RN School Magazine 1961 Sport Section Verdala Section Patience
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ROYAL NAVAL SCHOOL MALTA
SCHOOL
MAGAZINE
SUMMER 1961 SCHOOL SAILING
Members of the School Sailing Club enjoying a fresh blow in the Grand Harbour.
Primary School Staff.
The Staff Tal-Handaq.
STAFF HEADMASTER -- Instr. Captain D.E. Mannering, B.A., R.N. Deputy Headmaster and Headmaster, Verdala Instr. Cdr. L.G. Brooks, M.B.E., R.N. SECONDARY SCHOOL TAL-HANDAQ Assist. Headmaster Instr. Lt.Cdr SA Parkin BSc RN Senior Mistress Miss J. Yule, BA 1R. Mr. C.V. Morris, Dip. Ed. 5AM. Mr. T.E. Knight 5BM. Mrs. P.M. Gerrard 4AM. Mr. R.F. Tierney, B.Sc. (Econ.) 4BM. Miss G. Reid 4CM. Mr. R.A. Dickerson, A.T.D. 3AM. Mr. L.C. Smith 3BM. Mr. C. Donson, D.L.C. 3CM. Mr. R. Fuller 3DM. Mr. R.B. Witherspoon 3EM. Mrs. M. Reynard 2AM. Miss J.S. Griffiths 2BM. Miss J. Floyd 2CM. Mrs. D. Donson 2DM. Miss H. Baker 2EM. Mrs. A.P. French 1AM. Miss D. Lister IBM. Mr. H. Wilkinson 1CM. Mrs. D. McCrann 1DM. Mrs. G. Davies
6G. Lt. Cdr. Q. Des Clayes, M.A., R.N. 5AG. Mr. A.F. Gallacher, M.A. 5BG. Lt. Cdr. J.L. Smith, R.N. 4AG. Mr. C.W. Barraclough, B.Sc. 1BG. Mr. G.E. Bence, B.A. 2AG. Lt. R.E. Baker, B.Sc., R.N. 3BG. Mr. E. Battye 3CG. Mr. N.A. Patrick, B.A. 2AG. Miss E. Jones, B.A. 2BG. Lt. Cdr. K.R.G. Harper, B.Sc., R.N. 2CG. Mr. K.G.W. Pappin, B.A., B.Comm. Specialist Teachers Art. and Craft Mr. F.R. Morgan, D.F.A., A.T.D. Mr. P. Parker Miss M.A. Cater Biology Mrs. A. Baker, B.Sc. Commerce Mr. F.J. Stanley, A.B.I., Dip. Hist. Mrs. J.M. Holmes, F.S.C.T. Dom. Science Miss M.J. Bailey Miss R. Humphreys French Mrs. R.R. Hodgson History Mr. J. Evans, B.A. Maths, and Science Mr. T.E. Moore, A.M.I.E.E. Mrs. P.J. Nock Music Mr. R.J. Gerrard Needlework Miss I. Banister P.E. Mr. B. Cleaver Miss E.E. Cranna Mrs. J.A. Hartley Wood and Metalwork Mr. D.B. Richards Mr. F.G. Kitson Mr. C. Pollard 2DG. Mrs. O. Harman, B.Sc. 1AG. Miss J. Stideford, B.A. 1BG. Miss M. Murphy, B.A. ICG. Miss J. Hunt, B.A. IDG. Mr. H.M. Griffiths. 1EG. Miss C.E. Matheson, B.Sc.
Secretaries Mrs. D.M. Gard. Mrs. A.V. Drewitt. |
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Headmaster Instructor Commander L.G. Brooks, M.B.E,, R.N.
I1 Miss PA Holmwood
I2 Miss PM Whitelaw I3 Miss BE Conisbee I4 Mrs LA Jordan I5 Miss MS Head I6 Miss NS Adams I7 Miss M Postings I8 Miss J Picket I9 Miss MA McIntyre I10 Miss JC Biddis I10A Miss M Edney I11 Miss BJ Eastland I12 Miss SG Strong I13 Miss SA Jarman Group Work Mrs C Stewart
4A. Mr. S.R. Carrell 4B. Miss A. Rowe 4C. Miss D. Hodgson 4D.1 Mr. A. Jackson
3A. Mr. J. Ousbey 3B. Mrs. J.A. Houlden, B.Sc., A.R.C.M. 3C. Mr. K. Radford 3D. Miss L. Candey 2A. Miss M.P. Hunt 2B. Miss E. McMeeking 2C.1 Mrs. M. Fallon
2D Miss R J Moore
1A Mrs L Farrugia 1B Mrs T F Ellis 1C Miss M P Townsend 1D Mrs E B Renfree 1E Mrs J R Crooke Reception Mr. D. Jenkins Music I Library Mrs. A. James Secretaries Mrs. A. Turley Mrs. P. Taylor 2C.2 Miss J. Perkins
CONTENTS TAL-HANDAQ VERDALA
Sailing in Grand Harbour 1 Staff 3 Foreword 6 Prize Day 7 Headmaster's Report 8 G.G.E. Results 1960 12 R.S.A. Results 1960 17 Olympic Trip 18 Selected Articles 20 Sailing Club 25 Music 26 School Concerts 27 Gramophone Society 28 Patience 30
Junior School Report 90 Infants' Department Report... 92 Selected Articles ... 96 Cubs and Brownies 102 Ballet Club 104 Athletic Sports 1961 106 Netball 109 Football . 110 Swimming Sports 1960 113 Life Saving 115 Selected Articles 116 Drama Group 121 Prefects 122 School Library 124 Selected Articles 124 Advertisements 134
Scout Notes 31 Art and Craft Exhibitions 34 Selected Articles 35 Sicily Trip 38 Sports 42 Life Saving 50 Athletics 52 School Athletic Records 56 Careers 59 School Library 61 Dancing Society 62 Selected Articles 63 House Notes 67 Advertisements 72
"WHAT ME?" "Look out, prefect's coming" is the warning cry. I can never catch them no matter how I try. "Writing on the blackboard, oh, no, it wasn't me, I am reading Shakespeare and Milton as you see." "Fighting in the class-rooms, oh no, that's no fun, We were finding out which wars Caesar's army won." "We were never shouting, that would never do, It must be the one's upstairs, they are noisy too." "Eating in the class-room, oh no, that's just not done." As behind each little back, slips a sticky bun. "Go outside," is my command, but they do not obey, So off I go in depression deep to find some other prey. PREFECT, ANON. Foreword
Editor Mr. C.V. Morris . Verdala Representatives (Junior Dept.) Mr. P. Ross Mr. J. Ousby Mr. D.R. Jenkins . (Infants Dept.) Miss V. North Advertisements Mr. E. Battye Photographers Mr. J. Evans Mr. G. King. Boys Representative Mr. A. Selman. Girls Representative Miss W. Morrell Manuscript Typing Mr. P. Stanley Miss C. Mathews Miss J. Miles Miss S. Hartt Miss. J. Hughes Miss C. Greening Miss M. Hutton
Prize Day 196O Prize Day at Tal-Handaq was held on 18th November, 1960. The Flag Officer, Malta, Rear-Admiral D.H.F. Hetherington, D.S.C., presided, and prizes were presented by the Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean, Admiral Sir Alexander Bingley, K.C.B., O.B.E. - - or would have been, but for the fact that nearly all the prizes failed to arrive in time for the occasion. The programme was as follows:
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN After the presentation of the prizes the Commander-in-Chief delivered a stirring address, in which he encouraged the boys and girls to become "Why-men" and "Why-women", instead of accepting ready-made opinions. He ended by asking that the school should be awarded a whole-holiday. A vote of thanks was proposed by the Head Boy, Walter Willman, and a bouquet was presented to Lady Bingley by Linda Knapp, the Head Girl. The Prize-winners were: 1 AG Fern Bayntun, Geoffrey Milton, Margaret Thomas. 1 BG James Hair, Joan Grimshaw, Iain Baxter. 1 CG Kenneth Raby, Carolyn Burgess, Christopher Ballard. 1 DG Antoinette Wakefield, Janet Peters, Sarah Cook. 1 EG Anne Sutton, Anthony Hall. 1 R Gina Fellows, James Pyper, Avril Holmes. 1 AM Joseph Genovese, Sydney Richardson, Christopher Tedder. 1 BM Carol Brennan, Nora Thetford, Paulette Routledge. 1 CM John Small, Malcolm Geddes, David MacDonald. 1 DM Aida McCulloch, Linda Savage-Brookes, Barry James, Carol Barney. 1EM John Abraham, Iain Flunder. 2AG Carol Parker, Jennifer Clarke, Susan Blackmore. 2 BG Bernard Ingram, Sandra Marshall. 2 CG Carol Hewitt, Jane Wilkinson, Wendy Ford. 2 DG Jane Tracey, Jill Hartt, Anne Lamacraft. 2 AM Lorna Green, Robin Judge, Brian Connacher. 2 BM Susan Armstrong, Paul McDermott, Susan Plumpton, Dale Medlicott, Annette Riches. 2 CM Melvyn Everett, Pamela Hughes, Robert Powell. 2 DM Juanita Bangs, Michael Ozouf, Jacqueline Saunders. 2EM Lucy Henderson, Hilda Wilson, Paul Marot.
