CRICKET

FIRST XI MATCHES

	v. J. S. H. Smitherman's XI.		Lost.
	v. H.M.S. Ganges lst XI.
		School 133 for 4 dec. H.M.S. Ganges 60.	Won.
	v. Norwich School 2nd XI.
		School 133 for 5. Norwich 130 for 5 dec.	Won.
	v. H.M.S. Ganges lst XI.
		School 85. H.M.S. Ganges 76.	Won.
	v. Northgate G.S. 2nd XI.
		School 122 for 5. Northgate 121.	Won.
	v. Harwich County High School.
		School 102. Harwich 88.	Won.
	v. Stowmarket G.S.
		School 58. Stowmarket 40.	Won.
	v. Harwich C.H.S.
		School 107 for 4 dec. Harwich 51 for 7.	Drawn.
	v. Framlingham College 2nd XI.
		School 128 for 7 dec. Framlingham 65.	Won.
	v. R.H.S. Holbrook.
		School 62. Holbrook 52.	Won.
	v. Ipswich School 2nd XI.
		School 135 for 6 dec. Ipswich 121 for 8.	Drawn.
	v. Culford 2nd XI.
		School 100. Culford 92.	Won.
	v. Woodbridge 2nd XI.
		School 136. Woodbridge 32 for 7.	Drawn.
	v. Ipswich School 2nd XI.
		School 119 for 8 dec. Ipswich 41.	Won.
	v. The Masters.
		Masters 175 for 4 dec. School 109.	Lost.

The first XI had a most successful season. Only two matches were lost - those against the Headmaster's XI, and against the Masters. No School match was lost; so with nine wins and three draws there was cause for very great satisfaction. In every way excellent progress has been made. Workman, with scores of 93, 43, 32, 29, 25, 51 was the most successful bat, but Byrde, Scarbrow and Munro also had some very good individual scores. Scarbrow bowled better than in any previous season and he was ably supported by Davies, T. J., and McCulloch. The improvement in fielding was very pleasing, and was often commented on by masters in charge of opposing sides. The team, led jointly by McCulloch and Workman, also showed the right sort of fighting spirit on the few occasions when things were going badly; it was good to see no signs of a dull playing-for-safety. First XI colours were awarded to McCulloch, Workman, Davies T.J., and Scarbrow.

We can, I hope, look forward to a good 1956 season. Most of the recognised bats will be with us, and many others are showing much promise. The bowling, perhaps, lacks bite and aggressiveness, but there are younger boys who no doubt will be knocking on the door of the team.

It is clear that success in cricket comes more slowly than in other games, and so it was very encouraging to see the fruits this year of our early struggles.

COLTS' XI

Although the Colts' XI did not look very promising at the beginning of the summer, it had in the end a better season than any of our previous Colts' XIs. The batting was rather scratchy, but there was usually somebody to make the necessary runs, notably Clarke, Markham, Collins, Szepesy, Pope or Thorn, all of whom made at least one good score. The bowling was on the whole more aggressive and reliable than the batting, with Townson and Pope doing great damage in the middle of the season, though the best single performance was that of Thorn in the last match, taking 8 for 24. His batting and his captaincy also won that game, which at one stage looked like petering out into a draw or a dismal defeat. Throughout the season he captained the team in an alert and intelligent way. Markham proved himself to be a very promising wicket-keeper. The fielding was at times lax, and one of the three defeats seemed to be due quite simply to a lack of desire to win.

Others who played effectively on occasions were Poyntz, Wilds, Pinney, G. Smith, Mantell and Blair-Hickman.

UNDER 14 XI

This was rather a disappointing season after a good start. In spite of the mediocre results the team shows a great deal of promise. Once again some very good bowling, backed up by reasonable fielding, was let down by unreliable batting. Smith G. captained the team well and used his bowling intelligently. Without picking out too many personalities, mention must be made of the outstanding bowling of Poyntz and also of his excellent half century in the match with Brentwood.

UNDER 13 CRICKET XI.

Although the record of the team was not very impressive, several of the members showed promising ability. Blake was a thoughtful captain whose batting could usually be relied upon, and whose bowling, although at times somewhat erratic, proved often puzzling to the opponents. When batting Hickman always bit the ball hard and his style gives promise of better things. His bowling was usually well-directed and often most effective. King, Brookman, Walker, Goody, Stevens, Vinall and Weinberg all figured as batsmen; Stevens, Goody, Banwell as bowlers; and Leach and Banwell as wicket-keepers.

