, but before they succeeded in entering, they executed a delightful dance, which resulted in much tearing of angel dresses and they also treated us to some more singing.  Finally the three "angels", rather the worse for wear, passed through the "Pearly Gates". The rest of the evening was occupied with dancing—modern, old-tyme, and some which came under neither of these two categories.  There was some particularly vigorous dancing in the Chicken Reel and the Greenhill Swing.  Supper was served half way through the evening.

The decorations in the Upper Hall were very striking, especially the row of ancient Egyptians, who regarded the whole proceedings from their positions along the wall on one side of the hall.  The whole evening was most enjoyahle, and although Christmas is long past, we should like to say that we are grateful to all those who contributed towards making the party such a success.

 

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The Prefects' Dance

 

Last year, the Prefects received many invitations to Prefects' Dances at various schools.  Therefore we decided to hold one of our own (which would be better than the others, of course!).  After much discussion we held a meeting, when we chose a committee.  The committee decided to apply for King Street Stores, Rex Kane's Band, and, in order to take much responsibility off our hands, to have a Buffet.  The date was set for Tuesday, January 6th - the day we came back to school after the Christmas holidays.  When this project was discussed with some of the staff they seem to think it would be a "flop" and tried to dissuade us from the idea.  Mr. Nicholls and his friend, Mr. Whittaker, were asked to act as Masters of Ceremonies and they accepted with much enthusiasm.  During the holidays we held two meetings, and, over cups of coffee in the King's Cafe, discussed the programme and prizes, which ranged from potato pies and sausages to face powder and chocolate.

The great day arrived and some of the Sixth Form girls made the final preparations in their Crafts lesson, e.g. the sticking of sausages on cardboard.  At night when we arrived at King Street Stores the room was beautifully decorated and as soon as the band arrived, dancing began with a swing.

The prefects worked hard in selling the tickets and were well rewarded for their efforts, for more than three hundred people attended.  The prizes were displayed in front of the stage, so that everyone could see their originality.

Mr. Nicholls kept the party spirit alive with his jovial humour.  One of the jokes came in a "Spot" Dance, when he told Mr. Whittaker to walk a few paces forward, and if he happened to go through the wall, to put it back and return to the dance-hall.  Another high spot of the evening was the "Elimination Waltz", when the gentlemen were ordered to take off their coats and place them "back to front" on the lady, and then to roll their trousers up to their knees (and goodness, did we see some bony knees!). Then the men had to tie their ties round the ladies' heads, and place a penny between their foreheads.  By this time everyone was laughing heartily and feeling rather ridiculous, but it was worth it, because the prizes were a basket of fruit and a book token.

The Buffet and Cloakrooms were efficiently operated by the King Street Stores Staff, and Rex Kane's Band played very well, enjoying themselves in the bargain.  Our programme was varied with Old Tyme and Modern Dancing, and the Palais Glide in particular was very spirited, even riotous.

JOAN MARLAND, BERYL CRESSEY, VI Lit.

 

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Switzerland

 

Some of you may remember a Friday night in 1950 when a number of schoolchildren gathered in the Oldham Education Offices to begin their journey to Switzerland under the supervision of Mr. Tate, who organised the holiday.  The journey passed without event and we reached Weissenburg rather tired and very glad to be able to change our school uniform for summer clothes.  Immediately we explored the neighbourhood and discovered a waterfall which tumbled down the hillside and eventually poured its water into Lake Thun.  We spent many evenings in the spacious lounge where dances -and fancy dress parades were held.  We could ramble in the Bernese Oberland through fields of singing crickets, and past trees laden with ripe fruit.  In the distance, through the hot clear air, we saw little chalets, the lower part painted dazzling white, contrasting with the dark coloured wooden roofs.  The window boxes full of bright flowers added colour to the countryside.  We made several visits to Spiez, the nearest town, on the banks of Lake Thun, where we bathed in the cool water and sun-bathed under a hot sun while the tranquillity was broken only by an occasional paddle steamer linking the lake-towns together.  During our stay we boarded some of these steamers when we visited Thun and Interlaken, where many presents were purchased.

We made an excursion to the Neiderhorn, one of the mountains that bordered the lake.  To reach the summit, we travelled by funicular and small, open cable-chairs.  From the top we had a magnificent view of the Jungfrau and spent some time photographing the surrounding countryside, all except one boy who, spellbound by the beauty of the panorama, had dropped his camera half way up the mountain.  Unfortunately, he could neither stop the chair nor jump the twenty feet separating the cable chair and "terra firma" and so he had to spend his time clambering down the mountain looking for his lost camera.  The Swiss looked on sadly, but after all, what could one expect from the "mad Engleesh".  They must do things for themselves.  The chairs would take you to the top of the mountain, but this boy had to try for himself.

