School Officers

Head Boy: A. HANMER Head Girl: SHEILA ANDERSON

Deputy Head Boys: P. T. R. HENRICH, J. D. ROE

Deputy Head Girl: JEAN JOLLY

Captain of Netball: BETTE ROYLE

Captain of Football: H. A. KING

Captain of Cricket: A. HANMER

Captain of Hockey: LINDA ASQUITH

Chairman of Literary and Debating Society: H. A. KING

Secretary of Literary and Debating Society: D. MATHER

Secretary of Chess Club: G. R. RIMMER

School Librarians: J. BARROW, J. BESWICK, B. ROYLE, J. LOCKERY, E. DYSON, A. NUTTALL, B. BROOKS.

PREFECTS:

Boys: H. A. KING, B. S. YUNG, D. BROWN, D. MATHER, W. A. BUCKLEY, G. ALMOND, W. FARMER, D. LEAK, G. LOCKERY, I. MCDONALD, D. J. MEDLICOTT, B. PURSLOW, P. M. SHAW, C. W. BAILEY, J. S. GOODMAN.

Gìrls: CHRISTINE ALDRED, LINDA ASQUITH, JOAN BEVON, ELIZABETH CLARE, GILLIAN CLOUGH, MAVIS COLLUM, JACQUELINE CROSSLEY, LESLEY HAYES, PAMELA HICKS, JANET PETERS, CHRISTINE STELL. Deputy: SANDRA LANGTREE, BARBARA HUGHES, SYLVIA MORTON, MARJORIE QUINN, JANE SAYLES, JOYCE SHEPPARD, ANN STEGGLES, SANDRA SMITH, BETTE ROYLE.

MAGAZINE EDITORS:

LESLEY HAYES, JEAN JOLLY, H. A. KING, D. MATHER. Sub-Editors: MARJORIE QUINN, SYLVIA MORTON.

HOUSE CAPTAINS:

Girls ---------------	Boys -------------
TUDORS: JOYCE SHEPPARD	TUDORS: B. S. YUNG
SAXONS: LINDA ASQUITH	SAXONS: P. T. R. HENRICH
STUARTS: GILLIAN CLOUGH	STUARTS: A. HANMER
NORMANS: BARBARA BROOKES	NORMANS: J. S. GOODMAN

Editorial

In this edition of the magazine, it will be noted that a letter from the Borough Librarian has been published. The fact that our magazine is considered as a document of some historical importance seems at first, somewhat surprising. On reflection however, it seems only right that this magazine, which is the mouthpiece of our School, should be preserved to show future generations how many of the young people of this district endured, or rather it is hoped, enjoyed their schooldays.

This year the School has been invaded by H.M. Inspectors. For several weeks it was a common sight to see strange teacher-like forms coming and going, always as silent and unobtrusive as was possible for those emissaries of the Minister of Education. Despite the fact that everyone had to behave "normally," there was undoubtedly an air of relief about the building when the ordeal by inspection came to an end.

Looking forward, next term will see several changes about the school. The laboratories are either being enlarged or moved, much to the delight of the science staff. Also three new classrooms are being built, and together with those erected a couple of years ago, the School will have the appearance, according to a member of staff, of "an Alaskan boom-town." Perhaps these changes will induce everyone to be as energetic and active in the coming year, as the people one associates with such a town. It is unlikely that anyone will ''strike it rich,'' but the satisfaction gained by trying and persevering in all things, both before and after 3-30 makes it worth while.

D.M.

Staff Changes

The following members of staff left us during the year: Mr. A. Pearson, B.Sc. (M/cr.) (1926-59), about whom an article appeared in last summer's magazine. Mr. L . Wharfe, M.A. (M/cr.) (1948-59), the senior Geography Master; a popular though well­respected figure, who conducted cycling tours for the boys around France, taught us all the latest ballroom dances, and took good care that all his pupils passed in Geography. He is now lecturing at Didsbury Training College.

Mrs. J. Mackay (1950-59) decided to retire from full-time teaching, but the school has not lost her completely as she spends some time here as a part-time teacher.

Mrs. Orrell (nee Howell) returned to family life last Whitsuntide, but her place as "historian" was taken by Miss A. Cottingham, B.A., from Hull University.

At Christmas Mr. D. Matthews (1955-59), who had given us so much help in after-school activities, left to teach at Cheadle Moseley Hall Grammar School.

To replace both Mr. Pearson and Mr. Wharfe we have now Mr. H. Miller, B .Sc . (London), who has come from Hanley High School. He has taken over the posts of Deputy Head Master and Senior Geography Master. We consider ourselves fortunate to have him with us and hope he will be very happy at the school.

We welcome back to the school an Old Essian, Miss H. Longworth, B.Sc., who started to learn her Biology in the room where she now teaches it. Two new Mathematics teachers have joined the staff this year; Miss M. K. Sample, B.Sc., from Manchester University and Mr. L. Natt, B.Sc., who has had wide experience in teaching and industry. Mrs. G. Mainwaring, B.Sc., has also returned to this department as a part-time teacher.

Mr. B. Turner, M.A., came in September to help with French. As a school grows larger so its staff is increased and appears to change more.

We welcome all who joined us and render our thanks and best wishes to those who have left.

School Notes

This year, our various activities began early; a few days after the beginning of the autumn term, a party of Sixth-formers, led by Miss Baker, Miss Gardner and Mr. Patmore, had a day's outing to Stratford-upon-Avon, to see a performance of "King Lear,"with Charles Laughton playing Lear. The trip was greatly enjoyed by all, and thanks must be extended to Mr. Ellis, who organised it. There will also be a second party which will visit Stratford on September 14th.

This year, for the first time, our Speech Day was held in the Free Trade Hall, and we were honoured to have the Very Reverend the Dean of Manchester as speaker and distributor of prizes.

At the end of the autumn term the Sixth Form held its annual Christmas Fair, and the total takings of this, the Quiz and the Sixth Form's Carol Singing, came to £170 -- a record sum, which was, as usual, sent to the Sunshine Homes for Blind Babies.

The School Concert was for the first time arranged by Mr. D. F . Ellis. The style of the programme was unusual in that the choral items were religious, including a chorus from Handel's ''Messiah," while the orchestral pieces were secular. After the final performance, Mr. Ellis was presented with a record case by the members of the choir and orchestra.

The School Play also had a new producer this year -- it was Mr. Patmore's first attempt in this field. The play, "Thieves' Carnival,'' by Jean Anouilh, was a great success and was attended by large audiences.

At the invitation of the Town Council of Narbonne, a party of sixty girls, two boys and five members of the staff spent a very enjoyable fortnight at the Colonie de Vacances at Narbonne-Plage. It is hoped that a number of young Narbonnais will be able to pay a return visit to Eccles during the summer.

A party of boys spent two weeks in Austria under the leadership of Mr. Farrimond, Mr. Hobson and Mr. J. Smith; yet another group of geographers, geologists and biologists went to Malham, in Yorkshire, for a Field Course. This was organised by Mr. Miller, who hopes to make it a regular feature of the school activities . Another innovation, this time on the cultural side, is the visit to the Edinburgh Festival in August. This is confined to Sixth-formers and members of the Staff, and during their stay they will attend performances of ballet, concerts and a Chekhov play. Excursions to places of interest in Edinburgh and to local beauty spots will also be organised.

Speech Day

Our annual Speech Day is always an important event in the school year. It is a time for reporting on and reviewing the events of the past twelve months; and a time, too, for those who took the external examinations in the previous term, as well as those who have won form prizes, to receive their due rewards.

Our last Spech Day, November 20th, 1959, was particularly noteworthy, however, for, for the first time, it was held in the Free Trade Hall, Manchester, in surroundings more suited to the dignity of the occasion than in previous years; and we are glad that we shall, in future, hold our annual ceremony in this famous hall.

Because it was an evening function a very large number of parents came, and, except for the upper balcony, the hall was filled with school, ex-pupils, parents and friends, when the cere­mony began at 7-30 p.m. After the singing of the School Hymn, Mr. Fairweather reported on the School's activities and progress during the preceding year, including all sides of school life, academic, athletic and social -- a record of very solid achievements, the most outstanding of which was Pauline Beswick's State Scholarship. The report was followed by the singing, by the Choir, of the setting, by Armstrong Gibbs, of Psalm 150.

After the Chairman's remarks, the prizes and certificates were distributed by our Guest Speaker, the Very Reverend H. A. Jones, B.Sc., M.A., Dean of Manchester. The long file of certificate and prize-winners, beginning with the previous year's first formers, crossed the platform in a steady stream.

Then, that ended, the Dean spoke to us all -- pupils, ex-pupils, parents and friends. His address was not a long one, but very much to the point in these times of slackened standards and too­easy satisfaction. With humour, as well as seriousness, he urged the necessity for living a full life, and, in that, he included unselfish service as well as personal advancement and enjoyment. He insisted on. the importance of giving and doing, as well as receiving and watching, and reminded us that souls, as well as bodies, require activity for health. He was heard with attention and appreciation by all present.

There then followed two more songs from the Choir -- Benjamin Britten's "Old Abram Brown" and Bach's "Spring Comes Laughing" -- both very well sung.

After a vote of thanks had been proposed by Alderman J. McCann, M.P., and seconded by County Councillor Mrs. Inman, J .P., and the usual cheers had been called for by the Head Boy and given enthusiastically by the School, the proceedings closed with the National Anthem -- and another Speech Day was over.

