The Suttonian 1992

.41.4triy

e u onian 992

The Suttonian 1992

Volume 35

Number 3

The magazine of

Sutton Valence School

EDITORIAL This edition of the magazine, appearing as it does in 1992, was intended by the editors to have a European flavour to it, in honour of wider political currents than are running merely through the school's well-scoured channels. That our endeavours have been reduced to two articles appearing in European languages other than our own and the cheerful cartoon character Ecu who pops up here and there in these pages (and was drawn by Oliver Vickery), may well say something about our state of preparedness as a nation for the far-reaching changes on their way to us. We have included no translations of these articles: which comparable French or German pupil would have difficulty with their English equivalents?

We stated last year that we wanted to increase the proportion of The Suttonian written by pupils and in this enterprise also I fear that we have not been as successful as we would have wished, particularly in the Sports

section. We shall continue this thrust in future numbers however.

For the difficulties of school magazine editors few, if any, have much sympathy, so I shall pass swiftly on to thank my Sixth Form Editorial Committee for all their industry, patience and much-needed good humour: Ben Ofori Dharshi Tambiah Oliver Whawell Catherine Pillinger Alex Hubble Gabrielle Browning Kathryn Hannah Fiona MacDonald Victoria Moon

Sport and photographs Houses Reviews Activities CCF/D of E Trips Creative Writing Trips Activities

In particular I should like to thank the leavers amongst them for having seen me through my initial issues at this school. Colleagues who deserve special gratitude include Colin Shaw and Mike Willdridge.

Martin Bruce.

The Suttonian 1992

Headmaster's Speech mount, choices and sacrifices have to be made. There are increasing pressures too of a social nature. I need not tell you that the young grow up very fast these days.

The innocent, enthusiastic eleven year old becomes in the twinkling of an eye, the car driving seventeen year old whose whereabouts on a Saturday night does not invite too close investigation and, if you blink again, he/she will, in all likelihood, have turned into an apparently unemployable Arts Graduate with a Saturday job in 'Safeways' if lucky. When do you begin to feel that you have virtually lost control but are still somehow desperately needed?.

Speech Day, 23rd May, 1992 Two men, Father and Son, stood together on the beach of a remote and forgotten Pacific Island where cannibalism was still practised. They were watching the flotsam from what had obviously been a wrecked ship from the previous night's storm when there came, stumbling through the waves, an exceptionally attractive young female, rather scantily clad after her long immersion in the sea.

The Son turned to the Father saying:

Aims

"Father, shall I rush into the water, bring her ashore, take her home and we'll eat her?" The Father pondered this, looking all the time at the vision arising from the waves and at length replied:

What is absolutely certain is that the expectations you have of us do not change, and rightly so. We have this year laboured long and hard to produce a Strategic Plan for the future of the School. As in all such plans, it is essential first of all to identify and articulate the fundamental aim and purpose of the organisation. This is what we see as our task: (and I quote) 'to educate boys and girls from 11-18 years, to the very best of their academic potential, and to provide each pupil with the fullest possible range of extra-curricular activities, all of which should be practised to the highest standard. The School aims to inculcate Christian values through its Worship and its daily concern for traditional moral virtues. We also pride ourselves on being a genuinely caring community with a Staff, both academic and pastoral, whose concern is always that the individual should indeed be able to develop his or her own individuality while learning to rise to the challenges and opportunities presented by being a member of a very lively community. The School also aims to be responsive to and, where appropriate, innovative in its response to new educational practice.

'No son; rush into the water, bring her ashore, take her home and we'll eat your Mother."

Chairman, Guest of Honour, Ladies & Gentlemen, Members of the School: I begin what I have to say to you this afternoon with that little tale partly because, on the rare occasions when I can actually remember a funny story, I always have an urgent desire to share it with as many people as possible, and partly because, by stretching analogy as far as is decently permissible, in the attitudes of the two individuals, Father and Son, I think there is much that bears directly on the current social and educational scene. The son's response to the situation with which they are confronted, is that of the traditionalist, wedded to the established norms and practices of his society.

The Father, by contrast, is clearly a 'new man', an innovator, a lateral thinker, a breaker of moulds. He would, I am sure, have done well, had his circumstances been different, in the Department of Education and Science, the National Curriculum Council or the Schools' Examination and Assessment Council. He would have helped to ensure that the educational world in which we live continues to contain but one certainty, and that is the certainty of apparently permanent change.

It is, above all, our aim to send out into the world young men and women who are civilised, tolerant, open-minded, enquiring, humane and ambitious to do well in their chosen careers, while retaining a lively concern for the welfare of their fellows.

I once received an Art report at School which read, quite bluntly, 'theory good, execution poor.' None of you would, I trust, quibble with the theory so far expounded.

What about the execution? How well have we met our aims this year?

Every one of you as a parent, shares with us who have charge of your children, exactly the same challenge when it comes to managing the great balancing act between tradition and innovation. As we expand our educational horizons in every direction, partly in response to the demands of the National Curriculum, partly because we strive for excellence in all we do, in all academic subjects, in sport, in Music-making, Drama, D. of E., C.C.F., in Computer literacy and in much else, more and more is expected of your children. Pressures

Results It was good to start the year with pleasing pass rates at both GCSE and 'A' level of over 80%, and it was comforting to start the year knowing that, as far as was possible, we were well on top of the implementation of the essential elements of the National Curriculum. It was

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them for this and all their marvellous commitment to School music.

horrendous to start the School year with the news of Adrian Shaw's terrible accident, but you will all be delighted to know that the courage and determination which Adrian showed from day one is undiminished, and that he is indeed with us today.

I am always very conscious that, by singling out certain areas where traditional strength and excellence is by definition, highly visible, I neglect areas where others labour with less of an obvious limelight upon them. It is easy for example, to take all the immensely valuable work which is involved in the CCF and Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme for granted. Both have had highly successful years however, and I am particularly delighted to see the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme enjoying a real renaissance under Mr. Willdridge's leadership.

Vast amounts of energy have been expended by the School in raising funds for the many specialist pieces of equipment which Adrian is going to need, culminating in the whole School Sponsored Walk early in the Term which, once everyone has shaken out their pockets, will have raised over ÂŁ12,000. The Christmas Term sadly ended on another tragic note when we heard of the death in a car crash in South Africa, of another young 0.S., Paul Hayman, and the serious injury of another, Lawrence Horton. Both were on the last leg of their Enterprise Award Gap Year tour. The School mourned for Paul and prayed for Lawrence's recovery which, I am pleased to report, is slowly but steadily coming about. These were body blows to our close community, and in their quick and caring response, the School showed one of its most commendable and endearing faces.

New Challenges All the areas of activity so far mentioned are traditional.

That we have been so successful in all of them gives me great satisfaction, but there are new mountains to be scaled as well. In the exciting if yet ill-defined area of Technology, we are in the process of developing new cross-curricular programmes, we are investing heavily in Information Technology and will have, excluding the newly networked Computer Room itself, twenty further networked PC terminals throughout the School by next year. In Design Technology, our Technology Centre is being completely modernised over the Summer months and will have the Electronics Department incorporated in it. The other exciting new area into which we are moving is what might be called The European Dimension. Firmly resisting the cultural 'candy floss' approach which I believe is thoroughly meretricious, our approach is firmly language-centred. We shall be extending our language teaching to include Spanish, we are exploring new exchange possibilities in both France and Germany with the longer term prospects of work experience abroad, and I have appointed a member of Staff, Mr. Jillians, with a specific remit to explore and co-ordinate all the educational opportunities presented by 1992 and thereafter. This is an exciting new development whose impact will be felt in every area of School life.

Adrian Shaw was an enthusiastic and talented sportsman and has, I know, been as excited as we all have been by our splendid Rugby and Boys' Hockey performances this year. Both first teams had their best ever seasons since records began, and the Girls' 1st team in Hockey also had their best season to date which is encouraging.

To beat long-standing records is always sweet, but I was as delighted when the girls arrived back from a Hockey Tour in Holland at Easter, and the boys from a three week Hockey Tour of India, not having won their respective Festivals, but both bearing the cups for the most sporting teams. That was as sweet to my ears, and by way of a small reward, it is our intention during the next year to lay a new Astroturf floodlit pitch, which will immeasurably enhance our hockey and tennis facilities.

In both Drama and Music, we have also been tremendously busy and successful. John Watson, our Chaplain, has clearly found a heavy academic timetable and his priestly and pastoral duties insufficiently demanding this year, and has produced The Winslow Boy, Being Still - our very successful entry to the Lloyds Bank Theatre Challenge, The Shadow of Helen, and Hooray for Hannibal. Over 150 pupils have participated in Theatre Workshops and trodden the boards in productions of high calibre, and I thank Father John for all his excellent hard work in this area. The Musicians too have had another year of tremendous quantity and quality, which will culminate in the Summer Concert on the 27th June, to which I hope you will come in large numbers. At Easter, the Choir went on a memorable tour of Europe, singing in Strasbourg, Speyer, KĂśln, Brussels, Chartres and the American Cathedral in Paris.

To sing the Mozart Requiem to a full house in Chartres Cathedral was, for me and all the other, rather better, singers, one of life's rather special experiences. Mr. Aldred and Mr. Horley, and many others, worked very hard to make this a memorable week for all, and I thank

To underwrite our confidence in that future, we continue our programme of modernisation of all our facilities. I have already mentioned the Astroturf pitch, but our major quarter of a million pound project for September is the complete modernisation of all our Senior Day Boy accommodation in the Lambe's Building, the creation of a new Junior Boys' Day/Boarding House, Holdgate-Bennett, in the Lambe's Building and the development of what will be a magnificent new Library and Resources Centre and Careers Suite in the old School Dining Room. This project will complete the modernisation programme of all our School accommodation and, in the Library, give us a wonderful new facility.

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School Prefects 1991-92 Heads of School D. 'F imbian and B.D.

St. M S Yo Sutto E. Jo Fo J. Ro A Hu

rW4f

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The Suttonian 1992 to his wife Diana, who is also very much one of the Sutton Valence family, we say a warm thank you and, I hope, only 'au revoir!'

Farewells I must now come to a number of farewells. My Admissions Secretary Wilkinson is retiring after five years. Her boundless energy and irrepressible personality will be missed in reception, and my dog and cats with whom she has established a particularly loving relationship, will miss her even more than I will. In her place we welcome Mrs Diana Neeves, a one-time parent who knows our ways well. We also say farewell to Mrs Lois Perkins, who has been our Senior Lab. Technician for the past 11 years. She has been a really marvellous Mrs Fix It, and an invaluable member of the support staff. No longer will the Physics Prep. room sound to her trumpet-playing at lunch times, and many of us will miss her little acts of technical kindness when our domestic equipment goes wrong. We wish both Mrs Wilkinson and Mrs Perkins all happiness in their retirement.

We move steadily up the ladder of long service. My Senior Master, Mr. Roger Bates, is retiring after 32 years of service here. An able Physicist and Mathematician, his contribution to so many aspects of School life over all the years has been immense. He has played his part on the rugby field and remains a shrewd judge of a referee: he was an enormously conscientious Housemaster of Cornwallis for eleven years when it was a Senior Boys' Boarding House and for 21 years he ran a most successful Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme programme which gained us an honoured reputation in Award circles. In 1984, when I decided to re-organise the Senior Management Team, I had no hesitation in appointing Mr. Bates as Senior Master. I drew up a long, detailed and fairly demanding job description, and felt pleased with myself, as one foolishly tends to feel after tying up an apparently neat parcel. Only then did it dawn upon me that, quite unobtrusively, he was already doing virtually all the jobs I had pulled together for him in his new incarnation. That is the measure of the man.

He, in typically self-deprecatory fashion, describes himself as a 'just job' man. Some just, some jobs, some man! We wish him and his wife Helen, who has also loyally supported the School over the years, all happiness in retirement.

Mr. Bill Bruce, who has been with us too short a time as Head of Chemistry, is also leaving to become Head of Science at Rochester Grammar School. Mr. Bruce may not have been here more than three years, but he has made a considerable mark. A super Head of Department, a Teacher of infectious enthusiasm, a keen coach on the games field and an efficient member of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Team. We shall miss him and wish him all success for the future. In September, we shall welcome as the new Head of Chemistry, Miss Janet Limrick, who is currently a Housemistress at Marlborough.

Unlike a Presbyterian preacher of whom one of his congregation was once heard to say, a propos his overlong sermon, 'Aye, he's come to an end, he just hasna' finished' - I have at last come to an end and will finish. I make no apologies for speaking at such length today. There has been much of real excitement and import to report to you.

Mr. Ian Bruce-Russell also retires in September after twenty-four years as Assistant Bursar. What Ian does not know about the intricate daily workings of the School could be easily accommodated on the back of a postage stamp, while his Job Description would take up several sheets of A4. A busy man who has worked unstintingly hard for the School throughout his time here, he has never worked harder than in his final months as Acting Bursar on the departure of Commander Hodgkinson who has, sadly, been made redundant as part of a major re-ordering and modernisation of the School's Administration. We are truly grateful to Mr. Bruce-Russell and wish him and his wife all happiness in retirement.

I will allow myself a final indulgence however. As a great believer in the laws of symmetry, having started with a silly story, I shall finish with one. In suggesting that the story which follows bears upon the vital issue of the European Dimension, I would be stretching analogy beyond breaking point, so I won't.

A British businessman with a long and successful track record, but of limited education, decided that, if he was to penetrate successfully the European Market, he really ought to learn a European language. He therefore took a very crash course in French and, shortly thereafter, found himself at a business lunch and about to sit down next to a French businessman. As they pulled out their chairs, a fly alighted on the Frenchman's wineglass and the Englishman, eager to try out his new linguistic expertise, exclaimed, 'Regardez le mouche, Monsieur!'

To which the Frenchman replied in perfect English, 'La mouche, please, the fly is feminine'. Not one whit abashed, the Englishman, rather impressed, turned to his neighbour and whispered, 'Goodness, don't these foreigners have remarkable eyesight!'

Mr. Michael Beaman is also retiring after 29 years on the Staff. An old boy of the School and a man who has devoted the majority of his professional life to the place, I find it hard to imagine Sutton Valence without Michael's gentle, civilised, unobtrusive presence. He will leave many gaps when he goes. In the choir, on the rugby and cricket field, in all the many administrative tasks he has carried out with unfailing efficiency but, most of all I would suggest, in his personal example as a gentleman, in the real sense of the word, of impeccable personal example. Of his immense contribution to the game of Fives which is synonymous with the name Beaman here, I will say no more other than to voice my hope that he may continue to keep it alive and well. To Michael and

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The Suttonian 1992

Sixth Form Prizes Distinction Prize Joyce Drayson Art Prize Garside Prize (History) Geography Prize (& Distinction Prize) Geography Project Prize Wheeler Prize (French) Kitchener Prize (Maths) (& two Distinction Prizes) Design Prize Winstanley Prize (Chemistry) Home Economics Prize (& Distinction Prize)

VA.Patel J.R.Slaughter J.Ward A.Coker AJ.Hepner K.M.James T.K.Hallett CIPalmer M.K.Yue T.B.W.Hodson A.W.Hubble

N.P A. de Lucy F.C.Howard Kingdon Prize (Latin) (& Distinction Prize) O J.Daddow O J.Daddow Economics Prize S.Young Edward Craven Prize A.P.Hudd Wood Prize (Physics) H.M.Ward Shell Prize (Practical Science) B.D.Ofori Biology Prize D.Tambiah Music Prize (& Distinction Prize) o.E.Whawell (& two Distinction Prizes) AJ.Hepner Clothworkers' Prize K.M.James A.P.Hudd R.E.Gear Richard Horn Prize D.Tambiah .E.VVhawell J.A.Rollinson Ricketts Prize H.M.Ward .E.Whawell D.Tambiah Headmaster's Prize B.D.Ofori

FORM II A.T.B. Mansfield (and Distinction Prize) M.D. Sabine RJ. Byrnes Junior Current Affairs Prize F.A. Wight Lower School Music Prize DA. Keys Junior Art Prize (and Distinction Prize) Distinction Prize: J.H. Baillie, C.L. Critchley, V.A. Day, C.G.K. Drewer, K.E. Evans, E. Kentish Barnes, A.M. Lovegrove, E.V. Midwood, JA. Nimmo, JJ. Parkinson, K.L. Slaughter, B.J. Upton, Dj.Willdridge, E.K. Wills, A.B. Wingham FORM III H.E. Browne (and 2 Distinction Prizes) H.E. Browne Intermediate Reading Prize Junior Religious Studies Prize M.J. Gear (and Distinction Prize) James Poole Prize (and Distinction Prize) C.N. Dearing Distinction Prize: V.C. Burbridge, P.Day, J. Jones, S.M. Leadbeter, R.K. Lillywhite (2), F.J. Lynes, C.E. Majewski (2), AJ. Maple, J.R. Marchant, E.J. Parrett, O.C. Piper (2), B. Wallis, T.E. Wild, B.J. Woodcock

Lower Sixth Prizes Derrick Prize (English Verse Speaking) Grizelle Prize (History) French German Home Economics Geography Mathematics Economics English (& Distinction Prize) Chemistry Physics History Biology Daler Rowney Art Prize Music Prize (& Distinction Prize) O.S.A. Prize (& Distinction Prize) (& Distinction Prize) Distinction Prize

R.T.A.Wooderson M.S.Schmidt R.C.Shaw M.Imberg E.Harvey C.P.G.Scott I J.W.Collins I J.W.Collins U.L.Maikowski U.L.Maikowski K.C.Phillips K.C.Phillips KA.Hannah K.A.Hannah K.A.Hannah V.E.Moon K.A.Hannah D.P.Brannan L.A.L.Burbridge F.L.MacDonald J.C. F-Matzek F.A.Yonge

FORM IV E.J. Harrison (and 2 Distinction Prizes) J.O. Adam Junior Chapel Reading Prize Distinction Prize: D.T.S. Hayman, G. Hemingway, L. Imberg, A.C. Shaw, M.J. Sands, K.L. Woods FORM V R.E. Bourne W.Y. W. Tse D.P. Penfold MacDonald Current Affairs Prize Middle School Music Prize D.P. Penfold (& Distinction Prize) J.P. Roberts (& Distinction Prize) J.P. Roberts The Coles Prize Y.TA. Lau GCSE Art Prize (& Distinction Prize) R.E. Gear Bossom Prize (& Distinction Prize) Distinction Prize: E.L. Bukuku, M.D. Hemingway, J.A. Horn, J.K. Howard, W. Kentish Barnes, K.A. Moon, A.E. Rhodes, S. Slattery, 0. Vickery (2), B.A. Ward, S.C. West

Form Prizes FORM I M.D. Groom T.G. Jordan (and Distinction Prize) Junior Reading Prize Distinction Prize

G.L. Hopkins J.L. de Trute

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The Suttonian 1992

University/Polytechnic Results Name

University/Polytechhnic

Subject

Degree

A.G. Abudu (1987 C) E.Y. Atekpe (1988 M) Y.S.N. Au (1988 C) M.J. Bishop (1987 F) J.J. Bradburn (1987 L) N.C.S. Byng-Maddick (1988 L) N.D.M. Carr (1988 W) D.J.Chapman (1987 F) T.M.R. Evans (1987 W) M.S. Evenden (1988 F) E.F. Fenton (1987 W) J.M. Generowicz (1988 L) G.P. Hewson (1988 C) S.G.S. Jukes (1987 M) M.G. Leach (1987 N) M.C. Marke (1987 W) J.O. Miller (1987 C) Victoria Rayner (1987 V)

St Catharine's Cambridge Buckingham University King's College, London Leads University Southampton University Southampton University Leicester Polytechnic Leicester University Loughborough Uuiversity Bristol University Durham University Clare College, Cambridge Sheffield University Brunel University Southampton University Portsmouth Polytechnic Southampton University York University

Natural Sciences Economics Electronic/Electrical Engineering Chemical Engineering Physiology/Biochemistry Physics/Electronics Building Surveying Mechanical Engineering International Business and French Maths/Physics Natural Sciences Natural Sciences/Computing Landscape Design and Plant Science Engineering Electronic Engineering Civil Engineering Electronic Engineering P.P.E.

B.A. (Hons) III B.A. (Hons) 11.2 B.Eng. (Hons) II.1 B.Eng. B.Sc. (Hons) II.1 B.Sc. (Hons) II.1 BSc.(Hons) II.1 B.Eng. (Hons) II.1 B.A. (Hons) BSc.(Hons) 11.1 B.Sc. (Hons.) II.1 B.A. (Hons) III B.Sc. (Hons) 11.1 B.Eng. (Hons) 11.1 B.Eng. (Hons) I B.Eng. (Hons) B.Eng. (Hons) I BA.(Hons) 11.1

This is not a complete list, as we do not automatically receive results from all Universities or Polytechnics; nor do we necessarily hear from all O.S. who graduate. We are grateful to those who do let us know.

OSA Enterprise Awards 1991 O.S.A. Enterprise Awards were made to Sean Briscall (F), Alister Pares (L) and Mark Stainton-James (L) for travel around the world; to Rebecca Stene (S), Elizabeth Scott (S) and Louise Cobbold (S) for an archaeological dig in Greece; to Rebecca Warner (V) for teaching in Kenya; and Lucy Slater (S) for working in the U.S A.

Prizes

S.R. Baker (L), Gabrielle Browning (V), J.M.D. Field (M), Jennifer Howells (S), S.J.D. Mills (W), M.J. Woodgate (M) Foundation Scholarship

Holly Browne (Sutton Valence School) junior Scholarships

Bennett-Hunting Awards

Eloise Doorey (Ashford School) M.D. Groom (Spring Grove School) T.G. Jordan (Spring Grove School)

E.F. Fenton (1987 W) reading Natural Sciences at Durham University M.G. Leach (1987 M) reading Electronic Engineering at Southampton University

Music Scholarships

Atchison Awards

Katherine New (Invicta Grammar School) Eloise Doorey (Ashford School)

J.M. Generowicz (1988 L) reading Natural Sciences at Clare College, Cambridge Helen Overton (1988 V) reading Politics with Law at Southampton University

Music Exhibitions

Lucy Burbridge (Sutton Valence School) Frances Yonge (Sutton Valence School) Emily Ward (Bodiam Manor School)

The following awards were made as a result of the GCSE results: Scholarships

Kathryn Hannah (V), K.C. Phillips (F), C.P.G. Scott (M) Exhibition

O.G. Haywood (F)

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Farewell wider perspective and quietly suggest another way of looking at the problem, if necessary providing guidance through another member of staff.

Roger's place was not one of being out in the front; but without his solid reliability and quiet perseverance behind the scenes then the frontline could look rugged.

His expertise in Further Maths Mechanics will be missed, but he will not be too far away, and he will want something to do in retirement to keep the maths mentals in trim. For any pupil who wanted to learn Roger was all too ready to encourage that budding scientist or mathematician to explore further. But for the unmotivated or those who did not want to be helped he had little enthusiasm; the shortcomings of GCSE in the area of learning and building solid groundwork leave much to be desired. His oversight of the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme for many years meant there was many a weekend when there would be a Duke of Edinburgh 'widow'.

We trust that Roger and Helen will now have the time to do that which the necessity of school duty has caused to be put off. Roger may be retired from School, but not from life. No longer will there be that early morning phone call from a sick member of staff; the burdens of that and all other responsibilities lie elsewhere. Roger and Helen: Enjoy Life.

R.F.B. Roger Bates retires this summer after thirty-two years on the staff. During that time he has carried out an enormous variety of tasks in addition to teaching Maths and Physics.

For twelve years he was Housemaster of Cornwallis: he ran his house with efficiency and strictness, yet also with encouragement and enthusiasm.

He ran the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme for twenty-five years and was awarded a certificate for his services to the Scheme. He organised games for non-team players in his early years here and was a very good rugby referee who was always prepared to give good advice to the less experienced.

Much of his work was done quietly behind the scenes: organising Speech Day Prizewinners; organising Parents' evenings.; preparing rosters; organising internal exams; counselling members of staff; these are just a few of the tasks Roger undertook.

He became Senior Master in 1984, a job for which he was ideally suited, a father-figure in the Common Room who had experience and tact to aid those who needed help.

It is not easy to summarise the career of a colleague and senior member of staff. Memories are essentially personal and the resulting portrait is one of loyalty to the school, concern with detail and a readiness to listen and help. His dedication to the smooth running of the school in whatever context was there at all times. In whatever needed to be done, Roger would be there to guide and help. His approach of quiet patience as a listener (an attribute that does not come easily to many in responsibility these days) to many a staff member's dilemma or 'uptightness' indicated a measure of pastoral presence which will be missed and not easily be replaced. He was generous in his encouragement, yet when consulted he would not necessarily give the answer one wanted. He helped to put matters into a

CR.G.S., ME.F.P.

Michael Beaman, O.S. Michael Beaman leaves Sutton Valence in July 1992 after a connection with the school spanning forty five years. Having been a pupil here, he left in 1952 and immediately began his National Service. He did officer training at Mons, the National Service Officer School, and marched in the officer cadet contingent in the Coronation celebrations. Then he served in Germany where, he recalls, he learned to sail and ski at the taxpayers' expense.

Michael read Geography followed by Archeology and Anthropology at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, for three years before taking a gap year, wintering in the backwoods of British Columbia, followed by his PGCE. Then he headed for Rhodesia where he taught for four years at Peterhouse, and where he met and married Diana who was caterer there. The way to a man's heart...

Since he joined the staff at Sutton Valence School in 1963, Michael's range of activities has been remarkable.

As well as being a member of the Geography department throughout, he has taught English, Maths, History, Latin and European Studies. He has also undertaken several important administrative functions.

Michael has occupied a place in the choir stalls of Sutton Valence chapel for so long that it is hard to imagine his absence. He has always supported chapel activities faithfully. For eight years up to 1976 he was O.C. the

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The Suttonian 1992

C. C.F., which he had taken over from Brian Vibert. He loves cricket, and played most happily as a wicket keeper. Over the years he has run the U15 and Second XIs. He is particularly well-known, not just at Sutton Valence but in many other schools, for his championing of Rugby Fives which he took over 27 years ago and has kept alive at SVS ever since, being in charge nearly all that time. He also organizes many outside fixtures.

In 1985 he exchanged for a year with Marcus Wright of Rathkeale College in New Zealand. The Head of Rathkeale was John Taylor, who had spent two years at Sutton Valence.

It is generally believed that whenever Michael is involved in field course activities good weather is guaranteed, though colleagues are unsure how he achieves this. I'm not sure that Michael would have an answer, for it is his most notable characteristic to be self-effacing. He has always been modest about his many achievements. He has an encyclopaedic, perhaps pedantic, love of English language and can always offer reliable advice on correct usage: he is the scourge of authors of badly-written Geography examination papers. Michael is a traditionalist with strong moral values, and he is a firm upholder of the traditions of the school.

Of his memories of Sutton Valence, one of his most vivid was calling 'six, no trumps', at the back of the Headmaster's Maths class. The changes that have been most important in the years since his pupil days have been the demise of masters' strictly non-working wives and the change of ethos from that of a predominantly boarding school. He regards the advent of girls as a great success and not nearly the upheaval many had feared.

Michael's great love is gardening: behind The Forge is an extensive garden with greenhouses where many unusual plants are grown. Retirement from school will give him an opportunity to investigate new species, and new avenues. He is already very active in local affairs and is a member of the Parish Council.

We offer Michael and Diana a happy and active retirement.

W.K. Piper

Bill Bruce VVhen I was asked to write a few words about Bill Bruce I was very pleased because I only know a few words.

Bill has only been at Sutton Valence for 3 years, but it has seemed like ages .... no don't get me wrong .... he settled in to the school very quickly and rapidly became part of the establishment - one of us! He soon showed that he was prepared to take a full part in the life of Sutton Valence.

His primary task was to run the chemistry department. His arrival coincided with the new National Curriculum and there was an enormous amount of organisation and reorganisation of syllabuses for him to do. Pupils at the school have no idea how much work he has done to organise schemes of work, practical experiments and record keeping systems. He has performed this most efficiently. In fact he performed it efficiently three times as the National Curriculum changed and changed again.

Bill is a dedicated chemist and good teacher: he is able to explain things well, with good discipline and with patience. He even manages to make the pupils (well most of them) like chemistry - no mean feat! Bill is a man of many parts (all of them working perfectly): he has helped in Cornwallis House (boys), has taken rugby, D of E and cricket. He also organises the staff cricket team and has become a bit of a golfer in his time here.

I shall miss Bill a lot for several reasons: he has been a superb Head of Chemistry, he has been a great help to me in setting up the National Curriculum, he has been a good colleague in the Common Room and he has been great fun. There has been many a chortle coming from the 'bunker' beneath the chem. labs (I'll tell you some of the jokes sometime!).

Our loss is Rochester Girls' Grammar School's gain as Bill goes off to join them as Head of Science: a very worthy promotion. I should like to thank him very much for all he has done for Sutton Valence and for me and wish him the very best in his new post.

G.R. Piper

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The Suttonian 1992

Brian Day

Mr. Bruce, or W.A.B. as he is better known amongst the elite chemists, is alas leaving the school for the new and greater challenge of becoming Head of Science at a girls' grammar school. Although he has only been at this establishment for three years he will certainly leave his mark. A few will remember him for his great knowledge of such a brilliant subject and his willingness to share it with fellow intellectuals.

I suspect that the majority of the school, however, will remember not so much what he taught as the way in which he taught it: i.eeeeeeeee. such additions to sentences and phrases as 'Willy the Water Molecule', 'Ned the Naughty Nucleophile', C .V.2+ (in Glaswegian accent), 2b or not 2b and many, many more. Nor will spectacular Chemistry practicals be forgotten during which, if he had anything to do with it, colourful (but of course, very controlled) explosions would take place.

Mr.Bruce not only taught us (actually admitting to me in an unguarded moment that he enjoys such menial tasks as marking and listening to excuses) but also did his duty as a games master, including supervision of the multi-gym, and as a very efficient patroller of lunch: rarely have I seen the queues so straight. I'm sure, in fact, that our loss will be his next school's gain and that he will enjoy his new challenge.

Finally, as a parting goodwill gesture to Sutton Valence, Mr.Bruce has consented to the publication of his middle name, the subject of so much guesswork over the past three years and of which he is very proud: A is for Archibald.

C. Pillinger

(1937-1991) will remember Brian for the way he entertained Many and amused us all with words. As 'Dikki' in The Suttonian columns, scarcely a year would pass without there being a tribute to a colleague, about to leave, written by Brian in his beloved Chaucer style. There were other verses, too, that were written to remind us of lighter and more amusing happenings that had taken place in the previous school year. He also enjoyed putting fresh words to well known tunes, and frequently composed these at short notice for special occasions such as Harvest Suppers, Annual Dinners, House Parties, Women's Institute socials etc.

Just prior to his death in early February 1991, Brian had been characteristically looking ahead to one such event. I had asked him late last year to perform at the Chart Sutton Harvest Supper and from the following verses, it is clear that Brian had been looking forward to writing something and entertaining us all.

I am deeply indebted to Linda for discovering these lines, probably the last he penned.

1."You are my sunshine" We love the sunshine, the lovely sunshine, The harvest ripens, the apples fall, Though Autumn threatens, our hearts are summer We're at home when (our) friends come to call.

We eat our supper, our super supper, We drink our liquid from the vine, But all our kind thoughts and conversation Are more important than (swigging) the wine.

2. "Christian Soldiers" Onward Chart Suttonians, harvest all your fields Pick those ripened apples, see what each tree yields.

On our tree of friendship we grow our full crop Taste the fruit of this tree and you'll never stop.

Kathy Egan - Catering Manager

Onward Chart Suttonians, harvest all your fields Pick those ripened apples, see what each tree yields.

Kathy Egan took over as Catering Manager on May 1st.

1988 and we very soon knew that she had arrived.

As someone constantly referred to as a 'gannet' I do not feel qualified to say much about the food in general whilst Kathy held sway but I always enjoyed lunch-time desserts, invariably having seconds.

Kathy fulfilled many roles outside her job description and was a 'surrogate mother' and 'agony aunt' to many of S.V.s, young and not so young. She worked tirelessly on behalf of school Music and Drama and became an experienced 'roadie' to many a musical event; and is owed a belated debt of thanks from all in the Music Department for her organisational skills, be it in providing half-time refreshments, loading a drum-kit and electric piano into a small car or sorting out the car-parking when all before had failed. To quote Mr.Bates: 'No coach driver gets past Miss Egan!"

We wish Kathy well in her new post and are happy to see her at concerts still supporting her favourite musicians. Thank you for everything.

Gustus

3."A Green Hill" There is a village near this school Chart Sutton is its name.

And to this charming rural place Our priest (Dave) Barker came.

We were without a priest for long We welcome him in style.

We hope and pray he'll stay with us For more than just a while.

Right welcome (Dave) you know you are There's much work here to do.

We hope you'll take the challenge up For we have faith in you.

N.B. The lines were only in note form and were, no doubt, just a first attempt. I've endeavoured to write what I believe Brian intended. The words in brackets are mine - I had to write Dave since Brian had mistakenly referred to David Barker as John!

R.D. Chance

10

The Suttonian 1992

Suttonians, lend me your eyes!

Greetings

Rob: So, what serious crime has this poor soul committed?

Dark Helmet: Intentional spillage of a beverage.

Rob: Surely it is not against the school rules to spill a drink?

Dark Helmet: It is when the act involves my blazer.

Rob: But it may have been unintentional ...

Dark Helmet: That is beside the point.

Rob: What is the sentence?

Dark Helmet: What do you say to - one week as Head of School?

Rob: Iimm! That should tear him in two.

I exaggerate; far from being a punishment it is an experience of a kind available to too few teenagers in their last year at school. The role of the Head of School and the individual who fills it have been a mystery to most who have progressed through the school: only his close friends and those unfortunate enough to feel his displeasure have a more intimate acquaintance. What of those merry men of the past? I myself can hardly remember the 'untouchables' of years as recent as 1987-88 when every misdeed committed was spotted by the towering men in blue. Those were the days when you shuddered at the passing of a School Prefect and said your prayers if he beckoned to you, pleading innocence even before he had uttered a word.

But the years go faster than you can imagine and before you realise it you are standing boldly where many men have stood before. In the Sutton Valence of 1991 the School Prefects cause fewer shudders, for the new role of the beast is to act as a role model, a template around which other pupils may shape themselves.

The infusion of 'femininity' into the system has greatly accelerated this metamorphosis. This year may, indeed, be considered a landmark in the process of change, seven out of a record fifteen School Prefects being girls. The female prefects have established themselves very strongly, several flexing at least as much muscle as the boys.

A school such as ours depends greatly on the organisational skills of its School Prefects and it is only fair to say that the present group has made an excellent job of it, managing also to establish harmony throughout the school. Their leadership has brought together the efforts of both Day and Boarding pupils in a common endeavour and specifically in the Refectory where we hope to see even more senior day help and cooperation in the future.

This small body has earned that most prized possession, the dark blue blazer: so what about the Robin Hoods who achieve theirs half a term before the rest of the merry men? Actually the work of a Head of School is much like being the captain of any team - with just that little bit extra. It is work experience in leadership, a vital skill: it is a position of responsibility in which one may learn about human relationships in many guises. Standing up in front of four-hundredpeople and savouring that exquisite feeling of adrenalin pumping through your veins is only the beginning: without a shadow of doubt if the opportunity should come your way you should seize it. At the least you will require dedication and perseverance and encouragement - of which Alex Bateman gave me plenty.

Sean Schofield t is interesting to return to the school after a gap of Isixteen years. The school has changed greatly with the introduction of girls and the decline in the number of boarding pupils. I was disappointed to see only two senior boarding houses left and I feel that both of these changes have affected the social fabric of the school.

However, these changes have not affected my enjoyment of the school and it was good to see that it still has its easy-going and friendly atmosphere.

On leaving my career as an accountant in industry, it is a great relief to find a job where a sense of humour is a vital occupational requirement and in which conversation is essential. I am also happy with my transfer, at great expense, from Westminster to St. Margaret's as out-tutor. I have enjoyed many long evening discussions after cocoa, mainly on theological subjects. I look forward to many more happy years at this school.

Confirmation Administered in the Chapel of St. Peter Sutton Valence School

By The Rt. Revd David Smith, AKC The Bishop of Maidstone On Sunday 10th May Anno Salutis 1992 The following were Confirmed by the laying on of hands and the anointing with oil of chrism; and to receive their first Holy Communion: R. Jane Ludford Leslie H. Bond Towella J. Mwanyungwi Piers R Catt Catherine M. Pillinger Spencer R. Clark Catheryne V. Pocock Cherry P. S. Clarke Gavin M. Saunders Frazer W. Debney James R Simmonds Deborah J. Fox Simon R. H. West John Paul France and Fiona F. Wight Epistoler: The Headmaster Michael R. Haywood MA Gospeller: The Revd. Alan Stockbridge MA, Vicar of Harrietsham n. Ulcombe

B.D. Ofori, UVI

11

The Suttonian 1992

Valete Summer 1991 J.V. Albentosa, 1988 L; GCSE; Choir, Smike. (Goes to Maidstone Grammar School) Nicola Aviss, 1984 V; GCSE, AS & A; Distinction Prize; House Prefect; Orchestra. (Goes to Leeds University to read Fuel Engineering) Stephanie Aviss, 1986 V; GCSE; Music Scholar, Orchestra, Smike. (Goes to Invicta Grammar School) E. Baldock, 1989 W; GCSE. (Goes to West Kent College for Automotive Engineering).

A. Barghi, 1986 W; GCSE, AS & A; 4th XI Hockey. (Goes to Sussex University to read Engineering) Emma Barty, 1987 V; GCSE; 1st Girls' Hockey. (Goes to West Kent College) S.M. Briscall, 1986 F; GCSE, AS & A; House Prefect; 2nd XI Hockey; Squash V. (Gap year then goes to Brunel University to read Engineering) Hannah Brocklebank, 1986 V; GCSE; 2nd Girls' Hockey. (Goes to Invicta Grammar School) K.K. Butcher, 1988 B & F; Distinction Prize; U13 Cricket. (Goes to Maidstone Grammar School) S.A. Byng-Maddick, 1984 B & L; GCSE, AS & A; GCSE Prize; House Prefect; 2nd XI Hockey; CCF, S/Sgt. (Goes to Mid-Kent College for Building Studies) D.P. Campbell, 1986 C & W; GCSE, AB & A; Bossom Prize for Chapel Reading; House Prefect; 1st XV Rugger, Half Colours; 2nd XI Cricket; Senior Cross-Country, Half Colours; CCF Sgt.; Senior Play. (Goes to Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester) R.J. Chan, 1989 W; AS & A; 1st Squash V; Captain of Tennis. (In Malaysia) S.H. Chung, 1990 H; U13 Rugger; U13 Cricket; Junior Play. (Goes to school in Korea) Sarah Clendining, 1988 S & V; GCSE; Bossom Prize for Chapel Reading; Senior Play. (Goes to West Kent College) Louise Cobbold, 1988 S; GCSE, AS & A; Clothworkers Prize; House Prefect, Chapel Sacristan; Senior Girls Swimming; Choir. (Gap year working) J.M. Cowell, 1987 L & M; GCSE, AS & A; House Prefect; 1st XV Rugger; 1st XI Hockey; Captain of Cricket, Full Colours.

