No. 2. EASTER, 1909. VOL. I.
FIAT LUX.
The next number of The Pharos will appear immediately before the Summer’ Vacation.
All contributions intended for that number should reach the Editor before July 10th, 1909.
Out of Term The Pharos can be obtained from the Editor, Claremont, Crabble Hill, Dover; or of Grigg and Son, “St. George’s Press,” Worthington Street and High Street.
WE are accustomed on the appearance of the second number of a magazine to the spectacle of the Editor hat in hand, protesting his sorrow that many would-be purchasers of No. 1 have been disappointed. A great demand was anticipated but such a demand – unparalleled – and so on. However, all that the finest modern machinery could do, etc.
On the first number of The Pharos the loss was £1 19s. 0d. There was no difficulty at all in coping with orders and there are plenty of magazines left. But no one is discouraged. The Pharos has come to stay and to become identified with the life of the School, past and present. These things go slowly. But if you want to help order two copies. Present a copy to some member of the School who has not thought fit to buy one – a noble reminder. Finally, if any section of the School finds itself poorly represented in this number the reason is simply that such section has neglected to forward contributions. In that direction lies the remedy.
Grimer has passed the Boy Clerks’ Examination, obtaining the 69th place out of 150 chosen. Congratulations.
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Broad has left Dover as apprentice on one of the Anglo-American Oil Company’s boats, trading between New York and the Far East. He will be away probably four years. We wish him health and success.
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Peverley, senior, is en route to Australia, in the Aberdeen White Star Line. Peverley, junior, has his first round voyage to South America.
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Members of the School, Past and Present, will, we are sure, be interested to hear that H. Hollway has been promoted Sergeant in the, Territorial Royal Engineers Searchlight Company (Dover).
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An attempt will be made to publish in succeeding numbers of The Pharos a complete list of all Old Students with Addresses; this should prove of great value in helping Old Students to keep in touch with each other.
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A. West has passed for second mate and now holds that position on the Trinity Steamer Mermaid.
The Annual Prize Distribution, which was held in the Town Hall, on October 16th, attracted a large audience. The Concert, which, as usual, preceded, included the performance of the Trial Scene of the “Merchant of Venice,” a scene from the “Mill on the Floss,” and Browning’s “Fall of Strafford.”
Both the Boys’ and the Girls’ School Choirs sang, and at eight the Headmaster’s report was read. He considered that this third year had been the severest through which the School had passed, and that the successful record was therefore the more satisfactory. The time for the division of the School into professional and other sections was again referred to as fast approaching, and the work accomplished by the Sports’ Club received its due acknowledgment. Enthusiasm had cooled somewhat when the Mayor advocated in his speech the strictest economy and careful selection of students for secondary education, but loud applause greeted his announcement of a special holiday. After the usual votes of thanks had been carried, the meeting was broken up with the singing of the National Anthem.
In the last issue of The Pharos, “Acta Majorum” was so occupied in setting forth the delights of College life, that it would seem that all the joys and excitements of life were concentrated into the two years spent in training. This is by no means the case, and from my own experience I have learnt that the lot of a fully fledged teacher is any thing but uneventful, as far as domestic arrangements are concerned.
I was fortunate enough to find a post in a London school with a College friend, and before leaving College last July we set to work to find rooms. After a fairly long search we found some which promised to satisfy even our exclusive taste; and we eagerly looked forward to the day when we should take possession of them.
We returned to London after the summer holidays, and brimful of importance we made our way to our new abode, to be met with the news that the landlady who felt sure we “should not mind at all,” had let the rooms over again. A stormy ten minutes ensued, we “gave notice,” and departed during the week to a fresh set of apartments which were even more desirable than the first.
After six weeks of perfect happiness and content the new landlady began to show signs of a strange temper which resulted in the departure of the maid, and in attempts on the mistress’s part to cook our meals. When her efforts were unsuccessful she was by no means nonplussed, but calmly announced, “There will be nothing for breakfast this morning.”
We endured this for a fortnight, and then began a third search for rooms; but before we could “give notice” we were suddenly requested one evening to go at once. On our refusal to do so, the good lady hurled insults and abuse at us for a space of twenty minutes, and would probably have continued to do so, had not my friend forcibly put her outside the door. She returned shortly afterwards, however, with my bed clothes in her arms to inform me that if I stayed all night I should have nowhere to sleep. We ejected her once more and then prepared for a siege.
My friend secured all her belongings, which were in a room on the second storey, and as speedily as we could we packed a trunk and barricaded the sitting room door. A second trunk and a box of books helped to make the fortification stronger. I then left my friend on guard while I went to buy some food, and to secure the services of a man to remove our goods.
Our supper was the crowning point of the evening’s proceedings. On the table was spread a newspaper on which were arranged a spirit lamp and kettle, some tea, a jug of water, a loaf, a tin of tongue, and a pair of scissors – the only cutlery we had. The sandwiches which we cut had the merit of being substantial if nothing else.
We retired towards the small hours of the morning to rest as best we could, but our landlady disturbed our slumbers by trying to force an entrance through the barricaded door. She gave up the attempt, however, and we were left in peace.
By 7.30 the next morning boxes were removed; we shook the dust of the house from our feet, and departed leaving the landlady raving wildly because we refused to pay a bill for extras which had been presented to us at the last minute.
RE-UNION OF OLD STUDENTS, CHRISTMAS, 1908.
A Re-Union of Old Students was held at the Town Hall, Dover, on 28th December. A most enjoyable evening, was spent dancing and games being kept in full swing the whole time. There were about two hundred present consisting of members of the staff, old students and their friends. One of the most entertaining features of the evening was the excellent orchestra, organised and conducted by Mr. Whitehouse. During the evening Mr. Whitehouse explained to those present, that the Re-Union was organised with the idea of gathering together the old students of the Municipal Secondary School, the Pupil Teachers’ Centre and the County School; and to consider the advisability of forming an association of past students of these schools. This association has since been formed and bids well for success.
The evening was brought to a happy termination about midnight by the time honoured customs of dancing the Sir Roger, singing Old Lang Syne and God Save the King.
THE OLD STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION.
We are pleased to state in this issue of The Pharos that an Old Students’ Association has been finally formed. This was necessary considering that the only opportunity afforded for the mingling of Old Students was the Annual Re-Union.
The first meeting with a view to its formation took place on November 30th, when a temporary committee for immediate purposes was formed, with Mr. Whitehouse as chairman. In accordance with a resolution passed at this same meeting the provisional committee met on December 7th when the constitution of the Association was drawn up with a view to circulating it among old students and obtaining their comments at the Re-Union.
But on this evening it was decided to postpone all business until a general meeting should take place. This was held on January 4th, and it was not without considerable debate that a resolution was passed to form an association. The proposed constitution was also much discussed and several amendments made. With these alterations the constitution was adopted and another meeting was arranged for January 7th, when a committee to represent the Old Students’ Association for 1909 was elected.
The Association is open to members of the staff, past and present, old students of the Municipal School, Pupil Teachers’ Centre and County School, also members of the present Form VI.
