CHURCH MUSIC

            It is not without considerable gusto that the majority of the school sing in Church each morning. The choir of about sixty boys and girls lead the singing and by the end of the last verse everyone gains knowledge of the tune and is able to sing with confidence.

            The choir has travelled far and wide for services in other Churches during the past years, but due to the very full term this summer the Melanesian Mission at St. Stephen's, Rochester Row in London has been omitted, although willingness to sing at it was shown. The service for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel held each year at Norwich Cathedral has been postponed until next term, when it will be held at Gt. Yarmouth. Acting as part of Heacham Parish Church Choir, the school sang at the opening service for the Hunstanton Festival this year under the direction of Michael Illman, the Organist at Sandringham and a member of the school's music staff. The Choir also sings at the opening service of the King's Lynn Festival at St. Margaret's.

            A large number of pupils learn the piano under the direction of Miss Bone, and about eight pupils learn the organ under Mr. IlIman. Mrs. Bone teaches the violin and take's a' theory class in preparation for G.C.E. '0' Level music candidates.

            A keen interest is taken by many boys in music, but unfortunately interest is often not developed above listening to the record player or wireless. However, there are a few who find themselves on a singular level when the subject of music is discussed. 

C.T. RATCLIFF, VI.

GIRLS' REPORT

    We have at St. Michael's about 25 girls, pick relatively successful Netball and Tennis team.

    A Netball team travels annually to London for the Independent Schools' Netball Rally, where it is quite successful, even Though it is playing against larger schools.

    Besides this match, we travel to most of the local Girls' Schools for both Netball and Tennis.

    We also play hockey, but, owing to the lack of senior girls, are unable to form a Hockey team. We hope next term, with the proposed extensions of the school, to be able to form one, as well as improve our past performance.

A. BATCHELOR, VI.

THE BUILDING OF A CATHEDRAL

            Guildford, in view of its long and distinguished history, is worthy of a cathedral; and when the scheme was first put forward, many of the local inhabitants welcomed the idea and expressed their desire to see the cathedral erected in the town, after the fashion of former days. Later, however, the majority were in favour of having it built on Stag Hill, outside the town.

            Lord Onslow, to whom the site belonged, eventually gave it to the Council, and a huge wooden cross was put up to mark the site where the cathedral would eventually stand.  Local architects were asked to submit plans for the building, and Mr. Edward (now Sir Edward) Maufe eventually designed the prize cathedral, his services eventually costing £250,000.

            With the outbreak of .war in 1939, all work on the project was suspended, and it was not resumed until 1955, when Princess Margaret unveiled the christening stone.

            The site, Stag Hill, was once part of a vast Royal Forest which stretched from Windsor to Guildford, and on this promontory the Cathedral was erected in the shape of a traditional cross, the main stave being formed by the Nave.

            Beyond the High Altar is. the Lady Chapel, and flanking it, the Sacristy and the Canada Chapel. On paper, the cruciform plan is not immediately obvious, but from the model one sees that the subsidiary parts are, all very much lower than the main building, which forms a bold cross, standing up along the length of Stag. Hill.

The architectural style is basically Gothic, built up by means of modern methods, and much simple clarity so that a quiet and serene dignity is the first thing that strikes the eye.

            Inside there is a complete contrast in the glowing beauty of the towering arches leading rhythmically up to the High Altar with its Dossal; the gift of the Royal Air Force Association. High above the Rose Window, in brilliant colours, depicts the Seven Gifts of the Spirit.

            The main material used for the exterior is red brick, in fact they were baked from the clay of Stag Hill itself. The vaulting and roof construction are reinforced concrete, and the roof covering is copper. The exterior stonework for the windows and copings is of Clipsham stone, and the interior Doulting.

            The outstanding architectural features are the long vistas from the West door to the High Altar, and from the West end of the side aisles to the Sacristy and the Canada Chapel.  The total internal length is 365 feet, comparable to that of Exeter Cathedral.

            The Nave is unusually wide, measuring 41 feet across, and the tower, when finished, will be approximately 175 feet high, the mitre on the flagstaff reaching to 200 feet. The Crypt under the Lady Chapel has been used for Divine Services since 1947. The two pairs of bronze doors which, between them, tip the scales' at 2 1/2 tons (given by Miss Courtauld and Mr. Laurence Parnell) should be as good as new after a few hundred years have passed.

            The Rose Window was designed by Moria Forsyth, who has previously designed windows for Eton College and St. Columba's church in London.

            The Cathedral will seat about 1,700 people when it is completed, and the Foundation Stone was laid by Dr.Temple, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1936, and twenty-five years later, on May 17th, 1961, it was consecrated by another Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Fisher, in the presence of H.M. The Queen and H.R.H. Prince Philip.

