THE ESSAYAN

Eccles Grammar School

Headmaster : H . H . FAIRWEATHER, M.A.(Cantab.), F.R.G.S.

No. 6. DECEMBER, 1954. One Shilling and Sixpence

Editors : MICHAEL WARRINGTON and YVONNE RALPH

Assistants: MARGARET WARDLE, LORNA PARKINSON, BURNHAM SAVAGE

and STANLEY WALLING



CAROLS ring out as we pass the music-room. In contrast, the strains of modern dance music echo from the gym as the leaders of the Dancing Club endeavour to teach the basic steps in time for Christmas parties. We realise even more how near Christmas is. As we go to press, contributions for the Christmas Fair, to be held at the end of term, are coming in slowly. We hope that it will be a major success and that the money gained will be used to bring happiness to other children who, unfortunately, will never be able to see. Moreover, gift books, toys and games are being sent to delight children who are spending their Christmas in hospital.

Just as we, in our small way, are trying to bring joy to many children at this season , so the United Nations Organisation, through its Children's Fund, is looking after them too. Many are homeless and without parents as a result of the last war. lt is only through peace that their good works can be carried out and everyone be given the chance to live a decent, healthy life. lt is our hope that all bitterness and hatred between races will be forgotten.

With no real war going on at the present time, peace may be at last within our reach. But peace does not automatically make the world perfect; it is only a beginning. Therefore, it is up to us as the next generation to do our best to achieve this perfection. There have been many steps taken recently towards a mutual understanding among people.

If this were possible then we could modify the Christmas greeting to read " Peace, goodwill and mutual understanding among men".

Y.R.

* * *

We are grateful for having received Magazines from the following Grammar Schools : Chadderton, Chetham's Hospital, Heywood, Moseley Hall, Mundella (Nottingham), Pendleton High, Salford, Stretford.

Speech Day

SPEECH DAY this year was held on November 19th at the Ellesmere Cinema. The prizes were distributed by Mrs. K. M. Fletcher, J.P. , M.A., County Alderman and Chairman of the Lancashire Education Committee. The occasion was also notable for a presentation to Mr. A. Stodart Reid, J.P., in gratitude for thirty-three years as Chairman of the Governors of the School, and for our introduction to the new Chairman, Mrs. M. Lumb, J.P., M.A. In opening the proceedings, the Headmaster stressed the importance of examination qualifications as the basis of a future career. The foundation of later success, he held, was to be found in the work done during the first four years in the school, and at no time had there been so many opportunities available for Vlth formers who had gained success at the "Advanced" Level of the General Certificate of Education. Yet there was a danger if only academic work were to be pursued, and here he referred to the value of out-of-school activities as a preparation for citizenship. He advised parents to allow their children to continue their studies into the Vlth Form and to encourage them to take an active part in all that was taking place at school.

The theme of Mrs. Fletcher's address, which was listened to with close attention, was somewhat similar. The purpose of education, she maintained, was the development of the whole personality, and the real proof could be seen in what was left after we had forgotten all we had learned at school. We should learn not only school subjects, but train our minds to think independently. She had a special word for girls at the school, who were advised to use their education properly so that they could meet the problems of today. Education was a continuing process which did not stop when one left school or when one was married. The speaker instanced the world food shortage problem, the tension arising out of the clash between white and black peoples, and the great task of ensuring peace in the world, and went on to argue that everyone who received the benefits of a good education should pay back that debt in some form of service to the community. One way was to read a good newspaper and so be well-informed on the world situation, since public opinion would decide whether the technical inventions of our scientists should be used in a way to promote peace.

In her address, Mrs. Lumb spoke with gratitude of the cordial relations which exist between the County Authority, the local Education Office, and the School. Her advice to pupils was that they should develop the reading habit in defiance of the ever-increasing distractions of the modern world. She appealed to parents to set the example so that those "imponderable things" which cannot be taught at school, and which are so precious, could be preserved .

The presentation to Mr. Reid took the form of a volume which had been hand-bound in leather and tooled at school, and which contained the only copies of photographs specially taken of all aspects of school life. It was a unique gift in recognition of a unique service. The Head Boy and the Head Girl who, together with the Headmaster, made the presentation , not only represented the pupils and teachers at present at school, but also the past generations, numbered at 4,000 pupils, who have passed through the school while Mr. Reid has been Chairman of the Governors. In reply, Mr. Reid spoke of the great changes he had witnessed during his period of office, and, in particular, how healthy the children of today were in comparison with the children who were at school in the years just after World War I. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Reid once more for all he has done for the school and to wish him a speedy recovery in health after his recent illness.

No account of Speech Day would be complete without reference to the Choir, who gave us Vaughan Williams' setting of "Linden Lea" and Easthope Martin 's "Come to the Fair". A special feature was the singing by the Choral Group of two Bach chorales : "Jesu Priceless Treasure" and "Now at Thy Feet Creation Lies", in which the delicate phrasing, the swelling chords and the wondrous contrast in light and shade not even the muffling effect of the Ellesmere Cinema could subdue. Our thanks are due to these capable musicians and to their director, Mr. Varley.

* * *

PLEA TO THE P ROFS .

(With apologies to W.S.)

FLEUR PENFORD (4B).

Fathers

Fathers come in all shape and sizes, big and fat, small and thin, henpecked , masterly, and "soft".

They will reproach you when you do wrong, but soon relent. They are hard-working so that they can buy their children presents, yet when the presents are bought the fathers will play with them for hours, pushing the children out of the way.

Guy Fawkes Night is when the fathers really appear in their true colours, showing off that they are the most important people there. They will see their youngsters making a "guy" and tell them that they don' t know how to make a "guy". Why, in their days, the "guys" used to burn twice as long as they do now, etc. etc. Then they proceed to make the "guy" themselves, and get thoroughly messed up in the process (they often make a mess of the "guy" as well).

