Aymestrey Magazine 1995

THE AYMESTREY MAGAZINE

SUMMER 1995

OLD AYMESTREY ASSOCIATION INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 1994 1993 £ 740.00

RECEIPTS

1993 £

£

Membership subscriptions (including

80.00

EXPENDITURE

250.00

Contributions to School Magazine for 275.00 year 1992/93 Contributions to School Magazine for 350.00

renewal of subscriptions and donations to Association funds)

64.00

467.00

Abbey National Building Society Share year 1993/94 Account Interest

38.72

Lloyds Bank Plc - closure of Asterley income Appeal Fund Excess of expenditure over income

1,271.00

£

1,021.00

Excess of expenditure over

506.28 625.00

1,271.00

625.00

BALANCE SHEET FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 1994 1993

1993 £

1,341.00

1,021.00 2,362.00

£

£

Balance brought forward to 31st March 1993

2,361.93

Less excess of expenditure over income

(506.28) 1,855.65

1,229.00

Balances with Abbey National Plc Treasurer's Account No. K142005

1,133.00

Five Star Account No. X547782

2,362.00

2

£

705.09 1,150.56 1,855.65

MINUTES OF THE 50th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE OLD AYMESTREY ASSOCIATION HELD AT AYMESTREY SCHOOL ON SATURDAY 18TH JUNE 1994 PRESENT:

Lt. Col. Anthony Claydon in the chair; The President Air Vice Marshall Nigel Blair-Oliphant, George Johnson, Edward Lane, Stephen Beard, Francis Tuthill, James Alexander, Robert Auty, Michael Harper, Nicholas Michell, Oliver Heynes, Adam Trow, Anthony Thornley, Hugh Griffith and the Hon. Sec. Bill Stallard.

APOLOGIES: were received from:- John Eyton Coates, Richard Coates, Martin & Neil Harris, Richard Tyler, Graham Rush, Jeremy Sawtell, Oliver Symonds, Richard Lester Steynor, Oliver Mayfield, Norris Leakey, Ian Leakey , Charles Leakey, Geoffrey Howell, Christopher Mayfield and Bill Jay. In the absence of the Chairman Nick Coley and Vice Chairman James Edwards, the Chair was taken by Lt. Col. Anthony Claydon. The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on 19th June 1993 having been previously circulated were taken as read, confirmed and signed. The accounts for the year ended 31st March 1994 were presented and unanimously adopted. Various means of raising annual income were discussed , including a possible increase in the initial subscription receivable from boys leaving the school. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:CHAIRMAN: James Edwards VICE CHAIRMAN: George Johnson HONORARY SECRETARY / TREASURER: Bill Stallard SCHOOL CORRESPONDENT: Dan Asterley COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Stephen Beard & James McLeod to serve with Alan Turner & Norman Green-Price Hugh Griffith reported on the proposed line of a new relief road which cuts through the corner of the school's land in the woodland below the old swimming pool, and which had potential ramifications for the dam at the bottom end of the big lake, which had been leaking for some time. The road would have a culvert to take away the outflow from the lake, but a specialist had advised that a proper overflow system should replace the existing 6 inch pipe and what had been recommended was a weir at a cost of about £1,800. There was a discussion as to whether the Association might contribute to the cost thereof from its own funds but it was left that Bill Stallard would consult with Hugh Griffith.