3AG Roger Knight, Peter Bentley, Russell Teague, Lynn Kennedy.
3 BG Victoria MacKenzie, Valerie Simmons, Sally Frow, Pamela Wightman. 3 CG Robin Bowers, Gail Barkwill, Sheryl Akers. 3 AM Anthony Bartlett, Carol Barker, Brian Crayford. 3 BM James Barlow, David Witts, Tony Fitzgerald. 3 CM Kenneth Bousfield, Bernice White, Trevor Tinson, Richard Butler. 3DM David Ozouf, William Sheldon. 4AG Carol Thompson, Wendy Morrell, Wendy Sturmey, Anne Froud.
4 AM John Brennari, Janine Ewen, Linda Skilton. 4 BM Colin Gregory, Gary Sims, Wendy Slader. 4CM David Faulkner, John Strother. 5AG Keith Tayton, Janice MacCarthy, Janice Sanderson. 5 AM (Boys) Robin Bowes, Alfred Booth, Malcolm Mackenzie. 5 AM (Girls) Patricia Woolner, Dawn Fear, June Taylor, Gabrielle Cornelius. 6th Form James Graham. Carol Mathews, Sheena Hinds, Pamela Main. Elizabeth Roe, Linda Knapp, Andrew Warburton.
HEADMASTER'S REPORT - Prize Day 1960 From time to time the Educational Press contains articles and correspondence about the difficulties that beset the organizers of Prize Days. The major problem's are how to obtain a suitably distinguished person for the occasion, and what to do with him having obtained him. Some schools have found these problems insoluble and have abolished Prize Days altogether. Now the situation is becoming worse as there is news that prizegivers are organizing themselves and laying down terms in return for their services. They are demanding suitably strengthened drinks to steady them for their ordeals, and handsome presents to take home. So far we have not yet been faced with this particular problem, and I am more than grateful to the Commander-in-Chief for consenting to come here to-day without any term's at all. I should also like to support all that Admiral Hetherington has said in welcoming Lady Bingley and our other guests. The most striking feature of the last .school year is undoubtedly the material progress that has been made. It is just over a year ago that Admiralty approval was received to go ahead with the Second Stage of the extension of the school, which is designed to provide accommodation and facilities for 800 children. We are already using three of the authorized new Romney Huts although the electrical installations have not yet been completed. These so-called "huts" -which are 'exceedingly solid except for their roofs -- give us four new classrooms, which are being developed as specialist History and Geography rooms; and four splendid new rooms for Art and Craft which must compare favourably with any in the U.K. In the rooms vacated by the Art Department we now have new Biology Laboratories, a new Metalwork Room, and two good rooms for the increasingly popular Commercial classes. In addition the Chemistry Laboratory is now being used for that subject alone and has a small sub-division for advanced work. None of these new facilities are entirely completed, but all are far I enough advanced for us to use. Remaining work in Stage II includes a much needed Music Room, which has already been started. I hope that Admiralty are going to provide a grand piano for this room. I am most grateful for all the help we receive from the Manager, Navy Works and his staff, and I would particularly like to mention the co-operation we receive from the leading man on the site, Mr. Farrugia, who, apart from new construction, caters for all our day-to-day needs. We also have much to be thankful for in the work that is being undertaken as a charge to the Commander-in-Chief's Block Grant. We already have two new cricket nets (although these only replace the ones that were demolished to make way for tihe new road). A new combined tennis and netball court will be started shortly. Then much of the rough rocky ground is being levelled and surfaced and apart from the improved appearance of the school it provides extra parking space and reduced opportunities for accidents. Many of you may not know the origin of the school buildings. They were constructed during the last war as an Anti-Aircraft Headquarters, and designed to look from the air like a small un-planned Maltese hamlet. This was not a promising start for the school, which moved here from Ta' Xbiex in 1947 when the numbers rose to the unmanageable total of 50. It has been a struggle ever since to convert and extend the buildings into something resembling a school. The struggle continues. Much has been done, but much still remains to be done. Some of the remaining features are quite inadequate and unworthy of the school, and in some cases frankly appalling. We need a new galley and dining rooms, a new library, a second physics laboratory, main drainage, covered ways. The school wall might well have been present at the Battle of Jericho and there have been one or two unpleasant incidents due to its condition. The inadequacy of this hall is all too evident to everyone present. Playing fields are virtually nonexistent and although we remain most grateful for the ones which are lent us by the Services, they are not a satisfactory substitute for our own. Half of the games afternoon are wasted in bus journeys and very naturally Service teams have priority on their own pitches. In many cases we are reduced to a knock-up game on a patch with no markings and no goal-posts. This can hardly be described as Physical Education. Many of these deficiencies are being included in new works proposals which are being submitted to Admiralty shortly and we can only hope for a sympathetic ear in high places. Before leaving the material side of the school I should like to pay a brief tribute to our hard-working and cheerful industrial staff. This school most be &' difficult as any to maintain in good condition and we owe much to them and especially to our indefatigable caretaker and storekeeper, Mr. Plant, who has been in the school for over 10 years. Once again the school has grown, and we now have over 1,050 children. Remember that we are still building for 800 ! The combined staff of Tal Handak and Verdala now exceeds 100 for the first time and when we all met here at the beginning of term I wondered how we were going to find room for any children. There has been a very small reduction in the number of Naval children, but this has been more than counter-balanced by the ever increasing number of Royal Air Force children, of whom we now have 300 well over twice as many as five years ago. I am particularly glad that the Air Officer Commanding, Air Marshal Sir Walter Cheshire and Lady Cheshire are present to-day to celebrate this increase in their large family. It is not easy to report on Educational Progress except in terms of achievements in external examinations. Service schools, with their rapid turn-over of children and Staff, have their obvious difficulties. They also have compensations, as the children are of above average intelligence and have an adaptability which enables them to settle in amazingly quickly. The high level of intelligence is shewn by the high proportion of children in the Grammar School -- nearly 50% compared with the national figure of about 20%. So the high standards which I believe we achieve here are due not only to the merits of the staff but to the quality of the raw material which the parents provide in such generous measure. It would be rash of me to say more on this subject as we shall have more expert advice after the forthcoming full inspection by three of Her Majesty's Inspectors next March. Our examination results have again been at least satisfactory. We had 105 candidates for G.C'.E. 