(Goes to Loughborough College to read Leisure Management) A.C. Cresswell, 1986 F; GCSE, AS & A; Kingdon Prize for Classics; Under 15 Rugger; Junior Play, Senior Play. (Goes to Trinity College, Carmarthen to read English and Drama) D.P. Cumberland, 1987 L; GCSE; U16 Rugger; CCF. (Goes into the Police) A.N.M. Day, 1988 F; GGSE; 1st XI Hockey, Half Colours. (Goes to Kent College) T.B. Down, 1988 W; GCSE; 2nd XV Rugger; 3rd XI Hockey; Junior Cross-Country; Intermediate Athletics; CCF. (Goes to West Kent College for Building Studies) M.P. Dunderdale, 1988 W; GCSE; 2nd XI Hockey. (Goes to West Kent College for Building Studies) S.J. Dyke, 1984 B & F; GCSE & A; Form Prizes, Distinction Prizes, Edward Craven Memorial Prize; House Prefect; 1st XI Cricket Scorer; Captain of Bridge; D of E Bronze Award (Gap year, then to university to read Economics) G.J.P. Eckley, 1987 L; GCSE, AS & A; Geography Prize; House Prefect. (Goes to Harper Adams Agricultural College) C.A. Evans, 1986 L; GCSE & A; Music Scholar; Distinction Prizes, Middle School Music Prize, Lower 6th Music Prize, O.S.A. Prize, Geography Prize, Music Prize, Clothworkers Prize; Head of House, School Prefect; CCF (RAF) W02; Orchestra, Choir, Chamber Choir. (Goes to Durham University to read Music) Karin Feger, 1990 S; GCSE; Distinction Prize; 2nd Girls' Tennis; Senior Play. (Goes to Gymnasium in Germany) D.W.E. Fells, 1986 W; GCSE, AS & A; CCF Cpl. (Goes to Thames Polytechnic to read Landscape Architecture) Joanna Ferris, 1988 V; GCSE. (Goes to West Kent College) Meike Gaethje, 1991 S; (Goes to Gymnasium in Germany) A.J. Godwin, 1985 B & F; GCSE, AS & A; 1st Squash V; Senior Cross-Country. (Goes into business) S.J.K. Gregory, 1984 B & F; GCSE, AS & A; Distinction Prize; Senior Play. (Goes into business) F.D.M. Hatega, 1989 M; AS & A; Distinction Prize; School Prefect; 1st XV Rugger, Full Colours; Senior Basketball; Senior Cross-Country; Senior Athletics, Half Colours. (Goes to American College, Dunstable to read Economics/Business Studies) C.M.D. Haynes, 1986 M; GCSE, AS & A; Head of House, School Prefect; Captain of Rugger, Full Colours; Senior Athletics, Full Colours; CC1-' Sgt.; Senior Play. (Goes to College) Anita Henderson, 1987 V; GCSE, AS & A; House Prefect; Captain Girls' Hockey, Half colours; 1st Girls' Senior Play, Choir.

(Goes to College) C.C.S. Hicks, 1984 B & F; GCSE, AS & A; GCSE Prize; House Prefect; U15 Rugger; Senior Cross-Country; Senior Athletics; Intermediate Swimming; D of E Bronze Award; Junior Play, Orchestra, Male Voice Chorus. (Goes to Harper Adams Agricultural College)

12

The Suttonian 1992 G. Hollister, 1984 B & F; GCSE, AS & A; Distinction Prizes; Head of House, School Prefect; CCF, D of E Silver Award; Junior Play, Senior Play, The Gondoliers, Smike, Orchestra, Choir, Male Voice Chorus. (Gap year in France, then to Polytechnic to read Quantity Surveying) Sally Hooper, 1987 V; GCSE, AS & A; Distinction Prize; House Prefect. (Gap year, then goes into Nursing) S. Hooper, 1986 B & L; GGSE; Distinction Prize. (Goes to Mid-Kent College) C.P. Janssen, 1984 B & F; GCSE & A; Distinction Prizes, Shell Prize for Practical Science; School Prefect; U15 Fives; Badminton Team; Bridge Team. (Goes to Birmingham University to read Chemical Engineering) L.J. Jenkins, 1986 F; GCSE, AS & A. (Goes into business) I.G. Jones, 1987 M; GCSE; L6th Home Economics Prize; CCF Cpl, D of E Bronze Award; Senior Play, Smike, Arcana, Choir, Orchestra, Hunting Society. (Goes to Westminster College for Hotel and Catering) Sujata Kohli, 1986 S & V; GCSE, AS & A; Distinction Prizes; U14 Girls' Hockey U14 Girls' Netball; CCF; Junior Play, Senior Play, Choir. (Gap year in the U.S.A., then to College) Alexandra Kosinski, 1991 S; (Goes to Gymnasium in Germany) B.T. Lawton, 1986 W; GGSE, AS & A; Clothworkers Prize; Head of House, School Prefect; 1st XI Rugger, Full Colours; Senior Cross-Country; Captain of Athletics, Full Colours; CCF Sgt. (Goes to Nottingham Polytechnic to read Engineering Surveying) D.F. Lock, 1987 W & L; GGSE, AS & A; Distinction Prize; House Prefect; CCF (RAF) Sgt. (Goes to Surrey University to read Engineering) S.Z.Y. Lui, 1990 W; GCSE. (Goes to school in Canada) Julia March, 1985 V; GCSE, AS & A; Distinction Prizes, GCSE Prize; House Prefect; Girls' Badminton Team; D of E Bronze Award; Junior Play. (Goes to College in Exeter for Occupational Therapy) R.J.C. Marsh, 1986 C & W; GCSE, AS & A; CCF. (Goes to South Bank Polytechnic to read Surveying) J.M. Miles, 1986 F; GCSE, AS & A; L6th Computing Prize; Bridge Team; Junior Play. (Goes to Kingston Polytechnic to read Computing and Economics) C.J. Miller, 1986 C & M; GGSE & AS; House Prefect; 1st XV Rugger, Captain of Cross-Country, Full Colours; Senior Athletics; CCF Sgt. (Goes to South Kent College) C.R. Morgan, 1984 B & L; GCSE, AS & A; House Prefect; 1st XV Rugger; 1st XI Hockey; CCF W02. (Gap year working, then to College) Joanna Morris, 1989 S; AS & A; Distinction Prize; House Prefect; 2nd Girls' Hockey; 1st Girls' Tennis; Girls' Squash; Senior Play, Hunting Society. (Goes to Coventry Polytechnic to read European Studies) P.D. Morris, 1988 M; GCSE; Distinction Prize; U16 Rugger; 1st XI Hockey; 2nd XI Cricket; CCF; Senior Play; Hunting Society. (Goes to Cranbrook School) Joanna Mumford, 1988 V; GCSE; 2nd Girls' Hockey. (Goes to Invicta Grammar School) Elizabeth New, 1989 V; A; Music Scholar; L6th French Prize, L6th Economics Prize, L6th Music Prize, Bloxham Prize for English, Wheeler Prize for French, Economics prize, Music Prize; Girls' Swimming, Half Colours; Senior Play, Orchestra, Choir. (Goes to Sheffield University to read Law) O.I. Onoalapo, 1989 W; U15 Rugger; U15 Hockey; Intermediate Basketball; Intermediate Athletics. (Goes to school in London) Yinka Onoalapo, 1990 S; A; House Prefect. (Goes to University College, London to read Biochemistry) H. Pabari, 1986 F; GCSE & A; Exhibitioner; Form Prize, Distinction Prize; House Prefect; U15 Rugger; Badminton Team; Bridge Team. (Goes to Loughborough University of Technology to read Chemical Engineering) V.T. Packer, 1986 B & F; GCSE; Distinction Prize; Junior Play, Senior Play. (Goes to School in Bexhill) Joanna Page, 1988 V7; GCSE; U15 Girls' Tennis. (Goes to School in Dorset) Henrietta Palmer, 1990 S; GCSE; Girls' Athletics; Senior Play. (Goes to College in Rochester) B.C. Panchal, 1984 H & M; GCSE, AS & A; House Prefect; U16 Rugger; 2nd XI Hockey; 2nd XI Cricket; Senior Athletics; CCF; Stage Lighting. (Goes to Central London Polytechnic to read Economics) A.R.Q. Pares, 1984 B & L; GCSE, AS & A; House Prefect; 2nd XI Hockey; CCF Sgt. (Gap year, then goes to College) Zoe Pearce, 1986 V & S; GCSE; 2nd Girls' Hockey; 1st Netball; Girls' Swimming Team; Junior Play, Hunting Society.

(Goes to Simon Langton School, Canterbury) G.S. Penman, 1988 C & M; GCSE, AS & A; House Prefect; 2nd XV Rugger. (Gap year, then goes to College) D. Poole-Connor, 1985 H, C & M; GCSE, AS & A; House Prefect; 1st XV Rugger; 1st XI Hockey; 1st XI Cricket; Senior Swimming Team; Senior Play. (Goes to Manchester Polytechnic to read Engineering) Joanna Raja, 1988 V; GCSE; 1st Girls' Hockey. (Goes to Cranbrook School) N.J. Ratcliffe, 1988 W; GCSE. (Goes to work in the motor trade) Emma Richards, 1986 S; GCSE, AB & A; School Prefect; U16 Girls' Hockey; 2nd Netball; 2nd Girls' Tennis; Senior Girls' Swimming; Senior Play, Hunting Society. (Goes to Leicester Polytechnic to read History of Art) M. Sarde, 1990 F; U15 Hockey; 1st Tennis VI; CUE (RAF). (Goes to school in Denmark)

13

The Suttonian 1992 Elizabeth Scott, 1989 S; A; Scholar; Distinction Prizes, L6 Biology Prize, L6 English Prize, Ward Prize (Religious Studies) 1990, 1991, Biology Prize; D of E Silver Award; Senior Play. (Gap year working in Romania then goes to Birmingham University to read Theology) J.L.A. Scott, 1986 C & W; GCSE & A; Distinction Prize, L6 History Prize, O.S.A. Prize; Head of School, School Prefect; 2nd XV Rugger; 2nd XI Hockey; 2nd XI Cricket; Senior Athletics; Senior Basketball; Senior Cross-Country, Half Colours; Head of CCF, CSM, Shooting VIII; Senior Play, The Gondoliers, Choir, Hunting Society. (Goes to St. David's, Lampeter to read History) A.T. Shaw, 1986 L; GCSE, AS & A; House Prefect; 1st XV Rugger; 1st XI Hockey, Half Colours; 1st XI Cricket; CCF Sgt; Choir. (Gap year, then Highbury College, Portsmouth for Hotel and Catering) Lucy Slater, 1987 S; GCSE, AS & LAMDA Bronze Award; House Prefect; 2nd Girls' Hockey; 2nd Netball; Senior Girls' Swimming; Captain Girls' Fencing; Girls' Judo; RLSS Bronze Medal; CCF (RAF) Cpl; Senior Play, Choir. (Gap year working in the U.S.A., then goes to Polytechnic) S.P. Slaughter, 1987 B & 1Y, GCSE; U16 Hockey; 2nd XI Cricket; CCF, L/Cpl. (Goes to West Kent College for Business Studies) Katrin Sprenger, 1990 S; GCSE & A; Senior Play, Choir, Orchestra. (Goes to Gymnasiun in Germany) M.C. Stainton-James, 1985 B & L; GCSE & A; House Prefect; 3rd XI Hockey. (Gap year, then goes to Polytechnic) Rebecca Stene, 1989 S; AS & A; LAMDA Bronze Award, Derrick Prize (English Verse Reading), Garside Prize (History), Richard Horn Prize (Drama); Head of House, School Prefect; 2nd Netball; Senior Play, Hunting Society. (Goes to St. David's, Lampeter to read History) N.C.L. Sum, 1990 M; AS & A. (Goes to City University to read Law) Emily Sykes, 1987 V; GCSE. (Goes to West Kent College) Janine Taylor, 1986 V; GCSE, AS & A; Distinction Prizes; School Prefect; 1st Girls' Hockey; U15 Netball; D of E Bronze Award; Junior Play. (Goes to Plymouth Polytechnic to read Social Policy and Administration) J.L. Theobald, 1988 V; GCSE; 1st Girl's Hockey; Girls' Athletics. (Goes to Maidstone Girls' Grammar School) Layla Tom, 1986 S & V; GCSE; Distinction Prize; 2nd Girls' Hockey; 2nd Netball; Girls' Athletics. (Goes to school in Leicester) Saffron Tom, 1986 S & V; GCSE, AS & A; Home Economics Prize, Ricketts Prize; Head of House, School Prefect; 1st Girls' Hockey; 2nd Netball; 1st Girls' Tennis; Senior Girls' Swimming; RLSS Bronze Medal; D of E Bronze Award; Middle School Play, Hunting Society. (Goes to Nottingham Polytechnic to read Education) C. Tredway, 1988 L; GCSE; U16 Rugger. (Goes to Norton Knatchbull School, Ashford) Rebecca Warner, 1984 V; GCSE, AS & A; Distinction Prizes; House Prefect; 1st Girls' Hockey (Full Colours); Captain of Girls' Swimming; Girls' Squash; U15 Netball; CCF Sgt; Junior Play, Choir, Orchestra. (Gap year, then goes to College) J.H. Waters, 1984 B & L; GCSE, AS & A; Distinction Prizes; School Prefect; 1st XV Rugger, Captain of Hockey, Full Colours; 1st XI Cricket; U15 Squash; CCF Sgt; Junior Play, Senior Play. (Goes to Southampton Polytechnic to read Leisure Managenent) A.B. Whiffin, 1988 M; GCSE. (Goes to West Kent College) J.J. Williams, 1989 M; GCSE. (Goes to College) Patricia Wong, 1989 S; A; Distinction Prizes; L6 Maths Prize, L6 Chemistry Prize, L6 Physics Prize, Kitchener Prize (Maths), Wood Prize (Physics), Winstanley Prize (Chemistry), Ricketts Prize; 1st Girls' Tennis, Girls' Badminton; Senior Play, Choir.

(Goes to St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London to read Medicine) L.J. Worrall, 1987 F; GCSE. (Goes to Maidstone Grammar School) K.W.L. Yun, 1986 C & W; GCSE, AS & A; CCF (RAF) Cpl. (Goes into the Army in Singapore)

Autumn 1991 Kirsten Debney, 1989 V. (Goes to school) Naomi Kruger, 1984 S & V; GCSE; 1st Girls' Hockey, Full Colours. (Goes to work) M.O. Lewis, 1990 W; U15 Rugger. (Goes to Tonbridge Grammar School) A.P. Lunn, 1989 B & F. (Goes to school) Samantha Sanford, 1991 S. (Goes to College) K. Shiraishi, 1990 W; (Goes to College) M.D. Usmar, 1990 L; School Play. (Goes to school)

Lent Term 1992 P.J. Jenner, 1990 W; CCF. (Goes to school) G. Jimenez Hernandez, 1988 W; 1st XV Rugger, Half colours. (Goes to College) A.H. Planting, 1992 W; U14 XI Hockey. (Goes to school in Australia) W. Strong, 1988 C & W; GCSE; 2nd XI Cricket; CCF. (Goes to school in South Africa)

14

The Suttonian 1992

Salvete A. Arroyo-Ortega T. Asar T.S.E. Au Charlotte Chapman Julia-C. Fendler-Matzek Nina A. Hartmann Prisca Hesse

M M M S S S S

B.D. Hewlett G. Jimenez-Hemandez Elene Y.L. Lee Stefanie Lehmann Ursula L. Maikowski Jessica J. Mitson Katherine S. New

M W S S S S V

O.E.Opanubi B.J. Richardson J.T.P. Ryan Samantha J.B.Sanford M.S. Schmidt R.C. Shaw

M F M

J.L. Richardson W-T. Tarn

F W

A.M. Sibley W.C.J. Tse Emily L. Ward S.G. Warren S.R.H. West Samantha Winter E.J.S. Wright

4 Up

Autumn 1991 Lower 6

S

W W

Faun 5 Jean C.Y. Wong

S

Form 4 S

F M

V

J-P. C. France A.S. Kennedy J.P. Kordek Vivian W.Y. Leung R. Jane Ludford Towella J. Mwanyungwi M.M. Naseem Catheryne V. Pocock H.J. Pook

B

P.I. Turner

B

C

T.G. Janes J.N. Jones T.E.R. Jones T.G. Jordan Leoni N. Keys A.L. McNaughton B.A. Morrison S.P. Morrison

B B B B B B B

C.H.T. Leung

M

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L V M V L S

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F

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M.M.H. Lee A. Raniya Naseem A. O'Keeffe J. Pollet

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F01111 3 L.H. Bond Catherine Bowen-Colthurst M.G. Brett P.R Catt C-H. T. Chi Cherry P.S. Clarke R.G.J. Dowse Emily" Field Deborah'. Fox

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Laura D. Barber J-C. Chao N. Hakimnejad T.M. Kelly

Form 2 A.G. Kelly

Fo in 1 Lucy A. Ashley J.A. Bourne S.K. Collins Juliana L. de Trute Eloise R Doorey Rebecca K. Duffell M.D. Groom Gemma L. Hopkin

B B C S S

B C

S

Lent Term 1992 Form 3 A.H. Planting

Form 2 J.D. Cowell

H

Summer Term 1992 Form 3 Jemima Holland-Gladwish

S

Form 1 Kerrie D. Loft

S

15

R.G. Piper P.S. Posnette E.T.Power P.W. Schofield B. Shahrad Susannah K. Simmonds M.J.H. Walker S.A. Watson

B B B B B C

H

One Step Beyond Trading Places for charity. Inset: Tony 'Baps' Coker ready for Pram Race

The Suttonian 1992 a lot of liquid on board. Thank-you Marge - and the other matrons who supported you at the lunch-time checkpoint.

Fairfield Catering fed us superbly. Well done Elaine, and all your crew.

Well done all the walkers. From tiny girls to strapping young men, your effort was superb. You will all have tales to relate about the funny things which happened and the misfortunes. The tiredness and sore limbs are a low price to pay for the satisfaction of a job well done. I am particularly grateful to those colleagues of mine who walked and suffered - some verbally, 'Did you walk Mrs Midwood? and did you finish?' spoken by one pupil in total amazement. Some suffered physically because of old and tired legs. Dr. Sabine and messrs Hendry and Rothwell suffered because they chose the role of sweepers, walking at the back at the (for them) exaggeratedly slow pace of the slowest walkers, and that is really hard.

We are greatly indebted, this year, to the contributions made by a number of corporate sponsors, responding to the plea of Anne Wilkinson, for financial recognition of the effort she made. A list is added at the end of this report.

Plenty of Old Pupils walked, and other events have been, and are about to be, staged (like a pop concert at Underhill early in May - see Mark Stainton James). If you have not contributed to the appeal, and would care to do so, please send your cheque, payable to Sutton Valence School (Adrian Shaw). As you read this, the money will still be flooding in and any extra we can obtain will be very welcome.

David Pickard, 30th April, 1992.

The Sponsored Walk, 1992 his year, we walked to help Adrian Shaw, who Tsuffered so badly in an accident during the summer holidays of last year. Most of us at School with Adrian remember him as a very ebullient, thoroughly outgoing and generous character. All the accounts of his stay in hospital suggest he has not altered one little bit, except that his mobility is greatly affected. At Stoke Mandeville, recently, he came fourth in the bowls, nowhere in the table tennis and was highly commended in the drinking!

The aim of the walk was to raise twenty thousand pounds to enable Adrian to secure a decent future for himself. In the usual way of these things it seems we pledged a good proportion of that through the efforts of the 400 or so walkers who aimed to trudge the long distance through the Kent orchards and hop fields and along the river bank of the Beult and up and down the Greensand Ridge. We were very lucky with the weather, for we had a glorious day sandwiched between two stinkers, and this enabled spirits to be high, such that 393 of the 400 walkers completed the course.

Joan Norton identified the route, and walked it to prove the way was possible. She was also instrumental in marking the route and, if this was not enough, she did all our secretarial work. Thank-you, Joan.

Michael Beaman was king of the marshals. His was the expertise which ensured that the route was well policed by staff and helpers. Thank-you Michael - and those helpers who did not walk but whose contribution made the day all the better for those who did. Marge Crosby tended to our blisters and strained muscles.

She bullied us into eating a decent lunch and into taking Anyone for Morris Dancing?'

Mr. Shaw ready to go

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The Suttonian 1992

The Corporate Contributors to the Walk A.M. S TELLSTOCK LTD APPLIED DISTRIBUTION LTD C.K. BART= AND SON LTD BOUGHTON MONCHELSEA PLACE BOXLEY TYRE SERVICES LTD BRAEMAR SERVICE STATION BRITISH CENTRAL ELECTRICAL C.D. PRODUCTS CHARRINGTONS SOLID FUEL CHOPSTICK AND BOWL RESTAURANT CORRALL - MONTENAY LTD COXHEATH 4X4 CENTRE A.W. COURT FUNERAL DIRECTORS D. T. SKIP HIRE DAVISONS WINE MERCHANTS DHC HANOVER E.M.C. ERSKINE SOUTH EAST FOUR JAYS GROUP GAME KEEPER FOODS H GOODSFT AND SON LTD HARRISON AND SONS (MAIDSTONE) LTD HELEN ROY AND G HOOKER KENT MICRO COMPUTERS LTD KENT TYPEWRITER CO. LTD KIMBERLY-CLARK THE KING'S HEAD, SUTTON VALENCE THE KPC GROUP (ASHFORD) LADY MOP LENHAM STORAGE CO LTD MAGNETIC SHIELDS LTD MARIONETTE SWEATSHIRTS MARSH CHRISTIAN TRUST MILLCROFT SERVICES PLC NATIONAL UTILITY SERVICES LTD P.S.L. PROMOTIONAL SERVICES LTD T PARKER AND SONS (T-M) LTD PENDLEBURY'S (OPTICIANS) LTD T PETERS, THE SWAN, SUTTON VALENCE PLEASANT VIEW GARDEN CENTRE PREMIERE. PRODUCTS PYALL AND JONES LTD QUEENS HEAD, SUTTON VALENCE THE ROBBINS COMPANY (UK) LTD ROOFING CENTRE GROUP LTD SEALCLEAN W.J. SENDLES AND SON SERICOL LTD SIMMONDS AND SON SPORTS TURF MAINTENANCE SUPPT SUTTON VALENCE ANTIQUES SUTTON VALENCE NEWS SUTTON VALENCE POST OFFICE SUTTON VALENCE VILLAGE SHOP (CUSTOMERS) TERRIK ASSOCIATES WILLIAM TILLMAN LTD TREBOR BASSET LTD (THAMESMEAD) WALLIS LTD WARRENS COACHES TENTERDEN WHATMAN PLC

The walk certainly taught me how to get on with other pupils in time of need. The fact that I didn't make it to the end really upset me but I learnt from it how to take defeat.

A Second Former I think one of the magical moments of the walk was looking down upon the Weald at the top of that big hill and when we were turning into the School drive.

B. Harper, 2B Every time we neared a bend a hungry hope rose within us but as we turned it and saw no sign of a steeple or stained glass windows it fell and we were left trudging along visualising a beautiful church hall with comfortable seats full of glorious, appetising food.

P. Ruble, 4B The best part of it was knowing that we were nearly back despite all the teachers at checkpoints saying Only another seven miles to go!'

S. Stileman, 4B The whole day was good fun and I think just about everyone finished because at the back of everyone's mind was the thought of Adrian and that made us all the more determined.

G. Pares, 4B I think Mr. Pickard was being a little modest when he said, 'It won't be too muddy but some places are a bit sticky underfoot ....'

E. Daddow. 4B It seemed a little too much of a coincidence that all the rest of the week's weather was awful but the Wednesday of the walk. Perhaps there is some truth in the Divine Dispensation.

E. Copland, 4B

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The Suttonian 1992

House Reports Founder's AtFthe start of the year there was a charity Five-a-side ootball Tournament which involved people from all houses but was in fact organised by Founder's. Edward Moore, the Deputy Head of the House, had the inspiration and masterminded the event superbly.

Despite the fact that a Staff side won, everyone enjoyed him/herself greatly and over £500 was raised for the One Small Step Appeal. Edward presented the cheque to Mark Dalton, the son of the Appeal's local representative, who suffers from cerebral palsy himself.

Charity is something to which most of the boys in the House respond well, donating generously each time they are approached.

Sport we are not as well-known for but we do manage to turn a team out to everything now (a big step in itself!) and we may not have won anything but we have at least competed. We did achieve second place in the Swimming, were three points from victory in the Fives final and runners-up in the Hockey Leagues, having played hard in the House Matches. The Junior members of the House have done very well on the sports side and credit must go to Tim Thomson's team for winning the Junior House Hockey.

At present the actual House is in complete turmoil as the workmen move in to destroy it. Sixth Formers are moving shows regularly and the Juniors are facing compression in much smaller day-rooms. I am thus the last Head of House as it is now and I have to admit that I find the idea of the Day-Houses becoming ever more 'streamlined' rather sad: but perhaps next year the new-look Founder's will actually win something!

J. Rollinson, UVI

Founder's House: Charity Football Match

Sutton This year the House has taken a very active role in charity events: not only did we organise a sponsored swim for the school in aid of the R.N.L.I. and the R.N.L.S.S. in which Eloise Doorey raised the greatest amount of money - £75 - and the whole school achieved the splendid total of £1,200, but we have also had a pancake sale and collected stamps to raise money for playgrounds for Romanian orphans, as well as organising the collection of nappies and 'Vaseline' for the latter under the auspices of Lizzie Scott, a former Sutton girl who has been working in Romania and who came back to talk to us about her experiences and how our aid was helping.

Sutton has taken part in both school plays this term: Frances Yonge, Jenny Howells and Towella Mwanyungwi were in The Shadow of Helen and all three of our First Years took part in Hooray for Hannibal. Our girls have been involved in several of the concerts as well - Frances Yonge and Eloise Doorey in the Music Scholars' Concert, Jessica Stenborg in the `Swirlbreeze' rock concert and Dharshi Tambiah giving her own piano recital.

Sutton has also done well on the sports side. In the Girls' Cross-Country, Charlotte Chapman came in first and Sutton House won overall and one of our teams also won the Hockey Tournament. Charlotte Chapman and Kate James both gained full colours for hockey.

It has been a very enjoyable year and we hope to continue to do as well or better in the next few terms.

J. Mitson, LVI

Shall I, shan't I?'

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The Suttonian 1992

Westminster estminster House has managed to keep going for Wone more year, again with the Head of School among its number, running us and around the games field. The House Hockey, Basketball, Athletics, Swimming, Leagues and House Drill competitions were all taken competently by us along with the senior Cross Country position. With the usual dose of team spirit the House has continued to function well, pulling together whenever needed, especially and importantly in raising money for charity with the Pram Race (won by us for the second year running) and the Rock Concert. The Michaelmas term saw the House thrown frequently into darkness, not only by the strange power cuts of indeterminate origin but also by our lengthening fringes. The academic staff have continued to support the House and its many activities and matron has patched up the walking wounded: our temporary tutor, Josh Cosgrove from Canberra, Australia, here for a year, has injected a youthful atmosphere into the House.

With five senior colours being awarded for rugby to Westminster boys and academic standards still keeping pace, the House has remained successful yet relaxed and easy.

'Having won the Baton Race'

N Gill, UVI

Valence

'Valence gossips'

Last summer, while the Upper Sixth were deeply involved in their exams, our year, the then Lower Sixth, found out just how stressful running the largest house could be, but after the first few weeks of September I had come to terms with what was required.

Being such an active house, and wanting to prove that we are better than the boys, we have enthusiastically entered into anything and everything, such as the Inter-House Basketball, Squash, Cross-Country, Swimming, Debating and even the Drill Competition, our principle being that it is not the winning that counts but the taking part. One activity in which we have almost dominated the scene is in our participation in many theatrical events, and we regard the achievements of the School's drama this year at least to have equalled the highly successful First XV Rugby season.

The House has had its tricky moments with the loss of heating for one week, a dodgy trip-switch and a temperamental toaster, but in these low moments Ros has pulled us through. On a more serious note, we have had two very informative talks by P.C. LItbiniere concerning drug abuse and personal safety which will stand us in good stead in later life.

We have helped to raise money for the Adrian Shaw Appeal, R.N.L.I., Multiple Sclerosis and Breast Cancer Research and I wish to thank the girls for their generous contributions, especially to the Salvation Army.

I should also like to take this opportunity to thank all who have made my job a happy one and especially the House Prefects, Fiona Howard and Rebecca Norris, and the School Prefects, Celia Palmer, Natalie Harris and Claire Stainton-James.

H. Ward, UVI

20

The Suttonian 1992 no losses in the Tournament, just draws and wins. The goals were scored by Belinda Upton and Katy Slaughter and out of eight schools they came third.

Our House charity this year is the R.S.P.0 A. A lady came along and talked to us about it and gave us some slides which we shall soon be watching. To raise money we have had a cake sale and we shall be having others.

Mrs. Wilkinson also very kindly does birthday cakes for us and the money we pay for them goes towards our charity as do our lost property fines. We have also had two visits from P.C. Pete on Friday afternoons: one for First Years on Personal safety and one for Second Years on Alcohol Abuse.

C. Judd, 2B

St Margaret's Margaret's has again had an outstanding year, Stacademically and sportingly, winning the Junior and Senior House Rugby, Fives and Squash. The 1st XV Rugby team was made up mostly of talented Margaret's players and was captained to a best ever season by our Head of House, Stewart Young.

Unfortunately we were narrowly beaten on points by our rivals Westminster in the House Hockey, but much of the first XI hockey team was also composed of Margaret's talent, notably Timur Asar with a score of 21 goals in 13 games. Stewart Young and Charlie Masters drove the team to further success culminating in one of the best hockey seasons to date.

Margaret's proved it had the brains to match the sporting talent when excellent GCSE and 'A' level grades were achieved last year. Cass Scott was awarded a scholarship while Matthew Woodgate and Jeremy Field won GCSE prizes. On the music front the ambitious Laurence Fox led the band `Swirlbreeze' to give a notable concert at school.

The House, through Tony Coker, won the Art prize, Fives singles and he led the team to victory in the house Fives. St Margaret's has again performed brilliantly and is sure to end the year as well as it started it.

Holdgate This has been an eventful year at Holdgate, and it has been happy and industrious. We have worked as a team together and used each other's strengths.

At the beginning of the year we had expected be a 'full house', but in fact we turned out, initially, to be a family of 7, though we are now 8. A and B dorms were nearly full - which was just as well as the ceiling fell down in C dorm. The ballcock on the water tank had jammed!

Apart from the hard work, we all took part in the inter-house cross-country race, and won. We have all contributed to the school in different ways, with the Chapel Choir, performing on our instruments and playing rugby and hockey for the school junior teams.

It has been a busy time, with the Lent term including Hooray for Hannibal, which we all enjoyed acting in even though there were incidents of people fainting!

Soon it will be time for many of us to move into the senior houses and face the next challenge.

Edward Kentish Barnes, 2B

Cornwallis The head girl of Cornwallis this year is myself and the Deputy is Emma Wills. Our House Perfects (Ed. sic) are Fiona Howard and Anneli Christian-Phillips.

We have had a Table-tennis Tournament this year and the singles was won by Katharine Evans. The doubles has not yet been finished. Hockey has gone well this year for the Ul2s and Ul3s. The latter suffered

St Margaret's energetic sportsmen

4

21

The Joining of Bennett and Holdgate

Bennett

In September 1992 Bennett, the Junior Day Boys' House and Holdgate, the Junior Boarding House, are joining together to make one large House. Those of us actually in the two houses have mixed feelings about this: will it be a good or a bad thing?

The idea may be good because of the large Library that will be built in the Lambe's building as part of the re-organisation that includes the merging of our houses.

The Library will have a wide range of fiction and factual books to which we will have easy access and which will encourage us to read. The Library will also be good for the Senior Day Houses because they will need it to prepare for exams. There will be better facilities for us to use, including TV., video, table-tennis, showers and food. We will also be able to see our Holdgate friends more often in the day. On the other hand we will not have our locker desks any more to keep our books in and to do our prep at. We will have small desks but they will not give us as much privacy as we have been used to. One of the major bad points is that we shall lose Mr. Pickard as Housemaster. He has looked after Bennett boys for many years. The First Formers feel very annoyed about this as they have grown to like Mr. Pickard very much. He will be replaced by Mr. Rothwell, which is not that bad as he can be very friendly. Will our joining together turn out to be a good or bad idea? We shall just have to wait and see.

T Jones and T. Jordan, lA

ennett, the house down the hill, has had a reasonable Byear.

The new faces have all settled in well and 'Cadbury's' Creme Egg Day. probably helped. We managed a first place in the Junior House Cross Country and in other areas members of Bennett have taken part in choral concerts, including a performance of Frankenstein. Our acting skill has not gone to waste as those who saw Hooray for Hannibal will have realised.

Mr. Bruce, our House Tutor, coped well when Mr. Pickard was away ill at the end of the Lent term and we are glad to see 'D.P.' back with us. This is the last Bennett House report there will ever be - we join up with Holdgate next year. We are both excited and a touch sad about the move.

As always, we say a big thank you to all the House Staff, not forgetting our cleaners and maintenance crew.

Let us hope that Bennett/Holdgate will turn out to be as successful as Bennett has been.

D. Willdndge, 2A

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The Suttonian 1992

Air Rifle Shooting

Bell Ringing

hooting is a Wednesday activity and Stakes place in the newly-created

Bell ringing, or campanology, is a pastime in which it takes a long time to get through the training period. The bell itself is rather a complicated affair, having a large wheel attached to the 'axle' which the bell rope is wound around. The bell hangs rigid from this axle and an oak plank called a 'stay' sticks directly up.

When the bell is 'up' the mouth is pointing upwards and it is sitting on the stay. When the bell is 'down' it is simply hanging down limp. To ring the bell it is pulled from the 'up' position, gravity pulling it down and its own momentum carrying it round coiling the rope around the wheel in the opposite direction frdm that it first was. Got it?

Many bells can be rung in sequence to produce a melody, the simplest being rounds in which the first (highest-pitched) bell rings , followed by the second, third and so on, over and over again. From this call changes can be made in which the captain of the bellringing team calls out a different order such as two, four, five three, one, six. The highest-pitched bell is called the treble and the lowest the tenor.

There are more complicated, prearranged patterns such as 'plain hunt' and 'bob doubles'. When a change is made, it is always made on the next handstroke, that is, when only a short amount of rope is wound round the wheel at the top. Some teams change their ringing order by having a card in front of each individual ringer with his/her particular ringing order written on it. All these complexities may be the reason why this prestigious method of ringing a bell is unique to England.

A Mansfield, 2A

range in the Almshouses. The aim is to hit the centre of a very small black circle in the middle of the target card. It is not as easy as it sounds. Telescopic sights are not allowed and aiming properly and keeping the rifle steady while the trigger is gently squeezed are skills that continue to elude some members of the club. Individuals can shoot for proficiency badges and, if we manage to replace our ageing rifles, we intend to enter competitions and rival the successes of the .22 shooters. Our thanks to Mr. Bruce, who is in charge, for his patience and persistent attempts to get the sights sorted out.

A. Patel, 2B

The Bluesicians Despite being officially defunct the Bluesicians, in various guises, have had four gigs outside school since last summer and a couple more are on the cards.

Although the original band has been dissolved we have welcomed Frances Yonge, Mr. Bruce and Stephen Hollamby as short notice stand-ins and the spirit of the band has survived intact.

Which of us could forget one particular performance of Stormy Weather when the tune vanished after the first line and the piece devolved into a free-form improvisation lasting several minutes, an extended moment of panic for all but the drummer.

As the Summer Term begins a new Bluesicians will form, a rather rumpled phoenix from the ashes, and will, I hope, revitalise the spirit of jazz at Sutton Valence. If you like playing more notes louder and faster than your band colleagues, the Bluesicians is for you!

0. Whawell, UVI

The Bluesicians

24

The Suttonian 1992

Board Games

English Society

his is an example of a dry, warm and Tnot too strenuous activity. It

Two or three times a term people in strange clothes are seen hurrying across the Quad and are met by incredulous glances from unsuspecting boarders on their way to furtive rendezvous for incendiary purposes. These strangely habited folk are the members of the English Society, 'whacky' people in 'trendy' clothes - or should it be the other way round? They dress according to the theme of each evening, this year for example as one of the 'Seven Ages of Man' or a la Christmas or as Foreigners. Food and drink of varying quality and in varying amounts is provided (thank you Mr. Bruce for the expertly mulled wine) and literature relating to the theme is presented and discussed. One of the best meetings was that in early January as part of Arts' Week on the 1992 theme of Foreigners.

Mr. Chance delivered a memorable Shakespearian scene from Henry V and Mr. Bruce discovered a poet hitherto unknown to him. Our thanks to him, the other members of the Department who have attended and to all those who have been involved with the preparation of the food.

A Member

involves Mr. Dunn's classroom and a variety of games, not all of which are boring. All you have to do is find a complete game (a feat increasingly difficult as the terms pass) and you are occupied for the next hour.

V. Moon, LVI

Building Gang I joined the building gang in September of last year. I expected to work alongside other senior members of the school and found myself labouring with First Formers: not that that upset matters at all - we worked very well as a team.

Our first task was to repair parts of the C. C.F. assault course. Over the years the scaffolding had become rusty so we replaced some of the metal poles. The bolts were difficult to undo but we eventually and successfully loosened them with a hacksaw.

In the second half of the term we were set the considerable task of clearing the outside play area at Sutton Valence Primary School. It was in a derelict state when we started on it. The work has gone very well indeed but unfortunately we lost three members at the start of the Lent Term whose excuse was that the work had been too much of a strain for them! We carry on with great enthusiasm and have started work on what I believe is a new part of the C.C.F. assault course which will be an area for building bridges.

T. Field, 5D

Fencing encing continues as a Friday activity Fbut has unfortunately not been attended by as many as in previous years, although we all continue to enjoy it very much. Our coach John puts in a lot of work with us in training and has high hopes for the future. At the moment I am the only female member of the club but we are optimistic and eager to make up a girls' team. Any girls out there who wish to get rid of some of that aggression and show the boys how it should be done should come and join us!