R.G. Greenall, VI
 

CLASSICAL MUSIC

            Music is the composer's instrument with which he transforms dreams into reality. Music, the reflector through which we see the greatness of the Viennese Opera of the 18th and 19th centuries. It is the music of this era that conductors attempt to recapture in this modern 2Oth century.

It might be asked today why classical music has relapsed so much that it needs recapturing.  The answer is that music was a pleasure appreciated only by the rich, thus, with the raising of social standards, the 'nouveau riche' had to be adapted to new conditions.

This was no easy task, and in this way classical music has suffered a setback which is now being righted, and so we are now witnessing the growing interest in classical music both in this country and, abroad.

This interest has developed greatly since the war, and despite much criticism from the younger generation, these youngsters look on classical music with a far broader mind than many of their parents did.

The reason's for this are that everybody is far more classical in outlook, and thus music is always at the forefront. Also, in this age of television and sound radio, the B.B.C. make full use, of their broadcasting facilities to bring live concerts and opera, into the homes of the public.  Coupled with this is the great movement started by societies and orchestras such as the Halle of Manchester, the Royal Philharmonic and the Promenades of Henry Wood.

These societies all have their own big orchestras, and they also encourage in small towns and cities the up and, coming newer and, smaller organisations. Art and Drama schools also lay stress on classical music, and Universities play their part as well. It is in this way that younger people are encouraged to take an interest in music.

Young conductors and composers are also given all the help possible, either privately by a leading name in music, or by a society.

A good example of this was the recent competition sponsored by one of the daily newspapers for young, and unknown conductors. The prize was the opportunity to conduct, the London Philharmonic for half an evening at the Festival Hall. Parts, of the concert were shown, and the winner had a valuable chance to bring his talent into the limelight by means of the performance.

In all these ways we can see how interest in classical music in this country has waned and revived, and is even now being encouraged throughout this country.

P. LAURENCE, VI.

JOHN SURTEES: RACING DRIVER

John Surtees, a man of great skill in motor cycling, has for the last two years performed with startling ability in the world of motor-car racing. We know, of course, that Stirling Moss and Jack Brabham are the 'old boys' of the game, and they are at present at their peak point. Surtees, however, a man of great courage and ambition, who is also very young, is giving these same 'old boys' keen Competition.

It is felt by many that, in a few years time, Surtees will burst through the barriers and finally finish at the chequered flag as the world champion.  Jack Brabham, an Australian by birth, has brought England into the racing world lately, as has our own Stirhng Moss, and we hope that Surtees will follow their example in coming seasons.

R.D.B. JONES, Vb.
 

QUOTE

''It's all right to drink like a fish
if you drink what the fish does"
 

  “There are two kinds of men
who never amount to much –
those who cannot do what
they are told, and those who
can do nothing else”

 

“A good beginning and a good
ending make a good speech if
they come close enough together”
 

THE FASHION CONSCIENCE

            The Fashion conscience of the school is, as a rule, not very high, although a few members of the senior school have a decidedly better taste than most. And, I regret to say, throughout the year the school has witnessed the advent of 'shorty' mackintoshes and pointed shoes. These may grace the streets of London or any nondescript provincial town, but with school uniform they are very much out. Luckily, however, the Headmaster has noticed these innovations and swiftly nipped them in the bud!

Fashion is not only the art of wearing the correct clothes, but knowing when and where to wear them, a point at which most people come unstuck.  I have always felt that the best uniform for a public school is an elegant tweed sports jacket with grey flannels or alterna­tively a corduroy jacket with slacks, a style adopted by Burebank, who visited us recently for a football match. Few other schools, however, appear to have adopted the idea, which I consider a good one: sports jackets - if carefully chosen-wear well, whereas blazers can so often become shabby.  For weekend wear, a dark suit, preferably grey, is advisable.

In winter the most suitable outer garment is undoubtedly a duffel coat, which constitutes a fairly uniform pattern, whilst a gaberdine rain-coat of practical length is suitable for summer wear.

This form of uniform, I feel, would save parents a great deal money, and there would be none of those constant (and well remembered) exhortations to “put your uniform away for the holidays or you'll dirty it."

Hairstyles, too, ought to be uniform, and in this school they tend to get out of hand. More attention should be paid to them!

Shoes also play an important part in the school uniform, for although the 'winkle-picker' is ridiculous, less-pointed shoes do look becoming, especially in black. Suedes should be 'out' for school wear, but, I feel, with sports jackets and grey flannels, brown is a harmonious colour.