The final game, although drawn, was in several respects the best. Played on a perfect wicket, and despite Hickman's surprising dismissal by the first ball, Blake and Stevens settled down to take the score along at a brisk rate. Their stand realised 111 attractive runs, of which Blake contributed 48. When the team declared at 146 for 2 Stevens was undefeated for 58. Holbrook accepted the challenge nobly, and were 106 for 7 when stumps were drawn. Hickman took 4 for 34. The ground-fielding and throwing were better than at any other time during the season, and all felt the tension and the will-to-win spirit that infected the team. Had more emulated the example of Hickman, Goody and Blake in the field earlier in the season, possibly some of the results might have been reversed. Finally, a word of thanks to our conscientious scorer, Snell.

HOUSE CRICKET

Results:

By far the most exciting match of the season was played between Hansons and Johnstons, when good batting was shown by both sides, and the result was always in the balance from start to finish. Hansons might consider themselves unlucky to lose by so narrow a margin, but the issue was finally settled by Johnstons' fielding, which was better than any other in the House competition.

Johnstons also batted well against Corners to put up the score of 76 before declaring with 9 wickets down, the only declaration of the season. Sustained hitting all through the innings saw Corners home at a good fast rate.

Halls brought off a notable victory against Hansons, who were never quite the force they were in 1954, and put up worthy performances against both Johnstons and Corners, but couldn't manage to bring out the bowling that might have seen them through.

So to the last match of the season - Corners v. Hansons - deprived of its annual importance because Hansons were clearly out of the running for the cup. The wicket was a vicious one, with the ball popping alarmingly, and once even it got up to shoulder height after pitching inches short of the popping crease. Hansons batted first and lost wickets quickly to some good accurate fast bowling. Steady batting against bowling that lacked venom on a very useful wicket, saw Corners through to victory and the House trophy.

Corners finished top, I think, because they had the bowling to back up a score of 60 or 70, and their fielding was not scrappy. Their batting easily equalled that of any other house. Johnstons' strong point was their batting. and, as I have already said, their fielding was the best of the lot. In bowling, however, they lacked that extra bite, which was so evident with Corners. Halls had a satisfactory season, and, as shown in the match against Hansons, were a force to be reckoned with. Clearly Hansons had an off season, and disappointed. They have potentially some of the best cricketers in the school, and will no doubt challenge much more strongly next year.

Sports Day, as a social occasion, was marred by the fact that many parents had to return to London before the programme was half completed, due to the rail strike. Those who were able to stay witnessed the customary keenly-fought battle of the Houses.

Senior standards were not particularly high, but it is encouraging to see that the Junior results in many cases are very near to the Senior results and in the case of the 100 yards, slightly better.

George brought off a good "double" by winning the 110 yards hurdles in 15.9 seconds (national standard 15 secs.), and the 440 yards in 58.4 secs., while Gordon-Smith's "double" in the middle distances was a creditable effort. Two other boys won two events, Day 100 yards and long jump, and Bauer 220 yards and long jump.

McCulloch deserved his new record with the shot put, for which he trained most diligently.

We contributed thirteen athletes to the South-East Suffolk team at the Annual County Sports. Of these, seven were placed in the first three in the finals of their events.

McCulloch's shot put was good enough to ensure his selection for the Suffolk county team which travelled to Manchester for the All-England Inter-County Championships on July 15th and 16th, where, I gather, the regular form he showed in training would have been good enough to have got him third place in the final. But it was not to be this time.

This was an athletic match where we competed with Northgate ,G.S., Colchester R.G.S., Langley School, Kerrison, Royal Marines' School, Deal, and H.M.S. Ganges, at the junior level (15-17 years), and boys' level (under 15 years).

CORNERS

A REPORT on the past school year, to include every event and activity, would almost be a minor repetition of those of the school. We seem to have been active everywhere. The house has grown physically as the result of the six months' labours of Messrs. Rogers, the builders. A fine new modern extension provides more bedrooms, wash-basins and baths - and a full 60 boys can now be housed under one roof.

Quite a year ago, Robert Pope distinguished himself by winning a cricket bat - a prize for being the first member of a. school cricket team to score 50 in a match.

In the winter games, we lost in the final of the Rugger XV's, but vindicated ourselves by soundly winning the Seven-a-sides.

Easter saw several of our boys in Ipswich attending a cricket coaching course. It must have been a good course, since we easily retained the House cricket trophy in the summer. Hardy paid a visit to a French family in the holiday, and Croucher endured the rigours of the Suffolk coast on a geological expedition.

