No. 8  December 1959

 

 

 

Science is proceeding in leaps and bounds, as exemplified by moon-probes, mars-probes, Sputniks, A-ships and such spectacular developments, and only at the time of writing, the U.S. have put another satellite into orbit, prior to a manned-attempt in the near future.  We have advanced-radar, colour-television on the way, transistors in common use, super-sonic 'planes and Goon Shows.  Thus it is fitting that this magazine is again making an appearance, it being our not insignificant contribution to great literature and to the advancement of world knowledge.  If we cannot be the first to visit the Man in the Moon, then we can boast a magazine full of the good points of a happy, healthy, academic life.

We present a record of the daily events at this school, interspersed with material of outside interests, contributed by conscientious and school-spirited girls and boys.  The success or failure, as judged by the reader, falls upon these individual contributors.

This magazine is to be a cross-section through the school, and for that I am grateful, for the younger forms must benefit if they see their work published in these hallowed pages, and in the same pages read of the interests of older people.  The effect works the other way, too, of course, for we hope to foster a close regard for fellow school-members, and what better agent could there be for this, than the School Magazine?  At least, it can only broaden our outlook upon life.

So, from this exalted position of fame, if not of fortune, I bid you read on.

 

 

 

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School Notes

 

Although much of the material recorded here will no doubt be enlarged upon, I include it in this brief synopsis of school happenings.

At the end of last term, we said "au revoir" to Mrs. Wild, leaving us with our wishes for a happy retirement, and the thanks for a very full life both here, and at Ward Street.  Miss Parker also left, after two years of teaching French, for the Fairfield Technical High School in Manchester.  Mr. Mathews departed before term-end, to take up a post at the Swinton Conservative College.

Now we must welcome Miss Reed, to teach French, Mr. Hilton to teach Music, Mr. Halliwell - Mathematics, Mr. Cartmell - Art and M. Aim from France to supplement the Linguistic department, and at the same time to further his own knowledge of our tongue.

News reached school, also, of the birth of a child to Mrs. Pilling, who receives our hearty felicitations.

Speech Night, at the time of writing, is almost upon us.  Our speaker will be Mr. Wilson, Deputy Director of Education for Oldham, who is shortly to leave to take up the post of Director of Education at Tynemouth.  The date will be November 25th.

The school societies continue to flourish; one of the newer, the Historical Society, under the guiding light of Mr. Bickerstaffe, appears to have made a permanent niche for itself in school life.  The other new society, the Film Society, has created much the same impression.  It had a full programme last year, including "Genevieve" and "The Battle of the River Plate," whilst this year, the first few films have already been shown.

The Scientific Society continues as one of the most popular, and its curriculum last year included visits to local electronic firms, and lectures by members of staff, and conscripted "foreigners".    This society sponsors the Arts-v.-Science Quiz, which for the first time was won by the Literature seekers.

The Athletics Society, in planning its activities this year, will have to work hard to measure up to the success it attained last year.

The Dramatic Society opened a new branch, and is now termed the Dramatic and Debating Society.  The latter feature, held weekly, attracts large audiences which vouch for its popularity.  This term a mock election was held, resulting in Mr. Holden (Conservative) being successful, followed home by Mr. Berryman (Liberal) and Mr. Jackson (Labour).  The "Dramatic" half put on several plays, three of which were in one evening.  First presentation this year will be "The Importance of Being Earnest".

The sporting ranks were busy last year, several senior boys being selected to compete in the "cross-country" for the town. This resulted in J. Crumpton being selected for Lancashire.  In aquatics, bronze-medallions were won by several boys, A. Clarke, P. Lawton, S. Brierley, P. Garside, I. Wright, G. Gray, P. Holderness;  R. Ogden gained Intermediate certificate, but special mention must go to Frank Nunn who gained the Award of Merit.

The annual Staff v. School cricket match was rained off, but the tennis match was won by the Staff, somewhat luckily.

The usual outings of a geographical nature were organised again by Mr. Wells.  The third form went to York and Knaresborough; the fourth to Easdale Tarn and the Lake District in general; the fifth and sixth to Ingleton; and this term the sixth form went to Malham.

Mr. Wells also took an informal party to the Free Trade Hall, Manchester, where the Halle played Hoist's "Fugal Overture", Mozart's "Jupiter", Beethoven's "Pastoral" Symphony and Vaughan Williams' "On a theme of Thomas Tallis".  The conductor was Sir Adrian Boult.

The Christmas Parties again went down well.  Besides these, the Scientific, the Athletic and the Dramatic Societies also held their socials.  This year the above will be held again. Preparations are already under way for the Prefect's Dance, usually the elite of all such gatherings.

With this summary of the daily happenings in the life of a grammar school, I end, but more details will be found in the coming pages.

 

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General Certificate of Education

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mrs. M. Wild

 

It is not easy to express adequately our appreciation of Mrs. Wild's long service to education, and to Greenhill Grammar School in particular.  She was with the school during its earliest years when it was housed in the premises at Robin Hill.  In her position as Senior Mistress, she was closely concerned with the great upheaval in 1951 when the school transferred to its present premises, and it was in no small measure due to her efforts that the school was quickly running smoothly and efficiently.  In the eight years that have passed since that time, Mrs. Wild continued to serve the school with a devotion and concern for its welfare that must have been an inspiration to many besides myself.

Mrs. Wild served with Mr. James Parker, the school's first headmaster, for nearly thirty years altogether.  Since 1952 I myself had the benefit of her long experience and unswerving loyalty, for which I shall always be in her debt.  Her good sense and balanced judgment, her natural kindliness, her interest in the girls in her charge - all these qualities were ever at the service of those who needed her help, and the school will always bear the imprint of her personality.

As a teacher of Art, Mrs. Wild was not content to confine her talents to the Art Room.  The school uniform, the school crest, the prefects' badges are only some of the ways in which her skills were made available for the general good of the school.  Although she was so completely identified with the school, it is good to know that she has taken up new interests and activities, and it is the sincere wish of everyone who knows her that she will enjoy a long, happy and active retirement.  She will always, I know, have a very special affection for Greenhill; she will always hold a very special place in the affection of all those, past and present, who make up the school.  On behalf of all those, I tender to Mrs. Wild our sincere thanks for what she has given us in the past, and our very best wishes to her for the future.

 

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Table Tennis Club Report

 

Committee: E. Marland, A. Clark, D. Rainford, J. Travis.
Secretary /Treasurer : K. Dronsfield.

 

This year, as always, the club had more people wanting to join than it could accommodate, so names were then picked out of a hat and a waiting list compiled.