The days seemed to flash by and our holiday drew to a close.  On our last evening, we had dinner by candlelight, surrounded by waitresses in Swiss national dress, and listening to Swiss songs.  Soon, however, the time came for us to leave.  One fleeting visit was paid to Berne, where two friends and myself almost missed our lunch, then we turned for home with suitcases laden with presents for parents and friends after a very happy holiday - thanks to the organisation of Mr. Tate.

B. SUTCLIFFE, VI.

 

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Holiday in Austria

 

Fervent hope of youth at last attained - a holiday abroad!  How_ glorious this holiday was going to be!  Oh yes, we had read all the leaflets' about Austria and about the beautiful placidity of the tiny Tyrolean villages, and now we were going to live for two weeks in one of these villages, Igls.
Travelling details can be avoided, except to say that Continental trains have that disease of lateness - no idea of time, and if one train did happen to be on time, there was always a long wait for the connection.

We had two glorious weeks of sunshine.  Once the temperature reached 120° F (shades of Hades!). The hotel was much to our satisfaction, situated at the base of a mountain, Patscherkofel, in the village of Igls, just a few miles up the mountain side from Innsbruck.  The ascent from Innsbruck could be made either up a winding mountain road or by a rattling old train-cum-tram, which was much more picturesque.  The village was only very small with a handful of hotels, a few typical souvenir shops and a Catholic Church (a feature in all Austrian villages) which faced our hotel, with a graveyard surrounding it, but it did not mar the picture.

Near Igls was a much smaller village called Lans, and here was a natural swimming pool in the lake, which was frequented by our party almost every day.  On the way to this lake was a small souvenir shop, which was worth calling upon, even if only to listen to the owner's broken English when offering people his goods; to him everything was "nice, ees very nice, only fifteen schillings . . . auf wiedersehn".  This process took  place  with   everyone;   the only  tiling that changed was the number of "schillings".

One day we travelled to the summit of Patscherkofel on the cable-car, and although it was very breezy on top and slightly hazy, we had a wonderful panorama of Innsbruck and its environs.  This was one of the best examples of a river valley with the River Inn winding in a cutting between the two great mountain walls.  In the valley the red-topped buildings stood out and on the mountain side giant fir trees in black and green made their contribution to the physical features of the Tyrol.
One of the most enjoyable spectacles of this holiday was the Tyrolean evenings that were held occasionally in the hotel grounds.  Our hotel seemed to be the mecca of these evenings.  The garden was arrayed with chairs and tables and on a small central platform were a few Tyroleans in traditional costume, giving a display of their songs and dances.  They yodelled excellently and no doubt if the mountain cattle were still outside they would be ringing their cow-bells in answer to this.  It was one of our great assets having these evenings in our own hotel as we could listen and watch from our rooms.

That is a very brief outline of the holiday which contained a thousand and one more incidents and anecdotes not to be chronicled in such a small space.  It was a first-rate holiday, and on the return journey we were caught in a thunderstorm at Munich which did not spoil the reputation of the holiday.  Never before had any of us encountered such a storm; we were stranded on the station with no shelter, the rain pouring down and vicious lightning rending the sky and lighting up the whole city, showing the stark outlines of half-annihilated buildings with the ultra-modern, new buildings springing up around them.  To add to this, two trains were struck with lightning in the station, and we had been forced to miss a meal owing to the unerring lateness of our train.  Finally, our train arrived - packed to overflowing; so we relentlessly added to the overflow and pushed our way through.

Owing to inefficiency of German railways, reserved seats were already filled, and, although we obtained seats from Munich to Aachen, we were compelled to stand from the German frontier to Ostend.  This was a hectic ending to a very enjoyable and salubrious holiday in Austria.

Our thanks to Mr. G. Wright, who made this trip possible, and arranged all the facilities, and also thanks to the rest of the staff who accompanied us, and to any other person who helped in any way.

B. GARTSIDE, VI Lit.

 

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The London Trip

June 30th-July 7th, 1951

Cadogan Court Hotel,
34/9, Queensgate Gardens,
Kensington,
London, S.W.7.

Well, you Festival trippers, does that address strike a chord in your memory?  Do you remember arriving at the Gloucester Road Tube Station, carrying your cases for what seemed a century in time but was in fact just over five minutes, and finally reaching the hotel, triumphing over your conquest of British Travel and feeling a bit sick inside - partly from hunger and partly from excitement?  You do?  Then let us not waste time or space but just put down the main facts of the holiday which was -  thanks to everyone concerned - a great success and an experience not easily forgotten.

1. (Main fact) : Had good meals.

2. Saw main sights of London on first night - walked past Buckingham Palace, through Hyde Park, down Birdcage Walk and along Embankment.

3. Sunny Sunday morning. Service at Westminster Abbey.  Afternoon - Richmond and Hampton Court Palace.  Frantic hunt for the maze by a few girls.  In despair one of them sat down to drink a lemonade.  When she got up she discovered she had been sitting on a sign post which said "This way to the Maze" on it.  By then it was too late to go.  Free night.

