THE AYMESTREY MAGAZINE

SPRING 1987

MINUTES OF THE 44TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE OLD AYMESTREY ASSOCIATION HELD AT AYMESTREY SCHOOL ON SATURDAY 21 Present: Anthony Powell, who took the Chair; The President, Air Vice Marshall D.N.K. Blair-Oliphant; The Honorary Secretary, Bill Stallard; Lieutenant Colonel Tony Claydon and Messrs. Graham Barnes, Paul Collis, James Edwards, Thomas Edwards, M.P. Foster, A. C. A. Goadby, Martin Harris, C.E. Henshaw, Malcolm Hughes, Bill Jay, George Johnson, Edward Lane, Brian Massey, C.P.R. Macrae, J.P. Munns, A.M. Perryman, Michael Powell, W.K. Rankin, Graham Rush, N.D. Richardson, D.E.L. Taylor, Francis Tuthill, Hugo Tuthill and T.T. Wise. I Apologies: were received from: Nigel J.K. Blair-Oliphant, John Chandler, Dr. Iain Clark, John Eyton Coates, Richard Coates, Jonathan Edwards, Edward Edmonds, George Edmonds, Richard Johnson, Carl Knappett, Robert Lane, Andrew Lane, William Lane, Oliver Mayfield, Charles Leakey, D.R. McLeod, Seamus MacLaren, Sandy MacLaren, Duncan MacLaren, G.C. Paske, R.R. Paske, David Powell, Christopher Powell, John Phipps, Geoffrey Howe, Stephen Nelson, David Stratton and Dr. Robert Scholefield. The Minutes of the A.G.M. held on the 15th June were confirmed and signed.. The Honorary Treasurer presented the accounts for the year ended 31st March, 1986 and reported an increase in the Association's funds to 1459.26 as a result of the generosity of two deceased Old Boys - the late John Hughes and the late Robert Massey, both of whom bequeathed legacies of 100 to the Association. The accounts were adopted. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:CHAIRMAN: George Johnson VICE CHAIRMAN: Bill Jay HONORARY SECRETARY / TREASURER: Bill Stallard SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT: Dan Asterley COMMITTEE: James Edwards and Malcolm Hughes to serve with Messrs. Mark Godsall, Paul Jeavons, Ian McCulloch and Paul Collis. The Honorary Secretary reported that, following the death of the late John Hughes, he was now sole Trustee of the Association's investments. It was proposed by Francis Tuthill and seconded by Hugh Griffith that Edward Lane and Lieutenant Colonel Tony Claydon be appointed additional Trustees of the Association's assets to act jointly with Bill Stallard. This was resolved unanimously. The Honorary Secretary read a letter from Charles Leakey suggesting a History of the School should be written. Those present favoured the idea while not underestimating the work and expense which would be involved. It was agreed that further thought should be given to this.

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OLD AYMESTREY ASSOCIATION Income and Expenditure Account for the Year Ended 31st March 1986

1985 156.91

INCOME

1985 100.00 expenses

Membership subscriptions................ (including renewal of subscriptions and donations to Association Funds) 155.00 Magazine Appeal subscriptions.......... Interest on Abbey National Building Society Share Account................. Interest on Lloyds Bank Deposit....... Account Legacy from Estate of J.B. Hughes deceased Legacy from Estate of R.W. Massey deceased 2.05 73.01 02/01/34 100.00 100.00

EXPENDITURE Contribution to School Magazine

100.00

2.05 61.70 1.44

1..55 120.55

Lloyds Bank - Bank Charges ........ Excess of income over expenditure 332.40

222.10 Balance Sheet 1985 1,006.31 Balance brought forward 31st March 1984.........................................

432.40

222.10 for Year Ended 31st March 1986 1985 Balances at Lloyds Bank:Current Account Deposit Account Balance on Abbey National Building Society Share Account...............