B.

The Dancing Hours

As I walked towards the Arts Educational School on my first day in London, beautiful ballet music floated from the unfamiliar regions within, which I had yet to become acquainted with. From the room above came exciting, fast, Spanish music, accompanied by the clicking of heels and castanets.

From that moment onwards, I knew that this was to become part of my life. Presently, I was given a timetable . and told to study it carefully. I noticed that my dancing hours were very much longer than I had been used to . My daily training commenced at nine-thirty in the morning, and finished at six each night. I also noticed, to my surprise, that they not only specialised in ballet alone, but in many other different types of dancing, such as National, Tap, Stage, Character, Modern, Greek. Spanish, Ballroom and Modern Ballet.

Having studied my timetable, I was informed that the next day I would begin my training.

On that first day, we were told that the "barre" work was the most essential part of ballet. For instance, if an exercise at the "barre" is not done absolutely correctly, then it is impossible to execute it in thecentre, away from the "barre." Also "barre"work gives one immense strength and control which is needed for the centre again.

The teachers are very strict and they impress upon us that every spare minute should be taken up m practising, as there is always something that needs correcting.

Examinations are compulsory if one wishes to get into a ballet company, which is my greatest ambition. The standard of ballet is extremely high, and therefore, it is necessary to pass the various examinations.

At the end of each term there is a grand assembly of all the directors, teachers and students of the school. All students must exhibit their term's work before the directors and teachers, and each student performer is given a report stating her rate of perfor­mance. The building has great tradition. Inside lingers the memory of great dancers of the past and present, such as Alicia Markova and John Gilpin, who formerly attended the school. Intermingled with this is the hope in the future dancers yet to be discovered. It all adds up however, to one single word, "work," which must always be kept in mind whether one is happy or depressed, work done with all the strength of mind and body, until success is at last achieved and continued even after that.

MARIA ILLES (Old Essian).

Archery

My favourite hobby is Archery. People usually sneer at this and say it is an antiquated sport, but as it was included in the Olympic Games of 1908, and 1920 and will probably be in those of 1964, I feel it deserves some recognition. Throughout the ages it has been regarded among the finest of sports, and Henry V went so far as to enforce its practice at court.

A few years ago there were not many Archery clubs, but it is nowadays regaining popularity, and many clubs are opening all over the country.

The essential equipment for an archer is bow, arrows, bracer, finger-guard and, for the more wealthy, a quiver. Some bows are made of West Indian Lemon wood, others are of American wood. There are also fibre-glass and composite bows. Arrows must be perfect in every way to be of any use to an archer, and the making of an arrow is a professional job. They must be straight and identical in weight, and balance. The long bow is and adaptation of the mediaeval Turkish bow. The effectiveness of the long bow was experienced at Agincourt.

When a club member is competent in the techniques of Archery, he goes to competitions against branches of his club in other towns. I am in the Latimer Youth Movement. There are tournaments and awards to be won which make the mastery of the different ranges of arrows worth-while. It is certainly a sport with a difference.

J.D.C. (2A).

Holiday on the Yorkshire Moors

We set out on Monday, August 17th from Monton Green. The first mishap came on the slopes of the Pennines when one of the boys came off his cycle and buckled his wheel. We spent the first night at York. For most of us this was our first experience of hostelling and so we found it very interesting. The following morning we visited York Minster and York Railway Museum before cycling on to Whitby.

The hostel at Whitby was built on top of the cliff overlooking the harbour. We stayed at Whitby for one night and then we took the train inland to W esterdale Hall, an old country manor set in very pleasant surroundings. On the morning after our arrival we went on a hike over the moors to Farndale. After Mr. Pilliner had somehow misplaced a valley, we found all the shops therein to be closed. To boost our morale Mr. Pilliner and Mr. Smith organised a race back to Westerdale. We were split into two groups, and our group finally arrived back in a van, after being lost on the moors and covering four miles in three hours. That night, with the consent of the warden, we went to a small fair which had arrived in the nearby village.

Next day we returned to Whitby and then hiked along the coast to Boggle Hole, where we had a '' J.F.S. grapefruit salad ' ' and approximately one pound of sugar each for tea. The hostel at Boggle Hole is an old smugglers' haunt in a cove which is cut off at high tide. Mr. Smith and some other boys went hunting for fossils along the coast, and, after misjudging the tide, had to wade back along the coast to the hostel.

On the 24th we returned to Whitby and after staying the night there, collected our cycles and headed for Dacre Banks Hostel near Harrogate. On this stretch Mr. Smith left us and cycled northwards to Scotland. After a great deal of trouble, including keepmg the warden up, we arrived at Harrogate at 10-30 p .m. after over twelve hours cycling.

The following day we were split up into groups and made our own way home in several ways, including on a beer wagon . We arrived home after a very enjoyable holiday, throughout which we were fortunate enough to have perfect weather.

F .C., B .W., D .H . (5A).

Time for Thought (or is there?)

• Now what shall I do in the train today ?
• Time's precious -- it mustn't be frittered away.
• Shall I carefully study the news of the hour ?
• Or read a good book, or embroider a flower ?
• Now what shall I do in the train today ?
• Time's precious -- it mustn't be frittered away.
• Get on with some knitting (on hand over-long) ?
• Or work out where some of my spending goes wrong ?
• Now what shall I do in the train today ?
• Time's precious -- it mustn't be frittered away.
• What time, did you say ? I'm behind hand again,
• Can't stop to decide what to do in the train ....
• See me streak down the road ... Well, I've caught it -­ Hooray !
• The corner seat's mine, I can doze all the way. !

B.M.H. (3A).

Dreams

• Sometimes I wish I led a life with nothing much to do,
• But pad around a cage for hours like lions at the Zoo:
• Or like the cows, eat grass all day and wander round in herds,
• Or live inside a nest up in the tree tops like the birds.
• So different from the busy ants who work and strive all day;
• They seem to have no time to waste nor any time to play:
• Sometimes I'd like to be a cat and really take my ease,
• And yawn and stretch or go to sleep just when and if I please.
• But when I think a little more about these foolish dreams,
• I realise that idleness is not all that it seems:
• For most of us upon this earth our leisure have to earn,
• For there are many jobs to do and many things to learn.

J. COITE (2B).

The Easter Trip to Narbonne

We anived at Narbonne to be greeted by the Town Clerk, M. Amouroux; but most of us were too tired at that hour to be enthusiastic about the prospect of a holiday there. Such trivml details were ignored by the French Press, and phrases like ''. . . no sign of fatigue did not read itself on the faces of the young collegiennes ... " were to be found next day in the Sunday Press.

On Sunday evening we went to our first French dance. Most of the French boys were thought rather over-powering ( "But, my dear, that garlic !").

During our stay, excursions were organised to various towns nearby: one of these was Carcassonne, a walled city which had an important position in the Middle Ages. We were conducted round the walls by a guide whose English was coloured by a strong French-American accent; she tried to interest us in the old legends of the city, but our minds were on more urgent matters -­ how to keep warm in the howling gale that blew round the battlements. In the afternoon we went to the modern part of the town, exploring by ourselves.

An afternoon was also spent at Perpignan, a large town nearer to Spain. While we were there we saw the famous local dancing, although it was not in the national dress. Towards the end of the stay we visited a vine farm at Armissan and saw how the wine was distilled. Some members of the party were quite disappointed at not receiving free samples, however.

We did not leave it to the Narbonnais to do all the entertaining -- for one evening we presented a concert of English popular songs. Some of these were of the type better sung in a 'bus than on the microscopic stage of the local youth club, but the French seemed to appreciate them very much. They also enjoyed the game of Netball which team-members played at the Palais du Travail. Last, but not least, was the dance held at the Colonie, where poor, unsuspecting French boys were taught the intricacies of the Virginia Reel and the Mississippi Dip. Later there were numerous complaints of sore toes (from both sides, be it said).

Our heartiest thanks are due to Miss Gardner, Miss Pryor and Miss Yorston, and especially to Mrs. Niddrie, who did the lion's share of the organising. We all had a most enjoyable holiday and look forward to meeting some of our friends from Narbonne again this summer.

SYLVIA MORTON {6U. A.).

A Minority View

(La joie de vivre)

''Soixante-cinq filles, quatre professeurs et deux garcons'' reported one French newspaper. John Roe and myself were the two gallants -- nobody was really sure how we had 'wangled ' our way into the party. Perhaps we were snoopers sent by some girl's father who did not trust his off-spring with the Latin type (all too common in Narbonne). Perhaps our parents wanted to be rid of us for a fortnight, or perhaps it was just that we wanted a good holiday; this latter we were rewarded with -- we had a truly marvellous time, the sort of holiday that is experienced only once during a lifetime.

We enjoyed the food which we considered to be far superior to anything normally produced in an English kitchen, although one three-hour meal almost defeated us. We were living in the lap of luxury, but it had to be paid for, and so, at a concert arranged by Mrs. Niddrie, John, Mr. Thomas and I had to do our party piece, "Sisters," sung in the best Beverley Sisters tradition (neither John nor I have managed to explain convincingly the presence of cosmetics on our towels to our parents).