The annual subscription is 2s. 6d. and includes a free copy of each issue of The Pharos, which in itself constitutes an efficient means whereby to carry out the object of the Association, which has been stated thus: – “To maintain union among its members and generally promote their welfare.” There has been much really hard work connected with the drawing up of the constitution, and the Association owes its heartiest thanks to the committee for their much needed help in the preliminary arrangements.
L. W.
| How horrid it is to get out of bed, When your toes are cold and your nose is red, And the frost on the pane lies white and cold; But perhaps it is worse for the very old.Jane always seems to call us too soon, In fact, it’s too dark, the room is all gloom, And I’ve oft put my stockings on inside out, ‘Cause I could not well see what I was about.Some wish to be rich; but if I had my way, A dormouse I’d be, on every cold day, And then I could sleep the whole winter through, How nice that would be! I think so, don’t you?But stay! I’m not sure, for I’d miss Santa Claus, And Christmas, and parties, and presents, because If I was asleep they’d forget I was there, And when I woke up, oh, I would tear my hair.So myself I’ll still be, in spite of it all – The darkness, the shivers, when Jane doth me call; And I’ll jump out of bed and try to be quick! ‘Tis this the resolve of your fond reader Mick. “A COUNTRY LASS.” |
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SPRING. Spring is coming; By the flowers slowly peeping Till they feel the gentle breezes “BROWNIE.” |
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THE HORSE. Oh a strange and curious thing is a horse, And his shoes, which are iron and not soft leather, And his hair doesn’t grow in the proper place, G. K. |
One day about noon I heard people shouting “Fire! Fire! I got my clothes and followed them outside the town. When I reached the place I found a small cottage burning but all the inmates were safely outside. The firemen had not yet arrived although summoned some time before. Suddenly a sailor who was standing by wishing to put out the fire seized a small watering can and began sprinkling water over the fire.
At last the firemen and fire engine dashed up; immediately a feeling of relief spread over the assembled crowd when the firemen showed their faces, but instead of hurrying up anxious to put out the fire the men on the engine went on up the hill without stopping; then back they came and up again. The people wondered what this extraordinary conduct might mean. When at last the engine stopped they said they had only been taking the hill; while the cottage meanwhile burnt!!
Now that they had stopped the firemen got out the hose and began laying it over towards the fire; just after they had begun work in earnest, a man who was standing near the hose put on a disgusted look, for all of a sudden the water burst through a hole in the hose up into the man’s face! Then he put his foot on the hole and the business continued. Then a hitch occurred for the engine driver, anxious not to dirty the engine, refused to let the men have the hose. Then he was seen with a tin of globe polish busy cleaning the engine while flames spurted and wood crackled all round. So much for country firemen. This is a true tale.
S.
A NOVICE’S OPINION OF TOBOGGANING.
To some of us there is only one good point in the weather we have just been experiencing – the possibility of tobogganing. It was with many doubts that I started out with some friends one night to try this sensation. We arrived and after much hesitation I agreed to go down. I say with hesitation, for I felt sure that I should never arrive at the bottom safely. It has been said that “he who hesitates is lost,” for a certainty I was lost; for a few seconds I experienced a queer sensation of rushing through air, then we seemed to leave earth, and – I found myself sitting in slippery snow, not on the toboggan. So dazed was I, that I did not realise my position until I heard shrill cries, not exactly complimentary, and looking up I saw another toboggan perilously near me. With the help of my friends, I scrambled up to the top, but instead of receiving sympathy, I was greeted with “Why did you leave go?” “What did you want to tumble off for?” Evidently, the decision was that I tumbled off purposely, so I began to think it was time to return home; however, I secretly resolved never to go tobogganing again.
D.
The Needlework ‘Exhibition took place during the Christmas Term. It was a collection of all the needlework done by the girl scholars. The work was arranged on tables, one down the centre of the hall and one on either side. There were garments of all descriptions, some very well made and others – otherwise. The mothers, and some of the friends of the girls, came to this exhibition, and of course admired the work. The only topic of conversation was sewing, and nobody could talk of anything else. When the onlookers had finished the round of the tables, there was a little music given by the pupils, which naturally was enjoyed very much. When the music had finished, the people went home and thus ended a splendid evening.
E.W.
Here I sit, forty doughty warriors under the glance of my eagle eve. Forty warriors, I say, nobly fighting with a horrid fiend. They wrestle with him, using all the strength of their glowing youth. He is a fearful monster, his talons are long, and have been especially sharpened to resist their wiles, so that none but a select few may prevail. Moreover, it is especially laid down in the rules of the combat, that none shall enter for the fray, unless he beforehand shall notify his determination to do so. Furthermore, it is required that his weapons of warfare shall be clearly discernable by all, thus each warrior must duly label his belongings, but alas! many neglect this precaution, and who hereafter shall say to whom the palm can be given, since it be decreed that all shall retire, and the fight be judged by the state of their weapons. I watch the fight with eager eyes. The young warriors perform many valiant deeds. But ah! Woe! Woe! On many the enemy presseth sorely, and I fear he prevaileth, for he has scared them horribly, and they shed much blood. Oh, awful sight! Oh, cruel monster! Oh, horrid fiend! Thou hast proved too strong for these feeble ones; they fight, they struggle, they fall, but rise again to renew their attack. Their visages are troubled, and their blood is poured forth. These warriors, I notice, are of no common breed, they belong not to the rank and file, they are princes of noble blood, for in their strenuous efforts, good blood is shed, and as it pours forth in a continuous stream, I observe it is blue, a deep blue. Alas! This is insufficient to vanquish this terrible dragon. You ask me his name, his name is – nay, I will not divulge it, for you may soon fight this monstrous beast, and should you know his name, who can tell, alas! how many may slacken in their preparation for the conflict.
Q.
As in past years the annual Christmas Party was held in the Town Hall, on the last day of the term. The tune and thought which had been devoted by the organisers to the selection of amusements resulted in the adoption of games and competitions decidedly novel to those who had been present in previous years. “Push the Business On” met with enthusiasm, especially from non-dancers and the dullness which has sometimes been evident in competitions was relieved by the choice of teams to represent each form. “Piladex” and “Egg Fanning” were novelties, and especially the latter achieved success. The performance of the Comb Band was extended on account of its hearty reception. The “Jolly Miller” was given, as usual, a place on the programme, and its double performance testified to its success. The most notable feature of the evening was, in the eyes of many, the provision of separate amusements in the outer ball for those who did not dance.
Many things happen in the “stilly night” of which we, who are at home fast asleep, do not dream.
As soon as it is dark a breath seems to go through the School. Cupboards and desks are opened as if by magic, while all the articles which have been used during the day flock out to enjoy a chat. Sometimes they have special meetings, which are held in the Fifth Form room, at which they all discuss their grievances, if they have any. At these meetings may be seen maps, black-boards and easels, chalk-boxes, pictures for French lessons, and all kinds of books, some of which are very dilapidated.