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It was resolved that the Association should contribute the sum of £350 to the cost of the production of the 1994 School Magazine. There was no further business. Lt. Col. Anthony Claydon as Chairman thanked Mr. & Mrs. Hugh Griffith once again for their splendid hospitality and for extending such a warm welcome to old boys. The Annual Dinner was held for the fifth time in the school dining room at Aymestrey and was attended by twenty five members and their guests. IN MEMORIAM D.A.N. ASTERLEY (1909-1995) Dan died peacefully, after a short illness, in his own bed at the cottage, on 23rd July, 1994 A Memorial Service was held at the school, on 3rd September, 1995. It was conducted by Canon Ian Leakey (OAA 1930-38) and the lesson was read by Nick Bomford, Headmaster of Harrow (OAA 1947-52 ). Justin & Rupert Williams, Jonathan and Stuart Read, present and past pupils, and Stephen Schilizzi, ex parent, sang the anthem Ave Verum conducted by Stephen Gowland. Hugh Griffith read "Dog Otter" written by Dan, and Philip Coates (OAA 1945-50) gave a recital of the Elgar Cello Concerto - 1st Movement. The hymns were: Guide me O thou Great Redeemer; Hills of the North, Rejoice; Glorious things of Thee are spoken and For all the Saints. This address was given by Air Vice Marshal D.N.K. Blair-Oliphant, C.B., 0.B.E. (OAA 1920-25) to a congregation of relatives, old boys and friends, who packed the hall and overflowed up the stairs. `We, "Surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses......." witness by our presence here, to the memory, the achievements and the influence of a great man. Duncan Alfred Nightingale Asterley - known ever after as Dan - was born into Aymestrey. Educated at the school, he gained a scholarship to Bromsgrove and went on to take a First in Greats at Hertford College, Oxford. Absent for a brief apprenticeship at another school, he came back to Aymestrey and became its Headmaster for thirty years. For ten years, having taught for forty, he helped and worked under Hugh Griffith. He retired to spend the rest of his days at Aymestrey. He died here six weeks ago. Aymestrey was Dan's home and his life. Many remember Dan first and foremost as a naturalist. My earliest recollection of him is at Malvern where we were at school together. We went for a picnic at the British Camp and I remember watching Dan, aged ten or eleven, crawling 'ventre a terre' through the bracken, totally absorbed as he stalked some creature. This was a skill he was later to pass to others. He was a naturalist, gifted artist and musician, as violinist and singer, and an expert fisherman. Dan had a profound love of the countryside - of trees, birds, of wildlife. He loved the beauty of God's creation. He lived near to God and all His works. Listen now to the voices of some witnesses who were influenced by Dan. I quote: `A great believer in the individual, Dan was immensely considerate for, interested in, every one of us - I suspect right up to his dying day. I treasure letters from him written with the effortless ease of the educated classic.' 4

`A brilliant teacher - stern but with a sense of fun underlying it.' `Extremely fierce when roused to anger'. 'An obnoxious, psychotic tyrant who should have been carted off to the funny farm.' `I admired and revered him - with a healthy element of fear which turned to warm affection as the years passed.' `I was terrified of Dan but I respected his authority. How else would I have learnt before the age of thirteen such a wide range of music - from Purcell to Sibelius, Monteverdi to Elgar - other than from Dan during his Saturday morning music appreciation classes. .....those wonderful evenings when we were allowed to come downstairs to listen to broadcasts of concerts.' `So many recollections - of walks with Dan in the grounds, hearing from him his guiding principle of letting nature take its course, based upon his experience of using a pin to help a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis with fatal consequences.' ..... of his Sunday evening readings from Classical fiction - Buchan, Rider Haggard, Conan Doyle - Dan almost acting each part and person as he held us all enthralled.' `The magic moments of the camps he managed so brilliantly - with porridge cooked in a haybox, dishes washed in the river, cocoa and songs round the camp fire. It was at one of these camps, when after a rainy night, Dan reported that his tent hadn't leaked. A small voice was heard to mutter, 'It didn't dare!" The awe in which Dan was held is recalled by another Old Boy who writes, after thirty-seven years, he still called him Mr. Asterley - never Dan. How wonderfully his austere authority was off-set by Jean, who, in her rather shy way, provided the love and friendliness in what seems to have been a striking partnership of opposites. Dan was not a man to compromise. In every area he maintained and insisted on the highest standards. While Headmaster he seems to have done everything himself, He taught much of the top work, ran the games at top level, was the scout-master, directed the orchestra and trained the choir. Not much was delegated. Only his own best, it seemed, was good enough for Aymestrey. Indeed Dan was Aymestrey. What characterises this Aymestrey of Dan's creation - this school of our early years to which some of us have sent sons, and those sons have sent their sons? 5

A place of learning, certainly, with a fine record of examination results and scholarships. A place where we learned to behave - and what a need there is for that today -where we learned to respect and were treated with respect; where we were taught the importance of standards and were encouraged, in lovely surroundings, to appreciate the wonder and beauty of nature and the countryside; where we learned about music and art and carpentry and discovered the treasures of literature. And with it all we seemed to learn how to live simply.