A. Evans, 5A

Dance History Society

here is a wide range of dance in the Tschool: tap, ballet, modem and jazz.

the year the Sixth-Form History Society met in a relaxed atmosphere with drinks and snacks at Mr. Crichton's house. We discussed two interesting subjects: women in history and war. We all made contributions from diverse sources and extracts from videos were shown to provide entertaining evenings. In the topic on war we found that in all of recorded history before World War One more soldiers died from disease than from battle wounds. At the other meeting we traced the Church's justification of the subordination of women and considered how this was expressed in the arts. All this

All of these are taught by a qualified teacher who comes into the school.

There is a drama/dance studio at the top of Cornwallis that is used for classes and for practice if required. I have a ballet lesson every Thursday and thoroughly enjoy it: it would have been a shame to give up ballet after eleven years. I also do an hour's modem and jazz on Tuesdays in a class with about ten others. It keeps us all fit and supple.

E. Field, 3.B

During

25

The Suttonian 1992 gave us experience of different aspects of history essential to build up an interest in the subject and supplement the methodical procedure of the classroom.

We thank Mr. Crichton this opportunity and hope that this institution will continue to broaden our historical horizons in the future.

M. Schmidt, LVI

Sabine and Charlotte Chapman formingthe arrow head of the defence - I'm afraid to say however that the boys' team always seemed to come out on top!

I Drury, LVI

Life Drawing

Horse Riding

Drawing provides a creative Life alternative to the houses' customary prep. period on Friday. The emphasis is on the human form and we represent it using the usual charcoal, pencil, paint and pastel on canvas or paper. Earlier this year we worked with clay, aided by Mrs. Piper. Later Clive demonstrated painting in tones of colour. The popular medium is charcoal and some striking pictures have been created with it, only it does tend to end up covering hands (and sometimes faces!).

The only complaint I have is that we've had only one male figure, the majority being female nudes and the occasional clothed stand-in. It is, in my opinion, a relaxing and rewarding activity.

H.E. Browne, 3A

W

e go horse riding on Wednesdays at Sunhill Farm Stables where we are taught by Nikki Cook. If you own your own pony/horse you can go free-time riding, but only if you stable him/her there. Sunhill is well-kept and has many facilities. It has an outdoor school, cross-country course and plenty of fields to ride in. The lessons are fun and you learn plenty. I recommend it to anyone who rides or wishes to take up riding.

R. Drewer, 2A

Hunting Society

Natural History

O

ver the past two terms we have had some interesting debates on controversial subjects including 'School Uniform should be abolished', 'Religion causes more harm than good', 'Homosexuality should not be tolerated' and 'Public Schools should be abolished'. The Junior Debating Competition was won by Holdgate and the Senior by St.Margaret's.

Our debating teams performed very well in the inter-school competitions. Although we did not win the Observer Mace this year (Oliver Haywood and James Rollinson) nor the British Professional Women's Competition (Bianca Armstrong, Charlotte Chapman and Jessica Mitson) we did have success in the Rotary Club Competition (Holly Browne, Olivia Piper, Richard Wooderson and Frances Yonge).

J. Adam, 4C

At the start of term we had two empty fish tanks. After a visit to a pet shop they are now filled and we have a range of animals from crabs to woodlice. We have two gerbils, pink stick insects and fish tanks to clean out each week so we all put our backs to it but it is not all hard work. This activity is run by Mr. Clarke and it is great fun. j Benne, 2B

Photography This is run by Mr. Willdridge in the Gulland Hall. Once you have taken your pictures you then develop the film into negatives before printing the final picture. You can rearrange the size and sometimes change the colour to red or yellow or just leave it as a black and white picture. Altogether it is a snappy activity.

M Titcombe & K Evans, 2A

Lacrosse e have once again had a successful Wfew terms under the guidance of Mrs. Wilkinson.

Playing every Wednesday we have been lucky to be blessed with good weather and a well-maintained pitch. Many new faces have appeared as well this term, a great many from the lower part of the school and there is good potential for forming teams in the future. Although the games have been dominated largely by the senior boys we have found the girls to respond well with Anna

Pottery pottery is a worthwhile and enjoyable pastime. One learns how to use the potting wheel instead of merely using the hands. A number of things can be made pots, bowls, plates, jars, vases, egg-cups, jugs and mugs for example. One can also engrave patterns into the pots to give them 26

The Suttonian 1992

Typing

texture and individuality. There are a number of slips and glazes to choose from which will make attractive combinations. The best thing about pottery in my opinion is that every single pot one makes is unique.

Typing is offered as a Monday and Wednesday activity. There are many benefits to learning as the qualifications that are obtained can help carry an individual through life. Typing is thoroughly enjoyable and is now practised by both sexes.

K Evans, 2A

From 'Tribal Dawn' to `Swirlbreeze' In March 1991 'Tribal Dawn' performed a short set of five songs in a school concert, intending this to be the first of many concert appearances; but there were substantial differences of musical opinion within the band and by the end of April we had gone our separate ways, original members James Sandom, Laurence Fox and Nigel Gill regrouping to form 'Little Black Dress' and Roy Bukuku and Melvyn Nwajei reforming 'Tribal Dawn' with new members.

After a summer spent practising hard for a concert which eventually took place in October 'Little Black Dress' had formed a unique sound combining mixed rock and Indie influences with a powerful edge to it that I doubt will ever be repeated at the school. New recruits were John Smith (vocals), Kyota Shiraishi (drums) and Chris Pope (2nd. bass player!). The October concert was a huge success but again there was dissatisfaction amongst the band about what some saw as the overwhelming Indie influence of Laurence and James: our sound was being pulled in different ways and lost direction. To make matters worse Kyota left the school and we could not find a satisfactory replacement. Nigel, John and Chris left and Laurence and James set about building again from nothing. James Roberts (drums) was immediately recruited and we worked hard at developing a full sound as a three-piece. The next stage was to add a female vocalist, Jess Stenborg: 'Swirlbreeze' was formed, the school's first Indie band.

There is a sense of confidence in 'Swirlbreeze' which suggests that we may have been able to learn from the mistakes of the past. James Roberts and Emily Ward Gess 's recent replacement) seem content to leave the writing of new material to James and Laurence and this writing partnership is trying hard to develop an individual style in songs such as 'Daze', the closing number in the live set.

The debut gig Gess's first and last) went very smoothly judging by the audience's response and a gig at the Hazlitt theatre is in prospect. I hope 1992 will prove a very successful year for the band.

Current line-up Bass Guitar, Vocals James Sandom Guitar, Vocals Laurence Fox Drums James Roberts Vocals, Percussion Emily Ward

E. Harvey, LVI " Oh OVVERIYI"

Yoga Yoga

is a relaxing activity. It enables you to relax many muscles, even some you never knew you had. Mrs. Burr, a yoga expert, takes the activity in the drama/dance studio in Cornwallis. While exercising you are accompanied by slow, soothing music in the background and at the end Mrs. Burr asks you to lie down while she narrates a story in which you appear. It is the best way of relaxing your muscles.

Thank yous: Vic Hyland, Mr. Horley, Hold the Pig, Red Touch.

J. Sandom, LVI

B. Upton, 2A

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The Suttonian 1992

A voice from the past The following letter was sent to the Headmaster last year and is reproduced in its entirety, one name only being repressed for obvious reasons!

Miller Road, R.D.5, Rotorua, New Zealand.

1 9.7. 91 Dear Sir, Approaching my 72nd. birthday I find myself consumed with that urge which accompanies old age (or is it senility?) to reflect upon my past, or at least on some parts of it which I am prepared to disclose. In 1929, aged 9 yrs., I was living at Trafalgar Cottages at Chart Sutton and though my parents were, by the standards of those days, poor and uneducated, they must have recognised opportunity as they entered me to sit for a Day Boy scholarship at your school. I was then attending what was known as the 'Council' school at Sutton Valence and was, from memory, by no means a bright prospect. None the less the standards must have been rather low that year as I was awarded a scholarship together with about six others. This entailed being kited out with the required uniform of those days: a black, heavy serge jacket and shorts, black waistcoat, and an uncomfortable thick flannel shirt surmounted and encircled by an excruciatingly starched white 'Eton' collar, which would have made a hangman's noose seem comfortable and had the effect of a modem surgical neck brace. The whole was complemented with braces, black tie, grey socks and, in my case, black boots. The latter were always a stigma as 90% of pupils wore shoes but my permanently embarrassing boots were an economy measure by my parents as they were considered to last longer.

In those days the completely inapproachable Headmaster was the Rev. Holdgate and Day Boys were considered by most (but fortunately not all) boarders, and some Masters, as lepers, constantly subject to demeaning actions and remarks, much snobbery, intolerance and condescension: they were an unnecessary evil, seldom to be acknowledged. The class regime reigned supreme and, furthermore, etched in my memory forever was the system which allowed even House Prefects to use the cane. I innocently suffered at the hands of one young sadist by the name of B******, who, restricted by supervision from venting his powers on his fellow junior boarders, took the opportunity to falsify excuses to beat us unprotected day boys, not only with impunity but also with the greatest of pleasure. I am not a vengeful person but if I were inclined to the occult I would constantly stick pins in his effigy.

By and large the boarders treated us with the disdain they showed to their parents' servants. My parents and my two older sisters made very considerable sacrifices to raise the money to provide my obligatory clothing etc. but did receive minimal assistance from the ever-blessed British Legion, my father being a returned serviceman from the 1st. W.W. As a matter of interest, he was a gardener who took some pride in his self-education. Later he became caretaker of what was then the 'Institute' at Langley, which, in time, was converted into three fine homes, one of which was, I believe, occupied by 'Tubby' Craven, whom I found to be one of the better teachers. There were also messrs. Kay, Garrard, James (later Headmaster) and Hadenfield among others.

The foregoing is, admittedly, negative - and if you have read so far I MUST now present the positive whereby Sutton Valence has had influence on my life which still pervades. In spite of the foregoing I have always felt grateful for the education I received at Sutton Valence and my years since have been inestimably enriched by same.

Had I not been given that opportunity I would undoubtedly not have met and married my life companion of 50 years for, to put it in the context of the time, I married 'well above my station'. Thus we could not have produced two worthy sons who are not only first class citizens but both reasonably successful in their chosen careers. In turn, I would not have had six grandchildren capable of attending university, five of whom are doing so, as well as being excellent New Zealanders. At best, I would probably have spent my life in a lowly job and living in a similar home. It is fair to say that I might have had my enquiring mind, but with little development, whereas my schooling gave me a great love of English and Literature and a similar devotion (on a purely personal basis) to History, both of which give me greater pleasure as I grow older. My French was of considerable help while in Europe during the War and the remaining subjects I was taught, Chemistry, Physics, Geography and Maths., have all contributed to the quality of my life and that of my children and grandchildren. Even the smattering of Latin I acquired has enriched my curiosity and helped to solve many a crossword.

Sutton Valence changed me from a simple country boy, initially into a first rate snob; but I am pleased to say that the War which quickly followed my leaving school (I was a Territorial) quickly erased the snob but left the learning, for which I shall always be grateful. I would add that although I have been a citizen of New Zealand for over 35 years I became reconciled long ago to the fact that I will never be a 'Kiwi' like my grandchildren although, when teased by them about my 'English' ways and philosophy, I am able truthfully to retort that I have officially been a New Zealander longer than they. I am sure that there have been massive changes inside your school but it was of interest that when one of my granddaughters visited Sutton Valence recently and sent me some photographs there seem to have been very few exterior changes. Long may it be said 'Floreat Suttonia'.

I made little impact either academically or in the sporting field and have made little since in the wider world except perhaps in the unrecorded influence on my descendants, but isn't that what it is all about?

Yours sincerely, ASMAET FOTET R.L. Boume P.S. on reflection, I did win and still have a copy of The Prisoner of Zenda presented 1.7.32. I also played two away matches for the Rugby Colts!

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Reviews

I

The Suttonian 1992

Drama The Winslow Boy Terence Rattigan, like his contemporaries J.B. SirPriestley, W. Somerset Maugham and Noel Coward, was, it seems, incapable of writing a dull play, and in The Winslow Boy, about a father's attempt to clear his son's name following an alleged theft, he produced an absorbing drama in a quintessentially English middle-class setting. John Watson's multi-cast production, performing on four separate nights, succeeded in upholding the play's claim to be a repertory 'evergreen', even if in the attempt to give a lot of youngsters the opportunity to act in a serious drama his usually very high standards were slightly compromised.

As we have come to expect, the set, properties, costumes, lighting and make-up were all excellent and gave the players an opportunity to enjoy the experience of a full-blown production. Young actors can very often disprove the claim that they cannot convincingly play older people - we do their natural mimetic talents an injustice - but it does remain, nonetheless, a precarious experiment. In such a highly-charged drama as this, with its dated mannerisms and locations, the suspension of disbelief is essential if the audience is to empathise with the characters' predicament. To bring this off is a tall order, and in saying that the casts largely failed in this imperative is, perhaps, an abstruse criticism. The attempt has to be made, and in acquiring experience we must all aspire to the best but be prepared to fall short of the objective.

I have suggested that certain standards had not been quite upheld: but, in fairness, a degree of under-rehearsal - Watsonian productions rarely, if ever, admit of this - is inevitable with such permutations of dramatis personae: four Ronnie Winslows, two fathers, two mothers, four maids, four brothers etc., etc.

Neither did we see on any one night the best possible cast, an observation that is the luxury of hindsight.

Richard Miles made a better ageing, retired bank-manager than did Duncan Brannan. The trial with its attendant costs took a great toll on Arthur Winslow, and Richard was of the two more convincingly able to show the physical and psychological decline. The four boys who played Ronnie, the eponymous putative villain, had an easier task and all performed with energy and an unmistakeable relish! It would be difficult to select one of them for our 'ideal' cast, but it would be a close thing between David Wootton and Matthew Usmar. Mark Masted brought much more gravitas and haughty aloofness to the role of Sir Robert Morton K.C., the expensive defending counsel, than the physically slighter Gideon Cresswell, but this was in many ways the most demanding part in the play, and both made a reasonable go of the famous cross-examination scene.

What both lacked in this part was a genuine court-coon aggression: although the relentless momentum was maintained, there was too little modualtion of voice and variety of gesture, both performances rising to a predictable and rather clamorous crescendo, after which the action became somewhat becalmed. All three girls who played Catherine, Ronnie's sister, were

The Suttonian 1992 impressive, but a special mention must be made of the youngest of the trio, who on one night saw the cast through a very flat period, helping the action back onto the rails after it was totally derailed on the omission of the maid of the not unimportant announcement that Ronnie, all too ominously, was back from Osborne College much earlier than expected. Rebecca Gear identified completely with the character and ranged about the stage with the triumphant freedom to which she and her fellow-suffragettes were staking a rightful claim. It was an accomplished performance and rightfully gained many plaudits. Both Cassian Scott and Simon Mills, each in his own rather different way, made a success of Dickie, the feckless, free-spending Oxford undergrad. son, and both Andrew Hepner and Nicholas de Lucy gave fair interpretations of the unpromising role of the fiancĂŠ, doomed to be disappointed in his quest to marry Catherine. The minor parts of Miss Barnes and Fred (the cut and material of his suit must come back into fashion!) were competently played, but Alastair Hudd as the family solicitor, Desmond Curry, tended to caricature the small-town, middle-class twit of a solicitor and his appearances jarred somewhat: Ben Collins was more muted. The girls as Grace Winslow and Violet the maid lent good support, although as maids go (one just can't get reliable staff these days) Annabel Pillinger, whose talents were underused in this production, would have got the job.

All in all, there were four reasonable performances which, with some distillation, could have produced a single, more homogeneous company. Despite the occasional longeurs and miscues interest in the action and the issues was maintained. As with so many extra-curricular activities in a very busy school one wonders not that 'tis done passingly well, but that 'tis done at all. For this all those involved deserve warm commendation.

P.J. Harcourt

Being Still at Epidaurus At the end of the Autumn Term a second play was put on. It was nothing like the first - in fact it wasn't much like anything I had done before; even the rehearsals were different. This was because we were entering the Lloyd's Bank National Theatre Challenge, open to schools all over the country and having three major requirements: the production must not be longer than forty-five minutes; the members of the company must be between 12 and 18; and the total number of participants must not exceed 50. The twelve finalists would have the chance to perform at the Olivier Theatre in July. We settled for forty people and half a script. To start with there was a workshop at which we did theatre exercises all day then we were given such script as there was and asked to supply the rest: so we did. All the tickets sold out which gave us the opportunity of performing to an audience before the vital night. It went very well: we were even sent a rare note of appreciation from the judge. Mr. Bruce wrote the music and Father John 'directed'.

Annabel Pillinger, 5B

This production was slightly different from previous ones in that there were four completely separate casts, each night being quite individual therefore. Rehearsals did not start well after our return from the summer holidays since few seemed to know their lines, despite our having had scripts for ten weeks. Father John was not happy. Because there were four casts rehearsals were long and sometimes tedious which led to our being accused of destroying the Cornwallis table-tennis facilities. However, after a great deal of effort and time things began to come together, and when the performances arrived they were felt, by all the casts at least, to be really good and well worth the trouble.

Annabel Pillinger, 5B

Performing in the play Being Still . . . for the Lloyd's Bank Theatre Challenge was just what it was intended to be - a challenge. We were given a total of 28 hours in which to rehearse from start to finish. On one occasion during a powercut we practised by candlelight. What required the most effort was the chorus work, 31

The Suttonian 1992 from the 'hunters' and leave the country. To do this he needs the collaboration of his class of exuberant school-children who must be still in the classroom for a week to 'cover' his disappearance. Once he has gone various discussions of his behaviour are heard, notably the outstanding sequence between Peeb (Antony Kennedy) and Pube (Matthew Groom), the latter resisting the pragmatic 'devil on the shoulder' blandishments of the former. In the end the teacher succeeds in escaping but has had to leave his pupils and his woman behind. The hunters (Simon Mills, Kevin Phillips and a noticeably severe Duncan Brannan) investigate and there is violence. The children have no teacher to defend them, the woman is alone - but the play did not censure the teacher's selfishness.

There was not a dull moment in this play, which was greatly enhanced by the music written for it by Martin Bruce; and there were memorable moments of singing and dancing throughout. The general movement and sound of the chorus was slick and obviously well-rehearsed in such a short space of time. Richard Miles and Annabel Pillinger once again gave impressive performances and it was interesting to note the fruitful mixture of 'established' school actors and complete newcomers. Father John is to be congratulated.

Kathryn Hannah, LVI

which had to be precise if it was to be convincing.

Expression was important: we were taught to look up and project our voices. The evening rehearsals were very tiring but it was all worthwhile. Once we had learnt the 'script' it was a lot easier to concentrate on the acting.

The poem Being Still would not have been a success on its own but with the additional improvised script and the music composed by Mr. Bruce it became much more entertaining for the audience. I thoroughly enjoyed acting in the play and am pleased I decided to participate in what turned out to be a very rewarding production.

Jessica Jones, 3A Forty minutes of standing still: well, almost! I don't think any of us realised how difficult it would be to remain absolutely NfiV still for considerable lengths of A.A time. Mr. Bruce encouraged people to sing, to stand properly, relaxing the shoulders, and to breath in through the mouth. â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ , \ With the cooperation of everybody, it was possible for Sutton Valence School to put on a good show that was not only enjoyable to do but was also rewarding and worthwhile when it was completed. The cast worked well together and were kept in order by Father John's guidance which encouraged everybody.

On the first night of rehearsing we all gathered in the gym and started with a few voice exercises. Next we were put into groups of six and were told to perform a short classroom scene. Once we had properly looked at the script Father John began to give some people solo parts. The hardest part of the practices was to remember our moves and to be totally still.

Matthew Groom, IA

Hooray for Hannibal ooray for Hannibal was one of Father John's H productions designed to give actors - juniors working with JUAM, in this case - a vehicle for gaining theatrical experience and learning basic acting skills.

Large casts are not only possible: in the case of Hooray for Hannibal it was part of the show's success that sixty-four performers were employed, with the majority on stage most of the time.

The skeleton of the script was from Livy; the flesh was added by the young actors themselves in workshop sessions. Not only the words, but design (by Paul Turner) and music (euphonium performance by Stuart Watson) and a slide show about elephants. Matthew Groom and Andrew Kelly were excellent as Hannibal, young and old.

Father John's style is unique, and still experimental.

The whole cast recounted Hannibal's adventures loudly and clearly, and in such unison that all the speech was distinct. As was inevitable with such a large cast, movement was rather restricted, even though it took place mostly on the floor of the hall.

Nevertheless the vigour of the vocal presentation managed to make up for this.

We knew that the Carthaginian Hannibal (b. 247 B.C.) crossed the Alps with elephants and we knew that he defeated the Romans. This compact presentation opened many eyes to a greater awareness of his life, his father's perhaps mythical swearing him to life-long hatred of Rome, his brilliant leadership and also the terrible casualties his forces endured during the wars with Rome. These young actors have certainly benefited from their experience.

W.K P.

Father John and his team put on an entertaining play called Being Still at Epidaurus, based on a poem written by Father John.

The actors themselves wrote the play as they rehearsed and developed the theme. The play was about a boy who dreams of being an actor on a stage. His bedroom is crammed with theatrical memorabilia. As he soliloquises about his histrionic ambitions his bedroom is suddenly invaded by the workshop (his imagination?): the play within the play begins.. .

The main plot is set in a fictitious country where the wicked 'hunters' (totalitarian authority figures) threaten and persecute various groups including the children. A teacher is a victim of this repression and longs to escape

32

The Suttonian 1992

Being Still at Epidaurus impressed me greatly. The •organic nature of the production which emerged from needing workshops into a flourishing stage-show is pleasingly original, The performances by this mixed age group were all commendable. The choral speeches were brilliantly executed and individual performances were generally strong. The comic duo deserve a special mention for their confident delivery and their talent in using the humour they inspired to their m.m advantage.

That comic seemed particularly important in a play which was just slightly toprelief heavy in serious intent. Whilst expressing the real and universal concerns of young people in a pleasingly accessible form there was an intensity which stifled the vital elements of celebration engendered in the play. The company responded to the demands of rigorou: chora l work but then struggled to release the tension of that when the anguished moments lifted. That skill of shifting focus affecting as it does movement. gesture and voice needs attention.

The musical score was splendid and the musicians delivered it to best possible effect. The singing was good and introduced effective mood changes; the blues solo and the finale were narticularly engaging, The other technical arrangements were equally strong with accurato lighting cues and controlled spot work. ?fly lasting concern for this production was that it lackeC clarity in its through line. The oentral feature of the fleeing teacher was marginalised rather than complemented by the tributary themes. Whilst that presented an interesting kaleidoscoolo effect it detracted somewhat from a charged main thrust. I enjoyed Being still at Epidaurus in spite of that and so, quite clearly, did the audience. end therefore hy urging Sutton Valence Theatre Workshop to develop their unicue style towards a suoessful Challenge entry in the very near future.

ROYAL NATIONAL THEATRE, SOUTH BANK, LONDON SE I 9PX • TELEPI IONE 071-928 2033 • TELEX 2 9730o N ITRE C; • 1. .\\ 01-o20 I 1U-

41.0YDS BANK THEATRE CHALLENGE* PRODUCER: SUZY GRAHAM-ADRIANI*DIRECT LINE 07.1-261.9808 PATRONS: DAME JUDI DENCH, JANE ASHER, IAN MCKELLEN THE ROYAL NATIONAL THEATRE BOARD LIMITED • REGISTERED IN ENGLAND NO 74 ,7504 • REGISTERED CHARM' NO

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The Suttonian 1992

The Shadow of Helen

THE

the back of the programme produced for this Onhighly enjoyable and thought-provoking

SHADOW OF HEL

'entertainment' the audience is reminded of all the things which women in Fifth Century B.C. Greece were not allowed to do. The list includes not being permitted to act in the theatres - even the eponymous heroines of some of Euripides' plays, so neatly condensed in The Shadow of Helen, were played by male actors - and being excluded from public and political life. In this fast-moving and wittily inventive reduction of no fewer than five of the Euripidean originals John Watson places all the women challengingly centre-stage and reduces the traditional heroes to impotent players in a dumb-show. The men are silenced: the women, after a few thousand years' silence, finally have their say.

This is an anti-war piece, reminiscent in its songs and addresses to the audience of Oh, What A Lovely War! In a vengeful replay of the events of the Greek war against the Trojans following the abduction of Helen by Paris the women inveigh with a venomous fervour worthy of strident latter-day feminists against the vanity, vain-glory and venery of men. None is spared, but not all women are blameless and particularly seering strictures are reserved for Aphrodite, whose ruthless use of her wiles and charms makes her practically the villain of the whole bloody course of events. Men, poor, weak men, need little encouragement to obey their innate tendency to violence on a sexual whim. 'No woman loves war" and yet 'Women are forced into meeting wrong with wrong because of the insensitivity of men". Although the lives of thousands of Greek sailors and soldiers and citizens of Troy could not be saved by respooling the reels and re-directing some of the action, by a neat subterfuge Iphigenia, who had offered herself

AN ENTERTAINMENT

as a sacrifice to appease the gods and bring about a change in weather favourable to the Greek fleet, is spared - and reappears some ten years later with her mother Clytemnestra at a souvenir-stall in Egypt, trying to purchase a model of the Sphinx. Although Helen has also survived to become the souvenir stall's proprietor,

34

\w\ Ws,Ì&#x20AC;Mf,

ft\

The Suttonian 1992 conveyed by all the girls was truly infectious. In fact, there was something almost menacing at times in the corporate 6 Ian of the company: boys, beware! Once the girls determine on a course of action, they become an irresistible force.

Finally, congratulations must go to all those who so ably assisted the actresses and actors: the musicians, the stage and lighting teams, the costume-makers, the make-up people. This was a performance in which everything went right, and I wish to make special mention of everyone. If there is one criticism to be made then it is that there should have been more than one performance.

P.J. Harcourt

she has a considerable amount of explaining to do. It is, of course, all someone else's fault and Aphrodite, foolish enough to employ human sentiments - good, old timeless envy - to achieve her ends, goes off with Paris, having changed herself into a 'duplicate Helen' and 'lived to regret it'.

The men in the dumb-show, Agamemnon, Achilles, Menelaus etc., are missed, for all their foolishness, and in a poignant reunion are brought back and given one more chance, but not before they have endured a severe tongue-lashing from their women-folk. 'Choose love, not war' they are enjoined, 'Choose life, not death!'.

As war rages in former Jugoslavia and tremors of unrest are felt in so many parts of the earth the message of the women of Euripides' war plays goes unheeded.

This was certainly one of the most assured and convincing productions seen at Sutton Valence for some time: there were, quite simply, no weak elements, and the robust confidence of the whole company gave the action pace, control and dramatic integrity. Although there was a clear structure to the piece, its designation as an 'entertainment' permitted a degree of licence which was responsibly deployed: the use of numbers such as Somewhere over the Rainbow and the inclusion of songs specially arranged for it, all most competently sung, added a Brechtian touch of variation of medium, as did the Kate Adiesque on-the-spot reportage and the very successful Shirley Valentine pastiche. The unmistakeable enjoyment of performing so artlessly

The Shadow of Helen: a pupil view.

John Watson, being a well-experienced playwright and an actor himself, has produced a cunning portrayal of the Trojan-Greek War. The script, however, has a very modem outlook in that it is apparently the women who had directed the course of events and not the great male generals.

The technical timing was superb, with the lighting all on cue and the music creating an atmosphere of well-rehearsed perfection. The music ranged from Glen Miller classics to Somewhere Over the Rainbow, all expertly arranged by Martin Bruce for a quartet of violin, 'cello, piano and soprano saxophone. The costumes were well-fitting, in both senses of the phrase, and the make-up was subtle and unobtrusive, though still effective.

There were some convincing performances from all the girls, especially Kathryn Hannah, Frances Yonge and Emily Ward, the last as a news reporter giving the audience a unique insight into the battle as it happened. Jo Howard gave a very bold and energetic choral solo.

This entertainment, with the superb acting and organised production, was clearly a success with the audience and we hope to see more in the not-so-distant future.

A. Mansfield and D. Willdridge, 2A

Previous page: Top left Annabel Pillinger; Top right Emily Ward Below: Madeleine Gear

It was a rare pleasure to return to Sutton Valence to take a day's workshop on Father John's reductio ad feminam of the War Plays of Euripides.

But more pleasurable still was to return a month later to see the production fully staged. It was immaculate to look at and to listen to; beautifully sung and spoken and with a real style in the way in which all the girls handled their lines and their elegant costumes. Work of this quality and this ambition is, in my experience, exceptional in a school. A treat. And how nice to be invited on stage afterwards for a glass of wine - an idea I am tempted to borrow for my own next production.

Luke Dixon

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The Suttonian 1992

Music entertained but raised £300 for the Adrian Shaw Appeal.

Three trips to the Barbican (and McDonalds) have awakened new passions for Ravel and heightened existing ones for Beethoven, Sibelius and Prokofiev.

New ventures this term included a Recorder Group, the Corps of Drums and various bands and Chamber Groups run by Music Scholars. We said goodbye to Mr. Boyd-Cox (flute/oboe) and Mrs. Morgans (clarinet) and thank them both for all they have done: we welcome Mrs. Hutchinson (flute) and Mrs. Cleary-Marshall (oboe) to 'the team'. With the Carol Services to go, may I thank the Chapel Choir for their daily contribution to the musical life of the school and for their Christmas offerings.

Summer term The Auction of Pledges evening was a great success: my thanks to all involved, especially Colin Rollinson. Over £2,300 was raised and Tour funds are now well under way - America '94 here we come!

'Almaviva' treated us early in the term to Don Giovanni - a modern interpretation performed with spirit and enthusiasm by singers and orchestra alike. On Bank Holiday Monday the Adult Choral Society and Chamber Choir supported a recital by Cheryl Edwards from Welsh National Opera in which Stanford's Blue Bird soared high and beautiful, typifying her glorious voice. Her accompanist and husband, Michael Pollock, repetiteur for W.N.O., inspired us all by his sensitive and sure touch on the piano. The Maidstone Hospice benefited from the evening as it did from the Bluesicians' Concert on May 10th. Other engagements in a busy term included the Chapel Choir visit to sing morning service at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, the hosting of some three hundred and twenty Prep. School children on May 20th. for a day's singing (When I'm 64 and Captain Noah and his floating Zoo for example), the Orchestra's performing on Speech Day and the Soirée of Songs and Wine which was such a resounding success. Eileen Field has made such a difference to the quality and range of singing here: my thanks and congratulations to her and all her pupils. Finally, before the June Choral Concert, the Chapel Choir led other local choirs in a Festival Evensong to celebrate 20 years of the 'new' Church of St. Paul in Maidstone. We sang a setting composed by Charles Evans which, I hope, will be sung by other churches in the future. We wish Charles and Liz New (our other leaving Music Scholar) all the very best for the future and thank them for all they have done.

Lent The second week of term was 'Arts' r Week' which included on the musical side a piano workshop, 'Mistral', - the saxophone/clarinet quartet and the Choral Society performing Rutter's beautiful Requiem in All Saints' Church, Maidstone. During the third week the Chamber Choir entertained elderly residents of the Dorothy Lucy centre in Maidstone. In the week after that the Sutton Valence Music Society hosted 'Primavera', a string orchestra led by Paul Manley, in a truly memorable evening of high quality Baroque and Classical music. On the 9th. February the Choral Society performed the Rutter Requiem in Chapel as the second part of an instrumental concert given by the Orchestra, Brass, Wind, Flute and String Trio and various soloists. In the week before half term 3A entertained a 'Help the Aged' group in Headcorn singing a variety of songs including When I'm 64 and a Pop Cantata, Hamelin Town. Two weeks later School Rock Groups shook the Refectory with their ever increasingly tight musical sound: following that night's success 'Swirlbreeze' supported a pro. band at the Hazlitt a month later. Well done! Monday March 2nd saw 408 Primary and Prep School children descend on us for a Choral Day. Hamelin Town, America and part of Rooster Ragwere learnt and performed - with still some time for juice, food and play! On the Friday of that week the final concert of a very entertaining and successful Sutton Valence Music Society season took place. A gypsy trio - Csardas - wove a musical spell over us all. on Friday 13th the Music and Art Scholars exhibited to a large audience on the one hand their wide-ranging and very real depth of musical talent both as individuals and collectively and on the other a high quality and varied display of art. Of the recitals of Oliver Whawell and Dharshi Tambiah and of the Euro Tour you may read elsewhere. My very sincere and heartfelt thanks, as ever, to all musicians, staff and parents who have made and who make the music at Sutton Valence what it is.

P.S. Aldred

Michaelmas Since September 1989 over 76 concerts r have been given either by Sutton Valence School musicians/choirs, the Choral Society or by visiting performers. This term has been as busy as ever - many solo performers in Chapel; piano solos in Headmaster's Assembly; Sutton Valence Music Society concerts - the extraordinary Carlo Curley, the Ionian Singers and Alison Baker. Alison gave a memorable piano recital which included a demanding second half programme of Brahms' Two Rhapsodies and Schumann's Carnival much enjoyed by a packed Groves Hall. We have played host to the Downs' School, Malvern - actually on a Hockey Tour - but this annual visit does prove that music and sport do mix! A highly successful Rock Concert and Disco, at which two school groups - Little Black Dress and Tribal Dawn 'gave their all', not only 37

The Suttonian 1992

The Bluesicians Friday 10th. May 1991 is always encouraging to see performing groups in Itschool whose impetus is pupil rather than staff generated, and foremost amongst these must be The Bluesicians, who continue to squeeze rehearsal time in somewhere and who project a strong sense of camaraderie at their performances. We were treated on this occasion to an engaging mixture of well-loved favourites and original compositions all bearing the musical hallmarks of Oliver Whawell in particular but also of other members of the band. Jazz is one of those musical activities notoriously difficult to do well and while it has to be said that there were some dicey moments during various improvised solos on the whole the sound and direction of the group were confident and persuasive. Ben Collins, hiding behind his Old English Sheepdog fringe, turned some interesting and engaging musical corners during the course of the evening and was equally effective in his husky vocals, reminiscent of a half-speed Ella Fitzgerald. Much missed next year will be the suave trombone of Charles Evans which weightily underpinned much of the otherwise 'high' texture of the band. He also showed himself adept with an umbrella at this concert and gave me some deliciously anxious moments during Georgia on My Mind. At the other end of the line-up Alastair Hudd twinkled and sobbed with his clarinet, giving an Authoritative version of Stranger on the Shore and, if I may say so, relying sometimes too heavily on the mordant in improvisation: but his sympathetic style was throughout an asset. Dharshi Tambiah caused a considerable stir when she stepped forward at the start of The Stripper and it seemed as if we were to see a side of her we had not seen before - but she had only

eagerly anticipated her vocal in the next number. As one would expect, hers was an utterly musical performance whether with voice or on piano, but she could afford to relax a little more on such an occasion: a whisky and water might have done the trick . . It has been interesting to trace the development of James Roberts' skill since his first arrival at the school and he was able to give the other musicians solid but never dull rhythmic support and to go beyond that in his solos. His expressive face was one of the visual highlights of the evening. And that brings me to Oliver Whawell, saxophonist, clarinettist, pianist, singer (or so he claims!) and arranger. His strength of purpose has held the band together for a considerable time now and this concert formed a fitting climax to his work and the labours of his friends. The musical achievement of this school band was not inconsiderable and the enjoyment of the capacity audience was obvious in the vociferous and repeated requests for an encore. For those not fortunate enough to attend I gather from Oliver that a modestly-priced cassette is available. ..

Eikonoklastes 38

The Suttonian 1992 starker and more agitated tone which he achieved in the Libera Me. There was Kathryn Hannah in the Pie Jesu: as yet her voice lacks power but she coped capably with an error in the opening line of the accompaniment which would have thrown many a singer completely and went on to produce a performance of pure tone and true intonation. And, through it all, was the choir, at its best, perhaps, in the triumphant Hosanna and the In Paradiso, whose swelling phrases under the thoughtful baton of Philip Aldred brought the concert, in dignified fashion, to rest.

C. W.W. Wilson

The Summer Concert June 1991 ollowing. 1990's excellent performance of the FMozart Requiem this summer's concert was eagerly anticipated. The programme was very different, two rarely-heard works being combined with an extremely familiar one to provide a rather different set of challenges and pitfalls from those so ably dealt with the previous year.

First of all, the prevailing atmosphere of these pieces was one of hushed mysticism and ethereal reverence, demanding singing of great control and sustained tone. There were few great set pieces in which the choir could 'let rip' on four-square fugues tripping along at a steady 'Allegro'. There was also the problem of balance: a large orchestra had been engaged, particularly in the lower strings department, which showed to great advantage in the rich tonal colours of the Cantique de Jean Racine by Faure but was in danger of overwhelming the singers in the other works. One should remember that the Faure Requiem is often accompanied only by a fairly subdued organ. When one adds to these factors the slowish tempi which were adopted (most notably in the Cantique) and the far from resonant acoustic of a Refectory full of clothes and bodies, the challenge to young lungs can be seen to be a formidable one.

After a rousing account of Sir Arthur Bliss's setting of the The National Anthem in which the large choir of adults and pupils established the enthusiasm and commitment that was the hallmark of their singing throughout the evening, we settled into the more meditative world of Vaughan Williams' Five Mystical Songs. Martin Bruce produced a deeply-felt but well-controlled account of this work, with subtleties of tone and clarity of diction bringing out to the full the beauty of the seventeenth century poems, particularly in 'Love bade me welcome' and 'Come my Way, my Truth, my Life'.

The Mozart Requiem Minitour to Manchester in the Summer Holidays Damian Penfold Early and I packed into Kath Egan's car and made the long trek up to Manchester to meet up with Mr. Horley and his old college friends to perform, after only two rehearsals, the Mozart Requiem with only eleven singers. We left Sutton Valence on Friday morning but missed the first rehearsal as the car broke down. A 'very nice man' got us going again and we made it to Manchester by early evening. We were given a foretaste of student life in the shape of an onion-based moussaka which even a hungry Damian couldn't finish.. .

On Saturday morning we all went ten-pin bowling (there is still dispute about who really won). We rehearsed in the afternoon and in the evening performed to a capacity audience in St. Chad's, New Moston. It was wonderful to sing in such a musical choir. Mr. Horley's conducting very well suited the small group and he achieved some remarkable dynamic effects and tonal nuances. His patience with the sopranos in rehearsal was exemplary: "If you do that tonight I'll kill you!" The performance was memorable, as the audience testified, and it gave us a valuable insight into such a marvellous work.

After four hours' sleep that night we drove back to Manchester for the ten o'clock service, which Mr. Horley somehow found energy to play for and then it was all over and we headed home.

More than anything Damian and I had learnt what a really good time may be enjoyed with other musicians, even in performance, and that a small choir is not necessarily a limited one. Many thanks to Mr. Horley for a superb weekend: when's the next one?

0. Whawell, WI

The Cantique de Jean Racine saw some fine playing from the viola section and a magnificent harp solo from Janice Beven. There was perhaps scope for rather more 'rise and fall' in the phrasing of the choral line but interest was nonetheless created by variation of tonal quality and a beautifully calm close to what was, all in all, a moving performance.