432.40

1,126.86

411.16 29.82 1,018.28 1,459.26

155.91 25.68 Excess of income over expenditure 120.55 1,126.86 1,459.26 1,126.86 332.40 945.27

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It was proposed by Brian Massey and seconded by Lieutenant Colonel Tony Claydon that the Association's contribution to the School Magazine expenses should be increased to 150 per annum and this was resolved. Thanks were expressed to the Honorary Secretary for his efforts on the Association's behalf and the Chairman proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. D.H. Griffith and their staff for the warm hospitality offered to Old Boys. The Annual Dinner was held at the Union and County Club, Worcester with a reasonable turn-out of 26 under the Chairmanship of George Johnson, who proposed a most eloquent and engaging toast to the health of the school. Hugh Griffith responded and Messrs. Anthony Powell, Graham Barnes, Francis Tuthill, Hugo Tuthill and Bill Jay then entertained the company with a "Bust-Up" song recalling the successful teams of the year 1961. Here are the opening verses: In days of old, when we were young, To Aymestrey School a toast was sung, By Dan, of course, the Headman he, At Bustup Dinner - not high tea! He taught us how to sing this song, Enjoy good tunes, obey the gong! We loved his base game, minus shoes, And climbed the lime - Greys, Greens and Blues. We were good scouts, as Dan did wish, And went to camp to watch him fish, Inspite of rain and flooded tents, All Cuthberts kept their common sense. We're pleased to see so many here, To witness that momentous year In sixty-one when we were tots, We beat the rest by lots and lots. LEAVERS July 1986 R. Bennett (Sibford) - Came September 1981. Rugger XV. Choir. D. Dowthwaite (Fyling Hall) - Came September 1981.Soccer X1 (Capt.), Cricket X1, Rugger XV (Capt.). Colours, for Rugger, Soccer, Cricket and Cross Country. Choir. Sports Shield. Prefect. P. Gorman (Rendcomb) - Came September 1983. Rugger XV. Colours for Cross Country. Music Scholarship. S. Maher (Fyling Hall) - Came September 1983. Rugger XV. Colours for Rugger. 4

A. Parry (Ellesmere) - Came September 1980.Soccer Xl, Cricket Xl, Rugger XV. Colours, for Cricket, Rugger and Cross Country. Choir. Prefect.

S. Patterson (Kings, Worcester) - Came Summer 1985. Rugger XV, Cricket Xl. Colours for Rugger. Choir. Prefect. Exhibition. J. Perriton (Ellesmere) - Came January 1982. Rugger XV, Cricket X1, Soccer Xl. Colours, for Rugger, Soccer and Cross Country. Choir. Prefect. P. Reynolds - Came September 1983. Rugger XV. Colours for Rugger. Choir. J. Taylor - Came September 1982. Choir. Prefect. Scholarship. J. Tomsett (Rendcomb) - Came April 1984. Soccer Xl, Rugger XV. Colours for Soccer, Rugger. Prefect. Scholarship. March 1987 C. Taylor - Came September 1983. J. Byrne - Came January 1985. NEW BOYS Summer 1986 - D.A. Taylor Autumn 1986 - R.E. Auty, M.J. Burton, A.C. Emson, P.M. Homer, C.M. Hughes, M.S. O'Grady, D.W. Painter, A. Tomlins. Spring 1987 - A.J. Bowitz. SCHOLARSHIPS Congratulations to the following: J.C. Tomsett - Scholarship at Rendcomb P.M. Gorman - Music Scholarship at Rendcomb OLD BOY NEWS M.D. Bews at Rendcomb has been awarded a R.A.F. Vlth Form Scholarship. R. Blair-Oliphant is working at M.&G. Securities in the city. D. Dowthwaite is in the U 14 Rugby team, at Fyling Hall. He is learning fencing. G. A. Edmonds is deputy head of house and a school prefect at Monmouth. He has a place at St. Catherine's College, Oxford, to read French and Spanish. T.W. Everitt at Worcester Royal Grammar school is running for the U 16s and U 18s. When in the C.C.F. on a March and Shoot competition he found the lieutenant in charge was D.C. Richmond. J.N.F. Edwards is still working in Harpenden. J.W.F. Edwards married Miss Marian Major in March. He is working in Coventry as an administrator in the College of Further Education. T.M.F. Edwards is in his first year of his H.N.D. course at Seale Hyne. R. Harper at Ellesmere is doing 'O' levels this summer. 5 S.J. Kingston, with the Nature Conservancy Council, is warden of two National Nature Reserves in Hampshire. C. Knappett, at Bloxham, is in the U 16 A rugger team. He took Latin 'O' level in November having taken 3 'O's last summer. He has now given up Latin and is starting Greek. C. Leakey married Miss Bitte Karlsson in August 1986. His second hand book shop at 10, Bank Street, Inverness continues to flourish. R.J. McLeod, in the Scots Guards, has been doing a tour of duty in Northern Ireland. J.C. Packman. graduated in November and has a job in London. M. C. Packman was married in September.