One of the highlights of the holiday was a trip to Carcassonne, where we encountered a guide who spoke pidgin English with an American accent. She had an obsession for pouring "boiling oil and molten lead on the assailants of the city." She told us that one room had been left untouched since Pepin the Little had been in possession of the city, but what, we wondered, would he want with a telephone and a stall selling picture post-cards ? We also saw the French army ! Why should Britons tremble ?

Narbonne beach, although practically deserted during our stay, had one very great attraction, "Le Neptune." In this quaint establishment, many happy hours were passed sipping the local nectar. It was to this cafe that the Narbonne Plage police force (all one of it), retired when the day's work was finished. Monsieur Pepe, as this affable policeman was called, was quite a unique character, to say the least. He was almost as round as he was tall. His complexion was a dirty brown. His clothes, too, were of this colour, and out of a friendly-looking mouth drooped a "Gauloise" -- a vile-smelling cigarette.

All too soon our holiday was over, and last farewells were being said on the station -- the girls were crying (although I think that "blubbering "better describes their condition) and making final vows to their "sweeties," and then we left.

Et maintenant, que dire, sauf que nous voulons tous y retourner aussi vite que possible ?

C. W. BAILEY (6 Upper Arts).

The Boys' Trip to Austria

The boys' Easter trip this year was to Innsbruck, which stands on the river Inn at the junction of the Brenner and the Arlberg passes, important trade routes between Austria and Italy and between Austria and Switzerland. This strategic position earned the town twenty-three bombing raids during the last war. Innsbruck, with a population of 105,000 is the capital of the Austrian Tyrol and has many buildings of architectural and historical interest, most of which are in the old part of the town with its vaulted shopping arcades and towers.

During our stay the weather was extremely changeable, rangmg from heavy snow to bright sunshine in a surprisingly short space of time. Nevertheless we were able to cover most of the surrounding area, our walks taking us to such places of interest as the village of Igls, a well-known winter-sports centre, and Mutters and Natters, which are twin villages in the Stubai valley.

One day there was a most enjoyable coach excursion into Germany. We visited one of the royal Bavarian castles at Neuschwanstein from where, after lunch, we proceeded to Oberammergau where, every ten years a passion play is performed in the open air in fulfilment of a vow made centuries ago by the townsfolk when they were delivered from a plague. The play is being performed this year and, owing to rehearsals we were unable to visit the theatre. However we' saw several members of the cast, all inhabitants of Oberammergau, who, in readiness for the play, had grown long hair and bushy beards which put our own champion to shame.

One of the highest peaks overlooking Innsbruck is the Hafelekar, about 2,250 metres high, which a few of us ascended by means of a three-stage cable-car. We were greeted at the top by a blizzard, and after venturing out for five minutes we spent the rest of the time waiting to go down. At the second stage we stopped at a hotel for refreshment and watched skiers leaping down alarmingly steep slopes. We were informed that during the season the hospital in Innsbruck treats an average of eighty broken legs per day. At the hotel we were all photographed with two huge St. Bernard dogs which, much to our disgust, had left their brandy barrels behind.

The party was not without its practical jokers, one or more of whom secreted in the rucksack of a senior member of the party several pieces of scrap iron, one of which, we understand, reached Eccles undetected. On the return journey we almost lost four of our party. Seeking repose they had entered a rear carriage which was later to be detached and sent elsewhere, and but for the timely intervention of the ticket collector they might have found themselves by nightfall in Naples instead of Zurich.

Joking aside we would like to offer our sincere thanks to Mr. Hobson, Mr. Farrimond and Mr. Smith for organising this excellent trip to Austria and enabling us to see some of this beautiful country and to meet some of its friendly people.

K. HODSON (4A.).

The Christmas Fair

On the 16th of December, 1959, the Annual Christmas Fair. organised by the Sixth Form, was held in the School Hall.

As a result of the efforts of those who came before us, we were honoured by the presence of Lt-Col. Frankland, the Secretary for the North Western Division of the Royal National Institute for the Blind. With him came Mr. Powell who arranged a small stand of machines and devices showing the way in which Braille is printed. As the Fair is held in aid of the Sunshine Homes for the Blind Babies, we felt that this stand succeeded in making the aim and object of the Fair clear.

Colonel Frankland opened the Fair and congratulated the School on the success of previous years; and the opening ceremony ended when our "guest speaker," five year old Christopher, who, we were assured, was ''head boy'' of the Southport Home for the Blind wished us all "A Merry Christmas."

The goods sold quickly and very little was left at the end of the Fair; and nearly everything that was left was bought the following day by the members of staff. The Fair realised a total of £170. This included money raised by a "Quiz "organized by Mr. Ball, and a Cake Competition which, surprisingly enough was won by J. Roe, 6 U.Sc.; Linda Henderson, 2B. was second, and D. Leah, 6U.Sc. was a close third.

We are indebted to all those parents who so readily gave their support to our effort, proving that the hours of preparations beforehand were not in vain.

Christmas Quiz 1959

The results of the Christmas Quiz held in conjunction with the Christmas Fair in aid of the "Sunshine Homes for Blind Babies"were as follows:

• FORM I -- Margaret Mock, 1N, Helen Roberts, 1S (Tie).
• COMMENDED -- Margaret Dudley, 1N, Kathleen Latham, 1S, Paulene Moressey, 1S.
• FORM II -- Winner : Pauline Evans, 2C.
• COMMENDED -- Farlow, 2A, Kershaw, 2A, Brown, 2A, Scott, 2A, Irene Smalley.
• FORM III -- Patricia Twine, 3A, Diana Nash, 3A (Tie). (Top marks in competition 83% ).
• CoMMENDED -- Jennifer Jones, 3B, Ashworth, 3D.
• FORM IV -- Winner: Susan Gunn, 4A.
• COMMENDED -- Elizabeth Gardner, 4A, Turner, 4A.
• FORM V -- Winner: Peters, 5S.
• COMMENDED -- Owen, 5A, Thompson, 5A, Nickson, 5A.
• FORM VI -- No entries.

A Sunshine Home

Congratulations to the sixth-formers, past and present, and all their helpers who over the last few years have been doing such a good job at Christmas in raising money for the Sunshine Homes of the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

I had been teaching blind children only two weeks when Teresa, a seven-year-old, said to me in class one day, "You know, Miss Procter, you can see me but I can't see you." Taken by surprise, I could only reply, "Well ! you're not missing much." That retort just about sums up what the R.N.I.B. is trying to do for young blind children in the Sunshine Homes: see that in spite of his handicap he will not miss much of what life has to offer. And you are helping.

There are nine Sunshine Homes in England and Wales -- 7 of them for blind children who are otherwise normal and not more than seven years old -- the other two for children up to nine years old who have an additional handicap, such as the spastic, maladjusted, retarded or mentally defective blind child. It is in the latter type of Nursery school that I have been teaching until very recently.

Blind ? Difficult ? Defective ? How can they spend their day ? Well ! the same as any other child of nursery school age and ability; playing, singing, counting, listening to stories, eating, the only difference being that my children need to be taught how to play and encouraged to 'go looking' because no toy invites them from the other side of the room by its colour and design to 'come and play,' besides it is safer sitting still and 'day-dreaming'; counting means having plenty of things ready to be handled since looking and pointing is out of the question; stories are chosen for the scope they offer in sound effects (I never could neigh!) ; eating with knives and forks has to be encouraged and taught to even eight year olds, after all it's much easier to use your fingers when you cannot see the end of the spoon, and the procedure is rather messy.

In learning things, hands and ears must learn to do the work of eyes. It is also costly, since plenty of apparatus is required. Peg­boards, puzzles, beads and the like all help to develop skilful fingers, and ' Don't touch !' is rarely heard because hands must be allowed to explore things. That is how Jeremy came to say, ''Your hair is like a dog's, isn't it Miss Procter ?" So much for my new hairdo !

Sand and water and dough are fun, and if cook isn't too busy you can weigh everything on the scales and make real cakes and eat them afterwards. You can play at house or shopping or even play the piano if you feel like it. There is always plenty of noise since a running commentary is necessary between members of the same play group if each is to know what the other is doing. 'Mummy' in the house can only know what 'Daddy' is doing if he tells her.

Many of the laughs and. much of the poor speech too, result from mis-hearing, with no help from watching lips make the sound. Imagine the delight of my fellow teacher (5ft. 2in.) and myself (5ft. 9in.) when in prayers one morning we heard:

• "All things bright and beautiful;
• All teachers great and small;
• All things wise and wonderful;
• The Lord God made them all."

and what do you think the boys thought on hearing:

• "All good girls around us
• Are sent from heaven above."

Words do not mean much unless you can attach them to something in your imagination so Ann asked, "What's fog ?" and Denis wanted to know, "What's trouble, Miss Procter, and how do you get into it ?" -- (The Menace ?).

Conversation about washing day revealed that Anita's mummy sent her washing to the laundry, Charles' mummy had dyed some curtains during the holiday, whilst Teresa, not to be outdone announced, "My mummy 'died ' our grandad. He's in heaven now."

Sound is better understood if it can be related to something or somebody, as Geoffrey soon showed me. He had attended Children's Church for the first time and came back saying, "I liked it. We sang hymns and then God told us a lovely story."