4. Monday - lovely weather.  First close-up of the Dome and the Skylon.  Also first touch of Festival Fever.  Dinner by the Thames.  Roamed around all afternoon.  That night, went to see "Kiss Me, Kate" at the London Coliseum.  Some teachers went to an all-night sitting in the House of Commons.

5. Tuesday - still sunny.  Tower of London in morning.  Crown Jewels seen - they are still there! St. Paul's Cathedral after.  Free afternoon.  Battersea Pleasure Gardens at night. (Two of the weightier male staff almost felled the Treetop Walk by jumping on it. If they failed to do that, they did succeed in one thing - they brought terror to quite a few people in front and behind them).  Pockets became lighter.

6. Wednesday - Tour of Houses of Parliament with Mr. Hale, M.P. for Oldham.  Then Westminster Abbey.  In the afternoon, took packed meal (which was quite heavy - thank you, boys!) to Kew Gardens where one began to realise what a hot-house plant must feel like. Free night.

7. Thursday - free morning. (To enable any who wished to write home for some more money - if possible).  Windsor Castle in the afternoon.  Went into St. George's Chapel where soon two of the best loved people in the country were to rest.  Did not stay long enough.  Regent's Park at night for "A Midsummer Night's Dream".  Did this open-air production give you the impression that W.S. was not so bad after all?

8. Friday.  Science exhibition in morning.  Royal Naval College at Greenwich in afternoon.  At night "Ship Ahoy", attended by H.R.H. Princess Elizabeth.  This Sea Cadets' show ended with "Land of Hope and Glory" - all there joining in the chorus.

9.  Saturday.    Home by train and bus.

Important facts left out : Had good weather.  Had not enough money.  Had not sufficient time to see everything we wanted to - BUT definitely had a good time.

J. WILD.

 

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"The Marriage of Figaro"

 

The school party met at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, on Saturday, April 4th, at 6.30 p.m. for the Covent Garden Opera production of "The Marriage of Figaro".  This, although a satire intended by its author Beaumarchais to show in their true light the declining moral standards of the eighteenth century aristocracy, is treated so lightly by its brilliant librettist, Da Ponte, and composer Mozart, that we come to think of it only as a delightful comedy and little attention is paid to its serious aspect.

The plot is centred around the difficulties arising from the proposed marriage of Figaro, valet to the Count Almaviva, and Susanna, the Countess's maid.  It involves in a complicated story the Count, who is tiring of his wife, formerly Rosina, ward of Doctor Bartolo, and the Countess, who attempts to win back his love.  Doctor Bartolo seeks revenge on Figaro for tricking him whilst helping the Count to win the hand of Rosina.  Marcellina, Bartolo's elderly housekeeper, has an agreement with Figaro to pay her a large sum of money - or marry her, and Bartolo is determined that Figaro should he forced to do the latter.  Cherubino, the Count's page, further complicates the plot hy his own impish tricks and his part in the wily plans of the ladies.

The singing was excellent, especially that of Geraint Evans as Figaro, and Adelc Leigh (who took the place of Veronica Dunne) as Susanna.  The whole opera, excepting that famous aria "Voi Che Sapetc" sung in Italian by Cherubino (Eugenia Lareska) was performed in English.  Although the English words, written by Edward Dent, combined well with the music, they did not seem to have the easy flow of the original Italian.

It was, however, fortunate, for our party at least, as it allowed us to follow the story with greater ease.  The words sung by Geraint Evans, Adele Leigh, Jess Walters (the Count), Howell Glynne (Dr. Bartolo) and William McAlpine (Don Basilio, a music teacher) were extremely clear, and of all the cast only Cherubino seemed to have trouble in making all her words clearly heard.

I am sure that the rest of the party enjoyed this fine performance as much as I did.  On their behalf I wish to thank Mr. Wells for arranging this visit, and congratulate him on his wise choice of opera. "The Marriage of Figaro" is a "happy" opera and an ideal choice for people who are, as some of us were, newcomers to the fascinating pastime of opera-going.

P. M. GREENALL, 6 Sc.

 

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The Isle of Wight

 

At Whitsuntide last year Mr. Wild, Mr. Nicholls and Mr. Gervais travelled in charge of a school party of 28 boys overnight on the annual school holiday to the Isle of Wight.

Everybody was naturally excited when we left the Gaumont by coach to London Road Station, Manchester.  We travelled to London (Euston), by tube to Waterloo, and then to Portsmouth where we embarked on a ferry for the Isle of Wight.  After a train journey from our landing place to Sandown we caught a coach to our hotel.

From this magnificent, luxurious hotel we had a splendid view of the sea and Culver Cliffs beyond. After settling down in the hotel we managed to find a suitable place for cricket and rugby, games which attracted surprisingly large crowds.