And so to the Faure Requiem, so apparently simple and yet so exposed (especially for violins and for chorus in some of the slow contrapuntal passages) and so reliant on subtle changes of tempo, harmony and tone colour which really need more hours of rehearsal with chorus and orchestra than those afforded by the afternoon before the concert to be perfected. There were, nonetheless, some lovely moments in this performance. There was Martin Bruce's smooth and almost ecstatically reverent account of the Hostias contrasting with the much 39

The Suttonian 1992 Entertainer with his introduction 'it gets the clergy going'. The school certainly appreciated being able to see all that he was doing - this was entertainment in itself. Those in the choir stalls had the advantage of seeing him close up and he managed to reduce some of them to a long fit of the giggles.

Carlo then asked for requests - pointing out that he had memorised more than 200 pieces of music.

Eventually, a member of staff suggested Liberty Bell. He really wanted a pupil's suggestion, so one of them kindly backed up the lone call for Liberty Bell. It finished with the chapel organ joining in with Allen organ to lead the school in a resounding singing of Parry's Jerusalem. The 25-minute recital did much to take out the 'stodgy' approach to organ music. The versatility of this Allen organ was there for all to hear, even if this type of instrument is felt to be 'not quite the real thing'. In terms of expense and maintenance this sort of organ (ÂŁ50,000? including installation etc) seems a good investment.

The chapel was comfortably filled for the evening recital. As in the afternoon, Carlo introduced everything himself, and throughout the evening the wide range of ability and variety of sound of the organ was demonstrated. A quiet meditation, Parry's Choral Prelude on Eventide (Hymn tune for Abide with Me), was followed by the Wesley Choral Song and Fugue.

Since JS Bach had been SS Wesley's 'inspiration', the major Bach work fore the evening was the Prelude and Fugue in A minor. The prelude was played as a sort of recitative, with varying tempo, with Carlo conducting himself at times. The fugue was taken at a breath-taking pace, and there was no let up all the way through. The second main pedal entry in the fugue came in with suitable force as the work moved through to its climax.

As with all the items, it was an education for the audience to see the dancing feet on the pedal board. At the close of the A minor, there was the Carlo,'Phew' and thumbs-up sign to the audience, with a replay of the fugal theme in the air.

The Toccata on Tu es Petra et portae interne non praevalebunt ad versus to by Henri Mulet provided the opportunity to show the resources of this organ in a touch piece of this nature. Again the ability of the performer was seen to good effect.

One or two organ duets were planned, but the problems caused by the chapel organ having a delayed sound response and the Allen having an instantaneous response, made this experiment impracticable.

However a Jamaican Rhumba was played with PH, our resident organist, on the local wurlitzer. The first part of the recital closed with the Variations on America by Charles Ives. A toy singing bird in its cage supplemented one of the variations - and at least one member of the audience was convinced that the bird was merely miming and an appropriate stop on the organ was being used. The closing variations, with their heavy demands on the pedal board had extra appeal to those who could see what was going on.

The second part of the recital opened with what was described in the programme as 'A surprise'. This turned out to be Franz Schubert's March Militaire. It is to Carlo's credit that pieces not originally written for the

Carlo Curley 27th September 1991 Organ recitals are essentially for the ears: after all, music is to be heard rather than seen. In most churches and cathedrals, all that is seen of the organ is a row of pipes, with the majority of the works hidden. But where is the music? The organist all too often is out of sight behind a pillar or in the organ loft, and is only seen before and after. How do we know what has been going on between the organist's appearances? The advantage of modern technology is that the scope of what can be made available has been stretched far beyond the limits of the average pipe organ.

Furthermore a detached console can be placed where the music can be 'seen' as well as heard.

And so it was that on 25th and 26th September, two van loads of organ together with accompanying speakers (17 speaker cabinets) and amplifiers arrived at Sutton Valence School Chapel. One of the largest Allen organs in Europe was about to give musical pleasure. After everything had been put together, music was soon being heard further afield than just the school quad. The console was placed between the choir stalls, with the organist having his back to the audience.

A large organ requires a large person (and, noting the 20-stone weight of the performer given in the programme, someone asked if this was the same as a ton). It was planned that Carlo should give a recital to the school after lunch, in addition to the public evening performance. However the extensive M20 roadworks, plus an unplanned sight-seeing tour meant that it was after 2.00 pm when Carlo arrived. He changed to his organ playing (ballroom dancing) shoes as he introduced himself and then launched into his arrangement of the Sinfonia from the Bach Cantata number 29. It was the first time the whole school had been assembled to sample a Sutton Valence Music Society Production. He then introduced the organ, and followed with a quiet piece To a Wild Rose. He then launched into his arrangement of Scott Joplin's The Carlo Curley and Kathryn Hannah

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The Suttonian 1992 organ are adapted for the instrument with good effect.

To popularise the organ, it is good to be ready to play tunes which are relatively familiar to the audience, so that their appreciation and respect for this instrument can be encouraged. If pieces written only for the organ are played, then the dullness which pervades so many organ lofts will continue.

This was followed by Ben Collins (U6) playing the trumpet solo in Jeremiah Clarke's Trumpet Voluntary.

Carlo had asked for pupil participation. After a nervous start (on the part of the trumpeter - or both?) the trumpet came over clear and definite with plenty of solid organ back-up. Kathryn Hannah (L6) then sang Pie Jesu

by Gabriel Faure. Her singing was clear although the quieter notes may have been lost for those sitting at the back of the Chapel. Carlo's next solo was the Rondo Capriccio by Edwin Lemare and this was followed by Liebestod (arranged Curley) by Richard Wagner. The main part of the concert closed with Edward Elgar's Imperial March. The solo organ trumpet part came through clearly as the concert was brought to a close.

What about the encores? Since the words of Land of Hope and Glory had already been printed in the programme, it was guessable that Pomp and Circumstance March number 1 would feature. After making suitable pointers to encourage the audience to direct him back to the console, Carlo launched into this march. There was no escaping a second encore when the Director of Music led Carlo down the aisle for a second rendering of Liberty Bell.

How does one summarise an evening - day - of such music? Those of us who watched Carlo play from the vantage point of the choir stalls appreciated the enormous amount of energy and musicianship that went into the performance of each item. The various registrations (stops) were often changed by hand during each piece and this, together with the change from one key board to another, was done effortlessly, as if there was all the time in the world available. Carlo's showmanship meant that it would have taken a great deal of hard line resistance not to be carried along by the enthusiasm and interest of the performer. Carlo's mission is to unstuff the organ loft, and to let people have the enjoyment of seeing him, as well as hearing him, play. At the end of a busy day and week in school, it was good to be able to relax without having to concentrate, to be refreshed without having to 'work out the plot' or 'be made to think'. I trust the appreciation of the 'King of Instruments' will have been enhanced in a small yet positive way by all who had the opportunity of hearing - and seeing - Carlo Curley perform.

Our thanks must also go to all those under the guidance of Philip Aldred who made the arrangements for this evening possible. Many others of us enjoyed playing on this massive organ while it stayed with us for a few days. Also thanks to Philip Horley for playing the Ride of the Valkyries and the Widor Toccata on Monday morning. Could these pieces really sound so good on the chapel organ? May those of our pupils who are learning the organ have their enthusiasm kindled even more after these events.

M Peterson

Christmas Carol Service 1991 Lcng before the traditional opening solo that marks the beginning of the service of Nine Lessons and Carols, the chapel was packed, enjoying an aperitif of Early Musik. The image on this year's programme of a flying dove was entirely appropriate. I have never heard our successful chapel choir sing as beautifully as on both occasions this Christmas. Unlike many similar services, the pace was never slow and the overall atmosphere created was one of freshness. After one of the carol services I overheard two local people saying that they considered the standard of excellence now enjoyed by our chapel choir to be outstanding. Congratulations to the Director of Music, his staff and all members of the chapel choir.

Mission Possible?

'There are two golden rules for an orchestra: start together and finish together. The public doesn't give a damn what goes on in between.' Clasping those comforting words of Sir Thomas Beecham firmly to our collective bosom we embarked upon the seemingly impossible task of preparing for concert performance in a mere day and a half a work with which many of us, I suspect, had had no significant previous acquaintance.

Work began at once, and in earnest, early on the Saturday afternoon with sectional rehearsals of a 'note bashing' kind so that by the time the entire force assembled itself at what the English generally regard as tea time we had at least an inkling of what sort of sounds we ought to be producing. The inherent difficulties of attempting to marry somewhat dubious Latin and Old

41

The Suttonian 1992 German texts in very small print to notes which were not always obviously related one to another probably led us to the pragmatic escape route of making what we hoped were appropriate noises at more or less the right moments; at any event, by close of play on Saturday the collective noises we were making might just have been recognisable as the work of one Carl Orff.

Time on Sunday fled as if in a dream; sectional rehearsals, full rehearsals, full rehearsals with percussionists and pianists and a final rehearsal with soloists leading inexorably to the initially dreaded, but finally eagerly anticipated, opportunity to inflict the results of our endeavours upon an unsuspecting audience. That they appeared to enjoy what they heard speaks volumes for the skill of conductor Stephen Threlfall and his team of vocal coaches (Veronica and Viv., David and Cornelis and the two Philips); mountains of gratitude are also owed to our distinguished assemblage of pianists, percussionists and solo singers, whose collective knowledge of the piece was reassuringly greater than our own!

Peter Wallis

Wealden Youth Music Society Carrnina Burana Oliver Whawell 21st. February Dharshi Tambiah 20th. March

The Wealden Youth Music Society is an organisation which arranges concerts, workshops,and masterclasses for the benefit of the community and especially the children of local schools.

This year, some 100 pupils from Angley, Benenden, Cranbrook, Dulwich College Prep, Holmwood and Sutton Valence schools joined forces with members of the Cranbrook and Sutton Valence choral societies to practise and perform, in just a few hours, Carmina Burana.

Having attended previous performances by the W.Y.M.S. I never cease to marvel at the high standard achieved in a very short space of time by such a wide range of participants. Carmina was no exception. They gave a truly memorable performance in support of the excellent soloists; Rachael Mills, Eileen Field and Martin Bruce. The piano accompaniment by Vivienn Sage and Dharshi Tambiah was outstanding whilst the percussionists, arranged by Wallace Ruby, added to the professionalism of the entire production.

In spite of, or perhaps because of, the concentrated hard work put in at rehearsals, the younger members especially must have enjoyed the thrill of being part of such a large choir. An experience which some may never have again.

The result of their efforts was much enjoyed by a large audience and was just reward for hard work put in by the Musical Directors and especially Stephen Threlfall, who encouraged and conducted with such enthusiasm.

E.D. Harrison

In the Lent term we were treated to two memorable evenings of music by the two senior Music Scholars, Oliver Whawell and Dharshi Tambiah. Each evening embodied in its own way the distinctive qualities which have made these two fine young musicians such distinguished and tireless contributors to music at Sutton Valence over the past five years or so.

Oliver's concert was richly varied, reflecting the great range of his musical interests from Mozart to Marti and Fernandez, from Bach to Bryan Ferry, from poised classical piano to deeply-felt saxophone improvisation - to say nothing of his talents in the areas of composition and arrangement.

To play Bach and Mozart, two composers perhaps most revealing of any technical flaws or unevenness, on an instrument for which they did not write and on which one is largely self-taught, is indeed a tough assignment.

Never one to shirk a challenge, Oliver performed Bach' s G Minor Sonata and Mozart's Turkish Rondo (in his own arrangement) with considerable aplomb. He also showed tremendous musical commitment in Harvey's lyrical and passionate Concertino for Soprano Saxophone. In all these pieces he was crisply and unobtrusively accompanied by Dharshi Tambiah. We were then treated to some highly accomplished piano-playing. Characteristically, Oliver challenged his audience by leading them off the beaten track of the well-known piano repertoire to Prokofiev's Visions Fugitives and Ibert's Histoires. He conveyed a sense of concentration, of carefully-judged variations of mood and tone; this was piano-playing with a purpose.

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The Suttonian 1992 Dharshi to bring out the rarely-heard left-hand melodies, their smoothness (brought about by skilful use of the pedal) contrasting warmly with the fiendish right-hand triplets. A cascade of octaves at the end of this piece brought the first half to a spectacular conclusion.

Just as Oliver had enjoyed himself in his second half, so too (the 'black-key' now safely behind her) did Dharshi. In this Russian music with its sighing rubato and banks of huge, heaving chords, she was in her element (indeed, I felt that she might have applied some of this rubato to her Chopin to make it a little more yearning: the music is great enough to take it and, after all, Chopin, like Rachmaninov, was a Slav in self-imposed exile from his oppressed compatriots). We started in the curious world of Medtner's Fairy Tale and moved on to two pieces by Skryabin. The Prelude for the Left Hand was one of the highlights of the evening: Dharshi showed us that she can achieve just as exquisite a melodic tone with her left hand as with her right (she also left the audience wondering how many hands they would need to play what she had played with one!). Finally then, to Rachmaninov. In the D Major Prelude Op.23 no.4 she produced perhaps the most sublime playing of the evening, applying all the smoothness and power of her technique to music which, clearly, she feels very deeply.

In the well-known C Minor Prelude we were once again reminded of the development of Dharshi's playing over recent months: in none of the several previous public performances of this piece have I seen her so technically secure or building the climaxes of the piece with such assurance and sound judgement. The evening ended with rapturous applause from a varied audience Dharshi's self-effacing enthusiasm had attracted to the concert several who are more regularly seen on the games field than in the Music School and who left the concert firmly resolved to listen to more classical piano music.

Having laid a sound foundation of 'serious' music in the first half, Oliver really began to enjoy himself in the second. And so did everyone else! His personality, manifested in two of his own compositions, in all the arrangements and in the drawing round him of an able and distinguished band (Len Rhodes, Phil Honey, Philip Aldred, James Roberts, Ben Collins and Dharshi) steadily, especially in numbers such as Guantanamera, engendered a spirit of uninhibited enjoyment in all of those present. Not that this part of the concert was without serious musical content: there was Susie, his own composition for Saxophone, which brought to mind some of Stephan Grapelli's touching and urbane miniatures. He also produced some really fine tenor saxophone playing in What Became of the Broken-hearted? and,especially, in his own Primitive Saxophone. Some of his improvisation in these pieces was highly compelling: at times one felt privileged to be present as, for a moment seemingly oblivious of his audience, Oliver poured his whole soul into the notes.

This, for me, was perhaps the highlight of the evening, but the abiding memory will be of warm musical camaraderie and unquenchable enthusiasm and commitment, perhaps Oliver's greatest gifts to the Sutton Valence musical fraternity over the years.

And so to Dharshi. She has delighted us on many occasions but never in such sustained and accomplished a fashion as on this particular evening.

The extent to which she has become, in the past year or so, altogether a more formidable presence on the concert platform was amply demonstrated by this recital. The programme (which - naturally for music-making of this high order - was played entirely from memory) was judiciously selected. In the first half due deference was paid to the mainstream Classical and Romantic tradition up to c.1850 while after the interval she turned to her beloved Russian repertoire. She made a secure start with Mendelssohn's Rondo Capriccioso. We have heard this from her before, but never in her previous performances has the right hand melody been so warm or so beautifully articulated, or the octave-playing so powerful. She then played a piece relatively new to her, the first movement of Haydn's A Flat Sonata Hob.XVI46. Here she managed admirably to establish a firm melodic framework amid the intricacies of ornament so characteristic of these sonatas. In the development section of this piece she piled the (for that pre-Beethovenian period) startling harmonic progressions one on top of the other with great vigour. Perhaps there could have been a slightly stronger sense of mystery in the closing section of the development but this was a very successful first outing for this piece.

The first half closed with three well-known Chopin pieces. The outer sections of the Fantasia-Impromptu were played with great fluency and energy, while in the E Flat Nocturne one was struck by the poise of Dharshi's playing and, as was the case throughout the evening, by the beauty of tone achieved in the melody. The 'black-key' Etude was, sensibly, not taken at such a ferocious tempo as one often hears: this enabled

We salute therefore two fine servants of music at Sutton Valence. Judging by the confident saxophone playing ofJames Roberts in Oliver's concert and by what has been on offer during recent Music Scholars' concerts (organised largely, it must be said, by Oliver and Dharshi) they leave behind them a flourishing tradition. What standards the future bearers of that torch have to live up to.

C.W.W. Wilson

Swirlbreeze the 14th. March 'Swirlbreeze' performed at the OnHazlitt theatre to a crowd of about four hundred people. Two other bands also appeared - 'Raindance' and 'Red Touch' (the headline band). The doors opened at 7.30 p.m. and the sound-checking was running way behind time, resulting in 'Swirlbreeze' having only a two minute check. This turned out however to their advantage since they were able to play at a very high volume which, I understand from James Sandom (bass player/vocalist), they feel the need to do since they are 43

Main picture: Frances Yonge.

Inset: James Roberts and Oliver VVhawell

The Suttonian 1992 It was good to see all the scholars performing together and their specially prepared, different encore proved that music is not only enjoyable and fun, but hard work as well!

P.S.A. and I would like to thank all the scholars and Exhibitioners for all that they have done during the past year and to Dharshi Tambiah and Oliver Whawell a particularly emphasised 'well done' and 'thank you'.

only a four-piece band. Their performance was a success judging from the crowd's reaction, despite the fact that they had to cut two numbers and make their epic Sundae Sea their last song. Their strictly Indie sound contrasted well with the rest of the evening's music.

Raindance', a light rock band, clearly showed that their main strength lay in their lead guitarist, taught by Vic Hyland, our school's guitar teacher. 'Red Touch' took a variety of styles and gave them their own distinctive flavour, including a 13 year-old rapper. They concentrated mainly on Blues, which was well appreciated by the older members of the audience. It was a successful evening on all fronts and was enjoyed by all.

0. Raisbeck, LVI

Music Scholars and Exhibitioners: Lucy Burbridge Victoria Day Kathryn Hannah Eloise Doorey Katherine New El izabeth Harrison Anna Rhodes Damian Penfold Emily Ward Dharshi Tambiah Frances Yonge Fiona Wight Oliver Whawell James Roberts P. Horley

Music Scholars' Concert his year's Music Scholars' Concert was a great Tsuccess.

It also allowed the three Art Scholars to

The Junior School Concert

present their work to the audience who could enjoy 'the best of both worlds'.

The two Senior Music Scholars just having had their own excellent concerts, it was a pleasure to see the Junior Scholars having a great deal of involvement in performance. Given a total of fourteen scholars each playing several instruments, there was obviously a wide range of styles and interpretations of the music: here are some of the special highlights of this wonderful concert.

The first was Fiona Wight singing Franck's Panis Angelicus ably accompanied by Kathryn Hannah on the 'cello and Dharshi Tambiah on the piano. Excellent line and phrase control (which she would repeat on the Euro-Tour). The next vocal item was I Know him so Well performed with panache by Elizabeth Harrison and Anna Rhodes. The emotional content of the words was expressed to the full by two well-balanced and warmed voices. Frances Yonge has written her own songs for several years now and her composition His whisper to me was everything that I have come to expect from her: words mixing excellently with well-structured and strong harmonies. I would like to see her develop them more - perhaps with other instruments for accompaniment. The first half ended with a flute quartet expertly handled by Damian Penfold, Lucy Burbridge, Eloise Doorey and Emily Ward. Although the music was together I would caution them about their tuning!

The Poulenc Flute Sonata is a personal favourite of mine. Damian's performance was both moving and exciting: he has matured considerably as a player this year - but might consider some work on breathing exercises. Here I should break to say a big 'well done' to all the accompanists, especially Frances and Kathryn.

I would urge them both to do as much as possible of this demanding aspect of musical life. One must know not only one's own part but the soloist's as well, and listening is absolutely crucial. At times I felt that Frances was perhaps ever so slightly heavy in her accompaniment of the otherwise excellent Stanford Intermezzo played

by Victoria Day. As a fan of both Tolkien and Swann it gave me great pleasure to listen to the Songs ofFarewell.

unior School Concerts are, to my mind, of the utmost Jimportance in developing the talents of the school's younger musicians, the majority of whom find singing and performing large-scale 'serious' works very off-putting, so the Junior Concert provides them with lighter-hearted works which they can tackle with gusto and enthusiasm.

This year's concert got off to a super start with a Bach Violin Sonata played superbly for one so young: Jonathan Cowell has a most promising future at Sutton Valence if his violin-playing improves proportionately.

Stuart Watson then performed at the piano with poise and feeling to be followed by Amy Lovegrove and Christina Judd who presented us with a delicate clarinet duet by Tchaikovsky. Fiona Wight and Victoria Day, with the Music Scholars' Concert ahead of them, chose not to play on their main instruments but instead sang two charming solos to the enthusiastic accompaniment of their teacher Mrs. Field. Then there was a little jazz and ragtime: Daniel Willdridge played the trombone with vigour and a feeling for style and was followed by a flute duet version of The Entertainer performed by Leonie Keys and Eloise Doorey, the other Junior Music Scholar. This was precisely played, getting nearer Scott Joplin's intention than The Bluesicians ever managed!

The Junior Choir put great feeling into the English folk song I gave my love an Apple, sensitively accompanied

by Eloise on the flute but I felt that they were much more at ease with the up-tempo number Blue Moon which had the audience tapping toes with delight at the uninhibited singing.

The concert was rounded off with the story of Frankenstein set to music. This pop cantata had many songs of varying styles all easily taken in the stride of the choir. It was a credit to all their hard work and to the conductor and impressario of the evening, Mr. Horley, that the event was imbued with a relaxed feeling of sheer musical pleasure and all involved, both performers and audience, are keenly anticipating next year's concert.

O. Whawell, UVI 45

The Suttonian 1992 Lundi 30 mars Apres une nuit de sommeil bien meritee mais quelque peu derangee par un groupe de jeunes italiens tres bruyants qui n'arretaient pas de parler ou de fumer, Peter nous a conduits, en faisant un detour par le vieux Strasbourg, jusqu'au bailment du conseil europeen, on pouvait apergevoir au loin le batiment du parlement europeen.

Apres avoir essaye de reconnaitre tous les drapeaux flottant devant le bailment du conseil et fait un petit tour dans les jardins de l'orangerie, nous avons retrouve les autres au centre de Strasbourg pour explorer ensemble la cathedrale et les rues avoisinantes. Avant le dejeuner, pour nous ouvrir appetit, nous avons chante sur le parvis (de la cathedrale), puis, en marchant,.nous sommes retournes en direction de l'hotel. Strasbourg est une cite qui demande beaucoup de temps a qui veut vraiment l'explorer et beaucoup d'entre nous auraient aime rester plus longtemps pour explorer ses magnifiques meandres de rues traverses par la riviere et les canaux.

Nous avons ensuite repete pour notre premier concert dans la tres belle eglise de St. Pierre-le-vieux, nous avons tous ete surpris par la qualite de l'accoustique de ce batiment, avec une repercussion du son d'a peu pres cinq secondes. La repetition s'est tres bien passee et le concert lui meme a ete un succes.

L'eglise etait pleine, environ cinq cents personnes.

Au programme nous avions Non Nobis Domine, le Parris Angelicus de Cesar Frank, le Magnfficat de Pergolesi ainsi que le Requiem de Mozart.

Le public nous a chaudement applauclis.

Tournee musicale en Europe Dimanche 29 mars Un matin plutot froid et sombre vers six heures, 49 eleves accompagnes de professeurs et amis se sont retrouves sur le parking de l' ecole pour prendre l'autobus. 11 etait en realite seulement cinq heures, comme nous avions avance nos pendules dune heure la nuit precedente. Lorsque nous sommes arrives a Ramsgate le jour pointait, mais le ciel etait (toujours) gris et menac ant.

Toutefois, ce n'etait pas un mauvais presage. A Ramsgate nous avons rencontre Peter qui allait devenir notre 'super' chauffeur tout au long du voyage.

La traversee jusqu.' a Dunkerque s' est effectuee sans probleme, a bord d'un des confortables bateaux de la compagnie 'Sally' ; nous avons particulierement apprecie la nourriture! Nous avons entame notre long periple a travers la Belgique, le Luxembourg et de nouveau la France, en direction de Strasbourg.

Quelques petits problemes se sont poses a notre premier arret quand un paiement a ete demande pour l'utilisation 'des toilettes': heureusement nous avons reussi a recenillir assez de francs! Nous avons pu rapidement reprendre la route. L' ennui du voyage a ete dissipe, pour certains, quand la video de Top Gun est apparue sur l'ecran televise: des avions volant a basse altitude, voyageant de concert avec nous.

Nous sommes finalement arrives a Strasbourg a l'hotel Arcade ou nous attendait Nicholas Francis, le representant de 'Concertworld' en France, qui allait devenir, comme Peter, notre ami et compagnon de tournee.

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The Suttonian 1992

At Speyer Mardi 31 mars Bien top ete nous avons guitte Strasbourg en remontant la vallee du Rhin jusqu'a Speyer. Notre distraction du math etant un episode de Blackadder suivi de la video de Ghost. La cathedrale de Speyer, nous est apparue

comme depouillee apres celle de Strasbourg. Nous avons entame notre recital, vers midi, avec la 'Clavinova'. Une variete de courts extraits joues ou chantes faisaient partie de note programme, execute en faveur des visiteurs de passage a la cathedrale.

C'etait dune certaine maniere le recital le plus difficile et le moins bien percu de note toumee.

Apres le dejeuner et la degustation, pour certains, d'un croque-monsieur hawaien, recommande par Peter, choix judicieux, nous avons continue notre periple en remontant la vallee du Rhin, en direction de Cologne. Nous avons pu admirer a loisir la vue spectaculaire sur la vallee de la Moselle bordee de vignobles. Nous sommes arrives a Pulheim, une ville pres de Cologne, avec douze minutes de retard. Nous y avons retrouve nos families d'accueil allemandes dont nous anions apprecier l'hospitalite durant deux nuits.

Kathryn Hannah in Gallic pose on a bateau mouche

Mercredi 1 er avail Nous nous sommes tous retrouves a l' ecole de Pulheim pour aller a Cologne en train. Comme la gare de Cologne est tout pres de la cathedrale et comme nous avions assez de temps avant le recital, nous en avons profits pour faire un tour de vine, pour flaner le long du Rhin, tout en observant le trafic et bien sur pour decouvrir la cathedrale.

Nous avons eu le plaisir de donner un recital dans la cathedrale a l'heure du dejeuner. Nous y avons interprets le Magnificat de Pergolesi sans accompagnement musical mail avec l'improvisation la 'swingle' des basses. Apres le dejeuner nous sommes alles a l'eglise St. Pantaleon, datant du Xe siecle, pour une repetition. Un autre endroit merveilleux pour le chant et pour le plaisir des yeux. Nous avons passe le reste de l'apres-midi en excursion sur le Rhin

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The Suttonian 1992 pendant que d'autres sont alles nager ou flaner Cologne.

Le soir nous avons interprets notre second important concert devant une eglise comble. Cette fois, nous avons chants Le pretre Zadok de Handel, Le cantique de Jean Racine de Faure, Les Cinq Chants Mystiques de Vaughan Williams ainsi que la deuxieme partie du Requiem de Mozart. Nous sommes ensuite retoumes dans nos families d'accueil.

Jeudi 2 avril Tot le matin nous nous sommes retrouves a Pulheim pour dire au revoir a nos families d'accueil dont nous avions tant apprecie la gentillesse pendant la duree de notre sej our et qui nous ont permis d' avoir un avant gout de la vie en Allemagne. Je voudrais ici remercier au nom de tous Mike Jillians et Kristl pour avoir organise un tel accueil.

Bref passage en Hollande, en route cette fois pour Bruxelles avec Beetlejuice sur le petit ecran.

Nous avons fait une halte pour dejeuner dans les locaux dune association pour etudiants a Hassell, avant d'aller a l' hotel Arcade de Leuven.

Apres nous etre rapidement installes, nous sommes partis pour la banlieue de Bruxelles, oil nous avons chants a reglise de la Paroisse de St. Lambertus a Woluwe. C 'etait la premiere fois que nous chantions (depuis le debut de notre tournee) devant une communaute paroissiale et nous nous sommes tout de suite sentis les bienvenus.

Encore une fois, l'eglise etait pleine. Les morceaux choisis etaient les memes que ceux chantes a St. Pantaloon: un autre succes. Apres le concert quelques rafraichissements nous attendaient dans une des salles de la paroisse, une agreable fin de joumee. Nous sommes ensuite rentres a Leuven.

Above: Choral concentration Below: In St. Pierre-le-Vieux, Strasbourg

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The Suttonian 1992 Vendredi 3 avril Peter nous a fait faire un tour de Bruxelles en autocar, en nous montrant tous les fameux monuments. Nous nous sommes arretes pour le repas de midi au centre ville pour voir '.Mannichen Pisse', Peter nous ayant recommande un magasin de chocolats, nous en avons profits pour suivre son conseil.

C'etait le seul jour (DU nous ne donnions pas de concert et bientot nous pardons pour Paris. La majeure pantie de la journee nous avons suivi la ligne en construction du T.G.V. entre Paris et Calais. A l'hatel Arcade de la Villette nous retrouvions Nicholas Francis le soir. Apres le diner, lui et Peter nous ont fait visiter Paris en passant pres de l'Arc de Triomphe, nous avons egalement ete temoins d'un accident entre deux

chauffeurs frangais. Nick Francis nous a donne un interessant apergu de l'histoire de France depths la deuxieme guerre mondiale. La soiree s'est deroulee pour la plupart d' entre nous, a bord d'un bateau mouche sur la Seine, d'oU nous pouvions voir les principaux batiments illumines. Nous sommes ensuite alles a la tour Eiffel et nous sommes emerveilles a la vue de ce complexe ouvrage de metal illumine se dressant au dessus de nous.

De retour a l'hatel, nous avons eu droit a un concert improvise donne par des instrumentalistes, avec J. Roberts aux percussions, percussions constituees de bouteilles et de verres, it n'en a casse qu'un!!

Samedi 4 avril Nous sommes partis, le math, pour Montmartre et le Sacre Coeur. Le cote commercial de l'endroit et la foule, nous ont horrifies ainsi que la nature sordide du quartier. De retour a l'autobus, nous avons decouvert que celui-ci avait ete fracture, trois de nos porte-documents avaient disparu. Celui de Peter ne contenait pas grand chose, seulement des cartes, mais Nicholas avait perdu tous ses papiers d'organisation pour les tournees a venir. Philippe Aldred avait laisse son passeport ainsi que des effets personnels ayant une grande valeur pour lui dans le sien.

Malgre cela nous sommes quand meme alles a de la cite, ou nous avons passe quelques minutes sur le monument aux morts, en l'honneur des juifs parisiens qui furent deportes pendant la seconde guerre mondiale. Nous avons ensuite pris notre dejeuner dans le quartier St. Michel ou nous nous sommes disperses dans plusieurs petits cafes, avec l'interdiction formelle d' aller au `McDonalds' (cela depuis Cologne).

Certaines personnes ont meme eu le temps de visiter Notre-Dame.

L'apres-midi nous sommes alles jusqu'a Chartres, nous pouvions apercevoir a l'horizon la cathderale flanquee de ses deux fleches. Apres un tres bon repas, nous avons eu la repetition finale dans le magnifique choeur de la cathedrale. Le concert final, qui etait exactement le meme que celui interprets a Strasbourg, se deroula sans probleme, encore une fois un public avoisinnant les 300 personnes. De retour a Paris avec de nombreux chants venant de l'arriere du bus. OU trouvaient-ils leer energie?

"I'm sure I can hear Mozart turning in there!"

Dixnanche 5 avril Le demier jour de la toumee. Que le temps passe vite!

Nous avions du pain sur la planche. Nous sommes alles chanter a la cathedrale americaine de Paris pour un service religieux (Ste communion). Cette fois nous avons interprets, un des Chants Mystiques, le Paris Angelicus, Ave Verum de Mozart et Thou wilt keep him de Wesley. Ainsi nous avons celebre l'apogee de notre tournee. Apres le service religieux, nous avons eu droit au cafe dans une atmosphbre accueillante et amicale.

Ensuite nous sommes alles manger dans le quartier de l'opera.

Pais nous avons du dire au revoir a Nicholas Francis et nous avons remis nos cadeaux a Peter, Nicholas et aux deux Philippes. Avant de prendre le chemin du

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The Suttonian 1992

Guernica the 21 of January, Anthony Slinn visited OntheTuesday school, in order to give a talk on Pablo Picasso.

Anthony Slinn had visited once before, when he gave a talk on Vincent Van Gogh. He spoke of how he had travelled in order to gain an insight into the painter and his work.

This time Anthony Slinn's enthusiastic talk was not so much about the painter but more specifically about one of his paintings. He spoke about Guernica, one of Picasso's later works. Slinn considered it to be the best painting of the 20th Century.

Picasso was a student in Barcelona, and so probably would have seen the subject of his painting, bull fighting, many times. Guernica is a town in the Basque region of Northern Spain, in the province of Vizcaya. The severe air bombing of the town by German aircraft, supporting the Nationalists in April 1937, provoked Picasso to paint the work. The painting is huge, approximately 28 feet by 16 feet.

The work expresses Picasso's hate towards the violence of war. It contains imagery of a bull full of pride for the carnage produced, a woman holding a light to the destruction and a falling horse with its head held aloft in protest to the killing of the innocent. This massive composition is now in New York, behind a glass screen.

Although people listened, many already considered Picasso to be a bad painter. They were surprised, however, when shown some paintings Picasso painted at the age of thirteen, as they showed his fine ability to draw and paint. Slinn tried hard to make the talk interesting and appealing, perhaps too hard. I personally preferred the talk on Van Gogh, as it was more about the artist.

Oliver Vickery

Messrs. Honey and Pettman at the organ retour en direction de Dunkerque, nous avons fait un tour rapide de Paris en autobus. Cette fois la video etait Grease. Enfin un film sans violence! Apres une agreeable traversee, nous avons dit au revoir a Peter avant de repartir pour recole ou nous sommes arrives a 23h30. emories: Strasbourg with its waterfronts .... St MPierre-le-Vieux ....the Rhine Valley .... Speyer Cathedral .... Cologne Cathedral .... German hospitality .... St. Pantaleon .... St. Lambertus, Woluwe .... the Seine by night .... Sacre-Coeur .... Montmartre .... Chartres Cathedral .... the American Cathedral in Paris ....

Nicholas Francis with his knowledge of Paris and his desire to show us the places we ought to see .... Peter's marvellous driving and his companionship to all the party .... the friendliness and companionship of all on the tour. These are just a few of the memories that will remain.

This was a most memorable and successful tour.

The singing was always good - how could it be anything else given the beautiful surroundings in which we were privileged to sing! But there was more to it than that.

Fiona Wight's singing of PanisAngehcus was a great thrill ... the professionalism of Eileen Field, Christopher Field and Martin Bruce, ably supported by Dharshi Tambiah and Kathryn Hannah, not only as soloists, but also as members of the choir, giving those around them confidence .... the hard work and concentration of the younger members of the choir, who must at times have been very tired .... the skill and dexterity of Philip Horley who played on at least seven different instruments during the course of the week, each one presenting him with a different set of problems .... and last, but certainly not least, the dedication and organisation of Philip Aldred who made it all possible and kept us going with his conducting and his inexhaustible enthusiasm. To all these and indeed to all the party a very big thank-you.

Did I hear someone mention America in 1994?

C.R.G. Shaw, traduit par S. Barral

Clive McCartney, Artist in Residence Exhibition 21st. September Saturday was the This opening evening of a week-long exhibition. Clive is our new artist-in-residence and started off at Sutton Valence with a fine show of paintings, sketches and photographs. There was plenty of work to be seen, all the walls being quite covered and the tables strewn with sketch pads. Recently Clive had been on a tour of the Middle East including India and the first part of the exhibition displayed his wonderful black and white photography of ancient ruins and interesting people. His charcoal work continued the black/white, light/shade theme, with sketches of country views and woodlands. I enjoyed the exhibition very much and look forward to the next one.

P. Turner, 2A 50

Creative

The Suttonian 1992

Point of View Isn't it about time we stopped smoochers and tonsil-ticklers from making a display of themselves around the school?

A few years ago not only was there restraint as to how the boys approached the girls but the physical proximity of the two sexes when they approached each other was seen to be of considerable significance, which is how the unwritten 'Six-Inch Rule' came to be enacted. Those who were fortunate enough to find their other halves (Ed. see Plato's Symposium: Aristophanes' definition of love) in the ever-increasing pool of females showed tact and discretion when they found the need to perform teenage courtship rituals by migrating to quiet corners behind the Fives' Courts or Gym. Such subtlety of approach has today all but vanished.

Is the 'Six-Inch Rule' out of date simply because the ratio of girls to boys has increased? Have we subconsciously become more tolerant of public smoochers and is this justifiable? Perhaps, perhaps not. Nonetheless we must not fall short of complying with a rule which is by and large one of social decency rather than school bureaucracy. It would be unreasonable and selfish to say that the mutual affection of adolescents should not be demonstrated but we must never lose sight of social etiquette, if only for the sake of aesthetic considerations.

An Upper Sixth Former Right: The Head of School enforcing the 'Six-Inch Rule?'

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The Suttonian 1992

Alone Again We said goodbye.

He kissed me and left.

He disappeared into the night.

Only visible now, the glow of his cigar.

I missed him: Looked foward to seeing him soon.

I spoke to his wife.

She was cold, uninterested.

Time passed.

Still I looked forward to seeing him.

Still I missed him.

At last it was time.

But he did not come; It was his wife.

"He's gone", she said.

"He won't come back".

Again I hold my head in my hands, And I cry.

For I loved him.

He was my father.

B. Armstrong, SA

The Old Man and the Sea (after Hemingway) He was old and was weakening as he sailed, Sailing waters which he knew so well: Yet he had searched the way so long.

As he reached that silent sea, Once rich with fish and bird, He cast his line, out to the blue, And waited, waited for the final catch.

It came: the line was taut ... at last!

But his destiny had not changed When he lost that fish to Nature's unfair way.

Was he, as was the fish, stripped Of all his pride, and left A carcass on a stony beach?

D. Hayman

53

The Journey It was Friday: the day that the Gilligans were leaving for a camping holiday Just about everything had been packed into the shiny, red camper van.

Sarah, Maggy, Will and Molly climbed into the back and settled down while Sarah took out some packed lunches and gave one each to the children. Their parents, Dan and Hannah, clambered into the front and after several attempts Dan managed to get the engine started. Swiftly they were out of their cul-de-sac and onto the open road. The journey had begun.

Sarah and Maggy started playing cards, Will soon joining in.

"Sazzy!" cried Molly. "Can I play, Saz? Please?'

'Well, er... I suppose so. That is, if you're very good."

"Thank you Saz. What do I do?"