On the night, when the bonfire has been made, under the supervision of Father, he lights it and spends the next ten minutes brushing back charred hair with burnt hands and telling everybody that that is the way to light a fire, and pointing out how the fire blazed up.

Next, he sees his son about to light a firework, so he leaps over and seizes the firework . Seeing that the label requires one to "stick in soft earth and stand clear after lighting blue touch paper" he does so and tries to light the touch paper, but fails as he has stuck the firework in the ground the wrong way up. He quickly rights this fault , and turning a deaf ear to the laughter of the children, lights the firework and protests that they are not worth the money and that they are not as good as they used to be.

After he has let off most of the fireworks Father is in his element and, bathed in the rosy glow of the bonfire he is transformed back into a boy. In any case, fathers are only boys grown up physically but not mentally.

A. G. ROTHWELL (4A).

* * *

Olympian Staff Meeting

(with apologies to all concerned, especially Homer).

ON the appointed day, when evening was drawing her dark veils over the heavens, the gods and goddesses climbed the marble Derby staircase of Mount Olympus to the chamber of the arched roof, where the meeting was to be held . There, before the meeting, they sipped their nectar from delicate china goblets (so well known to all who have done refreshments) and talked light-heartedly among themselves.

Suddenly mighty Zeus, the king of the gods, swept in, his black robes streaming behind him, and grey-haired Hera, the sharer of his throne, walked purposefully by his side. When every­one was seated, Zeus rose and spoke thus in his awe-inspiring voice:

" O gods and goddesses, we have met to discuss a matter which concerns the human race. For some time we have been attempting to instil knowledge and wisdom into its members, so that they may be better fitted for our future protection. Now we must decide whether to hold an examination on their work."

First arose the Goddess of the Flaxen Hair, who is accustomed to drive her grey chariot over the earth, and she expressed in a few well-chosen words her opinion which, when translated into mortal tongue, meant: "the little slackers ought certainly to be tested and have their inattention and stupidity brought to the notice of authority". Several voices murmuring " Hear, hear," could be heard. Apollo then rose his full length to speak. He lifted his carefully-groomed head proudly and declared that he could see no reason whatsoever for exams. He went on: "My pupils always learn all I teach them. They have no need for written papers at all." As he spoke all the nymphs in the gathering looked admiringly at him and drank in eagerly all he said , agreeing religiously with all he said.

However, another god opposed this view. With his oaken staff lying beside him, he expressed his opinion in favour of examinations very volubly, his hands ostentatiously illustrating his points. One of the other speakers who approved of exams was the governor of the priests of all shrines, and was therefore nicknamed "the mad priest". Having pronounced a blessing upon the company, he pointed out: "the humans are very lucky to be pupils of these gods at all. They should be truly grateful and take the rough with the smooth".

Many were the opinions expressed, including that of a learned divine student of the past. Running his hand through his golden hair, he stated his opinion earnestly and persuasively, in a manner familiar to frequenters of the Literary and Debating Society. So opposed were views that voices were raised in anger. Suddenly, through the tumult of voices, cut the powerful voice of aegis-bearing Zeus, striking terror into all hearts. He roared his displeasure at their behaviour and the discussion continued more peacefully. The last to speak was the god of the Green Fingers, who is renowned for inspiring Euclid and Pythagoras by his genius. He rose majestically to his feet and pronounced slowly and impressively his view against examinations. His speech, which lasted ten minutes and during which he listed all the pros and cons, ended the debate.

At the end a vote was taken and the final divine decision was in favour of examinations. So unfortunately, fellow mortals, we must still be tested regularly on our advancement in the direction of divinity.

MARGARET WARDLE (6 Upper Arts).

ZERO HOUR

All was quiet. The atmosphere was tense, the air was electric. Suddenly, the silence was broken by footsteps echoing a long the long empty room. A figure came into sight. He was a young man, of average height and build, and his uniform was tidy and neat. The badges of his high rank shone on his left breast, and there was a military air in his entire bearing. He reached the end of the room, and stopped. He looked nervous, and his hands were trembling slightly. He raised his hand, and lowered it again. "Come on, man, don't be a fool! Pull yourself together!" He shuddered as he thought of how the fate of hundreds of people depended on him . "Why did I volunteer for the job? After all, I didn't have to do it. Someone else could easily have done it".

Nervously he brushed away a bead of sweat which had formed on his forehead. "When you've done this, you' ll be among the immortal few. Come, lad, have courage. It won't take long. Just one quick, decisive movement, and it's all over."

He glanced at his watch-nearly zero-hour. Ten seconds ­ nine seconds - eight seconds. Again he shuddered at the thought of the power he could unleash. Four seconds - three seconds ­ two seconds - one second - ZERO !

With one quick , decisive movement, Finch thrust home the bell-push , and the blatant tones signified that school was over for the day.

K. PALLIN (6L Arts).

* * *

MUTINY!

INDIGNANT (4R).

RILLABY RILL.

B. ECKERSLEY (IS).

* * *

The Failure

To advance would mean instant dismissal. Therefore l curbed my impatience and controlled my curiosity. In any case l was awed by my surroundings . . . the white walls, the gleaming array of sparkling bottles, the multi-coloured compounds in labelled jars, and the complex tubes, rotorts and condensers ... my mind was in a whirl !

As soon as my eyes adjusted themselves to this scientific disorder, I focused them on a white-coated figure -- solitary, intense, absorbed, silent. He was a king amongst his subjects.

Willed by his deep concentration, my attention swung to the experiment. Bunsen burners, tripod, gauze, beaker ... all were things I knew ; but beyond that only the scientist knew. The steamed glass of the beaker arrested my further examination.

My ears, coarsened by the humdrum noise of city life, became suddenly sensitive in the pregnant silence of that room. I listened, and heard. I heard the rhythmical "tick, tick" of a watch. Only now I noticed in his hands the two stop-watches, and only now I saw the almost imperceptible oscillations of his head .. . to and fro, to and fro, as he compared the times of the watches.