If you want to hear of success then it is not of how many children pass the 11-plus, but of gaining the confidence of a highly­nervous child, holding 'conversation' with a child admitted as a non-talker, having a spastic child take his first steps whilst in your care, and developing acceptance of the handicap in the casual way of this conversation:

• Geoffrey: "What's Michael got on his face ?"
• Miss P.: "Spectacles." (Michael was partially-sighted).
• Geoffrey: "What for ?"
• Miss P. : "To help him learn to read with his eyes."
• Geoffrey : "Oh! I 'm going to read with my hands, aren't I ?"

Best of all, it is to have a child take your hand and say fervently, "You know, you 're my friend."

B. PROCTER (1938-45).

Robert of Monton

Robert of Monton was an ordinary Englishman, but he was very poor. One day, in dire desperation, he seized ten loaves from a baker's and ran as fast as he could .

Instantly a hue and cry began as the whole street ran after the one man, who, as he heard the cry, "Stop, thief!" was almost overcome by fear .

He raced towards sanctuary at almost superhuman speed. The church appeared ahead, and fear lent wings to his heels so that he flew along. He snatched a brief glance over his shoulder, which cost him precious inches, and found the pursuing crowd close behind.

The leader seemed closer than ever, but -- this was one faint ray of hope -- so did the Church. It was right ahead now, near enough to touch . . . his hand, with outstretched fingers, groped for the door. Simultaneously he was set upon from behind and the hand, within an inch of the knocker, crashed helplessly to the ground . Something struck him heavily on the head ; he was conscious of a stabbing pain in the same region and all went dark .

The time of the trial drew near, but although the street had been full of people, no one had actually seen the theft committed. However, the baker had seen him afterwards, and so had other people, but no-one would actually swear that the bread had been taken -- here was only the baker's word for that.

Trial by ordeal was the only answer. Trembling, Robert prepared to run over nine pieces of hot stone in an attempt to evade his punishment. He ran over the stones. Oh! how they stung his bare feet ! He yelled in pain, but in seconds that seemed like minutes all was over.

In a month his wounds had not healed, and he was summoned to have his eyes put out. He was duly blinded, and, forever blind, he learned the important lesson -- crime does not pay.

T. LUNNES (lN).

Riddle-Me-Ree

• My first is in mat but not in rug,
• My second in boat but not in tug,
• My third is in game but not in play,
• My next in happy and also in gay,
• My fifth to the end of the alphabet go,
• My sixth is in knit but not in sew,
• My seventh is in lemon but not in lime,
• My last you will find at the end of time,
• My whole will enclose this little rhyme.

ALAN ELLIOTT (1N).

Answer-· MAGAZINE

Autumn

• With misted breath and bronzed fingers,
• She leaps ahead;
• A sparrow in the tree-top lingers,
• Summer has fled.
• Conquered, the green and verdant woodlands
• Now, splashed with gold,
• Tinted and printed with lavish hand,
• Their beauties unfold.
• Fires ablaze and darkness falling,
• Smoke spirals high;
• The purple heath and curlew calling ­-
• Autumn is nigh.

PATRICIA TWINE (3A).



The Aberglaslyn Pass

In the heart of lovely Snowdonia nestles the picturesque village of Beddgelert, where Llewellyn's faithful hound, Gelert, lies buried. The grave is in a meadow beside the foaming water of the Glaslyn. Our journey was along the fisherman's path beside the river.

At first the path led through meadows where the cattle of the local farmers grazed. However, as we progressed farther, high ridges towered above us on one side. Sheep, precariously balancing on narrow ledges, bleated forlornly. They seemed to reach the most inaccessible places high up the crags.

At this point we stopped for a picnic. We sat down on a rock to eat the food we had bought in the village. The sun was still glaring down hotly. The rays of sunlight danced on the water, making it gleam and sparkle like diamonds.

Soon we continued on our journey. Now the scenery became even more beautiful and we frequently stopped to photograph it. The path grew steeper as we rounded a bluff high above the river. The imposing mountains with the cascading waters far below and the tall, stately pine trees were a truly lovely sight. At last our trip came to an end as we reached Pont Aberglaslyn, but the last look I took at the Pass, from the bridge, is one I shall never forget.

CYNTHIA PARTINGTON (lN).

RAPTURE ON ALL SAUCE-BOTTLES, OLD, NEW, OR STILL IN THE FURNACE, AFTER GAZING AT THE ONE STAND­ ING PEACEFULLY ON THE ARM OF THE CHAIR ACROSS THE ROOM.

Keats wrote an ode to Autumn, Wordsworth got carried away by daffodils and Longfellow even found seaweed a fit subject for a poem; but if the common sauce-bottle had existed in their day, I am sure there would have been whole books of poems on sauce­bottles.

Have you ever stood one in front of you and really studied it ? If not, then do so. Notice its clean lines and delicate curves and the craft with which it is made. Look at the pride with which it stands before you, crowned as it is with an invariably saucy top. Note how cleverly it is made with incurving bottom so that you get less sauce.

Try and scratch off the label with your finger-nails and when they are all broken you will realise the strength of the glue used. Look at the colour of the sauce inside (not tomato). Is it not just the colour we see would-be he-men trying to get on our beaches every summer ? Why on earth do they not just rub themselves with sauce ?

Try to open a bottle, and half-an-hour later when you have got the top off, watch how the sauce runs down the side. Try it again and yet again. The result is always the same. Such constant things, these sauce-bottles !

I know a person who collects sauce-bottles and you would be amazed at the beauty and variety of them. Such perfect things, such bearing, such pride, such strength and inner cleanliness. (Come to think of it, it might not be a bad idea if sauce-bottles were to populate the earth instead of ourselves).

Perhaps in 2000 B.C. the aesthetic qualities of the sauce­bottle will be realised by everyone and there will be books such as "Guide to the Common Sauce-Bottle," clubs like the S.F.T.F.O.E.I.T.S.B. -- the Society For The Furthering Of Education In The Sauce-Bottle. Perhaps if competitions to win sauce­bottles were held at football games, the missing millions would come back. What a wonderful world it would be !

A LONELY SAUCE-BOTTLE ADMIRER.

La Realite

• Qu'il est beau se trouver sur les cimes
• Quand la vie turbulente apporte trop de peine;
• Quand le bruit du monde bourdonne aux oreilles
• On peut encore s'arreter pour reprendre haleine.
• Car la-haut parmi les pentes gelees,
• Au milieu de l'orage qui mugit sans cesse
• Quand l'homme semble envahi par les forces du Ciel
• Se trouve un grand silence d'une autre espace .
• O lieu tant desire! dis-moi ton nom,
• Afin que je te gagne y rester a jamais,
• Ou depuis les siecles rien ne se change.
• Heureux l' homme qui seul reve sur la montagne,
• Mais plus heureux encore celui qui peut descendre
• A travers les ombres jusqu' au pays des hommes.

ELSPETH TAYLOR, (6 L.A.)

A Farming Career

Do you like getting out of a warm bed at 6-0 a.m., with the prospect of twelve hours continuous, but interesting, hard manual work before you? Are you fond of animals -- creatures which can be awkward, stupid and dirty at times, and which frequently kick over the milk bucket when milking is almost finished? Would you enjoy entering a hen-house to be greeted by hundreds of squawking, clucking hens ? Collecting dozens of eggs twice a day may seem fascinating, but when the hens need feeding and cleaning out time and again, one has to be patient, persevering and -- need I say it -- tough. Farming is a complex and varied life, with long hours and little time for recreation, because the needs of the animals must be met, even at weekend.

The routine jobs continue throughout the year, but the many seasonal jobs -- ploughing, discing, fertilising, harrowing, sowmg, haymaking, harvesting-must still go on. Haytime and harvest both need planning and hard work, and one must not be blinded by the apparent glamour into forgetting the even longer hours that farmers work at these times.

You may ask: "How does this tie up with the academic side of farming?" In order to take a course at an Agricultural College, a prospective student is required to have had at least one year's practical experience on a farm which specializes in the type of farming the student wishes to follow. This is necessary in order to exclude anyone who may think of farming only as a job, not as a vocation. A year of practical work is enough to show who is the really devoted worker, prepared to stick to his job in all weathers, for those who lack keenness soon drop out.

The courses at college are varied, according to individual interest, ranging from General Agriculture to Dairying, Poultry, etc., from one year Certificate Courses to two year Diploma Courses. Different colleges in different counties may have alternative courses, and particulars of these can usually be obtained by writing to the principal for the college prospectus . Youth Employment Offices are also helpful. Whatever branch of farming you choose, you must be really keen and interested, for if you are, nothing will change your mind, and you will be happy and healthy in your chosen career.

OLD ESSIAN.

A Storm on the Rhine

In the summer of 1958 my parents and I visited our friends who live in the city of Wiesbaden in Western Germany. They planned many interesting outings for us, but the most memorable was a trip to the Lorelei rock. A few days previously we had seen the legendary rock towering above us as we passed by in one of the Rhine steamers, but on this occasion we stood high up on top of the cliff, the boats and barges passing like toys beneath us. It was a fascinating place which looked apart from the rest of the world. We imagined "the strangely beauteous maiden" of Heine's poem, sitting on the rock, luring sailors to their fate.

Suddenly the sun sank, the sky darkened and the air became still and ominous. Thunder rumbled among the distant hills. Reluctantly, we hurried to the car, and just as we scrambled m the first heavy drops pattered on the roof. Then the heavens opened ! The thunder crashed and the lightning flashed as we drove down the narrow road which twists down the side of the mountain to join the river road.