The President of this particular meeting is the Fifth Form black-board, because it is the oldest member of the honourable Society for Prevention of Cruelty to School Accessories.
The President rises and asks anyone who has a grievance to come forward and state its nature. This appeal is responded to by the Fifth Form chalk-box, which is evidently much exhausted, and is supported by a friend. It begins thus: – “For the past week I have received the most shameful treatment at the hands of my owners, the Fifth Form. When they first took possession of me they saw that the old Fifth had been practising poker-work on me, and I had ‘Dover County School’ as my trade mark. What should they do but follow the example of the old form, and now I am so riddled with holes that I am sure I shall soon disappear. I did not complain before; but this morning it was worse than ever. I had a piece burnt out of both my sides, and when the flame would not go out I was thrown into the fender, blown at and banged by the poker and the fire-shovel, turned bottom upwards, and then the pieces of chalk were put into me and I resumed my former place on the mantel piece.”
At this point its emotions become so overpowering that water has to be fetched, and the chalk-duster is in great demand to wipe away the tears of sympathisers. The poker and the shovel bear witness to this statement, and vehemently declare that they have not caused pain willingly, but were overcome by numbers.
No one else seems to have a grievance this time, and after various advice has been given to the chalk-box the President rises. “Ladies and gentlemen,” says he, “I wish to remind you of the sad bereavement which has fallen on this School, especially on us of the Second Form. A short time ago we had with us a most respected mouse, Mr. Brownie, who for a long time lived in a hole in the wall. One week he became very reckless, and nibbled books and ate crumbs in public. One day he even went so far as to run across the room when the whole School was assembled for prayers. The next day imagine our feelings, when we heard that the spirit of this noble creature had departed. The cruel mortals had caught him in a trap, and then killed him a way best known to themselves. We miss him more every day, and offer our sincere condolences to his sorrowing widow and family.”
Loud groans follow this eloquent speech, and the chalk-duster is again very much in evidence.
The meeting then breaks up as it is getting late, and a few adjourn to the hall for tea. Then all the members of the Society go to bed, and the next morning the old School seems just the same as ever, and no person will ever believe when he is told, what strange things take place at School during the night, unless he happens to have seen them with his own eyes.
M.G. N.
The shelves or as the happy (?) possessors say “our” shelves, are on the right hand side of the fire place, that is they are on the right hand, when standing with one’s back to the fire, which by the way, is a very stupid thing to do. They are behind the black-board, that is to say, the black-board is in front of them. There are four shelves in number. The top one is where some of the girls put their needlework.
These articles are generally thrown up in a terrible fluster, because girls want to go out to the pleasures of drill, as this lesson always comes after needlework on a fine Thursday afternoon. The next shelf belongs to two girls who have all the trouble in the world to keep it tidy. Now it does not matter what anyone says, but unless shelves have a spring clean every day it is impossible to keep them neat. Needless to say, the second shelf, which belongs to these two girls, does not get tidied every day, and the only excuse, which is a very good one, is that the poor owners, when they have to turn over all their exercise books, to find the right one, have not time to put them straight again, because they have to scuttle back to their places, by the time the mistress comes in. So that this shelf unhappily, perhaps, but still it cannot be remedied, is nearly, not always, untidy. The next two shelves belong to people whose books are always covered, and who always put them straight. How this feat is brought about, it is hard to imagine, but then these two girls have not so far to run back to their places, and they have not the various duties to perform that fall to the lot of other poor individuals.
IRENE HOPPER.
There was a concert…….The hockey team may labour and fanatics may stand in goal, nipped by the chilly winds of December, the Girls’ School may wake up at the last, hoping to reap what sluggards have now sown; the boys may perform marvels of work on the football field; while the masters, sighing, turn their thoughts to those “gentlemen of England, who live at home at ease”; but all this pales into less than declensions, seen in the light of a concert in the Fifth.
We ate and drank our parts for weeks together, we walked with a peculiar gait, alarming our friends by strange mutterings and uncanny gestures; we saw nothing of real life – no not one corner of our neglected desks, yet all rooms were ours, wherein to con our rôles, the hall was but our “washpot,” and over Pageant House did we “cast out our shoe.” At 6.30 a.m. we rose in haste, and later, bolted our food absent-mindedly; along Buckland Avenue we hurtled passers by, running as we learnt; at “break,” we tore back to those scraps of paper. At 12.10 we scurried home and back. Anon, at 4.15 p.m. the great rehearsal, from which we flew to superintend the making of strange garments, with an ever-growing suspicion that, should we perish, never, by any chance, would they stretch themselves over the huge form of our understudy. Alas! how little does the benign spectator at the play, as he watches a curtain moved by fair hands, distinctly seen – realise all the tribulations, all the cares and secret anguish that go to the making of the show……..
The fire smoked . . . of course the wind would be that way; but the gramophone saved it. This gramophone played selections between the items, you understand; and there was something – a certain something about that gramaph one that gripped the coughs; until the wind seemed almost to turn. There were rounds and carols; we are not a large form, and noisy rather than musical; but we sang well, no one save ourselves knows just how well. There were solos on the piano and they were good – if the piano is old, we love it the more. There was a recitation, and then – then – came the “Scenes from Little Women.” Hannah! – did you see Hannah? We others only seemed to revolve around her. Beth’s scarlet fever developed well; but Hannah! Jo was a nice impetuous thing and our Meg was sweet, albeit somewhat stately. Laurie and Amy were distinctly good – but Hannah! – well, she was – Hannah.
That cheered us: we were beating the gramaphone: another round, a solo and then – “The Australian Cousin.” ‘Twas our pièce de résistance; you see it was so full of possibilities. There were two telegrams; should we remember to bring both? – or else to pass out the first one and bring it on later? Should we forget whole slices of our rôles, or again, utter our most telling lines to be swallowed in the din of the preceding applause? Should we say too much that time, lose part of our properties, or look ludicrous when the curtain stuck fast upon a rusty nail? But of course no one will even begin to understand this, who has not been through it. Why – Bridget herself was still learning her part one short hour before: yet Bridget was the soul of the play; she stood on a chair holding the tongs, apostrophising the piano and the unknown burglar; a real heroine, for she never by any chance said one word that was in the book, and yet she never once stopped. As for her mistress, it was like the fairy tale of the girl who dropped jewels every time she spoke – coming from her mouth the mere word “microbe” seemed endowed with moving consonants; no onlooker could have coldly touched one of the suspected papers or parcels – the very air was full of a microbiness, Carrington was the correct house-parlour-maid, she saw not, neither did she speak amiss; the daughter of the house, very kind and helpful; and the false and nervous girl “cousin,” of a nervousness most suited to her part – a timidity – thought by some to be wilily assumed, while brother Jack’s voice from the garden was exactly like – well – like it would be if one hung far out of the kitchen, twisted one’s neck in coils, and called through the drawing-room shutter – but Bridget! ! The audience wanted Bridget, they insisted on it, they called and hooted “Br-r-i-i-dget!” and if it had not been that she was then growing into Father Christmas for her part in the next song, she would have really come back once more with her tongs and the tongue of “Ould Oireland.”