'O' level who achieved nearly 400 passes between them. This is -more than twice as many passes as we had two years ago. Here we have excellent co-operation from parents who appear to have been browbeaten into paying out £1 for each pass. In the Modern School the Royal Society of Arts results were quite the best we have achieved roughly twice as many passes as last year. At 'A' Level we had 9 candidates who achieved quite good results. For the second year in succession we had one outstanding performance as a result of which James Graham was recommended for a County Major Scholarship in Physics. The build-up at the top of the school which I mentioned last year is continuing. The sixth form is now very much bigger, especially on the Mathematics and Science side, and I am confident that in a year or two's time there will be a big increase in our 'A' level numbers. This will give a better balance to the educational work of the school, it will extend its reputation and will give the sixth form staff a task more worthy of their qualifications. At this stage in a Headmaster's Report it is customary to include an account of the triumphs of the old Boys and Girls. Here we have no old pupils association - - it would be good to have one, but a Herculean task for the organiser - - and so we have little record of achievements. I was, however, delighted to hear that Keith Elliott from this school had obtained 1st Class Honours in French at Reading University. In view of the forthcoming inspection I will not comment on the efficiency of the teaching staff but will content myself with thanking them again for their co-operation and hard work. Last July we were sorry to lose two of our old stagers, Mr. Edgell and Mr. Ruoff, who had been here for over 9 years and were amongst the first U.K. based teachers to come to the school. They provided a most desirable continuity in a changing population. Their contemporary, Mr. Knight, is still with us (behind the stage as usual) but sadly he too will be leaving next year. I hope that Miss Yule will remain with us. in spite of her newly acquired hobby of motoring. You would not wish me to comment on all the activities of tine past year. Most of them have been described in the Magazine, the production of which was itself no mean achievement. Here are just a few items from a Lucky Dip:- (a) In the sporting world our teams were at least up to normal standard, and perhaps the outstanding achievements were that our Boys won the Combined Secondary Schools Athletics Championship, and our girls won the six-aside Hockey Tournament. (lb) We won two Life Saving trophies the Statuette of Liberty for the highest number of points gained by schools and colleges in Malta, and the Roden Cup, awarded to the unit considered to have made the best effort to promote Life Saving in Malta.
(h) Last year a committee of ladies, from all the Services was set up to choose a new Girls' Summer Uniform. I was appointed as their reluctant and apprehensive chairman. I hope that our final choice will be as acceptable to everyone as it was to us. (i) I am very pleased that we now have a State Registered Nurse here in working hours. Her presence is a comifort to us a'l. and not least to my two secretaries who no longer have to combine nursing with their normal duties -not that the work of these good ladies could ever be described as anything but abnormal. ,So much for the Lucky Dip, though I am well aware that much remains in the tub. Lastly, I should like to thank all the people known and unknown who help to keep tihe school going and make lifs less difficult and much more enjoyable for me than it might be. Staff, parents, children and many o'hers work together with enthusiasm for the good of the school (I stress enthusiasm) and we receive unfailing support from an official who is oddly but accurately entitled our "Competent Authority" Admiral Hetherington. THE SNOW The snow it falls in winter time, And settles on the grass, It shows the tracks of bird and beast, Where-ever they do pass. It turns the trees and leaves so white, The drifts fill in the drains, But it is not a pleasant sight, When it is spoiled by rains Elizabeth Ward 1 C.G. MY TADPOLE I have a little tadpole, As black as black can be. A very tiny tadpole, But he belongs to me. I feed him on insects, And also water weeds, But I can't really ask him, If there's anything he needs. A. Tucker ICG.
G.C.E. RESULTS SUMMER 1960 ADVANCED LEVEL STACEY ELLIS Pure Mathematics. JAMES GRAHAM - - Pure and Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics ('A' and 'S' level). GORDON LAWRENCE Pure and Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics.) ROGER MELTON -- Pure and Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics. CHRISTINE MULLALEY English Literature. JOHN SWAN -- History. BARRIE WELLS -- Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics. ORDINARY LEVEL SUMMER 1960 CHRISTINE BARNES Italian. PAULINE BENTLEY -- Latin, History (Foreign), Mathematics, Chemistry. JENNIFER BOUND Biology, Cookery, Geography. OLWYN BURN -- English Language. DIANE BURNER English Language and Literature, Geography. IRIS CARTWRIGHT - - Biology, Human Biology, and Hygiene. RODNEY CASEY -- English Language and Literature, French, History (British), Mathematics. MICHAEL CHAPMAN Mathematics. PETER CLOUGH -- English Language and Literature, Geography, Art, Mathematics, Biology, Religious Knowledge. DIANA COLEMAN - - English Language, Mathematics. HILARY COOMBE -- English Literature, Latin, French, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Religious Knowledge. ANNABELLA CRAIG - - English Language and Literature, French, Mathematics, Religious Knowledge, Biology. GERALDINE CROCKER -- English Literature, Biology. KEVIN DOWLING History (Foreign), Geography, Physics, Mathematics. JOCELYN DUKE - - English Language and Literature, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Biology, Religious Knowledge. DIANE EDGELL English Language and Literature, Latin, French, History (British), Mathematics. AIDAN ELLIS English Literature, Geography, Mathematics. DAWN FEAR -- English Language. CHARLOTTE FINNIE Italian, Physics, Chemistry. HELEN FINNIE Mathematics. BARBARA FISHER - - English Language and Literature, A.rt, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Religious Knowledge. MARGARET FITTAL Art, Human Biology and Hygiene. HOWARD FRANKS Chemistry. PETER FRANKS - - English Language and Literature, French, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry,, ANN FROUD English Language and Literature, French, History (British). ANTHONY FRY - - English Language and Literature, History (British), Religious Knowledge. BRIAN FULLER - - English Language and Literature, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry. CHRISTOPHER GIBBONS - - English Language, History (British), Mathematics. LINDA GOLDSACK -- English Literature, History (British), Geography, Art, Biology, Religious Knowledge. HENRY GREIG - - English Language, Geography, Physics, Mathematics. CHRISTINE GREENING - - English