"Here are seven cards, okay?" started Will, "and what you have to do is put them down there, in this order, okay? And you use these matchsticks as money to bet with. Now say I was to put down a blackjack, you would have to pick up ten cards from the pack. If it was a red jack, you would pick up five. The winner is the first person to use up all their cards."

"His cards, Will," said Maggy suddenly.

"Yeah: whatever. Anyway Moll, you'll catch on," continued Will.

"Okay, I've got it," said Molly enthusiastically.

'Will! Teaching little Molly how to gamble!" interrupted Dan jokingly.

"Sorry Dad. Well now, you wouldn't want her getting left out, would you?"

"No, I suppose not," agreed Dan. "Hey, kids," began Hannah, "do you want your lunch? 'Cos you can start now."

Will rummaged through the sandwiches, scoffing food down impolitely. The girls looked on, appalled.

'William Gilligan!" exclaimed Maggy. 'You are not a yob: well

The Suttonian 1992 you're not supposed to be. I'm ashamed of you!" and she turned her back to her book and didn't see the faces Will was pulling.

"Mg .. Mag...Maggy?" persevered Molly as she munched through an apple.

"Have you got my colours and colouring book? Because I'm going to draw a picture and it's going to be red and blue and green and yellow and it will be a rainbow with fairies on it, sliding."

"Yes, Molly!" giggled Maggy, "I've got them all, sweetie." She searched in her bag for the colours and book, soon finding them and handing them over. At the same time, Will took out his personal stereo and turned it up very loudly, beginning to dance and sing.

'Will! Will! WILL!" screamed Sarah.

"Shut up! Turn that down!" shouted Maggy. Will began to argue with her while Molly sat, absorbed and contented, with her drawing. Sarah was staring out of the window, not really paying attention to anything. She thought about home and how Miffy, Molly's rabbit, was feeling. What were her own friends doing? She took the necklace and locket from around her neck, opened it and stared at the face of her boy friend Eric, whom she was beginning to miss already. The rain was beating down outside.

Its gentle music filled Sarah's ears and she felt as if she were floating on a cloud.

"You shut up, you great fat... " shouted Will.

"You what? What am I?" snapped Maggy.

"Give it a break you two," intervened Dan, half twisting in his seat. "You always argue. I'm driving you on holiday for a relaxing time and I don't particularly want to listen to your ravings. How about half an hour's peace and quiet?"

The sudden silence after his speech was broken by the chilling blast of a lorry's horn, a juggernaut's. It came hurtling round the bend like a bull with nostrils flared and an even stronger determination. The

machine was out of control and heading straight for the shiny, red camper van. Hannah screamed, an angry, cold, frightened scream. Then silence.

Molly heard the noises of a busy room. Her eyelids flickered and opened to reveal a stark, white-washed room. She could feel pain and knew that something was wrong.

"Mummy! Mummy!" she screamed out loud: but she couldn't hear herself screaming and she couldn't hear Mummy.

"Mummy! Mummy, Mummy!" she cried. No-one was there though, no-one was listening.

Molly couldn't see the nurse beside her, trying to calm her. All she could see was pain and anguish. Then she saw a lady: it wasn't her mother but it was someone who was kind.

"Molly, love, would you like to be with your family again?' enquired the white figure.

"Yes. I want Mummy and Daddy and Sarah and Will and Maggy and Miffy," she answered.

54

'It has to be Miffy or your family, Molly. You have a choice."

"My family, please. Miffy will not live all that long and there is only one of him."

"Oh, Molly," sighed the figure.

"How old are you?"

"I'm six, nearly seven."

"So young. You are a star, glittering and lonely in a galaxy of stars; a grain of sand on a beach washed out to sea."

'What do you mean?' asked Molly.

"Come, Molly love. Take my hand. Let's leave this place and find your family. Miffy will join you very soon anyway. Say goodbye."

The nurse by Molly's side looked at the crushed and bleeding little body and knew that the life had left it. Molly was dead.

C. Dearing, 3A

The Suttonian 1992

Modern Art Art MItodern makes me gape; Picasso's woman, What a shape!

An eye over here, And where's her nose?

Surely she can't have two of those!

Luminous colours, Electric green skies, They really are too hard on the eyes.

And if those are trees, They're far too short, He needs to give those a lot more thought.

And that, over there, Another tree?

It cannot be.

It's only halfway up to her knee!

And down in the corner, It's easy to see, Something that looks like a man to me.

So much clearer, Well, that's a start.

What's the difference When it's Modern Art? Tim Jones, IA

Arts' week at Sutton Valence This week is Our Annual Contemporary Arts Week.

Come to an activity And see what's going on; You could try drama, Learn the piano Or paint a portrait.

If you try painting After two hours, You could produce An excellent portrait.

But if you are musical Learn the piano In two easy lessons.

Of course You could try drama And become an actor, But it's up to you Just what you do; but remember, After one week, It's all over for another year.

S.A. Watson, IA

Melancholy

Oedipus the King Royal-born in Corinth Oedipus fled from his curse: But running away from prophecies Made his suffering worse.

He solved the riddle of the Sphinx, Rescued the city from disaster The Hero: crowned as King of Thebes Won his wife (his mother) Jocasta.

Once again the city of Thebes Was struck with poverty and pain: Laius' killer had to be exiled Before Thebes prospered again.

Oedipus proudly pronounced a curse, The most terrible ever known, Placed upon the murderer's headIronically, his own.

Solving the mystery of his birth He realised the deed he'd done: Brother and father to his children That were mothered by wife and son.

Again and again he plunged a needle Deep down into his eyes.

He refused to see the pain he'd caused How he himself was despised.

And so the tale of Oedipus is told The twisted story of fate.

He killed his father, married his mother And was banished outside the city gate.

E. Lloyd, LVI

take my paintbrush in my hand IAnd slosh the paint around.

A dribble from my palette Plummets to the ground.

The noise it makes is deafening For the room is dead and still.

The woman I am painting Is twitching and looks ill.

I fiddle with my easel To adjust to my great height.

My model's face is over-done It makes her look a fright, But I must paint her beautifully That's the way it has to be.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder As everyone can see.

My mind is in another frame Another shape, another day The pictures passing through ny head Will not focus and will not stay.

Bijan Shahrad, I A

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Artists and Art Photographers: Kenneth Lau, covers: Paul Ruble pages 51, 53, 54, 68 : Reginald Yue pages 57, 60; Holly Browne pages 58, lower page 59; Olivia Piper top page 59; Oliver Vickery page 39 and this page above; Sam Miller this page below;

Ii' 4:4

Combined Cadet For

The Suttonian 1992

The qualities of a Leader

Army

There are many qualities traditionally associated with a leader: tall, dark and dashingly handsome. One who is well-liked and respected by his men and his fellow-officers. A true man who does not hold himself aloof from those under his command but one who would rather be dodging the bullets in a mud-filled trench than sitting in a warm, bomb-proof shelter. One who would prefer to experience the battle first-hand rather than watch it unfold by means of scale models on a map. The sort of officer whose men follow his orders not because they have to, but because they know that he himself would do the job they have been required to do if only he could. The man who actually adheres to the old military saying "Men before officers", and who eats the same food as his men and shares their standard of discomfort when the need arises. The man who possesses that indefinable air of natural authority...

So why is Alastair Hudd in charge of the C.C.F.?

(Only joking Alastair...)

J. Horn, SA

Major Parkinson was O.C. once again this year, organising the corps effectively, and with the help of his sub-unit commanders the C.C.F. continued to maintain its high standard. Captain N. Jones was in charge of the Royal Engineers, Captain B. Miller in command of the Infantry, 2nd.Lt. Hendry kept his eyes on the Junior Company and Mr. Rothwell, awaiting commission, supervised the Signals.

Alastair Hudd, having performed particularly well at UKLF, finishing in the top section, was duly promoted to WO I (RSM), the highest rank the corps has witnessed for many years. He led the C.C.F. with great enthusiasm and vigour and was an excellent leader. WO II Andrew Hepner was in charge of the Junior Company with C/Sgt. Slaughter as 2 i/c. The Royal Engineers was supervised by S/Sgt. Edward Moore while the Infantry, in a break with tradition and a sure sign of the times, was led by C/Sgt. Katherine Roberts who had no problems in controlling the male cadets. S/Sgt. J. Kentish Barnes, responsible for the Signals, did well to encourage the cadets in his company.

Field Days were held at Mereworth Woods, St.Martin's Plain and at Ashdown Forest. In the autumn, at Mereworth, the Infantry carried out basic tactical exercises including assaults and ambushes scaring the wits of our unsuspecting 1st. Year cadets.

The latter were taught the techniques of basha-building, concealment and the art of maintaining silence when N.C.O.s are in the vicinity looking for them. The Signals were the means of communication whilst the Royal Engineers went to 33 Engineer Regiment to be taught methods of bridge-building and assault-course technique.

In the Lent Term the majority of the corps went to Folkestone, sleeping at St. Martin's Plain barracks and shooting the following day at Hythe Ranges. As usual there was much appreciation of Army food which always seems to be of such a high quality.

The shooting team performed well in CADSAM and the cadets taking part in the Patrols' Competition did particularly well, coming fourth in a field of forty teams. The Sutton Valence C.C.F. continues to perform well in all competitions, a fact the more impressive when set against the relatively small size of the school.

All in all this year has been extremely successful and we have been rewarded with much praise from those with whom we have come into contact outside the school: long may such a tradition last.

WO H Al Hepner

Ed. - An interesting assumption of gender, Jonathan.

Corps Camp 1991 at Okehampton, Devon.

At Okehampton we were billeted next to the assault course. Convenient? No! Although in our spare time we watched other schools go over it and had a good laugh at their expense this soon stopped when it was our turn: after that we had great sympathy for them.

There were many exercises for us to do and blank and live firing for all. Against the formidable background of the Tors we skirmished with the regular soldiers based at Okehampton. On some occasions we ventured up the Tors for orienteering purposes, such strenuous activities helping us sleep soundly at night. We proved ourselves to be more than equal to the challenge from larger C.C.F. contingents, winning the marching and shooting competitions. We were a small, select bunch of keen volunteers who were there to enjoy ourselves yet be good ambassadors for the school.

There was time for activities other than military. We spent a day on the reservoirs canoeing and jumping off the high dam wall. The water was cold but was bravely faced by all. After that we went into the quarries where we abseiled on some quite challenging faces and when we had mastered these we were shown how to abseil going down front first, running down the face.

In the evenings it was possible to go to the NAAFI where we could relax and mix with cadets from other schools, except when it was one's turn to mount the fire picket which meant staying together and alert the whole night. We were the best team and the first to reach the place where there was to be a 'fire': in this practice we were ably led by Sgt. Byng-Maddick. When the end of the week arrived, all too soon for some of us, we returned to school a happy and tired group of cadets.

J. Field, LVI 62

The Suttonian 1992 On the Assault Course which followed we finished in a time of 2.23, a feat remarked on for the rest of the competition. The time was good enough to give us first place for which there was a shield and medals for the team. The rest of the day consisted of Military Skills (in which Chris Pope and Ali Pares obtained nearly full marks in the map-reading section), First Aid, .22 Shooting and the Personal Assault Course (in which Simon Byng-Maddick and Chris Morgan achieved full marks). The points gave us third place overall. Next came the Daytime Orienteering which consisted of a four-mile course to be completed in the fastest time all the reference points having been visited. At one point we thought we were going to have to drop out because of James Waters' bowel problems but with determination he managed to complete the course. The last event of this day was the Night Navigation which took place at 10.30 p.m. We completed the course in good time in second place. At the end of the first day we were lying third overall but only twenty points behind the leaders.

The Sunday had only one event, the dreaded Six Mile March and Shoot. It was during this that we were all glad of the training we had done at school. We finished the run in lhr.4mins., a good time, but for the second year running we were let down by our shooting.

This was the point at which teams with easy access to a range have a great advantage, as this part of the competition is won or lost on the shoot. At the end we had come fourth out of forty teams and were only 3 points behind third place. The competition had been long and hard but we had all enjoyed ourselves.

The team would like to thank Cpt. Miller and Mrs. Wilkinson for making it all possible when, at one stage, it looked very doubtful whether or not we would have enough people to make a team.

Team: C. Morgan (Capt.), A. Pares, J. Waters, K. Roberts, S. Byng-Maddick, C. Pope and C. Miller.

C. Morgan

CADSAM 1991 CADSAM is one of the major regional shooting competitions held every year and last year two teams from school spent the weekend there. We arrived outside the C.C.F. huts on a Friday afternoon with our nick-sacks and loaded the minibus with large hampers of food and other things for the weekend including, of course, the rifles. All ten of us were soon on the motorway, including 2nd. Lt. Wilkinson and Capt. Miller.

A fairly comfortable journey was accomplished to the accompaniment of 'Guns and Roses'.

On Saturday morning Brian Miller insisted on his three cups of tea before getting up and Mrs. Wilkinson cooked the breakfast. We had an early shoot - which was, after all, what we had gone for - and zeroed our rifles ready for the various competitions that lay ahead, the E.T.R. (Electronic Target Range), the Gallery and the Falling Plate. In this last, the team has to run 100 metres and then shoot down ten plates as quickly as possible.

The U18 team went and nine plates had fallen: the team had run out of rounds and were in the lead. Kate Fitzgerald had one round left and the team awaited anxiously as the other schools were catching up fast.

Kate did not leave us in despair and fired the shot that won them that round. Unfortunately they were beaten later on in the competition but did better than the U16 team. However the latter had a good weekend, coming first in the E.T.R. and each receiving a 'gold' medal, about which we were all very pleased.

Of course it rained - we expected that - and some of the tents had to be dried out, one almost going up in flames as the groundsheet caught fire. Not only was the rain irritating, it also got into our sights, which was a niiisance. Nevertheless we carried on and not only shot in the various competitions but also tried the Army's SA 80.

After the competitions had finished we stayed for the presentations and the U16 team was awarded the prize for the Best Overall in that category. The four of us were marched out by Jo Howard to receive not only individual medals but a large shield as well which now resides on Capt. Miller's shelf. We had all had an enjoyable and successful weekend and we were, I think, somewhat relieved on returning to school.

J. Roberts, 5A

What it's like to be a C.C.F. Raw Recruit Who would believe it? Cold, smelly, dirty, face covered with ant-bites, blistered heels: an ingeniously devised punishment by Dr. Sabine? No, a great weekend away at my first C.C.F. Field Day. It helps to have some experience of camping but the NCOs are always there to answer questions and to help with the putting up of bashas (canvas groundsheets suspended above the ground for 'shelter'). They were little protection from the first October frost and we froze in our sleeping bags. Despite this, the experience was fun, exhilarating and exciting as was crawling through the bushes in the dead of night to get away from an unplanned confrontation with the Marines, who were also sharing the training area.

Back at school marching was drilled further into our heads and the NCOs began the task of teaching us all about rifles, especially the difference between the right end and the wrong one. We still have a lot to learn but we have made good progress and are working hard in the hope of becoming NCOs ourselves and one day having our turn at running the new cadets up and down.

I. Jones, 3A

Patrols' Competition The South East District Patrols' Competition was once again held at Longmoor Training Area in Hampshire.

The event is held to test all aspects of military skills, physical and mental, and was this year fiercely contested by forty schools and ACFs. For the first time this year Sutton Valence had a female representative in the shape of Katherine Roberts who showed herself to be as able as any of the boys.

Saturday was the first day of the competition and started for us with the Leadership Task at which we came second thanks to some heroics from Chris Miller.

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The Suttonian 1992

Tri-shoot v. King's, Canterbury and St.Edmund's, Canterbury e left the quad in thick fog at about 8.30 a.m., only Wone hour later than planned (there were the usual delays!). When we arrived at Hythe Ranges we found the other two teams waiting in the brilliant sunshine.

After cleaning and zeroing we got down to the Electric Target competition during which the wooden planks on which we rested seemed to give everybody sore elbows. We all piled into the minibus while the other teams were shooting to try and find some padding. All eyes turned to the lunch box. The other teams looked very puzzled as they watched us strapping ham rolls and pork pies to our elbows - but they did the trick!

Appreciation for packed lunches at last... At the end of Joanna Howard the day the results showed that everyone had shot well. Unfortunately we did not quite manage to take the winning shield from St. Edmund's but we were content with a close second and the overall individual gold medal. Many thanks to Captain Miller and Mrs. Wilkinson for giving up another Sunday for us.

J. Howard, 5A

The Sergison Trophy The day started off overcast and windy. The preparations for the event started and the school shooting team turned up to give a hand. As the final touches were put into place the sky above looked on the point of opening and postponing the day's shooting.

Rumours were going around that the staff team had some good shots but this did not lower the morale of the team. As the first of the parents turned up the clouds disappeared and the sun came out. Drinks were quickly handed around, the barbecue was lit and things were finally under way.

The parents and staff were allowed ten rounds' grouping practice to exercise their rusty trigger fingers while the shooting team had an exclusion zone of five metres around the rifles until the competition started.

The score board sat outside the range (waiting to be filled) with the trophy (waiting to be awarded to the shooting team, of course). The food was put on the barbecue and the first pair of shooters went into the range. The competition consisted of two five round groups and a ten ball card (one round at each ball).

Several hours later the scores were added up. The shooting team had won (what a surprise!). Everyone had had an enjoyable day, with good food and some good shooting (even from those who had not shot a rifle in many years). I should like to thank Mrs. Wilkinson and Mr. Harcourt for the wonderful lunch, and Mr. Miller for organising the shoot.

S. Byng-Maddick

Signals Section the past year the Signals section has been active Over on many fronts. Starting with the Summer field day in 1991, when there were several successful exercises - though this is not what my present Staff Sergeant John Kentish Barnes - remembers. He insists on reminding me that I gave a lecture on the fact that, on a balmy summer night like this, only wets would sleep under a basha. Unfortunately, when later in the night I became wet I was forced to join Ian Jones under his! I was later informed by a geographer that it was not rain, but 'tree nucleated dew precipitation'...

Memories of the Autumn Term field day seem a touch less accurate, although I have it on very good authority that Kate Fitzgerald trying to wear a PRC349 64

The Suttonian 1992

at Blandford Forum, and Jeremy Field attending a Basic Signalling course.

Overall, we have a small but enthusiast troop, who have greatly improved in their signalling skills over the year.

RA Rothwell (based on notes by John Kentish Barnes)

two-way radio bears more than a passing resemblance to Rab C. Nesbit.

The Lent field day was very successful, with the Signals taking the part of the enemy during the night exercise. As seems to happen on this type of event, we lost. During the exercise we crossed paths with the Junior Company, who were running a night concealment exercise. This - for some reason that I do not fully understand - led to a volley of blanks being fired over an apparent corpse. It might have been Louis Kampanis trying to be invisible by lying in the middle of a field. The weekend was completed spectacularly, with our Signalmen setting up an antenna with the PRC320 radio which communicated with units in Germany and Cambridge!

Also, for the first time in a few years we have had cadets away on training courses, with John Kentish Barnes attending an Advanced Cadet Signalling Course,

Adventure Training his year Adventure training was again held in the Lake TDistrict, which offers excellent facilities for all the activities planned. The party consisted of twenty-three boys and girls, Mr. Parkinson and family and Mr. Miller and Mrs. Wilkinson.

After a seven hour drive we arrived at the Blencathra centre in the early evening, all raring to get

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RAF This year the RAF Section was a tough competitor against the other sections of the Sutton Valence C.C.F. It showed not only physical but also intellectual fortitude.

We had an excellent summer camp at RAF Valley, a Hawk Jet base. In the autumn we challenged the Army Section in combined Field Day exercises. Because of the diligent planning and tactical awareness of the officers and NCOs, strong resistance was mounted during an Infantry attack in the course of the night exercise and within minutes ambushes had been set up along the Infantry's return route to base, our manoeuvres ending with a surprise pincer movement in a highly successful counter-attack on their camp. The Field Day in the Lent Term took half of the section to RAF Wittering, the home of the Harrier and some of the RAF's fiercest guard dogs, and the other half to RAF Northholt where the cadets enjoyed the privilege of flying in RAF executive jets.

Over the course of the year we were visited by members of No.33 Squadron who fly Puma helicopters, when all cadets had an excellent flight; and by No.202 Search and Rescue Squadron for a presentation. All cadets flew at least once in a Chipmunk, many flying aerobatics. Flt.Lt. Piper flew one around the school.

Do you think it needs wings?' started on this week of activities. The first two days were comprised of rock-climbing and canoeing under the supervision of two instructors from 40 Cadet Training Team, Dave and Harry. The rock-climbing and abseiling proved relatively challenging for the beginners: many thanks to Ed Moore for his guidance.

Canoeing however was found to be very enjoyable and easy for those with a sense of balance, which not everyone seemed to possess. Sunday was split into two, one group going mountain-biking and doing an orienteering exercise, the other doing a one-day walk.

The cycling proved to be a gruelling experience, producing some spectacular manoeuvres involving one bike, one cyclist and a rocky gradient which Graham Lloyd-Bennett found quite painful when he used a wall for brakes. Those walking appeared to enjoy the day.

Monday saw the departure of the three-day expeditioners, Ed Moore, Jon Holroyd, Oily Hayzelden and Chris Colthurst, whilst the remainder swapped the roles of the previous day. On the last day of the three-day expedition one member of the party dropped out because of injury. The rest continued with Mr. Parkinson bringing up the rear, to make sure no-one fell behind. The jubilant trio found enough energy to jog the remaining kilometre back to civilisation and decent food.

The week had proved very enjoyable for all: many thanks to Mr. Parkinson and Mr. Miller for organising the week's activities and, most of all, to Mrs. Wilkinson for her fabulous cooking.

J. Holroyd and 0. Hayzelden, LVI

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who passed all the tests with flying colours just one week after joining the RAF. The highest scorer overall however was Cadet Sankey.

The Section also undertook one of its most significant projects of the last few years, building a remote-controlled aeroplane. Our disappointment over the 'plane's refusal to start on its first test was extinguished by a successful first flight one week later.

We hope that we shall be able to stage a fly past on Speech Day. I hope that in coming years the RAF will continue to impress as it has done this year and that it will justify its position at the forefront of the Sutton Valence C. C.F.

This year as part of the weekly training programme the NCOs organised leadership and initiative exercises.

Modelled upon the rigorous training cadets are put through at leadership camps, the exercises provided an opportunity for each cadet to brief, organise and lead a team. Such exercises are not only a C. C.F. pastime but are extremely helpful for certain careers outside the Forces which is one reason we try to encourage people to join the RAF. Over the course of the year each cadet worked on a project of his/her choice at the end of which an advanced proficiency test was taken. This confirmed knowledge in topic areas such as principles of flight and the workings of the main components of an aircraft. The most impressive student in this field was Cadet 0 'Keeffe,

Flt.Sgt. B. Ofori

Puma taking off

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Trips-Alarums-Excursions Work Experience June 1991 his year's Fifth Form proved to be a credit to Sutton TValence School. Every report I received at the end of the work experience week was favourable and full of praise for the pupils who had spent time with various employers. Special mention deserves to be made of Roy Bukuku who was commended by Peter Harrington, the Headmaster of Loose County Primary School, for his enthusiasm and helpfulness. Ali Barghi and Duncan Brannan, both working at the National Westminster Bank, had very encouraging reports; and those employed at British Telecom were also praised. James Albentosa and Stephanie Aviss spent a most enjoyable week at Kent Police Headquarters in Maidstone, and P.C. Lepiniere wrote very good things about them both.

James had many amusing stories to tell on completion of his shifts. He also managed to complete and pass his Life-saving Bronze Medallion during this week and as I picked him up from work one day for a swimming practice he remarked, 'You'll never guess what we had through lost property today.' I went through the usual gamut - socks, umbrella etc. to which he replied 'No! A horse!'

I should like to thank all those who assist us with our Work Experience Programme, especially those parents who give us their invaluable help. The pupils do gain a great deal from the week, and I thank you on their behalf.

C.M.C. 11/lldwood

Emma Harvey on Work Experience at the Great Danes Hotel demonstrations and then an old tape to edit myself, with a little help! Fine, I thought, once you know what you are doing and have had plenty of practice this must be fairly easy. However a panic had started over getting tapes ready for the news and one of the editors was sick. I was immediately given several tapes and script and told to edit the film to follow the script. I would have felt much happier if someone had checked them before they went on air!

Thursday was a much calmer day on which I sat in on the rehearsal for Catchphrase, a quiz show to be filmed the following week. Once again I was supposed to be watching the Vision Mixers and helping with the computer effects before spending some time with the Floor Manager. However the Producer was introduced to me and she spent half the rehearsal time talking and explaining things to me.

My last day arrived too quickly and went too quickly. I worked in Studio 2 in the morning helping the Floor Manager and being shown how to operate the cameras before we recorded a programme to be shown that afternoon. The producer still doesn't know that I operated Camera 3 throughout with only very occasional help. In the afternoon I learned how to operate and control the sound output and then I was left entirely in charge of Camera 1 during the Six 0 'Clock News.

Everyone I met was very helpful and I was invited back. I spent most of the first week of the Summer holidays working on the special effects for Catchphrase.

I had a wonderful time and am very grateful for having been given the chance to spend a week at T.V.S. V. Moon, LVI

Victoria Moon spent an enjoyable week at the T.V.S studios and has written about her experience: The last week of the Summer Term I spent helping and learning at the Television South studios in Maidstone. When I arrived I was shown my timetable for the week, kindly worked out for me by one of the P.A.s (Production Assistants). My hours were to be longer than the usual 9 to 5 worked by the majority of my fellow Fifth-Formers but I did not mind a few early starts - they came with the job.

I was shown around the whole building and spent the rest of the morning in the Newsroom discussing the order of the news and collecting it in for that evening.

The afternoon was occupied with 'Vision Mixing'. This involves seeing shots from five cameras or so simultaneously and spontaneously deciding which one to use, checking the quality of the picture and creating special effects e.g. spinning the picture around. I stayed in the Gallery while the Six 0' Clock news went out, not that I heard any of it because of the P.A.'s constant 'Ten, nine, eight ... ' and the producer's 'I think we'll swop this item with that one ...'

On my second day I went out with a crew to shoot a news item the copy for which I helped to write and on the third day I learned about editing. I was given

69

The Suttonian 1992 the gentle stroll to the top of the latter. There is no better way of sight-seeing Paris on a freezing cold day than from the warmth of a heated coach accompanied by a well-rehearsed lecture from Claudine. The rest of the day was ours to walk around in individual groups photographing all the typical touristic sights.

The seminar the next day was an education in itself and although highly entertaining, and in English, we were grateful for the comfortable seats accommodating us for the eight hour duration. That evening we took in Montmartre and after the long but refreshing walk to the top we arrived at the same time as the funicular. We enjoyed a 'quaint' meal served by a woman not more than a metre high in her platform shoes. After three power-cuts the food was still felt to be good value. We enjoyed the French wines and pastis, although I hasten to add that we were all under strict supervision from Mr. Hendry who also helped control Vamdean at all times with no exceptions.

On the Sunday morning of our departure we visited a flea market, the larger part of which had been 'moved' to the other side of the road, much the same as the park we had previously visited, according to Mr. Hendry Despite the fact that we all returned with no money, over the course of the three days an enjoyable time had been had by all and we had come across no problems, at least nothing that we couldn't cope with.

Y' a pas de probleme!

C. Latham, LVI

First Year 'Field Day' I knew it was too good to be true when almost a whole

day had passed and we had not been asked to write about our walk. Then it was English and Mr. Bruce gave us another of his really 'whacky' (!) preps, to compose what you are reading now. Of course we were all really pleased.

On Field Day the First and Second Formers went for a walk along the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head, near Eastbourne. The weather was cool and cloudy and we were walking through many pools of sand and salt water on the beach. The tide was out. Those who were quick had a wait of at least fifteen minutes, sitting on the rocks at the side of the cliff whilst waiting for the others (mainly girls trying not to get their feet wet) to catch up. Once up the first of the Seven Sisters we were beginning to thin out into four groups. By the Third Sister we were well apart, one group at least a whole Sister ahead of us and another a whole Sister behind us. We stopped at about Sister Five, played about on the beach and had lunch.

The weather now was hot, sunny and our faces were all sunburnt. We stopped at every bit of shade we could find. It was so hot that I was viciously attacked when I bought a cold can of Pepsi. Even in the time it has just taken you to read the last sentence the temperature had risen another ten degrees and now we were rolling up our trousers, undoing shirt buttons and crying out for water. We were all edging closer and closer to the edge of the cliff hoping the land would give way beneath us.

But it didn't.

We spent the next hour on the coach healing our sunburn and complaining about the heat we were all giving off. When we got back we didn't do much for the rest of the day.

D. Willdndge, 2A

330 Children Two by Two ooking after 330 Prep. and Primary School children Lsounds like a daunting task, but 330 singing children?

On Field Day last Summer Term PSA, PH, Kathy Egan, Dharshi Tambiah, Liz New, myself and the staff from the respective schools attempted to do just that for the second year running.

The event was termed a Choral Day, the schools getting together at Sutton Valence and practising a choral work during the day to be performed to parents in the late afternoon. This year we did Captain Noah and His Floating Zoo. Children started arriving at about 9.30 a.m., screaming, shouting and full of awe at how big the school is. Once inside Main Hall they were settled down and given the 'house rules' by PSA and lunch instructions by Miss Egan. They sang until 11 o'clock when it was break-time in the Refectory. Miss Egan had the brainwave of getting the tables to see how high they could stack the glasses before they toppled. They managed remarkably tall stacks...

Upon returning to the Hall they sang When I'm 64 and Seek Ye First but all seemed very pleased to start singing Noah again. The catchy tunes were most helpful in getting them to sing well and loudly.

Miss Egan fed us burgers, chips and beans for lunch which was enjoyed by all.

Back in the Hall we only had another hour or so to get the pieces up to scratch: when they were performed to the children's parents in the late afternoon they were enjoyed by all. Roll on next year.

D.Penfold, 5A

Paris Seminar When it was suggested that we spend a long weekend in Paris discussing Europe in 1992 the prospect of the all-day seminar at the Palais de Congres on the Saturday was, of course, the deciding factor ....

Seventeen of us, not including 'Uncle ISH', set off in company with Vamdean School, Brighton, who were twice as many as us. We had an uneventful, safe drive to Paris, arriving on time and having lost no-one on the ferry or in the 'aire' cafes. The first night was spent exploring the hotel after, I am ashamed to admit, most of us had dined at McDonalds', although tempted by the French cuisine.

The following day Mlle. Claudine was our guide for three hours and she directedJohn, our driver, to turn left, right and straight ahead as required. The French are renowned for their erratic diving and this was evident in John's distress. Even the pedestrians seemed totally oblivious of the fact that there were cars on the roads, let alone a 53-seater English coach. We paused at Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower although we refrained from

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Hickstead Schools' Show-jumping

The Field Expedition to Switzerland October 1991

On the 8th. August Kate Fitzgerald, Naomi Kruger, Jo Masterman, Georgie Pares, Claudia Latham and Joanne Mumford represented an A and B team for Sutton Valence School at this prestigious event at Hickstead.

We arrived early in preparation to walk the course and warm up. In the early afternoon we finally competed and despite being unsuccessful in qualifying for the finals in the Main Arena an enjoyable day was had by all. We stayed for the final presentation and were pleased to see that Ashford Girls', a school with which we are much involved in other sporting areas, were placed. We all received a consolation rosette and would like to thank Nicola Cook for her organising and training of the team, and all those who were otherwise involved.

We hope Hickstead will be well-prepared for us next year!

J. Masterman, 5C and C. Latham, LVI

e were looking at trees. We were told that we were Wabove the tree line. We were confused until we were told that the tree line was plastic. Sitting in a coach and having to explain the landscape flashing by cannot be easy and such a comment as appears at the beginning of this review is typical of a good few that brightened up our days spent working in this lovely country.

We went on the trip in company with a school in Nuneaton and the social mix that was forced on us turned out to be good for all. Inevitably, it was the girls from Sutton Valence who 'broke the ice". The rough seas in the Channel which delayed our crossing helped nervous girls being comforted by big brave lads and unsteady lads being ridiculed by nervous girls.

We were to be based at Ovronnaz, a skiing resort in the winter and a quiet community in the summer (until we arrived). It is 1500 metres above the Rhone Valley and the road to it winds round over 20 frightening hairpin bends. Each and every day we had to negotiate this route and the drivers were superb at it. They were good to us too, for normally their summers are spent ferrying grannies and grandads around and we were a welcome change to their routine.

We were here to work and there was plenty of it.

Each day was spent 'in the field' collecting information about a variety of topics. It may have been trying to interview some locals as they ate their lunch in a cafe or sampling the local wine in Sion's Caves or mapping the variable land-use in Alpine villages. On the return to the Hotel we began to write up (evaluate is the technical term) the day's work and to listen to lectures about the following day. These activities were sandwiched around the evening meal.

We expected the food to be different and it was.

One of the highlights was Ostrich fondue! Some

The 'A' Level Latin Trip This year Oliver Daddow and myself were the only participants in the school trip and we faced it with some trepidation. However we found it very enjoyable as we knew the works the speakers were lecturing on, Virgil's Aneid and Ovid's Metamorphoses, and found it a valuable insight into complex and beautiful works.

The sheer depth into which the Professors took their analysis was impressive. What initially appeared to be hyperbole they would develop until one felt that they had been there at the time of Virgil and Ovid themselves and knew them personally.

Despite a great admiration for their perception and understanding and their willingness to impart some of their knowledge to mere 'A' Level Latin students, I still wonder how Latin professors get that way...

0. Whawell, UVI 71

The Suttonian 1992 attempted to eat it raw before the hot oil arrived and tried to cover their gaffe by explaining that they always ate their Ostrich 'bleu' (French words were increasingly used throughout the week to describe our feelings).

One meal was to be candle-lit because there had been a power cut. When the lights came on halfway through the meal newly met couples were rather disappointed.

Lunch was a different thing altogether. While it was filling it was not appetising. Thank goodness the Swiss have discovered junk food and the drivers knew, by instinct, where Big Mac was to be found. We did not work all the time. The Rugby World Cup was in progress and we arranged with the proprietor of our hotel for the England-France match to be recorded and we were able to watch it when we arrived back. Only Miss Banal was disappointed at the score. We had a super disco at which some of the teachers from both schools excelled. How can such old people behave in this way? The evening was spent discovering the village and its attractions but chilly nights did not encourage us to stay out long and the 'cafĂŠs' were well frequented.

We played practical jokes on each other: Gareth had his legs shaved! Eventually we had to return home. I think we had mixed feelings about this since we had enjoyed the time a great deal, and we had achieved a lot.

Travelling through Paris at dusk in a gentle drizzle in a darkened coach listening to a romantic tape of love songs was a fine conclusion to a brilliant trip and many thanks to Mr. Dunne for arranging it and putting up with our activities during the week.

James Roberts, 5A

Father John with the Heads of School by stripping down to his shorts and T-shirt during a sermon on the Franciscan habit! The visit was a great success and Brother John Francis was invited again to speak at the opening service of the Academic Year in 1991. This time he used a rather different visual aid. The beginning of term coincided with a Feast of the Virgin Mary. The friar asked if Sutton Valence could provide an icon of Our Lady. This seemed a tall order at the time.

But, to relate to his interest in the Copts, a neo-Coptic icon of the Virgin was installed in chapel with its own rack of candles. This icon is the work of the greatest living Coptic iconographer, Professor Isaac Fanous Yussef of Cairo's Christian University. Once again, John Francis made careful and vivid use of his aid, preaching a memorable sermon about the life and example of Our Lady. It was made to seem particularly relevant to our times.

Five representatives of the Anglican religious congregations, monks, nuns and friars, have been at Sutton Valence during the last five years. They have proved to be very popular preachers and teachers. It seems likely that the School's contacts in these areas will continue, combining them with our very ecumenical contacts with the Venerable Amaro Bhikkhu (OS Jeremy Homer) who works in the Amaravati Buddhist centre and has been to Sutton Valence in 1992 to teach meditation.

Brother John Francis "I thought that it was only the Roman Catholics who had monks and nuns and that sort of thing!" The speaker was leaving the School Chapel on the first Sunday of the academic year in September 1991 after listening to Brother John Francis on his second visit to Sutton Valence.

In fact, the Anglicans in general and the Church of England in particular, have more people leading the religious life now than at any time since the Protestant Reformation. There are enclosed nuns of the Anglican Sisters of the Love of God living in hermitages in an orchard in Staplehurst and Anglican Benedictine nuns in a convent at West Malling. They are the two communities nearest to School.

Brother John Francis is a Franciscan friar of the Society of Saint Francis, the worldwide Anglican branch of the Franciscan Family. His main responsibility, working from an office in Birmingham, is as Vocations Secretary of the Society. He is responsible for all those who feel called to the Franciscan Order in the Church of England.

Brother John Francis originally came to Sutton Valence seeking information. For some years he had been interested in the Coptic Orthodox Church and was directed to our School to consult Fr. John who has a specialist knowledge of the Copts. The Franciscan friar made his first visit in 1990 when he caused a sensation

Questions of Palestine The Venerable Rafiq Farah and his wife Najwa came to Sutton Valence on Sunday 23rd February 1992. They are representatives of Palestine and campaigners for the Palestinian cause. The Farahs are Arab Christians and proud of it. Rafiq was Anglican Archdeacon of Jerusalem at the time of Israeli invasion and then moved to Lebanon before that country too was invaded by the armies of Israel. Najwa recalls, 'It was like seeing the horror film twice as the planes threw their bombs on the beautiful homes with their gardens of olive trees.'

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The Suttonian 1992 by easy solutions to difficult problems. That is a lesson for life. We must be constructive and avoid the easy answer.

There was a great deal to think about.

I think that everyone was impressed with Rafiq and Najwa as ambassadors of the Palestinians, as Anglicans and as Christians. They were calm and cerebral. They did not bring feelings of resentment. Their greatness was in their calm and rationality. This is especially remarkable when we think that their lives, and that of their four children, have been tumultuous and tragic.

We all warmed to them and respected their witness for Palestine. It was a moving occasion.

Mark C. Milsted

English Department Theatre Visits

Najwa is a leading Palestinian writer, broadcaster and poet. At Sutton Valence she read some of her poems in Arabic and in English translation. Even though we did not know Arabic we were all affected by the emotional force of the language and its melodic power.

War and death have always given a new impetus to Najwa's work. Like so many writers in the English-speaking world, Najwa drew strength from the depths of despair, experienced so often as friends died around her, and expressed this power in her poetry.

Her work is layered with a sense of suffering which appeals to our finest humane instincts. She writes:

At the and of this Summer â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Term I shall say goodbye to a group of loyal Upper Sixth pupils who have supported so many of the theatre visits over the past years. I am grateful for their interest and support.

Most S.V. theatre groups have behaved impeccably and I am always delighted by the critical comments made by so many at the end of a performance.