Then the audience oozed away……..But we shall have another concert some day – there was a swing about that one – and then there is nothing like doing a thing all yourself, and making your own, your very own mistakes; it doesn’t matter so much about the audience, besides they are all parents who know and understand, if they did not know, it would not matter so very badly, because you just enjoy it all yourselves – even the mistakes. And perhaps there will be coffee and things next time; if the kitchen isn’t too full of cabs and telegrams. Bridget shall cook it, while learning her next speech.
EXTRACTS FROM AN ARTICLE ON EXCAVATIONS ON PRIORY HILL, JUNE 3rd, 3000.
Day by day, week by week, we made discoveries until by June we had succeeded in excavating a building which by its style suggested a late Victorian School. A few friends and myself started exploring on June 3rd. We descended a flight of narrow stone steps and found ourselves in a square hall, along the sides of which were rows of peculiarly shaped hooks which we had never seen before. What use they could have afforded the people puzzled us, but we at length decided that they taught the younger children to count with them. In a cupboard in this hall we discovered some lumps of hard black composition, which someone suggested was used for drawing purposes.
We opened a heavy door and found ourselves in a room whose windows, quite near the ceiling, were on a level with the playground. In it were several funny looking desks, awkwardly made, and which must have been a source of misery to the children. We opened one and took out a book at the end of which were some pictures. We could divine no use for these until Henry said they were probably used to teach the older girls about agriculture in French. On a platform at the further end of the room was an extraordinary looking instrument, which another suggested was a toy to amuse the pupils. We passed out of this room and in a small cupboard outside it we found a funny looking brush with very hard bristles. We concluded that this was a specimen of a hair brush used at that time. In an empty room upstairs we found a long stick curved at the end evidently used then to administer chastisement. In another room on a shelf were some bottles which probably used to contain drinks for the pupils. Edward said that the little cups in holes in the desks were used to drink out of. In the next room lying on a desk was a book on the cover of which was the word “Auto,” and it contained many sketches and writings. We could find no use for this until we saw these words “Be good, sweet maid, and let who would be clever,” then we declared that this was the punishment book. This room had a peculiar low door-way and when we tried to get through it we knocked our heads. This led us to believe that the people were small in stature. This exploration was very exciting and we found many things to add to our collection of antiques.
“PROFESSOR HILDEBRAND.”
As a preliminary notice I should like to mention that towards the end of the Summer Term the first School Sports will be held. The list of events will, it is hoped, include an Old Boys’ Race and one or two competitions for the girls. The matter of ground is still in abeyance, though the Athletic Ground is spoken of as the scene of the School Olympic games.
I should like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Committee for their regular attendance at the meetings, and also to congratulate the School Football Team on their undefeated School record for the season.
R. S. S.
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The football season ended with the match with Barton United, which was stopped after about fifteen minutes’ play on account of the rain. Although the second half has not been so successful as the first, we have nothing to complain of, having won 9, lost 3, and drawn 2 matches, besides scoring 69 goals against the 35 of our opponents. The team is further to be congratulated on winning all the matches arranged with other schools. The fixture list this term was comprised chiefly of soldiers’ teams, and consequently we were severely outclassed as regards weight. This, together with the fact that we have been handicapped in being unable to put a full team in the field during the greater part of the term, probably accounts for the poorer record of the latter half of the season. Jones has been the chief scorer of the team and he will be greatly missed next season, this being his fourth season for the School.
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The Lower Forms have had a chance of displaying their talent in the Sixes Competition, played on the last two Wednesdays of term. Seven teams were selected and were captained by the following Reeder, Fisher, Carey, Hardy, Took, Hall, Morford and Broadbridge pri. As in past years, medals will be given to the winners.
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The match with the Old Boys, played on the last day of the Christmas Term, proved the keenest and the most enjoyable game of the season. As was expected, there was a good number of onlookers, and it was chiefly due to their encouragement that the School was able to do so well in that match, although we were unfortunate in having to play on the pitch nearest the railway on account of the condition of the short one.
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The General Cricket Meeting was held on Wednesday, March 24th. A vote of thanks to the officers of the Football Club was proposed by Mr. Thomas, and seconded by Mr. Whitehouse. The minutes of the last General Meeting having been passed, the following officers were elected for the Cricket Season: – Captain (1st XI.), E. H. Gann; Vice-Captain (1st XI.), A. L. Jones; Secretary (1st XI.), A. Fisher; Captain (2nd XI.), H. Morford; Secretary (2nd XI.), B. Carey.
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At the time of writing, the following 1st XI. Fixtures have been arranged: –
| DATE. | OPPONENTS. | WHERE PLAYED. |
| May 12th | Simon Langton’s School | Canterbury |
| May 19th | Simon Langton’s School | Athletic Ground |
| June 2nd | St. Augustine’s College | Athletic Ground |
| June 23rd | St. Augustine’s College | Ramsgate |
| June 30th | Harvey Grammar School | Athletic Ground |
| July 30th | Old Boys | Athletic Ground |
This year the match with the Old Boys has been arranged to take place during the first week of the summer holidays, but in future all Old Boys’ matches will most probably take place on the last day of term.
ERNEST H. GANN, Captain 1908-09.
FOOTBALL.
FIXTURES AND RESULTS.
1st XI.
| GOALS | |||||
| DATE | OPPONENTS | WHERE PLAYED |
RESULT | FOR | AWAY |
| Jan. 20th | H.Coy., Royal West Kent Regt. | Home | WON | 7 | 1 |
| Jan. 27th | H. Coy., Worcester Regt | Home | LOST | 4 | 9 |
| Feb. 3rd | St. Bartholomew’ s | Away | DRAW | 4 | 4 |
| Feb. 17th | Band, Northumberland Fus. | Home | DRAW | 2 | 2 |
| Feb. 24th | St. Bartholomew’ s | Home | WON | 3 | 2 |
| Mar. 10th | Band, Northnmberland Fus. | Away | LOST | 0 | 4 |
| Mar. 24th | *Barton Road United | Away | 1 | 0 | |
| * Stopped on account of the rain. | |||||
| 2nd XI. | |||||
| Feb. 3rd | Belmont House School | Walmer | DRAW | 2 | 2 |
| Mar. 10th | Belmont House School | Home | DRAW | 1 | 1 |
DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL V. OLD BOYS.