Tackle, Bill Stallard, DAN and The Thornleys

Aymestrey's qualities make it special - unique - among preparatory schools. Learned from his father, these qualities were established, developed, inculcated by Dan who had the gift of inspiring others. How grateful we are that the best of what we knew and remember of Aymestrey has been so faithfully preserved, fostered and continued under the care of Hugh and Gill Griffith. We have wandered and looked back a little over the years, but this Memorial Service must not be merely a recollection of times and things past. Let it be for all of us the remembrance of what is truly memorable – of a living, on-going tradition, the treasured inheritance from a great man, Dan Asterley, Dan whom we honour with respect, with gratitude and profound affection.

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The following OAAs were present:- C. Andrews, D.G.F. Banks, W.A. Banks, R.E. Barnes, M.J.G. Billingham, D.T.M. Birks, D.N.K. Blair-Oliphant, C. Blake, N.R. Bomford, J.A. Chandler, J.A.G. Coates, J.E. Coates, J.J. Coates, P.D. Coates, P.M. Coates, S.R.D. Coates, W.N. Coates, S.J. Coley, F.C. Cope, R.A. Devereux, C.J. Dowson, A.G. Duncan, M.A.H. Duncan, J.N.F, Edwards, E.J. Gallimore, M. Garratt, M.J. Godsall, N.P.D. Green-Price, G.A.B. Howell, M.J. Hughes, P.R. Jeavons, G.F.F. Johnson, E.R. Lane, C.R.A. Leakey, I.R.A. Leakey, R.N. Lowes, S.J.P. MacLaren, R.H. Manning, A.J. Masters, O.A. Mayfield, N.A. McCulloch, I.R. McLeod, R.J. McLeod, A. Morcom, C. Morcom, A.P.J. Parry, F.A. Peate, E.C. Pearce, A.B. Phelps, R.A. Philips, J.H. Phipps, D.G. Powell, M.C. Powell, Lord Sandys, A. Sherwood, J.H. Shew, I. Sloane-Stanley, J.S. Stallard, W.B. Stallard, H. Thomas, A.F. Thornley, J.N. Thornley, N.A. Tibbetts, P.E.M. Ticehurst, A.M. Turner, F.T. Tuthill, H. Tuthill, J.P.B. Williams, R.P.C. Williams and T.S. Woodcock. Apologies were received from:- Mrs. K. Aitken, N. & M. Harris, J. Page, C. Mayfield, N. Leakey, H. Moore, J. Parry, R. Spreckley, J. Schnadhorst, K. Davison, N. Jerram, S. Dorrell, C. & R. Thomas, D.P. Stratton, D. Taylor, G. Davies, G. Marriott, J. Sawtell, J. & N. Pulfer. Also present were Mr.& Mrs. Harris, Miss R. Hinks, Dr. S Cavenagh, Mrs. F. Tuthill, Mr. & Mrs. MacLaren & family, Mrs. Spreckley, Mrs. Evans, Mr. & Mrs. S. Schilizzi, Mrs. Massey, Mr. G. Milton, Mr.& Mrs. Jay, Mrs. Woodcock, Mrs. C.R.A.. Leakey, Mrs. I.R.A. Leakey, Mrs. J. Phipps, Mrs. A. Duncan, Mr. S. Arbuthnott, Mr. & Mrs. Perks, Mrs. J. Hughes, Mrs. Rowberry, Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Jenkins, Mrs. Barnett, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. & Mrs. Read, Mr. & Mrs. P. Williams and Mrs. I. Leakey The Clothiers Company was represented by N.G.L. Smith, High Master, C.G.D. Smith, D.R. Harrison, R.S. Hallmark, J.J. Roberts, P.C. Underwood, J.D. Garrad, D.J.S. Hallmark, E.F. Rayer, A.W.G. Hampson and J.P. Pimley. (The editor would like to apologise in advance for any errors, omissions or additions in the above.) OBITUARIES S.J. Coley John Coley died last September after a short illness. He was at Aymestrey from 1944 to 1948, going on to King's School, Canterbury. After his National Service he entered the family fruit and vegetable business, which he was running until his death. John enjoyed all sports but his great love was rugby. He captained Aymestrey and Evesham, becoming chairman after his playing days. He will long be remembered for his leadership and for the help and encouragement which he gave to many youngsters. He served on the committee, becoming President of Hereford and Worcester R.F.U. Latterly he rode to hounds with the same courage and enthusiasm that he had shown on the ruby field. From the Aymestrey Magazine 1948 - 'S.J. Coley was captain of all three teams - a fine distinction in any case and doubly so in view of the achievements of the sides under his leadership.' He leaves a wife Rachel, daughters Deborah and Katherine and a son Nicholas who was at Aymestrey from 1973-78. 7