The summer was very busy for us all. We attacked the wilderness round the school pond-formerly called the Maze - and after many hours' toil have turned it into a pleasant lawn. Every boy in the House deserves praise for this huge task so successfully accomplished. Many and interesting have been our pursuits. McCulloch, Davies, Workman and Croucher have spent several weekends at Belstead House, in earnest discussion, intellectual advancement - and even in social pleasures - with other young people. I hear that they can "shake a nifty leg".

Workman has been wandering around France since July - the fortunate winner of an L.C.C. travelling scholarship. We have read with pleasure his letters from Paris, Bordeaux, etc. Last year's Sports Day did not see us win any team cups - but we made the others run and jump all the harder. McCulloch put the shot to gain the Suffolk county record and a trip to Manchester to compete in the All-England Sports. He did well and it was a grand experience for him.

Several School colours for cricket and athletics were won by our boys. We have indeed been well represented in all the school sides. John Scarbrow was selected to play for the County side in their annual match against Norfolk.

The School Fete in July saw us in action on a variety of side-shows and stalls. A lot of hard work was done - and a lot of money collected.

Late in July we were privileged to entertain a young Frenchman - Paul Carpentier. He stayed with us, lived our normal school life, and thoroughly enjoyed it all. I was so pleased to see that most of our boys went out of their way to be kind to this young man and to make his visit enjoyable.

The end of the school year was the occasion for a number of our older boys to leave us. It is always a sad business to take leave of chaps who have grown up with the House and who have been responsible for so many spheres in our life here. We wish them all well - we hear with pride of their progress in life and will always be glad to see them call in when they can spare the time.

HALLS

LIFE IN the House, in the past year, has seen a change which is not unconnected with the maturing of the School as a whole. Individual members of the House have awakened to the fact that the tone of the House, the degree of contentment to be found within it and its well-being in general, depends entirely upon their contribution to House life. The lead was given last term by Cox, Gilbert and Day, and it is now up to the senior boys, and in particular the monitors, to carry on creating an atmosphere of comradeship and co-operation.

With the advent of a real Sixth Form, young men are appearing in the place of old boys, who though willing enough to carry out orders, found it difficult to take the initiative. Halls are fortunate in possessing Cox, who was among the first to assume the mantle of authority and responsibility which one expects from Sixth Formers, and we are proud that he has been made the first Head Boy of the School. His first major task as Head of the House is to prepare himself, mentally, for the writing of these notes in the next edition of "Janus".

We are all pleased that our Seniors did so well in the G.C.E. Examinations. Gilbert deserves special mention for getting nine good passes. Pearson, Day and Swanell were also successful in obtaining certificates.

School activities have been entered into with commendable enthusiasm, and most boys belong to at least two societies, that is with the exception of the Second Formers, who are not yet as busy as I would like them to be.

Our contribution to the success of "The Government Inspector" was a very creditable one, with Bauer and Cox giving very good performances, but I feel that perhaps Swanell's portrayal of the old lady was the highlight of the play. We cannot help feeling, in the House, that his grooming for Lady Redchester in the Christmas play was largely responsible for this. We all enjoyed learning and producing our play for the Christmas party, but there is one criticism. Being a House play, perhaps, the Housemaster should have done a little less in connection with it, and the senior boys in the House a little more. For better or for worse, it will be a boys' effort entirely this year.

The Christmas party in the Common Room was marred by the fact that we were unable to eat all the food provided.

As usual, our dearth of senior boys prevented us from having any serious claims to House team trophies on the games fields, but individuals have done well, and it is significant that our junior team was first in the annual cross-country championships, and second on Sports Day. Gilbert, Day, Tucker and Bauer obtained first places on Sports Day, while Gerrish and Bauer were first and second respectively in the cross-country run.

Now that Mr. Poole has gone to the Junior House, Mr. Palmer has joined us as House Tutor, a task which we hope he will find interesting and satisfying. Our senior numbers have been strengthened by the arrival of Lewis, Tilley and Harris. Lewis is to be congratulated on being appointed a "Blue" after so short a time in the school.

News of old boys is given elsewhere in "Janus", but I would like to say how delighted I am that the five boys who left us last term are doing so well. Gilbert has entered into a career with Lloyds Bank and plays rugger regularly for one of their XVs; Pearson is in the publicity department of Warner Brothers, in Wardour Street; Day is learning printing; Swannell has joined the Merchant Navy; and Crisp has started on a career in agriculture.