We then settled down to normal routine, the boys playing on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the girls on Mondays and Wednesdays, Fridays being mixed.

This routine was upset only by the handicap tournaments.  A. Clark and L. Kershaw reached the singles finals and R. Smith and A. Halsall and G. Hart and J. Stansfield the doubles finals.

The first, which promised to be a good match was not played because of the usual end-of-term rush.  The doubles was finally won by R. Smith and A. Halsall.

K. DRONSFIELD (Sec.).

 

 

 

 

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Annual Report of Dramatic, Operatic

and Debating Society, 1958-59

President: Mr. T. Higson.

Vice-President: Mr. K. Wright.

Chairman: Angela Taylor.

Secretary: David Berryman.

Committee: Frank Holden, Catherine Smith, Jean Wallace.

 

On the dramatic side of the society, two productions were held.  The first was Shaw's "Androcles and the Lion".  The comedy, set in ancient Rome, was well received at both houses.  Steven Shaw, Angela Taylor, Wright Platt and Sian Davies were among those who made this play a success.

The other was one of two one-act plays and an operetta.  The first play was Barry's "Shall We Join the Ladies ?"  The most oustanding character which made this thriller a success was that played by Steven Shaw.  He was excellently supported by Frank Briggs, Mavis Fielding, Olive Shaw, Kevin Dronsfield and Barbara Jackson.  A roaring comedy acted by the lower school "The Crimson Coconut" was on the same bill.  It was highly successful.  Jeremy Sutcliffe and Jack Wilcock particularly adding to the laughter.

The operetta was Gilbert & Sullivan's "Cox and Box".  This was a very amusing, quite farcical musical, with Tony Kerr and Frank Holden, singing well, accompanied by Harry Butterworth, who played the piano accompaniment to the singing.

Mrs. Pilling left us at Christmas.  We have gained much valuable service from Mrs. Pilling and we know this service will not soon be forgotten.  We wish her every happiness and joy for the future.

Barbara Jackson, our Secretary, has left us to go to University.  We wish her every success for the future.

It was decided that we should change our title to include debates, which we thought would be very successful, as indeed they were.

We were rather disappointed as regards outside speakers this year, as three letters concerning these were not even answered.

"Murder in the Cathedral" was the title of a record which was played at one meeting.  It was very well received by all who heard it.

On the debating side of the society, three debates were held.  These were all highly successful, perhaps the most successful being on "This house prefers classical music to any other form of popular music".  This one was well illustrated on the classical side by recordings from "The Planet Suite" and "Carmen".

This last year has been a highly successful one, and we hope that in the future it will serve the school equally well.

 

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Football Report

 

Last season was the most successful for some years.  The first eleven began well and maintained its standard throughout the season.  The football training sessions in the gymnasium were strongly recommended by Mr. Cox, and the teams responded well.  A great contributory fact to the success of the first eleven was the high standard of physical fitness.  It is hard to single out any player from such a successful team, but Barry Dyson showed some good form towards the end of the season, although the leading goal-scorer was Wright Platt.

It is hoped that the forth-coming season will prove to be as successful for the first eleven.

A. CLARK (Sec.).

 

 

 

 

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Historical Society

 

President: Mr. Higson.

Secretary: Mavis Fielding.

 

The Historical Society is one of the school's newest societies, and began on November 6th, 1958.  Since that time it has gained many members and has had many varied meetings.  There have been films and talks and also a junior quiz and a middle school quiz.  The winners of these were Edward Lees and Christobel Taylor respectively.  Mr. Matthews gave a very interesting talk on China, concerning the life of Chinese people, the country and also the language.  Another talk was given by Mr. Fryer on the subject of "Rome".

On April 4th, 1959, there was a trip to Leeds.  The party set off at about 10 a.m. and arrived back at West Street at about 5.45 p.m.  The main point of the outing was to see Kirkstall Museum and Kirkstall Abbey.  After this all returned to Leeds and looked round shops and visited the City Museum.

Later in April was shown a film "Hadrian's Wall", and on May 8th Miss Mills, a teacher from Hulme Grammar School, gave a lecture on this subject.  This was illustrated by lantern slides and postcards, and was of much interest, not only to those who later went to the Wall, but also to all who were present at the meeting.

From May 22nd to May 25th, members of the society were having a wonderful time at Stair, near Keswick.  Mr. and Mrs. Bickerstaffe and Mr. and Mrs. Fryer were in charge of the party.

Towards the end of the term was a "Local History Competition", the winners of which were Christine Smith and Anne Johnson.

The society has printed and sold throughout the school four editions of "Miscellany" since it began.  These tell of past happenings in Oldham.  Next year it is hoped to increase the scope of "Miscellany" to include original articles contributed by members, with a wider appeal.

This past school year has been quite a successful one for the Historical Society, and it is hoped that it will be even more of a success in the future. A warm welcome is extended to first formers who wish to join the society.

MAVIS FIELDING, 5L.

 

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Film Society Report

 

Last Autumn, the Film Society was formed by Mr. Tempest and Miss Turner, the membership numbering approximately a hundred and fifty.  Meetings were held at monthly intervals, and some of the films shown included "Genevieve", "The Blue Lamp" and "The Battle of the River Plate".

Amongst the films to be shown this year are "On the Waterfront" and "The Admirable Crichton".  However, the most outstanding film this year is the popular musical "Pal Joey", starring Frank Sinatra.

We hope that Greenhill's answer to the "Kings" will continue to flourish for a long time to come.

A.C.

 

 

 

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Scientific Society Report, 1958-59

 

President:  Mr. T. Higson.
Chairman:  Mr. J. Kent.
Treasurer:  J. A. Widdall.
Secretary:  J. Evans.

 

The Scientific Society has again had a very successful year.  Meeting every Monday after school in the Physics Laboratory, we had the usual quota of scientific films, quizzes, brains-trusts, talks and demonstrations.

One talk, worthy of note, was that given by a local police inspector, which he illustrated with film-slides, showing the part that Forensic Science has to play in modern police work.

Frank Briggs, too, gave a very successful talk-cum-demonstration entitled "Science-Magic".

Another very popular meeting was the one in which various pieces of physical apparatus (including the spectrometer and oscilloscope) were arranged around the laboratory and members were allowed to operate them themselves.  Mr. Kent had a very difficult job indeed, trying to answer all the questions put to him, especially those queries raised by the younger members.

During the Easter holidays, visits were made to the Gem Mill, Chadderton, where we saw television tubes, wireless valves and rectifiers being made, and to Magnesium Elektron Ltd., Clifton Junction, where magnesium is extracted and made into many useful alloys.  One point that can always be raised in connection with these visits is which is the more popular with members, the visits themselves, or the refreshments provided afterwards.