Philip Dorrell

Philip died on 8th November, 1994, at the age of 79. He had been a leading Worcester industrialist for over half a century and was former Managing Director and Chairman of Faithful Ltd, his family industrial clothing firm. He was educated at Aymestrey, 1924 - 1928, and went on to Bromsgrove School and then to Brasenose College, Oxford, before joining the family firm Russell & Dorrell. During the war, he served in RAF Bomber Command but, when flying over Germany in April 1942, his aircraft was shot down and he spent the rest of the war as a prisoner in Poland. In 1945 he returned to the family business and, with his sister Nancy, was responsible for the development of Faithful which expanded its Northwick, Worcester premises, and established other factories at Brecon and Telford. He launched Faithful in Europe with the opening of its Dutch business in 1976. He married in 1950 and is survived by his wife Christine and his three children, Stephen (Aymestrey '60 '65) now Heritage Minister, Alan (Aymestrey '62 to '66) who runs the Faithful Dutch business and Amanda, who lives with her lawyer husband in London. John F. Aldersey John was at Aymestrey from 1935 to 1940 and excelled at sport, particularly swimming. He went on to Bromsgrove School which was then based at Llanwrtyd Wells where it had been evacuated in the war, but had his final year at Bromsgrove itself and again shone at sport. He joined the RAF in 1944 but the war was over by the time he had finished his training. After leaving the RAF he joined the family farming business at Barneshall, Worcester. Then he moved to Broomhall, where he grew hops successfully - with helpful advice from Edward Lane - and he finally expanded his farming activities at Brook End Farm, Kempsey. He was a keen huntsman throughout his life and even had the occasional day off from Aymestrey to go hunting! He and his wife Pat were joint Masters of the Croome and West Warwicks Hunt for many years and John was Chairman of the Croome Point to Point Committee for some time. He and Pat had three sons, one of whom died after a tragic accident, as a youngster, and the other two went to Aymestrey Oliver L.S. Philpot (1925-1927) Oliver Philpot, who died recently, was well known by name to present and past Aymestrey boys, for his escape from the P.O.W. camp - the story of which has been immortalised in the book and film "The Wooden Horse". Edward J. Lowes (1924-'28) writes:"Oliver arrived at Aymestrey in 1925, after being at school in Canada, to be followed by his younger brother John Charles. A dark horse in his first term at sports, Oliver succeeded in romping home in the 'long race' , beating the favourite, who happened to be me, in a stirring finish. We met again at Oxford, where he was in the University Air Squadron, and again outside the R.A.F.club in Piccadilly in 1943.1 asked him what he had been doing with himself, and he replied, "Just got back from Germany, old boy!". He was, of course, the third man in the Wooden Horse escape from Stalag Luft III and later wrote an extremely good book about 8

it - Stolen Journey. I hope it is in the school library. (Ed. It was but seems to have vanished. We shall replace

