Vanbrugh Castle School
The Vanbrugh Chronicle - Summer 1964
[Use the back button on your browser to return or click heading to go to Home Page]
The Vanbrugh Chronicle
Well, this is the last editorial I shall be writing for the "CHRONICLE", but not the end of my association with Vanbrugh, I hope.
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Mr. Corner for having confidence in me when he made me Head Boy. I hope I have justified that confidence. Also the teaching staff for the benefit of their instruction. Cookie, Netta and Mrs. Westell for keeping me well-fed. Mrs. Goldie and Miss Vince for looking after my health, Sir John Cordingley and all of the staff of the Benevolent Fund for all they have done for the School, and I should like to thank all the other people who have helped in looking after us. If Mrs. Chalmers or Mrs. Jacobs should read this "Thanks for being pals".
I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the Magazine. I hope that it will go on being published in the terms to come.
So ends the Vanbrugh Chapter of MY LIFE. I hope that the next chapter in the book of my life will prove as the last one turned out to be.
My very best wishes to you all.
Air Vice-Marshal Sir John W. Cordingley, K.C.B., K.C.V.O., C.B.E., R.A.F. (Ret'd)
7th July, 1964.
Dear Mr. Editor,
Two small boys were arguing as to whose Uncle said the shortest grace after dinner: No. 1 Boy said "My Uncle says "Thank God" : No. 2 Boy "I win, my Uncle stands up puts his hands on his tummy and says "There".
It is very right and proper that thanks should at all times be expressed, in whatever maybe the most suitable form, for all we receive or for all that is done for us.
The list of those we must thank is a colossal one, far too long to be fully dealt with in the space available here. But bearing in mind the approaching end of term and holidays I would mention just a short list - needless to say we should thank God, our Maker, for everything that is good; our Mothers for all they have done; the Masters, Matrons, Housekeeper, Cook and Staff of Vanbrugh Castle School; The Headmaster, whose wise and dedicated helmanship is so valuable; the Head Boy of the School whose importance in the efficient running and happiness of the School cannot be over-emphasised; and The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund for providing the School.
Through you, Mr. Editor, I wish the entire School very happy holidays.
ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE GREENWICH
Letter from the Chaplain.
This will have to be a very short letter, as Ian MacFadyen has run all the way down to the Royal Naval College from the School to fetch it. (The Postal Strike is still upon us).
The main thing to say in this letter is thanks to Raymond Pendleton and to David Rodgers for all their help in the College Choir. We shall miss them when they leave Vanbrugh at the end of the term, and I know the Admiral President, Captain and Officers of the College will wish to join me in wishing them very good luck in their next school.
As this will be seen by parents, I ought to own up about how much I enjoy going up the hill to Vanbrugh every Thursday and taking classes for all their boys - whether the boys enjoy it, is another matter!
While thanking the boys that are leaving, we at the College also thank all the others who provide us with a "built in" Choir School; and it is a great joy to see all the other boys in the front of our Chapel. The connection between the School and the College provides a Naval Chaplain with a wonderful opportunity of "keeping his hand in" at the game of teaching boys.
Finally, this is to wish you all a very good summer holiday, and don't any of you capsize your dinghy when sailing!
SONG OF PRAISE - from an anonymous mother.
Perhaps the Vanbrugh Castle boys don't know what Songs of Praise are sung about them nowadays. But we mothers know - and we feel proud to be a small part of the School too, and to feel honoured by the compliments that are paid. You are all doing a wonderful job, and we want you to realize that we are all behind you in your efforts. May the good work long continue! It means so much to the peace of mind of the mothers, I can assure you.
TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
As a mere mum, may I be allowed to congratulate you on "THE VANBRUGH CASTLE CHRONICLE". It makes excellent reading and the amount of real information contained therein is amazing.
Please carry on, you and your budding journalists, for you are doing a very good job indeed.
I was especially delighted to read your Headmaster's letter - you must feel good when you receive such letters.
I look forward to reading future editions.