HANSONS

DURING THE past year we have experienced many changes. Despite the unsettling effect these might have had on the general atmosphere and tone of the House, we may well be proud of our achievements.

Much could be said of the ways in which many boys have used their leisure time. Some have made full use of the various activities, clubs and societies in the School, and many have surprised themselves with the successful results of their first attempts in new activities. These boys have set a shining example to that small minority who might well read with profit Kipling's cure for Cameelious Hump. In games and athletics many have revealed latent talents at their first tentative efforts. All credit to them and to their prompting and encouraging supporters, whose enthusiasm has been a great inspiration and who have been responsible in the main for our continued success in the inter-House championships.

In a terrific battle with Corner's, again in the last and decisive match of the season, we emerged House Rugby Champions after a very hard and close series. Ronan, Lamb, George and Sullivan played consistently well and Mantell and Markham had their first taste of Senior House Rugby. These, -together with Begg, Brown, Kuptz, Moughton, Wilson, Betts, Byrde, Cracknell, Dawson, McMaster, Moxham and Smith have represented the School at various times throughout the season.

The Junior and Senior House cross-country teams have again retained the championship by winning both events, with Sullivan second home in the senior, and Mantell first of the juniors. Begg, George, Brown, Byrde and McMaster represented the School in the County cross-country race at Holbrook.

On Sports Day, outstanding performances by George, who won both the senior hurdles and the 440 yards, Markham in the junior hurdles, and Moxham, who did exceptionally well to pull the junior relay out of the fire in the last few strides, contributed in a very large measure to our retaining the athletics championship for yet another year. George and Brown represented the School at County Sports at Bungay.

Though not so successful at cricket this season, the House maintained quite a good standard, which was apparent when Byrde scored a brilliant 42 against Johnstons. Lamb, George, Wilson, Byrde and Smith played in the School lst XI, Markham, Mantell, McGown, Treby in the Colts XI, Blake, Brobbel, Weinberg in the Under 14 XI, and Banwell and Goody in the Under 13 XI. All this is very creditable, but we must always bear in mind that physical prowess is but one part of school life. The spirit in which we set about our games is more important than the cups and trophies we may win.

We were all very proud of the successes of Brown, George, Lamb, Kuptz, Moughton and Wilson in the G.C.E. last July. Our hearty congratulations go to Brown, George and Lamb, who with Ronan, Kohler, Abrams, Driver and Williams A. L. received prizes on Speech Day.

Six boys left us last term. Betts went to Latymer Upper School; Lamb is an apprentice to the printing trade; Wilson went to the Merchant Navy Sea School, Sharpness, Glos.; Moughton to work in Great Yarmouth; and Johnson and Sullivan to work in London. We all wish them good luck and God-speed.

JOHNSTONS

THE SUPERSTITIOUS might assert that the electricity failure of 12th January was an omen of the gods' distress at Mr. Johnston's giving up his House. It certainly made a dismal start to the term, but at the same time showed how helpful and co-operative the Seniors could be when need arose, in spite of the depression caused by a cold tea and freezing dormitories. Full marks go to Workman, who had come to look after Corner's First Form, for his successful showering of 30 small boys by the light of one candle.

From the next day things went normally, and we began to interest ourselves in House Matches. The Senior Rugby team played very keen games and, although not winning any matches, held out to the end in each one. Meanwhile a very strong Junior team carried all before them. We hope from this that we shall have a good Senior team this year.

At Cricket we won two matches and lost to Corners. Again all the matches were close and keen. In the Athletic Sports we came second to Hansons, and here mention must be made of Gordon-Smith's fine wins in two cross-country and mile races. Afloat our Seniors did well and won both the Sailing and Whaler Pulling competitions.

The Head of the House, D. Glass, is still away in France. We hope that he is improving his French, but his letters do not speak much of this. The three House Monitors, Gordon-Smith, Hunton and Moss, have done well to fill the very real gap he leaves in House life.

In general the life of the House has shown that there is an increasing amount of sense and responsibility on the part of the Seniors. Tradition is something for which his successor feels very indebted to Mr. Johnston, who did so much to foster it. It is now to be hoped that our new Seniors will have put away the childish things which have marked their lives so far, and follow the example that is set them by the V and VI formers. It is only by the efforts of all of them that we can have a good House.

NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

The summer term saw the culmination of our year's work. After much collection and planting, the pond in front of the school was properly established with lilies and plants, stocked with a variety of fish and animals and is now a thing of beauty - and a source of much pleasure and interest to those interested in this branch of Natural History. We hope to see it used properly and - its creatures added to. There is room for plenty of new members who are interested in the studying of nature in this lovely country area.

