Extracts from "The Tower"

SCHOOL NOTES

WE are pleased to record that, during the second half of the Autumn Term, pupils of the school raised £128 through form collections, in response to the Oxfam appeal.  

R. Stringer and S. Kirby are congratulated for having competed in the Finals of the All-England Athletics Championships at Hull.

Last year's Inter-House Swimming Gala was held at the Midsummer Meadow Pool on Wednesday, July 18th. Eight new records were set up, and M. Eyton-Jones is to be congratulated on breaking two of these. The diving competition was won by Burghley House, and the Fred Watts Inter-House Trophy, presented by Mrs. Watts, was won by Mobbs House.

A group of Sixth-Form students accompanied by Mr. Hartwell visited the London School of Economics to attend the Schools' Economic Conference. Talks on Accountancy were given, followed by an " Any Questions?" forum.

The Economics classes also visited British Timken, where they were shown round the workshops. This visit conveyed some idea of the specialisation in Industry and of the economics of large-scale production.

At the end of the Summer Term we were sorry to lose the services of Mr. J. Bertalot, and, at the end of the Spring Term, those of Miss H. Rhead. We wish them every happiness and success in their future careers.

ADVERTISEMENTS

ADVERTISEMENTS are part of the modern way-of-life. They are a constant attempt by manufacturers to flatter, persuade or shame the public into buying something that otherwise it would not want. In a hundred different forms, blatant or subtle, they surround us at all times. They look down on us from giant hoardings, stare with their colour in glossy magazines and, above all, hypnotize us from television sets. Television is by far their most effective medium because it catches us in our own homes, relaxed and not on our guard against them.

They try to convince us that we really need their product and, while not actually lying, certainly try to mislead us. For example,tower_mag_63_3.pdf if you buy a certain brand of Turkish delight you are flown on a magic carpet to a huge Eastern Palace where beautiful slave-girls offer slices of the Turkish delight which has now attained a relative insignificance. Again, the handsome young man, with a beautiful girl at his side, who drives his expensive, powerful sports car at ninety miles an hour down to the beach, to a back-ground of exciting music cannot really be said to be advertising some obscure brand of hair-cream, however much advertisers would like us to believe it. While not actually saying so, the advertisement leads us to believe the car, etc., is a result of buying the hair cream.

Nauseating moments occur when national figures and personalities advertise products; everyone can see that they are doing it for money and 1 think this cheapens the person. More sickening still are the spoken advertisements where commentators talk with such false "bonhomie" and forced joviality that they become comical.

In an attempt to lend seriousness and dignity to their products, advertisements can be hilariously funny. We have all seen the poor patient collapsing in pain from indigestion, headache, heartburn, rheumatism, backache and several other ailments. He takes two tablets in a glass of water and then recovers-in ten seconds flat, complete with serene smile of relief. Are the advertisers serious?

One television channel could not exist without advertisements.  Certain channels of the radio use them; newspapers and magazines could not be published without them. They are often ridiculous and facile, and yet some people are fooled by them. Indeed, they have gained such influence over people that they are suspicious of goods which are not advertised on television.

The best way to combat the eternal advertisements is with ridicule. If they are analysed they are nothing but nonsense, and once you realize this you are not deceived by the fast, Americanized talking jingles and all the other devices used to part us from our money.

INSPIRATION

Imagine a dream of pastel landscapes,

Peopled with strange forms

That shimmer, fade and reappear.

A dream that lingers in memory

But which only now and then

Is remembered in every lucid detail.

A dream which comes and goes and comes again. 

And that is inspiration.

Like a dream, no man may command its appearance. 

Yet through all time it has come

When needed.

So, through all time, man has set down

His image in artistry.

Graceful forms in statues;

Music rising, falling, delicately;

Voices singing, bodies weaving

In the rhythm of the dance;

Words of prose and poetry.

THE SCHOOL PLAY

THE play chosen for this year's school production was "Androcles and the Lion" by G. B. Shaw, which, within the framework of the well-known story, develops into a study of early Christianity and the nature of martyrdom, and a criticism of the cynicism and brutality of Imperial Rome. At the same time, both Christians and Romans are made the object of Shavian wit, and the result is a funny, but disturbing, play where the intensely serious and the light-hearted are juxtaposed.