It has been a full year. In June 1991 we took a party of Fifth Formers as part of 'A' Level 'Taster Week' to The Caretaker - perhaps not the easiest of introductions to English Studies! In September several G.C.S.E. pupils had an excellent introduction to Shakespeare at The Barbican with The Comedy of Errors and this was followed by a Sixth Form visit to Deborah Warner's Hedda Gabler those of us who had studied the play were astonished by the liberties taken with Ibsen's stage directions but it was an interesting production. The term ended with a marvellous and memorable all-male production of As You Like It by the Cheek by Jowl Company.

The Fourth Years saw two productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream - the first a lively but traditional version, the other less so. The Pocket Dream starring Sandy Tosvig was truly dreadful but managed to be quite enjoyable: I could never have anticipated taking part in a 'Mexican Wave'!. The most memorable production for me - and I believe for others - was the Young Vic's All My Sons (Arthur Miller).

The Summer Term has begun with a visit to Brighton to see the N.Y.Theatre's production of Sheridan's The Rivals. We have in store two visits to The Barbican Henry IV Parts 1 & 2 and a trip to Stratford-on-Avon during half term to see the R.S.C. As You Like It and Romeo and Juliet again at The Barbican in June. Finally we hope to arrange another theatre visit during 'A' Level 'Taster Week' for the present Fifth Forms. Perhaps some of them will get the theatre habit and become the loyal supporters of years to come. I do hope so.

S.M. Haywood

"They are huddled in caves and camps Where there is no water, no green, No house, no wise old men, no trees.

And I felt the estrangement of my own country And the noose tightened around my neck" It is difficult to capture the sense of style which has been favourably observed by Arabic commentators on her work but the energy comes across tho language-barrier to us.

Rafiq is a man of equal passion for his homeland but he has not expressed himself in literature. He is a scholar and above all communicates as a speaker. In the lecture and later in the School Chapel he gave us a glimpse of the inner life of the Arab Christian and priest under Israeli occupation. While he spoke, I felt a sense of his leaming but more than that of his feelings as a Palestinian in exile. His life has been unusually full and relates to every moment of history in the Middle East since the time of the British Mandate in Palestine. He advanced a convincing case for the re-establishment of an Arab State living at peace with the Jewish people.

Has this anything to do with us? I felt that Rafiq and Najwa convinced us that we are responsible, whatever our age. Most of us were not born in 1948 when the State of Israel was imposed upon the Arabs by Britain, America and the United Nations. But we are alive with the problem unsolved and the future belongs to us all.

Rafiq also reminded us that fundamentalism is not limited to the Jews and Islam. Christian fundamentalism is a curse upon the Arabs too. All fundamentalism is destructive. We should remember that when tempted

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The Suttonian 1992

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The Suttonian 1992 the last year the D.of E. scheme has been Over expanding its operation in school, providing many

Conservation Scheme

more opportunities for its members and passing many more people at both Bronze and Silver level. Although next year the D.of E. will cease to operate as a Monday activity, we are hoping that participation will continue and we shall be providing all those interested with facilities for the expedition and service sections of the award.

The year commenced with four people gaining awards at a special presentation attended by `Motormouth"s Andy Crane: Richard Miles Silver Kathryn Hannah Bronze Fiona MacDonald Bronze Bronze Lucy Burbridge As the year progressed the following also gained Bronze Awards: Fiona Howard, Reginald Yue, Anna Rhodes, Anna Sabine, Ben Ofori and Vishal Patel. Many expeditions have been held at both Bronze and Silver level and many have therefore qualified for their expedition section.

Field Days have been held in the Ashdown Forest and within the local area and all were thoroughly enjoyed. D.of E. members have also led the way by walking the Sponsored Walk route and we expect that they will be among those who arrive back first, well ahead of the rest.

This year has seen the introduction of a much wider range of service opportunities and courses have been held in First Aid at both Bronze and Silver level, whilst at Bronze level training has been given with the Fire Brigade and Police Force. There is also a conservation project involving four Silver members.

And we expect next year to be even better!

hroughout the winter a group of us gave up our TSundays so that we could do our service part of the Award. The work was done with the Kent Trust for Nature Conservation, a registered charity and part of the Royal Society for Nature Conservation, whose main objectives are to conserve and protect the wildlife of Kent, develop a wider public interest in the environment and give interested people the opportunity to take part in conservation activities.

Every Sunday we spent five hours working at one of the sites the Kent Trust either owned or managed, and the one we did most work at was a chalk-land meadow just outside Gillingham (although work of a similar kind was done at three other sites). The meadow is a place where a number of rare species of rare orchids grow but over the last few years a large amount of scrub and hawthorn has grown up reducing the number of orchids appearing, so our job was to cut down and burn the hawthorn to give the orchids and other wild flowers more room to grow.

Other kinds of work included fencing off areas of land to make into car-parks and therefore protect the woodland; and cutting down reeds on the marshes so that the rubbish dumped there could be removed to encourage more reeds to grow in the summer for the birds that require that kind of habitat.

Kevin Phillips (and fellow-hikers) in determined mood

R. Miles, LVI

78

The Suttonian 1992 walk past the Youth Hostel without being allowed to go in!

On day two we awoke to a deep ground frost which did not exactly spur us on. Just as we were leaving Mr. Schofield arrived with Michael Schmidt who was replacing M.D.W. The morning walk was fairly fast and the weather was good: in the afternoon M.D.W.'s arrival at a small shop where we were taking a long break to inform us of the stiff climb ahead and S.K.S.'s sleek and well-fed appearance did nothing to improve our mood: the latter waxed lyrical about the joys of walking (as long as there were no heavy rucksacks to carry or any camping). We were tired, hungry and dirty and still had a massive climb ahead. A dark mood was definitely in evidence as we headed for Rowter Farm. Pleasantries such as Christian names were dropped and conversation lapsed.

On the third day we awoke to a snow-storm and, being the Gold Group, we stayed in bed for as long as possible: merely a display of Gold Group good sense.

Despite a late departure we arrived at the final camp site in good time, our mood now somewhat better. The information that the other group was contemplating giving up spurred us on. At least the next day was the final one.

Of course, it couldn't have been perfect; another ground-frost, the reconstruction of a major road since the map had been drawn, a sadistic farmer who had put two barbed-wire fences across an obvious footpath and a hailstorm five minutes into the lunch-stop. Par for the course. Never mind; it was a good feeling to have walked 75 Ian. round the Peak District and to have beaten the other group back to the Hostel and used up all the hot water in the showers.

In the pub that night there were a lot of tired faces but it has to be said that everyone was fairly satisfied as well. Many thanks to M.D.W. and S.K.S. and our hilarious (sarcasm in abundance here) canoeing instructor whose 'John the Baptist' joke ended in spraying ten very cold individuals with colder water. Oh, yes! Very funny!

J. Rollinson, UVI

D of E Expedition Easter 1992 he day after the end of the Lent Term a group of nine Tpupils left for the Peak District to carry out practice Gold and Silver Expeditions. Our base for the week was the Youth Hostel at Edale. We started with a short hike in our separate groups which was very enjoyable apart from the driving rain, ferocious wind and bitter cold. A pleasant introduction to the conditions and type of ground in the area. The following day was more a 'fun' occasion involving canoeing and abseiling as well as buying provisions for the expedition that was to start on Tuesday.

M.D. Willdridge, James Ryan, Kevin Phillips and myself were dropped off next to a derelict farmhouse at 9.30 a.m. and put on our packs for the first time. The Silver Group, who were on their way to a supermarket, were very pleasant and even waved us goodbye. The weather was not too bad and the start of the day went well. Very well in fact; then we reached the highest point of our climb and were confronted by dense hill fog whilst trying to navigate our way around the ridges of the dark peaks. By lunchtime our waterproofs were completely covered in thick, black mud kindly donated by the Peak District bogs.

At the lunch stop we met Mr. Schofield who had had the arduous task of climbing Kinderscout to meet us.

After lunch we continued the ridge walk and were reminded how useful it was to be able to see more than twenty metres ahead. Fords proved to be the next set of obstacles. Two or three are tolerable but after twenty or thirty in the hour you tend to become a little sick of them. Worse was to come after our descent: having to

79

The Suttonian 1992

Congratulations to the following:

1.

The First XV Rugby 'ream (1991) for recording the highest number of victories in the history of Sutton 'Valence ICF.C. (founded in 1874).

2.

The First XI 5fockey Team (1992) for winning the Frankafason 'Tournament for only the second time in the School's history (Hockey Club founded in 1956) and for an exceptionally fine season.

3.

The Athletics Team (1991) for winning the Duke of York's Cup for the fifth consecutive year.

4.

William Waters for representing the County, South East Division and England at Under 16 fever (1991); and for representing the County and South East Division at Under 21, Under 19 and 'Under 18 levels (1992).

5.

Y onathan 9-folroyd for representing Kent in the English Schools' Cross Country Championships, Intermediate Level at 'Taunton and finishing 18th. (1991); for representing Kent in the English School- Athletic Championships, 3000m. and fluishing 5th. in the Intermediate Race (1991); and for coming 1st. in 1500 m. and 3rd. in 1500m. Steeplechase (Intermediate Level) at the Independent Schools' Championships.

6.

gtfarkBenson (0.5.) captain of Cricket here in 1977 and 1978, for being appointed Captain of Kent C.C. and reading them to an improved level of performance (1991, re-appointed 1992).

80

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The Suttonian 1992

Cricket 1991

cricket week and a lot of 'oomph' went out of the side in the last fortnight.

Injuries and inevitable absence for examinations disrupted the selection process and individuals were unable to benefit from continuity in their cricket - only three players attended ten or more matches while fifteen played in seven or fewer. Injury apart, this is a problem that is not going to go away. Playing in mid-week is increasingly difficult and playing all day is rapidly becoming a luxury, even on a Saturday.

There was, however, some solace for my misery and increasing gloom. Cowell's two hundreds and his general reliability as a batsman provided a firm foundation (even if he is out far too often when he could have gone on to score even more). Hudd and Poole-Connor provided us with a good number of solid starts and the middle order, while always threatening to collapse, provided much entertainment and the prospect of more in the future. The bowling lacked penetration but Painter, when fit, will be a force (as he demonstrated whilst playing for the Babes in the holidays). Waters learned a lot, but the bowling is likely to be a weakness unless Hudd can bowl more accurately more regularly and unless we find some quality from the junior sides as they are promoted. The game against Maidstone showed what we could do when we really tried, and the victory against the XL Club was splendidly achieved.

Squad: Cowell, Hudd, Poole-Connor, Barr, Masters, Young, Abudu, Painter, Shaw, J. Waters, W. Waters, Hubble, Harvey, Strong, Hodson, Dunderdale, Robertson, Hepner, Fox, Lee and Raisbeck.

First XI Played: 13 Lost: 6

Won: 2 Drawn: 5 Abandoned: 5

have superb facilities and a Wemagnificent ground always wonderfully well prepared. We have a good sized body of keen youngsters wanting to play the game. I am supported by a group of dedicated colleagues willing to devote much time and energy to their coaching tasks.

The philosophy of the school towards sport is exactly right, and I am very proud of our achievements in the last decade.

That the season just past did not match the quality of some of those that went before is of no real importance, for with the foundations described above there can be no doubt but that we will continue to enjoy ourselves greatly in the summers to come as we develop our talents.

The 1991 season will go down in the history of Sutton Valence as one in which results were poor: wehadbecome used to winning seven or more matches and losing only one or two. We are in a period of transition, needing to rebuild after losing a large number of excellent players. There was not a lot of experience in the teams this year but it is some compensation that nine of the more regular players this season will be returning in 1992. The weather did not help: it interrupted matches and practice in the early part of the season and it took a long time for us to settle down and feel that we had 'togetherness' and 'purpose'. It also destroyed

St. Lawrence College, Ramsgate Draw St. Lawrence 220- dec.

Painter 3-52 School 134-5 Hudd 43, Cowell 35, Barr 28 A fair start. Their fourth wicket partnership of 100 took them out of trouble, and we failed to capitalise once our score reached 82-2 Cranbrook

Abandoned

King's School, Rochester Lost School 163 Cowell 47, Poole-Connor 33 King's 167-1 We did not score enough runs, having suffered a middle order collapse, and we failed to contain Matthew Walker who went on to score a very good hundred.

Old Suttonians School

Lost Young 42, Poole-Connor 29, Cowell 25 O.S. 145-5 W. Waters 3-51 We did not score enough runs, having suffered a worse middle order collapse than in the last match. We were unable to defend the total when I'd fancied our chances despite our modest score.

144

XL Club Won XL Club 210-5 School 211-6 Cowell 112, Hudd 30 This was a fine win. XL Club had a strong batting line and we could not make any real impression. Good fielding kept the run rate down to a total that was not too daunting, well below the 250 that it might have been. We battled steadily at first and then vigorously at the end and secured the win comfortably. Cowell's 100 came in 106 deliveries and was the backbone of our effort.

82

The Suttonian 1992 Dover College School

193-6

score runs - our total of 139 was not enough anyway and would have been a lot bigger if Cowell had not been run out by a lively and accurate piece of fielding. Our bowling and fielding were commendably tight but the loss was inevitable as we could not get out their no.4 batsman, Hartshorn; he held them together well.

D. Pickard

Draw Young 38, Poole-Connor 36, Cowell 33, Hudd 32

Dover College 119-3 We scored very rapidly before lunch, being 100-1 in 90 minutes but couldn't get going afterwards, declaring with the intention of bowling 50 overs at the opposition. After 16 they were 22-2 and despite a spirited 50 by their captain there was never any chance that they would get close to their target.

Second XI Played: 6

Band of Brothers 187-8 School

Lost Cowell 73, W. Waters 37, Barr 27 B of B's 188-5 J. Waters 2-33 Once again we amassed a good total in reasonable time, only to discover that we could not defend it.

Draw Hudd 73, Poole-Connor 65, Cowell 63 Maidstone 160-5 Painter 2-8, J. Waters 2-62 This was a good match. We scored the 200 in only two hours off 43 overs and despite Maidstone's hard hitting we bowled and fielded well enough to restrict them to 160 off 45 overs. The bowling lacked penetration.

Draw 56-0 then heavy rain.

The M.C.C. Lost 184-1 M.C.C. 123 School W. Waters 39 This was just about our poorest display of the season against the side we needed to impress.

The Pioneers School Pioneers

Lost Poole-Connor 36 Poole-Connor 2-33, W. Waters 2-48 Our tail wagged well to give us a chance but once again the bowling was without penetration.

156 157-5

Duke of York's School, Dover School 232-3 Duke's 112

Won Cowell 117, Barr 47, Hudd 39 J. Waters 4-40, W. Waters 3-26, Cowell 2-21 This emphatic win was made possible by the rapid hundred (off 70 deliveries) by Cowell which left us ample time to bowl at the opposition. In the event wickets fell steadily, and once the middle order had gone we despatched the tail quite efficiently.

King's School, Canterbury

Abandoned

The Clerics

Abandoned

The Headmaster's XI School 97-7 Cowell 40 then steady rain.

Drawn

Harvey Grammar School, Folkestone

Abandoned

Lost: 2 Drew: 1

were too few senior cricketers this year to make There team selection for the Second XI anything more than a

Maidstone Grammar School School 226-3

St. Dunstan's St. Dunstan's

Won: 3

formality. In fact on more than one occasion it was a case of finding players from outside the squad - under 15s, swimmers... - to make up the number.

The season began with a crushing defeat at the hands of St. Lawrence but morale was restored somewhat by a mid-week victory against Kent College, for which match we were able to borrow one or two first team players who were in need of match practice, the Cranbrook games having been rained off the previous Saturday. For the next match, against King's Rochester, we had to rely solely on our own resources again and, not surprisingly, lost - despite the fact that King's tried hard, so it seemed, to let us off the hook.

Against Dover we again had no help from above but, facing a relatively modest total of 103, we thought we were in with a chance. We lost two wickets in the first over and should have lost a third had their wicket keeper not dropped a catch but this seemed not to unsettle those who followed and incredibly we won by three wickets. King's, Canterbury were our next opponents and, as is usual for this fixture, we included one or two members from the first squad in our eleven. We batted first but too slowly and so had to declare leaving them a target eminently attainable.

However, after losing four wickets in the first ten overs three to very bad balls and the fourth to an absurd run out - King's settled for a draw and that was that as we had not the bowling to prise them out. After that we played only one more match, that against Maidstone Grammar. Once again we were on our own but our opponents too had difficulty raising a team and it transpired that we were quite well-matched. In the end the balance tipped in our favour and we won by 23 runs. June rain thereafter robbed us of any chance to build on this success and not a ball was bowled in the matches against St. Dunstan's and the Duke of York's.

Of the performances by genuine Second XI players Robert Todd's 5-38 against Maidstone was the best bowling and Stuart Slaughter's 32 against Dover was the best batting.

Under 15 XI Played: 5

Won: 2

Lost: 3

15 cricketing reputation has trailed away into ThetheUnder rainy mists of a season that promised much at the beginning but ended much like the pitches - soggy, to say the least.

All promised well at the beginning: a good squad moved up from a successful season with the Under 14s and confidence was high. A good win against St. Lawrence School in the first match was the highlight of the season.

Richard Hodson carried on where he had left off the previous year scoring 54 and Evans Bukuku emerged as a

Lost S.J. Dyke's XI School 139 Cowell 53 140-6 Dyke's Poole-Connor 5-51 The last match of the season was played with great spirit.

The heavy rain of the first part of the week had made the wicket low and slow and it was never going to be easy to

fast bowler off a short run-up with 4-27. The team was well

83

The Suttonian 1992 timed the ball well on occasion, Roberts showed some potential as a bowler and Legg-at deserves great credit, in his first season of cricket, for fielding quite excellently - he was one of the very few players of whom it can honestly be said that he did all that could have been expected of him.

Also played: Lewis, Anthony, Henderson and Morel.

C. W W. Wilson

led by Captain D. Harvey. The next match was against a very average Dover College side yet we were lucky to win.

Indifferent batting technique resulted in a low score of 76 all-out. Our opponents were moving comfortably towards the target when Michael Fox found some form and with figures of 4-18 Dover were finally dispatched for 70.

The rest of the season was pretty poor with mediocre batting and fielding and bowlers unable to pitch the ball within twenty-two yards: low scores were frequently easily overhauled. The low point was our dismissal for just 38 by King's, Canterbury. Catching seemed to be a dropped skill as the opposition batsmen were constantly let off the hook whilst on low scores. The team seemed to lack much drive and the season is probably best forgotten by all.

St. Lawrence School

School 143-7

St. Lawrence

96

Won Hodson 54, Goodman 30, Fox 23 Bukuku 4-27

Dover College School 76 Dover College 70

Won Hodson 22 Fox 4-18, Bukuku 3-18

King's Rochester 107 School King's 110-5

Lost Hodson 29, Fox 22 Lee 3-30

King's Canterbury King's 188-4 School 38

Lost

Maidstone Grammar School 113 School

Under 13 XI

Lost Bukuku 22 n.o., Hodson 20, Harvey 19

weather was kind this season with only one match The cancelled because of rain. It was not a very successful term with losses recorded in all matches although the team did improve during the season. The major problems were an inability to hit the bad balls hard enough to score freely and bowling which was too variable in both length and direction. The fielding and the enthusiasm could not be faulted and some matches which initially looked as though we were going to be well beaten in ended up as narrow losses.

Tom Horton captained the side thoughtfully but needs to be more decisive and forceful with his team-mates. He played very straight when batting but it was his bowling which showed greater promise especially when he pitched the ball up. Ben Hodgson kept wicket tidily and struck the ball as hard as anyone but too often chose the wrong ball to try to hit. Ben Woodcock made the greatest improvement during the term. He reduced his run-up and started to move the ball off the seam while his batting accounted for about 20% of the side's runs and his catching was superb. Mark Critchley flattered to deceive; he looked by far the most correct batsman but played with too much right hand and was 'out caught' in most matches.

James Simmonds showed potential as a slow bowler but just as he seemed to have the batsman tied down he bowled two or three loose deliveries. The most encouraging feature of the term was the desire to learn and practise basic batting skills which will bear fruit in years to come: in this area we were pleased to have the assistance of Mr Keith Smith.

Colours were awarded to T. Horton (capt), B. Hodgson and B. Woodcock and the following also played regularly for the team: F. Debney, R. Byrnes, S. Clark, G. Clifford, J. Sinunonds, J. Milsted and M. Picard.

N.B.V. Jones

Under 14 XI Played: 4

Lost: 4

This was not a distinguished season. It was ruined largely by the weather, which allowed the completion of only four matches all of which were lost, and made impossible the sustained and concentrated practice which was required for techniques to be developed. Nonetheless, the team could greatly have improved,its performance by a more dedicated and intelligent approach to the game.

There were one or two individuals who shone, albeit with limited brightness, in an otherwise dismal season.

Thomson worked hard to lead the team, trying hard to keep his players up to the mark in the field and setting himself high standards in an attempt to set a good example to the rest of the team. Although he was all too often got out in unnecessary fashion when he looked set for a big score, he did look to have the makings of a sound batting technique and emerges from the season with considerable credit.

Sands bowled useful leg-breaks and showed that he has a good eye when batting, but a great deal of work needs to be done on technique in both areas before he will begin to fulfil the promise which he shows. Imberg played straighter and more sensibly than almost anyone else in the side but he will have to learn to select and punish the bad ball if he is to become a significant force. Dickins showed promise with both bat and ball but too often allowed his concentration to waver. Perry was enthusiastic but wayward while Usmar revealed a strong arm in the field and promise as an outswing bowler but was far too inconsistent in attitude and performance to achieve very much. Hayman tried hard as a wicket keeper, Sankey

84

The Suttonian 1992 and MJJ, and with JLRP resorting more to the bludgeon than the rapier, the score mounted. Disaster then struck at a crucial moment when JLRP - undoubtedly the man of the match - was LBW for a magnificent 83, with 34 still needed off the last four and a half overs. With nudges for ones and pushes for twos, RDC and DWT took the score tantalisingly nearer the opposition's total until 8 were needed off the very last over. With darkness falling and the light difficult, the fourth ball went for four, amid much relief, over the mid-wicket boundary. A single followed and, as the fielders crowded around the bat, DWT, left by RDC to take the last ball of the final over of the match, struck the winning run past square leg's outstretched hand!

What an evening! A splendid game of cricket had been enjoyed by all and valuable contributions from David Hayman (scorer), Kathy Egan (refreshments) and Bill Bruce (organisation) added to the overall enjoyment.

R.D. Chance

Girls' Cricket or the first time ever at S.V.S. the girls had the option to Fplay some cricket this season. Most worked hard in the nets and some showed promise - particularly Kate James and Sam Ellis. Eventually we tried to play on grass, and that was so different - no protection from the nets - but most who participated enjoyed it. Unfortunately the matches we tried to arrange were called off but we intend to do better next year. My thanks to DP for his patience with us and the invaluable instruction in the use of the bowling machine.

B.J. Evans

Staff Cricket 6th.June 1991 Sutton Valence School Common Room XI v Underhill School Common Room XI.

Athletics

layed on Upper on one of the few really warm evenings of the summer term, this annual encounter produced the most exciting finish of any in the history of the fixture.

Because the previous year's game had had to be abandoned half-way through the evening without an Underhill player even getting to the wicket, RDC diplomatically invited the opposition to bat first. Despite some tightish early bowling and two wickets for NBVJ, Underhill reached an impressive 158-3 in their 20 overs, thanks to a large partnership between Headmaster Ian Stainton-James (42*) and" Stanford (57*). The total looked formidable, but the Sutton Valence openers JLRP and DEC seemed quietly confident as they set about the task of ensuring a sound start. JLRP's forward defensive shots and delicate late-cuts took the eye, as well as some fine athletic running between the wickets. With 41 coming off the first six overs, all seemed set up for the usual limited over flourish that inevitably comes in the second half of the innings. With effective contributions being made by PJH

p

weather has been terrible, which The has brought about the cancellation of two matches and has made training more difficult and certainly less enjoyable.

Training never has been fun but has been a necessary evil which all the athletes have borne with spirit: with poor weather and one or two with an attitude problem we have struggled to keep a rhythm going. This cannot be said of the teams as a whole, for we have had yet another very successful season.

The group on which I could call was larger than I can remember but we have entertained a few who were there purely to keep fit and others who may well compete in the future, even if they did not do so this season. Whatever, all made up a good-sized group that could more easily work

Victorious Duke of Yorks Cup Team

85

The Suttonian 1992 Juniors like Soti, Anthony Bell and Graham Lloyd-Bennett, all unbeaten in school matches.

My thanks to Bruce Lawton for captaining the club, not an easy task as the main thing one is out to do is to win one's events, but Bruce has led from the front in training and has been more than willing to solve the problems that do occur at meetings: invaluable service for the smooth running of the athletics teams. My thanks too to Don Clarke, Mike Jillians and Mike Willdridge for their help in training the squads. I may be the front man, but behind the scenes there is an awful lot of work. And to the ground staff for the long hours on the track, only to have it washed away yet again.

A thankless task, but our thanks anyway. And to the caterers for providing for the teams at rather variable times.

New School Records: Junior 1500 4.38.6 Anthony Bell Inters. High Jump 1.72m Miles McLeod Inters. 200 23.8 Stephen Walsh Jon Hoiroyd Inters. 1500 4.10.0 Soti Sowemimo-Coker Junior Long Jump 5.65m equalled Junior Hurdles 12.0

Jon Hoiroyd and Soti Sowemimo-Coker who were both together and offer mutual encouragement during the pains of training.

Our first match was cancelled, which took us straight to the Sevenoaks Relays. Here John Smith competed well in three relays and the jumps and the team finished second behind a good Skinners' team. We won the triangular match again but by less of a margin than in some years past.

Jake Scott just failed to beat the meeting and School record and it was heartening to see how well our Intermediate and Junior athletes could cope with an open age-group event.

Thence to Sevenoaks for a six school meeting at which the Juniors and Intermediates won and the Seniors came third, the team winning overall. Bruce Lawton ran a fine 52.8 400m. and Sobayo Sowemimo-Coker a good 11.5 100m.

On the lovely Tonbridge track we had another successful time, particularly considering the small size of cur boys' part of the school. The Juniors came first equal with Tonbridge, Soti Sowemimo-Coker winning the Hurdles, 100m and Triple Jump, Graham Lloyd-Bennett the Shot, Discus and Javelin and Anthony Bell the 800m and setting a new school Junior record in winning the 1500m. The Intermediates came second and the Seniors third.

At this point much of our large Intermediate team and most of the Seniors went off to work for exams. Training continued for we had a number competing at the Kent School Championships. As a result Jonathan Holroyd and Soti were both invited to attend the English Schools, the ultimate honour at this stage of their athletic career. Our final triumph came at the Duke of York's Cup. We won for the fifth consecutive time. This was a much more satisfying victory than some previously however for the other schools seemed to be taking it much more seriously, with full squads and supporters. The positions changed throughout the match and it was very close right to the last couple of events. Our five Senior athletes all did well, but the main bulk of the team was made up from Intermediates and even one Junior - Soti - hurdling over senior hurdles: he won.

We brought back no individual trophies, leaving those to Dover College and King's, Canterbury, but special mention sho uld be made of Jon Hoiroyd who completed the 'Chance Trio' (800m, 2000m s/c, 1500m), winning the middle one and coming second in the other two. He may look forward to two more years of this Two other Intermediates did very well, Miles McLeod in the Javelin, High Jump and Triple Jump and Stephen Walsh in the 100m, 200m and Long Jump.

Another successful season for the Sutton Valence School Athletics Club, and it would seem as though we have more to come given the strength of the Intermediates and

Kent Schools: Stephen Walsh 1st 200m Final 4th 200m Final John Smith John Childs 5th Discus Miles McLeod 4th Javelin 2nd 3000m* Jonathan Hoiroyd Soti Sowemimo-Coker 1st 80m Hurdles Final* Graham Lloyd-Bennett 5th Shot *Invited to English School Championships Results Sevenoaks Relays Open 2nd to Skinners beat Cranbrook/Sevenoaks Foundation Athletics Open 1st beat Emanuel/Westminster Sevenoaks v Worth, St.Edmund's, IGng's, Rochester, St.John's, Leatherhead.

Juniors 1st Intermediates 2nd Seniors 3rd Tonbridge v King's, Canterbury, Bradfield, Berkhamstead, Mill Hill.

Juniors 1st Intermediates 2nd Seniors 3rd Team 2nd overall to Tonbridge Duke of York's Open 1st beat Dover College, St. Lawrence, King's Canterbury and Rochester.

Squad Seniors; Bruce Lawton (Captain), Smith*, Nwajei*, Childs*, Scott+, Hatega, Collins, Haynes, Edem, Whawell, Moore, Day, Miller, Hicks, Panchal, de Lucy, Penman.

Intermediates: Walsh, McLeod, Holroyd+, Ward, Cowell, Drury, Bowen-Colthurst, Stileman, Anderson, Slattery, Onaolapo, Sowemimo-Coker, Wellard.

Juniors. Sowemimo-Coker, Lloyd-Bennett, Adu-Bobie, Bell, Ejimofor, Yea, French, Yuta. * Full Colours + Half Colours

86

The Suttonian 1992

Boys' Tennis Tennis since last summer's early report has continued with much 11111119111111/111 enthusiasm and activity, not just inseam Immo 111â&#x20AC;˘11111111111111 throughout the summer term of 11111W11 1991 but also through the two an1111111111 OM winter season terms with both outdoor and indoor play being very much enjoyed by all who have taken part.

1991 Results for the 1991 season were not particularly strong but much good match experience was gained. The first six played eight matches: losing six and winning two, while the under sixteen six played five matches: losing three, drawing one and winning one.

The 1991 teams were: First VI Eu jin Chan (Captain) Matthew Woodgate jim Brandon Laurence Fox Tony Coker Chris Pope

U16 VI Mark Sarde Gregoire Hambourg Oliver Haywood (Captain) Nick Grabham Rory Slater Duncan Brannan

The details of results match by match were: Opponent

Boys' First VI

Boys' U16 VI

drawn 4.5-4.5 St. Edmund's School lost 1-8 King's School, Rochester lost 3-6 won 9-0 Cranbrook School lost 1-8 Dover College lost 1-8 lost 2.5-6.5 King's School, Canterbury lost 2-7 lost 3.5-5.5 won 6.5-2.5 Bethany School Kent College, Canterbury won (conceded) lost 1-8 Maidstone Grammar School lost 2.5-6.5.

Full colours were awarded to Eu Jin Chan, and U16 colours were awarded to Matthew Woodgate, Laurence Fox, Mark Sarde, Gregoire Hambourg and Oliver Haywood.

In the Sutton Valence School Tennis Championships the winners were: Mark Sarde Senior Boys' Singles Champion Gregoire Hambourg & Senior Boys' Doubles Champions Mark Sarde Matthew Woodgate Open Mixed Doubles Champions & Majella Imberg

Jim Brandon keen and enthusiastic member of staff, Mr. Schofield, to help us in our endeavours.

At the start of the season the new teams are: First VI Jim Brandon (Captain) Matthew Woodgate (V. Capt.)

Rory Slater Gregoire Hambourg Oliver Haywood Tony Coker

1992 One of the key coaching points that pupils will have been learning this summer is to 'get the racket back early'.

Many players wait until the ball is near them before they start to bring the racket into position for striking the ball, whether it is for ground strokes, volleys or for the overhead smash. 'Getting the racket back early' allows the player more time before bringing the racket forwards when playing the ball, thus allowing more power and control over the shot. Anticipation is important here too, as watching the opponent closely as he or she hits the ball helps to determine which way the ball is going to travel.

As we look ahead to the 1992 season we have quite a number of new pupils involved with our activities.

Continued tennis throughout the winter, both outdoors at Sutton Valence School and indoors in the Maidstone Record Centre, has resulted in the effective development of quite a number of players. We are very glad too to have another

U16 VI Luke Imberg (Captain) Gordon Midwood Philip Kunath Nigel Evans Daniel Perry Menelik Lee

With eleven matches arranged for the First VI, ten for the U16 VI, two for the U15 IV, and one for an U14 VI, a total of twenty three in all, the tennis players certainly have much to look forward to as we look ahead from this point at the beginning of the summer term. These matches include our regular arrangements with most of the schools we played last season as well as entries for the Midland Bank L.T.A. U19 and U15 knock out competitions, and the Kent Schools' U16 knock out competition. We are most grateful to all the staff who assist us with all these and all the other tennis arrangements.

Dr. G.C. Leitch, Master i/c Tennis 87

The Suttonian 1992

Girls' Tennis 1991 Summer sports are disrupted by public examinations and tennis is no exception. This year half of the First team was unable to practise or attend matches because of 'A' Level clashes. The Seconds had a similar problem with G.C.S.E.s but it seemed to last even longer - virtually throughout the term. Despite this the girls did not perform as badly as might have been expected. All teams won against Kent College, Pembury, St. Edmund's, Maidstone Grammar School and Tonbridge Grammar School and drew with Invicta: losses were recorded against Dover, Sevenoaks, Kent College, Canterbury and St. Lawrence. Jo Morris and Saffron Tom rarely lost a match and their enthusiasm, commitment and skill were undoubtedly an example to us all. Of both teams it may be said that they played their hardest and fought in each match, whatever the result.

The Under 15s had a more successful term than most, winning five games (the most outstanding against Dover College) and losing only two. There is a great deal of talent in this age group and they look to be a very strong future team.

Firsts Celia Palmer, Majella Imberg, Saffron Tom, Jo Morris, Rebecca Norris, Pat Wong, Emma Lloyd Seconds Claire Stainton-James, Natalie Harris, Claudia Latham, Layla Tom, Jenny Howells, Jo Raja U15s Claire Wilkinson, Tam Hannaway, Rebecca Gear, Jo Howard, Kate Worrall, Bianca Armstrong

Girls' Rounders The U14 team consisted of E. Harrison, A. Shaw, E. Pope, L. Harris, C. Day, G. Pares, P. Worsfold, R. Head, A. Brooks and S. Stileman.

They played in the Rounders tournament meeting the following teams: Bedgebury B, West Heath, Cranbrook, and Roedean. They came fourth in their group. Better luck next year!

Summer 1990 Rounders continues to grow in popularity at Sutton Valence. With the yearly Tournament at Bedgebury School in mid June, we were anxious to produce good teams at both the U13 and U14 levels. The enthusiastic U12 team had two matches to play against Kent College Pembury and Wellesley House. They were so keen on the game, that those who coached them were often kept umpiring for many hours due to their insistent pleading.

The U12 and U13 teams played Kent College Pembury, and won both matches at home. In the matches played (and lost) against Wellesley House, the U13 had a difficult game with two players having to be replaced because of injury.

Katie Slaughter was poached from the U1 2s to make up the team. She made a splendid reliable backstop. Her throwing is good, a skill learnt practising with her brothers no doubt. Elizabeth Parrett proved to be an excellent all round player, being quick on her feet and a strong thrower too. Alison Braman was the steady reliable bowler for the U13 s and Michelle Titcoznbe and Katharine Evans shared the bowling for the Ul 2s.

Others who represented the U13 team in addition to those already mentioned were M. Gear, T. Stenborg, F. Lynes,R. Lillywhite, H. Browne, J. Jones. The U12 team was represented by 0. Piper, C. Majewski, B. Upton, E. Midwood, V. Day, R. Drewer, F. Wight and C. Critchley.

The U13 team also played in the Rounders Tournament meeting Walthamstow Hall, Underhill and Bedgebury A and B. The Junior House cup was presented to Elizabeth Parrett for the most improved player during the season.

Unfortunately bad weather caused the cancellation of various events at the end of term, including the annual Mothers v. Girls match. However, some of the hardiest ventured out between the rain showers to play for their respective houses. After a nail-biting game Sutton House beat Valence House and seemed quite surprised at their victory. Well done.

Finally in the last week of the term, an Inter-year tournament was held despite poor weather again. After some close fought games an U14 team captained by Elizabeth Pope emerged to win the new Rounders Trophy, kindly presented to the school by Miss Bowker. Mr Taylor helped to craft it into a splendid trophy.

C.M C. Midwood & A.M Bowker

88

The Suttonian 1992

Rugby First XV Played: 13 Points for: 215

Drawn: 1 Won: 11 Points against: 62

Lost:1

areful perusal of the above record and consultation Cwith the school records will quickly confirm that the

7/,4* 44,

1991 First XV was the most successful side Sutton Valence School Rugby Club has ever had. Of such results those players who represented the School deserve to be extremely proud.

Once again the enthusiasm and determination of the entire squad was shown by their willingness to return to School several days early to participate in the now traditional pre-season training session on Stoney, at Camber and in the Multi-Gym. No-one wouldhave believed at that early stage that the above achievements were possible. The talent was there but the experience was not, the enthusiasm was there but the physical stature (with certain notable exceptions) was not - the will to win, however, was present in great quantities.

The season began with the customary close match against Skinners' which through grit and determination we won by a narrow margin of six points.

Victory against Dover College followed and then that sad Thursday arrived when we travelled to Kent College to go down for the only time in the season. Again the margin was narrow against what was a very well-organised and efficient side. Supporters, coaches and the squad itself could hardly believe it as week after week passed with a series of highly impressive and disciplined wins.

It was a pleasure, albeit a nervous one, to be on the touchline on those autumn Saturdays. Chatham House held us to a four each draw during the course of which the First XV showed their true spirit. Against a strong side they defended manfully throughout the afternoon and, although defeat was a constant possibility, held on to a creditable draw. Five matches followed with three trophies at stake and spirits did not flag. Stewart Young took possession of the Bob Chance Trophy v.

Cranbrook, the Abbott Cup v. Emanuel and the Palmer Cup v. O.S. on behalf of his side.

The 1991 team was marked by great physical fitness and strength, utter dedication to the game of rugby, great team spirit, the ability to defend solidly and attack from defence, an aggressive set of forwards able to gain possession even from an opposition ball and a skilful, imaginative set of backs capable of scoring the most elegant of tries. I eulogise ... can you blame me? R.M.S. and I thoroughly enjoyed working with an admirable set of young men, although the stems of our pipes may now be somewhat thinner. The real work was done by them: every weekday morning at 7.15 the Captain trained them, on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons they worked and on Saturday afternoon they played their hearts out and gave everybody a great deal of pleasure. We thank them for all of that.

We must also thank the only person who saw every minute of every match - Mrs.

4

The Suttonian 1992 Y. Maggs, mother of Stewart Young - without whose vocal and emotional support the season would not have been the same. The season ended with an extremely convivial club dinner at which speeches were made, awards given out and much pleasure had.

I mention no names as the success of the season was more than anything a team effort; but a team is not a team without a captain and the side of 1991 could not have had a better example of all the attributes mentioned above than their Captain, Stewart Young.