it as soon as possible.) As it came out after the famous book by Eric Williams - The Wooden Horse - it did not receive the attention it deserved although, in my opinion Oliver's was a better story. Of all the P.O.Ws who escaped, he had the best cover story, worked out in meticulous detail, of any other that I have come across." LEAVERS JULY 1994 R.D. Crooks - (Adams School) Came Spring 1992. Judo 9th Mon. Rugby XV, Soccer XI, Cricket XL Colours for Soccer , Cricket and Chess. M.V.R. Edwards - (WRGS) Came Autumn 1988. Rugby XV, Soccer XI, Cricket XI. Swimming Colours for Soccer, Cricket and Swimming. J. Griffin - (Shrewsbury) Came Autumn 1989. Judo 8th Mon. Rugby XV, Soccer XI, Cricket XI, Cross Country (Capt.). Colours for Cross Country and Athletics. Prefect. B. (Micky) Hiranyasthiti - (Wellington College) Came Autumn 1992. Judo Green Belt 10th Mon. Rugby XV,Soccer XI, Cricket XI. Colours for Soccer & Cricket. Head Boy. N.J. Lowe - (Hereford Cathedral) Came Autumn 1989. Soccer XI and Cricket XI. Colours for Drama. E.T. Swan - Came Autumn 1991. Soccer XI and Cricket XI. Colours for Soccer and Cross Country. Choir. A. Tomasiewicz - Came Autumn 1993. R.P.C. Williams - (Shrewsbury) Came Autumn 1990. Judo 7th Mon. Colours for Cross Country, Athletics, Chess and Swimming. Choir. Chess Cup and Morgan Shield. Prefect. S.J. Williams - (Hereford Cathedral) Came Autumn 1988. Choir. Colours for Chess. T.P. Wilson - (Bowbrook) Came Summer 1991. Judo 10th Mon. Rugby XV, Soccer XI, Cricket XI. Colours for Soccer, Rugby and Cross Country. NEW BOYS Autumn 1994 J.A. Allen, C.R. Cooper, J. Edwards, Ganchanhirun T. (Tong), S. Llewellyn, M. J. Telfer, K.R. Thomas, T. Underwood. Spring 1995 N. Giles 9

Scholarships Congratulations to Mark Simpkins for his Award for Technology at Wycliffe School.

NEWS of OLD BOYS James ALEXANDER (WRGS) passed nine GCSE's and is now in the Sixth Form. Rupert BADER (`78-'82) is a Consultant with Chase Manhattan Bank in New York. He also teaches Maths in his spare time. Adrian BAKER is working for an estate agent in Worcester. David BARTLETT ('84-'89) gained an A grade in 'A' level Art. Michael BARTLETT ('82-'87) is at Bournemouth University reading Design Visualisation. Richard BLAIR-OLIPHANT('75-'80) finishes a three year degree course in Music at Goldsmiths College in July. David BLAIR-OLIPHANT ('76-'82) has landed a recording contract in America with his band. Christopher BLAKE ('64-'69) is Station Officer in the Fire Service in Malvern. Lewis BIGGS ('38-'44) is running an antique shop in Ireland. His address is Old Road, Cahirciveen, County Cary, Ireland. Peter BRADSHAW ('63-'65)), has a son Jacob, aged four and a daughter, Madalein born in October last year. Mark BRODIE ('79-'84) is farming at Whitbourne. Matthew BURTON (WRGS) is in the Upper Sixth and takes his 'A' levels in the summer. Nick COLEY ("73-'78) is now back home managing the farm. Alexander EMSON (Malvern) won the Ledder again, this time in 48.31 minutes. Having gained 3 A's at Malvern, he is now spending his Gap year before going to the University of Northumbria to read Business Studies, at the Bluecoats School in Birmingham, reorganising the library and playing the organ for services. Jonathan ESSEX ('80-'84) is working in a bank in Malvern. James GRIFFIN (Shrewsbury) - Is rowing in the 'A' boat with Rupert Williams, for the school. Jason HANLEY (`81-'83) has started his own company - 10, Montrose Place, Belgrave Square, Hyde Park, SW I X 7DU, which specialises in the acquisition and disposal of shops and offices in the West End, and 10