This important match took place on Friday, December 18th, the last day of the Christmas term. It had been looked forward to for some weeks, and despite the fact that at the last moment the date was altered the Old Boys were able to put out a strong team. The game was a particularly fast one in both halves, and the School defence had plenty of work in keeping off the prolonged attacks of the visitors’ forwards, who played a very ” robust” game. The arrangements were much better than those of the previous Old Boys’ match, and consequently there was a good number of onlookers. The short pitch – to which the School had become accustomed – being in a very bad condition, Mr. Coopland lined the teams up at 2.45 p.m. on the pitch nearest the railway. The School played together much better than they had done before, and in spite of their superiority in size the Old Boys had quite enough to do in holding us back, although on account of the excellent play of Bryson our forwards did not break away very often. The Old Boys were the first to score, through Pritchard, but it was not long before Carey equalised with a nice shot. Half-time saw the Old Boys leading 2 – 1. In spite of the fact that Jones at centre-forward was not quite up to the mark, another goal was put on for the School shortly after the re-start. For a time it looked as if the game would end in a draw, but eventually the Old Boys netted the ball once more through Durban. No more goals were scored, and after a spirited but well-contested game the Old Boys withdrew winners by 3 – 2. Both teams sat down to a well-earned tea at the Girls’ School, presided over by Mr. Whitehouse and the Staff. The tea was very kindly prepared by one or two of the girls of Form VIa., under the direction of Miss Chapman.
DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL: – Maynard (goal); Gann (captain), Kay (backs); Gooding, Fishwick, Hall (half-backs); Hardy, Took, Jones, Carey, Fisher (forwards).
OLD BOYS: – Ellender (goal) ; Bryson, Spinner (backs) ; Walsh, Durban, Borrow (half-backs) ; Green, Best, Pritchard, Connellan, Buxton (forwards).
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DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL v. H COY., ROYAL WEST KENT REGIMENT.
The School opened the second half of the football season in real style, gaining a splendid victory over the H Coy. Royal West Kent Regiment, by 7 – 1. From the kick-off the School began to give the visitors’ defence some trouble, but were leading only 2 – 1 at half-time. Kicking off again Jones opened the way for Hardy who scored by a splendid high shot, which he repeated a few minutes later. The soldiers then broke away rather dangerously, and scored their only goal. The ball was netted twice more by Jones, the game ending as stated above.
DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL: – Maynard (goal); Gann (captain), Kay (backs); Feeder, Gooding, Hall (half-backs); Hardy, Took, Jones, Carey, Fisher (forwards).
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DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL v. H COY., WORCESTER REGIMENT.
Played at the Danes on January 27th, resulting in a defeat for the School by 9 – 4. From the kick-off Jones broke away, but was checked by Davis, who soon after gave the soldiers the lead from a drop shot. The soldiers still kept up a strong attack, but for a time the School’s backs proved equal to it. The soldiers having scored 2 more goals in quick succession, Jones broke away twice and scored both times, thus leaving the score 3 – 2 against us at half-time. The second half proved still worse for the School, the soldiers bringing their score up to 9 before Jones scored 2 more. The School was represented by the same team as that which played the previous week.
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DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL v. ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S.
The above match was played at the Danes, on Wednesday, February 3rd. The game was somewhat affected by the strong wind, and the bad condition of the ground. The School playing with the wind in the first half scored 4 goals, but the “Barts.” equalised in the second half. The game ended – after a little interruption from the line – in a draw 4 – 4.
DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL: – Maynard (goal); Gaun, Kay (backs); Feeder, Gooding, Hall (half-backs) ; Took, Hardy. Jones, Carey, Fisher (forwards).
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DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL v. NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS.
Played at the Danes, on February 17th, resulting in a draw 2 – 2. The game was fairly even, but at half-time the soldiers were leading 2 – 0. On resuming play the School pressed, and Jones scored from a penalty. After some good play by Goodbun, Jones found the net again. No more scoring took place, the game ending as stated above.
DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL: – Maynard (goal); Gooding, Kay (backs) Feeder, Goodbun, Hall (half-backs) ; Hardy, Took, Jones, Carey, Fisher (forwards).
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DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL v. ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S.
Played at the Danes, on February 24th, resulting in a win for the School by 3 – 2. Jones soon opened the scoring by a good shot which he repeated shortly after from a centre from Fisher. Half-time: County School 3, St. Bartholomew’s 0. Our opponents played better in the second half, and scored twice. The game ended as mentioned above.
DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL: – Maynard (goal) ; Gooding, Kay (backs); Fishwick, Goodbun, Hall (halfbacks) ; Took, Hardy, Jones, Feeder, Fisher (forwards).
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DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL v. 2ND BATT. NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS BAND.
Played at the “Glacis,” on Wednesday, March 10th, resulting in a win for the soldiers by 4 – 0. The Northumberland’s broke away three times in quick succession in the first fifteen minutes, and scored each time. Play was confined to the Northumberland half for a time, and Jones running down hit the cross bar with a good shot. Half-time: School 0, Northumberland’s 3. From the re-start, the School forwards broke away and Jones missed another goal by a few inches. After some good centres by Reeder, Fishwick took a long drop-shot, the ball again hitting the cross-bar. The Northumberland’s then gave Maynard
a little trouble, and finally scored again.
DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL: – Maynard (goal) ; Gann, Kay (backs); Gooding, Fishwick, Hall (half-backs); Reeder, Took, Jones, Carey, Fisher (forwards).
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DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL v. BARTON UNITED.
This match was arranged to take place at Maxton, on Wednesday, March 24th, but after 15 minutes play the game was stopped on account of the rain. County School 1, Barton United 0.
DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL: – Keightley (goal) ; Gann, Kay (backs) Gooding, Goodbun, Fishwick (half-backs); Reeder, Bond, Jones, Connellan pri., Carey (forwards).
Hockey practices commenced on January 13th, the first Wednes day in the term. From 2.30 to 3.15 the first and second XI.’s played, and then the ground was given over to the remainder of our hockey enthusiasts. Similar practices were held on January 20th and 27th, and also on February 3rd. A match which had been arranged for January 30th with the Deal Ladies’ Hockey Club had to be postponed to March 17th.
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DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL v. RAMSGATE COUNTY SCHOOL.
This match was played at Ramsgate on the morning of Saturday, February 6th. From the beginning we could see that the Ramsgate team was much stronger than when we opposed it last term. Attempts on our part to storm our opponents’ goal were in effectual, but owing to the excellent combination of their forwards, they succeeded in obtaining 9 goals. Thus the score was against us 9 – 0.
DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL.: – H. Ainslie (goal); E. Belk, M. Hogben (backs); O. Cullin, D. Green, M. Ogg (half-backs); G. Ogg, N. Golden, K. Thompson, L.Morrison, D. Monger (forwards).
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DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL 2ND XI. v. ST. PATRICK’S 2ND XI.
This match was played at the Danes on Wednesday, February 10th. From the beginning the play was fairly equal. The first goal was scored by the St. Patrick’s, but not many minutes elapsed before our centre-forward (borrowed from the 1st XI.) equalised the score. The sides scored alternately until 4 – 3 was reached. The onlookers (a number of St. Patrick’s 1st XI. and the majority of our 1st XI.) quite expected the School to equalise the score, but such was not the case. Another goal was scored by St. Patrick’s, and the score at the end of the game was for them 5 – 3.
DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL: – M. Ransom (goal); L. Clout, M. Hayes (backs); M. McPherson, L. Smith, W. Gray (half-backs); A. Bonham, D. Fell, K. Thompson, E. Philpott, M. Fell (forwards).