What a spectacle met our eyes. The river was lashed to a fury, capped with white foam, the boats tossing perilously through the mist of rain, the dark hills were lit by brilliant floods of lightning, showing here and there, silhouettes of ancient castles or a crucifix set up on high. The wind howled and the rain swept across the road, yet none of us felt afraid because the scene was so exciting. Mile after mile we raced along. Sometimes the car felt as though it were being lifted by the wind.

As we neared Wiesbaden the storm abated, the sky lightened and the lightning ceased. We could now see the path of destruction left in the wake of the storm, and many large trees had been up­rooted by the lightning. It was with regret that we reached home after such an exciting afternoon.

J. JACKSON (2C).

The Ordeal

Standing in the wings before the curtains open on the first performance of the school play, you survey your fellow ' actors ' nervously, hardly able to believe that this is the day, the hour, the minute, at which you have been aiming all this time. You recall the planning, the hours spent after school in rehearsal, the tea and biscuits. You remember the worry of memorising, the way in which others seem to learn their lines with ease, while your own memory gave out after three words, the repeating aloud until your family, friends and nearest neighbours have been driven almost mad. And now the moment is here -- success or failure; do or die.

A host of disjointed thoughts race through your brain: "Perhaps there's hardly anyone in the audience -- or perhaps it's full, and the people are expecting too much of us . . . I wonder if my hat's on straight, if I look the part .. supposing I forget my lines ... anyway, so-and-so looks as scared as I feel ... ". You pray silently that nothing will go wrong, that the curtain won't stick, or the doors jam, or the furniture crack when someone sits down.

But the music ends, the curtains do part, and the actors on stage are speaking their lines, correctly, audibly. You're safe tor a while: there are a few pages of dialogue before your entrance; but now another horror seizes you. Suppose everyone remembers their lines except you ... you're the only one to forget ... you let them down miserably -- you go home and hide your head in shame.

A stern voice tells you not to be a fool; if the others can do it, so can you. You assume an expression determination, whisper nonchalant remarks to your neighbour, arrange your costume, try to absorb yourself in what is happening on stage, all with a fierce confidence which belies the hidden fear, disguises the. trembling hand. As your entrance approaches, however, you begin to repeat your first lines over and over to yourself, for you know that everything will be all right if you can only keep these in mind.

Your cue! Courage nearly fails, you feel like fleeing in the opposite direction . You clench your hands, swallow a few times and force yourself to walk onto the stage. The footlights glare up in hostility; the audience is hidden in the blessed darkness beyond. Your mouth is dry as paper; you open it to speak, and -- miraculously -- words come, the right words. Someone answers you: you reply: the conversation continues, and you've done it ! You're still trembling, but with relief now -- relief because you're not frightened any longer, because it isn't as bad as you had thought. In fact, by the time you make your first exit, you're positively enjoying it, and you see that the audience is amused, too, by the number of laughs that the stage-hands have chalked up on the inside of the scenery. You feel a kind of pride: pride that some of these laughs were for you, that the evening is a success, that the audience will go home satisfied that they have had "their money's worth."

K. A. SMITH (6 L.A.)

The Orchestra

During the last year, the sadly depleted numbers of the orchestra have now, after great exertions by its conductor, greatly increased .

This multiplicity has also spread itself into the variety of instruments.

Recently two instruments have been added to the orchestra, they are a tenor recorder and a viola; it is hoped that soon a cello will increase the orchestra's numbers.

The staff is also represented by Miss Cottingham as deputy leader of the orchestra and sub-principal of the first violins, and Mr. Patmore, who now enjoys the leadership of the brass section.

The orchestra's contribution to the concert consisted of a wide variety of music, noteable especially in Purcell's "Intrada and Cebell" and Woodhouse's "Summer Dance."

The climax of the concert was a performance of Armstrong Gibbs' "O Praise God in His Holiness," arranged for orchestra and choir.

The orchestra is growing but it still needs more members; indeed it cannot be too large.

We have a very able violin section, but to widen its musical scope we need several more violinists. If you wish to become a violinist, Miss Lowe (the violin teacher) will be pleased to see you on any Friday or Tuesday in the music room after school.

If, however, you already play an instrument and wish to play in the orchestra, see the leader,

Linda Woodward (2A).

Lancashire Hot(ch) Pot(ch)

• 'T were long ago an' far away,
• Upon t' midnight clear,
• When lamps an' lanterns shone upon
• T' drippin' kegs o' beer.
• Full aged were t' contents
• An' temptin' warm t' night,
• An' youth 'ad no discretion
• To see t' wrong from t' right.
• So straightway to t' barrels,
• Crept stalwart youths all t' three,
• An' cuppin' hands beneath t' taps
• Indulged in revelry.
• T' first, 'ee were a blacksmith's son,
• A strong an' supple lad,
• Who drank t' beer most heartily
• Until too much 'ee'd 'ad.
• T' second were a tailor's boy,
• Frail an' weak o' mind,
• Who, though detestin' t' taste an' t' smell,
• Soon left 'is mate be'ind.
• T' third were young 'an 'an'some,
• Both sensible an' strong,
• Who after 'avin' quenched 'is thirst
• Told both 'is mates t' were wrong
• To take more beer than they could take,
• An' then 'ee went 'is way.
• The blacksmith's son could only laugh,
• For 'ee were feelin' gay,
• An' stooping down upon one knee
• Ee turned t' tap full on,
• An' drank an' drank until 'e found
• That all t' beer were gone.
• T' tailor's lad, meanwhile, 'ad drunk
• 'Imself into a coma,
• An' in t' mornin' both were found
• Dead o' double pneumonia.
• Upon t' graves this warnin'
• Were writ for all t' heed
• "If thee art thirsty in t' night
• An' all there is is mead,
• Keep thy wits about thi',
• Thy brains inside thy 'at,
• For t' wise uns knows, as t' wise uns must,
• 'Enough's enough for a' that.' "

A.

School Concert

The annual School Concert was held this year on February 19th and 20th in the School Hall. The theme of the concert was based on the years between the reigns of Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II ("The Golden Age of English Music''). The items were contrasted by being alternately vocal and instrumental.

The highlight of the programme was the rendering by the full choir of "Ave Verum." This is one of Mozart's most beautiful works and the choir sang it with the feeling and depth it warrants.

The orchestra improves year by year, and it gave a noteworthy performance in the latter half of the programme of "Summer Dance" by Charles Woodhouse. Earlier in the programme, they played Purcell's "Intrada and Cebell" and Haydn's "Minuet and Finale," which were well within the scope of the players.

Solo performances were given by C. W. Bailey (6 U.A.) Anne Nuttall (6 L.A.). Bailey gave of his best in Haydn's "Andante'' from the Trumpet Concerto and Anne Nuttall earned well-deserved applause with her playing of "Spinnlied" (Spinning Song) by Carl Bohm.

After a rather long preparation of tuning and erecting music stands, Linda Woodward (2A), the leader of the orchestra, and Miss Lowe played "The Golden Sonata" by Purcell.

The small choir in fine fettle, sang well the difficult "Conoture My Meaning"and Pat Lingard and Elaine McCann (6L), sang the opening duet in the small choir's other offering, Vaughan Williams' "O Taste and See." This, astounding in its simplicity and effectiveness, was written for the coronation of Elizabeth II.

The full choir sang the slow and dignified ''Lord for Thy Tender Mercies' Sake" (Richard Farrant), the famous "My Soul there is a Country " (Parry), "Since by Man Came Death" from "Messiah", and one of its favourites, the light-hearted, "Spring comes Laughing'' (Bach).

The members of the recorder group -- Janet Shearer (5A), Elizabeth Clare (6 U.A.), and Sandra Langtree (6 U.A.) played "Gavotte and March" with Linda Woodward (Violin). Their second piece was Benjamin Britten's attractive "Alpine Suite." Both these pieces were played remarkably well .

The programme was brought to a striking close, with "O Praise God in His Holiness'' by Armstrong Gibbs. This was performed by the full choir and orchestra.

It remains now for us to show our gratitude to Mrs. Ellis, who at very short notice stepped into the breach to accompany the choir so well. We would also like to thank Miss Lowe for her work with the violin class, and also Mr. Ellis, without whose untiring efforts such a success would not have been possible .

MARGARET BARLOW, JEAN BARKS (5A).

The Chess Club

This has been quite a successful year for the Chess Team which has played three games to date and won them all . The team beat a Swinton Chess Club team, Worsley Wardley and Leigh Grammar School. The winners of the 1958-59 Chess Championships were V. Waller - Girls, I. Rowles - Junior, and E. Henrich ­ Open.

The Chess Club has been regularly attended by the first and second forms and sixth form, but there is, I regret, a lack of enthusiasm in the middle school. I hope that, as the juniors progress, they will still attend the Chess Club. We are very grateful to Mr. Ellis and Mr. Patmore who have given up time to come and help us at the Chess Club.

R. RIMMER (6 L.Sc.) (Chess Secretary) .

The Stamp Club

In September Mr. Pilliner brought along his collection of "The Stamps of S. Africa" for our inspection, whilst at the October meeting, a good audience saw the film strip, "The Bible Story of Stamps,'' our thanks being due to Mr. Pilliner for his lecture. Our last meeting before the holidays was in December, when Michael Lord (4B), exhibited "The Stamps of New Zealand 1937-59."