A few of us walked to Whitecliffe Bay with Mr. Nicholls, for a swim  - our main entertainment.
Later in the week a trip round the island was arranged in which everybody took part.  Travel by coach was good and among the many beautiful places we visited were Blackgang Chine, Alum Bay (where we collected rare colours of sand in tubes) and Ryde, and we returned to the hotel in the evening after an enjoyable trip.

During the week many of us had our portraits drawn by a promenade artist. There were many excellent spots for swimming on the beach and for climbing on the cliffs.  Many of us made daily visits to an entertainment palace called "White City". Here boys grumbled because of the loss of their money on the slot machines.

After an eight days' stay we set out for home on Saturday morning by the same route.  We arrived in Oldham safely on Saturday evening and now everyone is eagerly looking forward to the camp trip to Ireland this year.

LAWTON, MILLWARD AND STUTTARD, 3X.

 

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Fourth Form Motor Coach Tour of the

Lake District, March 31st, 1953

 

On this trip we were rather more fortunate that in previous years, especially as far as the weather was concerned.  It was not too promising at first but as the coach took us out of the industrial towns the sun began to shine more strongly. Once the last industrial towns - those of North Lancashire - were behind us, we were soon running up Ribblesdale and along the foot of Giggleswick Scar into the limestone country.  Our first views of Lake Windermere came a short while after leaving Kendal. These, along with our sandwich lunches, were well out of sight as we began to climb the steep and winding road up to Kirkstone Pass, and en route we had an excellent view of the Langdale Pikes. These, on previous occasions, have either been shrouded in mist or blotted out by snow.

After dropping down to Brotherswater Lake and running into Patterdale, we dismounted from the coach to walk along Ullswater lake-side road to Aira Force waterfall.  On resuming our coach journey, the weather worsened with hail and snow showers, but we were permitted views of Derwentwater and just a brief glimpse of Bassenthwaite Lake in the distance.  Thirlmere looked its usual bleak self, drought and thirsty Manchester having reduced its water to an unusually low level.

At Grasmere the weather refused to allow us a close personal inspection and all we saw had to be from the streaming windows of the coach.  So, we proceeded along Rydal Water, through Ambleside and down to Windermere, by which time the rain had developed into a typical Lake District downpour.  After tea the rain had stopped and a watery sun again appeared.

The journey home was quite uneventful with the exception of a rather good view of Morecambe Bay. On the whole we had an excellent outing, having experienced the Lake District under almost all possible weather conditions and having seen many of the delightful views for which the area is world-renowned.

SYLVIA R. OGDEN, 4X.

 

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 My First Impressions of a Symphony Concert

 

A few minutes before the orchestra was about to begin, the playens of the violins, basses and double basses came on the platform to tune their instruments.  I imagined the lady violinists would have lovely evening gowns and exquisite jewellery but they were plainly dressed in long, plain, navy-blue dresses and with practically no jewellery.  In spite of this simple dressing, they looked smart.

Almost two minutes before the appearance of the conductor came the Leader of the Violins, amidst great applause.  Then came the moment for which we were all waiting - the appearance of the conductor.  After taking bis bow, he raised his baton and we all stood for the National Anthem.  I was impressed by the way the orchestra worked in unity, not seeking special notice for themselves.  I enjoyed the "New World Symphony" but I think that I liked the "Nocturne for Strings" better.  But what really delighted me was the pianoforte solo.  The pianist, Eric Harrison, brought the tune to life and he put his heart into it.  When be had finished, he received great applause and was recalled to the platform many times.  During all this, the man who played the cymbals was asleep on his high stool and was finally awakened by a nudge from his companion.

I very much enjoyed the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and it has left a great impression on me.  I hope that I shall be able to attend another one with Sir Thomas Beecham conducting.

JOAN SCHOLEFIELD, 3X.   

 

 

    -  CONTRIBUTIONS

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The Chronicles of Om

 

And after many moons had passed, all the Seekers After Truth began to assemble in the appointed place.  By twos and threes they came, many carrying their possessions on their backs ,and the air was full of greetings and welcomes, and much talk went forth, so that the local inhabitants did look and stare and murmur one to another "Life has returned to the wilderness again".

A tocsin sounded, and all the Seekers After Truth did enter within the walls of the Temple of Learning, ensconcing themselves in their new habitation, each in his separate place.  In marvellously straight rows they sat, awaiting the coming of the Lord of the Classroom, who did bear in his hands a large book, each page wondrously wrought with strange shapes and patterns.  The names of all were inscribed therein, according unto the laws of the Queen's Advisers, who meet in the plains beyond the mountains.

And the whole multitude did then foregather in the Hall of the Upper Tribes for the Ceremony of Worship, led by the High Priest of Learning, who had come from another Temple, afar off in the mountain fastnesses.  All did join in the mystic chant of gladness for the return of the multitude, and after many fair words, the High Priest instructed them to hearken well to the Wisdom of the Lords of the Classroom and obey in all things.