In amateur dramatics, one of the weaknesses is often that only the few principals act. The outstanding merit of "Androcles" was that all actors, however small their parts, entered into the spirit of the play, acted well, and gave the play the unity it needed for success.  This is not to belittle the acting of the principals who, in every case, achieved more than they originally believed they were capable of.

Peter Drinkwater, as Androcles, was a very convincing figure-pathetic yet lively-who made the most of the many humorous line she was given. His mime with the Lion in the Arena was very moving and roused great tension in the audience. Diane Headland, Lavinia, was a very graceful Roman lady who delivered her lines with the authority and clarity one would expect of a Patrician. Her long dialogues with the Captain, in what are probably the most difficult parts of the play in which to keep the audience's attention, held the audience, through their strong sincerity of tone. Robert Lacey made a fine Ferrovius. As the focal figure of most of the scenes where he is present on the stage, he commanded the attention and respect of all about him, giving the impression of great physical strength by firmly disciplining his movements and gestures. He succeeded very ably in communicating the torment he felt in his dilemma-that of a great fighter endeavouring to suffer martyrdom in humility. Valerie Rhoades, the Lion, gave a very skilled performance in mime, being suitably pathetic in the Prologue, horrifying in the Arena, and comic when causing Caesar to scamper about the stage towards the close of the play.

Other notable performances were given by Linda Rixon as the hen-pecking Megaera, and by Christopher Cork as the despicable Spintho. Philip Thomas, the Captain, showed great authority; Hugh Davis was a suitably pompous, cowardly Caesar; and Frank Palmer made a success of his obsequious Metellus. Also deserving special mention are Rodney Jones, the Centurion, and Ian White, Lentullus, both of whom are still fourth-formers, and yet gave their parts great individuality.

The whole production was, of course, a team effort. Working with the cast were Mr. Hill and Mr. Evans, the producers; Mr. Adams and Mr. Rayton designed and painted the very striking sets; Mr. Clarke, the Stage Manager, assisted by Mr. Bamber, Mr. Waller and members of the Amateur Dramatic Workshop Society, made, and organised the movement of sets and stage furniture; Mr. Guffogg arranged the sound effects and commanded his small team of lighting experts; Mrs. Watson managed the wardrobe and supervised the making of many of the costumes; Mr. E. G. Bennett was Business Manager.

These members of staff and the many boys and girls who helped backstage and offstage were deservedly thanked on behalf of the School by the Headmaster for the many hours which were freely given before the actual performances and which helped to make this production a successful one.

  C.H.H.

TALKING POINT

There is considerable interest shown among the pupils of T.H.S. in the controversial subject of nuclear disarmament. The Editors have, therefore, invited two fourth-formers to put the cases, as they see them, for and against nuclear disarmament.  Correspondence is invited.

C.N.D.

MANY people seem to have the opinion that those of us who are members of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament are long-haired "beatniks" who belong to the organisation solely for "kicks". This is not so. Most often these so-called "beatniks" are well-educated and do really believe in the aims of the C.N.D.

In the past, the C.N.D. has often been confused with the Committee of 100. The difference between the two is that the C.N.D. believes in more peaceful methods, and it is usually the Committee of100 who stage the vigorous demonstrations. Of course, there is always the minority who attempt to degrade both organisations, but this happens in many other movements and political parties,

The aim of the C.N.D. is multi-lateral disarmament. We realize that this would be very difficult and that one country must lead the way in giving up its nuclear weapons. We therefore support unilateral disarmament.

There are many reasons why these weapons should be banned, the most important being the complete disregard for life if they were used. It would be far better to be killed instantly, than to survive the blast and suffer the terrible after-effects of fall-out and radiation.

We are assured that, in the event of nuclear war, we would have a striking force capable of retaliating. This force comprises a few long-range V bombers (which would probably be out of date by then), some short-range missiles, and Polaris, which will not be operational for some years and would become obsolete with any advance of the Americans or Russians.

Each year, Britain spends £1,700,000,000 on defence, in a world in which one-third of the people are always hungry and half the children will be unable to go to school. Considering that one Atlas Rocket fired from Cape Canaveral costs 12 million pounds, and that this is enough to build new secondary schools for 46,000 children, it is obvious that this ridiculous waste must be stopped.