Two minutes had passed since I entered. Fumes issued from the beaker, wreathing and winding a slow path, to become lost in the ether of space. Five seconds ticked by. He leaned forward slightly and the lines of mouth and brow became parallel. ln my fascination I gripped the edge of a shelf, but still the seconds ticked by . .. the seconds ticked . . . suddenly --

Suddenly, a crack sliced the silence asunder. The scientist lurched forward, gasping -- the watches fell from his nerveless fingers and smashed to atoms on the floor. He groped through the fumes at the beaker, missed -- and, hit a glancing blow, it crashed to the floor, then ... silence.

Silence and peace, like the lull in the storm why mighty Aeolus pauses for rest. And then, like the low moan of the returning wind as it gathers momentum, I heard that scientist give a cry of such heart-rending sadness that it will echo through the caverns of eternity to the end of time.

In a broken, sobbing voice, he whispered "That's the fourth luncheon egg I've broken this week!"

M. WARRINGTON (6U Science).

* * *

My First Impressions of New Zealand

Christchurch, New Zealand.

Life in New Zealand is not very different from any other country. The entire population of New Zealand is two million, which is only a quarter of that of Greater London. Christchurch is the third largest city and also one of the most beautiful. From our garden I can see the Cashmere Hills to the east, which separate Christchurch from Port Lyttleton , and the Southern Alps to the west. (These are the famous Alps where Sir Edmund Hilary first learnt mountaineering).

The standard of education in New Zealand schools is very much lower than that in the English schools. They go to a Primary School from the age of 7 to 13 years, then to a High School. (No scholarship has to be sat before entering one.) And the age for taking School Certificate is l6 years, which is a couple of years later than in England.

Most of the houses are bungalows made from timber. The only trouble is, one is not allowed to have a bonfire on November 5th in case any of the timberhouses catch fire. Also, round about this time of the year there is usually a drought. Up to now we have had no rain for well over two months.

1 have already thanked my cousin for the very interesting article in the summer edition of the magazine, and 1 hope Eccles Grammar School will have a prosperous and very happy future.

JEAN EDWARDS.

The Council for Education in

World Citizenship

It was a wonderful experience to attend the two-day conference which was held at Ashburne Hall by the C. E. W. C. on some aspects of life and politics in the U.S.A. a nd U.S.S.R . All those who went thoroughly enjoyed it , although most of us did not realise at first how hard we would have to work! We had to use our full powers of concentration all the time for the speakers often mentioned subjects about which we had never heard, or if we had heard about them we had little or no idea what they meant.

On the first day we had a talk about life in the U. S. A . today, which was given by Professor J. H. Franklin, a coloured man of Howard University, and a most gifted speaker. Everything he had to say did not fail to interest. "The two great problems of life in the U. S. A., " he said, "are those of liberty and equality". Concerning that of liberty, Professor Franklin said that since her growth had been so rapid she had "suffered the pains of growth". Since there were millions of people of different nationalities whose background , religion, culture and politics differ, but who were now living under one government, conflicts were bound to occur. Remaining secure and strong but at the same time preserving liberty is one of the greatest problems which faces the U.S.A. The answer is the type of capitalistic democracy which has reached development in the U.S.A. To resume his own destiny, to have as much liberty as possible, encourages the American to resist tyranny.

He also dealt with the negro problem and referred to the argument against the negro that even if they were capable of being responsible citizens, full citizenship should be withheld. He narrated to us the history of the negro in America, outlining his gradual emancipation, and concluded by saying that although in 1954 the United States Supreme Court agreed with the argument "to segregate into separate schools is a violation of the Constitution", there are still innumerable difficulties in the way of putting the decision into effect.

The aims and historical background of Russian Foreign Policy were clearly stated by Dr. A. Wilson, Staff Tutor at Holly Royde College. During the course of his talk, he spoke of the danger of the atomic bomb in the eyes of Russia. To the Russians the danger was imminently increased by N.A.T.O. and so they thought spying was justified. The formation of the World Peace Crusade was the result and they distributed propaganda containing extreme ideas which they themselves came to believe. Dr. Wilson concluded his talk by saying that the West can offer Human Rights whereas the U.S.S.R. cannot.

On the second day we had a Communist speaker, Dr. A. Kettle of Leeds University. He put forward all the arguments why Communism to him personally was a desirable way of life. A very able and fair criticism of this view was given by Dr. A. Macintyre of Manchester University, who said that although the theory of Marx is useful it is not a true one. Its chief error was to see all questions as either black or white, admitting of no middle colour, whereas, as the speaker pointed out, the half-way position offers a much more satisfactory solution.

The value of this two-day conference was shown more recently at a "follow-up" conference where sixth-formers gave talks on other aspects of the U.S.A. Michael Warrington, one of those six group-leaders, chose for his subject "The American Constitution", which he ably handled. When the reports were given of the discussions that followed in the six groups I was impressed by the high standard of speaking by the sixth-formers. Towards the end, questions were raised about Communism and Russia, which are to be dealt with at a " follow-up" conference next term,

MARGARET WILKINSON (6 Lower Arts).

* * *

Per Ardua ad Astra

On the morning of October 17th, 1953, London presented a damp and misty outlook. I had journeyed down from Manchester with my mother to attend the unveiling by Her Majesty The Queen of the Runnymede Memorial. This was in honour of the Commonwealth men and women who gave their lives in the second World War and had no known graves.

At l p.m. (after a long journey from London) we joined the 25,000 people who had journeyed over land and sea to take part in this memorable service. We were congregated on the historic meadows of Runnymede, where King John gave assent to the Magna Carta.

The service was simple but impressive, and many people were moved to tears when the Last Post was sounded. The Archbishop of Canterbury conducted the service and the Queen gave a speech. After the service, the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family laid wreaths at the entrance to the Memorial Chapel and then went inside to inspect it. The ground was wet and muddy and, as so often happens in England, it was raining all through the service.