The Society's Annual Social held in March was the usual success of previous years.

Again last Christmas, the Arts versus Science Quiz was held, with Mr. Higson in the Chair.  Sad to relate, for the first time in several years, the Arts emerged victorious, owing, the Scientists said afterwards, to the fact that the majority of the questions were of a literary nature.

Finally the usual invitation to join the Scientific Society is extended to all members of the school.  Treasurer Widdall awaits you (and your sixpence).

JOHN EVANS, 6A Sc.

 

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Athletic Society

President: Mr. T. Higson.
Chairman: Mr. G. P. H. Cox
Secretary: P. Haughton..
Treasurer: K. Dronsfield.  

Committee :
M. McKenzie, A. Clark, S. Blackshaw, M. Russell, J. Ratigan,
B. Summersgill, C. Smith.

 

At the beginning of yet another school year, we, the members of the Athletic Society, feel that we leave behind us a year of great achievement and steady progress in the Society.  We are only a young institution, but we feel that already we are making a vital contribution to the success and the development of our school.  Last year the society had nearly 40 members, but more important it had officers who throughout the year put a great deal of valuable work into the society and it is our wish that the newly-elected officers continue the good work.

During the last Cross-Country season, Greenhill had fixtures against Hyde and Cheadle Hulme Grammar Schools and Hathershaw Technical School.

Greenhill was chosen among other schools to represent Oldham in the Northern Grammar Schools' Cross-Country Championships at Disley, Cheshire, in April.  Although the standard of competition was very high the performance of our teams was extremely good.  It must be mentioned that the school teams comprised members of this society, showing that we are playing an active part in the life of the school.

One of the boys of the society, Crumpton, represented Lancashire in the English National Cross Country also held in April.

During last year the society held two film shows and the attendance on these occasions was very good.  The films dealt with weight training for sport and as the society had just purchased a set of weights, the would-be "muscle men" all turned out to see the film.

The society also purchased a pair of starting blocks which have proved a favourite with the "sprinters".

At the school sports on May 10th, records were broken in various events, half of these being achieved by society members.  In May we also held our annual Dance, and, in search of something "different" to attract the crowds, we staged a Cabaret during the intermission.  This was a bold venture which proved most successful.  There was a record attendance of 134 people and after the "Social" the society received many congratulations on a well-planned and splendid job.

In July a coach load of members attended the All-England School Championships at Northwich.  The trip was very successful and the visitors witnessed some good performances.

But perhaps one of the most significant happenings of the year was that a team of boys from the society was invited to give a demonstration at a Festival of Physical Education held in Oldham.  Our representatives gave a display of the week which we carried out in the Gym before a large number of spectators who included the Mayor of Oldham.  After the display the Physical Education Organiser for Oldham praised our boys for the "interesting" demonstration.

It is hoped that our members will support the society as enthusiastically this year, as they did last year.

P. HAUGHTON (Sec.).

 

 

    -  PHOTO PAGES

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     -  SPORT REPORTS

  

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    Athletics, 1958-59

 

The standard of athletics in our school is gradually improving every season, and the formation of the Athletic Society in 1957 has done a great deal to stimulate a bigger interest in this field.  Although Greenhill had no outstanding successes in Athletics during the past year our representatives have, nevertheless, been working hard and many of them, I am pleased to say, possess that grit and determination which is necessary in the development of all athletics.

In the Inter-schools Sports which were held at Counthill in May our athletes performed very well indeed, but again our school was unplaced.  Many of the individuals ran very well, and this was a big consolation.  If only more boys and girls would devote a little of their time to training during the winter and early season then Greenhill would be able to turn out a much better team.

For the Lancashire Championships the following athletes from Greenhill were selected to represent Oldham:—

 

 

Throughout the season, the members of the school Athletics Teams went regularly to the playing field and trained strenuously under the guidance of Mr. Cox and Miss Jones, the Physical Education teachers.  This consistent training proved to be very worthwhile for, on Sports Day in June, the performance in every field of Athletics was very good and many records were broken.

The pole vault demonstration which was abandoned last year because of bad weather was staged this year and both competitors and spectators were thrilled by Platt's display.

Blackshaw ran a fine race to come 1st in the 100yd. final, and the senior boys' relay was won by Lees House with Fawsitt House 2nd.

Crumpton ran a creditable mile in 5min 9.2 seconds, thus breaking the old record, and McHugh set a new record of 18ft. for the Long Jump.

In the Intermediate High Jump Gould equalled the old record of 4ft. 11ins., in the Discus Bennett set a new record of 97ft. 8½ins. and in the Intermediate Pole Vault Cook set a record of 7ft.

In the Junior Event Earl established a new record of 47.8 secs, for the 330 yds., and in the Pole Vault E. J. Shaw established a record of 6ft.

Culminating a very successful occasion Mr. Etchells, the Physical Education Organiser for Oldham, commented on the high standard of performance in all fields and presented the Athletics Shield to the Captains of Lees House.

P. HAUGHTON.

 

 

 

 

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Swimming Notes

 

The standard of swimming this year has increased greatly.  This is due to the keenness and perseverance of the competitors.

In the Town Gala this year, although Greenhill were not placed, a very fine show of sportsmanship and swimming was put up.  We narrowly lost the "Brown Shield", but we are confident of victory this time.

A special life-saving class was again formed.  The class was entered for an examination called "The Bronze Medallion". These boys were successful in obtaining it:—
D. Hall, G. Gray, P. Lawton, A. Clarke, I. Wright, P. Holderness.   R. Ogden was successful in passing his "Intermediate Certificate"    F. Nunn outshone, the class by passing "The Award of Merit".

In the "House Gala" this year, Lees were successful in swimming, but a good all round performance was seen.
Several of our boys went to the Town Trials. The following were successful in being selected to represent Oldham at the Inter-town Gala at Preston :—

 

At Preston, time trials over a distance of 660yds. were held.  Through these A. Clarke was lucky enough to be selected to represent Lancashire in the Inter-County Gala at Crewe.  The Counties entered were Cheshire, Cumberland and Lancashire. He was also selected to swim again at Huddersfield against Yorkshire.

A great number of certificates were awarded this year. Several of our boys succeeded in passing their Advanced Tests. They were :-

P. Garside, P. Lawton, A. Clarke, D. Holt and G. Gray.

We are grateful to Mr. Higson in starting to award "Colours" for swimming.  This will encourage the younger members of our school to aim at something in the swimming world.