D. HUTCHINGS (4AL)

R. P. JONES (4AL)

SWITZERLAND, EASTER, 1963

I BELIEVE the main object of this School Journey was to provide an introduction to the exhilarating sport of skiing. We also hoped that, besides all the fun and excitement it would provide, the holiday would be of some educational value.

However, those of us who were expecting an opportunity to put into practice the French, learnt-albeit reluctantly-in such far-away places as the T.H.S. Music Room and Spare Workshop, were soon to be disappointed. The inhabitants of St. Anthonien, Grisons, Switzerland, with one or two exceptions, spoke a variation of German! Most of us had not realised the advantages of an inter-national language until such occasions arose as when, intending to buy a pair of cuff-links, we were presented with a selection of shirts from which to choose! It was indeed a good exercise in improvisation!  But, if all sign-language failed, we could still refer to our linguistic expert, Mr. Meldrum.

We were fortunate in that there was an abundance of snow on the slopes around our 'pension,' so that we did not have far to go to receive our ski-ing instruction. We practised, at first, remaining in an upright position on our skis; later, we were taught the art of controlled movement on them. On only two days did the clouds prevent the powerful sun from breaking through and converting the surface of the snow into a dazzling insolation-mirror, which, from the colour of our faces afterwards, seemed to focus the sun's rays onto the exposed parts of each member of our party.

The fine, often quite breathtaking, scenery pleased everyone, particularly those of us who had taken a camera, while the last evening's revelry, which included fast twisting to a slow-playing juke-box, was evidently enjoyed by all.

On Good Friday, the 12 boys and 7 girls, together with Mr. And Mrs. Meldrum and Mr. Holland, arrived home and were welcomed by the most extraordinary sight in Northampton - the sun shining brightly on a bank holiday!

G. E. BROMAGE

GERMANY, EASTER 1963

"Beneath me flows the Rhine, and, like the stream of time it flows amid the ruins of the past."

Longfellow.

IN such a short account as this, it would be impossible to describe all that happened during the seven days we spent by the Rhine. I therefore propose to tell you about the trip that was the highlight of our holiday. On the Friday of our stay we went by steamer up the Rhine to Rudesheim.

It was early when we set off. A grey mist lay all round us, but this only served to enhance the mystery and excitement of the journey ahead. Soon, though, the sun had broken through and we all clustered on deck, surveying the passing scenery enthusiastically. On each side rose the vine-clad mountains, interspersed with half-hidden castles-relies of a bygone age. Katz Castle (a Medieval castle) was still inhabited, and Miss Stroud almost fell overboard in her excitement at seeing curtains at the windows and a car in the garage.

Perhaps the Rhineland presents one of the best examples in the world of the old merging with the new. The small, historic townships along the water's edge, displayed large posters, the very essence of modern commercialism. "Trink Coca Cola!" we were told, in the heart of the wine country.

Mr. Bamber had with him a map of the Rhine, showing all the interesting points to look out for. The countryside through which we were travelling is renowned for its famous legends and not least of these is that concerning the Lorely. This is a large rock situated at a point where the river bends and narrows. The current here flows more strongly and caused many of the sailing ships of old to be wrecked on the rocks. As a result, a legend grew up that a beautiful enchantress used to sit on this rock and lure the sailors to their doom.

Not only did we hear the history of the Rhine, but we also saw what an important part it must play in the present economy of the countries through which it passes. All kinds of traffic pass up and down this great waterway, from enormous barges carrying high explosives to small, gaily-painted house-boats. On our return journey, we saw the river police rushing to a scene of disaster; one of the house-boats had sunk, so that only the roof was visible, and that part of the river was littered with all manner of household articles, from a chest of drawers to several pillows.

This trip was perhaps the most exciting of those we took, but it was only one of many. I should like to take this chance of thanking Miss Stroud, Mr. Meadows and Mr. and Mrs. Bamber, on behalf of us all, for enabling us to have such an enjoyable holiday.

JENNIFER THORNTON (6LM)

RAIN

 Rain, why fall this way today?

Why not caress some other earth?

Why not come tomorrow, or some other day?

You don't cause me any mirth

By coming. You might, another day;

As I see you race up and down the pane-

I might laugh-but not today.

You've spoiled my plans once again.

I was going, but now I must stay.