FENCING

The Fencing Club did not meet regularly during the Summer term but it is worth noting that the first match, against a team of four from the Ipswich Fencing Club, was fought. This was lost by 13 fights to 3; but we had no reason to feel disgraced, fighting as we were against much more experienced fencers. We are hoping that other schools in the district will take up this fascinating sport so that more meetings can be arranged. Hordes of little boys have now taken up the struggle, and some of them no doubt will persevere long enough to become adequate swordsmen.

SEA CADET NOTES

Much of the Unit activity during the Summer Term was directed to preparation for our first annual Admiralty Inspection which was carried out on July 21st by Cdr. Luckett, D.S.C., R.N., the Midland Area Officer. The resulting Inspection Report was very favourable, the Inspecting Officer making particular mention of the smart appearance of the whole Unit and the "alert and cheerful" manner and bearing of the Cadets.

On Open Day, Cunningham and Cochrane classes gave a display, described elsewhere, of rigging sheer-legs, bends and hitches, and signals. The thanks for this very impressive display are entirely due to Mr. Matthews for his long and patient hours of work spent training the team.

In addition, four all-day Seamanship Training cruises were carried out on Sundays during the term. These cruises were not without incident - during the first, there was sufficient wind and sea in Harwich harbour to cause one or two stomachs to grow uneasy, and matters were not improved by an engine failure in the harbour. Thanks to the efforts of stalwarts in the whaler, who held the pinnace against the tide, the engine was restarted before we reached the North Sea and we were able to return to our moorings without much more trouble. The subsequent cruises were comparatively free from trouble, and were enjoyed by all.

During the summer holidays, the Unit sent a team, Guest, Ravenscroft and Moxham, to Bourne End, near Marlowe, to compete for the Smith "Yachting World Cadet" Sailing trophy. We had two "seconds" in heats but were unplaced in the final. A whaler crew competed in the Area pulling Regatta at Raven's Ait, Surbiton. They were unfortunately to be drawn against the eventual winners, Luton, in the first heat, and lost by a fair margin.

This term, the Unit, now down to 45 enrolled cadets, welcomes Mr. H. Smith as an addition to our instructional staff. A new-entry class, Drake, has been enrolled on probation. This class is 20 strong and we are likely to exceed our establishment, 60, at the end of this term when Drake class is finally enrolled.

The Summer Postal Shooting competition was completed during the first month of term, with very satisfactory results, reported elsewhere. Unfortunately, shooting has had to be suspended for a time because of the difficulty of getting parties to and from the range during the afternoon activities period. However, the provision of a range on the premises is under active consideration, and it is hoped that within a short time we will be able to make use of many short periods of spare time for this activity.

The competition for the Zone 6 Athletics trophy was held at Ipswich on 30th October. In this, we were beaten by Ipswich Unit by 3 points; 29 to 32. The results are shown at the end of this article. The runners deserve congratulation for putting the Unit on the sporting map so definitely, and it is hoped that in subsequent years with more entries in Class C (16-18 years), the trophy will find @ permanent home with us.

On the instructional side, the normal programme has continued, with additional whaler sailing on some weekdays and at week-ends. A start has been made with a specialist Wireless Telegraphy Class under the instruction of Mr. Evans.

Cadets in Beatty and Benbow classes were examined for Able Seaman on 10th and 17th October, and the following Cadets were rated A.B. as from 17th October 1955:- Clarke, Newman, Glass (A.), Brown (G.), Dawson, Ravenscroft, Byrde, Fillery, MacMaster, Guest. Hughes, Munro, Tyrrell, Whittaker, Bauer, Hansell, Jones, Glanville, Marriott, Daniel.

Examinations for Leading Seaman will be held early next term and it is hoped that all Anson Class will then qualify for that rate, so that we may have some Cadet Petty Officers next September, to assist the instructional staff.

By the time these notes appear again, the Unit will have lost the services of Mr. Matthews, who retires in December. He carries with him the thanks of everyone in the Unit for all he has done for us during the inevitably difficult first year of our existence, when he gave unstintingly of his time, energy and invaluable experience. May he and Mrs. Matthews enjoy a long and happy future.

Results of Zone 6 Athletics

Class B (14-16 years):-

100 yards: 1 House; 3 Dawson; 4 Moxham.
200 yards: 1 Guest; 2 Marriott. 3 Dawson.
440 yards: 1 House.
880 yards: 1 MacMaster., 4 Munday.
High jump: 1 Byrde; 2 Clarke; 4 Munro.
Relay: 1 Woolverstone Hall (Byrde. Dawson, House, Munday).