A LETTER FROM DAVE RODGERS
I have been at this school, six years two terms, the longest in the juniors by two years, and I have seen many changes:-
1. The Science Laboratory was a room with an electric train in, and we were allowed to play with it in the presence of an adult.
2. The new classrooms were erected in 1958-59 and before they were put up there was just a little patch in which we could play.
3. The flagpole was brought here in 1962 and it is by the old tree stump in the castle yard.
4. The Masters' rooms have been moved about too.
5. The games room was built in 1962 and it was before known as 'THE SENIOR'S PITCH'.
6. The playground was built in 1963, a gift by the Variety Club of Great Britain.
7. The library, in Bader, was a gift also by the Variety Club of Great Britain.
As a result of Mr. Payne's request that some kind of tough training be devised for the 12 and 13 year-olds, it was decided to send a party of six boys with him to the Bowles Mountaineering Gymnasium near Crowborough for a trail week-end. It proved such a success that a second party of seven went two weeks later with the Headmaster as a non-climbing mentor.
This short course is a wonderful stimulus to all kinds of boys, and gives them great confidence in themselves by showing them how to achieve the apparently impossible. We certainly hope to go again, if our funds will stretch that far!
We are printing the log of one of the members of the first party, Brian Pafford, so that readers may see what kind of programme they had.
BRIAN PAFFORD'S ROCK CLIMBING COURSE LOG
| FRIDAY EVENING | Arrived at Bridge at 8.13 p.m. Looked around the camp till about 10.0 p.m. Then we had a quick swim. 11.0 p.m. lights out. |
| SATURDAY | Got up at 7.30 a.m. Had a swim. 8.0 a.m. had breakfast. 9.30 a.m. Physical Excercise and simple rock-climbing until 12.30p.m. 12.30 p.m. - 2.0 p.m. lunch and swim 2.0 p.m. - 4.0 p.m. more climbing on "Wells Reach" and "Club House Slab" 4.0 p.m. Tea 5.0 p.m. - 7.0 p.m. (FREE) Had a swim and played about. 8.0p.m. - 9.30p.m. saw films of BOWLES ROCKS 9.45 p.m. Mr. Payne and MacFadyen had a swim. Others watched. 11.0p.m. LIGHTS CUT |
| SUNDAY | Got up at 7.45 a.m. 8.0 a.m. Church Service 9.30 - 12.30 Rock Climbing and exercise (abseiling) 12.30 - 2.0 Lunch and swim 2.0 - 4.30 More climbing ('BIRCH CRACK' and 'RED PEG') 4.30 High tea. TRAIN LEFT 6.18p.m. |
THE NINE BASIC POINTS OF MOUNTAINEERING (given to us by Mr. Arthur Wells, Chief Instructor of Bowles).
1. Conserve Energy
2. Move Rhythmically
3. Heels Down
4. Stand Upright
5. Climb first with the eyes
6. Test New Holds
7. Keep Hands Low
8. Three point climbing
9. THINK BEFORE YOU MOVE
2. Move Rhythmically
3. Heels Down
4. Stand Upright
5. Climb first with the eyes
6. Test New Holds
7. Keep Hands Low
8. Three point climbing
9. THINK BEFORE YOU MOVE
ROCK CLIMBING COURSES (CORRESPONDENCE)
After the second group of Vanbrugh boys had visited the Bowles Mountaineering Gymnasium, the Chief Instructor, Mr. Arthur Wells, wrote to the Headmaster:-
Thank you all for giving me a most enjoyable week-end. You have all worked very hard and done well at the things you have attempted.
On the following day, the Headmaster had a letter from the owner of the Gymnasium which ran:
It gave us all great pleasure to look after and teach so well-behaved a group of boys as you brought. The two pioneer teams you have brought have shown us by their interest and conduct that whenever we have the privilege of making further bookings for your school, we shall do so with gladsome heart.
(THE HEADMASTER TELLS US ANOTHER BOOKING HAS BEEN MADE FOR NOVEMBER).
We have been pleased to welcome to the School Miss Vince who replaced Mrs. Allen (who had to leave through reasons of health), as Matron. Miss Vince is an ardent cricket 'fiend' (as she describes herself).