Language, French, Geography, Mathematics. ROBINA HALFORD English Literature, Geography, Mathematics, Biology, Religious Knowledge. SANDRA HARTT Art. MICHAEL HAY Mathematics. IAN HELSBY English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Physics. BERNARD HOCTOR -- English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.EDGAR BUTTON Mathematics, Woodwork, Technical Drawing. MAUREEN BUTTON -- French, Biology, Religious Knowledge. LINDA KNAPP English Literature, Geography, Biology, Human Biology and Hygiene. VICTORIA KNIGBT English Language and Literature, French, Geography^ SUSAN LAMERTON -- English Language and Literature, History (British)French, Mathematics. SUSAN LARGE -- English Language, French, Art. BELINDA LAWRENCE Biology. JANET LAYTON English Language and Literature, French, History (British), Mathematics. JEAN LAYTON English Literature, French, History (British), Mathematics Religious Knowledge. MAUREEN LAYTON -- French. ANN MACAFEE -- English Language, German. MALCOLM MACKENZIE Mathematics. IAN McCALL Mathematics, Biology. GILLIAN McCARTHY English Language and Literature, French, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Religious Knowledge ANICE McCarthy English Language and Literature, French, Histcry (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Religious Knowledge PAMELA McDONOUGH - - English Literature, French, History (Foreign )Geography, Mathematics, Biology, Religious Knowledge. ANN MERENGO-ROWE -- English Language and Literature, Latin, Italia History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology. JOHN MELTON English Language, French. JOHN MERRIMAN English Language, Latin, Mathematics. MICHAEL MILNE -- English Language and Literature, History (British) Mathematics. ANN MOORE English Literature, Bistory (British). CHRISTINE MOORE English Literature, History (British), Art. JOBN MOORMAN -- English Language, History (British), Mathematics. WENDY MORRELL English Literature, Latin, French, History (British) Mathematics. PETER MORRIS Geography, Mathematics, Art. DAVID MULCABY - - English Language, Geography. WANDA MUNRO English Literature, History (Foreign), Geography. YVONNE NORTHMORE Religious Knowledge. DAVID NORTHOVER - - English Language and Literature, French, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry. ANDREW PAGE-ROBERTSON English Language and Literature, History (British), Geography, Art, Religious Knowledge DEIRDRE PIKE English Literature, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Religious Knowledge MAVIS PLUCKNETT English Literature, French, Mathematics, Biology. JENNIFER PAWICK Art. ANN PULLEN Mathematics. VIVIEN RAY Biology. CHRISTINE REES English Literature. ELIZABETH REID Mathematics, Art. PATRICIA ROBBINS History (British). TESSA ROBERTSON -- English Language and Literature. PATRICIA RODEN Latin, Mathematics, Human Biology and Hygiene. WENDY RODEN English Language, French, History (British). ELIZABETH ROE Geography, Mathematics, Biology, Human Biology and Hygiene, Cookery. KEITH ROSENBERG -- English Language, History (Foreign), Mathematics, Physics. CHRISTOPHER RUOFF French, Geography, Mathematics, Physics. PAULINE RUTHERFORD -- English Language, Needlework. JANICE SANDERSONEnglish Literature, Latin, French, History (Foreign), Geography, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Religious Knowledge. ALAN SELMAN - - English Language, Geography, Mathematics. HELEN SMITH English Literature, Mathematics. MARGARET STRICKLAND French, Geography, Biology. JOHN SWAN English Language. MAUREEN SWAN -- English Language, French, History (British). MARK S. TAGLIAFERRO -- English Language and Literature, French, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry. GRANT TAYLOR -- English Language and Literature, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry. KEITH TAYTON English Language and Literature, Latin, French, History (Foreign), Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Religious Knowledge. CAROL THOMPSON -- English Language and Literature, Latin, French, History (British), Mathematics. IAN TIERNEY -- English Language. MARIANNE TOTTMAN History (British), Biology. CONSTANCE TOWNSEND English Language and Literature, French, Art. ROBERT TOWNSEND -- English Language and Literature, French, Mathematics. TEVFIK URAN -- Geography, Mathematics, Art. ANDREW MARBURTON English Literature, Geography, Biology. CAROLE WESTWOOD English Language and Literature, French, History (British). DOREEN WILLMAN -- English Language and Literature, History (British). G.C.E. RESULTS AUTUMN 1960 ORDINARY LEVEL DIANE BURNER Art. AIDAN ELLIS History (British), Physics. BARBARA FISHER History (Foreign). PETER FRANKS Chemistry. CHRISTINE GREENING -- English Literature, Latin. SHEENA HINDS Italian. MICHAEL HAY English Literature, History (British), Geography, Religious Knowledge. MAUREEN BUTTON English Language and Literature.
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ROYAL SOCIETY OF ARTS EXAMINATION RESULTS -- SUMMER 1960 CHRISTINE BARNES English Language, Shorthand, Typewriting, Arithmetic, French. ALEXANDRA BATTY - - English Language, Human Biology and Hygiene5 Needlework, Art, Civics. ALFRED BOOTH -- Metalwork, Woodwork. ROBIN BOWES English Language, Civics, Mathematics (A and B), Physics, Woodwork, Metalwork, Geometrical and Technical Drawing. JOSEPH BRENNAN - - Mathematics (A and B), Physics, Geometrical and Technical Drawing, Woodwork, Civics. JOHN CHAMBERS English Language, Physics, Art, Geometrical and Technical Drawing, Geography. DIANA COLEMAN - - English Language, Typewriting, Arithmetic GABRIELLE CORNELIUS English Language, Typewriting, Arithmetic. WENDY COX English Language, Accounts, Typewriting, Arithmetic, Art, Civics. TERENCE EASTERBROOK - - Mathematics (B), Physics, Geometrical and Technical Drawing, Woodwork. BRIAN EDWARDS -- English Language, Mathematics (A and B), Physics, Geometrical and Technical Drawings, Civics. PAULA FINCH -- Human Biology and Hygiene, Art, Civics. ELIZABETH FINLAY Human Biology and Hygiene, Needlework, Civics. PATRICIA GLOVER English Language, Accounts, Typewriting, Arithmetic, Civics. JENNIFER GUY Human Biology and Hygiene, Needlework, Art, Civics. ANTHONY JONES -- English Language, Mathematics (A and B), Physics, Civics. VALERIE LAWRENCE - - English Language, Accounts, Typewriting, Arithmetic, Civics. LESLEY LEATHERS English Language, Accounts, Typewriting. JANE MASTERS English Language, Human Biology and Hygiene, Needlework, Civics. CHRISTINE REES Typewriting. GEORGE REUBENS -- Mathematics (A), Geometrical and Technical Drawing, Civics. CAROL ROBINSON - - English Language, Accounts, Typewriting, Arithmetic Art, Civics. GRAHAM ROBINSON Mathematics. (A), Geometrical and Technical Drawing, Civics. ROBERT SATTERLY - - English Language, Mathematics (B), Physics, Geometrical and Technical Drawing, Woodwork. MARY SHEPHERD English Language, Accounts, Typewriting, Arithmetic, Civics. BRIAN SIMMONS Mathematics (A and B), Physics, Civics. JOHN SPENSLEY - - English Language, Woodwork, Civics. JUNE TAYLOREnglish Language, Arithmetic, Human Biology and Hygiene, Needlework, Art, Civics. PATRICIA WOOLNER English Language, Shorthand (Credit), Typewriting, Arithmetic, Art, Civics, Geography. MICHAEL YEO -- Mathematics (A and B), Physics, Geometrical and Technical Drawing, Woodwork, Civics.