These ideas might be acceptable to some, but frowned upon by others. Even if we did adopt them as gospel, schoolboys being school-boys, we would still grumble and consider ourselves 'out of fashion'!

'BEAU'.
 

BROCKHILL

    This is a privately-owned, terraced house, situated between Dersing­ham and Ingoldisthorpe on the main road to Hunstanton.

    The house is owned by Miss A. Godfrey, whose work is much appreciated by all concerned. At one time she lived alone in the house with her dog "Pat."

    When Brockhill was first established as a school boarding house, there were only four lodgers, but three years ago the number was increased to ten, owing to more, pupils being taken into the school, Last year an additional room was built on the "L" shaded landing of the first floor. The bedrooms, very well decorated, are arranged as such, room one, four single beds, occupied by J. Wallington, P. Lawrence, R. George and, B. Gunner; room two: one bunk occupied by M. Grieg and R. Jones; and room three: two bunks occupied by W. Van 'Reims­dyke, R. Thomas, P. Murray and R. Munge.

    The day and life of “Brockhillians” slightly varies from the rest of the school. We get up at 7.15 a.m., wash, dress and make our beds. We then go, down, to the breakfast room, which ,has a Window onto the main road. After breakfast, we walk up the wooded lanes to school, Where at 8.45 a.m, we are joined by the rest of the boarders from Heacham, and the other privately-owned boarding house at Wolferton. The school routine is then the same for everybody.

    Tea, at the Shooting Lodge, is followed by an hour's compulsory preparation period. At 9 p.m., the "Brockhillians" leave the Shooting Lodge for their, boarding house, which they left 14 hours previously.

Compiled by R. J. MUNGE

and J. A. WALLINGTON.
 

BICYCLES

            The large majority of this school has, in one form or another, a bicycle. For if one cares, to walk round the racks behind the Shooting Lodge, one would see what is meant. Here, one would see a considerable number of various styles, shapes and colours. Of both old and new. One can see the very old type, the modern, the cared for, the uncared for, the racer, and the roadster. Some are bought new, some sec6nd-hand, some inherited, some given and others made up out of bits and pieces that were available.

            A bicycle, as most of the pupils at school agree, is almost essential. This is because of the scattering of the buildings, which the school consists of. But also one finds it a great help in the summer in helping to save pocket money which would go on bus fares, and giving more time to do other things. It is a great help in the winter when it is very cold or wet.  The one with a bicycle transports himself far quicker than walking and stands a smaller chance of catching cold.

            There are the conditions to consider which the bicycle has to go through here at school -through rain, snow, frosts, fog, hot sun-all of which are hitting at one’s bicycle. Not to mention the rough roads which the Government have so kindly supplied for us. Yes, the con­tinual jogging and bumping causes the nuts and bolts to come loose and parts to wear.

            During the winter term it is essential that one’s bicycle must have efficient, working lights, We have had in the past the odd individuals try to ride in the dark with inefficient lights, or even none at all. We have the story of one of the foreign boys (who spoke English) who was riding a bicycle with no lights and was stopped by a policeman. When the policeman asked him why he was riding without lights, he replied in Pidgin English  "Sorry, I no speak English" after which he continued on his journey.

            Just recently we have had the individual who has tried unsuccess­fully to mechanise his bicycle with a, small two-stroke engine, most of the school hope that some day it will go.

In the last two years we have been very fortunate with having accidents on or with our bicycles. We have the unusual story of the boy who hit a cat while riding his racer, but the, unlucky part was that he buckled his wheel, and the cat, which was, lucky, just got up and ran away, looking as if it had never been, hit. But there have been the odd unlucky drivers who have had the gruelsome thrill of ruining some­one's bicycle, but this is rather rare. Because there are few accidents, it stands to reason that the riding, on the whole, is quite good, and one hopes it will always be so.

C. J. MAYES, Vb.
 

ANNUAL CHOIR VISIT TO LONDON

            Each year, for the last 5 years, a party of St. Michael's Choir have been taken down to London, during the Summer Term, to sing at a Eucharist at St. Stephen's, Rochester Row.  The service, an annual Thanksgiving Eucharist of the Melanesian Mission, has always been a success, though, naturally, some years have been better than others, and the Choir always look forward to going to sing at this Service.

            The first year only part of the Choir went down, in the Commer van and a coach, and, being the first time, everything was exciting. On that particular occasion the Choir started off from Heacham at 5 a.m., so as to be in London in time for breakfast, and returned to Heacham the same night, after seeing the Royal Tournament, arriving at Heacham at 2 a.m. the following morning.

            The second year the Choir went down in the first of the school's two double-deckers, and great competition took place as to who would sit downstairs and who would sit upstairs. This time, too, we started early in the morning and returned in the small hours of the following morning.