All that day and for many days, the Upper and Lower Tribes did labour mightily, wrestling with difficult problems, so that it came to some that the Way of Wisdom is a hard road fraught with all manner of obstacles and pitfalls for the unwary.

Some there were who did yearn to lay down their heavy burdens and be finished with this life of endless labour.

"Why should we only toil, the roof and crown of things, while all things else have rest from weariness?" they murmured (after Tennyson), but the words of the High Priest came to them ever and anon, "Strive on, you Servants of Wisdom, for great shall be your inheritance".

So, at the last, when the final mighty labour was accomplished, those, who with stout hearts had toiled on, did achieve their great success.  Their burden of care, borne so long and with much patience, was suddenly lifted and their hearts were light again.  The rafters of the Temple of Learning resounded to their happy voices ringing forth the glorious Paean of Praise and Thanksgiving for having emerged triumphant from the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

And all the Sons of God did shout for joy, "Well done, ye good and faithful Servants".
Then began they to move out of the Temple, going forth into the Great Beyond where they would continue to serve Wisdom in labouring to help other, lesser souls, to a better understanding of Wisdom's secrets.  As they passed to this greater service, the trumpets sounded for them on the other side.

SCRIPSI

 

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The Hunted Chevalier

 

 

 

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Greenhill Grammar School

 

Greenhill Grammar School is situated on Greengate Street; the green and the gate having now disappeared, but the hill heing still present.  It was first built by the Roman soldiers as a prison to house rebels, mutineers and pirates, and, according to the staff, still does.  It was later taken over as a school by an old lady (affectionately known as Grandma to the inmates), and thus the school became known as "Grandma's School", now corrupted to Grammar School.

The school is separated from the rest of civilisation by a railway, the only means of crossing which is by a windswept structure of concrete and steel known as Gas Street bridge.  From this colossal feat of engineering can be seen a magnificent panorama of the Corporation Gas and Electricity Works, Mumps, Central and Clegg Street Stations, and an occasional glimpse of the Delph Donkey as it roars along its non-stop route from Clegg Street to Glodwick Road.  At the Gas Street end of the aforementioned structure is an establishment officially known as Oldham Refuse Department, but locally known as the Pie Factory (or, as the Indians call it, the Big Smell Maker), the name being due to the savoury odours which pervade the nostrils of the unfortunate passers-by.

The School possesses a playing field near to the Corporation Tip, the only distinction between the two being that the playing field possesses railings round it.  Visiting teams, when arriving at the ground, often choose the tip as the better of the two pitches.  Drainage being of the usual standard, inter-house boat races can be held after periods of prolonged rain.

In summer, cricket and athletics are indulged in, and javelin throwing is encouraged by the sports masters.  It is quite a common sight to see some of the less agile cricketers lying prostrate on the grass with a javelin through their midriffs.  The position is such that each javelin thrower is provided with a first-aid kit and a spade, and it is customary after a throwing session for them to go round the field to tend the wounded and bury the less fortunate.  Thus one is always making new friends (and burying old ones!).

We cannot close this epic work about our school without a wonl about the Prefects, but unfortunately this word is unprintable.  And so we must leave it to your imaginations, which can no doubt furnish several apt expressions.

C. BENTLEY, F. BROOK, VI Lit.

 

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Vis Comica 

 

 

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A Day in the Lakes

 

William Wordsworth, the author of the poem "The Daffodils", lived in Grasmere.  One bright summer's day I went to Grasmere to see his house, "Dove Cottage", in which he lived from 1799 to 1808.

Dove Cottage is very picturesque.  It is built of grey stone with brightly coloured flowers, rambling roses, and leaves climbing over the front of the house.  The door is set in a little porchway and is painted green.

On entering Dove Cottage, the guide told my friend and me to sign our names in the visitors' book.  The book was very interesting, containing many signatures.

After this we were conducted round the house and had pointed out to us various things of interest.  Although we found the house very interesting, we did not linger for long as we were eager to be out in the sunshine again.  Presently the guide took us into the garden at the back of the house.  The garden was very beautiful with a large lawn surrounded by trees and flowers.  Right at the top of the garden we saw a summer house.  Then the guide told us that often Wordsworth used to sleep out in the summer house, and that it was where many of his poems were composed.  The garden was very peaceful, birds sang in the trees and bees hummed amongst the flowers.  However, by this time, it was time for us to move on to the Museum.  So reluctantly we left the tranquillity of the garden and departed with the guide to the Wordsworth Museum.  The Museum was almost as interesting as Dove Cottage.  In one room there were some catalogues for sale, so on the way out we bought one each to remind us of all we had seen.

Then the guide held a piece of bread in her hand.  She said that sometimes the birds could be persuaded to eat bread out of her hand.  So we waited very quietly to see what would happen.  Presently a gaily coloured chaffinch flew down onto the guide's outstretched hand and took the bread.  Then, when it had. flown away, the guide tried once more to attract another bird's attention.  After a few minutes' wait a shy little robin flew down after the bread on the guide's hand.  A sudden noise frightened it and so it did not stay long but flew away with the bread.