SCHOOL TRIP TO ROME OLYMPICS 1960 Wednesday 31st August "Farewell to Malta!" we cried as the ship, "The Star of Malta", sailed I slowly but surely through the breakwater. Forty students from Tal Handaq, under the responsibility of Mr. B. Cleaver, Mr. P. Ross, Mr. H. Griffiths, Mrs. M. Renyard, Miss D. Lister, Miss S. | Horton and Miss D. Hodgson, had begun their ten-day visit to Rome. Thursday 1st September After a rather disagreeable crossing, we entered Syracuse harbour in the early hours of the .morning. We were cleared through Customs by 7.20 a.m. and I then proceeded to the station. Having waited an hour we boarded the train and I shouts could be heard of "Arrivederci Syracusa". The scenery we viewed was completely urban until suddenly the landscape was broken by rugged hills, graced by Mount Etna. At each station we I were amused by the Italian "gelati" men. On and on we travelled finding | delight in sandy beaches, coves, hillside chalets, long tunnels and waving to j the peasants working in the orchards. In no time we reached Messina, from where, we took the train ferry across to Italy. The Italian scenery was similar to that of Sicily. We arrived in Rome at midnight, to find buses waiting to take us to our different residences -- the boys to a college in Via Chimoni -- the girls three miles away at Via Merulana. Friday 2nd September In the morning after breakfast we took a look around. We had an early lunch and after joining forces with the boys, made for the Olympic Stadium. The Stadium was surrounded by high hills on one of which stood a statue oil Our Lady. At either end of the Stadium was a large board on which the results of previous events were lit up. Encircling the Stadium itself, were the flags of all the Nations. The programme for that afternoon consisted of: 100 metres final in which the British girl D. Hyman won a silver medal; also the 201 Kilometers walk in which the British athlete Stanley Vickers won a bronze medal. Saturday 3rd September We visited the Olympic Village where Mr. Cleaver met Brian Hewson the! long distance runner. He offered himself available for the following Tuesday, to conduct us around the village. In the evening we went to see the swimming] events and saw Natalie Steward (British) win a silver medal in the 109 metres! backstroke. The British swimmer R. Bampion disappointed us by finishing eighth in the 1,500 metres freestyle, the Australian J. Konrads won the gold medal for this event setting up a new Olympic record (17 mins 19.6 secs). The events finished for the evening with water polo which became exciting because! the Italians were participating. Sunday 4th September We went window shopping in the morning. After lunch we turned up foil a sight-seeing tour but alas ! no bus. So the Senior boys acted as guides for the! Senior girls showing them around the coliseum. Monday 5th September Today we all went on a conducted sight-seeing tour by bus, of the Capitol; St. Paul's; St. Peter's; Hadrian's Tomb; Coliseum; Roman Forum and many other places of spectacular interest. We also had our photos taken on the old Roman Road, the Via Appia. In the afternoon we saw the games, the main events being: the 200 metres, ladies finals in which D. Hyman gained a Bronze medal for Britain. After each Presentation of victory medals the National Anthem of the winning country was played. Also the finals of the men's 110 metres hurdles which ended with an exciting finish. Leaving the Stadium we were caught in a thunderstorm which gave "us" an exciting finish to our day. (Hardly any of us had a raincoat with us). Tuesday 6th September We travelled to the Olympic Village and met Brian Hewson who then introduced us to other athletes among whom was Mrs. Diane (Leather) Charles, the Captain of the British women's team. In the afternoon we watched Mrs. Jordan and Miss Perkins qualify for the 800 metres final; the American O. Davis win the men's 400 metres final in a new Olympic and World record of 44.9 sees; Herb Elliott of Australia win the 1,500 metres final in a new Olympic and World record time of 3 mins 35.6 sees. In the evening we bought postcards and ice creams and posted letters to our parents. Wednesday 7th September We arose at 7.00 a.m.. had breakfast at 7.30 a.m. and were on our way to the Olympic Village by 8.10. At the village we had some trouble in receiving our passes so we phoned the British Delegation and finally succeeded in obtaining our passes. We wandered through the village and spotted Wilma Rudolph the 3 gold medalist for sprinting, John Thomas the world high jumper, Mrs. Charles who introduced us to Jennifer Smart (sprinter), Carol Quinton (hurdler), Dorothy Hyman (sprinter), and Mary Signal (long jumper and sprinter), with whom we discussed the results of their previous events. That afternoon we saw the star of the 50 kilometre walk, also the British men and women's relay teams qualify for their finals.. Shortly after this the news reached the Stadium that Don Thompson of Britain was lying first in the 50 kilometre walk, with only a short distance to go. When he finally arrived back in the Stadium we were cheering madly. What a wonderful moment when we saw the second gold medal for Britain being presented and this unfortunately was the last one for Britain. Thursday 8th September The morning was spent as we pleased, the majority did last minute shopping. In the afternoon we visited the Stadium for the last time to see the Games. We watched Gordon Pirie run very badly in the 10,000 metres. In the finals of the relays both the British men and women's relay teams were disqualified. Friday 9th September This was the day of departure. Everyone would have liked to have stayed longer. The train left Rome at 10.30 a.m. When we arrived at Messina in Sicily in the evening we learnt that we had been caught in a rail strike and it was unsure that we would be able to continue our journey. Saturday 10th September However, in the morning we were on our way again. Once in Syracuse we found that the Star of Malta had left. So we would be in Syracuse for the day. Sunday llth September The "Star" was back in Syracuse and we had our first solid meal for 48 hours. After cleaning ourselves up we prepared for the last stage of our journey. I know that many of us enjoyed that holiday immensely and if anyone is really keen to see the next Olympic Games they will be held in Tokyo. WENDY MORRELL 6G. ALEXANDRA BATTY 5BGJ THE CRUCIFIX ON THE MOUNTAIN Life is a range of mountains made up of gulleys, plateaux, ridges and dangerous crevices. All the parts of a mountain conform somehow with our life from day to day. There are days when we fall down a crevice and stay there until somehow we are brought to the outside world again by the sight of a crucifix on a peak above us. We struggle towards it, it provides a way of hope in this mo>: need time. Sometimes we walk upon a plain of happiness - violent happiness which knows no bounds. Now we are fully conscious of| the life God has given us to use and enjoy to the full. At other time we may fall into the mountain river of despair and be swept away from thi peaks which bear the cross and above all be swept further away from the summit which bears our goal - - the Celestial City. In this state we have practically given up any hope of deliverance until suddenly we may see ray of hope in the most unusual or unexpected place which shows that God is with us even unto the end. Slowly we are brought back to realism and se» en the true mountain path again. We vow to believe always and are often tempted but we are again righted just in time and are pulled out of the tempestuous slough. Again it is the work of a shining cross, and it comes sight. We might once come within sight or see with a fleeting glance the Celestial City, that undescribable instant would be one to cherish, one never be forgotten; we would give up our all to go there. We might fear that might enter into temptation but by humility and implicit trust of the Cross and its significance, we would follow unflinchingly and unceasingly forever. ANON 5A.( THE STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE OF MR. WEEKS Mrs. Green climbed the stairs, her tattered slippers thumping on ea step. In her hands she carried a breakfast tray. The bacon and eggs were unappetizing mess on the plate; the tea had slopped into the saucer. She was mumbling to herself about the laziness of her boarder, but, Mr. Weeks paid his rent and extra for breakfast in his room, she didn't complain aloud. She paused before his door. Bang, bang, bang. No reply. Placing the tray on a small table by the door, she knocked again, this time calling "Breakfast Mr. Weeks, it's nine o'clock.1'' With this she clumped back down the stairs and returned to her own room in the basement. Sunday was her baking day and she had a lot to do. Some two hours later the front door bell rang. Hastily wiping her floury hands on her apron, she answered the door. It was Mr. Jennings, a friend of Mr. Weeks. He had come to take his friend for a drive. Again Mrs, Green climbed the stairs to Mr. Weeks's room. She was surprised to see the breakfast tray, with the breakfast intact, still on the small table. After tapping and calling with no reply, she gingerly tried the door handle. The door opened and, timidly calling Mr. Weeks, she advanced into the room. It was empty ! The bed had not been slept on. This was the only time Mr. Weeks had been out all night without telling her first; she felt very worried.
Mrs. Green called down for Mr. Jennings. Together they searched the room; everything was as it should be, except for the missing Mr. Weeks. "But he came in last night at ten o'clock, I said good night to him" explained Mrs. Green. "He didn't go out again, or else I would have heard him. He has just disappeared into thin air," Mr. Jennings advised calling the police.
