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 The Sixth British Empire and

Commonwealth Games

 

July 18th, 1958, was a memorable one for the many competitors who were entering the "Sixth British Empire and Commonwealth Games" which were to be held at the Welsh capital, Cardiff. This day was also a memorable one for the sixteen members of the Greenhill Athletic Society who were on their way to the Games accompanied by Mr. Cox and Miss Hume. After we had made our way to Manchester, the train was caught to Crewe, where the Cardiff train was then boarded. On this train many of us became acquainted with our fellow travellers who kindly indicated many locations of famous buildings and landmarks, "Jodrell Bank" being amongst them.

At last our destination was reached and a bus was boarded to the How-ardian High School for Boys and the Lady Margaret High School for Girls, which we had already had a glimpse of from the train. On the bus many of the brightly coloured blazers of competitors were recognised by the autograph hunters. After a 'short' walk the schools were reached and received a 'load' of hungry, tired, almost miserable holiday-makers. We were shown to our dormitory and after having a good wash were taken to the dining-room where large portions of 'fish and chips' were served. The school was a large modern one but not as contemporary as the boys', although both had many large beautifully kept sports fields and gardens. All the facilities of the schools were made available to us, and other visitors staying for the Games. These schools were in very easy reach of each other so that meeting places for the two parties were easily available.

Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny for our first visit to the actual games. The two parties met almost directly after breakfast and made their way by bus to the Cardiff Rugby Ground, which had been altered into a magnificent stadium for the high jump, javelin, discus, hurdles and running track. From every part of the field all the events could be seen, the more expensive seats being near the starting and finishing points. The first event was the men's high jump heats, the qualifying height being six feet five inches. The only Englishman to reach the final was A. G. Miller. The games continued with the heats for the hundred yard sprint, which were followed by the javelin throwing. This ended in a victory for England with Colin Smith throwing two hundred and thirty three feet, ten and a half inches, which broke the British Empire and Commonwealth Games record. The finals of the men's high jump ended in a victory for Australia. The four-forty yards hurdles heats were then begun followed by the hundred yards women's sprint. Other events were the eight eighty yards and the six mile. After returning back to school for tea, most of us very sore from being almost 'baked' alive by the sun, we returned into Cardiff for a look round the very large and beautiful city.

Sunday was spent as a day by the sea with a visit to a small Welsh sea-side resort, Porthcawl. On the way to this, we called at the Empire Games village where all the athletes were staying whilst at the Games. Here many autographs of very famous sprinters and hurdlers were obtained. The weather once more proved that we were still in the summer months so much swimming and paddling was enjoyed. Miss Hume proved herself to be unafraid of anything by accompanying two girls on the 'dive-bomber' in the fun-fair. Needless to say all three emerged white-faced and shaken.

Monday was not spent at the games but at the newly-built swimming pool. The events, however, did not begin until six o'clock in the evening. So everyone spent the day in Cardiff either shopping or going to the pictures as the weather had somewhat deteriorated. The evening, however, was spent delightfully in seeing many of the English swimmers competing magnificently against the remainder of the Commonwealth. Amongst the celebrities were Diane Wilkinson and Judy Grinham who broke her own world record for the 'backstroke.' lan Black also gave credit to Scotland in his magnificent 'butterfly' race.

Tuesday came and it was the day to return home, but not until some of the games had been seen for the train was not until four o'clock. The weather was not quite so encouraging as on the previous visit to the stadium and watching the games was not quite as inviting. There were, however, on this visit victory ceremonies in which the bronze, silver and gold medals were awarded. The flag of the victor's country was raised and the national anthem played as the gold medal was presented to him. All too soon it was time to go.

So our holiday ended as the train drew into Manchester Victoria station where Mr. Handforth, Mr. Higson and a parent were waiting to take us into Oldham. I know that all the members will remember their visit as they see the same athletes through the medium of television instead of seeing them in 'real life' as at the Sixth British Empire and Commonwealth Games, Cardiff.

CATHERINE SMITH, 5S.

 

 

Music and the Theatre

During the last school year, many parties were organised for visits to the theatre and to concerts. A group of seniors attended the Youth Concert at Belle Vue. This was especially memorable as it was the Halle centenary year.

Other visits were made to performances of "Carmen" by the visiting Covent Garden company and to popular productions. On the more serious side, a mixed party went to the Library Theatre for very-well produced performances of "Twelfth Night" and "Macbeth."

A great deal of enjoyment and, doubtless, benefit was derived from all these occasions. It is to be hoped that they can be repeated in due course.

J.M.P.