Class C (16-18 years):-

880 yards: 1 Gordon-Smith.
One mile: 1 Gordon-Smith; 4 Hunton.

SHOOTING

Again through the courtesy of the 4th Bn. The Suffolk Regt. (T.A.) we have been able to carry on with .22 rifle shooting for Anson Classes, and latterly for some members of Beatty and Benbow 'Classes. Two teams have been entered for the Sea Cadet Corps Summer Postal Shooting League, the "A" team being placed in Division 5, and the "B" team in Division 6. Although this has caused considerable panic at times to get the fortnightly rounds shot off by the date required, the results have been most satisfactory and are as follows.-

	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Score	Pts.	Place
Team "A"	10	8	0	2	3,941	16	2
Team "B"	10	8	0	2	3,817	16	1

Team "A" were beaten into second place in Division 5 by 127, as they finished equal on points with Harrogate; Team "B" had a clear win of two points in Division 6. It has been most pleasing that members of the "B" Classes have been capable, after very little instruction, of coming into the teams at a moment's notice, and of doing so well.

Five Cadets-A./L.S. Moss, O.S. Hardy, A./L.S. Hunton, O.S. Harrington and A./L.S. Glass (D.)-have reached the standard of 85 out of 100 required for the "Good Shooting Badge." When we have built the .22 range at School, as is under discussion at the present time, this number will be greatly increased, as will our shooting activities in general.

SAILING

The Sailing Club has had another successful season from many points of view. While the old sailing dinghy "Syrian Prince" has been pensioned off after a long and useful career, "Sneezy" has joined the other Cadets, and "Snow White" was purchased during the summer term, giving us two Fireflies. It will now be possible to sail off the House matches on a four boat basis, and this will be a most satisfactory system, both from a competition and a training point of view.

The number of qualified helmsmen has risen rapidly during the season, and this, together with the large group of keen juniors coming along in the whalers, speaks well for the future vitality of the Club. It is clear that Woolverstone Hall has become "sailing-conscious," and that the river is exercising its inevitable fascinations on a large section of the boys.

We sailed one match against Ipswich School in our boats during the summer term. They came with a strong team of race-hardened sailors, and the School side of Harrington, Gordon-Smith, M. Brown and Vizard did well to hold them to a draw at 91 points each. It was an inspiring sight, and no doubt a novel experience for our crews, to have Cadets planing in a fresh breeze. This will, we hope, be the first of many such meetings, and we are already promised matches with Ipswich School and Waldringfield Sailing Club for next year.

Two crews were entered for the annual "Keeling Cup" competitions organised by the R.H.Y.C. for schoolboys. In a large fleet of keen sailors our crews soon learned the elation and despair so common in hard-fought racing. Although finishing in 16th and 21st positions, we gained invaluable experience for the future, and already crews are in training for next year by taking part in the winter races with the R.H.Y.C. It is only by this kind of racing that the best of our helmsmen can be found, and when the time comes to choose next year's entrants, I am sure that places will be keenly disputed.

Sailing has, however, its less exacting side, and cruises to Ipswich and Harwich were organised during the summer; these were, at times, most exciting, and thoroughly enjoyed by the whole fleet. We have continued our activities as weather permitted during the autumn term, and we have been quite lucky in this respect. Capsizes have been frequent, and we are grateful for the new life-jackets which the Sea Cadet Corps have provided. Finally a word of welcome and farewell. Mr. H. Smith has joined the Club, and his whaler experience is proving invaluable with our younger sailors. And Mr. Matthews is leaving us, after having inspired the sailing activities for so many years. His wisdom, his skill, and his love of the sea and of boats have always been readily available, and it is thanks to his enthusiasm and example that the Club has achieved its present thriving state.

D. R. BROWN (1952), is still serving his apprenticeship with the Hogarth Line. Happily he is now at sea again after a period of illness and in the m.v. Baron Kilmarnock - a most modern tanker. He tells me that A. LEWIS (1952) -with the same company - is in the Baron Arebosson, last heard of in the W. Indies.

F. LYONS (1953) at sea with Shell Tankers, is in the m.s. Neritopsis, another post-war ship. He was last heard of in the Far East, with Japan the most popular shopping area. He is the only apprentice on board, which probably has its advantages and its disadvantages.