Form Captains. Mrs. Green explained it all to the sergeant who came. She insisted Mr. Weeks had gone to his room at ten o'clock the night before, and had not left the house since. The sergeant and his constables searched the house from top to bottom hut found nothing. They contacted all the hospitals, but Mr. Weeks had not been in any accident. So time 'went on and nothing more was heard of Mr. Weeks. Mrs. Green still clumps up the stairs on a Sunday morning and gingerly opens Mr. Weeks's door just in case he has returned. She keeps remembering that nothing was missing from Mr. Weeks's room. ALL his clothes were there. It was indeed a strange disappearance, for Mr. Weeks had disappeared with no clothes on \ ROGER NEWMAN 3CM. T HE MUSEUM AT RABATThe museum at Rabat is very interesting. At the back of the museum there are two rooms of the original Roman Villa. Most of tha lovely villa was destroyed by Arabs when they invaded Malta. In the Museum there are about five cases full of pottery, tools, bones und magnificent Roman Glass work, which is better than the glasswork of today. In the first case there are six skulls which are thought to have been of a Roman family, two women and four men, and many other bones of different kinds. Tae next case contains pottery, in this case you may see a Roman water bottle in the same shape as we have our hot water bottles today, except that the Roman bottle was made of stone. The other cases hold lamps, stone, of course, Roman glassware and tools. I The lamps are rather like Aladdin's and burn oil. The glass work is wonderful and very fine. One green vase was found beneath Grand Harbour by diver;. These tools are not made of metal as tools are made today but of bronze and consist of nails, arrow-heads, staples and hammers. Behind the museum room are the two rooms of the old Villa. On the floor of one of the roams, the court yard, is a lovely mosaic floor-pattern that! stands out like 3D. There is a lovely pattern on the floor of the other room but there is less of it. There are many more interesting things to see in the museum, statues! pictures, etc,, but to really believe everything you must see it for yourself as I did. GILLIAN STANLEY lAG A ROUGH SEA As I stood looking out to sea, the sky darkened, clouds were gathering! and quite suddenly the sea became rough. Gradually the waves grew bigger and white tops could be seen on the] darkening sea. The waves crashed down on the rocky shore sending sprays of water shooting into the air. Small boats were bobbing up and down and] trying to make harbour. Some were even filled with water, "just about float ing on the top. The small pools round the edge of the beach were seen in the small holes that were to be seen on the beach.Still the sea grew rougher. The day was not very fine so there was hardly anyone in sight. Those who were there stopped to watch the sea as it crashed down on the rocks, but making sure they moved when the spray came up over the wall. The sea can be very nice to watch when it is rough, as well as when it is calm. SUSAN HIRST 2CM. THE HIGHWAYMAN I am watching the dawn break as I go slowly along the road in a carriage. It is in 1790. It is rather an uncomfortable journey, as the roads are all bumps. 1 am one of six passengers seated and facing each other^ These are the better classed seats; the others are either in the luggage compartment, or on top of the coach. The roads are terrible, though gradually improving. The use of toll gates was gradually increasing, and the money paid, to pass through them, on to good parts of road, was used for the upkeep of the roads. As we jog along two old women on the opposite seat are gossipping about the various deaths that have occurred in their families, in the last few years. This was rather discouraging as we all knew the dangers of highwaymen and robbers. About two hours after we started the journey we slowed down. I looked out of the window and saw a rather shabby looking inn. After eating a horrible-tasting meal, which did not look anything like it was meant to be, we tumbled into our carriage again. We would be stopping at no more inns, as it was only nine miles to our destination. About half an hour later we were all surprised, when, with a blood-curdling yell, somebody jumped from the trees at the side of the road. As he did so, a guard on our carriage drew his musket at the person. But, he was obviously not hit, because he was now in the drivers seat slowing down the horses, after shooting the driver. The carriage came to a stop. "Stand and deliver," said the highwayman, and we all hurried from the carriage. We looked back along the road to the wounded driver. He dragged himself to his knees and groaned. Blood was trickling down his face as he muttered something, "Don't worry about him," said the highwayman, and aimed his gun at the driver. He fired, and with an agonising yell the driver fell on his face. The highwayman went up to the body and kicked it. "He's dead," he said in an injured tone as if he had wanted the driver to die in agony. The highwayman demanded anything of value we carried. One of the men in the carriage pulled out a gun, but was shot dead in the process. The highwayman searched the driver and stole one of the horses and made off at the gallop. We put the two dead bodies in the luggage compartment, and went on our journey to London with a guard as a driver. M. VINCENT 2BM.
B. PEARCE. L6S.
SAILING CLUB Sailing recommenced this term after a lull following the departure of Lt. Cdr. Law. He left the present Officer-in-Charge a very welcome legacy of Brian Fuller. Walter Willman and Bernard Hoctor, all very capable coxswains who are qualified to take a dinghy anywhere, together with Twin 1 and Twin 2. the McCarthy's, who are qualified to sail within the harbour only. In previous years only six boys were able to sail during the Friday games period. This year the inaugural meeting was so crowded with 5th and 6th Form enthusiasts that it was obvious that a much higher number would have to be taken, and girls too, if a mutiny was to be avoided ! We therefore selected fourteen of the most experienced applicants in the hope that they would quickly qualify as helmsmen, so enabling us to extend our novice membership. Most of the training is carried out by the children themselves, each qualified coxswain taking two newcomers in a R.N.S.A. 14ft. dinghy. As the novices qualify they take over another dinghy and two more beginners for training. The snowball is now growing larger, and Lt. Cdr. Des Clayes and Peter Franks have so far won their helmsman's tickets. Several others are expected to succeed shortly, so many of those who have been waiting impatiently can expect to be selected soon. The chief problem will be boats for the growing list of helmsmen. Our normal Friday fleet is three or four dinghies and one whaler or the yacht ANGELA, all very kindly loaned to us by H.M.S. ST. ANGELO. But it is clear that we shall shortly reach the limit of boats which ST. ANGELO can let us have and we should very much appreciate offers of boats for sail training on Friday afternoons from other sources.On behalf of the Club we should like to express our sincere gratitude to the Headmaster and Staff for their helpful co-operation at all times; to the Captain and Boat Officer at ST. ANGELO for loaning the boats; to the Boat Party there for their cheerful assistance and advice, and for the repairs which we (very) occasionally make necessary; and to Mr. Evans for tolerating the rather windless afternoon during which he took the photographs. B.C.F. K.H MUSIC
"PATIENCE" SCHOOL PRODUCTION ON 12th, 13th, AND 14th DECEMBER, 1960 The main interest in W. S. Gilbert's libretto of "Patience" when it was first produced in 1881, was the highly topical burlesque of the 'aesthetic' movement then in vogues The beginnings of this movement, about 20 years before, were honest and praiseworthy and the artists and poets who led the breakaway from Victorian dullness in poetry, art and design: William Morris, Sir Edward Burne-Jones, James Whistler, Dante Gabriel Rosetti and Algernon Swinburne were not properly the subjects for Gilbertian satire. But there arose among the disciples of this movement a fashion in 'preciousness' which begged for satiric derision, and in 'Patience' Gilbert held these up to the biting ridicule they deserved. The opera has not "dated" in spite of its reliance, at first, on its topicality. Partly because it is so well done and partly because every age has its 'fashions' or 'movements* ('grooves'?). It still produces plenty of laughs, and certainly did in this production. For this first praise must go to Mr. Gerrard, the musical director, for fine, clear singing from principals and chorus, and to the producer, Mr. Barraclough who, having solved his initial problem of getting 80 chorus and 11 principals on to this tiny 19-foot-opening stage (plus a few chorus off-stage) and [moving them about without them falling over each other, then went on to achieve a production which seemed excellent in pace and mood. The laughs, of course, came mostly from Bunthorne (Lt. Cdr. Arthur), Lady Jane; (Glenys Metherell: how they will both be missed next year!) and Algernon; (Bernard Hoctor, who sang very well the 'Magnet and Charm' song); but the trio of Heavy Dragoons (Lt. Cdr. Des Clayes, Mr. Wilkinson and Brendan Breslin), particularly when assuming their "stained-glass attitudes", gave us some very funny scenes, too. The Dragoons, altogether, had some very fine choruses to sing, and it was a pleasure to see them attacking them with such gusto. "Patience" has never seemed to me to give the same opportunity to the girls as to the men. Perhaps because of the brilliance of the 'book': "Mr. Sullivan has had to be content with an altogether subordinate position as an accompanist to the librettist", said a contemporary reviewer in June 1881. There are moments of great charm in the music; Patience's two ballads "I cannot tell what love ma^ be", and "Love is a plaintive song", which Marianne Tottman sang so well. Marianne, indeed, gave a most pleasing portrayal of Patience, the caricature of Victorian female innocence, but with such a well sustained role of common sense ! No dissembling with this Patience; no pretence! The other young lady soloists Angela (Wendy Roden), Saphir (Barbara Fisher) and Ella (Carol Thomson) all sang well. The music and the libretto do not give them great opportunity, except that Angela and Saphir have the lovely quintet "If Saphir I choose to marry" and Angela did well with Patience in their duet "Long years ago". The Rapturous Maidens looked most attractive and their dresses were beautifully ridiculous in their unsuitability to daily life. Here again they are given some too-conventional music to sing, but the first act final gave them (and almost everybody else) great opportunity, and we, in the audience, were delighted with some exhilarating singing. The cast had the advantage of a very well-designed and well-lit setting, and of excellent accompaniment from Mr. Gerrard. I was there at all three performances, and at each of them the audience loved it.