R.N.R. Parry is working for Princess Cruises in the U.S.A; he is Programme Director for the Pacific and Orient. C.M.C. Rawlings at Durham has changed from Geology to Zoology. He is first bassoonist in the university orchestra. N.D. Richardson, at King's, Worcester, has been picked to play for England in the Under 16s Rugby Team. He has played two matches against Italy and one against Portugal. The English side won all three. T. Essex is on the permanent staff of the Midland Bank in Holborn.

Nigel Richardson Capped for England U16

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J. Essex is taking 'O' levels at Ellesmere. D.E.L. Taylor is taking 7 subjects for G.C.S.E. , is a member of the C.C.F., is learning the guitar and playing hockey and squash at King's. J. C. Tomsett is enjoying life at Rendcomb. He misses the snooker table but there are many other opportunities. He played for the U 14 As Rugby as flanker. R.I.G. Tyler is the Area Manager for Berol. J.D.G. Tyler is working for his father. O.L. Saunders at Ackworth is enjoying sailing and has started on the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme. He is finding work for the new G.C.S.E. easier in some subjects but more difficult in others. S.J. Schilizzi is at Hertford College, Oxford reading History. T. Wise is playing fives at Bloxham. He has 3 'O' levels at A grade and will be taking a further 9, including 3 'AO' this year. G. Yule is at Kidderminster College studying for 'A' levels in Photography, Maths and General Studies. N E W S o f E X S TA F F Marcus Cash, having completed his tour of duty with the Cheshire Regiment, has now left the army and is spending the rest of this year working with Torquil on Ru'a Fiola as Chief Instructor. During the time he was in the army his duties ranged from guarding Buckingham Palace to arresting drug traffickers in Belize. Simon Page has left Sainsbury's and is working for a small company in Norfolk. Mrs. Beard is now having great success with her painting. She has a bronze medal from the Royal Horticultural Society already. GIFTS We are very grateful to the following for their presents to the school. Mr. & Mrs. Tomsett - Rests for the billiard cues. Mr. & Mrs. Wise - Measuring wheel for athletics and books for the library. Mr. & Mrs. Patterson - Roller for the printing press and a copy of the Bayeux Tapestry. Mrs. Taylor and James - Framed song. Mr. Scott - Many theatrical props. George Johnson - Classical records. Bill Jay for advice and much help over some very difficult tree problems. Once again we should like to thank all those parents who have helped with transport to matches, festivals, etc. 7

MUSIC During the year the following Associated Board Exams were passed:Grade 2 R. Gorman - Piano J. Sawtell Piano Grade 4 A.G. Rees - Flute A. Emson Piano Grade 5 P. Gorman - Piano J. Taylor - Theory. MUSIC FESTIVALS In October, Dean Close School, Cheltenahm, invited us to join with the choirs of eight other prep. schools to sing Choral Evensong in their chapel. This was much enjoyed by the choir and the parents who came. We shall be taking part again this year and hope that this will become an annual event. In March our choir joined the choirs of fifteen other prep. schools to sing in the Malvern College chapel. Four hundred trebles do make a magical sound and this was a most moving occasion, very well attended by Aymestrey parents. Michael Brown, the Director of Music at Malvern, was kind enough to write afterwards commenting on how well the lesson was read by Sven Taylor. On the next day J. Harper (trumpet) and A. Rees (flute) went over again to Malvern to play in the combined orchestra. This performance too was of a high standard. CONCERT in Aid of TADWORTH COURT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL One Sunday in the summer Martin Harris, (Aymestrey 1965 - 1970), who is now a professional singer, came to take part in a concert in aid of Tadworth. Martin sang to us and played his tuba and many boys took part in a most enjoyable affair. The Piece de Resistance was when Martin and his tuba joined our band for their two pieces arranged and conducted by Mr. Gowland - what a difference a solid bass makes! M. Patterson sang a solo and the finale was a comic song - A Policeman's Lot is not a Happy One - when Martin Harris sang a duet with Sven Taylor and the choir put in the fiddley bits. 86 was collected for Tadworth. 8