After this we decided that we, too, must be off.  So we waved to the guide and set off to catch the bus back home. On the way back a verse of "The Daffodils" kept recurring in my mind . . .

Although I had not seen the daffodils mentioned in the poem, on looking back I realised what wealth my experiences had brought to me.

JUDITH STOTT, 1M.

 

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Lyn

 

 

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LOOK ON THIS PICTURE ....

Hockey Match:

Boy Prefects v. Girls' First Eleven

Although the boy prefects finally played against the girls' first eleven hockey team, the original intentions of the challenge had been for the boy prefects to play the girl prefects.  However, even whilst the challenge was still echoing round the library, the girl sixth formers found their excuses and, one by one, they refused to play, until at last only four turned out to face the better team.

The match was played after school on the school hockey pitch in very favourable weather.  The ground was very hard and was a slight handicap to the boys who were playing in football boots, but the handicap was slight indeed for in the first minute Smith (centre) scored for the boys off a pass from Brook (right wing).  After this goal the girls pressed hard, and, for a moment, the boys' defence was penetrated, only to be re-sealed by excellent covering-up.  Only ten minutes had passed before a further shot from Smith rocketed through the goals, again off a pass from Brook.

This roused the girls and, after much hard pressing, Gwenda Jones shot ahead to score. She must have been very disappointed to find that she was facing the wrong direction!  So the boys were three up, and half-time saw a very tired girls' side, although the boys seemed quite fresh.  The second half was very much the same with the girls buckling still more under the increased pressure.  Two more goals by Smith made sure of the victory, and the boys left the field indeed victorious, having won 5-0.

The boys would like to remind the girls that there is a book in the school library entitled "How to play Hockey", and this book is strongly recommended to our opponents!

We should like to place on record the fact that none of the boys had played in any previous hockey match.

A. HOLT, 6 Sc.

* 

AND ON THIS ....

Brain v. Brawn

At a girl's suggestion, a hockey match was arranged between the girl prefects and the boy prefects.  The teams were drawn up and on a fine Tuesday evening they assembled at the field.  The boys turned out in thick woollen socks and football boots, some of which were studded with metal.  Our opponents had previously read a book on hockey but judging from their tactics, it seemed hard to believe.  It was fortunate that most of the boys' fouling was ignored, otherwise the match would have been stopped constantly.  The girls, who had previously been accustomed to intelligent and skilful play by their opponents, were rather taken aback by the boys' play, which consisted mainly of brute force.

Our team found great opposition in the boys' backs, who had a tendency to shoulder their opponents.  By half-time, although the girls' team fought back, the boys had scored three goals, thanks to their captain, Smith, whereas we had not scored (no thanks to their goalkeeper).  Many boys had already had enough of this hardy game and would have preferred some gentler game - soccer or something like that.

During the second half the girls fought back against the stronger boys, but they had enjoyed the game and cheered the boys off the field.  It was quite obvious that the boys had never played previously but after a few more practices they ought to put up a decent performance against the more scientific play of the girls.

BARBARA SUTCLIFFE.

 

 

 

 

 

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Nature Study as a Hobby

 

As the summer weather is quickly approaching many of us will wish to be out and about.  I suggest an interesting way to utilise the otherwise drifting existence of the long summer holiday period is to change into a pair of substantial shoes and explore the fauna and flora of our surrounding countryside.

It will, however, be more of an adventure than a hike for the newcomer to nature study.  The handy person can easily make such apparatus as beating trays, sweep nets and pond "dipping" nets out of everyday oddments.

To many, the word "naturalist" conjures up cartoon-like visions containing a youth wearing horn-rimmed spectacles, careering madly through flowerbeds, net a-flying, after some rare butterfly, with perhaps a rotund park-keeper bringing up the rear.  Granted such nets are used for building up sets of butterflies, dragonflies and moths, but hardly in such a spectacular manner.  For the beginner, however, a hand lens, necessary to observe the minute structures of the catch, and suitable receptacles arc all that is essential.

Tobacco tins of the flat four-ounce variety make excellent receptacles for beetles, etc.  It is, however, necessary to ventilate the tin.  The holes should be punched from the inside so as not to damage the specimens on the jagged edges.  A leafy twig should also be included on which the captive can hang.  For pond dippings, samples of mud, water or aquatic larva, glass tubes are more suitable.

Bardsley Canal offers great numbers of molluscs, insect larvae, water beetles, leeches, water fleas and Cyclops to the collector.  The wayside flora also offers flies of countless variety, sap-sucking creatures and numerous small moths and beetles to satisfy the wish of those with a thirst for such knowledge.

If your passion is photography, why not have a change from the conventional family group and try such subjects as wild flowers, or the gleaming dew rinded web of the common cobweaving spider, found in most bushes?