On Visiting Day she agreed most happily to take some of the boys who were not going out, to the Oval to see a match between SURREY and KENT. So, by this example you can see how nice she is.
Mrs. Spiers comes twice a week to teach four boys weaving, and the finished articles will be on show on Speech Day.
This term Cookie was ill and Mrs. Westall kindly offered to cook for the boys while Cookie was ill (days off included!).
All the Masters with the boys have been working hard preparing for Speech Bay. and Mr. Purcell has been practising patiently with the band.
Mr. Brunker still comes regularly to practice with the choir and to give piano lessons.
Mrs. Cran, a tutor at Prendergast Girl's Grammar School, comes to talk to members of the V, and four of the IV form, on AUSTRALIA, her home-land.
We are all sorry to say good-bye to Sergeant Rutherford, our P. T. Instructor, and thank him for all the training he has given us, especially to the boys in the display on Speech Day.
This term we have had Mr. Shaw, a student teacher from the London University, whose main interest was music. While the Headmaster was examining St. Paul's School, in French for the G. C.E, he, Mr. Shaw, took the Headmaster's lessons.
The principal guest and speaker on this occasion will be MR. E.C. COOPER, M.A., Warden of Kingham Hill School accompanied by his wife, MRS. COOPER, who will be presenting prizes to the boys.
Other guests are;-
Air Chief Marshal, Sir Hugh W. L. Saunders, K.C.B., K.B.E., M.C., D.F.C., M.M.,
Lady Saunders
Air Marshal, Sir John E. Whitley, K.B.E., D.S.O., C.B., A.F.C.,
Lady Whitley
Air Vice-Marshal, Sir John Cordingley, K.C.B.,K.C.V.O.,C.B.E.,
Lady Cordingley
Mrs. R. E. Croome
Air Vice-Marshal, Sir Douglas Harries, K.C.B., A.F.C.,
Lady Harries
Air Vice-Marshal, E. Knowles, C.B.E.,B.Sc.,F.E.Ae.S
Mrs. Knowles
Prizes will be given to;-
P. Sanders for READING (Junior)
D. Frost for MUSIC (Junior)
P. Banbury for MUSIC (Senior)
B. Pafford for HOUSE PLAY
I. McFadyen for READING (Senior)
WINNERS OF OTHER PRIZES ARE NOT KNOWN AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS.D. Frost for MUSIC (Junior)
P. Banbury for MUSIC (Senior)
B. Pafford for HOUSE PLAY
I. McFadyen for READING (Senior)
This term there have been quite a number of beginners; some a success, some a failure. Here is a list of those who are still in the band:-
Myles and E. D. Breary - TRUMPETS
David A. Frost - CLARINET
Andrew Armstrong - CLARINET
Alan Comeau - CLARINET
Paul McCann - SOUSAPHONE
The band will be playing a selection of music on Speech Day. We all thank Mr. Purcell for all the training he has given us.
The choir still has 11 boys; Raymond Reeder left the School and choir last term; but Christopher Owens has been admitted. We had the occasion once again, on which we sang without the W.R.N.S. and we were thanked for our excellent singing on this day. There was a wedding on 13th June, at which we were invited to sing.
During the past term a new store room has been built for the Games-Room by Marshall & Andrew, a building firm. This is for our games equipment and band instruments. Also this firm has been pointing the walls of the castle and doing odd repair jobs.
The School is being re-wired with new electric cables to replace the old ones. Dry rot has been found in Tedder roof, so the work-men are renewing the roof.
On Thursday, 4th June, three boys went to Kingham Hill School to look around. They were;- D. Patten, K. Huxford, and J. Clelford. We went with the headmaster.
On Thursday, 18th June, we all went to the Royal Docks on the private yacht of the Port of London Authority, the "ST CATHERINE".
On Wednesday, 8th July, we went to the Royal Tournament at Earls Court.
On the 5th July, members of the 1st and 2nd. forms visited H.M.S. London, a missile destroyer.