In January and February we had a very poor attendance for: "Swaps Evening" and "Beginners Evening" respectively. Also in February, Roger Griffiths (4B), gave a most helpful talk on "The Stamps of Post-War Germany."

The last two meetings of the present session were held in March, the first being devoted to stamps which were: "The Same -- Only Different" i.e. variations in design. The second meeting took the form of a film which showed ''The Manufacture of Stamps by the Line Engraved Process." This film was made by the Government of Switzerland . Our thanks to Mr. Lea, of Manchester for commenting on, and explaining parts of the film . We hope to be able to obtain, in the future, the partner film entitled "The Manufacture of Stamps by the Photogravure Method.''

Although attendances have not been so good as before, we hope we have been able to get to know a little more about collecting.

Our thanks are due to all who have contributed to the Club's success, and not least to our president, Mr. G. W. Pilliner.

MICHAEL LORD (4B).

Gym Club

Gym Club is now entering its fourth year, and this year we have a record number of members. In the previous three years there have been only about 12 to 15 members, but at present there are 22. Every Christmas the first year are allowed to join and they are taught to do head-springs and as they get older they begin to do more difficult things which will qualify them for their gym badge.

L . ELSEY (4B) .

Senior Literary and Debating Society

The Autumn Term opened with the newly elected Committee organising the preliminary meetings necessary for a Mock Election, which were soon taken over by the individual parties . Though the campaigning was sometimes fierce and zealous, everyone appeared to enjoy the party meetings, especially when heated arguments arose between the speakers and the floor. I will not dwell on the Election any further except to thank all who gave so much time and energy in this friendly battle.

At the first meeting proper of the Society there was a talk given by Mr. Jack McCann, the re-elected Member of Parliament for Rochdale. Many thanks to Mr. McCann for his very interesting talk about "The Life of an M.P."

The Society held one of the most successful Musical Evenings seen for a couple of years; and a fortnight later the House debated the motion '' This House presses for the return of corporal punishment." The motion was defeated.

An evening devoted to "One Minute Please'' went only to confirm that the girls are by far the more loquacious, for the girls' team defeated the boys' quite easily. Again this year the Inter House Debating Competition has been held . Stuarts, the holders, were knocked out in the first round by Saxons; and Tudors were defeated by Normans. Saxons were the eventual winners and Messrs. King and Henrich must be congratulated upon their eloquence and forceful arguments .

In closing may I make an appeal which is becoming monotonous in its regularity, for more support from the Upper School. Persuading people to speak is still our greatest difficulty.

D . MATHER (Secretary) .

Junior Literary and Debating Society

The year saw the revival of a Society in School, the "Junior Literary and Debating Society.'' The first event was the election of officials. Committee members were elected to represent each form. T. J. Robinson was elected Chairman, and Kenneth Knight was chosen for the role of Secretary. It was then decided that a Publicity agent would be helpful in gaining support, and James E. Parkinson was elected.

The most popular of our early features was the ''Balloon Debate." By far the most outstanding event was the "Junior Brain'' competition -- narrowly won by J. Sandham, with Linda Woodward second.

Our membership was boosted by the General Election. We are indebted to Mr. Watson for his unfailing enthusiasm, and also to Miss Cottingham. On the whole, we have had a very inspiring year, with support coming mainly from the lower forms. However, we do wish to express our thanks to all those who have given their enthusiastic support to the "Junior Literary and Debating Society."

K.K., J.E.P., J.P.H.

The Hiking Club

This year saw the formation of our Hiking Club. Journeys by train and coach have been made to areas of varied scenery within the Pennines. We have visited the limestone and pothoie areas around Ingleton, and the gritstone uplands and moorlands of Pendle Hill and of the Haworth regions.

Derbyshire and the Peak District are easily accessible from Manchester and have been visited frequently. The main centres from which hikes have started have been Miller's Dale, Edale, Hathersage and Buxton.

Special trains run by the Manchester Rambling Club have enabled the Society to visit places further afield such as Llangollen, in Wales.

Our thanks go to Mr. Thomas who has arranged all our hikes and who has managed to bring us back 'safe and sound.'

J. PETERS (6 U.A.)

C.E.W.C. (Council for Education in World Citizenship)

There was some doubt this year as to whether our subscriptions to the Manchester C.E.W.C. was to be continued, but thanks to some staunch members who agreed to attend the lectures, our membership was continued and Sheila Anderson was elected to represent the school at Committee meetings. Several lectures have been attended and two girls went to a conference at Stretford Grammar School on the subject of Nationhood in Malaya. This was a one-day course organised by the C.E.W.C. who had invited Malayan students as guests . We only wish that more people could have attended.

This society is invaluable to the sixth form, and especially to those taking the General Course. We hope that next year the group will continue with better support than we now have.

S. ANDERSON, J. JOLLY.

Craft Society

Meeting on Thursday evenings, the society has had another successful year. The combination of practical evenings, outside visits and films have proved to be both stimulating and interesting.

In conjunction with the Art Society, the annual exhibition on the theme ''Creativity in Education'' is to be held this year on July 13th. It will be open to parents and friends of the School immediately after the sports and from 7 to 9 p.m. in the evening .

P. APPLEYARD (6L) .

Tudor House

Last year the Tudor House won the Baxter Work Cup for the third year in succession and finished a creditable second in the house championships, losing by a very small margin to Saxons. This year we are most disappointed to find that the House is third in work, which is not up to the usual standard expected by the House. Does this mean that the Tudor House is neglecting its academic studies for training in the athletic field ? We trust that the "happy medium" will soon be found.

In the winter sports the girls won the Senior Netball and came second in the Hockey competition. In the Football we came second, mainly due to a great effort by the senior team who lost only one game. The junior netball and cross-country results were poor although worthy performances were attained in the latter by Brown and Claridge .

The House did not meet with much success in the debating competition being knocked out by the eventual winners Saxons. We anticipate next year's competition with some confidence.

We have high hopes of success in the events yet to be completed. In the tennis team we have the pair who are generally recognised as being the best players in the school. In cricket and rounders we have enthusiastic if not experienced teams. Athletics finds us with many fine athletes, such as: C. Hardy, P. Ridgeway, J. Roe, D. Brown and A. Claridge.

We are confident that the members of this House will do their utmost to put the Tudor House back where it belongs -- at the top !

JOYCE SHEPPARD, BRIAN YUNG.

Norman House Notes

There have been the usual activities in Norman House during the past year, but our achievement has not been outstanding. In the Inter-House matches, the girls did very well in netball, and the boys moderately well in football. The cross-country running was disappointing, partly because our best runner, John Hodgen, was unfortunately incapacitated with a foot injury, and partly because not enough runners were forthcoming from the rest of the House, and this lack of enthusiasm told against us. In the Inter­House debates, which were very interesting, we were the runners­up, and the score was so close that if the main speakers had had more support from the floor Normans would certainly have been placed first. In the athletic sports our record in the past gives us hope, and we look forward to seeing an exciting struggle for first place.

Our thanks are due to the House officials and to the various members of the staff who have always shown an interest and been helpful in so many ways in House activities. We suffered a sad loss when Mr. Matthews left us last term. His lively encouragement and help in the field of sport will be much missed. We welcome as new members of the House Miss Sample and Mr. Natt and wish them a long and happy association with Norman House.

N.

Saxon House

After disappointing results last year, when our only honour was winning the athletic sports, prestige was revived by an outright win in the football competition with 55 points. This was very promising and just as our last year's captain predicted, "the outlook is very bright indeed ! ''

Although there was not much enthusiasm for cross-country training -- we must remember that only hard work brings success -- the junior and senior teams ran surprisingly well, juniors finishing second and seniors first. Unfortunately the middle school team did not excel and the final result was a second place for us; gaining second place in the cross-country seems to be almost according to rule.

The junior and senior netball teams both came second after giving some fine shooting, and the hockey matches were also enjoyed.

In the debating society we managed to persuade the floor that American influence was to be regretted (opposing us were Tudors), and in the finals, the audience agreed with us that we did not rely on knowledge, but on faith (our opposers being Normans); this resulted in our winning the competition. Our chess teams are doing quite well.

But what is happening to the academic work of the House ? Are we only fresh-air addicts ? It must be remembered that fitness in both body and mind is desirable for a successful House.

S.

Stuart House

We hope that this year will be a more successful one for the Stuart House in the field of sport, and with more intensive training we believe that a higher position can and will be gained. The boys have once again managed to uphold the tradition by winning handsomely the Inter-House Cross-Country Championships. Stuart boys were individual winners in both junior and middle events and in all the three races were well supported.

We were, however, rather less successful in the House soccer matches, the seniors failing to win a game, although the junior team was undefeated. We hope for more favourable results during the cricket season.

Unfortunately, after two successful years, we were knocked out in the first round of the Inter-House Debating Competition, losing by only one point. Our defeat was, in part, due to the lack of support from floor speakers.

The girls this year once more won all their senior hockey matches, but were unable to defeat the other three netball teams in both the junior and senior matches.

We regret the loss of Mr. Wharfe, who left us last summer, although it is with pleasure, that we welcome Mr. Turner in his place on the House Staff.

It is hoped that this year's results will serve as an incentive to all members of the House to spare no effort to ensure success in the future.

G.C., A.H.