The following represented the School: Nwajei*, Holroyd, Slattery, Rollinson, Jiminez, de Lucy*, Pope*, Childs*, Young (Capt.), Hodgson*, Hodson, Haywood, Smith, Waters, Hudd*, Masters*, Abudu, McLeod*, Painter and Brandon* . * Full colours

Lost: 5 Lost: 4

Thirds Skinners' Dover College Hurstpierpoint Duke of York's Chatham House Cranbrook

L

W L L L L

D. Pickard The Second XV

Second XV Drawn: 0

r'C"'L'''C'

'-'

U1 6s Skinners' Kent College Hurstpierpoint Cranbrook King's, Rochester Emanuel Caterham

LS. Hendry

Won: 4

Won: 1 Won: 3

determination in their matches but often they lacked the vital ingredients to manufacture a win. In the case of the Ul6s the team was often physically smaller than opponents.

More frequently, the benefit of keeping the ball 'alive' (when we were in possession) was not realised, which would have given free rein to the speed and elusiveness of the backs. When they did get it right they were tremendous, as the game against King's, Rochester showed.

The Thirds' problems were mainly basic. They had plenty of enthusiasm but less skill than their opponents.

They had individual ability but could not work together as a team to significant effect. They lacked size and weight and were perhaps 'guilty' of wanting to enjoy themselves more than they wanted to win matches.

Kicking Competition won by J.Srnith (W).

Inter House Senior Rugby won by St.Margaret's.

Inter House Junior Rugby won by St.Margaret's.

Inter House Rugby Sevens won by Westminster.

Played: 12

Played: 6 Played: 7

was a mixed season for the U16 XV and one of losses This for the Thirds. Both sides exercised skill and

*

29- 0 9- 3 15- 9 7-15 30- 3 12- 8 15- 0 32- 0 4- 4 14- 7 22- 0 15-10 11- 3

Third XV U16 XV

(:5

Results O.S. (Palmer Cup) (h) Skinners' (a) Dover College (h) Kent College (a) Sir Roger Manwood's (h) Hurstpierpoint (h) Duke of York's (h) St. Lawrence (a) Chatham House (a) Cranbrook (Bob Chance Trophy) (a) King's, Rochester (a) Emanuel (Abbott Cup) (h) Caterham (h)

Third XV and U16 XV

Lost: 8

The First XV did so much winning this term that, not wishing to overshadow them, we kept our results rather more modest. We did not have many players to choose from and as a result the side was rather inexperienced and low in certain skills: nevertheless there was a good team spirit.

The season started well with a good victory over Skinners' which showed the potential of the forwards, who were not very large on average, and the backs.

Unfortunately in many games the two sets did not link well together leading to a rather disappointing set of results.

Our best performance was against Cranbrook. It was a very hard-fought but clean match, our winning try coming from a Steve Walsh break in the last minute. On other occasions most of our defeats resulted from silly mistakes and a lack of concentration. A special mention should be made of Ben Collins' superb tackling and Timur Asar's running down the wing.

Despite the problems I was pleased that every referee, bar one, complimented the side on its collective good nature. Much of this resulted from the leadership of James Rollinson who captained very well.

Squad: Rollinson (Capt.)*, Hepner*, Haywood*, Hunt*, Woodgate*, Barr, Painter, Asar, Coker, Ryan, Walsh, Slaughter, Jiminez, Wooderson, Carpenter, Amissah, Brannan, Hallett, Hodson.

G.R. Piper 90

The Suttonian 1992 controlled kicking, positive tackling as well as an unassuming attitude. '13.J.' Adu-Bobie also has some talent, scoring a total of 31 points made up of tries, goals and penalty goals: however, he played the game for himself and thus was often as much of a liability as a positive contributor to the team's performance. As captain, David Hayman played his heart out in game after game. Not surprisingly he found difficulty in harmonising the various abilities of so many individuals but he never flinched from the task and improved his own game at No.8 at the same time. The powerful prop-forward Graham Lloyd-Bennett had some impressive moments but, as with many others, has to learn to channel his efforts to the needs of the team. He should never run across the field: there is one direction only for him! Thomson as hooker and Lewis at scrum half developed their skills but were too often out of key with what was asked of them either in training or match, while Benson, Yea and Sankey among the forwards and Leggat (fullback), Irnberg and French in the back did their best to fit in with some more talented players who were not always as helpful and sympathetic as they might have been. It was a shame that both Kelly and Anthony missed so much through injury since, as flanker and winger respectively, they had some physical presence that was sorely wanting.

The latter, however, will need to improve his attitude to training!

Overall both Mike Sinclair and I found it a challenging but difficult season. One can only hope that the efforts will not have been wasted.

Those who represented the team: B.K. Adu-Bobie, D.F.R. Anthony, J.A. Benson, S.P. Cavill, LK. Dickins, N.V. French, D.T.S.Hayman* (Capt.), K.W.J.Henderson, L.Imberg, T.M. Kelly, C.N. Leggat, M.O. Lewis, G. Lloyd-Bennett, A.J. Roberts, R.P. Sankey, S. Sawemimo-Coker*, T.R. Thomson, J.C. Wootton, P.J. Yea. * Under 15 colours

Under 15 XV Played: 10

Points for: 119

Won: 4 Drawn 1 Points against: 131

Lost: 5

clear period of three weeks proved ideal for this group Awho were slow, and sometimes reluctant, to come to

grips with hard training on the one hand and with the concept of 15-man possession rugby on the other. Rugby coaches do players no favours by weakly accepting half-hearted attitudes of any sort: rugby, by its very nature, is a very disciplined game, excellent therefore in today's lax society, dominated as it is by the lowering of standards and consequent easier achievement, and by instant this and instant that. The coaching of a dangerously small squad, with Mike Sinclair well to the fore, had to be both forceful and relentless. At the end of the day we were not disappointed with the overall record, though some of the play was not entirely what we would have wished for.

The opening match v. Skinners' (4-17) actually proved very encouraging. The commitment was impressive, and the performances of Soti Sowernimo-Coker and new boy Tom Kelly particularly took the eye. The opposition was a more than useful unit, but for a side that had won so many matches (over the previous season as well) it appeared to play with little confidence. In heavy rain at Dover we had to struggle against a massive pack of forwards: however, powerful surges by Sowemimo-Coker, Lloyd-Bennett and Adu-Bobie, as well as a safe performance at fullback by Chris Leggat saw the team hold a more cohesive unit at bay with an 18-12 victory. Tim Thomson's hooking and Soti Sowemimo-Coker's elusive running proved too strong for a surprisingly mild Kent College team, though with more commitment to passing the ball to players in better positions, the 18-4 win would easily have been exceeded.

Adu-Bobie was especially guilty of holding on to the ball too long when there were literally players queuing up outside him ready to score! Of the final three games before half-term, the one at Sir Roger Manwood's, when RDC was invited to referee on the away ground, proved the most competitive. As at Dover, we faced a more complete combination who looked capable, at any stage, of taking the game by the scruff of the neck'. Yet the balance of play see-sawed most of the time until the last ten minutes when Sutton Valence was run ragged. However, the lack of a penetrating centre (of the Sowemimo-Coker variety) on the opposition side and desperate defence saw us cling on to a 14-8 lead. Unnecessary errors and an inexcusable decision not to kick for goal following the award of a penalty in front of the opposition's posts when the score was 6-11 probably cost us victory at Hurstpierpoint, while a little too much 'individuality' was the team's undoing in a hard encounter with the Duke of York's.

Although the results of the games after half-term were, overall, a little disappointing, the team's effort and resolve remained unquestioned. An over-professional, physical side from Chatham House spoilt what might have been an interesting contest while the team fought back admirably to draw with a vigorous and skilful King's Rochester team. A weakish St. Lawrence XV, however, were allowed to remain in the game when proper adherence to our coaching policy would surely have resulted in a more comprehensive victory than the 22-12 margin on which the match ended.

The age-group was dominated by some outstanding play by Soti Sowemimo-Coker who scored no fewer than 18 tries during the term, the majority coming from a combination of set moves and superbly deft running. He has all the skills one would hope a centre-threequarter might possess: elusive running, well-timed passing,

Skinners' (h) Dover College (a) Kent College (h) Sir Roger Manwood's (a) Hurstpierpoint (a) Duke of York's RMS (h) St. Lawrence (h) Chatham House (h) Cranbrook School (a) King's, Rochester (a)

4-17 18-12 18- 4 14- 8 9-15 14-20 22-12 0-21 6- 8 14-14

L

L L L L D R.D. Chance

Under 14 XV The team this year suffered from a lack of talented ball players who had the size and the determination to be competitive in this game which requires physical confrontation. All the team possessed either the ball skills or the physically aggressive approach but very few had both. Too often we would miss important tackles early in the game and give the opposition the important psychological advantage or win possession and then put ourselves under pressure by poor passing skills or a badly directed kick. Often having conceded 20 points the side would then play more consistently and hold its own for the rest of the match! After an early defeat by Skinners' the side then beat both Dover College and Kent College; however these were to be the only victories until a match against King's Rochester B side.

Ben Hodgson was an excellent captain leading the side by example and was a fine ambassador for the side in 91

The Suttonian 1992

Seven-a-side Rugby

all his dealings with the opposition off the field. His individual performance suffered because he was our main ball-winner and also the most penetrative runner so that the rest of the team expected him to do all the work rather than allowing him to be the main support player, a function he is much better at. In the front row L. Kampanis and J. Milsted were very solid and Kampanis in particular put in some excellent cover tackles and supported play well. In the back-row P. Kutchsman improved with every game as he learnt exactly what the game was all about. D. Wooton played in three different positions but is probably best at flanker although he must tackle more effectively. T. Horton and S. West both played at scrum-half but their frail physiques were not suited to playing behind a retreating scrum. In the three-quarters G. Clifford showed some potential with the ball in hand and a bit of space but must improve his defence while A. Agar is quick and powerful but does not realise how to use his size to advantage. At full back was B. Woodcock who caught the ball well and also counter-attacked with vigour, but he had to tackle too many people to enable us to see the best of him. Of those who were new to the game P. Catt and J. The both played for the team and show some potential.

Colours were awarded to B. Hodgson, L. Kampanis and B. Woodcock and in addition to those already mentioned the following also played for the team: R. Dowse, L. Bond, T. Wild, M. Critchley, M. Picard, E. Wright and J. Sim.monds.

N.B.V. Jones

After last year's excursion to the National Schools' Tournament at Rosslyn Park as a late entry and our opening match against the eventual winners (and the editor's old school) Wellington College, we decided to do the thing properly this year and enter some warm-up tournaments before returning to Rosslyn Park.

The players were all volunteers who practised solely as a Wednesday activity. The Under 16s were the first to play at the Duke of York's Tournament on a very chilly Sunday at Dover. After a good win against St Augustine's we lost to Maidstone G.S. but then beat a large but slow Dover team. Fortunately Maidstone lost to St Augustine's and so we played our last group match against Duke of York B team knowing that a large win would put us in the final.

This task was easily accomplished and we duly played in the final against Skinners' who had easily won the other group. We lost the match 22-6 with a good try from Soti Sowemimo-Coker being insufficient against an opposition who included some players from theirUnder 15 team which had won the National Schools' title.

Squad: B. Ward (capt), C. Bowen-Colthurst, G. Hambourg, J. Purvis, D. Hayman, R. Hodson, G. Anderson, S. Ejimofor, Shobayo S-Coker and Soti S-Coker.

The Senior squad played in the Kent Schools' as their first tournament and after a good win against Colfe's also beat Gravesend G.S. to win our group. In the quarter-final we met Judd School and played poorly to lose. At the Worth School Invitation Tournament our group consisted of last year's winners, St. Edmond's Ware, Caterham and Cranleigh. A good win against St Edmond's was followed by a narrow victory over old rivals Caterham 12-10 in a game we should have won easily by half time! The third match against Cranleigh was played just after a downpour and on a pitch which was a real mud-bath. We lost, again playing well below our best. In the Plate semi-final we lost to Lancing.

After a short break (giving the all-round sportsmen in the team a chance to play hockey on both the Saturday and Sunday!) we set off to the National Schools' Tournament on the Monday full of confidence that we would improve on last year's showing. The first match against Hereford Cathedral School was easily won 24-0 and we then defeated Marlborough also by a large score. The third match against Bedford Modem had become the crunch match in our group with both sides having no losses.

Bedford gained possession from the kick-off and retained it well applying pressure on both flanks before scoring down the left. S.V.S. came straight back, caught our own kick-off and scored under the posts. 6-6. From this point on Bedford retained possession well and always put the ball-carrier under intense pressure when we had possession. Aided by a couple of fortunate decisions Bedford scored three more tries to win this tight struggle.

The final match against Colfe's, where the team included all those who had not played in the earlier matches, ended in a convincing win 22-6.

S. Young captained the squad but again injury meant that he only played in two matches. J. Smith took over as captain and directed play well from scrum-half. In the forwards M. Nwajei and N. de Lucy showed good speed as well as ball-winning skills and S. Slattery was an accomplished hooker. A. Hudd and C. Masters were very powerful runners in the centre often breaking tackles to set up try-scoring opportunities. Our wingers, M. McLeod and Soti S-Coker, showed pace and also good defensive skills: the latter's performances were excellent considering that he is only an Under 15. B. Ward and J. Childs were sound reserves who performed well when needed.

N.B.V. Jones

Under 13 XV Played: 8

Won: 1

Drawn: I

Lost: 6

his was not an impressive season as far as results are Tconcerned but it has to be remembered that we were playing, for the most part, bigger boys drawn from larger pools of pupils. The team emerged with a considerable amount of credit: the tackling was a great improvement on that of some of the previous years and the forwards often managed to outplay much bigger packs by virtue of superior scrummaging technique. This was thanks to the spirited leadership of Murphy, the excellent mauling and front-row work of Harper, the fine hooking of C. Shahrad and the all-round effort of Kelly at No.8. Posnette also had a fine season - he was often first to the breakdown of play and was terrier-like in the tackle. The service from half-backs to centres sometimes broke down under pressure and none of the half-backs was a very strong tackler. Nonetheless, Kentish Barnes had quite a good pass, Debney kicked very well and Ferris is developing into a very elusive runner who now possesses a fine side-step. He must, however, learn to time his pass more appropriately. Sabine, who moved from flanker to centre in the course of the season, tackled well and was probably the strongest runner in the side: he made a vital contribution. So too did B. Shahrad at outside centre. He won considerable respect as the bravest and safest tackler in the side and is also a powerful runner: he is keen to learn and is an excellent prospect. The diminutive Walker also showed great courage in the tackle and proved to be quite a slippery runner. Saunders worked hard at full-back and Turner showed promise on the wing while Keys, Loft, Friend, B. Jones and Byrnes all made valuable contributions and improved their game. Amongst the First Years T. Jones was very quick but as yet lacks physical commitment, Janes showed promise as a prop and Jordan revealed spirit, speed and an intelligent approach to the game as a flanker.

Also played: J. Bourne, Parkinson and Willdridge.

C. WW. Wilson

92

The Suttonian 1992

Girls' Hockey

of wins. They began with a 3-0 win against Kent College, Pernbury. We were the better team but the match revealed a weakness in defence that was exploited by Sevenoaks who won 4-3 in an exacting match played in torrential rain.

The team learned a great deal from this defeat - not least the need for the correct footwear for wet grass! Our third match ended in a goal-less draw against Dover College in spite of our team having fourteen corners.

After this rather hesitant start the team settled down and seemed to regain their U14 level determination. Captain Laura Harris was part of this new drive and the rest of the season saw wins against all other opponents, several during high-scoring matches. Laura Harris has improved enormously and has boundless energy: I am grateful for her efforts Elizabeth Harrison proved as ever a solid and reliable goalkeeper. A newcomer to the team, Katie Woods, soon earned a permanent place as a back working well with Amelia Shaw who is always calm and steady.

Adella Brooks is another player who has improved over the season: she has great determination. Philippa Worsfold is a mature, thoughtful player and by the end of the term the defence was rather more solid.

When the forwards combined together they were a pleasure to watch. Elisabeth Pope and Sally Stileman have the ability to centre well when they have taken the ball up the wing and Madeleine Gear and Alison Brennan were always keen to take chances in the circle. Georgina Pares remains an erratic player but she never gives up and she does manage to score many goals!

Credit must be given to our reserves Rebecca Head and especially Catherine Day who lost her place in the team but remained a loyal and willing supporter. By the end of the season there was an excellent team spirit and U15 colours were well-deserved by Laura Harris, Philippa Worsfold and Sally Stileman.

I look forward to seeing many of this team in the First XI over the next two years.

At the end of the Lent Term we sent three girls in for the Maidstone U16 Hockey Trials. Philippa Worsfold has been selected to attend County Trials and both she and Laura Harris will play for the district this summer: congratulations to both girls.

S.M. Haywood

First XI Played: 11

Won: 5

Drawn: 2

Lost: 4

his was the best season so far for girls' hockey at S.V.S. TThe effort put into matches by the hard core of the team paid dividends. The team started well with a win over Kent College, Pembury and draws with Sevenoaks and Dover.

Then followed two wins against Maidstone Grammar School and St. Lawrence College, Ramsgate. Another draw followed against Tonbridge Grammar - a game which we should have won - and then a visit to Tunbridge Wells Astroturf to play Eastbourne. This we lost 2-0 but it was a very creditable performance as we were 2-0 down at half-time and played the second half with ten players, K. James having been injured, without conceding another goal. The other match won was against St. Edmund's with losses against Ashford, King's and Kent College Canterbury.

Squad: K. New, R. Gear, C. Latham, K. James*, C. Chapman*, M. Imberg, C. Stainton-James, E. Lloyd (Most Improved Player), H. Ward+, C. Palser, K. Worrall, J.Howells, A Rhodes and C. Berry. * Full Colours + Half Colours Katherine New and Charlotte Chapman have been selected for the final U18 Kent hockey trials.

B.J. Evans

Second XI standard of hockey amongst the Senior girls has The improved and as a result the Second XI had their best season ever, being unbeaten until the last two matches of the term. The highlight of the season was probably the 5-0 win over Eastboume - played at Home on Upper - when Natalie scored three. It was also good to see Becky Norris donning pads when the team needed a goalkeeper.

An U16 team from First and Second XI players represented the school in the Kent U16 Tournament which was played at S.V.S. They played well but lost in the Quarter Finals. The pitches on that day were superb and many teams praised the playing surfaces. We are indeed lucky to enjoy such well-kept pitches: thank you Mick and your staff.

Squad: K. Hannah*, R. Wilkinson*, A. Sabine*, R. Norris, K.Worrall, J. Howells*, C. Wilkinson*, K. Roberts, B. Armstrong, N. Harris, T. Hannaway*, V. Phillips, F. Yonge, J. Howard, A. Rhodes and C. Berry. * Second XI colours B.J. Evans

U14 XI

Under 15 XI Played: 11

Won: 9

Drawn: 1

Lost: 1

had an unbeaten season at U14 level, followed by Having an excellent hockey tour in Germany from which they returned with a trophy, the Under 15 team was, I think, a trifle over-confident at the start of the 1991-92 season.

Confidence can be an asset but on too many occasions this term the team did not reach the standards of which I believe it to have been capable. There were too many individuals and not enough team play. That said, however, it would be churlish to deny that it has been a successful season in terms 93

The Suttonian 1992

U13 & U12 XI

The Bodiam Manor match which we played away gave us a few surprises, not least the presence of a mixed team.

However it was a very enjoyable game and each team member tried her utmost to avoid the stronger hits of some of the opposition. We played and drew 0-0 against Wellesley House.

Special mention needs to be made of Belinda Upton who gained her U13 colours and who has played some very good hockey out on the wing. Her timing is excellent and she has rescued many a difficult ball, and thus regained the advantage for the team. Katie Slaughter also gained her colours and has played well throughout the season. Amy Lovegrove has given 100% effort to the game and despite her size has proved to be a fearless attacker. Michelle Titcoxnbe has shown great improvement this season. Our reluctant goalie, Leonie Keys, deserves special mention as she has proved to be an excellent 'keeper, producing some magnificent saves.

Other members of the teams not already mentioned are U12:P. LeGrys, I. DeThite, R. Drewer, C. Critchley, R. Duffell, A. Patel, G. Hopkins, E. Doorey, V. Day, G. Judd, K.T. Evans.

U13:J. Baillie, E. Midwood, F. Wight, K. Simmonds, E. Wills, K.E. Evans, L. Ashley.

Autumn Term u12 Played: 2 Won: I Lost: 1

Spring Term.

Under 14 XI Played: 8

Won: 4

Drawn: 1

Lost: 3

The two best players at this level play in the U15 XI and without then the U14 XI lacks skill and sparkle but does contain boundless enthusiasm. This is a team which has lots of potential but at present only Elizabeth Parrett and Caroline Dearing stand out as being more skilled than the rest. There remains a large number of girls of much the same standard and many matches were spent trying out players in various positions on the field. Because of this we did not have a very successful team but wins were recorded against Sevenoaks, Invicta, St. Lawrence and it was good to see a final victory over Kent College, Pembury at the end of the Lent Term.

Squad: R. Lillywhite, F. Lynes, V. Burbridge, D. Fox, E. Ward, T. Mwanyungwi, J. Jones, E. Parrett*, C. Pocock, C. Dearing*, C. Majewski, J. Stenborg, S. Winter, H. Browne, 0. Piper, A. Brannan and M. Gear. * Colours S.M. Haywood

U13

Although not officially a Hockey term for girls, we keep playing as the Prep Schools Association has its annual tournament at the end of the term. The U13 team played extremely well and were unbeaten at the end of the day.

We played in the semi finals, as Dulwich College scored more goals in the first round. We provided a very strong opposition to Dover College, who were the runners up in the other group. The result was a draw of one goal each, but with extra time played there was still no winner, so we agreed to a shared third place. Wellesley House were the overall winners, winning by a penalty flick, as their game was also a draw even after extra time. It was a very exciting and tiring day for everyone. Many thanks to Belinda Evans for umpiring for us on that day, which means I can support the team.

C.M. C.M.

Played: 6 Won: 2 Lost: 2 Drew: 2

he season started early with the Down's School visiting TSutton Valence on the 28th Sept. The U13 Hockey match, now an annual event (with cup) was played with some members of the team with only three weeks experience of the game. The match was well played by both sides and the resulting draw was fair, as neither side dominated the field for long. The last matches of the term, won against Sevenoaks U13 3-0 and U12 1-0, were encouraging as the previous matches were lost to D.C.P.S. and Bodiam Manor.

The teams met some very strong opposition here and we were beginning to wonder if we would ever gain a victory!

However the matches against D.C.P.S. also brought out some of our best and strongest defensive play of the season.

U13 Hockey

Hockey Tour to Holland A fter an early morning start we crossed the Channel from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sheerness to Vlissingen which took seven hours.

Fortunately the ship had a cinema, sauna, swimming pool and bar! After a two-hour train journey, trying to retrieve Mlle. Barral's sleeping-bag which she had left on the train and an hour's coach journey, we finally arrived at the youth hostel at eleven p.m. Dutch time to a friendly welcome from the Dutch Committee who showed us to our dormitory.

The next morning we were woken by the Barral alarm-clock at seven a.m. Unfortunately three people showering seemed to exhaust the hot-water supply.

Breakfast was typically Dutch so everyone complained about the weak tea and dry bread and cheese. A coach took us and four other English teams (one another girls' team) to the Hockey Club Klein Zwitserland. Our team had never really played together before but with Charlotte Chapman as centre forward and Katharine New, Natalie Harris, Jenny Theobald and Kate James as the other forwards we coped quite well. Our goalie, Anna Rhodes, had played for the Firsts for most of the Michaelmas term and she still worked very well with Rebecca Wilkinson, Anna Sabine and Hannah Ward as her backs. The halves, 94

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Das Hockeytunier er Madchen unter 14 Jahren

Claire Stainton-James, Emma Lloyd and myself were joined by Jo Raja from outside the school. Players were swapped in and out so that everyone played in her favourite position at least once. This meant that some people played wing in one match and back in the next.

The first day did not go very well for us so the next day we changed tactics and ended up coming sixth, losing fifth place through penalty flicks. We still won a cup however for being the nicest team and for good sportsmanship.

At night we were able to go on one occasion to a party at the Westwood Disco (where the company suited some of us very well) and on another to a Dutch bar. On the last day we went on a very interesting boat tour of Amsterdam along the canals: unfortunately it rained, so very few of us dared to go out on deck. Afterwards we were free to look around the city for a few hours and we all got thoroughly soaked. The Dutch Committee had given us a handy pocket guide giving us all the information we needed. We were eventually marshalled to the station only to find that we had missed the train! Fortunately (or not, depending on your point of view) there was another train an hour later and we made the ferry just in time.

All of us enjoyed the tournament very much and we all tried our best. The Dutch Committee was very nice and generous and their English was very impressive! On behalf of the whole team I should like to thank Mr Stainton-James and Mrs. Wilkinson for dropping us at Sheerness and collecting us again but above all our thanks go to Mlle Barral for her support throughout the tournament. Whatever the weather, she was always there on the touch-line. We all had a great time and hope to go back next year.

M Imberg

ir kamen alle frith und in guter Stimmung am ersten WTag des Tuniers in der Schule an. Me unsere Spiele fanden auf 'Upper' statt und das Erste war gegen Ashford H.C. Wir gewannen es und warteten auf unser nachstes Spiel gegen Hanover, die Erste von insgesamt zwei deutschen Mannschaffen. Das Team war sehr nett und beschenkte uns alle mit T-Shirts, und ihr Kapitan gab mir als Souvenir eine kleine Flagge. Wir verloren dieses Spiel, aber wir erziehlten ein Unentschieden gegen die Invicta Madchen Schule aus Maidstone.

Nachdem wir alle zu Mittag gegessen hatten, erwartete uns unser letztes Spiel an diesem Tag gegen den Hockeyclub von Braunschweig. Sie beschenkten auch jedes Mitglied der Mannschaft mit Flaggen undAufklebem.

Wir erreichten nach einem guten Finalspiel ein Unentschieden, in dem jeder sein Bestes gab. Wir kamen Dienstagnachmittag am letzten Tag des Tuniers zuruck, urn die drei letzten Spiele zu bestreiten. Unsere Gegner waren Braunschweig, Hanover und Q.E. Faversham. Wir spielten einmal Unentschieden, erziehlten einen Sieg und verloren einmal. Die meisten unserer Tore wurden von Georgie Pares und Alison Brannan geschossen, mit Catherine Day als gutem Torhilter.

Spater gingen wir alle in die Musikschule, in der wir unser Abendessen und die Preisverleihung hatten. Sutton Valence kam auf den vierten Platz von insgesamt funf Schulen, und die wohlverdienten Gewinner waren die Braunschweiger. Sie bekamen eine Trophae und ihr Kapitan gab uns freundlicherweise eine Schachtel mit SilBigkeiten. Am Abend sind wir alle Schlittschulaufen gegangen, und hatten sehr viel Spal3.

Ich mOchte Herr Posnette, Frau Wilkinson und Herr Wilson ganz herzlich fur die Organisation des Tuniers, und daB sie uns trainiert haben, danken. trans. N. Hartmann, LVI

Hockey tour of Holland

95

The Suttonian 1992

adapt and to learn from mistakes and all the players have been willing to look after their own game and work on their own shortcomings, whether they be passing, tackling or simply a crisis of confidence.

I was in the enviable but difficult position of starting the season with some sixteen players who could rightly feel that they could be in the 1st. XI, either because they played last year or because they had been part of the 1991 U16 XI which was so successful. In the end, as can be seen from the squad list, fourteen boys represented the school of whom five are leavers, and I should like to start with them.

In goal was Stewart Young, one-time 2nd. XI forward who quickly proved in 1991 that lack of training could be made up for by quick reflexes and a good eye for the ball.

Being a rugby player (captain 1991) probably helped for he was quite prepared to 'commit suicide' at the feet of an oncoming forward. After letting in four against Eastbourne, it was he who discovered that he was getting the angles wrong and he let in only two goals in the next eleven games until S. Sunnucks and T. Bowcock got three each for the Old Boys. Perhaps it was the old heads on old bodies and their deceptively slow pace that fooled him?

Alastair Hudd at sweeper was another who was deceptive in his speed, but he could out-pace any forward over ten yards. He also has a tremendous eye for the ball (Captain of Cricket 1992) and, being low to the ground, could withstand any rushing forward's foolhardy charge.

I'm only glad that one is normally hitting a moving ball in cricket for he would surely be caught at mid-off every fourth ball, if his 16 yard hits are anything to go by.

Charlie Masters, left mid-field. Unfortunately he is often ahead of the ball but is always eager to be in the centre of play and works terribly hard. He has good skill, a developing vision, is very difficult to get away from - and will be even more difficult to replace next year. He had the unusual honour these days of being officially made vice-captain.

John Smith, wide right mid-field. He changed from the left wing in the first match and stayed there, growing in

Hockey First XI Played: 12 Goals for: 38

Won: 9 Drawn: 1 Goals against: 24

Lost: 2

Played: 18 Won: 14 Drawn: 2 Lost: 2 Goals for: 46 Goals against: 26 including the Frank Mason Tournament which we won.

1968 1973 1979 1985

P12 P13 P17 P13

W8 DI W8 D2 W9 D3 W6 D2

L3 L3 L5 L5

way you look at it, this 1st. XI has been the Whichever best the School has ever had. Thirteen of the goals we conceded came in two games: the first game of the term, on astro-turf, against an excellent Chatham House team which we lost 1-7, and the last game of the term against an experienced O.S. side which cost us the other six goals.

There have been four main features that have contributed to our success: the increasing skills of the eight of last year's U16 team who have played regularly for the 1st. XI this term; the willingness of the team to work and work and not give up (for example our 5-4 victory over Eastbourne after being 1-4 down with twenty minutes to go); an increasingly sound defence centred around Alastair Hudd as sweeper and Stewart Young in goal; and our attack, particularly the right side of the midfield with Captain William Waters and John Smith linking with TImur Asar in the front. We have won on astro-turf after training on grass: we won the Frank Mason Tournament (the last time was in 1978) which is now played solely on astro and contains twenty schools from all over the country. We have won on this year's hard and bumpy grass after playing the previous few matches on astro-turf. We have managed to 96

The Suttonian 1992 Frank Mason Tournament

stature and actually coming to like the position. He was often too fast for the pace of the ball (Captain of Athletics 1992), particularly on the more bumpy grass pitches, but delighted me by learning to vary his game and link with William Waters.

Chris Pope at wide left mid-field. Initially happily positioned as Captain of the 2nd. XI he proved too good to be left out of the first team. I suspect that, given a choice, Chris would not choose this sort of left wing 'slot' but he was willing to stick at it and learn and became an effective left side to our attack.

The rest of the squad will, I hope, be here next year.

The back three, Lance Robertson, Bola Abubdu and Ben Painter all grew in stature and have their own peculiar strengths and weaknesses - a desire to hang on to the ball too long or to get rid of it too quickly, perhaps in the wrong direction - but they will give us a sound defence next year.

Oliver Raisbeck came into Chris Pope's place late in the season and showed that, once confidence had been restored, he had a lot of ability. Miles McLeod and Stephen Walsh were, at different times, our right strikers.

They were such different players, Stephen rushing forward and picking up those goals that everybody else had given up, Miles trying to keep the ball under tight control and often being frustrated by a last minute wrong touch. The other striker was our signing from the Lower Saxony team, Timur Asar. He was at times brilliant, at others entirely frustrating, for the coach at any rate. If he is to serve us as anything but a good scorer (more than 25 this term) he will have to learn a greater vision and willingness to play with the team: or perhaps we shall just ask him to score more goals. It has really been Timur's ability to score goals, the team's willingness to work and the extraordinary flair and energy of the captain William Walters that have led to our great success this term. William's ability to attack players and his increased awareness of the game as a whole have been outstanding and I thank him for his help both on and off the pitch this term.

My thanks must also go to all my colleagues who have helped to run hockey and the groundsmen for keeping Upper as green and flat as possible in this difficult spring term. A special thank you too, to Allan Lavers who has helped umpire the U16 XI. This has been an outstanding term and I thank the team for allowing me to bask in their glory a little (a lot?). It's been a pleasure.

Squad: Stewart Young*, Alastair Hudd*, Lance

1-0 4-1 1-0 0-0

W W W

KCS Wimbledon St. Edmund's Kingswood Kent College

D

Semi-Final v King's, Rochester Won 3-1 on P.F.s Final v Simon Langton W 2-1.

Senior House Matches: Westminster, who won the K.M.S. Trophy for House Leagues.

Junior House Matches: Founder's.

J.La R. Posnette

Second XI Played: 9 Goals for: 17

Won: 4 Drawn: 1 Goals against: 11

Lost: 4

'Seconds' enjoyed a mixed season winning some The matches handsomely but losing some others rather badly. Sometimes there seemed to be no reason for the occasional under-performance. There were the usual interchanges with the First XI and by the end we had one of the best Second squads of recent years. We were strong all the way down the middle: in front Steve Walsh, our top goal-scorer, had a knack of appearing from nowhere to 'slot it in'. Jim Brandon, our captain, sewed the mid-field up tightly and Nick de Lucy was very solid at the back.

Because we were strong in the middle we usually played to the middle and should have taken more opportunity to use the wings. Generally the teamwork and close control was good. There was also a good team spirit and Jim Brandon can claim most of the credit for that.

Squad: Jim Brandon*, James Slaughter*, Chris Pope*, Chris Sheldon*, Nick de Lucy (colours awarded last year),

James Hunt, Laurence Fox, Duncan Brannan, Nick Hodgson, Scott Baker, Andy Hepner, Miles McLeod, Matthew Woodgate, 011y Raisbeck, Rupert Cowell and Stephen Walsh. * Colours G.R. Piper 2nd XI: James Slaughter

Robertson+, Bola Abudu+, Ben Painter+, Chris Pope, Oliver Raisbeck, Charlie Masters*â&#x20AC;&#x17E; William Walters*â&#x20AC;&#x17E; John Smith*, Timur Asar*, Stephen Walsh+, Miles McLeod, Duncan Brannan, Matthew Woodgate. * Full Colours + Half Colours

Results Chatham House St. Edmund's Cranbrook Roger Manwood's Eastbourne Blundell's St. Lawrence Skinners' King's, Rochester O.S.

t-'**U t'

William Walters has represented Kent and S.E. at U21 and U19.

1-7 2-2 4-2 4-2 5-4 6-0 3-0 3-0 3-0 1-6

..041, "fro' 004,

*at'

97

The Suttonian 1992 I am very grateful to Mr Lavers, Tim's father, and Mr Chance for umpiring some of the matches when I was visiting my son in hospital and was unable to take the team.

I am very conscious that the team would have preferred me to be on the touchline. Further thanks to Mr Chance for his help with coaching.

Team: Bukuku B., Lavers T.*, Hemingway N., Fox M., Lee A., Roberts J., Harvey D., Ejimofor B., Ward B.* (Capt,), Hodson R., Anderson G. Also played: Bowen-Colthurst C., Stileman T. * Colours.

Third XI Played: 5

Lost: 5

The results did not at all reflect the effort that most of the players put into their game, following a disastrous start at Chatham House. When practices were possible, they showed a commendable willingness to improve their game, as well as a cheerful recognition that they did possess certain weaknesses.

A strong opposition at Eastbourne made the team pull out all the stops to prevent utter annihilation, with deputy Mitchel Godden's brave goal-keeping display proving invaluable. Thereafter, the team was unlucky not to take the spoils at Rochester and Caterham. An early penalty-flick was missed in the former and a well-earned first-half lead thrown away in the second. A particular weakness lay in the failure to hit the ball wide to the right-hand side: persistent attacks down the middle, especially on a water-logged mid-field (Caterham), were not likely to prove dangerous to a stubborn opposition defence.

Scott Baker was the outstanding player in the group: I was delighted his enthusiasm and developing skills were recognised and that he was rewarded with games for the second XI. Greg Hambourg also stood out as an athletic goal-keeper with some aggression, while Clive Harris showed some original touches but should recognise that he lacks the pace of a centre-forward. He would do far better at half-back.

Those who played: S. Baker*, A. Barr. A. Burgess, I. Collins, J. Evans, N. Gill, M. Godden, T. Hallett, G. Hambourg*, C. Harris, N. Hodgson, T. Hodson (Capt.), L. Midwood, J. Rollinson and J. Sandom.

R.D. Chance

Results Chatham House (a) 3-2 0-4 Cranbrook (h) 2-1 Eastbourne (h) 1-2 St. Lawrence (h) Caterham (h) 0-4 King's, Rochester (a) 0-2

L L L

C.R.G. S.

Under 14 XI his was an enjoyable season's hockey, rounded off by Tthe International Tournament in the first week of the holiday.

Things started very well with a draw against Chatham House in which the team showed great character in coming back from 3-1 down just after half-time, and victories against Cranbrook, Holmewood House and Sir Roger Manwood's. They gave a good account of themselves in the defeat against Eastbourne, had an unlucky defeat against Skinners' and were beaten by St. Lawrence. The only severe defeat of the season was against Caterham after Simmonds, the influential sweeper, had sustained an unpleasant leg injury which, sadly, put him out of the tournament. The season ended with a draw against King's, Rochester and some very creditable performances in the Tournament, most notably a fine victory against Eintracht Braunschweig when the side played some of its best hockey of the season.

One was left with the feeling that this was a side which had not quite fulfilled its early promise. There were nonetheless some fine individual performances which augur well for the future. Critchley, strong and skilful on the left wing, was probably our most potent attacking force: his positional play could be improved but he is an exciting prospect nonetheless. Woodcock worked hard at centre-forward and scored some good goals but he needs to be quicker to seize his opportunities both to pass and to shoot. Horton was a little lacking in speed and strength on the right wing but he made up for this with skill, determination and sensible positional play.

The defence was ably masterminded by Simmonds: his steadying influence was sorely missed after his injury.

Sampanis was tremendously enthusiastic and made considerable progress as a solid tackler with a powerful hit.

Milsted, despite his lack of pace, also made a solid contribution. Other useful players were Wootton and Wild, who developed considerably as tenacious defenders; Brett, Planting and Sibley who all showed potential in midfield; and Clark, who has a knack of scoring valuable goals and is now beginning to understand the importance of 'grafting' up front. In goal Hodgson's unavailability for the Tournament meant that he could never quite make the position his own but he made some vital saves (notably against Cranbrook) and shows considerable promise. His replacement for the

Under 16 XI Played: 6 Goals for: 6

W

Won: 2 Lost: 4 Goals against: 15

terms of results this was a disappointing season.

InHowever, the team always gave of their best and there was no lack of effort. Several of the matches could have gone either way and the win against a good side from Eastbourne was the highlight of the season.

A sound start was made with a win against Chatham House, but we rather gave away the game with Cranbrook losing three quick goals early in the second half. The win against Eastbourne was followed by three losses, two narrow defeats and one larger one.

The team were well served in defence. Evans Bukuku in goal needs to be a little more positive, but Tim Lavers always played soundly with good support from Matthew Hemingway in the full-back positions. The halves were occasionally beaten for pace, Michael Fox was injured for two of the matches, Andrew Lee showed some good touches and James Roberts needs to mark his winger tighter at times. At the front David Harvey tried almost too hard on the right wing, whilst Geoffrey Anderson on the left sometimes wanted to beat one man too many.

