Speech Night
On Tuesday, 18th November, our annual Speech Night was held at Green-acres Hall. We were fortunate to have as our Guest of Honour Mr. Cyril Washbrook, the Captain of the Lancashire Cricket Team. As the Chairman, Alderman Hilton said later, "He is one of the few Lancashire men that have come from Lancashire."
Everyone was prepared for this rare occasion, well-scrubbed faces, well-brushed hair and fresh white blouses. The school and the parents rose as the platform party entered and after they had taken their places the school hymn was sung as on previous occasions.
Alderman Hilton began the proceedings with an address in which he referred to former Speech Nights and introduced the guests. Then Mr. Higson gave his annual report on the progress of the school during the past year. He referred to the many varied activities which had occurred, and also he spoke of the need for the re-introduction of the distinction mark at Ordinary level. Two songs were then sung by the Choir.
As the choir sat down the Chairman introduced Mr. Washbrook by acclaiming his many successes in the field of sport. Mr. Washbrook spoke of the need for education and also of the great personal value of sport. He referred to an incident when he met George Hirst whilst playing twelfth man at an early cricket match. This former cricketer had told him that if he was never satisfied he would never become swollen-headed and so he passed on this advice.
After this speech the Choir sang another two songs and then prize-giving began. There were many prizes to be given out but when this was over the Choir once again entertained us with great success. The night passed quickly and all too soon we were singing the National Anthem and saying goodbye to Speech Night for yet another year.
The School Outing to Switzerland
This year Mr. Handforth, Miss Turner and Mrs. Lees took us to Switzerland. The journey there can be described in one word, "terrible." Hard seats, a wet Channel crossing, long train journeys and heavy cases. However, once in Switzerland it was worth the uncomfortable travelling to see such a beautiful country. We were all amazed at the mountains and the beautiful lakes. The hotel where we stayed was comfortable, and the juke-box drew a lot of attention. We went on several outings, one of which was to the Blue Lake. This lake was a clear blue, and the fishes in it could be seen quite clearly. In Brienz, where we stayed, the chalets were beautiful and the shopping centre was picturesque. At the end of the holiday when we had all packed our bags, we said our goodbyes and left behind, regretfully, the beautiful country of Switzerland. Our thanks are due to Mr. Handforth, Miss Turner and Mrs. Lees for a holiday that we shall all remember for the rest of our lives.
MARIE OTZMANN, 5L.