When we finally got in to find my father's name, the lawns around the Chapel were carpeted with wreaths and flowers. My father's name was inscribed over a large window overlooking a beautiful wooded valley. We stood there for several minutes and then we left to make our way back from Runnymede to London.

CATHERINE MILNE (2A).

Sports Day

Sports Day for 1954 was greeted by a fine windy day which was a welcome change from previous years. There was an air of excitement and many conjectures were made as to which House would win the Shield, many arguments as to the ability of certain competitors. The first form was represented by game young triers who certainly deserved success.

There was a sudden diversion when loudspeakers were blown down by a gust of wind , but the amplifiers were soon re-adjusted and attention was once more turned towards the sports field.

The most exciting events were the relays since each had a photo-finish. Few records were broken, due to the strong wind and an uphill position of the track. There were in fact only four new records made.

The spectators were kept well informed of the score by the mathematicians and their runners who chalked up the points on a blackboard. Thanks go to the teachers and house captains for helping to make sports day such a success. Members of the victorious Saxon House owe a great deal to their captain, D. Lee, whose interest and hard work was an inspiration to all competitors in that House.

"OLYMPUS".

RESULTS.

BOYS. N -Norman; X = Saxon ; T = Tudor; S = Stuart

Event Junior Middle Senior
100 yds. 1 Reeves N Frith X Ryder N
2 Taylor X Smalley S Parker T
3 Wileman X Holt T Worthington N
220 yds. 1 Henrich X Frith X Ryder N
2 Reeves N Norbury T Parker T
3 Wileman X Holt T Jackson N
440 yds 1 Rudd S Frith X Parker T
2 Bromley N Fullalove S Worthington N
3 Wileman X Watts S Makin S
880 yds 1 Henrich X Virtue S Makin S
2 Simpson X Cantwell S R . Buckley X
3 Wolstenholme S Concannon N Lee X
Hurdles 1 Henrich X Wallsworth T Ryder N
2 Wolstenholme S Thompson S Worthington N
3 Rudd S Hall T Procter T
Discus 1Wardle N Ryder N
2Holt T Banning S
3Concannon N Jackson N
Results (continued)
Event Junior Middle Senior
Shot 1Smalley S Ryder N
2Martin N Mann N
3Wardle N Warrington T
High Jump 1 Henrich X Holt T Ryder N
2 Pointon T Frith X Warrington T
3 Rudd S Schofield X Parker T
Long Jump 1 Reeves N Frith X Ryder N
2 Henrich X Martin N Warrington T
3 Bromley N /Sharples S Wardle N Jackson N
Javelin 1Ryder N
2Savage N
3Mann N
Mile 1 Henrich X Cantwell S Makin S
2 Hurt T Virtue S Lowe S
3 Gregory S Gow N Buckley X

GIRLS. N = Norman ; X = Saxon; T = Tudor; S = Stuart

80 yds. 1 A. Seddon X
2 D. Kraayeveld N
3 H. Walters T
100 yds. 1 A. Seddon X E. Farn N J. Barker X
2 D. Kraayeveld N M. Tonge T S. Hampson N
3 H . Walters T B. Hampson X H. Wardle T
150 yds. 1 W. Boulton XB. Hampson XS. Hampson N
2 H. Ashton NE. Farn NJ. Barker X
3 A. Clarke N M . Tonge T H . Wardle T
Hurdles 1E. Farn N H. Wardle T
2S. Lowcock X S. Hampson N
3M . Tonge T D . Taylor X
Netball 1 S. Addy X E. Chapman X D. Taylor X
2 G. Rimmer XM. Caunce S J. Mather X
3 A. Thompson ND. Williams S B. Craig X
High Jump 1 G. Rimmer X S. Lowcock X H. Wardle T
2 H . Ashton N M. Heap N L. Parkinson X
3 A. Seddon X/ E. Southall NM. Holmes X M. Wardle T
Long Jump 1 A. Seddon X J. Haywood N S. Hampson N
2 A. Clarke N V. Preston X D. Taylor X
3 H . Ashton N M . Tonge T J. Burtonwood S

NEW RECORDS :

Javelin. Senior Boys - A. WOLSTENHOLME (Saxon) 135 ft. 7 in.
Discus. Senior Boys - J. RYDER (Norman) 165ft. 6 in.
Long Jump . Middle Boys
Mile. Senior Boys - P. MAKIN (Stuart) 5 min. 0 sec.
Rex Ludorum - RYDER NHolden Cup - FRITH X
Junior Champion - HENRICH X.
Regina Ludorum - S. HAMPSON N Pryor Cup - E. FARN N
Junior Champion - ANNE SEDDON X .

CRICKET.

The 1954 season was another wet one -- wetter, in fact, than that of 1953. The school team did quite well after a poor start. In the opening game, against Leigh, the batting could hardly have been more inept, and atrocious full-tosses accounted for five of the batsmen. The bowling trio -- Worthington , Wolstenholme and Carton -- showed promise and as the season paddled on they became the most hostile attack Eccles has had in recent years.

After losing to De La Salle by 5 runs (a defeat redeemed by a good innings by Jackson, who had a good season), the team were not to lose again until the Old Essians match. By good bowling and by good batting (Jackson again, and Lysons) Salford were crushed by 8 wickets. Nicholson came from the 2nd XI to strengthen the batting in the next match, and Moseley Hall were beaten by 33 runs. In spite of some good bowling by the Stretford bowler, Dry, this match was rained off.

With the Old Essians all out for 60, this looked like a game in the bag. Worthington and Wolstenholme bowled magnificently, the latter without any luck, the former getting 8 for 22. Billy Watts made 35, due mainly to the excessively thin coating of varnish on the school stumps and the obliging nature of the fielders who four times refrained from catching him out. Ken Tittle next evening put an end to the school's expectations, and out of the grand total of 20 runs made by the School Worthington made 10 and the bowlers contributed one no-ball.