The School Play

"Thieves Carnival," a farce in four acts, was this year's play, and was produced by Mr. Patmore, who, last October, gathered together a bunch of pupils and miraculously turned them into a competent band of actors of whom the school can be justly proud. At the opening of the play we are introduced to the three thieves rejoicing in the names of Peterbono (Sandham, 3B), Hector (Gothard, 5A) and Gustave (Thornley, 5A). Sandham in particular was very good as the leader even if he did have an obsession for presuming everybody to be dead. He and his band changed their costumes almost as often as a chameleon changes its colour. John Roe (6 U. Sc.) and Glyn Ainscow (6 L. Sc.) as Dupont-Dufort senior and junior, were most convincing in their portrayal of two bankrupt gatecrashers of society, seeking wealthy marriages in order to save themselves being deported to the colonies. Lord (4B). was perfectly cast as the gullible and ageing Lord Edgard. Lady Hurf, was brilliantly executed by Katherine Smith (6 L.A.); she is tired of life, especially that ''stupifying game of bridge,'' and therefore does not betray the thieves on finding them out, but rather encourages them in order to bring some interest into her mundane existence. Lesley Hayes (6 U.A.) was perhaps the star of the show; her diction and action were almost flawless, and Jane Sayles (6 U.A.) as Eva, the young and charming widow, did not seem altogether divorced from her normal everyday person.

The play took most of the first two acts to "find its feet" although brief glimpses of what was to come were evident. Act three provided the dramatic climax and Act four saw the play at its funniest, especially when D. Brown (6 U.Sc.), the first policeman, fell flat on his back, when arresting Dupont-Dufort Junior. Perhaps Ainscow was too strong for him !

The report of this play would not be complete without a mention of the finale. What a scene! Never before has such chaos been seen on the Eccles Grammar School stage.

In short, the play was a complete success; one member of staff said it was the best school play he had ever seen. This was proved by the fact that each night the hall was packed to overflowing, and this in spite of strong opposition from "The Desert Song."

Lastly, thanks are due to Mr. Patmore for his untiring efforts to make such a fine play stageworthy.

C, W. BAILEY (6U.A.)

Elections, 1959

The start of the Autumn term saw the country preparing for a General Election. Likewise in the Constituency of Eccles Grammar School, political parties were formed and within these parties were separate Committees. Shortly after the preliminary meetings the names of the candidates were announced -- H. King (Socialist), J. Goodman (Communist), C. Bailey (Conservative), D. Medlicott (Liberal).

Very soon, posters started appearing around the School, adding colour to the electioneering. Mention must be made of the surprise move by the Liberal Committee, in contacting several local newspapers, the result of which was a press conference, given to several reporters. Shortly afterwards a photograph of the candidates, toge\her with several paragraphs of their carefully weighed words, appeared in an evening paper.

Another feature of the election was the Election News, a single sheet circular containing interviews with everyone who knew anything and very often many who knew nothing. The staff of this circular also conducted frequent Gallup Polls, though where and how the figures were obtained remained shrouded in mystery.

The individual campaigns conducted by each candidate and his agents will not be gone into here, as they wish to make their own points in separate articles, though it must be noted that all the meetings were well attended and each covered a tremendous range of subjects, all of national interest.

The work of all was rewarded by a high poll, showing that in Eccles Grammar School at least there was no apathy.

M.

Election Report -- Labour Party

Before I realised the consequences of being the Labour candidate in the school election, I was caught up in the brash world of publicity -- election posters, newspaper articles and election speeches. My zealous committee members thrust hordes of glossy propaganda pamphlets upon me, which, like school dinners, I found totally indigestible.

Fortunately, and much to my surprise, I found public speaking to be less awesome than I had imagined. The audiences were extremely vociferous and receptive, and meetings were both interesting and enjoyable; this was a great change from the toil of speaking into the purgatorial silence of the Lit. and Deb.

The variety of subjects discussed was amazing, ranging from the austerities of disarmament and nationalisation to the gambling and drinking laws (the latter were zealously discussed by fifth and sixth formers); it was even reported that a revered Welsh mathematician was extremely worried about a possible increase in tobacco duty since such an increase would soon render him bankrupt.

Perhaps the most fiery incident of the election was at the Tory meeting on nationalisation. Appalled by the speaker's reliance on his vocal power, we walked out of the meeting to be followed by almost all those present, leaving the meeting in chaos.

However, in retrospect, I believe that the election was of immense value to everyone, mainly, I think, because it caused people to think (except those who voted Conservative) . Personally, it gave me an opportunity to express and defend controversial and unconventional ideals. However, the task of converting a Tory to Socialism seems analogous to trying to make a bad egg fit for consumption.

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my thanks to my opponents, to all those who helped and hindered at my meetings, my helpers, and more especially the rationally-minded who confided their vote in me.

HARRY A. KING.

Election Report-Communist Party

The mock election at School was staged to take place one day before the general election of October 8th, 1959, and was in every way a great success.

The original intention of running a Communist candidate "for amusement only"was soon dropped. The realisation that everyone was entering the campaign whole-heartedly led us to a serious political campaign.

There was no lack of supporters, although their numbers did not compare with those of the idiotic sympathisers of the Conservative and Liberal parties, or the highly misguided Labour Party supporters. Slogans and posters were immediately plastered all over the school at various eye-catching but not always imagination­rousing points -- the great exception being the huge Communist Party poster, slung across the large window at the platform end of the hall, which in bright red, art-room quality paint was designed to arouse the freedom-loving instinct in the most hardened right­wing manner. A great time was had at the various political gatherings, and, although tempers became at times a little over­heated, opinions were expressed in no uncertain way and a little bitterness was incurred. When it was all over everyone was still good, if not better, friends. The Communists achieved only 16 votes, owing to the tiny proportion of the voters who were intellectuals, and, as the popular song, "Only Sixteen" was at that time well up in the hit parade, the Communist candidate has since afforded endless choral amusement to the fun-loving members of the school. This, we feel, may have at heart very slightly furthered a worthy cause, and I extend my sincerest admiration to anyone who takes upon himself the onus of being Communist Candidate at any future time.

JOHN GOODMAN (Ex-Communist Candidate).

Election Report -Liberal Party

Attending a meeting of the Liberal Party by invitation with about twenty young ladies and three young men, and unable to refuse so many charming young ladies, I was adopted Liberal candidate of E.G.S., faced with the task of trying to win votes from three capable rivals. On the same day at 3-30 I was to meet the press, a frightening occasion for one uprepared.

As the campaign went on, I began to enjoy myself, yet there was a pitiful ignorance in the School concerning the election: voters did not realise the need to attend meetings other than those of a favoured candidate. Eloquence, therefore, availed me little, and I had to rest content with the votes of the enlightened minority.

Congratulations to the other candidates and many thanks to Mr. Nickson, my agent, and to my Committee. Thanks also to Mr. Miller and other masters whose advice I all too often misused. The biggest thanks of all must be shared between Mr. Watson, election organiser, and Mr. Williams, who helped a great deal in the art room .

Yours Liberally, D. J. MEDLICOTT.

Election Report -Conservative Party

Once again the Conservative party was successful in the Eccles Grammar School "Mock Election."

The School has always prided itself on the fact that it represents a cross-section of the community, and it was interesting, and even encouraging, to find that the verdict of the School coincided with that reached on the following day by the country as a whole.

This time the Mock Election campaign was more elaborate than ever before. I held meetings throughout the school, and I am certain that the Literary and Debating Society can look forward to many interesting and lively debates when the juniors who heckled so violently mature into seniors. Here I must mention Lord (4B), who put up such a fine performance as my junior representative in one of the many side-shows of the campaign.

Even though I was successful, I know that I could not have been so without my faithful band of helpers who really were excellent. My Committee was ever-present with sound advice; my artists, Christine Aldred and Tony Shaw produced some wonderful posters, worthy of such a great party. I also received much welcome advice and encouragement from Mr. P. T. Ellis, Peter Henrich (my agent) and John Roe, who produced reams of Conservative Party literature. To all these, and especially to all who voted for me I say "Thank You ! "

Lastly I wish to thank H. A. King, D. J. Medlicott and J. S. Goodman for an enjoyable tussle, and to congratulate the editor and industrious staff of the '' Ecclection'' for a well-produced newspaper which, as well as contributing to the World Refugee Year, gave a frank and fearless account of the battle.

C. W. BAILEY (6 U.A.)

Malham Field Week

Seven days, from the 22nd till 29th April, were spent at Malham on the first Field Week to be organised by our School.

We all enjoyed ourselves immensely from climbing up Ingleborough and Gordale Scar (not to mention some falls down) to midnight feasts and plastered feet.

On the first Saturday we were really broken in. Gordale Scar, The Tarn and Malham Cove were visited. The sheer rock walls of the Scar shut out any glimmer of sunshine and an eerie light fell upon the grey walls and foaming waters as, unchecked, they fell from the Scar edge to the rocks 400ft. below. This we climbed with many misgivings until, on reaching the top we puffed ourselves out with pride and felt as though we had conquered Everest. But we had not finished; after reaching the wild highlands of Malham Tarn we clambered down across the limestone pavement to Malham Cove.

I need only add we were immensely glad the next day was Sunday. Then we tried map reading and climbing Ingleborough. After examining Gaping Ghyll we toiled on up to the top, some of us wondering if going backwards would help so that we could see how far we had come and not how far we had to go. But all this exercise by day did not stop all activity at night. The revels were continued as long as eyes could be kept open but, I'll say it in a whisper, I'm afraid we got up a little later each morning.