A sad loss to the swimming side of the Town, was the passing away of Stephen Brierley.  He will always be remembered as a great sportsman and swimmer.

 

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Girls' Games Report

 

Owing to Mrs. McGowan's leaving the school the hockey and netball fixtures for 1958-59 were not very successful and after Christmas the teams were not able to get off to a good start because of the bad weather.  The 1st eleven hockey team won only once, and the second eleven played only one match, which they lost.

After Miss Jones joined us as games mistress we were once more able to improve our games.

The rounders team started off badly but improved as the season went on and had got quite good results by the end of the season; the fielding had improved and the team showed great keenness.

The tennis matches were very enjoyable and although Greenhill did not win many matches the results were reasonably even.

In the athletic field we entered a team for the inter-schools sports but we did not win any of the events.  However, Pamela Tucker reached the finals in her event.

These girls won colours for junior rounders : Pauline Bardsley, Joyce Schofield, Jean Firth and Irene Burke.

The following girls won colours for junior netball: Pauline Bardsley, Sylvia Merritt and Eileen Baybutt.

We have not been very successful in our sports this year, but we are looking forward with confidence to the matches this term.

ANGELA TAYLOR (Games Secretary).

 

     -  HOUSE NOTES 

  

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Fawsitt House Report

  HOUSE OFFICIALS.

 

 

 

The time has come once again for me to welcome the new members to Fawsitt on behalf of the house officials.  We hope they will follow the tradition of the house and give of their best.

As the above results show, this year has not been a happy one for Fawsitt house. More determined effort is necessary by all members of the house in order to bring Fawsitt back to equal its achievements of the past.

It is again significant, however, that as always members of Fawsitt are holding important offices in the school, such as prefects, society captains and secretaries, etc.

We of Fawsitt hope that every member will pull his weight and bring the house back to the top.

 

 

 

 

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  Lees House Report

HOUSE STAFF.

 

Our first job is to thank Mrs. Clark for entering our House in mid-term as Senior House Mistress to take Mrs. Pilling's place.    We also extend a sincere welcome to the new House members.  It will be they who in future years form the mainstay of the House, so they should, to the best of their ability, academically or in the field of sport, begin to take an active part in all our activities, no matter how small the contribution may be.

Owing to the splendid work of our members, the House as a whole has had many successes this year.  We have retrieved the swimming and athletics trophies, and also the games cup which we lost during 1958.  We have not however, excelled academically, although it was a close and exciting race in which Walton triumphed.

The trophies won and almost won should serve as encouragement, and our main aim should be to work as a close unit to maintain the standard previously set up by former members throughout the House's career.

 

DOROTHY GREENALL, 6A Sc.

 

 

 

 

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Walton House Report

 

At the start of yet another school year, I should like to welcome, on behalf of the staff and members of last year's Walton House, all those who have joined us this year. We hope that they will do all they can, both in their school work and in sport, to help us regain the shields which we once held.

Last year we won the Merit Shield, and all who did well in their work deserve congratulations.  Maybe the shield will be inspiration and encouragement this year.  We came second in swimming, games and athletics, so let us hope that this year, with extra effort and the help of the First-Formers, we shall take first places.

As can be seen, last year everyone tried to make Walton "Top House".  We hope that this year our House will show that we can still win despite our former near-misses.

ARLENE CHIDGEY, 6A Lit. (Secretary).

 

 

     -  FORM REPORTS 

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1A Form Report

 

In our form there are fourteen girls and twenty boys.  Our Form Master is Mr. Fogg, and we all like him.  I think the boys' favourite lesson is Games and the girls like to do gym, but I think we shall like most of the lessons when we have settled down more.  Many of our form members have joined the school choir and we are all looking forward to hearing them sing.

Larraine Loftus is our girls' Games Captain and she is very popular. I personally am looking forward to the next few years at Greenhill Grammar School.  I am sure we shall all be very happy here indeed.

BARBARA KNOTT.

 

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1B Form Report

 

We have not been long at this new school, but in these few weeks that have passed we have learned quite a lot about the school itself.  We are becoming accustomed to the way of school life and the fun of taking part in the school activities.  Many of us have joined the clubs and we are enjoying ourselves immensely, though one boy says that he has already used up 1½ bottles of ink and lost one school tie.

Our form teacher is Mr. Bickerstaffe and there are twenty nine of us in the class.  The ways of the school are quite different from those of our previous schools, but we are getting to know the teachers.  We look forward to the school life ahead of us and to entering the higher forms.

YVONNE HAUGHTON.

 

 

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1G Form Report

 

Form 1G is a class which consists of just girls.  GIRLS ! ! !  There are 32 of us and most of us like science and games.  Quite a few of us have joined some of the societies like the Film Society and the Scientific Society.  There are only one or two who have joined the choir.

All of us have settled in our new school quite well now.  We were all very glad to have a change in the teachers from those in the other schools we went to.  It's all very nice to have a different teacher for each subject.  Mrs. Clark who is our form teacher only takes us for one subject which is Domestic Science.  I wish she took us for more subjects.

LYNNE KEELING.

 

 

 

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2A Form Report

 

There are twelve girls and twenty boys in our form, which is kept in good behaviour by our Form Master, Mr. Fryer, who takes some of us for Latin.  The majority take German !

Some of the boys represent the under 14 and under 15 school football teams, and one of the girls is in the under 14 rounders team.

The most popular subjects seem to be Mathematics and General Science, but we like most lessons. Most of the form have joined a society in school, or rather, been "pressed" into one by our Form Master.

We are hard-working, I think, and quite happy, but I must confess, we are glad to hear the bell for break, lunch, or end of school.

KATHLEEN BROWN. GEORGE TAYLOR.

 

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2B Form Report

 

Our form-room is the science room and Mr. Hilton, who teaches English and Music, is our Form Master.  Several of us are in the school's various societies.  Some of the boys are in the Historical Society, which is going to run a trip to North Wales.

Some of the girls, and boys as well, are in the Film Society.

Michael Slack, a boy in our form, was chosen to play for the school's under 14 football team, and Keith Holt was chosen to swim for Oldham.  There are fourteen boys and sixteen girls in our form making thirty pupils altogether.

 J. GOMERSALL.

 

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3A Form Report

 

Introduction to a Country.

Travellers roaming the Upper Hall Plateau (43 steps above yard level) may think that 3A is an ordinary state.  They would be wrong.  Let me enlighten the unitiated.