Against the Staff, the school team, as usual, functioned like a ruthless machine. Out of their 133 for 6 (declared) Nicholson made 58 not out and Lysons 30. Cleverly delaying the declaration until the late twilight, Mason put Wolstenholme in at the end where he suddenly emerges from the background of houses and potting sheds. Several times he came up, bowled, and had started on his expedition to the head-waters of his bowling run with the batsman standing there with straining eyes waiting for him to come -- not realising that he had -- and gone !

John Mason captained the side well at all times -- especially in the difficult matter of bowling changes.

RESULTS. Played 7, Won 3, Lost 3, Drawn 1.

Leading Averages :

BATTING-(1) Nicholson 39.00, (2) Jackson 12.80, (3) Lysons 12.40.

BOWLING-( 1) Worthington 19 wkts. at 5.42, (2) Carton 7 wkts. at 5.85, (3) Wolstenholme 10 wkts. at 6. 10.

Captains: 1st XI, J. MASON; 2nd XI, SPILLER. Secretary : P. JACKSON.

ROUNDERS.

We give our thanks to Miss Nickless and Miss Stone for improving the teams. We started the season badly by losing to Middleton. This was because half the U. l5 team were away, and we had to have half the U. 14.

One match was cancelled because the ground was unfit to play. When playing Broughton the ground was slippery and more than one person did the splits when running to catch the ball or running from base to base.

We owe a lot to Barbara Hampson for her quickness in retrieving and throwing the ball. Pat Connor was good with her hitting and fielding, and Diane Hulmes also. We had to play without Margaret Heap as she hurt her arm during the season.

SHEILA BARLOW.

* * *

TENNIS-SUMMER, 1954.

The tennis team had four fixtures last season, two of which were at home and two away. The two matches played at home were against Farnworth and Middleton, but unfortunately we lost both of them. The next match against Heywood was cancelled because of bad weather, and our last match was against Broughton. We arrived there one member of the team short, but Mrs. Niddrie very sportingly stepped into the gap, and afterwards said that it was the first time that she really felt she had earned her refreshments. We owe her our thanks for helping us out.

The matches were very enjoyable, and we would like to thank Miss Bryan for coaching us, and also to thank mistresses who have supported us.

HILARY LONGWORTH.

* * *

HOCKEY .

The beginning o f the hockey season presents the recurring problem of team selection. Occasionally a strong nucleus remains from the previous season, but this year it was virtually a question of selecting two entirely new elevens. The enthusiasm and standard of play have been very encouraging. Owing to inclement weather, only one match has been played. Conditions were bad with rain and a muddy ground, but the play was keen and exciting. Under the careful guidance of Miss Bryan and Miss Nickless, and with more experience, we hope that the school hockey teams can develop into two strong sides.

Hockey Colours, 1954-55. gained by S. Matthews, M. Ibbotson, L. Rogers, F. Thorn.

AUDREY DARLINGTON (6 Upper Gen.).

Thiswas a photo of the 1954-55 Netball Team. It is shown elsewhere on the Website
This was a photo of the 1954-55 1st XI Football It is shown elsewhere on the Website

NETBALL

Taking things in general, we have had an average season so far this year. The usual difficulty was found in choosing a U.14 team through lack of experience, and although no matches have been won there has been a great improvement during the season. It is rather different with the U.l5 team since they played together last year. They have lost only to Leigh. The senior team has only played two matches, both lost. However, the prospects are high for the remainder of the season. Thanks are due to Miss Pryor and Miss Stone who have sacrificed so much of their free time to train us.

Netball colours 1953-54 -- Lesley Rogers, Elizabeth Hinchcliffe and Lorna Parkinson.

LORA PARKINSON (6U Arts).

* * *

FOOTBALL

Football is flourishing in the School, which has now five teams, all of whom, considering the strong opposition , have done very well this season.

The first XI have surprisingly enough won more games than they have lost this season. The standard of play is very high, and their success is due, in no small measure, to the disciplined training routines of Mr. Mackenzie. They are, however, at a loss on muddy pitches and have lost a number of games because of this weakness. (Hairnets are found useful by some of the players.)

The 2nd XI on the other hand have had little success this season. It is difficult to get a team together, and but for a few staunch enthusiasts who turn out for practices and matches without a grumble, the team would be in a poor state.

Under the able direction of Mr. Briggs the Under 15 team has been very successful this season and have so far lost only one match. Three members, Wolstenholme (Jnr.), Russell and Reeves, have played for the Eccles Schoolboy XI this season.

The Under 14 team were introduced in order to stimulate football in the lower School, and to cut down transport costs. They have, however, proved their worth and, after losing their first few matches, have settled down and are playing consistently.

Another new venture in the lower School is the introduction of the Under 13 team into the Eccles School Shield Competition. The side is coached and managed by Mr. R . D. Evans and is a very promising side.

New Colours, 1954-55, have been awarded to Jackson, Ryder, Boardman and Carton. Worthington, Wolstenholme and Savage are also to have this season's colours added to their old ones.

B. SAVAGE (6U Arts).

The Under-thirteen Team

The under-thirteen team is the latest school football team . Altogether we have four teams in the school at the moment. This is the first season in which we have played in the Eccles & District Football League. This is a very good idea because it gives us younger boys time to prepare ourselves for the higher teams. The news was broken early in the month of July, just before we broke up for the Midsummer holiday. Everyone was very excited because it meant, for some of us, playing against our old schools.

Soon after we re-started school, the fixture lists were being sold and practices arranged . Our coach is Mr. R. D. Evans, who has the hard job of picking the teams. As we have never played properly together, he had only a vague idea of who was the best for each position. Our practices were arranged for Tuesday afternoons, immediately after our games period.

Lists are put up of the boys who have been selected to attend at the practices. We first learned how to manage dead ball kicks, and corners. Then we practised throwing-in, penalties, kicking, passing, dribbling, positioning, etc. We finished up with a game between the forwards and the defence.