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On three occasions, February 17th and 24th and March 10th we had the benefit of receiving teaching from an experienced gentle man coach. It was rather unfortunate that on the first and last dates we had to quit the field at 3.30.
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On March 3rd it would have been necessary for hockey players to wear snow shoes, but no practice was held.
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DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL v. DEAL LADIES’ HOCKEY CLUB.
On March 17th our 1st XI. lost to Deal. Our team worked hard, but from the first it was realised that it was a losing game for us. Our goal-keeper had plenty of work, and although so many balls passed the goal posts, she is to be commended for her plucky defence; some of her “saves” drew exclamations of admiration from our opponents. The result against us was 19 – 0 (the worst we have ever had). Three times our forwards almost scored goals.
DOVER COUNTY SCHOOL: – H. Ainslie (goal); E. Belk, M. Hayes (backs); O. Cullin, D. Green, M. Ogg (half-backs); G. Ogg, D. Fell, K. Thompson, M Fell, D. Monger (forwards).
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FIXTURES AND RESULTS
1st XI
| GOALS | |||
| DATE | OPPONENTS | FOR | AWAY |
| Feb. 6th | Ramsgate C.S. | 0 | 9 |
| Mar. 17th | Deal Ladies’ H.C. | 0 | 19 |
| Mar. 24th | St. Patrick’s H.C. | 1 | 2 |
| Mar. 27th | Folkestone C.S. | 2 | 7 |
| 2nd XI. | |||
| Feb. 10th | St. Patrick’s 2nd XI. | 3 | 5 |
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FOOTBALL DANCE.
On February 6th the Football Club gave a very successful dance in the Girls’ School. The room was well filled and although the tickets were only 9d. a substantial sum was obtained for the Sports’ Fund. The thanks of the Football Club are due to the Dance Committee for the excellent programme which they provided, and to those who kindly prepared the room.
X. Y. Z.
The hockey season is now practically over and next term the tennis season commences. We all realise that our hockey season has not been very successful, and we look to the tennis season to retrieve our reputation as sportswomen. This year arrangements have been made for holding a tennis meeting before the Easter holidays so that all will be in readiness for the next term. A few suggestions have been made to make this season a successful one. The Danes is not an ideal practising ground, and might be used this year by beginners and the small children only. It is impossible to play tennis properly there. If not too expensive two courts might be hired, twice a week, in the Park, to ensure good practice for members. Of course the best plan would be to hire courts for our own special use, so that girls could play whenever they liked, but there seem no prospects of being able to do this. Towards the middle or end of the term we, aided by the staff could arrange a few tournaments with neighbouring schools. All through the term friendly tournaments could be held between the various Forms of the School.
It lies with the girls of the School to make the tennis season a complete success, and to show the boys we have some grit in us after all, and could probably beat them at a game of tennis. It is to be hoped all the girls will put their hearts into the game and show their earnestness by attending the practices regularly and by doing all they can to ensure a happy season.
The members of the Committee for this year are: –
| D. Green (Capt.) | O. Cullin (Sec.) | D.French (Treas.) |
| D.Fell, Form III. | E. Elvey, Form II. | N.Friend, Form I . |
DOROTHY GREEN (Captain).
SCOUTING NOTES.
SEVEN LESSONS FROM THE FOLKESTONE CONTEST.
1. – Keep physically fit. Some of the Folkestone scouts covered nearly twenty miles.
2. – Stick to your post. Had the C.S. run after the excitement, the rush they stopped would have succeeded.
3. – Arrange communications with your flanks.
4. – Keep your mouth shut. A Dover friend – unknown as a friend – was told where all the forces were.
5. – Learn signalling. This saves your legs and helps you too.
6. – Keep good cover.
7. – Learn to read maps correctly. Scouts will then take up their position without error.
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PATROL CHAMPIONSHIP.
This contest eventually narrowed down to a struggle between the Peewits and Otters, between whom it became a very close thing. Although the marks gained on the different items varied considerably, the final scores differed by 14 only.
| Otters – Championship winners | 310 |
| Peewits | 296 |
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PATROL MEETINGS.
Much good work has been done at this. The Otters and Peewits, in addition to practising the things learnt at parades, have made attempts at camp cooking, and tracking, and have done a good deal of exploration. “Good turns” have not been forgotten, and the Peewits, as befits them, have found a nesting place among the rocks.
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COUNTY SCHOOL BOY SCOUTS.
A preliminary meeting was held on Wednesday, January 13th, at the Girls’ School, Mr. Whitehouse taking the chair. Mr. Thomas explained how it was proposed to carry on the scouting, and it was agreed that leaders should select their own patrols. On the following Monday the troop attended a lecture on “Scouts and Scouting,” by Lieutenant Allen, at St. Mary’s Institute.
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On Wednesday, the 20th, the troop had their first meeting. The leaders were first instructed in their duties, and the law and some knots were taught by them to their patrols. Later on, the scouts tracked Bond and Igglesden to Guston. The troops marched home practising “scouts’ pace.” A similar game formed the exercise the following week, the parties being changed and the track laid with corn and paper. The combined force marched home using “scouts’ pace.”
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At the next meeting we had autograph hunting. The centres for signature givers were (1) the Park Gates, (2) Godwyne Green, (3) the top of Castle Hill. During the meeting, the scouts made their own shoulder-knots and were tested on the law also, the first letters of semaphore signalling were taught them by the scout masters.
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On Wednesday, February 3rd, the Peewits assembled at Whitfield Hill, and the other patrols at the Girls’ School, for despatch running. The other patrols invested the country, and the Peewits were to endeavour to get through them. The result was that the Peewits succeeded in getting two despatches through. They were searched afterwards, but the despatches were not found. On February 24th the scouts had flag-raiding on the top of Stebbing Down. The Peewits and Rams defended and the Otters and Cuckoos attacked. The flag was captured by Allen.
At the next meeting Mr. Thomas tested the scouts in all the “knots.” The results were very good, although the time limit was only five seconds per knot. The remainder of the semaphore alphabet was also practised.
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On the following Wednesday Mr. Thomas placed an object somewhere in the room and the scouts had to find it. ” Spotting the spot” was then practised. This game consisted of concealing all except a small piece of a building or place, and the scouts had to find from this piece what building it was.
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On Saturday, March 27th, a contest was held between Dover and Folkestone. The Dover Brigade, which comprised seven troops, including the County School, under Mr. Thomas, and the St. Mar tin’s, under Mr. T. Eaves, an old student of the Pupil Teachers’ Centre, defending Hougham Church. Their object was to keep a Union Jack (which was raised at the corner of the churchyard) flying until 5 o’clock. The first Folkestone attack commenced about 4 o’clock, and from that time the attacks became hotter and hotter. The flag was twice hauled down, but the umpire, Major Gosnold, of Folkestone, gave a decision in favour of the defenders. The flag was still flying when the bugle went at 5 p.m. The umpire then declared the result as a victory for Dover. Tea, followed by a march back to Dover, finished a very enjoyable and exciting day. The County School scouts, although they did not play an important part earlier in the game, can have the satisfaction of knowing that the last attack, if they had not repelled it, would have cost Dover the day.