The School Complement of Scouts and Guides on Commonwealth Day. This year is a particular occasion in the history of Sea Scouts at the Royal Naval School for they are now ten years old. True, there was a Scout Troop at the school long before 1951, but it was in that year, that the first Sea Scout Troop was formed, and it has been in continuous existence ever since. Ten years may not seem a long time but in this Island where the population is continually on the move, Troops have sprung up and virtually disappeared overnight, generally due to a lack of Scouters, but the School Troop has continued to flourish without interruption. What have been the highlights of those ten years ? The first that comes to mind was the camping competition of 1952. Six Scouts, inadequately prepared and ill-equipped entered at short notice. That night the weather broke and proved one of the wettest weekends on record. On Sunday evening a chorus of excited boyish voices came through my window "Skip -- we won!" There in the darkness, rain pouring down their grinning faces stood six soaking Sea Scouts, holding up the large silver Bates Cup. This was a good start, it showed spirit in the true Scouting tradition. That, year, the troop won every competition open to them. The next outstanding event was the acquisition of T.S. Egmont as a Sea Scout Guardship. The ship was officially "commissioned" by Admiral the Earl Mountbatten of Burma, World Commodore for Sea Scouts who ordered "Splice the Mainbrace" as he left the ship. The following year we were honoured by a visit and inspection by the Chief Scout, Lord Rowallan. There are some excellent photographs of this event in the Troop Log. To enumerate all the outstanding events would take up too much space and thus incur the wrath of our editor, but perhaps a brief summary will be permitted. There have been twelve Troop camps at either Easter or Midsummer and a total of 104 nights under canvas. The best camp was undoubtedly the one in Sicily in 1959. 324 boys have passed through the Troop since 1961. There is a tradition to be proud of, and one that can only be maintained if we look to our Scout Law and Promise, and live up to them. Now in conclusion, just a few words about the past year. Last summer saw plenty of sailing activity with boats kindly lent by H.M.S. Ausonia. At Christmas there was the usual party given by the Group Parents' Committee and every Scout, in addition to having a jolly good time, received some article of Scouting equipment as a gift. At Easter there was Bob-a-job week, St. George's Day parade and the Easter Camp at Ghajn Tuf-fieha all of which helped to fill in the holidays. The most recent event was the Commonwealth Day Rally at Floriana, when all the Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and Guides gathered to meet H.E. the Governor, Chief Scout of Malta, and to do their little stunts. It was a most impressive sight and one which surely denotes Scouting as the greatest youth movement in the world. I cannot pass without saying "Thank you" to those of the Group Committee who have worked so hard in the past year to help raise funds for our badly-needed new tents. Their Barbecue and Dance were a great success Well done ! Our summer programme is now taking shape and soon we hope to be off on our training trips to Comino. See you on board. T.E.K. SEA RANGERS In the past year the Sea Rangers have grown considerably under the careful guidance of our hard working skipper. We have also recently acquired a new mate under whose sharp eyed vigilance we are progressing rapidly with our work. At Easter we went to Gozo for a week's camping. We all enjoyed ourselves thoroughly, swimming, sunbathing, seeing sharks landed on the jetty nearby, cooking and keeping our tents presentable. We had a trip around Gozo, seeing all the sights. One evening was spent walking to and around the citadel in Victoria, in the dark, but much to our regret and contrary to information given to us, no ghosts were seen. At the campfire which we had, with a troop of Maltese Scouts camping nearby we had a noisy sing song. The climax of the evening was a ghost story for which the Scouts had prepared, unknown to us, a spine chilling shock. A great clanging and banging coupled with moaning and clanking suddenly broke out and then an apparition suddenly materialised. A white sheet under which were lights gave it a truly ghostly appearance and everyone turned as white as the 'ghost' itself. During the year we have visited many ships amongst which were the aircraft-carriers "Ark Royal" and "Centaur", which were also of interest to our sister Air Rangers. The "Narvik" kindly invited us on board and so did the oil-tanker "Tide Austral". Last but not by any means least was our Gang Show. The Sea Rangers sang a couple of sea shanties as well as "The Lollipop Song". This was received very well as all the Rangers taking part were dressed very similarly to junior St. Trinian girls, licking out sized lollipops. When the audience was asked to sing the chorus, two rather odd, scruffy looking Scouts, a couple of Rangers dressed in our brother Scouts borrowed uniforms, badgered them into singing a loud rendering of "How Much is that Doggy in the Window", after undermining the Scout Movement by performing a skid in which they spent their time playing cards, smoking, and reviving themselves with a bottle of beer! "If I were not upon the Stage" was also greatly appreciated eventually the whole audience was laughing heartily at the antics of the flower seller whose penetrating shout of "Luvly Violets" resounded right through and out of the hall. During the weekly meeting at our lodge we learn signalling, knots and other guiding activities as well as information about ships and seafaring subjects. We recently had a very successful Jumble Sale in aid of our Boat Fund which is steadily growing and before long we shall be the proud possessors of our own boat. Marianne Tottman Carol Matthews VI Upper Arts. LIFE SAVING AT BIRZEBEUGIA Two boys Anthony Hickford and John Franklin - - were directly responsible for saving a naval rating from drowning on 7th May, 1961 at Shell Pier, Birzebbugia. They showed prompt action and considerable initiative, but no recommendation for any form of award could be given as no act of individual bravery was involved. The Navy, however, are recognising their action by arranging a day trip to sea for the boys, and at the time of writing plans are being made for this to take place in H.M.S. LION.