The girls will possibly find beetles rather repulsive and usually prefer to collect and press wild flowers and leaves.  Coupled with this inexpensive pastime are the collection and preparation of spore-prints of common fungi.  They are quite easy to make.  Remove the cap from the stem and place gills or pores downwards on a piece of paper or card, cover with a box and leave overnight.  The following morning on removing the cap a beautiful print will be seen.  The colour of the spores varies with the type of fungi.

All specimens should be labelled and as much found out about them as possible.  In this way a fair knowledge of common plants and animals will be obtained without poring unduly over text-books.

Well, good hunting !

A. DOCKER, 5X.

 

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Jack Frost

 

 

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We Say ... 

  *

They Say . . .

 

 

 

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Promising Boy

 

 

 

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Crossword No. 1

 

Write the answers to the clues in B, and then substitute the letters in the respective squares in A.

 A

 

 

 

B

 

 

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Crossword No. 2

 

 

 

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The Child

 

The sun was slowly sinking to a crimson bed behind the distant hills and the gentle birds were singing their sweet evening vespers, when into the ancient garden crept a small, ragged, dejected-looking little boy.  His golden curls gleamed bronze in the twilight rays, as his bare feet moved silently over the still grass towards the dark trees.

Standing aloof in the midst of them he came upon "the grand oak".
"Oh, Mr. Gulliver!" he gulped, as he ran to embrace the bark, "it is good to see you", and burying the roses of his cheek against the trunk he shed crystal tears of sorrow upon the ground.

Soon the little figure began to wilt and sag under the heavy burden of sleep, and finally lay a crumpled heap at the foot of the oak, the arms still embracing it.

The sun sank lower until it finally hid its face from the scene; the birds finished their vespers and retired to their leafy beds; the wind ceased to sigh in the branches.  All was still and quiet.

Inside the huge rambling building there was no sound or motion.  The great, ornate rooms were empty and bare.  The latticed windows wore a coat of grime and everywhere there was an inch of dust.  The corners and ceilings were decorated with filmy, delicate, lacy webs.

The restful hours of darkness wore on in a silence which was broken only occasionally by the contented whimpers of the dreaming child, as he stirred, saying, "Oh, Mr. Gulliver, it's good to be back. I promised I'd come back, didn't I, Mr. Gulliver?" or simply a sighing, "Dear Mr. Gulliver!" intermingled with an occasional "All's well!" from the resident owl.

Eventually a cold iron streak broke into the jewelled sky.  A glad, rosy smile of welcome spread over the sky.  Father Sun's warm fingers slanted through the foliage and played upon the slumbering heap of humanity, until the child slowly opened his sleepy eyes to a bright, happy world.

He sat up and stretched his arms above his head.  Then, sedately crossing his hands on his knees, he turned and with cocked head addressed himself to his guardian of the night hours.
"Do you know, Mr. Gulliver, how long it took me to get here?" He paused for a reply, and then answered : "No, a little longer than that. Eight days.  You see, I had to walk all the way".  He paused again.
"No, Mr. Gulliver, I haven't had anything to eat since I left them".

After a further few moments he continued with a sadness which he showed not only in his voice but in his wistful gaze also.
"Well, Mr. Gulliver, he was awful. I knew he would be, and then, I didn't like his mansion.  It was much bigger than ours and there were no trees, all flowers, and they wouldn't let me play in the gardens, or go for walks around the countryside. It's much nicer here".

He sat in thoughtful silence for a few minutes.
"Mr. Gulliver, I wonder if there is anything to eat left in the kitchen.  I don't expect so, but I can go and see, can't I?"  He leaped up and ran to the house, his feet lightly skimming the dewy grass. Five minutes later he returned dragging his heavy feet, the sunniness of his features dulled by bitter disappointment,
"It's all locked up.  It's like me.  It wants someone to fill it and care for it, like mummy did".
"I think I'll go for a walk, Mr. Gulliver. Perhaps I might find something to eat".  A heavy sigh escaped his drooping lips as he listlessly turned and sauntered sadly away.

His weary feet dragged over the grass to the garden wall which he laboriously climbed.  Onwards he went until he reached the cool, shallow stream and stood upon the rustic bridge, gazing into the eddying waters.

So he remained, dreaming of delightfully happy days gone by and of the depressingly saddened weeks of the last few months.

He then slowly descended from the bridge and knelt beside the stream.   Cupping his grimy hands, he lifted cool water to his parched lips.  Its coolness touched his fiery cheeks and with a sudden desire he rid himself of his hot, dusty clothes, and lay luxuriating in the kindness the water had bestowed on him.

Soon his burning body was cool and comfortable.  The grimy dust was washed away and his swollen feet felt calm and normal again.

Feeling much better, he returned with lighter heart to Mr. Gulliver.  On the return journey he found some mushrooms in the meadow, which he devoured hungrily.