Up to now we have played three games and lost two. We defeated Christ Church 5-1 but Winton Secondary and Godfrey Ermen beat us 5-1 and 2-1 respectively. Even though the results are not good, we have the excuse of not playing the strongest team for reasons I have explained. If we do arrive at success it will be due to the training of Mr. R. D. Evans. Scorers are: Wileman (captain) 2, Yung 2, and King and Bower 1 each.

B. YUNG (2A).

* * *

Mark Addy

In the month of April, 1838, a baby boy was born in some buildings known as the Stage Buildings, in the Parsonage, Blackfriars Street, Manchester. They were very old but picturesque buildings, and stood on the Manchester side of the Irwell. They had wooden galleries and stairs, and because of their Italian style were the subject of many pictures by artists of the day. The baby was called Mark Addy, like his father, and little did Mark's parents dream that their son would one day be famous and his feats of bravery the talk of Queen Victoria's court.

Mr. Mark Addy owned numerous pleasure boats and racing craft for hire on the river, and by this means he made his living. Little Mark soon began to watch his father at the boats. Daily he grew more fond of river craft, and the dark swirling waters of the Irwell fascinated him. He was not a very big boy, but he never knew fear.

By the time he was thirteen or fourteen he had begun to compile a record for saving lives. He had learned to swim in the Greengate Swimming Baths. Before this time, however, he had been instrumental in saving people from death in the Irwell. On one occasion he had waded up to his neck in the water and dragged one unfortunate boy to the bank. On another occasion he pushed a plank into the stream, sat astride it, and paddled to where a boy was drowning. He seized the lad and drew him across the plank and, with a supreme effort, reached the safety of the river bank.

The people of Salford were much moved by Mark's bravery, and on January 12th, 1878, they presented him with a long address of appreciation and a purse of two hundred guineas, for by that time he had saved some thirty-seven lives.

Still Mark continued to save people, and later he received: the Silver Medal of the Humane Society for the Hundred of Salford; the Gold Medal of the Humane Society for the Hundred of Salford ; the Bronze Royal Humane Society Medal, to which was added a gold clasp by members of the Nemesis Rowing Club; a Medal presented by the swimmers of Manchester and Salford ; and the Albert Medal of the first class conferred on him by Her Majesty the Queen.

He was buried in the cemetery at Weaste, and the grateful and sorrowing people of Salford erected a monument to his memory. They also invested a sum of money, the interest from which was to provide prizes for Salford boy and girl swimmers. The Mark Addy Fund still exists, and the school-children of Salford still derive benefit from it. A portrait of him in oils, wearing his medals, hangs in the Art Gallery, Peel Park, and there are many records of his deeds in the Library there. We have often heard tales of the bravery of Mark Addy in our family, for he was one of our ancestors.

C. BAILEY (JC).

* * *

The Lancashire County Youth Orchestra

The Lancashire County Youth Orchestra consists of about eighty young musicians between the ages of 14 and 22 years who have been accepted after an audition. Each section of the orchestra has its own tutor and rehearsals are held once a month. Since it was formed in May, 1952, the orchestra has been privileged to hold its summer rehearsal at Rossall School, near Fleetwood. This year's rehearsal was from Saturday, July 31st, until Tuesday, August 3rd.

On arrival at the old red-bricked and ivy-covered school, members were directed across the quadrangle and into their respective dormitories to prepare for lunch. My particular dormitory was well situated facing south, and from my window I could see Blackpool and the Tower in the distance, and the sea only fifty yards away.

The first rehearsal commenced at 2-0 p.m. The orchestra first practised together and then in sections until 4-30 when tea was served. A sectional rehearsal followed, and at 7-0 p.m. we had our evening meal. The day's rehearsing came to an end with a full rehearsal from 8-15 to 9-0 p.m. Members were then free until lights out at 11 o'clock. The majority decided to explore the many buildings which comprise this famous public school. Some of them seemed to have been up since the Battle of Waterloo (actually it was founded in 1844), while others have been added since the war. The school has a marvellous cricket field and a swimming pool, as well as a number of tennis courts.

Rehearsals on the Sunday started at 9-45 a.m. and followed much the same pattern as on the previous day. In the evening at 8 o'clock a concert was given by the orchestra, the main work being Dvorak's "New World Symphony". Other works performed were John Stanley's "Concerto for Strings", "The Dunvegan Suite" and an arrangement of music by Mendelssohn. Four songs were sung by a member of the orchestra, and the concert ended with Arthur Benjamin's "Jamaican Rumba". Monday saw a welcome change of repertoire as the orchestra set about "The Messiah", and other music in readiness for a concert at Darwen in October. Members were free in the afternoon and I boarded a tram and took the opportunity of seeing Blackpool on Bank Holiday Monday. During the evening the orchestra heard a tape-recording of the previous evening's concert.

After breakfast on Tuesday, members said their goodbyes to friends and staff, hoping no doubt for a similar holiday next year and certainly benefiting from the three day's expert tuition which they had received.

R. A. FURNESS (6U Arts).

* * *

CHESS CLUB.

The membership and attendance at the Chess Club this year has been consistent, but not as large as it might have been. This year refreshments are not provided -- which seems to prove that the former large attendances were associated with the food and not the game itself. Chess is, however, a very interesting game, and members of the junior form who have not yet been introduced to this very active pastime will be welcomed at the Club with open arms.

The Club has a long tradition, and the Championships have never yet failed to be unfinished two days before the end of the summer term, no matter how early they start. Oddities and variations on the game have also been developed, and such games as "Two Move Chess" and "Ducks and Drakes" and "Losing Draughts" can be played if one is bored with the orthodox game.

The thanks of all the members are offered to Mr. Evans, who rarely goes home before 5-30 on a Friday evening and who good-naturedly tolerates all the noise and confusion associated with the game (as played in this school).