The exhibition organised by the Malta Society of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce was opened on the 9th May, 1961, at the Palazzo De La Salle, Kings-way, Valletta. Visitors to the exhibition could not help but be impressed by the riot of colour on view ... a characteristic of child art which always impresses. The R.N. School at Verdala and Tal Handaq was well represented and the work selected made up roughly one half of the total exhibition. One criticism might be permitted ... it lacks variety in that mostly the work on view consists of pictures; only one example of manuscript writing or decorative lettering, no architectural studies, little pure design (as distinct from abstract) no figure or botanical studies to speak of. Perhaps it is well to remember that a good deal of the artistic work done in the Art Department is not of the type normally exhibited. Nevertheless, it would be a good thing if some of the older pupils took the hint and widened their approach to Art Studies generally. However, it is reassuring to see work of a highly imaginative and colourful content. F.R.M. AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE Having now been resident in Malta for over nine months, I feel perfectly justified in saying that the experience of living in Malta is one which I would not willingly have missed. I had never been abroad before coming out here, and if I could be sure that I should be welcomed as warmly in other countries of the world as in Malta, I should be continually moving round the world from country to country. One hears occasionally of the "hostility" of the Maltese towards the Englishman, but in all my meetings with them I have felt that they are all genuinely pleased to think that you enjoy their company and also like their country. The latter, it cannot be denied, is fascinating, with its panorama of terraced fields, picturesque fishing hamlets, rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, - but the people are themselves fascinating, perhaps because of their ancient and continually changing history, evidences of which can be seen everywhere -.n the form of prehistoric temples, architectural masterpieces and the primitive method of ploughing which is still in use in most places today, since fields are too small for the use of mechanical implements to be practicable. Despite the influence of Britain during the past one hundred and fifty years, Malta remains indisputably Mediterranean, particularly in respect to her climate, which is the influential factor in inducing more and more tourists to visit the islands each year. Warm winters and long, hot summers can be depended upon, and a familiar sight on a hot summer's afternoon is the peacefully lounging peasant, geally snoring in his doorway, with a battered sun-hat on his head to keep off the sun, and a contented smile hovering on his lips; the women of the household sit comfortably on chairs behind him, watching the more energetic Englishman drive his big car along the road outside the Englishman is never content to sit still in one place, he always wants to be somewhere else ! For swimming, sunbathing and sailing, Malta as a paradise, but these entertainments can be enjoyed elsewhere; not so the village festivals. The "Carnival" has its equivalents in other parts of Europe, such as in Holland and Germany, but the village festas are not so common and are particularly important to the Maltese, whose religious upbringing leads them to celebrate upon saints' days on a scale unknown in England. The magnificent processions, fireworks, band marches and illuminations are unforgettable, as is the hospitality to be found in a Maltese household on such an occasion. Living in a foreign country for a certain length of time is a practice which is becoming more and more common as time goes on, and as more countries are developed to make the best use of their resources. Holidays abroad are now universally popular, even if "abroad" only signifies crossing the border from England into Scotland for a fortnight ! I think that everyone will agree that to have spent a year or more of one's life in Malta is an experience which will never be forgotten, and which will in particular have greatly benefited members of the younger generation, whose understanding of world politics in future years, will have been aided by an early insight into the life of a people other than their own. MARJORIE SAVAGE 6A.
MY JOURNEY TO MALTA Alberta is a very big country with three big cities. We had always lived there in Canada until my father decided to take a job in Benghazi and my mother and the family came to Malta, so that we would be near father. We were living in Sylvan Lake Alberta, which is the main Sports Resort. Snake Lake was the old Indian name for it.. After a visit to an aunt, we went to Red Deer, Alberta, on a Sunday night. Red Deer became a city in 1960 because (he population was so big. The Day liner to Calgary was two hours late, and had to go quite fast .to catch the connection to New York, arriving at Calgary about 9 o'clock, Calgary is the second largest city in Alberta, with a large airport. A special festival there is a large Rodeo and fair. There we boarded a Canadian Pacific Train for New York, which passed through Montreal and Toronto both big cities with many factories. On the train there was a magician who showed us some tricks, and taught me to do one. It was a four day journey from Red Deer to New York, and we arrived on Friday night. After a night in a hotel we boarded the "Saxonia" one of the Cunard liners, very large with one smoke stack and about five floors. We were on the main floor. By 11 a.m. Saturday morning we were out of the Harbour, and finding it rough. During the eight day journey I met some friends and we would play tennis and cards. Then we were soon going up the Thames, and tying up at Tilbury Docks. Some relation met us and took us to stay with them, for a fortnight, during which we made a visit to London Zoo which I really enjoyed. We started off to Malta by train to London, crossed the Channel, and then went by diesel to Sicily which was very pleasant and the food was good. Macaroni and tomato sauce was my favourite. We left for Malta on the Italian boat meeting some of the boys from Tal-Handaq on the way back from Rome. Next morning we got up to see Malta, and it looked like a Roman Island. We got into Grand Harbour, tied up near Customs House and went ashore in a dghaisa. After going through the Customs we caught a taxi to our hotel near the sea side. MICHAEL LENNANT ICM THE HYPOGEUM The Hypogeum was built about 4,000 years ago by Neolithic people who only had pieces of flint for their tools. It was discovered in 1902 by workmen building houses right above it. No disclosure of the find was made at the time, and eventually the 'foundation walls of the new houses sealed off the original entrance, so there is now a modern spiral staircase leading down into the caves. When you have descended the stairs you find yourself in a large collection of caves. The first one you enter has smooth walls with spashes of red pigment still visible. There is one room, called the oracle room in which there is a small oval hole in the wall. If a man speaks into this his voice reverberates round the room in a most peculiar way. It is thought that the priest answered people's questions by wa^ of this hole. On the roof of the oracle room, there are a number of paintings. There is a small hole in the left wall which, it is thought, was used for burial purposes, because 7,000 skeletons were found when the Hypogeum was excavated. The Holy of Holies is about the most attractive cave in the Hypogeum. It is semi-circular in shape and shows great architectural skill. On the floor of the room there are two holes which are connected together and would allow a rope to be passed from hole to hole. It seems likely that sacrificial animals were secured by this means. EDWARD SAVAGE Form 4A.T "OLD ST. PAULS" The most interesting book I have ever read is, undoubtedly, "Old St. Paul, by A. Harrison Ainsworth. It tells of the life and adventures of a group of people who live in the heart of London, and of their struggles during the Great Plague. The descriptions are wonderful, and the characters most convincing. This book is of historical interest also, as it tells of the Great Fire of London, and of the ways and customs of those who lived in medieval times. In one amusing chapter, a very chary servant is sent by his master to one o! the "pest houses". The poor fellow is terrified of catching the dreaded plague and before he goes, he bathes in vinegar, drinks numerous weird concoctions, swallows various pills rubs himself with herbal ointments, and, as a final precaution, carries around his neck, a dried toad, and a rabbit foot ! ! Needless to say, he escaped the plague but only just. There is much excitement in this book, and also a little of the Macabre: one instance of this is when an ancient coffin-maker and an old crone sit in a vault in St. Paul's, drinking wine, and watching their friends dancing round the tombs. I strongly recommend this book to those who enjoy fiction - - it is an adventure story with originality. MAGGIE SHEPPARD 5A.M. A sad-looking man had been waiting in a restaurant for half an hour. Then a waiter came up and said, "Your fish and chips will be coming in ten minutes, sir." The man said, "Good, what bait did you use?" NIGEL JUDD. ICM. STORMY WEATHER A short while ago I paid a visit to my god-mother in France, I was glad to be back because I very nearly didn't reach home. The flight to France, went forward without mishap. Although it might have been rather long as I had to fly* to London first and from there I caught an "Air France" Viscount to Orly Airport, which is just out-side Paris. My god-mother met me at Orly and from then on life was all excitement. I was sorry when my fortnight's holiday was up and I had to st |
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