On Wednesday the Group-Work was carried out quite expertly; each of the five groups dealing with some particular geographical aspect of Malham and the surrounding district. Thursday saw a change of programme. We spent a very interesting time at the factory of Johnson and Johnson, at Gargrave. We were very kindly given samples of surgical dressings, many of us being quite sure we would be using some on our feet before the day was out.

But no ! at the end of the week we had to admit that we were a lot healthier (?) and wiser (I hope) than when we went.

We would all like to thank the members of staff that helped in any way, especially Mr. Miller, who did so much to make the week a success.

M. COLLUM (6 U.A.)

Football, 1959-60

Once again, the School football teams have fared poorly, although there seems to be a slight improvement upon last year's results.

The first XI have proved most unpredictable, and of the 21 games played, six were won, three drawn, and the rest lost. Too many games pivoted upon individual performances, and although several individuals played well throughout the season, their efforts lacked support. Teams were chosen from lamentably limited resources, and it was impossible to attain a consistent team. This led to lack of cohesive teamwork, and too often, players withdrew from tackles on seeing the opponent grind his teeth.

The under 15's managed to find a fairly consistent team and few changes were made throughout the season. The attack could not supplement the good work of the defence and matches were decided by narrow margins. Five of the fourteen games played were won, three drawn, and the remaining six lost.

An exceptionally poor season has been experienced by the under 14 XI, having only won one of their 13 fixtures, three being drawn. The defence proved their weak link, conceding an average of four goals per game.

The under 13 XI have fared moderately well, winning half of their ten games, one being drawn and four lost.

Thanks must be extended to Mr. Manning, whose indefatigable efforts have stimulated our latent energies; to all the other members of staff whose time has been spent in helping the Juniors; finally, to Owen (6L), whose efficiency as Football Secretary has been much appreciated.

Colours 1959-60. Colours for the season have been awarded to Brown, Taylor, Hanmer and Woodward. King and Yung have also been awarded Colours to add to those they were awarded last year.

HARRY A. KING (6 U.Sc.)

Cross-Country Club, 1959-60

The standard of running this year was much the same as that of last season. There were only two teams this season, the seniors having no fixtures because of football commitments.

The first year team had a good season winning all its fixtures against Wardley, Stand and Bury. The under 15's team suffered defeats in all their fixtures . Most prominent in the teams were, Smith, Perks and Vernon.

In the Inter-Schools Race organised by Manchester Athletic Club, the under 16's team came third, which was quite an achievement.

Results of lnter-House Cross Country: ­

• Junior: 1st, Vernon (S); 2nd, Jones (X); 3rd, Hosie (X).
• Middle: 1st, Salt (S); 2nd, Bloomer (S); 3rd, Claridge (T).
• Seniors: 1st, Woodward (X); 2nd, Goodman (N); 3rd, Medlicott ( X).

Points gained in House Competition:

• 1st - Stuarts 120.5.
• 2nd - Saxons 179.5.
• 3rd - Normans 245 .
• 4th - Tudors 258.

Unfortunately the standard seems to be set by the younger members of the school. We hope that this will change next year.

J.H.

Netball

At the beginning of the term Miss Pryor had the task of building up two entirely new senior netball teams, and at this early stage a lack of interest amongst the senior girls was noticeable, perhaps due to the fact that they were unused to playing on school teams. The teams soon settled down however, and regularly attended their practices.

It was a pity that the matches were so infrequent, that four out of ten games were cancelled, mainly due to holidays, and that the new pitch in the gym has not yet been used. The first team did however manage to beat Leigh 15-14, who had previously been undefeated by our school for some years.

The under 14 and 15 teams were, as usual, enthusiastic and won approximately half their matches. The under 15 team ended the season with a rally at Kearsley, although they only managed to win one of their four matches.

The season began and ended with matches against the Old Essians, all of which were enjoyed, while at the end of the season the usual matches against the boys' football teams were played, the first senior team drawing 7-7 with the boys.

On behalf of the teams I would like to thank Miss Pryor and Miss Longworth for their coaching and encouragement and for the time they have given up to referee practices and Saturday morning matches.

B.R.

Hockey

As a completely new team the First XI Hockey team felt a sense of elation after winning their first two games. Unfortunately, the following game against Canon Slade made us feel somewhat ashamed of our standard of play when we lost heavily to them. However we managed to win two more matches and draw one, but the varied winter weather prevented us from having the number of practices we would have liked so as to improve our standard of play.

Our commiserations go to the second XI Hockey team who neither won a match or scored a goal. They were very keen but the team was often handicapped by team changes.

At the end of the season the First XI played the annual match against the boys' first XI football team. Needless to say the boys won, but we were not dismayed. It was rougher play than we were accustomed to and also much faster.

On behalf of the teams, I would like to thank Miss Nickless and Miss Cottingham and Mrs. Broadley for the help and encouragement they have given us during the season and also for sparing the time for training the teams and refereeing our matches.

LINDA ASQUITH (6 U.Sc.)

Tennis Report, 1959

As most of the team remained at school this year, our hopes of success were high. The enthusiasm and keeness shown by the girls was well rewarded for out of five matches, four were won.

Our run of victories was sadly terminated when the team met the staff in a mixed doubles match in which the latter won by quite a large margin of games. The match was enjoyed by all however, and our thanks are extended to the members of staff who gave their sporting co-operation.

On behalf of the team I would like to thank Mrs. Broadley also, for the help and encouragement she has given in coaching us and in taking Saturday morning matches.

For the first time, Tennis Colours were awarded to M. Tongue, V. Lee, J. Fisher and P. Ridgeway.

VALERIE LEE.

Letter to the Editors

23rd May, 1960.

The Editors,

Sir,

An attempt is being made in the Eccles Public Library to protect from loss, dispersal or destruction a copy of any document, illustration and publication which sheds light on the history of the town. It is hoped, in particular, to preserve for the historian a complete set of any periodical issued in Eccles.

If any past or present scholar of Eccles Grammar School has issues of the school magazine, or other publication issued by the School, which he would be prepared to make available for this purpose, I should be very glad to hear from him.

Yours faithfully,

J. F. W . BRYON,

Borough Librarian .

News of Old Essians

• Martin Cowburn (1949-53) has passed his Finals as an Auctioneer.
• Kenneth G. Rothwell (1946-51) was married at Whitsuntide, 1959.
• Leslie Bridges (1945-50) called on us in June; he has been in East Africa for three years.
• Yvonne Ralph, B.A. (1949-56) is engaged to Neil Holt (1950­55) .
• Lorna Parkinson (1949-55) is married to Graham Walton (1945 ­50).
• Muriel Moss, B.A. (1945-52), now Mrs. Reed, is teaching at Newcastle-on-Tyne.
• On February 27th, 1960, in Christchurch, New Zealand, Valerie Jean Edwards, A.T.C.L. (1952-54) was married to Clfford Wood, of Middlesex, England.
• Constance T. Ethell, S.R.N. (1941-48), Mrs. Ben Williams, became the mother of a son, David, in March.
• F. R. Crooke, B.A. (1945-53) is engaged to Miss Helen Taylor, daughter of Canon Taylor, late of Eccles.

The following pupils left the school in July, 1959 and are now studying at College: ­-

Pauline Beswick (State Scholarship) to Exeter University to read History; Margaret Blanksby, to Durham University to read Chemistry; Pauline D. Jackson, to Sheffield University to read Chemistry; Fleur S. W. Penford, to Leeds University to read English; Vivien M. Waller, to Leeds University to read English.

There are also three former pupils now at Technical Colleges:

Jones, N. F., at Bradford, for Mathematics; Taylor, E. K., at Salford, for Chemistry; Cooper, .T. G., at Salford, for Electronics.

The following Old Essians gained Degrees during the year: ­

A. J. Bailey (1941-49), M.Sc., Birmingham University; P. S. Bailey (1944-50), B.Sc. Hons., Geology, Durham University; K. J. Boardman (1948-55), B.Sc., Bangor; D. N. Brown (1949-56), B.Sc. Hons., Physics, Leeds University; E. V. Hulse (1933-40), M.D. (with commendation), Manchester University; B. W. Jones (1949­56), B.A ., Hons. Geography, Sheffield University; D. A. Leighton (1948-52), M.B., Ch.B., Manchester University; A. Pidcock (1949­56), B.Sc., 1st Class Hons., Chemistry, Manchester University, Mercer Scholar; M. Warrington (1949-56), B.Sc. Hons., Chemistry, Kings' College, London; K. Williamson (1950-56), B.Sc., 1st Class Hons., Tech. Chemistry, Manchester University; E. Worthington (1948-55), B.Sc., Bangor; G. Woodall (1949-56), B.Sc., Hons., Physics, Manchester University; Joan E. Barker (1950-56), B.Sc., 1st Class Hons., General Science, Leeds University; Valerie Edwards (1948-50), B.A., Hons. French, Exeter University; Astrida Lambergs (1950-53), M.B., Ch.B., Manchester University; Audrey E. Lumb (1944-47), M.A., Manchester University; Yvonne Ralph (1949-56), B.A., Sheffield University; Margaret J. Wardle (1950-55), B.A., Hons. French and German, Exeter University; Vanda J. Williams, S.R.N., Middlesex Hospital.