CHESS For three years now the standard of chess in the school has been steadily rising and the top four boys, led by Brodie, the captain, are all strong players; the others are Brining,

Richardson and Gurney. We played ten matches, won eight, drew 1 against the Blind College, and lost in the second round of The Times Newpaper National Competition, to King Edward V1 School, Birmingham. For the second time in three years we beat Malvern College, 2.5 - 3.5, on handicap, Brodie and Richardson winning against boys 5 years older than themselves and Brining managing a very good draw. We entered for the Birmingham Quick Play Junior league with a team of 8 and came 9th out of 16 with 19 wins out of 40 games played in the day. Sadly Brodie was unwell and had to concede his last game. Of the boys not mentioned so far Griffiths and Stocker are keen and promising and not far behind come Sawtell, Barnes, Allan and Harper J.; Homer shows signs that he may well become good but, like nearly all the others, tends to play rather too quickly. We are very grateful to Mr. Knee of Malvern College who not only came and played, and beat 12 boys in a simultaneous exhibition, in which Brodie achieved a draw, but also spent some time on coaching the team. Brodie and Richardson attended the Dragon School Chess Congress in the holidays. Brodie won a place in the championship where he did well to win five out of nine games and Richardson, in the B Group won five out of eight and then distinguished himself by winning in his Simultaneous Match against John Walker, who was County Champion of Oxfordshire. PRINTING This year the printers - Bateman, Harper J. and Penson - concentrated their efforts on relief etching. This is an ancient process that is rarely seen these days, but one that enables the cheap reproduction of quite intricate pictures and designs. The drawing is done by means of a dip pen onto a thin sheet of zinc. This is the most difficult part of the whole operation as the medium used is a sticky, intractable varnish. Once the picture is complete and the varnish is dry, the plate is immersed in a bath of nitric acid for two hours. During this time the acid eats away the metal that is not covered by the varnish. This leaves the drawn lines standing proud of the surface. To print a picture from these lines an uncut zinc plate is inked up, placed on top of the etching, run through the rollers of an old mangle, prised apart and put to one side. The etching now has ink on the lines that make up the picture. To complete the process the etching is placed on a piece of card, a sheet of paper is placed over it, and the whole thing is run through the mangle. The paper is peeled off and, barring the usual thousand and one problems that beset every printing process, a perfect image should appear. 9

This sort of printing w o r k i s o f t e n s l o w a n d invariably frustrating. By the end of the printing year, however, all three boys had succeeded in producing at least one picture by a process that has remained unchanged - apart from the mangle - since the days such artists of genius, as Blake and Palmer, employed it to create their w o r k s o f b e a u t y a n d imagination.

CRICKET 1986 This was rather a ragged season as neither the weather nor the team ever really settled. No-one, with the exception of Parry showed any real consistency with the bat and consequently on several occasions the efforts of the bowlers were left unsupported by the rest of the eleven. Despite this unsatisfactory state of affairs, however, some valuable lessons were learnt by the younger members of the team and they should have the opportunity to redeem themselves next year. The first match against St. Richard's was drawn with both sides scoring slowly against steady, accurate bowling. It was a cold day and the outfield was sodden so the result seemed inevitable from the first hour's play. O'Neill was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 24 off 12 overs, but after a steady if slow, opening partnership between Harper and Bateman the middle order never really got going and the game ended rather tamely. The first Moffats match was rather more encouraging with the school setting the visitors a total of 107 to beat - ONeill hitting an aggressive 39 not out. But once again the rain prevented a result.