On the 22nd July, the V form went to see a production of Shakespeare's Macbeth at King's School, Canterbury.
This term we have had three short films, one on the Brooke Bond Chimps and two on musical instruments.
On the llth June, this term we went to a local cinema to see the film 'ZULU'.
On June 4th six V formers attended the world premiere of the film '633 Squadron'.
On Visiting Day, those boys who neither went out with their Mothers or to the Oval, saw the film 'THE NUTTY PROFESSOR' at a local cinema.
On the last night of term we are having the film, 'THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE'
CRICKET SCORE
In the cricket match, between ROAN SCHOOL and ST. JOSEPH'S on May, 30th, Ian McCulley achieved the highest score (44) for ROAN.
TROPHY
A trophy has been awarded by the Headmaster for the best garden of the week. (IT IS AWARDED EVERY SATURDAY)
GIFT
THE DULWICH BRANCH OF THE R.A.F.A. has offered us £20 for a binge.
Once again we would all like to thank NETTA, COOKIE, and MRS. WESTELL for the very nice FOOD we have here. THANK YOU
One Saturday afternoon, the Headmaster went shopping and returned with models, games and puzzles for the boys.
NEW EDITOR
I hereby hand the duties of Editor to K. HUXFORD.
OVERHEARD BY AGENTS
" Oh, Sir, the food in this school is so lovely, I cant help having second helpings". (LOVERSEED CLUTCHING HIS TUMMY IN THE DORMITORY).
"Who were those well behaved boys sitting in front of you in the Chapel" - LOCAL BANK MANAGER TO HEADMASTER -
REED'S by M.T. Smith
E.D. Pafford
Is in VI form languages and is Captain and Prefect of CAPEL HOUSE. Next August he is going on an Outward Bound Course. He has played for the 1st XI and for his House at CRICKET. Next September, he will be SCHOOL CAPTAIN and CAPTAIN OF RUGBY.
C.J. Pafford
Is also in CAPEL and in Upper IV languages. He has played CRICKET for his house and will be running on SPORTS DAY.
A.McCulley
Is also in CAPEL and in V languages. He has played CRICKET for his house and for the school.
D.C. Taylor
Of MULLENS and Upper IV Science has played CRICKET for his house and for the school.
B.M. Longhurst
Also of MULLENS and Upper IV Science has also played CRICKET for his house and for the school.
M. T. Smith
Of BRISTOWE and Upper IV languages. He has nothing to report on games - he is in the SWIMMING SET and does that instead of CRICKET.
I.W. MacFadyen
Who goes to REED'S next term will be in BRISTOWE and in Lower IV A.
KINGHAM HILL
In the past year BRIAN SHORTER has 'carried off' the music banner from CHIPPING NORTON GRAMMAR SCHOOL, and has won the CLARINET prize for the SECOND time in THREE years.
Together with two other ex-Vanbrugh clarinetists they formed an ensemble and won a prize in their class.
He came first in MATHS "O" Level G.C.E exams.
He hopes to study electronics at UNIVERSITY.
Barry Whittaker was first, last term, in HISTORY and RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE and intends to study law and finally become a solicitor.
All at KINGHAM HILL send their thanks for the 'SCUMPTUOUS' party they had, at Vanbrugh LAST CHRISTMAS.
CRICKET
CRICKET has improved quite a lot as a result of Mr. A. V. Payne's insistent coaching in the nets and games lessons. The BOWLING has remained as it was last year, but the fielding and batting have improved.
PATTEN, PAFFORD, McCANN, and DIXON have scored the most runs this term. The WICKET KEEPER has been changed 3 times. We now have a very able keeper, NIGEL GRAYSTON.
The following have been in the team during sometime this term;
D. PATTEN (Captain), N. GRAYSTON (Wicket Keeper,) , B. PAFFORD (Vice Captain), T. MAYNARD, J. DIXON, H. RICHARDSON, T. OGDEN, P. McCANN, M. BARLOW, P. SANDERS, B. TYEKIFF and K. BARLEY.