Our population at the last census was 30 and our President is Mr. K. Wright.  Still not completely civilised we speak the ancient language of the Gibbers (Gibberish), with bits of English, Latin, French and German thrown in.  It is a problem to decide our principal industry.  We are imposed upon by Doctor Von-Kent to prove which has the greater density, water or our brains, and by Doctor Von-Tempest to make coal gas as a substitute for atomic energy, and at other times we are subjected to indoctrination by the ancient soothsayers of our country.  Our political leaders deported two of our countrymen last term, but three refugees from 2B have found asylum in our state.  Whilst some may think our population carefree, most of its time is spent at hard labour and many live in constant fear of Police Chief Evans and his force.  Our currency is washing powder coupons.  (Note to numismatists and philatelists - we do not mint our own coins nor issue our own stamps).

The national crest depicts a demi-savage-argent, supporting a primed hand-grenade-sable, above our motto, "Let it drop and see what happens".

J.M.T.S.

 

 

 

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3B Form Report

 

Our form is 3B, and our form room is Room 8. Our Form Master is Mr. Andertpn.  There are 14 boys and 15 girls and we take part in most of the school activities.  Several of us are in the school choir and a few of the boys are on the school football and swimming teams.  I think we all like being in the 3rd form, and I hope we continue to do so.

CHRISTINE BRIERLEY.

 

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3G Form Report

 

We begin our third year, which for many of us in this form is the third time in an all-girls class.  We now reside in a different form-room, and Miss Jones, the games mistress, has the added misfortune of being our Form Mistress.

Most of the class have again joined the various societies, although I think the Film Society, a comparatively new one, has a majority.  We enjoy (perhaps otherwise in some cases) swimming lessons, and now the winter season is upon us, we are being initiated into the intricacies of hockey again.  Miss Jones once more risks her life as she walks among our clashing hockey-sticks, heated words and trampling feet.

Turning to the academic side of school-life we find that for the first time we are delving into the mysteries of the three sciences, and are penetrating into the previously sacred ground of their respective laboratories.  Here again we give nerve-racking moments to the three unfortunate teachers.

We have begun our school year well, and hope to continue in this manner.

JANET TAYLOR.

 

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4L Form Report

 

 

 

 

 

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4G Form Report

 

Form 4G consists of 16 pupils, 8 girls and 8 boys.  Our form room is the Geography room and our Form Master is Mr. Hollos.  His duties are to mark the register and find out who wants school dinners.  In our class we have several girls and boys who are on hockey and football teams respectively.  We also have two or three girls in the Film Society.

 

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5S Form Report

 

5S this year is composed of 9 girls and 19 ?  We hesitate over the sex of these "objets d'art", and anyone who sees them will know what we mean.  Three boys of last year's 4S have graduated into the "glorious sixth", and in their places we have three "left-overs" from last year's 5S.  This, by a complicated process of addition and subtraction (to say nothing of integration and differentiation) brings us back to where we started - 9 girls and 19 "objets d'art".

Mr. Kent, who reluctantly handed us over to Mr. Petford at the beginning of this term, (thinks : did we perceive a tear behind those concave lenses ?) is "fathering" another 4S.

In spite of the belief that Mr. Petford was once removed from school as a result of our tender ministrations, we had nothing whatsoever to do with it, and as a matter of fact, he seems to be bearing up rather well under the strain of guiding us along the straight and narrow !

Mr. Tempest, who has so often greeted us with a caustic "We're not awake yet 5S", is still trying to instil some chemistry into our "thick skulls", but aided by the lab. walls which have a disconcerting habit of shedding plaster on to someone's head, he doesn't seem to be succeeding.

Mr. Fogg, who refers to us as "you future scientists", is initiating us into the mysteries of calculus - unfortunately with no great success.  In addition, we are the bane of poor Mr. Wright's existence, all because we don't appreciate the "beauty" of the English language !

However, having dragged ourselves out of our habitual coma (our instant reaction to work), in order to give you this glimpse of 5S, we think it time to go back. So we leave you with this happy thought, "a little learning is a dangerous thing !".

 

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5G Form Report

 

Room 12 is inhabited by nineteen non-feminine women and eight masculine sufferers under the ruling of that fearless vegetarian Mr. Wells.  Of the eight masculine heroes all are prominent handsome lady-killers, especially mentioning that handsome "Romeo", Peter Lawton.  Our poor examples of female beauty all admire that mumbled catastrophe Cliff Richard, while the boys prefer a good game of football and other sporting activities.  The interests of this class lie in sport, photography, films, dancing and horse riding.  Many of these activities lie outdoors, so one may guess that we are a high spirited form, thus earning a reputation of being a noisy class.

The Three Masculine Sufferers. P.O., N.C. & P.L.

 

Various societies are honoured by members of our form.  Two girls are in the Choir and the same two are also in the Historical Society.  Five girls and one or two boys are keen members of the Table Tennis Club.  4 girls are on the hockey team and one of these girls is also on the netball team.  A few of the boys in our class are on the various football teams.

Three boys and two girls are on their respective house swimming teams.

The main hobbies amongst the girls are swimming, horse-riding, ice-skating, tennis and dancing.  The main hobbies of the boys appear to be football, cycling, swimming and motor racing.

The G.C.E. looms up in July as we prepare ourselves for the difficult task set before us.  This last, but by no means least, term we know will be the hardest, but we hope it will also be the happiest.  We think we can honestly say that we have enjoyed our stay at Greenhill Grammar School.

J. SWEET. C. SCHOLES.

 

 

 

 

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6A Lit. Form Report

 

The time has arrived once more for the form report to be written as a contribution to our worthy School Magazine.  It is, of course, a report of misconduct, rebellion and general misbehaviour.  The sole reason for this epistle emanating from me, is that at the moment I am the only person who has sufficient nerve to spend time here whilst others do homework.

We, "the elite", assembled at the beginning of term with looks of despondency, dejection, disappointment, jubilation or just plain indifference, depending on the last examination results, with open minds as to possible future successes in the "Advanced" level, G.C.E.

Although homework and examinations take grips upon us - exams twice a year, homework four times a year - we find our rock-like individuality breaks through the intellectual alluvium and is shaped and moulded by such forces as politics, sport, horror-films, geographical outings and holidays.  Such is the diversity of thoughts in the average person's make-up.

We possess several "bright lights" in the form ; one male walks around with a copy of "Practical Communism for All" in his pocket, whilst another, more elongated individual, insists that his "Punter's Guide to Millions" is the better buy.  On the girl's side, one proud possessor of a strange prefect badge, has the complete edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica in her blazer pocket, which she needs only consult at long intervals.