In the home game against St. Richard's O'Neill shared the honours with Parry. The former hit a sparkling 32 not out while the latter took 4 for 22 to enable the team to win by 12 runs. With these two bowling accurately the chance of victory was always present but, as against the Elms at home, their hard work was often squandered by the collapsible nature of the batting. Neither Bateman nor Bartlett M. ever looked like scoring the big innings that was required of them and when - as on this occasion - O'Neill and Parry failed as well the rest of the team looked even more vulnerable. This . loss, by fifty odd runs, was compounded by losing to Moffats away from home. Parry held the innings together and Rodgman hammered an unorthodox 16 in support but the top of the order still failed to apply the necessary concentration to stay put and score, so, although the bowlers again performed well, there were always too few runs to play with. 10 The Elms away showed the better side of school cricket. Bartlett M., Parry and O'Neill all got their heads down - the last too literally as he was struck on the head and had to retire hurt - and amassed a sensible 92. With only three fit bowlers Bartlett, Parry and Dowthwaite did well to take 7 wickets for 50 in the Elms' innings. In the Old Boys' match Brining showed his potential by scoring a staunch 21, and some good bowling - Dowthwaite taking 3 for 7 - gave the team their second win of the season. Brining reproduced his form, and an identical total, against the Fathers and with Parry's 27 gave the opposition a respectable total of a 100 to chase. They achieved it with two wickets in hand. Nine members of this season's team will be available to play in 1987. They should take note of their failings, realise that concentration is as necessary as flair and enthusiasm, and, hopefully, fulfil their obvious potential as a successful side. ATHLETICS The standard of athletics continued to rise and in the AAA awards the following deserve mention: 5 stars in 3 Events, Pentathlon and Decathlon U15 - S. Perriton U13 - J. Harper and M. Bartlett U12 - C. Gurney 5 stars in 3 Events and Decathlon U 12 - P. Allan, S. Bennett and M. Patterson 5 stars in 3 Events and 4 stars in Pentathlon and Decathlon U14 - D. Dowthwaite U13 - J. ONeill U12 - R. Gorman U10 - P. Smith 4 stars in 3 Events, Pentathlon and Decathlon U14 - S. Maher U12 - R. Brodie U11 - D. Bartlett 4 stars in 3 Events and Pentathlon or Decathlon U14 - P. Gorman U13 - J. Rodgman U11 - N. Griffiths On July 9th we took an Athletics team to Denstone to take part in their annual Prep. Schools' Meeting. None of us had any experience of this sort of event and all were somewhat daunted by the sheer size of a 6 lane 400m. track. If 'taking part' is the main

thing then we did well although no boy reached a final. It was a pity that Perriton was a few days too old as he would have had a better chance of scoring than the others. The team took part as follows: 75m U10 P. Smith 100m Ull D. Bartlett, U12 C. Gurney, U13 J. O'Neill, U14 D. Dowthwaite 200m U10 P. Smith, U12 S. Bennett, U13 B. Penson, U14 P. Gorman 11

400m U12 R. Brodie, U13 M. Bartlett 800m U12 M. Patterson 1500m U13 J. Harper Hurdles - U12 - P. Allan, U13 - B. Penson, U14 - S. Maher Long Jump U12 - S. Bennett High Jump - U12 - C. Gurney In October we were delighted to take part in the Malvern College Festival of Sport. Too many boys had a go at so many activities to list them all here. However, it was much enjoyed by all - spectators as well - and two boys distinguished themselves; J. Harper won the Cross Country by a 'street' and Brodie was the only boy to win all eight of his chess matches. Next year, if invited, we shall hope to be better organized and that no-one will get lost in the squash courts! SWIMMING 1986 It is becoming monotonous to say so but once again the weather made much serious swimming impossible. Apart from other considerations most children are now so used to heated swimming pools that the adjustment when they first come is more difficult than it was ten years ago. However, by the end of the summer there were only three boys who could not really swim a width. The Greens kept their reputation as the 'Swimming' colour with Richardson who swam 100 lengths and was keen to do more - and Patterson S. who swam 67. White showed courage - he really felt the cold - but was prepared to take part in anything when required to do so. CAMP Once again we are most grateful to Ann and Norman Green Price for their help and hospitality to our campers last summer. As usual the camp was much enjoyed by all and the boys returned to school in good shape, albeit slightly dirtier than when they went! This year's Vth Form are already looking forward to their days under canvas. Ru'a Fiola 1986 The most hair raising, and also the most exciting bit of the whole holiday was abseiling. The day before we did it I was ready to go down, but when the time came to step over the seventy foot cliff called 'The Slab' I was really scared. My legs were shaking as I stepped off the top and my stomach had an unsure feeling. I looked frantically for foot holes, then slowly I let the rope run smoothly through my hand, and down I went. It was a dream come true. I could stop myself and just sit there in the air and admire the beautiful view of the cliffs of Mull where I had been for a holiday a year ago. Then I made up my

mind to let the rope go and just fly through the air. The wind was rushing through my hair as I dropped like a stone. I reached the bottom and slowly stopped myself. Then I ran up the track to the top for another go. Andrew Rees 12