            The third year was a little easier, the Choir made the double journey in two days, going down one morning and spending the late afternoon and evening sight seeing and singing the Service and returning to Heacham the following day, arriving about 10 p.m.

            The fourth year we again did the journey in  one day, but the first double-decker was near the end of its life as a school transporting vehicle and we did the journey at a more leisurely pace.

            Unfortunately, this year the Choir is not going down to St. Stephen's to  sing, as the Service coincides during Heacham's "Blood Relations Week" and, as a great deal of singing has to be done in Heacham that week, it is felt that it will be a little too much for the members to also go to London.

M.H. CATTERICK, Va.
 

DRIVING REVIEW

    Although it is probably not a unique feature of a school magazine to include an article on driving, it will no doubt strike a 'foreigner' to the school as somewhat peculiar, especially the aspect in which the subject must be approached. In a world of automation, it is inevitable that any business concern would compete profitably without it.  This school, at its present standard, would not exist without it. Driving and the Motor Vehicle play a vital part in the running of the school and that is why it has its deserved place in this magazine.

    The most dominating and characteristic vehicle of the school's transport is the double-decker.  Although spoken of in the singular, there are in fact two double-deckers.  Both are ex-London Transport omnibuses, but only one is in current use. The older of the two stands as witness td its duties at the rear of the school, whilst the newer one, now decorated, for the most part, in school colours, performs the regular duties. These twp double-deckers have relieved pressure on the school time schedule, and although I am not an authority on the matter, has cured several financial problems. Before the time of the double-deckers the Commer, and before that a very large shooting-brake, helped cover the many thousands of miles to and from school, assisted by a private coach firm.

    During the school's existence there have been numerous changes in vehicles owned by the school. The Headmaster I believe once had a motor-cycle!  At present his wife owns a Wolseley, whilst he has a Morris Mini-minor. I have heard various comments by the Headmaster in favour of this economical and most manageable little car.

    For the sake of the 'outsider' to the school's curriculum, I must explain that it is common practice for boys, attaining the age of seventeen to learn to drive at the school. It is not a compulsory measure, but most modern boys have some desire to learn. Most skill is gained through driving the Hillman shooting-brake to and' from school, but more advanced learners have the pleasure of driving the Morris Mini-minor in King's Lynn at week-ends for the sake of refinement.

    There are, at the time of writing, twelve fully-qualified drivers. At the start of this school year there were four, Michael Greig, Robert Church, Peter Yarker and Cohn Ratcliff. Since then the following have passed their tests: Hassan Nadji (Nov. '60), John Cullin (Nov. '60), Jonathan Russell (Nov. '60), Peter Paxon (Jan. '61), Richard Greenall (Jan. '61), P. Laurence (Jan. '61), William van Riemsdyk (Feb. '61) and Michael Catterick (Feb.'61). We hope the total to be about fifteen by the end of term. This compares vividly with the year 1958-1959 when two boys "filled the bill" for all school drivers.

    Readers may be interested that a driving chart had to be designed to keep check of all mileages, mainly for the sake of fairness.

    There is considerable controversy about boys driving. Because of this, together with continual warning and a sense of responsibility amongst the drivers, the driving average is high. (However, one must admit that not on all occasions do gateposts, etc., remain still whilst the vehicle passes by!).

    It is worth noting here that there used to be a motor club within the school. Due to the expense of trying to continue the production of a motor magazine without seeking assistance, the club disintegrated.

    However, I have found boys with considerable interest in motoring and the combustion engine who would be keen to join such a club were it revived. I have several ideas on the way in which a club could be run. Unfortunately, it would have to be left for someone else next year. With the expanding school possibly to the scientific side, next year, a chance for boys to know more about the combustion engine and other technical details would be ideal.

    It is on that somewhat ambitious note that I end.  

C.T. Ratcliff

SENIOR PREFECTS 1960-1961

The following were awarded Senior Prefects' Ties on 14th November, 1960

C. Ratchif, VI (Head Boy).

M. Chilvers, VI (Head Day Boy).

A. Batchelor, VI (Head Girl).

D. Gadsden, VI (Head Librarian).

R. George VI (Captain of Cricket).

P. Laurence, VI (Captain of Football).

P. Yarker, VI (Captain of Hockey, Sergeant of Cadets).

R. Church, VI (Boarding House Prefect).

M. Grieg, Va (Boarding House Prefect).

J. Cullin, VI (Stationery Prefect).

J. Russell, Va (Head of Film Team).

P. Paxon; Va (Sacristan).

An additional tie was awarded on 11th January, 1961:-

G. S. Barker, VI (Magazine Editor).