B. BASS (1955), is the latest recruit to the ranks of the officer apprentices at sea. He sailed in September in the m.v. Deerwood for his first voyage to America. In the Royal Navy, R. PARADINE (1952) is still at Rosyth Dock-yard. where he will be for a further 18 months. He visited the School in September full of stories of the brighter side of life in the Navy.

K. NEWMAN (1952) and R. MORRISSON (1952) are also at Rosyth, but we have not heard from them.

M. D. HEPWORTH (1951), has just completed his training at H.M.S. Collingwood and is now at sea in his first ship.

B. ROBJOHNS (1953) - still with Spicers in London - has been spending much of his time at sport. This includes both rugby and soccer, together with very successful running in his firm's athletic sports. He is now awaiting his call to National Service.

D. HARDING (1954) and B. MARTIN (1954) visited the School on Sports Day. They are both with commercial firms in London and we are delighted to see them looking so prosperous.

J. COOK, who left in 1954 to go to school in America, has sent a very full account of his wanderings, which is printed elsewhere in this issue. Since he wrote that he has been camping in Canada with a party of American boys and was voted the best camper of the party.

Of the recent leavers, S. PEARSON is working in Wardour Street for Warner Bros. Association.

V. GILBERT is with Lloyds Bank and playing rugger for them, J. SCARBROW is in the office of the Blue Funnel Line, and R. VIZARD with the G.E.C.

Our Old Boys' Notes are growing. Only Old Boys can make them grow, and we look forward to hearing from all Old Boys wherever they may be.

NEW ADDRESSES

J. COOK'S "LETTER FROM AMERICA".

I left England in June, 1954 and was transported by a U.S. Navy Constellation across the Atlantic, eventually to arrive at a Navy base at Patuxent River. Maryland, where I was met by my step-father. We then drove into Washington and whilst staying there for two days I was able to tour the capital city of the United States. It is a most impressive city; all the buildings are beautifully taken care of, and one notices how white they all are; apparently smoke chimneys must have special filters fitted, as the Americans say that the dirty smoke does untold damage to brick and masonry. Incidentally, Pittsburg, the nearest large city to where I now am has the same ruling; they found it most necessary because of the numerous steel mills, etc.

In Washington I saw the famous Washington Memorial, which is similar in appearance to the famous Cleopatra's Needle on the Embankment, except this one you can go up in an elevator and when you reach the top a record plays and tells you about and points out all the places of interest which can be seen from the four different windows.

The Capitol is a magnificent building built on a small hill, which stands out from all angles for all to see, especially at night, when it is floodlit. The White House, the residence of the President, is very impressive too and surprisingly small; it is situated almost in the centre of Washington surrounded by green lawns and an iron railing.

We drove from Washington by car at night about 350 miles, to arrive at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, about 1 a.m. in the morning. The Army Post there was one of the oldest in the country and the town itself has many characteristics of the city in England after which it is named. I understand that they keep in touch with each other and that the mayor from each has visited the other. An amusing feature of the jail in Carlisle is that it is an exact replica of a castle which is in Carlisle, England. There were many early English settlers who stayed in this town and one can see signs to this effect in the names of the roads and some of the names over the shops. They even have a town hall and a market place.

We moved from Carlisle to Warren, Ohio, in July, 1954, and my family drove the 400 miles, mostly through the famous Pennsylvania Turnpike. This road has to be seen to be believed; all dual highwayed, and passing through mountains and enormous rivers. There are no stopping; places, but exits every 30 or 40 miles, and it is impossible to turn around or cross from one side to the other. There are usually facilities to eat, but only at the stops, plus a garage should you have car trouble. You pay a toll when you leave, and hand in a card which is given to you when you enter. The speed limit varies between 65 and 70 for private cars and 45-50 for the large transport trucks which can be seen hurtling along on both sides, some carrying as many as eight new cars. You have to be careful if you exceed the speed limit because all the way along are radar controlled timing systems to check your mileage, and if you are going over 75 for any length of time you can be assured that a patrolling highway officer will catch you before long. The fines are very heavy. So far they have not had many accidents, but only this week a car went into the rear of a truck, and the whole family were killed.

Warren, where I now live close to, is a small industrial city, with big steel mills and plants all around. The Depot where I live is five miles from town and one mile from the school which I attend. A bus picks my sister and me up at the house and transports us every morning; this is a school bus: all school children are carried to and from schools in America unless they live very close. These buses are bright yellow, and it is a serious offence to pass one if it is parked to pick up a child. Sometimes you see traffic held up for miles, with a school bus at the head slowly going from house to house, dropping off children.