RUGBY 1986 This year's rugby team was hard-working, enthusiastic, skilful and consistent to such a high degree that in all its eight games - whatever the result - it never failed to entertain and impress all those lucky enough to see it in action. Its great strength was always the reliance each member of the XV placed on the others. Individual skills were never exploited for individual glory but combined with the efforts of the rest of the team into producing a genuine fifteen man achievement. The results bear testimony to these all-round performances. The two physically demanding games against St. Richard's both ended with only two points separating the teams. At our first meeting we drew with Winterfold and then narrowly lost the replay. Against Hillstone we almost managed to contain their giant number eight then went on to beat the Elms by a large margin and ended the season with a fine performance against Abberley Seconds which we won 24-12. The team was fairly settled for most of the season. The only major change was the introduction of the much improved Patterson at scrum-half midway through the term in place of Bateman who moved to inside centre. Otherwise, with the usual exception of the wingers, most of the side played in the same position for most of the term. The front row was never bettered, and rarely equalled, in any match. With Rodgman and Brining propping solidly and adding a great deal of muscular technique in the loose play we had a marvellous base to build on. Their powerful presence enabled Taylor S., another useful performer in the loose, to hone his hooking skills until we were virtually assured of winning every ball at our own scrummages and a large proportion against the head. Rees and Richardson were a splendid second row. Not only did they add genuine push to the front row but also were always up in support at the rucks. These were the most telling part of our forward play and the control exhibited by the pack enabled them to win far more ball than many of their heavier opponents. Smith J. gave another outstanding display as a marauding flanker that, once again, belied his slight physique. When, at the end of the season he was paired with Allan they made a formidable threat to any opposing half-back combination. Harper J. led by fine example at number 8 and was never lacking in courage or determination. He also used his brain behind the scrummage and was always ready to vary the play by masterminding a push-over try or taking the ball himself. A good deal of the credit for the team's fine performances is due to him.

Bateman gave us a solid start to the season as scrum-half but Patterson improved so quickly that Bateman's safe hands were transferred to the centre where, in the final 13

line-up, he became an important link in a quick and attractive three-quarter line As O'Neill's confidence grew he and Patterson forged a very useful half-back pairing and his own incisive running combined with an unselfish willingness to distribute the ball early meant that the forwards' hard won ball was usually usefully employed. He was a strong tackler and kicked with a degree of precision, sense, and control very rarely seen at this level. Gurney improved throughout the season in the centre and as he grew more asssured he became another powerful back always eager to attack. The wingers changed fairly frequently but by the end of the season Bewley J. was providing a safe pair of hands on one side and Byrne was showing what a little application and hard work could do on the other. Some of his runs against Abberley were particularly impressive. Penson at full-back deserves special mention. At the beginning of the season particularly, when the back line was still unsure of its defensive role, he made several trysaving tackles of great courage and precision. By the end of the season his bursts through the line into the attack were equally exciting and incisive. Throughout this long term the senior game as a whole contributed a great deal of consistent hard work. Several players, such as Bartlett M. and Gorman, were in and out of the team but always played to the best of their abilities. Whatever the activity, from the early morning hard play area to the cross-countries that crept in at the end of the term, the enthusiastic committment of all the members of the game was always of the highest order and it is this that the results of a XV really reflect. Soccer and Cross-Country 1987. With only four soccer fixtures played and the annual cross-country at St. Richard's cancelled this term was, once again, most frustrating. This was especially so as the quality of school cross-country running has never been higher. By the end of term over thirty boys were completing one of several different courses run at break and the standard of the seniors was so high we were able to enter two teams for the St. Richard's competition. During the term these runners, from the first through to the fifth form, performed through almost every conceivable sort of foul weather with remarkable good humour and excellent results. Although they were denied the competition at St. Richard's it is to be hoped that those of them who are leaving at the end of the summer will join the growing number of older boys who are distinguishing themselves in this sport at their next schools. Among those who ran the following deserve special mention for their efforts: Harper J., O'Neill, Patterson, Rees, Bartlett M., Brodie, Allan, Byrne, Penson, Smith J., Bewley J., Sawtell, Smith P., Griffiths, Bartlett D., Harper M. and Bewley, A. 14