We have no pianists, no singers, no sportsmen, no brains of course, but we are a happy bunch of decadents.  However, we have a proud possessor of the Proficiency Badge of the Home-Made Atomic Reactor Company (Vladivostock), whilst another has the burning ambition to be an unemployed street cleansing operative.

Our Form Master has been changed this year, the Headmaster no doubt sharing out the more tedious tasks amongst the masters.  Last year's unfortunate is still with us, but has not yet recovered from his severe nervous attacks and the gradual breaking down of resistance to which we subjected him last year.  The replacement, Greenhill's answer to Sir Mortimer Wheeler, has started in formidable fashion.  Three weeks have gone by and we haven't had a single collapse yet.  Perhaps he also watches our hero - a man with an insatiable lust for spinach - and has thus found an antidote.

To the parents of the younger pupils - do not be alarmed that such eminent fascists, schismatics and revolutionaries are at large in the school.  We do not appear with black bombs under our arms, black hats and gowns and furtive glances, but are a new type, sent out on probation from the Red Square to study educational problems in capitalist Britain.

Our example to the lower "komrads" - sorry children - is without reproach.  Yet even the cult of Marx and Lenin is forgotten when Oldham play St. Helens at Watersheddings - for that is of world importance.

 

 

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6B Lit. Form Report

 

"With aspect stern and gloomy stride" we came, at the end of the summer holidays, to learn how THEY had decided.  The more fortunate, or unfortunate ones, then discovered that they had succeeded in securing their return into the Sixth.  Some, of course, entered 6B Lit. which this year comprises 6 boys and 13 girls.

Of the boys 3 are sportsmen - keen, too, I think - while the remaining 3 prefer a quieter life.  Two of these latter occasionally try to "sing a merry madrigal"; the other tries to write them.  The girls are divided in much the same way but some both play in sports and (try to) sing.  Of course, they are always trying to go one better.

For our habitat we have the Biology Lab. - someone has committed a sacrilege in that respect, I think.  Our Form Master is Mr. Martin and "a more humane Form Master never did in Greenhill exist".  However, Katisha lives next door, which means that we have to keep quiet so that she won't come in shouting, "Your revels cease, be silent all of you!"

But usually "we're sober men and true and attentive to our duty" and "though the tocsin sound 'ere long" for the second time, we are unperturbed.  In fact we continue to go "gaily tripping, lightly skipping" through our daily routine.

A YEOMAN OF THE GUARD. (With apologies to Gilbert and Sullivan).

 

 

 

 

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6Sc. Form Report

or The Epistle from the Perfumed

Pontificate

 

Owing to the fact that our illustrious predecessors, the Syllicates, are no longer with us (except for the inimitable D.W.G.), having left us to pursue their various and distinguished careers (?????), it falls to us to write this epic of English Literature.

On returning to school after the Summer Holidays (work to most of us), we learned that our wonderful and sweet smelling domain, the chemistry lab., had to be shared with 15 objects of curiosity.  From their angelic and wide-eyed look it can be assumed that their G.C.E. results were satisfactory (in some cases).  At first we thought that one of them was a specimen for the biology students but later we found out that he was the pantless wonder of the chemi-lab.

Once again it is Mr. Tempest who takes our names daily.

To dwell a little on the elite, ourselves, for just a little while, we are outnumbered two to one by the objects of curiosity but what we lack in numbers we more than make up for in brains.  (As Blackshaw says, "We're lush").  Owing to the noise emitted by the aforesaid objects the bigger members of the Sixth (Widdall) have been forced to carry out an extremely dangerous operation, to wit - the transference of our lockers to the depth of the underworld.  We were helped in this task by the timely advice of a certain Physics master.

This year there has been a need for the institution of new disciplinary methods, namely Alcaponation efficiently executed by those exponents (1st class) "Stew to you" and "Hank".  This together with our Form Master waving his rod of caustic soda has kept even the most violent of transgressors (e.g. H. Butterworth) at bay, so that we now live in comparative peace.  We close now mainly because we cannot think of anything else to say.

The Benzene Ring and One Pulley.

 

 

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Junior Essay Competition—Winning Entry.

_____________________________________

 Getting up on a cold morning

 

I awoke to the sound of the wind howling around the house like a ferocious dog chasing a feeble kitten.  I sat up sleepily, and gazed through the window in delight.  Lacy snowflakes gently alighted - ignoring the ferocity of the wind, and made a soft white blanket on the rough grassy ground.  The branches of the trees looked like delicate china fingers pointing daintily at the snow.  To me the world seemed like a dream come true, a wonderful fairyland of cotton wool.  I loved days like this.  I lay down again in my warm snug bed, and thought of other things I like.

I like watching spiders spin their fine webs of gossamer, and I love seeing the radiant dew-drops forming pretty necklaces on the webs' fine strings.

I like to see the sun-beams kiss the sky, and I like to watch flames leap merrily across a grate.  I like watching blue-tits pecking open the shells of peanuts.  I like the smell of tar.  In summer I like to put flowers in a jar, catch a bee, and listen to it buzzing angrily among the flowers.  I like the feel of frosted glass and I like to be the first to tread on new snow.  New snow.  Outside lay a dream-world waiting for me.  Excitedly I got up, and crept around getting dressed.  "I must be quick and quiet", I thought, "lest mummy and daddy hear me.  They'll make me have a good wash, and clean my teeth, and have a good breakfast before I go."

I tiptoed downstairs, my feet making no sound on the thick carpet.  I stepped over the third stair - the one that creaked.  I quietly opened the front door and slipped out.  No fear of making a noise now; the thick snow deadened all sound.  I circled round and round making endless tracks in the snow.  I chuckled remembering Winnie-the-Pooh following such tracks as these.

When I had completely covered it with imprints I made some snowballs and heaped them behind the wall.  We would be having a snowball raid later on, so I would have some ammunition ready.  I might even catch some unwary passers-by.
Then I crept in again for my sledge, but alas I was trapped.  Trapped because mummy was now up making breakfast, and, understanding though she is, she insisted that I should have mine before going out again.  But she said if I ate it up I could go sledging till lunch time.

I don't understand why grown-ups complain about getting up on a cold morning - they could have such a lot of fun. I'm glad I'm still a child.

ELIZABETH WINN, Form 1G.

 

 

     -  VISITS/HOLIDAYS

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 A Weekend Holiday in the Lake District

 

On Friday, May 22nd, 1959, 32 members of the Historical Society met at Central Station, Oldham, at 8.45 a.m. Mr. and Mrs. Bickerstaffe and Mr. and Mrs. Fryer were the leaders of the party.  We travelled from Manchester to Preston and then to Penrith.  From here we went to Keswick and finally to Stair, where we stayed at Newlands Youth Guest House for the weekend.