B. SAVAGE (6U Arts).

* * *

Literary and Debating Society

AUTUMN, 1954.

We have again had a successful season, with varied subjects, excellent speeches, and good attendance (except when we have clashed with other school activities). The following meetings have taken place:

We had one outside visit -- to a B.B.C. recording of "You're Only Young Once" and "The Al Read Show".

The Committee would like to thank the staff, who attend the meetings and help them in so many ways, and those who organise the refreshments week after week.

The only way in which we may not have wholly succeeded is in persuading IVth form speakers to take a more active part ; two only have spoken from the platform and only three have become full members. Perhaps they believe in Mr. Ball's maxim: "Wear the old ones out first".

We send best wishes for keen debating to your young contemporary, the Junior Debating Society, which is holding its first meetings as we go to press.

PAT. PRESTON (SA), Secretary.

School Notes

There have been one or two changes in the teaching staff this term. Mrs. J. Cottrill now teaches History in the place of Mrs. Baxter. Mr. P. D. McKay has joined the Mathematics Department and comes to us from Oldershaw Grammar School, Wallasey. Mrs. M. Mellor has been teaching Domestic Science since mid-term pending the appointment of Miss D. Boothroyd in January. We extend a welcome to them all and hope that they will enjoy their work in the school. We also extend a cordial welcome to Mlle. Claudette Degeorge, our new Assistante, who will remain with us until the end of the summer term.

Many former pupils of the school will be pleased to know that Miss Foster is now married. She left school at mid term after 26 years of loyal service, and was married on November 6th. We take this opportunity to send our best wishes for a happy married life to Mr. and Mrs. J. Duncan.

We would like to congratulate the following on gaining Lancashire County Scholarships : Hilary Longworth to Bangor University to read Biology, Joan Sutherland to Sheffield University to read Medicine, R. A. Buckley to Manchester University to read Metallurgy, A. Bloom to Manchester College of Technology to read Chemical Engineering P. Mann to Liverpool University to read Medicine, and P. H. Munks to Manchester College of Technology to read Engineering.

There have been notable swimming successes this term. Both the Junior Shield and Senior Squadron League were won for the school by teams drawn from Marjorie Holmes, Barbara Hampson, Angela Bailey, Sylvia Edwards and Ann Price. Marjorie Holmes and Barbara Hampson have earned Lancashire County Schools Badges and have represented the County in the English Schools Swimming Championship.

ln our last issue, we reported that Mr. Baxter had kindly presented a cup to be awarded to the House which had the greatest success in academic work. The honour to be the first to win this cup has fallen to Saxon House.

As we go to press, rehearsals are in progress for the School Play which will be performed next March. The play will be "Hobson's Choice" which should ensure an enjoyable evening's entertainment. The School Concert will be held next April. All those who are taking part in these and other out of school activities are to be congratulated for their efforts, and not least among them are those members of the VIth Form who have so successfully enlivened rainy lunch times by holding " quizzes" and concerts in the hall.

News of Old Essians

* * *

The following MARRIAGES have taken place:

* * *

BIRTH.

From The Manchester Guardian, Nov. 16th, 1954:

From the Universities

We are pleased to acknowledge the receipt of articles from two former pupils who are now at universities -- Patricia Lowe at Leeds, and Gilda Ramsden at Bedford College, London. Unfortunately, space doe not permit us to print both in their entirety, but here are some extracts.

Pat has this advice to pass on to those who are contemplating going to a university: "Amuse yourself as widely as you hope to instruct yourself. If you are thinking of taking an Honours Degree, leave a margin, however slight, to be filled with other non-specialist knowledge, in order not to emerge fully-fledged in the art of flying -- but unable to walk !

I remember, one afternoon, sitting in the time-mellowed courtyard of the Faculte de Droit at the University of Montpellier. The generous sun of the Midi smiling through the green branches of the century-old plane trees diffused its softened rays into my very heart. For a brief moment, I envied those students about me who were breathing the same air as was once breathed by Rabelais himself. Then I awoke from this reverie. The twentieth century is farther away from the sixteenth than is Montpellier from Leeds, but in both centuries, and in both towns, the same tradition lingers. And this awareness made me realise that it is an honour to belong to any university, at any time and at any place. Be it in grey stone or red brick, in cathedral or industrial city, every university chooses you as the trustee of a valuable tradition. Carry out your trust to the utmost of your powers. The Dean will warn you in due course that, in university life, to give is as important as to receive. But I firmly, if paradoxically, maintain that in this, if in no other walk of life, the more one is willing to receive, the more generously one is able to give.

Gilda has given us an account of Bedford College, "which is the oldest University College for women in the country". It was founded in 1849 as a college for young ladies in the belief that there would never be any better men until there were better mothers! The number of students has increased from the original 68 to 700 and the interest now is not in sewing and deportment, but in mathematics, physics, psychology, languages and literature.

Bedford, although self-contained with its own Union, Societies and mascot -- a much loved combination of a Belisha beacon and a cement-staffed barrel, Arabella by name -- is nevertheless very conscious of being part of London University, and there are many opportunities of meeting students from other colleges. Students in London are fortunate in having, in addition to a full university life, a city which has so much to offer in the way of exhibitions, art galleries, concerts, and theatres. There are wonderful opportunities for making the most of one's leisure time.

The Library

The task of expanding the School Library until it can cater adequately for the needs of every subject and the interests of every boy and girl is a long but a pleasant one.

So far, during the new school year, a further 160 volumes have been added. A balance has, we hope, been maintained between the conflicting demands of older and younger readers, between girls and boys, and between those who like fiction and those who prefer non-fiction.

To meet the growing demand for space created by each yearly increase, Mr. Hill recently completed a new bookcase. We thank him, not only because the shelf space is welcome, but because the design, blending as it does so excellently with the rest of the shelves, adds, we feel, to the attractiveness of the Library.