My game will have to wait

Because of you. Why did you come?

Tomorrow would not be too late.

The buds will still be thirsty

Upon their thorny stems.

You could caress their petals

And shine on them like gems.

But no, you could not stay yourself

And now the sky is dark.

JULIE HAYCOCK (5F)

ATHLETICS, 1963

THE Athletics season opened with the School taking part in the Annual Inter-School Cross Country run at Bective. The School team did not do very well, which is surprising for a school which holds the Inter-School Athletics Trophy. However, in March, to prepare our competitors for future clashes of this kind, Junior and Senior Cross Country runs were held for the first time. The Junior run was won by R. Judd in 20 minutes, 2.5 seconds, and Blakeman were the House winners. The Senior run was won by L. Freeman in 24 minutes 2.0 seconds, and Kelvin won the House Championship.

Sports Day followed in May and, remembering the miserable conditions which prevailed last year, the duration of the programme was reduced by 30 minutes, by organising some events to take place at the same time. As it happened, it was a warm and sunny after-noon, and again several records were broken and others equalled.  Blakeman won the Harris House Cup from Burghley; P. Essam won the Victor Ludorum Cup; and Christine Harding won the Victor Ludorum Cup.

A week later, a selected team of forty athletes travelled to Radcliffe School for what the Americans call " a dual meet." It was raining most of the evening, but the competitors from both schools gave some very good performances. Scores were level most of the way, with the final result depending on the three Relays. We won one, and narrowly lost the other two, the :final result being Radcliffe School 168 points, School 156 points.

At the Inter-School Sports Heats, the School had finalists in fifteen of the nineteen events. The day following this meeting, the School took part in a Triangular Match at Moulton and the School won, scoring 58 points, with Bective second with 50 points, and Moulton third with 32 points.

In the Inter-Schools Sports we did very well throughout, and when a commentary was given out on the position of the Boys' Championship just before the final Relay, it was found that Cherry Orchard had the same number of points as ourselves. The result depended on the final Relay, which Cherry Orchard won. The scores were, Cherry Orchard 46, Trinity High School 42. We look forward to next year, when we shall try to regain the Trophy.

Seventeen boys and two girls have been selected for the approaching County Sports.                                 

G.C.G.

STUDENT OFFICERS

Head Boy: Thomas, P. W.           Head Girl: V. Humber

Deputy Head Boy: Barnes, R. D.  

Deputy Head Girl: V. Rhoades

Senior Prefects:

Lacey, R. M.             Tero, J. P.                  Smith, C. M.

Lacey, M. J.             Thomas, T. N.                Drinkwater, P. D.

Prefects-Boys:

Betts, D. I.             Hensman, R. T.               Rooke, D. J. J.

Brown, B. L.             Hinde, R. J.                 Scott-Evans, P.

Calder, I. R.            Hofman, A. L.                Sims, G. R.

Church, J. A.            Jones, R.                    Skears, C. A.

Clernents, R. L.         King, P. F.                  Street, G.

J.Cornelius, D. J.       Kingston, M. R.              Thomson, H. E.

M.Courtney, J. A.        Mellravie, I. W.             Warren, G.

J.Davies, P.             Moore, A. W.                 West, D.

S.Douglas, P. A.         Morrison, J. L.              Williamson, J.

N.Druker, B.             Palmer, F. G.                Winkworth, E.

J.Eyton-Jones, M. R.     Pooley, A. D.                Wright, J. S.

Farey, R. A.             Randerson, R. J.             Wright, S.

Foley, J. M.             Robertson, K. E.,

Senior Prefects-Girls:

L. Lewis                S. Hemmaway                  J. Ambler

E. Merry                L. Rixon                     G. Harries

Prefects-Girls:

J. Billingham           J. Dyer                      J. Thornton

J. Brawn                D. Headland                  C. Whitney

A. Cawley               Z. Hutchins                  S. Wiggett

A. Chamberlain

Senior Library Prefect: P. D. Drinkwater

Deputy Library Prefect: J. Billingham

Library Prefects:

B. Dunkley              N. Davis                     L. Ridgway

M. Ginns                A. Finney                    R. Valentine

R. V. Jones             D. Fellowes                  G. Bull

L. Pomeroy              C. Littlemore                S. Crouch