The RESULTS of the matches are as follows:
| V.C.S. | (A) | 36:68 | RAVENSBOURNE |
| V.C.S. | (H) | 8:102 | WESTMINSTER CHOIR SCHOOL |
| V.C.S. | (H) | 41:96 | CARN BREA 2nd XI |
| V.C.S. | (A) | 27:118 | KING'S COLLEGE CHOIR SCHOOL |
| V.C.S. | (A) | 71:102(for 7) | ST. FAITH'S |
| V.C.S.(for 9) | (A) | 34:99 | CARN BREA 2ndXI |
| V.C.S. | (A) | 91(for3):37 | RAVENSBOUNE COLLEGE |
| V.C.S. | (H) | 76 (for 11):72 | WESTMINSTER UNDER SCHOOL |
| V.C.S. | (A) | 118(for 3):69(for 9) |
Two boys this term have been awarded their COLOURS:-
B. PAFFORD and J. DIXON
| THESE ARE THE BOWLING AVERAGES | BATTING AVERAGES |
| PATTEN : 5.6 | RICHARDSON : 1.3 |
| MAYNARD : 12 | PATTEN : 7.3 |
| PAFFORD : 9.1 | OGDEN : 1.2 |
| DIXON : 6.5 | PAFFORD : 9.0 |
| McCANN : 8.2 | MAYNARD : 8.8 |
| OGDEN : 9 | DIXON: 3 |
| BARLOW: 7 | BARLEY: 1.2 |
| TYEKIFF : 1.5 | SANDERS : 1.3 |
| McCANN : 8.0 | BARLOW: 4 |
SWIMMING SPORTS
CORDINGLEY won the Senior Events and scored 2 points towards the House Shield; HARRIES won the Junior and scored one point. BARLEY broke a school record with a plunge of 40 feet, 21/2 inches. In an inter-school relay race ROAN were first, V.C.S. second, and WESTMINSTER Under School third.
BY T. W. Macfadyen
The R.A.F.A. has a scheme whereby a party of not more than ten children visit any place on the Continent where members of the Association have settled. My brother and I were on this Easter's visit to St. Cerque, a skiing village in SWITZERLAND.
The highlights of the trip, as far as we were concerned, were the two flights: LONDON to GENEVA and vice versa. At Geneva the welcome we received was overwhelming. All the R.A.F.A. members in Geneva were there to greet us with small parcels.
To mention in such an article everything that occured during the trip would be impossible, so I shall pick out a few points of interest.
Above St. Cerque is a view running down to Lake Leman (Geneva); it is claimed that this is the best view in Switzerland. The cable-cars were a thing to remember, they didn't stop for you, you had to run and get on!
The house we stayed at was one of two, "MAISON d'ENFANTS", in the village. These are for children to stay in for their holidays, or if they are unable to stay with their parents.
The day on which we left Switzerland, was one of the party, KEITH THOMAS', birthday: when we got to Geneva Airport he found a birthday cake and presents waiting for him from the R.A.F.A. While at the Airport I met CHARLIE WATTS, drummer of the 'ROLLING STONES'.
The end came all too soon. But we left having added new horizons to our General Knowledge.
The pictures are (left to right);
Paper A. My Brother, Alan, outside Le Chateau de Chillon famous for Byron's Prisoner of Chillon: The rest of the party enjoying a picnic; Kieth Thomas sledging.
Paper B. Some chalets in St. Cerque: a swiss peasant-woman in front of her chalet, also in the picture are Keith and Terry Thomas: one of the many signposts showing the many ski-results in the area.
Good-bye and good luck to :
| P. Elliot | (who left at half-term) going to the Salesian College at Chertsey. |
| D. Rodgers | all going to Kingham Hill |
| R. Pendleton | |
| K. Barley | |
| T. Ogden | |
| B. Pafford | |
| J. Dixon | |
| I. MacFadyen | going to Reed's(EDITOR) |
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS GO TO : -
F. E. Whitehouse of the Luton R.A.F.A., who kindly had the Swiss photographs printed.
Also to Mrs. Gouldson for printing this magazine.