“THE QUARTERMASTER.”
FORM NOTES.
FORM VI. – P.T.’s.
The Easter term has been an eventful one for Form VI. The first few weeks passed away very quietly, and all seemed calm, but it was the calm which precedes a storm, for on one ever-to-be-remembered day, the results of the Preliminary Certificate Examination were read to sixteen expectant girls. The joy of those who had passed, was for the time overshadowed by their sympathy for the “failures.” The Form is indeed sorry to record that there were any “failures” among the P.T.’s, but those unfortunate beings have since the dreadful news, plucked up courage, and have taken for their motto “Nil Desperandum” ; whilst their one aim for the future is to pass the Senior Oxford, which will be held in the July of next term. The successful P.T.’s have since the results been burning the midnight oil, for the more severe half of the conflict draws near. Their dreams have resolved themselves into Golden Treasuries, Parts I. and II., one has only to mention these books to a sixth former and therewith petrify her. It is to be hoped that they will emerge with flying colours from the deadly warfare, which is soon to be waged in the familiar Town Hall. Even if that he so, there will be no time for rest, for the whole Form will strive for success in the Senior Oxford Local.
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It s only right to state that the love of Form VI. for their room has in no way diminished, in spite of the small whirlwinds which have swept round the lower part of it during the very severe weather of this term and it is their wish to disclaim any tendency to morbid ness, which has been laid to their charge on account of the subject of a picture entitled “A Death in the Desert,” which holds a prominent position in their room. This picture was chosen not for its subject (!) but for its size and frame. It has another recommendation, for it affords an excellent mirror in its darkest spot – namely the camel’s back.
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The Form concludes this report with best wishes for the success of those who with them are taking the second part of the Preliminary Certificate Examination.
FORM VIa.
We are nearing the close of an uneventful, but, on the whole, a happy term. The members of the Form have now completely broken the ice, and are united in the common pleasure – of work. We are thankful to say we have survived our labours, although some of the members retired to their homes on sick leave, at different times. We hardly expected any excitement on returning to school after the Christmas jollifications, and so were greatly cheered to learn that the hot water pipes had burst, and that the temperature in the Well was somewhere below zero. All the air that wasn’t frozen was burnt up by a gas stove, and as we sat in our great coats inhaling CO2 we imagined what it would have been like had we had our curtain or even the new school. The thought of the curtain keeps VIa. from utter despair, for surely there will be a curtain some day, when last term a wire was hung across for it.
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Some of us are getting awed at the prospect of the coming of the month of June, 1909. There is a little consolation in saying truth fully we have worked or have tried to work like “niggers” and though we are “frogs” our ardour for work has never been damped. Most of the members of the Form showed their great admiration for the prowess of the Boys’ Football Club by attending a club dance, and had a splendid time, only marred by the absence of the genial captain who had been wounded in the cause that very day. The snowy weather occasioned us much delight and longing, for it raised hopes of sledging and other innocent sports, which were, however, dashed to the around before the more imperative demands of Prep. The Form wishes the longest and most brilliant of lives to The Pharos having appreciated the first number to the full. By the time the summer number is published the Form will be resting after labouring for its immediate exams. And now we can only wish all candidates, and ourselves most of all, the greatest of success in the coming trial, so as to achieve our desires and to honour the School. L.V. V.
FORM VIb.
No apologies are offered for the following, as surely one can see that with such little matter at hand, even the best of scribes could not make much of it. Our Form generally commences its term with some misfortune; and the last state being worse than the first, the one for this time proved no exception. Before proceeding let me remind readers of the excruciatingly cold weather of the time in question. Well, it was in this biting cold that the School furnace went funny; as by experience all know. But taking everything into consideration, we were the most acute sufferers, for we are confined to the Science Lecture Room, which is rather too generous in its gift of “airiness”; particularly was it so at this period. There was only one alternative from pretending to obtain heat from an ornamental gas stove, which was to ascend to the kitchen, naturally more appetising than scholastic; the result of all this being that VIb. are certainly richer in imagination than before; the stove took care of this branch of education. We have never quite recovered, for with but one or two exceptions all members have been absent with neuralgia, colds, etc.
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The Preliminary Examination looms in the near future, and is it fancy that some are looking pale and ill? Surely it is case of: –
“The native hue of resolution
Is sickled o’er with the pale cast of fear.”
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The fall of snow made an excuse for an attempt at gaiety; but the final was somewhat crushing, and the least said the better. It is to be hoped that things will “look up a bit” next term.
J. M. N.
FORM V. – Boys.
This term has been rather uneventful, although occasionally enlivened by specimens of poetic and artistic talent “for private circulation only.” Grimer has passed his boy-clerkship exam. in a very creditable manner.
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On leaving, Mills and Evans gave us another beanfeast. We did not attempt to carry them round the playground. Apropos of beanfeasts, someone reading an essay on “a country walk” said he smelt a bean-feast (field) across the road.
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When we came back to school we found the hot water pipes out of order. The stove was so stoked to make up for them, that in our fume-cupboard of a room the temperature rose to 80°, and the air could almost be “cut out and fried.” Some time after, as the master was saying, that in compositions we should aim high to hit anything, “the admiral” let fly with the window-cleaning hose at our top window. Another time the master reading “Richard II.,” came to “Music, do I hear?” Then the Town Band struck up. Moral: – Say the right thing at the right moment.
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Like General Grant, 18th President of the United States, we are growing up near a tanyard (the exceedingly physical lab.).
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We have had some “funny remarks” this term. One boy owned up in a French exercise to have drunk two tasses à thé (tea cups). The crocodile! Someone else described how he saw some whitewashed village(r)s on a voyage down the Nile. But you will want to white wash us if we go on any more, so we will stop.
FORM V. – Girls.
Few events of any importance have been connected with Form V. during the past term. For the last few weeks vigorous attempts have been made by certain industrious girls to improve the general appearance of our room, which, alas, is not an ideal room at the best of times. One generous individual very kindly brought some hearthstone in order to make the fireplace a little more respectable. Great was the labour she spent one afternoon before School, with her sleeves tucked up and a cup of water by her side in front of the blazing fire.
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At last the proceeds of our concert held last term have all been disposed of, and we have succeeded in adding nineteen books to the Library. In spite of all our misfortunes we have endeavoured to decrease the number of conduct marks this term, and it is thought that there has been some success. We had thought of sending a petition to the Head mistress that we might have a holiday, as our numbers have gradually diminished through illness of one kind and another. But we hope that our numbers will soon be complete again. Two of our Form, as far as we know, are hoping to enter for the Senior Oxford in July, the remainder of the Form wish them both “Good Luck.”
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One item, however, must not be forgotten. The six girls who intend to become Bursars next year were examined a short time ago. Many were the laments as each one returned from her private inter view with the Inspector, and, alas, they have to go through a similar examination next term. As to other events, the Form has gone on in the same way, without many alterations.
E.J.
FORM IV. – Girls.