An innovation which should prove welcome to seniors will be the appearance of newspapers and·magazines for use during the mid-day break and after school. Mr. Quincey is designing attractive covers and it is hoped that soon the pages of The Manchester Guardian, The Observer, The Listener, The Geographical Magazine, History Today, Good Housekeeping and other periodicals will be available to all.

A word must be said in praise of the untiring efforts of Sylvia Croft (5S) and Massey (4B). Their help in ensuring the smooth running of the Library has been invaluable.

RECENT ADDITIONS. - Below is a selection. from recent additions which we believe will prove especially interesting.

Seniors.

Juniors.

Book Reviews

I. THE YOUNG ADVENTURER.

These words open the book "The Young Adventurer". It tells of the wanderings of Prince Charles Edward Stuart, better known to us as Bonnie Prince Charlie, during the year 1745-46. Though mostly fact, the author (Donald Nicholas) portrays it so realistically that the characters come to life.

One of the well-remembered parts of the book is the story of Flora MacDonald and how she tried to get Charles across to France after the rising had failed. Charles dressed up as Flora's Irish servant-woman, and by doing so found himself in dangerous predicaments. Although the tale is perhaps of most interest to girls, the story of the first battle fought by Prince Charles and the Highlanders is as exciting and thrilling as any book written about the boys of today -- the Battle of Prestonpans!

This was a very terrifying sight and there was much bloodshed, but the whole drama lasted only seven or eight minutes. Two thousand five hundred men made up the Prince's army, and the other army, headed by Cope, were about equal. During the action the Prince went on foot. Then, offering up a short prayer, they advanced ardent and mercilessly, whirling their weapons from left to right. Cope's army broke, one thousand five hundred prisoners were taken, leaving the rest, headed by Cope, to flee only too gladly.

The remains of the field where this battle took place can be seen in the centre of a coal-mining district. Near to where so much fighting went on there stood an old thorn tree. This was cut down recently. A concrete pyramid marked 1745 is now all that is left of the battle fought so bravely by the staunch Highlanders.

In one point in the story the name Manchester appears. The Prince marched through all Lancashire on the way to London, so that more men would join his regiment en route. He seems to have been very popular during his visit to Manchester and, when he left, loyal cheers resounded throughout the town.

So, with the cheers of the citizens of Manchester still echoing in our ears, we leave this book with the feeling that the time taken reading it was most certainly well spent. An exciting and interesting book, well worth reading.

ANN BROWN (3C).

II. THE KON-TIKI EXPEDITION.

One art lesson Mr. Quincey aroused my curiosity by telling us of a book entitled "The Kon-Tiki Expedition" by Thor Heyerdahl, in which there are descriptions of ghostly luminosities that do weird dances beneath the raft. We were getting ready for a new subject in art which was to be an underwater fantasy.

To satisfy my curiosity, I read the book during the half-term holiday. It tells of a man (the author) who has heard stories of the Incas who crossed the Pacific from Peru to the Hawaiian Islands on balsa-wood rafts. The author decided to prove the stories to be true, so, with a friend and four strangers (consisting of three Norwegians and one Swede), he prepared for his journey. He obtained experimental supplies from the United States Army and Government. They went in search of balsa-wood and were given help from the Norwegian Government and the President of Peru.

He describes the strange fish life and of how they were followed by sharks which they caught or tormented; if one got killed, the pilot fish which guided the sharks would come and attach themselves to the raft. The men made a basket to protect themselves from sharks, and when they lowered each other in it they could see the life in the weeds below the raft. They had a parrot on board which was eventually washed away, and a crab which became so tame that it let them feed it by hand. Heyerdahl tells of how they weathered two fierce storms, each of which lasted three or four days, and afterwards the raft was surrounded by twenty to fifty sharks.

As they approached their destination, to their dismay the raft floated past the island. At the second attempt they landed, but set out to sail further round the island to find the inhabitants. The natives, being friendly, tried to tow them through the reef, but the current pulled them out to sea again.

Where they eventually landed , how they survived the Kakoia Reef, and how they saved a native boy's life by the help of their radio, can be read in this wonderful book of suspense.

MARILYN BOSTOCK (4R).

ECCLES GRAMMAR SCHOOL, 1954-55.

Head Boy: MICHAEL WARRINGTON Head Girl: MARGARET WARDLE

PREFECTS:

B. SAVAGE (Deputy H ead Boy) J. BURTONWOOD ( Depuly H ead Girl)
B. BANNING B. W. JONES J. BRITCH M . KEY
G. BLOOD K. B. JONES A. DARLINGTON Y. RALPH
K. BOARDMAN R. PARKER V. EDWARDS D. TAYLOR
B. DYSON G. SPILLER B. HOLLAND F. THOM
D. FINCH D. STEWART E. LAMB J . T HOMAS
R. FURNESS S. WALLING L. PARKINSON B. WOLF
N. HARPER G. WOODALL M . W OOLRICH
P. HARPER E. WORTHINGTON

HOUSE CAPTAINS:

NORMAN .............. B . SAVAGE VALERIE EDWARDS
SAXON .................. K . BOARDMAN LORNA PARKINSON
STUART ................ G. SPI LLER JEAN BURTONWOOD
TUDOR ................. R . PARKER MARGARET KEY

GAMES CAPTAINS:

HOCKEY -- AUDREY DARLINGTON NETBALL-LORNA PARKINSON
FOOTBALL -- 1st X I , B. SAVAGE. 2nd X I , D. FINCH.

SCHOOL SOCIETIES:

Literary and Debating -- PAUL HARPER (Chairman), PAT PRESTON (Secretary)

Junior Debating Sociely -- ANN BROWN (Chairman)

Chess Club -- E. WORTHINGTON

Orchestra -- R . FURNESS (Leader)

Choral Society -- Accompanists: M. KEY, M. WARRINGTON, D. WATTS

Senior Dancing Club -- P. JACKSON.