That afternoon we all set out for a walk.  Some climbed Cat Bells, while others decided to go for a swim.  Dinner was at 7 p.m. after which we all walked to Hawse End and some continued into Keswick.

The following day most of us arose at about 6 a.m., to the consternation of the sleepy element.  After breakfast, sandwiches were packed and then the coach arrived.  At about 9.20 we set out to Hadrian's Wall.  We stopped to look at three different parts of the wall.  Our first stop was at Birdoswald, where we saw sections of the wall.  At Housesteads, where our second stop was made, there was a museum besides a fort.  However, the most interesting place was Corbridge - our third stop. This was a Roman Head-Quarter Station and it lies half a mile west of the modern town. We set off back to the hostel and arrived shortly before seven o'clock, when we had dinner.  Each had the evening to himself.

On Sunday morning many went to Church, either at Newlands or Keswick.  In the afternoon Mr. Fryer led a seven mile walk, but, as it was extremely hot, after the first three miles some stayed to swim in Derwentwater.  Here some members of the party fell in the Lake, much to the amusement of the rest.  All met again at Hawse End, after crossing the Lake by launch.

In the evening some went for a walk, some paddled in the stream by the hostel, and others had a sing-song.

All too soon Monday arrived - our last day in the Lake District.  That morning we went into Keswick, and finally made our own way back to the hostel.

Around 2 p.m. the coach arrived, and our homeward journey was begun.

It was a grand holiday, and all are looking forward to the next one in North Wales.

MAVIS FIELDING, 5L.

 

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6th Form Trip to Malham

 

The 16th September dawned dull and drizzly, a refreshing change from the morale-sapping, semi-tropical sunshine of recent months.  We, the select band of sixth-form geographers, together with others from the science side, who thought a day out, even at 8/6d., a better proposition than double-chemistry, set out from West Street at the unholy hour of 8.31 a.m.  Our road lay through Bacup, Burnley, Gargrave to Malham Village, stopping on the way to note a drumlin field, the result of glaciation in the Aire Gap.  This notable and interesting feature was duly pointed out and explained by our benevolent "good shepherd", Mr. Wells.

Once at Malham we had a light refreshment and repaired to a local hostelry.  After Mr. Wells had rounded up those to whom a nine-mile walk had suddenly become an unpleasant reality, we set off across the fields to join a stream emanating from the fells, before crossing Janet's Foss, a waterfall with a calc-tufa curtain which we duly visited.  It may be said now that the river was not in spate, for many moons had passed since the last appreciable rain.  Thus we were disappointed in many ways, but rather relieved when we came to climb certain features which, as we were told, were rather damp in wet weather!

Our path lay through Gordale Scar, a collapsed cave formed by water in the limestone, and similar to Cheddar Gorge, though on a smaller scale.  After a strenuous climb up the debris at the far end of the Scar, having passed between the sinuous but steep cliffs, we emerged on the fell in glorious weather.

The object of our excursion was multi-fold - we were to view Malham Cove, examine what there was to examine of the water systems, and gain impressions of the two faults that lay in our path, the North and the Mid Craven Faults.

Lack of time prevented us from visiting Smelt Mill Sinks, where a stream goes underground to re-appear at Malham Cove. This is an area of complicated drainage, for the stream from Malham Tarn, which we would normally think comes out at Malham Cove, usually goes beneath the Cove to reappear-more than a mile to the south.

The walk to Malham Cove proved most worthwhile, for we emerged suddenly at the top of the Cove, faced with a drop of several hundred feet.  The stream which originally flowed over the cliff, has cut back the Cove many hundreds of yards from the Mid-Craven Fault, of which it was part.

This then was the end of our expedition.  The journey home was broken at Skipton for tea, and at Rochdale for a case of anti-peristalsis, concerning a boy scientist.

Our thanks to Mr. Wells for an enjoyable, educational and illuminating outing.

 

 

    -  CONTRIBUTIONS

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The Fiend

 

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Nagging—A New Meaning

 

The place of Woman in this modern world is the subject of much debate.  Some say Woman should stand shoulder to shoulder with Man, sharing his problems and work.  But to me that is too much to ask of her - she is already burdened with the problems of child-bearing and raising and of keeping house.  I say that Woman should stand slightly behind Man, looking over his shoulder.

Ah ! some may cry, and what would she have if that were the case?  The answer is this : as Man goes on dealing with his daily problems, such as those of government, Woman would be constantly at his shoulder, quietly dropping her view of things into his subconscious store of ideas - by nagging.

So, you see, the picture, the word "nagging" conjures up in my mind is not one of domineering Woman for ever more hammering at timid Man's eardrums with words of abuse.  On the contrary, it is one of dutiful Woman going peacefully about her business and, at the same time, influencing Man by nagging - by letting an occasional phrase or sentence, stating what she thinks, infiltrate unnoticed into Man's mind.

Nagging, therefore, is not a matter of pertinacious scolding; nay, it is of great importance as Woman's way of having her say, quietly and undemonstratively.

TED J., 6L.

 

 

 

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Crossword

 

   

Solution on Page 34.

 

 

 

 

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Through the Eyes of a Lover

 

 

 

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"A Bird of Pray"

 

 

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SOLUTION TO CROSSWORD.

Across:  1. Jumble Sales, 8. Era, 9. N.C., 10. Not in, 11. Greta, 13. Ends, 14. Ever, 15. Sere,
   16. Nola, 18. Rots, 19. End, 20. Joad, 21. Find, 24. Inge, 25. Lulu, 27. R.N., 28. Pyre, 29. Tear.

Down.  1. June and July, 2. Mete, 3. Bring and Buy, 4. Land, 5. Arresting, 6. Enter,
   7. Scaremonger, 12. Eves, 17. Lea, 21. Fire, 22. Inn, 23. Dene, 26. L.P.

 

 

 

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Visit to a Junk Shop

 

After surveying the somewhat insalubrious exterior, enhanced a little, perhaps, by the three brass balls which, habituees know, sometimes accompany the junk shop, I was induced to enter by a gale force wind and dense fog.

A record counter attracted my immediate attention.  On display were several long-playing records.  Reading the accompanying covers, I found the records were by Max Mouchatsky and his Men, recorded in a left bank night spot on St. Bartholomew's Eve.  Mouchatsky was a foremost exponent of the oscillating muted schickelhorn, up to his tragic death in a blow back.  He was no mean performer on the three-coiled harmonium either.  His many fans will be delighted by these gems, in which the backing is by two bass cymbals, a mule-horn and a sawn-oflf piano.  The effect, I assure you, is quite revolutionary.