As usual nothing startling has happened in our Form during the term, we still go on in the steady swing of work (?) We have had a most interesting time just lately, having been almost overwhelmed with tests. Nearly every mistress has reminded us that the “Oxford” is in July, and now I think it is a well known fact.
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Owing to the kindness of one of the girls we are now the possessors of a calendar, of which we were in sore need.
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The following is a question which created no small amount fun in the Form : – “Is suffragan the masculine form of suffragette? This was actually asked during the course of a history lesson.
D.F.
FORM IV. – Boys.
Our chief difficulty during this term has been to keep the temperature of our bodies above freezing point. When we first went back, a few of the upper boys were busily engaged at intervals carting coal from the basement to the class room, three stories above, and in making up the fire. What little knowledge they have of stoking was gained in this manner. The boilers had burst and we only had our stove to depend upon, and, to add to our discomfort, this now went wrong, for every morning when we entered we could not see two feet in front of us, owing to the smoke. Then all the windows and the door had to be opened for about five minutes to clear it, and, during this time, what little heat we had in us, was being driven out. By the time we began to get comfort able, the stove needed feeding, and then the whole performance was repeated. The Headmaster now gave permission for boys to wear their overcoats in School, but, we are glad to say, no one in the ” Noble Fourth” availed himself of this offer.
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We are pleased to be able to call ourselves the highest Form in the School, but this, of course, only refers to the position of our class room, which is situated on the third floor, overlooking Ladywell. In fact, we are so high that we feel safe in saying that there is nothing between us and the North Pole, save Lydden Hill; but unfortunately the latter is too far off to give shelter from a driving snowstorm or a keen north-easter.
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Although the loss of our much esteemed class-mate, Starlight (who lives not a hundred miles from the Victoria Hospital) is still fresh in our minds, yet nobody seems to be in immediate danger of collapsing.
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Last Term no notes were published as we thought that some thing sensible was expected by way of a report, but, seeing the lot which was published in the last magazine, we thought that, at least, in composing rubbish we could vie with the others. The accounts of our football triumphs and trials were excluded from the last edition of The Pharos, and the paper on which they were written was probably appropriated by the worthy “school janitor” who uses all such ” scrap-paper for lighting fires.
C.BOND.
FORM III. – Girls.
Nothing of any importance has happened in our Form this term. We have got on fairly well, living mainly on tests. On coming back after the Christmas holidays our clock refused to go; it seems to have stopped with the old term, but would not start again, even with the new one. During the snowy weather our Form was reduced to less than half its number, most of our girls having a long distance to come.
We had rather a fright on March 16th, when in the middle of a class the fire-grate came with a rush into the fender. It made such a noise, that we thought it was worse than it really was. We had in consequence to take our lessons for the rest of the day, in another room while the grate was repaired. We have not been so lucky as to get so many “Merits” this term, our numbers being limited to three and four.
M.F.H.
FORM II. – Girls.
This term has been very uneventful and cold. At the beginning of the term we were all nearly frozen, especially the back rows. During the extremely cold weather we enjoyed the heat of the stove, which nearly stifled us.
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When it was so snowy only eighteen girls in our Form came to School. One day upon coming to School we were overjoyed at the sight of a beautiful curtain which now keeps out some of the draughts, and we are now able to keep our seats without holding on as some times we were almost compelled to when the wind came from the direction of the door, and we are now living in comparative comfort and ease.
N.M.
At last our hopes have been realised, and we have had a most exciting and enjoyable expedition to Canterbury. Of course we had a guide. When the train came in at the Priory Station there was a scramble for seats, and at last we were all settled, taking turns to stand and sit on people’s laps, for there was little room.
On arriving at Canterbury we walked round the Dane John grounds, and could hardly realise that we were really walking on the top of a city wall. Passing many quaint old houses and the “house of correction,” also the hospital, we came to the old Church of St. Martin. This was once they think a Roman temple, but afterwards was made into a Christian Church for Queen Bertha of Kent. Here also is the font in which King Ethelbert was baptized. We next visited the Cathedral which is still, as always, being re paired. When we arrived, evensong was being sung, so we sat in the nave and listened to the glorious music. After this we went all over the building. Among other interesting things we saw the Black Prince’s tomb and the steps which are all worn down by the pilgrims crawling up to the shrine of Becket. We also went down into the French chapel in the crypt (which was very mouldy and damp) and walked round the cloisters.
We were all then very hungry, so tea was the next item on the programme. At tea we had a lively time, especially the girl who had extra sugar in her tea for a treat. After strolling about the streets and purchasing various post cards and queer treasures, we wended our way to the station, where the same scramble for seats ensued. Home at last, very weary, rather excited, but undoubtedly happy and pleased with ourselves.
N.M.
FORM II. – Boys.
This Form has a small room on the second floor for its class-room. The name it is generally known by is the ” oven.” The reason it has this name, is that it is nearly always warm. Its windows face the south-east, and the sun shines right into the room, thus adding warmth. In the mornings the combined heat of the sun and the hot water pipes become oppressive, and we are glad to open the doors and windows. But the room has two disadvantages, smoke and soot. The first suffocates us, the second blackens our faces and books. We have had new curtains put up, which are a great improvement on the old ones, which are torn. We will now spend a little time on the doings of the Form. We have a patrol of boy scouts who are known as the “Rains.” Most of us enjoy the scouting, especially the splendid games included in it. We have also a football team, which was very successful last term, only losing one out of four matches. Sometimes, we have paper-chases which afford long runs and are also amusing. I believe we are forming a swimming team, but it is not decided upon yet.
A.K.
FORM I. – Girls.
We have all come back to School and have got settled down. We still give coconuts to the birds. There is only one new girl this term. Some of the girls’ gardens begin to look a little brighter now the snowdrops and crocuses are coming out, at least a few do. The snow made the garden look very pretty, especially the top of the bank where the girls’ gardens are, but when it went away it made the place look very dirty and miserable. Of course the birds do not come so much now, as they can find worms and insects. Some of the birds are building nests in the ivy over at the other School. Some of the girls have new desks, and of course we want them, because we cannot have them.
N.F.
FORM 1. – Boys.
During this term we have had a nice lot of snow and our Form have had a good many snowball fights. One was in the station. One side were on the bridge. Just as we were in the middle of our sport an old collector ordered us off in gruff tones, so we had to take to our heels and run.
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We have been going down to the baths on Wednesdays. One of our boys is afraid of the water. I won’t mention his name or he might blush. He clings to the bar and hops round and really thinks he has been swimming, and is very proud of himself. You know he goes to get out of drill.
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In the partition of our class-room there is a big pane of glass broken which lets the draught in terribly. At the other end there is a huge fire. The end where the pane is broken we call the ref refrigerator and the other the incubator.
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In the window we have got a proper Covent Garden, peas, beans, oats, wheat and snowdrops. Of course, we all are looking out for a tuck-in when the fruit ripens. Another little tit-bit is that we have a globe and just where San Francisco was marked there is a huge hole which indicates where the earthquake was.
H.H. AND S.B.