My school is a small one, this being a rural community, and we have about 300 pupils. Each class is called a grade; you commence at the 1st and work up through to high school, and finish at the 12th. If you do not make enough improvement in your grade each year you stay back in the one you are in until you do. You are entirely on your own as to whether you work or whether you don't. Study periods are allocated without supervision and if you waste time, when the end of the year comes you are left behind with children a year younger than yourself.

I am officially in the 10th Grade, which has boys of my age in, although some are older and still trying to get ahead; most of the boys are bigger than I am-that is, taller. I go into the 11th Grade for some subjects and into the 12th for English and Advanced Maths. I have done most of the subjects but am working on American History and this next year on Public Speaking, which we all take in the last year at school.

The 9th, 10th and 11th Grades use all sorts of ways to make money; they have "hops" (dances), run a tuck shop, etc., to provide funds for the last year in which they graduate which is a great event. The money also sponsors trips to New York and Washington. The relationship between teacher and pupil is very friendly; most teachers are called by their first name. We call the maths teacher "Bob" and the machine shop teacher "Casey". This does not apply to lady teachers though. Despite this, the boys are fairly well behaved; the girls have a lot to do with this because boys do not like to use bad language when girls are around. And they are around most of the time.

I have been working in the machine and woodwork shops and have made several large pieces of furniture because we use machines to cut the wood to size and make the joints. We also have an electric sander, which eliminates the most laborious job. This year I have already spent six weeks on oxyacetylene welding and electric welding. Later I spent another six weeks on a metal lathe. After a year's work I have now five credits assessed because I took the following (you have to have 16 credits to graduate, but I am hoping that they will get around to working mine out from my report cards from Woolverstone before long).

Typing 1st year 1/2 credit.
English (Top Grade) 1 credit.
Advanced Maths. (Trig. Alg.) 1 credit.
Shop and Metal Work 1 credit.
American History 1 credit.
Gym. 1/4 credit.
Track 1/4 credit.

Next year I am taking Public Speaking, also American Government and Family Relationship, Solid Geometry and English 3rd year to get some American literature; and also Typing 2nd year, and Gym.

I belong to the Y.M.C.A., and have taken a Senior Lifesaving test, and now I am a qualified Lifeguard, which means I can watch out for the younger boys whilst swimming, and also I am going on a planned canoe trip tour through the lakes in Canada for two weeks with 14 other boys from Warren. You have to be a lifeguard swimmer to go. We are going to canoe and camp for 15 days. One day we hope to spend in Toronto, and since I heard from Fisher I have written him and hope to meet him for a while.

We have 3¹/₂ months of vacation from school, most boys get jobs in the big food markets, etc., and many earn more than $30.00 a week. About 60% of the 11th and 12th graders have their own cars, for even during the school year most of them work. I have a job which pays me about £3 10s. a week here on the Depot, and I have been saving this towards my trip to Canada, which is going to cost £35 for 15 days. I will close for now, and would like to add that I miss my days at Woolverstone very much and look back on them as a very happy part of my life. If any of the boys care to write to me, especially those from my old form, I will be happy to hear from them.

JOHN. S. COOK.
Lordstown Ordn. Depot, Warren, Ohio.

INFORMATION CONCERNING BOYS WHO LEFT IN JULY, 1955.

We have not complete information concerning the work taken up by those boys who left school in July, 1955, but we do know what many of them are doing. Corbett and Scarbrow are hoping eventually to enter H.M. Customs and Excise, and so since they are still too young for that work, have taken employment in firms where they will get some experience of import and export trade. Corbett is with the West of England Steam Shipowners, Protection and Indemnity Association Ltd., in London, and Scarbrow is with the Blue Star Shipping Line, also in London. Bass sailed from Sunderland on September 6th on his first voyage as an apprentice Merchant Navy Officer with the France, Fenwick Shipping Line. N. Gould has started a full-time course at the Westminster Technical College, in hotel management, and Jones is doing a similar course at Brighton Technical College. Gilbert is in the Kentish Town branch of Lloyds Bank, and will be soon going to Hindhead for training at the Bank's own training establishment there. He has already started to play rugby with one of the Bank teams. Pearson is in the publicity department of Warner Brothers. Lamb is in the Cost Accountancy department of Staples, the printing firm, and we hear that Day is also in the printing trade. Harrington is in the Sixth Form at St. Olave's School. Hardy is doing photographic work with the Colonial Survey, and Vizard is a student apprentice with G.E.C.- Osram. Accurate information is not available for R. Gould, Moughton or Swannell.