In a murky corner of the shop was a statuette by the late Rubin Psyche-Fazakerley.  Entitled "Monument to Svotasiniz", it is in commemoration of the digit painter of the Early Bronze Age.  The work is in marble upon a gilt-edged hat stand, the price asked being eight and ninepence.

A most interesting book was on view by that provocative new author, Cesare Lubinsky.  A man of many convictions, three months for drunken driving, two years for poaching, to name but two, he has tried, and I think has been successful, to capture the story behind Field Marshal Ives Pierre Luigi Jones, late of the Swiss Navy.  The Field Marshall, you may remember wrote that Wooden-Spoon-winning book, "Nuclear Physics for Everyone", and Lubinsky interpolates many of the more poignant moments in the Field Marshall's life.

The piece-de-resistance was on view in the basement.  It was, of course, the Iberian Mileater Mark I, built in 1913. This motor-car has had such interesting owners as Old Nick, Good Queen Bess, Herr Schnickelgruber, and Igor Nubitsky of Wormwood Scrubs.  The machine is in perfect order.  Fittings include twin grease guns, built-in thumbscrews, hydraulic carburettors, supercharged windscreen wipers, Le Mans-type reading lamp, inverted seats for autobahns and high compression, fully retractable shock absorbers.  Also on this wonderful machine are twin brake pedals, however without drums, a co-axially intergraded clutch and three wheel drive.  The latter was a special fitting when owned by the King of Peru, in whose country only right hand bends are constructed; thus the one wheel drive at the front, offsets gravity and thus eases the steering.

The brakes are supplemented by a three hundred-weight cast iron block for emergencies ; this is connected by four hundred yards of nylon rope to the right wrist of the driver.  There are no complaints of failure by any of the previous drivers.  Steering is by two pieces of rope from the steering column, lighting by best Sheffield bees-wax of a new preparation.
The owner asks only three million roubles for this splendid vehicle.

However, the wind having dropped, and the fog dispersed, I made my way out into the bright moonlight after being blinded by many splendid antiquities.

 

 

 

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The Light

 

 

 

 

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People from the Old Testament

 

 

 

 

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The Lady of Netherholme

 

Michael Connely puffed patiently at a smouldering cigar.  In his hand he clutched a film-script that fluttered noisily with the gusts of frosty air that perpetually whirled around him.  He hardly noticed these physical discomforts of a winter's night as he gazed at the semi-illuminated scene before him.  All around his film-director's chair, transformed into grotesque shapes by the subdued rays from the flood-lights, ranged film-cameras and a multiplicity of other equipment that was the sole property of the "Mercury Film Corporation".  Microphone booms and trailing leads wove themselves into fantastic formations of aerial and terrestial networks.  Dominating the foreground in its weird proportions, was the reputedly haunted Netherholme Cottage.

Far off a distant church clock paid tribute to the eleventh hour in the appropriate dull booms that reverberated on the frosty air.  As if it had been awaiting this auditory signal, the full moon silvered the edge of an obscuring cloud, then flung off its last ragged clutches, and bathed the scene in pale, eerie light.  Connely threw his cigar down, ground it into the gravel with his heel, and gave the command to commence filming.  The familiar whir of cameras echoed in his ears.  The clapper-boy completed his noble task, and a silence descended on the ranks of film-makers as they crouched over their respective apparatus.  Connely, poised in his seat, watched the cottage for the action he had been patiently rehearsing all afternoon.

His mind went back to that afternoon of chilly, diluted sunshine.  The rehearsals for this film, "The Lady of Netherholme" had been intensive.  Eleven times Rita Felsted had portrayed the ghost of the afore-mentioned "Lady", in the scene in which she returns to Netherholme Cottage to haunt its occupants.  Although the scene could easily have been filmed in the studios of the "Mercury Film Corporation", Connely believed in the authenticity of location filming, and had caused a small percentage of the studio's equipment to be transported to the real Netherholme Cottage.  The story of the film had been based on the belief in local communities of its being haunted.  Indeed now he had seen it, Connely realised that he could never have hoped to recreate in a studio the uncanny emotional power that pervaded the atmosphere of its vicinity.

The moon, a little to the left of the cottage, illuminated the old oaken door.  With a suddenness that startled even Connely who had been waiting for it, the door opened with an agonised creak and the "Lady of Netherholme" materialised in the opening as a white indistinct figure of suggested phosphorescent light.  Only the faint whir of the cameras violated the deep silence of the scene.  For a prolonged moment the gleaming figure remained motionless, then noiselessly it glided slowly from the door, and flitted along the front of the cottage.  An optical illusion gave the impression of her white-sandled feet failing to make any material contact with the weed-strewn path.  She appeared to shimmer for a moment, near a great oak tree that towered above the cottage, then as if in a profusion of scattering scales of silver light the figure disintegrated into a luminous cloud that was dispelled in the force of a sudden, cold wind that sprang up without warning.

Connely leapt from his chair in delight, and shouted "cut" in a cry of ecstasy.  He plunged through the jungle of equipment towards the oak-tree in search of Rita.  The place was deserted, and a puzzled expression was settling on his face when he felt a hand pluck at his sleeve.  He turned quickly, and saw Rita standing beside him.  The moon was behind her, and although it silhouetted her seductively, and blanched her soft brown curls, her face was cast into complete shadow.  He turned her round to face the moon.

"A wonderful performance!" he cried, "but how on earth did you disappear like that?  It wasn't in the script!"  He looked down at her upturned face, and seemed to notice a vague detraction from its usual vitality.  Suddenly the cold seemed to be more severe, the dark more oppressive, and everything more unreal.  He stared at Rita.  She was not even changed for the part of the "Lady".  Her clear skin showed no trace of the heavy make-up that she ought to have been wearing.  The path in front of the cottage, converted into mud by an early evening down-pour, remained unsullied by the passage of any human form.  He looked at Rita again.  Her blue eyes glimmered softly in the light from the winter moon as she raised them to him.

"But it wasn't me", she whispered huskily.    "I've only just arrived!"

ALVIN CAMDEN, 6B Lit.

 

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CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Across.  1. Abraham; 3. Cain; 4. Solomon; 8. Adam; 9. Ham; 10. Moses ; 13. Daniel; 14. Abel;
                15. Jonah ; 16. Samson.

Down.  1. Absalom; 2. Saul; 5. Lot; 6. Noah; 7. Samuel; 11. Elisha ; 12. Aaron; 13. David; 15. Job .