Sebastian Ejimofor worked hard with Richard Hodson, but they did not finish powerfully enough.

The side was captained by Ben Ward who gave 100% in every match; his determination caused plenty of problems to our opponents, but we didnot put the ball away from the chances we created. His leadership by example of the team was much appreciated.

98

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Under 13 XI

Tournament, Picard, though hesitant at first, eventually turned in some excellent performances. The outstanding contribution, however, was made by the Captain, West.

Not only was he tireless in midfield, showing great skill and vision, but he set an admirable example in his unassuming good conduct both on and off the field. His lead was readily followed by the other members of the team, not least during the Tournament: the results may not have been spectacular but they would surely have been well in the running for any 'fair play' award.

Colours: West, Critchley, Simmonds, Woodcock and Kampanis.

A Played: 7 Won: 1 B Played: 2 Won: 1 Seven-aside Tournament

Drawn: 1 Lost: 5 Lost: 1 3rd. out of 14

e have had a very successful season characterised by Wgreat enthusiasm and much improvement in both team play and individual development. Most of our matches were played near the beginning of the Lent Term when we had just assembled our side but were playing prep. school teams that had been together for years. Two First Years - Peter Posnette and Paul Schofield - were regular A team players. Matthew Sabine developed into a strong player during the term. Many boys improved greatly to reach the fringes of the team - Tom Janes and Paul Turner for example. Richard Piper has considerable potential as a goalkeeper. Several boys have played club hockey on Sundays. At the time of writing we are only two weeks away from the next Seven-aside tournament in which we hope to do very well. My especial thanks go to Jeremy Parkinson who has been a reliable captain.

C.W.W. Wilson

M.P. Dunn

Netball 1st VII 2nd VII U15 VII U14 VII U13 VII

Played 11 9 12 10 4

Won 6 4 6 4 2

Drawn 1 2 1 2 1

Lost 4 3 5 4 1

ter an improved performance at all Afbevels last year, hopes were high this season. It is unfortunate that our first fixtures were all against schools that are not only numerically much larger but some of which also play netball for two terms. We are, however, fortunate to have the coaching skills of Esther Cornell and Jenny Smiley and at every level netball skills have improved. It is also true that there is a greater enjoyment of the game.

Under 14 Boys' Hockey Tournament n Saturday the first of the German sides arrived: they Ostayed in Westminster. Our opening match on Sunday

First VII

was against Braunschweig which turned out to be the best victory (2-1) of the tournament for us. It was kind of the Braunschweig team to give us stickers as souvenirs after the match. The game against Hanover after lunch was a different matter - they won 3-0, their centre forward scoring all the goals.

On Monday we travelled to Canterbury: for the S.V.S. team it was the first experience of playing on Astroturf. We took part in a six-aside tournament which was great fun and we ended the day rather tired, especially Mathieu Picard who had kept goal for all the games.

The last two matches of the tournament were played on Tuesday and after they were over presentations were made in the Music School: we were given a bag of sweets each by the Braunschweig team for being good hosts. That night we went skating with the Germans and found that they were as good at skating as they were at hockey. We had all very much enjoyed the tournament and we hope our visitors had too.

he season started off rather disappointingly with three Tsuccessive losses, but on reflection this was partly because of the lack of training and also because we played the strongest opposition (Cranbrook) first. They not only have an exceptionally tall team but have three members who play at county level. Our second match v. King's, Canterbury was a very closely-fought game, Sutton Valence only losing by five goals: to be followed the next week by another loss to Sevenoaks. Despite these early setbacks however the team settled down to play some very good netball and by sheer determination and excellent team-work they beat Dover College by two goals. Under the captaincy of Sate James the team went from strength to strength and won the next three matches, beating Invicta and Tonbridge Grammar quite convincingly.

Since netball is a team game it is very difficult to single out individuals but credit must be given to the defenders Kate Fitzgerald, Hannah Ward and Claire Stainton-James who showed enthusiasm, ability and the aggression

S. West, 5C 99

The Suttonian 1992

First VII

U15 VII

needed for these positions. Tara Hannaway and jenny as centre-court players sustained their high standard of play and fitness throughout the season. Kate James and Claire Wilkinson shot with accuracy even under pressure and the former overcame her lack of height for a Goal Attack position. All in all, a very successful season.

Cross-Country

Howells

Term started late this year, which meant that we missed the Knole Run. This was a shame but at least gave the runners a chance to get fit.

The races were again organised into a league, the best four scores to count. As the staff raced with the pupils this year I am able to give a first hand account of the courses (next year I think that I will plead senility in order to avoid some of the more arduous events). Tonbridge was very long with a lot of stiles. King's Rochester was muddy and difficult. Dover College seemed to consist of continuous ascent and descent but at least it didn't snow this year! The Cranbrook fixture was at half term so that only Jonathan Holroyd was able to run. The Duke of York's R.M.S. course included all the hills in Dover not in Dover College's event. Kent College followed with their relay, an event that was enjoyed by all; probably because it was the shortest. Last, but not least, King's Canterbury provided us with a pleasant afternoon's jogging around an army training area.

As is customary in these ramblings I must include a mention of as many pupils as possible, so here goes.

Jonathan Holroyd had a very frustrating season being sidelined with a knee injury. However, when fit he proved to be a match for anyone in Kent. He also took nearly half a minute off the Performance Run record (Patrick are you out there?). He was awarded full colours. Our numbers this term were supplemented by the arrival of three Germans; Michael, Prisca and Julia. All ran well and were a considerable asset to the team. Another new arrival, James Ryan, got stronger and stronger as the season went on. All of which makes me wonder why so many new pupils choose cross country. Perhaps they don't know what they are letting themselves in for! Tom Wellard at last started to show his real potential; what a shame that he is leaving next year. He, Michael and James were awarded half colours in recognition of their contribution to the team. Ben Collins, James Drury, Richard Wooderson and Simon Mills all ran consistently well throughout the season and I

Second VII he season started well with a draw against Cranbrook Tand the team continued to play consistently throughout the season with more wins than losses. There were plenty of promising players forthcoming: Natalie Harris captained the side well and was tireless and skilful as centre. Rebecca Gear proved to be a valuable and accurate Goal Attack with Celia Palmer adding maturity and stability to the team. Overall a good season, all the team members reaching a good standard of play.

Team: C. Palmer, N. Harris, R. Gear, R. Wilkinson, K. Hannah, E. Lloyd, B. Armtrong and K. Worrall.

E. Cornell

Under 15 VII the term progressed the team became more Ascompetent as the result of cheerful determination, consistent effort and a willingness to act upon advice. At first there were seven individual players on the court, all of whom had ability, but who lacked the experience of playing together. With practice the girls soon began to develop an understanding and awareness of each other. Tactics were introduced and everyone worked hard to improve her skills. By the end of the term they had become an efficient unit which deserved and achieved success. Elizabeth Harrison made a very good captain, having a calming influence in some difficult circumstances whilst always giving of her best; and Philippa Worsfold never failed to exhibit an extremely high standard of play as Goal Defence.

Team: E. Harrison, A. Shaw, S. Stileman, P. Worsfold, E. Pope, L. Hanis, G. Pares and R. Head.

I. Smiley

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The 1st IV, captained by Tony Coker (M), were unchanged from last year with Alex Hubble (L), Oliver Haywood (F) and Melvin Nwajei (W) giving us one member from each of the four boys' houses. Mind you, you would not have thought that they had already had a season at the top when they picked up their gloves in January.

Throughout the season they seldom showed the level of skill and confidence that I had hoped for and only Tony Coker was awarded his colours.

The opening match of the season was against the R.F.A. Club and, not surprisingly, we lost (160-108) but this was followed by wins against Christ's Hospital (132-38) and Felsted (160-108). A good display of doubles play turned what had, to start with, been a very close match against Felsted into a relatively comfortable victory and I was encouraged to hope that we might run Eastbourne close and possibly beat Tonbridge in our next two fixtures. Alas!

Eastbourne, whom I knew to be good, saw us off (109-69) and Tonbridge also beat us by a similar margin (114-78).

Rutlish, where the game is unfortunately in a rather depressed state at present, we beat comfortably (132-40) and we followed that with a good win against Alleyn's (109-74). Whitgift sadly had to cancel their 1st IV match against us and the season ended with a friendly afternoon of fives on the day of the O.S. hockey matches.

Amongst those playing was Trevor White, now teaching at Epsom College, whose enthusiasm and skill seemed unaffected by three years away from the game.

In the inter-House competition St Margaret's tried hard to lose before beating Founder's by the narrowest of margins in the final.

Tony Coker was a convincing winner of the Open Singles competition and Rory Slater (VV) won the Under-16 Singles.

With fewer players to have to cope with this year, games afternoons have been relatively easy to organise compared with the hassle of some years and, once again, I should like to express my thanks to M.R.S. for all his help; it makes a big difference having a second member of staff regularly in attendance at the courts and I am very grateful to him.

M.F.B.

am most grateful for their loyalty. I was very pleased with the girls' efforts this season. We managed to field a full team at every event. Charlotte Chapman was almost always in the first three and was awarded half colours. Jo Masterman also showed considerable promise: if only she could learn to run the same speed around the whole course! All of which brings us to Leslie. Rumour has it that the Cross Country fixtures were an important part of his social calendar. He certainly seemed to know more competitors from other schools than the rest of the team put together; or was it the girls in the team?

I have avoided mentioning any results and will simply say that all were rewarded enough by simply competing.

My thanks must go to my colleagues who helped me this term. Mike Julians continues to amaze the pupils with his sheer commitment to running: his warm up routines are an example to us all. Chris Parkinson found a new role this term leading the girls on very long runs into the depths of the countryside. This left the gentleman joggers in the capable hands of Mike Willdridge, to whom my thanks go for entertaining the 'leftovers'.

Lambe's won the House cross country whilst Founder's were disqualified.

D.E. Clarke

Fives 1st N 2nd IV 3rd/U16 IV U15 IV

Played 7 4 4 3

Won 4 2 3 1

Lost 3 2 1 2

rom the point of view of the weather this must have been Fthe best season for many a year. I think I am right in saying that only two days' play were lost to sweating courts and no matches were affected.

There were far fewer boys playing fives this year than in recent years but the loss was more from the social end of the spectrum rather than from the serious end. That is not to say, however, that we had enough good players, and unless more natural games players can be recruited next year we shall be unlikely to enjoy the same sort of modest success as we have had this year.

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The Suttonian 1992 In the Inter-House competitions, for the first time, Sutton and Valence fielded teams at both Junior and Senior levels, but they have yet to develop the very different skills that this game requires, when compared with netball. The competitions were dominated by Westminster and St. Margaret's, who met in both finals. St. Margaret's won the Junior trophy 36-16, while Westminster retained the Senior trophy, winning 47-24.

Badminton Played: 8

Won: 2

Drawn: 3

Lost: 3

he team has been playing well this year, which is good Tconsidering the age of most of the players. This bodes well for next year. They have held their own against several opposing teams who were much older and stronger.

Of particular note was the result in the competition at Kent College, Canterbury in November 1991.

Congratulations to all who played in this competition and especially to the first pair, Ng and Cheung, who beat: King's Canterbury First Pair 21-12 St. Edmund's First Pair 21- 3 Stafford House 21- 1 Second Pair 21-17 Kent College Second Pair and narrowly failed to qualify for the semi-finals by losing to St .Lawrence, Ramsgate 22-23.

The Second Pair, Moore and Bell, performed bravely and beat Stafford House 23-21.

Team Records

Seniors Lost: 4 Played: 10 Won: 6 Points for: 478 Points against: 348 Individual totals: Painter 129, Brandon 58, Shum 53, Cosgrave 45, Coker 42, Schmidt 36, Pope 34, Abudu and Edem 24, Asar 21, Hodson T. 12.

Full colours awarded to: Brandon, Coker and Painter. Half colours to: Abudu, Schmidt and Shunt U17 Won: 3 Lost: 2 Played: 5 Points for: 266 Points against: 207 Individual totals: Shum 49, Schmidt 48, Abudu 38, Painter 35, Asar 32, Pope 28, Hodson R. 24, Tse 7, Hambourg 3, Lee 2.

R.A. Rothwell

Basketball

Juniors Played: 9 Won: 7 Lost: 2 Points for: 412 Points against: 301 Individual totals: Hodson 136, Anderson 63, Tse 62, Slattery 47, Sowemime-Coker 30, Kampanis 24, Kutschmann 15, Cheung 14, Bukuku 7, Lee 2.

Junior Colours awarded to: Anderson, Hodson and Tse.

he senior squad, ably led by Jim Brandon, had a good Tseason, at times, playing an excellent standard of basketball. Early in the season they overwhelmed Cranbrook 70-10, after which they played in a Kent U19 tournament, which included club sides. They won two and lost two games in their pool. A hard game against Gravesend GS was lost 40-51, but by maintaining a similarly high standard of play they beat Judd 62-40, Longfield 74-29 and completely overwhelmed Sevenoaks again 72-20. With the Common Room unable to produce a team, the season ended with another new fixture, against Tunbridge Wells GS. They suffered a rare defeat 54-95, but the opposition fielded a 2 metre tall England player, who scored 71 points! It was a pleasure to welcome Josh Cosgrave, from Australia, who joined the School to help with sport.

He is an enthusiastic basketball player of no mean skill, who helped with the coaching and played a few games for the senior squad.

At U17 level we fielded a team in a Kent all-day tournament, meeting several club sides again.

They won two games and lost one, Ken Shum and Michael Schmidt shooting baskets particularly well. Two other games were played at this level, providing an easy victory over Longfield 101-23, but defeat by Gravesend 38-62.

The Junior side was captained by Rick Hodson, who averaged 15 points a game and led the team to an almost undefeated season. Sadly, a full squad was not available for the first match and we lost to Oldborough Manor 31-66 in the first round of the Maidstone Schools' 5th year Tournament. We had beaten them in the 4th year final the previous season. However, they went on to win their five remaining matches, winning the Plate Competition by beating Aylesford 45-30 in the final. We also fielded a largely U15 side against Cranbrook and narrowly lost 60-65 in an extremely good game.

D.W.T. Hannah Ward

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The Suttonian 1992

Old Suttonians Association News O.S.A. Annual Dinner 1991

Marriages

The O.S.A. Annual Dinner was held at Boodle's on Friday, 17th May 1991. This had been arranged by the Dinner Secretary, E.J. Evans (1953 W) in conjunction with R.J. Edmonds (1956 M) who is the Secretary of Boodle's.

GULLAND-DEEKS On 23rd February 1991 at Maidstone, John F. Gulland (1933 B), father of Garth J. Gulland (1965 F) and A. Blair Gulland (1969 F), to Barbara, widow of 'Monty' Deeks and mother of J.M. Deeks (1968 L) and J.G. Deeks (1969 L).

The evening was judged to have been a great success, some 85 members and guests having sat down for dinner. Amongst the guests was Tim Hatton who had recently retired as Clerk and Receiver to United Westminster Schools.

KNIGHT-GOODCHILD On 26th June 1989 at Shalford, Essex, Timothy Gregory Knight (1964 F) to Caroline Elizabeth Goodchild.

KNIGHT-DUN'rON On 10th September 1988 at Titchfield, Christopher John Knight (1986 F) to Frances Charlotte Dunton. The Best Man was Christopher Buzzard (1966 L).

The Chairman of the O.S.A. Committee, G.J.H. Croysdill (1965 F), proposed the Loyal Toast and J.L.A. Scott (W), the Head of the School, proposed the toast of the School.

The School Song was sung with gusto and the Headmaster, M.R. Haywood, gave an outline of the School's progress during the past year.

SPREULL-KING In 1986 James Spreull (1975 F) to Geneen King.

TURNER-POVVELL On 6th October 1984 at Heaton Moor United Reformed Church, John C. Turner (1978 W) to Janet Powell. John's father is Peter Turner (1939 W).

NEWPORT-DAY On 24th August 1991, Christopher J. Newport (1979 F) to Kelly Day. Amongst those present was Julian Croysdill (1964 F), Chairman of O.S. Committee.

O.S.A. AGM 1991 The O.S.A. AGM was held at the School on Sunday, 8th September 1991, with G.J.H. Croysdill (1965 F) in the Chair. The meeting was not especially well attended, partly because the rugby match against the School had been cancelled because of the hard ground. It is hoped that future AGMs will be held in conjunction with the O.S. Dinner - as has been the case in the past.

MARTIN-HARTLEY On 22nd June 1991 at Cranbrook Parish Church T.A. Owen Martin (1984 F) to Katharine Hartley, daughter of Tim Hartley (Master at Cranbrook).

Tom Chantler (1983 C) was Best Man; Paul Heron (1981 L), Gary Jones (1983 F) and Lee Henderson (1983 L) were amongst the Groomsmen; Toby Dartnell (1983 C), Stuart Hills (1963 R) and Vivian and John McCormick (Master since 1965) were also present.

Those present stood to remember those who had died during the previous year. The minutes of the previous AGM were read and signed. The Accounts were presented by the Hon. Treasurer, J.W.W. Taylor (1965 F). The changes to the rules of the Association which had been circulated to all members were passed by the meeting. As a result of these changes, all the Officers of the Association were re-elected and the Committee remained in place, except for the retirement of C.J. Newport (1979 F). The full list of the Officers and Committee was printed on the notice for the 1992 AGM, sent out with Newsletter, No. 39.

HALLER-CASTBERG On 16th March 1991, Mark W. Haller to Siw Castberg (1986 V).

IVE-MILLER On 6th July 1991 at the Parish Church of St. Mary, Great Chart, Mark John Ive to Fiona Mary Miller (1987 V). Fiona's brother, Christopher (1991 C & M) was an usher and Victoria Rayner (1987 V) was the chief bridesmaid. Other Suttonians present were Annabel Burgess (1987 V), Alistair Castle (1984 C) and Annabel Castle (1967 S).

The reports of the sub-committees on membership, sporting events and social events were given. The Annual Dinner will be held at Boodle's again in 1992.

Births MANOOK On 1 1 th October 1990, to Sue and David Manook (1961 M), a daughter via Romania, Abigail Michaela.

It was announced that the first Edward Craven Sports Prize had been awarded to Simon Dyke, the School 1st XI Scorer for four seasons and already the O.S. Scorer.

News was also given to the meeting about the accident to Adrian Shaw (1991 L) with details of an Appeal organised by Roy Morgan, the father of one of Adrian's friends, Christopher Morgan (1991 L). The O.S. Committee had already agreed to make a contribution to this appeal.

KNIGHT On 20th August 1990, to Caroline (nĂŠe Goodchild) and Timothy Knight (1964 F), a daughter, Victoria Elizabeth.

KNIGHT On 8th October 1989 to Frances (nĂŠe Dunton) and Christopher Knight (1966 F), a daughter, Emma Charlotte, and on 15th December 1991, second daughter, Harriet Elsa.

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The Suttonian 1992 We have had a letter from James SPREULL (1975 F) giving us his news. James took a degree in Civil Engineering at Hatfield Polytechnic and is presently working for Ready Mixed Concrete as an Area Production Manager running six plants in Cambridgeshire. He has been a member of the T.A. since 1980 and passed his Commando Course at Lympstone with the Royal Marines. He is now a Captain and the operations officer for 216 Field Squadron Airfield Damage Repair based at RAF Marham. He has also given his family news (see Marriages and Births).

Richard NICHOLS (1978 L) is working on the Chicago Board of Options Exchange, dealing with Stock Options.

He wrote to tell us of the birth of son, Max, now nearly two years old.

Stephen HARRIS (1980 C) tells us that he has worked for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food since graduating from University College, London with a B.A.(Hons) in Geography. He is at present working in the Ministry's External Relations and Trade Promotion Division as Head of Country Section (Western Europe, North America and the Caribbean) which gives him ample chance to travel. His contemporaries at Sutton will not be surprised to learn that Stephen is the editor of the Leyton Orient Football Club supporters' magazine The Leyton Orienteer.

David TOWNSEND (1981 M) is an assistant trainer to David Elsworth, trainer of Desert Orchid and also the one-time Derby favourite, Seattle Rhyme.

Andrew HICKMAN (1985 F) continues to do well at point-to-point racing, winning four races in one day at Charing in late February.

We have heard from Michael GORDON (Master 1979-85). He recently moved from Reigate Grammar School to Egerton-Rothesay School in Berkhamsted where he is Head of Modern Languages and also a Housemaster.

Gavin STURDY (1985 F) went to Leeds Polytechnic to read landscape architecture. After a year he travelled to Australia before returning to Carnegie College, Leeds Polytechnic to read Human Movement Studies.

Whilst at Carnegie he played for the First teams in Rugby League and Volleyball, winning British Student titles and also captaining the Athletics squad to a fifth consecutive Polytechnic title. Despite all the sport Gavin gained a 2.1 in his degree course and hopes to take up a post-graduate study in Cardiac Rehabilitation in Australia this autumn. He has worked for a year at Tenterden Leisure Centre, this employment enabling him obtain permanent residency in Australia. He has also travelled through the Eastern United States on a motor-bike and is travelling in the Caribbean and South America en route to Australia, hoping to obtain work in Venezuela and to learn Spanish.

We have news of three O.S. who were in the Queen's Regiment: Justin BRADBURN (1987 L) has done very well at Sandhurst, he was appointed an Under Officer and was awarded the Shooting Prize as the best shot on the Standard Graduate Course; he is now

THORNHILL In June 1989, to Trine and Chris Thornhill (1968 L), a daughter, Emma, and in October 1990, a second daughter, Molly.

HUGHES On 21st May 1991, to Allison and Gary Hughes (1972 F), a son, Dominic Peter James, a brother for Alexander.

HAIGH On 12th July 1991 in Johannesburg, to Adonna and Ian Haigh (1973 L), a son, Michael Thomas.

SPREULL In 1989 to Geneen (née King) and James Spreull (1975 F), a daughter, Amy, and in November 1991, a son, Edward.

NICHOLS On 6th July 1990, to Lisa and Richard Nichols (1978 L), a son, Max. SMITH On 8th February 1992 to Sarah and Neil Smith (1987 F), a son, Edward George. Neil is the younger son of Keith Smith (Master 1968-91).

TURNER On 2nd October 1987, to Janet (née Powell) and John Turner (1978 W), a daughter, Ruth Mary; on 31st October 1990, a son, Paul Clemence; and on 20th December 1991, a second daughter, Emma Rachel.

LAU= On 11th May 1991, to Catharine and Keith Lallyett (Master 1979-84), a son, James Edward Mark, a brother for Camilla and Chloe.

ARGENT On 30th October 1991, to Fiona (née Rogers, Staff 1984-86) and Nick Argent (Master 1983-86), a son, Ciaran Philip Taylor.

SINCLAIR On 25th August 1991, to Frances and Michael Sinclair (Master since 1989), a daughter, Emily Rose.

0 .S . News David COLLET (1954 W) is Appeals Director for the Parkinson's Disease Society.

We have heard from Paul LATHAM (1954 W) who is a Captain in the Salvation Army. Paul and his wife have been working for the Army in Kenya and Zaire, before moving to Nigeria three years ago. They have been mainly concerned with developing community and social programmes in those countries. They are returning to live in Scotland early this summer.

In November we read that Robert FISK (1964 W), The Independent's Middle East correspondent, had won the Jacobs award in Dublin for his interviews and contributions for Radio Telefis Eireann, the Irish Radio station. His reports for The Independent also appear in The Irish Times and he was praised for his 'unique perspective' and 'incisive' reporting of the Gulf War. Simon FARRAR (1974 C) is running a three-star hotel in Sussex.

Peter POLYCARPOU (1975 C) has been taking the leading role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera in the West End. He has also been seen on BBC television in the comedy Birds of a Feather.

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The Suttonian 1992 commissioned. Rupert FARRANT (1987 M) is going to Sandhurst in September; and Nicholas TURPIN (1987 C) has had to leave Sandhurst for medical reasons.

Norwich on 19th September 1991. He was 87. George Youden, who was born in Dover, became a partner in the law firm of Stilwell and Harby in March 1928 and was appointed Superintendent Registrar of the Dover District the following year. In his 40 years in that post, he celebrated at least 6,000 weddings. He was said to be the last fee-paid Registrar in the British Isles. He became Clerk to the Dover Magistrates in January 1938, retiring from that post in December 1968.

During the war he was ordered by the District Commissioner to remain in the town in the event of an invasion and served as Deputy Chief Warden in the Civil Defence from 1938-62.

He held offices in many organisations including the Royal Victoria Hospital Committee, Dover Chamber of Commerce (President 1958-59), Dover Operatic Society, Dover Trustee Savings Bank Advisory Committee, Dover Rotary Club (President 1958-59), was a Paul Harris Fellow, Coleman Convalescent Fund, Gorely Charity, Trustee Dover Patrol Memorial and was a Trustee of the Dover Battle of Britain Memorial Hospital Fund.

George Youden was appointed Surrogate and Deputy Judge Official of the Cinque Ports Admiralty Court in 1946 and as such, attended the installations of three Lords Wardens, Sir Winston Churchill, Sir Robert Menzies and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

He was a keen Dover Cricket Club player and he took over in 1954 from his father in organising Dover Cricket Week. He was also a keen golfer and played on many of the famous courses in Scotland.

His chief hobby was entomology and he recorded finding 750 different types of moth in his garden over 50 years. He bequeathed his fourteen Hill Cabinets and contents to the British Museum.

Patrick CHANCE (1990 F) finished in the top forty (out of 320) in the Junior Men's Race at the English Cross-Country Championships at Newark, Notts in February. He is in his second year at Birmingham University reading Medicine.

Laurence HORTON (1990 M), who was badly injured in the road accident in which Paul HAYMAN (1990 M) was killed in South Africa, returned to the U.K. early in January. He is making a good recovery from his injuries.

Deaths VIDLER On 25th July 1991 the Reverend Dr. Alexander Roper Vidler (1918 K), aged 91. Alec Vidler spent six months in the Army at the end of the First World War before going up to Selwyn College, Cambridge. He studied Theology and went to Wells Theological College before becoming a curate in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He had by this time joined the Oratory of the Good Shepherd, a society of celibate clergymen, in 1923. He remained faithful to this throughout his life.

After two years at Newcastle, he went to St. Aidan's, Birmingham and in 1931 he joined the community at the Oratory House in Cambridge. He became the editor of Theology and the Warden of St. Deinol's Library, W.E. Gladstone's foundation at Hawarden. The latter gave him the opportunity to write and lecture.

In 1946 he became an honorary canon of Derby Cathedral and two years later was invited to become a Canon of St. George's Chapel, Windsor. He would have been happy to stay in this post where he was able to prepare older men for ordination. However, he was invited to become Dean of King's College, Cambridge and University Lecturer in Divinity in 1956 and eagerly accepted the new challenge. He wrote a large number of books and essays, specialising in modern church history.

He retired to his home town of Rye in 1966 where he became the Mayor as his father, grandfather and great-grandfather had already been. His father incidentally had been at Sutton Valence in the 1880s.

Alec Vidler kept bees all his life and baked his own bread, continuing to write in his retirement. His autobiography, Scenes from a Clerical Life, was published in 1977. His election to an Honorary Fellowship at King's in 1972 gave him great pleasure.

He was a great personal friend of Malcolm Muggeridge whom he met at Selwyn College and the friendship lasted throughout their lives. Together they made a television programme about St. Paul in the early 1970s and it was Alec Vidler who came with Malcolm Muggeridge to the school about ten years ago when the latter addressed the 6th form.

YOUDEN Former solicitor and magistrate's clerk George Henry Youden (1921 W) of Castle Avenue, Dover, died peacefully in his sleep while on holiday in

FIL?v On 12th November 1991, in Australia, Lionel Cuthbert Filmer (1924 W). Lionel Filmer was the middle one of three brothers at Sutton Valence in the 1920s. The eldest brother, Percy Valiance Filmer (1922 V), died in November 1929, whilst the youngest brother, Keith Gerald Filmer (1927 W) has died recently (see below).

Lionel Filmer worked in Ceylon in the tea business for many years and also in India. During the Second World War, he joined the Ceylon Planters Rifle Corps and later became a Pilot Officer in the R.A.F. In 1969, he retired to Australia where he spent the rest of his life.

PROCrIER On 19th January 1991, after a long struggle against Parkinson's Disease, Noel James Prockter (1926 W) aged 80. Noel Prockter was not at Sutton Valence for long but he always took a close interest in the school.

He was a well-known horticulturalist, broadcaster and journalist. He attended the very first meeting of the Institute of Horticulturalists and was a Fellow of the Institute. He studied at Kew and worked as a practising horticulturalist for twenty years before he began his career in publishing. He was manager of the nursery of J. Cheal and Sons for several years; the assistant editor of Amateur Gardening for twenty-five years; wrote a number of books including Simple Propagation; was a regular contributor to the BBC's In Your Garden and the first gardening correspondent for the Sun newspaper.

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The Suttonian 1992 nostalgic visits to his old hunting grounds. During the Second World War William was a W/O Pilot who flew bombers and was taken prisoner after his plane was shot down. Before and after the war he worked for the Aero Dept. of the General Electric Company becoming both Assistant Manager and Manager. In 1966 he became the Aero Sales Director of Herman Smith Ltd. where he remained until his retirement in 1978.

EVISON On 16th September 1991, after a long illness borne with great fortitude and good humour, Barry George Evison (1930 W), aged 78. Barry Evison served in the Royal Navy from 1940 to 1946. After the war he went into the print business and eventually set up his own business in 1976. This was very successful for twelve years or so before ill-health forced him to retire.

EDWARDS On 6th January 1992, Lt.Col. Theodore Francis Edwards (1932 M), aged 78. After leaving School 'Teddy' Edwards went to Selwyn College, Cambridge where he gained a degree in Mathematics.

He joined the RASC in 1935 and remained in the army until 1960. He spent the Second World War in North Africa, the Middle East and Southern Europe. He was mentioned in despatches no fewer than five times. At the end of the war he passed the Army Staff College Course at Camberley; he retired from the army as a Lt. Colonel. He joined Jeyes for three years and then returned to work at the Ministry of Defence. In 1969 he suffered a stroke, but recovered well enough to work at Whipps Cross Hospital, Woodford. In 1979 he and his wife retired to live in Bexhill.

PAIN On 1st May 1991, suddenly at home, Dennison Bishop Pain (1936 M), aged 72. Dennison Pain was the brother of Edward Pain (1929 M) and Geoffrey Pain (1931 M). His son, Timothy (1966 C) was also at Sutton Valence. During the Second World War, Dennison served in the London Rifle Brigade TA and the Royal Horse Artillery, reaching the rank of Captain. He served in North Africa and Italy. After the war he went into farming in Devon before retiring to live in Cornwall.

ROWE'IT On 14th April 1991, after a long illness, Raymond Locks Rowett (1938 W) aged 69. Raymond Rowett spent his career involved with newspapers in Essex. He joined the Express and Independent in Loughton on leaving school, but soon joined the R.A.F. and spent much of the war as a flying instructor in the USA Latterly he was in Europe both flying and ground control approach. He rejoined the paper after the war, though it was part of the London, Middlesex and Essex Group. He became a director with responsibility for production and distribution, a position he held until 1972 when the Express and Independent was taken into the Guardian/Gazette group. He then bought two printing companies, Newnorth Press of Wanstead and the Lowestoft Printing Company, which he ran with his son, Alan, until his death.

TAYLOR On 31st July 1991, suddenly, Sir Michael Goodiff Taylor (1947 M), aged 61. Michael Taylor was closely involved with the South-East area of the Conservative Party for over forty years, becoming Treasurer and finally Chairman. He served on the East

He frequently lectured and was a judge at many flower shows. He was a founder member of the Arboricultural Association, the Hardy Plant Society and the Delphinium Society. He was also on the Council of the Gardeners Royal Benevolent Society. His great love was hardy perennials, shrubs and trees and it was in this last interest that he was able to help the school when the tree-planting programme was introduced a few years ago. The line of trees along the east and north sides of BM and along the road at Upper were planted and chosen after consultation with Noel Prockter and will be a lasting memorial to him.

FILTvIER On 15th February 1992, Keith Gerald Filmer (1927 W) aged 81. Keith was the youngest of three brothers, Percy who died in 1929 and Lionel who died only recently (see above).

HODGSON On 30th October 1991, Frederick Gerald Hodgson (1927 W), aged 81. Frederick Hodgson was the fourth son of Gerald Hodgson who had been at Sutton Valence during the late 19th Century. His brothers, Geoffrey (1919 W), Charles (1923 W), John (1925 W) and Eric (1935 W) were all at Sutton Valence.

Eric was killed in the Second World War and only Geoffrey of the others is still alive. The Hodgsons were related by marriage to the Thornhills of whom Paul (1931 W), Geoffrey (1939 W) and Paul's son, Christopher (1968 L), are still on the O.S. list. There were a further six Thornhills at Sutton during the latter part of the 19th century. Another cousin is Tim Dalziel (1952 W).

VVYATT On 18th September 1991 after a long illness, Major John Montagu Dobree Wyatt (1927 M), aged 81.

John Wyatt went into the electrical business on leaving school and for four years ran his own mushroom farm.

He joined the army on the outbreak of war and served in the RASC, mainly involved with water transport, in India and Ceylon. After the war he served in Egypt, Cyprus and Germany where he commanded a Tank Transporter Unit. He remained in the RASC, later the RCT, until 1962 , reaching the rank of Major and received the Queen's Coronation Medal amongst others. On retiring from the army he ran his own antiques business in Robertsbridge.

TAYLOR On 17th April 1991, in The Brook Hospital, Woolwich after a short illness, Charles (Boy) Taylor (1929 F) aged 77. He was the last of three brothers who attended the school, the others were Ronald Taylor (1933 F) and Jack Taylor (1936 F). After leaving school Charles worked for the Maidstone and District Bus Company and then for Short Bros. in Rochester. During the war he served in the army in North Africa and latterly in Europe. He later worked for Legrand Sutcliffe and Jell Rochester in oil field supply equipment which took him to the Middle East on business. He retired to Wigmore and kept himself busy with gardening and local activities.

BUTCHER In September 1990 William Hubert Maxwell Butcher (1930 W), aged 76. William was a loyal Old Suttonian who joined the school at the ago of 11 and kept up his interest throughout his life, often returning for

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The Suttonian 1992 when the vehicle in which they were hitching a lift was involved in an accident. Paul's funeral was held in the School Chapel and was conducted by the Rector of Northiam, Rev. P. O'Gorman, and the School Chaplain, Rev.. Dr. J.H. Watson. Many of Paul's contemporaries were at the funeral. We extend our deepest sympathy to Paul's parents and his brother, David, who is a pupil at the school.

Sussex County Council from 1970 to 1977 and was Chairman of various committees during this time. He was awarded a CBE in 1963 and his knighthood came in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 1990; both awards were for services to local politics and the Conservative Party. Sir Michael was an auctioneer and valuer of antiques and property. He founded his own firm, Taylor and Tester in East Grinstead. He sold out to the Leeds Building Society in 1989.

DAVISON 9th. April 1992, suddenly, Canon Paul Davison (1934 W), aged 77.

WATSON On 19th April 1991 the Reverend Ian Arthur Watson (1947 W), aged 61. Ian won the Moxham Exhibition to Exeter College, Oxford. He served as a Captain in the TA for nine years while he was teaching at Bloxham and All Hallows schools. He spent two years at Ashbury College in Ottawa, Canada before becoming Headmaster of Edinburgh House School, New Milton in Hampshire. In 1973, having taken Holy Orders, he became Headmaster of the Cathedral School at Exeter where he was also an Honorary Minor Canon at Exeter Cathedral. A few years later he was appointed Headmaster of Heath Mount Preparatory School, Woodhall Park, Hertford.

OFFEN 30th. April 1992, William John Offen (1939 M), aged 67.

SERGISON 30th. April 1992, James Arthur Leopold Sergison (CCF Quartermaster and Adjutant 1951-1974), aged 82.

(Fuller obituaries will be published in the next edition of The Suttonian).

83 VVheatfield Way, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3NE.

MONTGOMERIE On 9th June 1991, after a long battle against cancer, William Stevenson Montgomerie (1948 M), aged 60. Bill Montgomerie's son, Andrew (1976 H), also came to Sutton Valence.

1st May 1992.

NORTHOVER On 10th August 1988, peacefully after a long and courageous fight against cancer, Nicholas John Northover (1948 W), aged 57. On leaving school Nicholas was commissioned into the Royal Engineers for his National Service. He spent most of his working career in India in commerce. He learnt the national language, Hindi, and joined the Bombay Natural History Society. He was also a keen amateur dramatist. His work abroad also took him to Singapore and Taiwan before he returned to the United Kingdom in 1978. He continued to work in Tenterden despite his illness. He had married Mehroo Aibara in 1955 and we extend our sympathy to her and their three children.

Sir, We should like to use your columns to express our sincere thanks to a large number of people, on behalf of Adrian and our two daughters.

We have all been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of so many people following Adrian's accident last August. It would be invidious to name individuals, but our thanks are owing to pupils, parents, staff, governors, Old Suttonians and many friends and relatives.

Expressions of sympathy and encouragement, prayers, offers of help in so many ways, quite apart from financial support, have been in evidence almost every day.

Had he been able to, we are sure that Adrian would have contacted personally many people who have written to him; we are only too well aware that we should have written to many more people than we have done.

We must mention the dedicated team of doctors, nurses and others at Lodge Moor Hospital, Sheffield, who have encouraged and helped Adrian and us so much over the past nine months.

Adrian has made tremendous progress and is due to be discharged from hospital very soon now.

We know that he will continue to make progress in the future, progress which in part is down to his own cheerful determination, but much is down to the help and encouragement of many who will be reading this letter.

A humble thanks to you all.

Yours sincerely, Colin and Pauline Shaw.

BATES In February 1992, Major-General Sir John Bates (Governor 1978-1988), aged 80. 'Jack' Bates was a Governor of Sutton Valence School for ten years and Chairman of the Governors of Underhill School from 1980-88; he was a good friend to both schools. He was educated at Wellington and Cambridge, joining the Royal Artillery in 1932. He served in Malaya, North Africa, Sicily, where he won an MC, and Greece, where he was mentioned in despatches. He joined the War Office as GS01 towards the end of the Second World War. He worked at the Joint Services Staff College and then became Commander Royal Artillery in BAOR. He also served as Director Royal Artillery and was Commandant of the Royal Military College at Shrivenham amongst other posts. As a Governor he took a close interest in the school and was able to visit quite frequently from his home in Rolvenden.

HAYMAN On 5th December 1991, tragically in a motor accident in South Africa, Paul Thomas Hayman (1990 M), aged 19. Paul was coming to the end of a round-the-world trip with Laurence Horton (1990 M)

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