As has been the case for the last few years the soccer team lacked enough match practice to realise their true potential. They lost 2-5 to St. Richard's due to a ghastly ten minutes in the second half when the home team scored three. This was put behind them in the next game, however, when they beat The Elms 8-0 with Patterson scoring five. They lost 2-1 to the Moffats in a closely contested match away from home and then closed the season in spectacular fashion by beating Moor Park 1st XI for the first time in living memory 4-2. This was a game to savour as the team came back from being 1-2 down at half time to turn in an excellent all-round performance that drew deserved admiration from all those who saw it. Penson was always brave, if somewhat at fault earlier in the season, in goal, and the back three of Harper J., Richardson and Rodgman usually provided him with a solid, though sometimes rather too square, defensive line. O'Neill often dominated the midfield for most matches but still tended to try and do too much himself when the rest of the side was faltering. He captained the side well and showed a finer sense of positional play and ball control than many players of his age. Bateman and Bewley J. gave him staunch support and could be relied upon to add even more solid support to the defence. Gurney and Bartlett M. on the wings always provided the team's best chances of a successful attack and on the occasions that both played well they made our forward play exciting and entertaining to watch. Patterson and Brining added some much needed aggression to the strikers' positions and were always threatening in front of goal. Whatever the result this team returned with they were always an entertaining eleven to watch and it was pleasing that so many spectators commented so favourably on the attractive soccer that they produced. Treasure Island Actually the drama started before we left Aymestrey when the coach got bogged down on the South Lawn and we had to ferry the boys to Malvern by car. This robbed us of valuable rehearsal time, but in spite of this die cast rose to occasion and the Show went on. We asked Mrs. M. Beard, whom many boys both past and present will remember, to write a few lines on the play as all members of staff were behind scenes and did not see it. She writes as follows: 'Bubbling enthusiasm is the only way to describe this year's instalment of Aymestrey's interpretation of Treasure Island. It is not often these days one gets to be a pirate, but the cut-throat rabble led by Brett Brining, Ben Penson, John Harper, Andrew Rees, Charles Taylor, Michael Bartlett, Jonathan O'Neill and Andrew White, were a fearsome lot, brandishing swords 15

and conniving at all manner of skulduggery. Matthew Patterson as Jim, is to be congratulated, not only on an excellent performance,

but also on learning a long and difficult part. Sven Taylor, as Long John Silver, stumped the boards, threatening and wheedling as the part demanded. Ben Gunn, played by Carl Gurney, squirmed and gyrated about the stage; all his years of longing distilled into the desire for 'just a little piece of cheese'. The Doctor - Paul Allan, Captain Smollett - Simon Ricketts, and the Squire - Bob Brodie, took their parts with the necessary dignity and courage. Billy Bones - Aaron Bateman emerged from his chest looking thoroughly disgusting!' We are most grateful to Malvern College for lending us their theatre and their 'lights' man. We should also like to thank Mr. Scott for his props. - in particular the gun. The problem of gunfire was solved by the use of the starting pistol, manned by Mr. Wellspring, and the cannon by the Owen family, who suggested using paper bags. This proved to be the answer and Mr. Goodyear spent both breath and time practising the art of the 'Big Bang', to good effect. COMPUTING and the O.A.A. MAGAZINE Some years ago we were given a Nascom computer by a leaver, but this was not really suitable for teaching and Mr. P. J. Wellspring, who teaches computing here, has been bringing in his own Macintosh for our Vth formers to use. In fact, when Toby Wise and Carl Knappett did their scholarships to Malvern, out of all the scholars who submitted projects theirs were the only ones considered by the Malvern computing staff. Now, however, we have bought our own Macintosh and this magazine has been compiled on it. We have not, as yet, got a printer and Mr. Wellspring has solved this problem - as well as very many others - by using his Laser printer. This means that it can be taken to a firm all ready to be printed and bound in its final form and this has more than halved the cost of the magazine. Next year we hope the magazine will be more interesting as we shall not be so rushed - we have only had it about six weeks. The computer will also be invaluable for administrative purposes and will cut down on the time spent on endless office work. Already the Vth form are compiling a program which will make a great difference to the recording of the AAA results. We could not, and would not, have taken this step without Mr. Wellspring's help and advice. He has had endless patience teaching DHG and GSG to word process - it is much easier to teach the boys! - and he has spent many hours of his own time correcting our mistakes and planning the layout of the magazine. We are extremely grateful to him. 16