The pleasantness of his beloved surroundings filled him once more with joy and exhilaration which his weakened little heart found so very hard to hold and conceal.  How happy was the sunlit afternoon to him!

Towards evening he found some beautiful purple berries which made his hungry mouth water. He picked them and ate them on his way back to Mr. Gulliver.

Here he told Mr. Gulliver of all that had filled the happy day, of all his hopes, of all his sorrows and of his plans for the future.

As the sun sank again he joined in the birds' vespers, as on his knees he repeated the prayers his mother had taught him. "Now I lay me down to sleep, Pray the Lord His watch to keep".

 

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The next morning the gate creaked rustily on its hinges under the withered hand of a middle-aged greying gentleman, who was followed by a blue-uniformed police-officer. He walked towards the house with stately tread and tried the door, then noticed the childish fingermarks on the grimy window.
"It looks as if he's been here, sir", he informed the officer.
"Yes, Bartholomews, but he doesn't appear to be here now".
And as they found the doors unyielding, he asked, "Do you know of any other of the boy's haunts in this district?"
"Well, sir, there's Mr. Gulliver".
"Where does he live?"
"Oh, it's a tree. sir".
"A tree?"
"Yes, sir. The child called it that, sir, and often spent hours talking to it.  He always went to it for advice when he was troubled".

The officer looked bewildered as he asked Bartholomews to lead the way to it.
As they came in full view of the tree, they saw a human form upon the ground.
"Mr. Nicholas!" cried the faithful Bartholomews as he ran forward to fall upon one knee beside him. He gently took a cold little hand in his own large, warm one and whispered, "Wake up, Mr. Nicholas, sir".

The officer approached and turning the pale features towards him, his face took on a grim mask. He took the hand from Bartholomews' and felt the pulse.  Bartholomews looked upon the closed eyes and stroked the wayward curls from the forehead, but the tired form remained motionless, having neither breath nor pulse.

Quietly the inspector's voice framed the words which filled both minds, "I'm afraid he's . . . dead".
"Yes",  replied the mournful voice  beside him, "he's  dead".
After a pause the inspector continued, "I'm afraid you'll have to identify the body as that of Nicholas de Courtney".
"Yes, I can do that", the butler replied steadily.
"Good man!" the officer complimented.
They were silent a moment.
"I wonder how .....?"
"Poisoning", replied the officer. "It looks as if he has eaten some poisonous berries by the stains around his mouth.  Poor kid. Lots of 'em do it when they get very hungry.  Sometimes when they aren't hungry. It's the colour that attracts them, and hunger too.  They don't realise that the things are poisonous.  Still, the post-mortem will reveal the causes".

"Poor little Mr. Nicholas!" exclaimed the sorrowing butler.
"How long is it since his parents died?" enquired the officer.
"It is three and a half months since his father was killed in the plane crash".
"Pilot, wasn't he?"
"Yes, sir. And it was only about two weeks later that her ladyship died.  She was ill when she received the news, and I'm afraid it was too much for her. Poor soul".

They stood quietly for a few seconds.
"And what happened then?"
"Well, sir, some cousin or other of her ladyship said he'd take care of the child. He'd never been near for years.  I think it was the money that enticed him.  Took all the furniture away the same day as he came and said he'd have the child.  He wanted to sell the house but the solicitor wouldn't hear of it.  You see, it was the child's property.  Still, I suppose it will be the old scoundrel's now.  Poor Mr. Nicholas, no wonder he ran away".

That evening a tcarstaincd sun went down on a grieving garden.  The birds sang their mournful dirges.  The wind sighed gently through the sobbing trees.  The great house remained dark, still and silent.  The brook slowly lingered on its way seaward to gaze at the empty bridge, where so short a while ago a cheerful, curly-headed little boy gazed lovingly, dreamily, upon its gentle waters and tenderly wept upon the place where he had bathed his weary body.

A solemn silence fell upon the still garden as the owl sighed for them all: "Poor child. Farewell, beloved master. Farewell".

 

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Solution to Crossword No. 1

A: Greenhill Grammar School.

B: 1, Harem; 2, Ram; 3, Hog; 4, Sill; 5, Log; 6, N.E.R.C.

PHYLLIS WILCOCK, Form 2M. 

Solution to Crossword No. 2

ACROSS.
1, Fromologist; 8, Via; 9, He; 10, Roast; 11, Power; 13, Lass; 14 Leap; 15, Oars;
16, Last; 18, Sign; 19, Phi; 20, Lear; 21, Hisn; 24, Iota; 25, Neap; 27, R.N.; 29, Core.  

DOWN.
1 (and 28 across), For Auld Lang Syne; 2, Oval; 3, Misanthropy; 4, Oats; 5, Geologist;
6, Shear; 7, Terpsichore; 12, Wean; 17, Spa; 21, Hire; 22, Ion; 23, N.A.T.O.; 26, As.