nightclubs and restaurants in London. Richard HARPER ('80-'82) is working on a farm in Norwich. John HARPER ('84-'87) is in his second year at Newcastle Agricultural College. Michael HARPER ('85-'90) is at the VIth Form College, Worcester, taking 'A' levels. Oliver HEYNES is at Manchester Grammar School. He is taking French and Maths GCSE a year early. He plays chess for the school on board 6. In cricket he plays for the u 15's and has training sessions at Old Trafford. "Micky" HIRANYASTHITI (Wellington) is playing rugger for the Yearling seconds and occasionally for the firsts. Nicholas MICHELL is at the VIth Form College, Worcester. Andrew MOORE ('72-'77) was one of the police officers on duty for Crown East for a short time. He has a son. Tom MURPHY ('87-'91) at King's is taking 9 GCSEs in the summer, having gained one already. He had an unpleasant experience in March when he was attacked by a stranger on the bus going home, at about 6.30 p.m. and punched repeatedly in the face. No-one did anything to help,except for another of our old boys, James ALEXANDER, who happened to be on the bus and he shouted at the man, who then desisted. The man has now been arrested. Stephen NELSON ('75-'80), who is working in Papua, New Guinea,enjoyed a visit from Simon PATTERSON ('85-'87). Mark PACKMAN ('72-'77) was married last year and is now the Catering Manager at AC Delco in Southampton. Bruce PHIPPS (`75-'80) is at Sussex University. Tim PRINCE ('77-'82) is married and lives in Worcester. He has one child . William RANKIN ('79-'84) was called to the Bar (Gray's Inn) last autumn. Nigel RICHARDSON ('79-'84) captained Cambridge at Twickenham in an exciting win against Oxford. He is hoping to go to Sandhurst in the autumn. Ben RICHARDS ('87-'93) is enjoying Grenville College although he is slightly concerned that it is going coed. He is playing flanker in the rugby team, and is in the hockey side. He is also eighth man in the cross country team. David RICHMOND ('78-'80) is in the running for the captaincy of the Army Cricket side. John RODGMAN (84-'87) is farming with his father near Leominster. Jonathan SAMWELLS ('69-'74) was married early this year. Oliver SAUNDERS has graduated and is now running his own business dealing in computers. Daniel SCOTT (`85-'88) is at the Guildhall School of Music where he is studying Stage Management. Daniel TAYLOR is working with his father in the A44 garage. Christopher THOMAS (`71-'76) was married last year. He restores Vintage and Veteran cars. Robert THOMAS ('74-'79) gained an Honours Degree in Electronic Engineering and now has a good job in the Solomon Islands, putting the bank on computers. Richard TYLER was married in April 1993. He lives in West Rudham, Norfolk and keeps wicket and organises fixtures for the cricket club. He is the National Account Manager for Berol Ltd., and last year was elected Chairman of the Young Stationery Federation for East Anglia. Tim WELLSPRING ('82-'85') has gained a First Class Honours degree from Westminster 11

University in Electronic Imaging Sciences. He has joined The Computer Film Company, which specialises in movie special effects, as a Production Assistant. Justin WILLIAMS (`88-'92) will be acting at the Edinburgh Festival in a musical 'Jekyll', written by staff at

Shrewsbury. He has also been singing with the National Youth Orchestra and running for the school. Rupert WILLIAMS ('90-'94) in his first year at Shrewsbury, has been rowing in the first eight for his year, playing chess for the school and singing in the Chapel Choir. Toby WISE ('79-'85) has his own company in Worcester which supplies visual and sound effects for special occasions. GOLDEN WEDDING - On 16th February 1945 Peter Ellis Backhouse Robinson (OAA 1929-'34) to Eve Anne Hinchliffe at St. Mary's, Mucklestone.

S H a rd y. M H a r r i s , J J o n e s , C A n d re w s , A L a n e , D K n o x P Schilizzi, S Kingston, P Hickman, M Rosoman, J Nicholas (1970)

GIFTS The Friends have again done so much to support the school over the year that it is difficult to know where to begin to thank them all. In the summer Mr. & Mrs. Griffin ran a Pig Roast at their home and made a profit of £565.9 for the school. At the beginning of the Autumn Term Mr. & Mrs. Busby and Mr. & Mrs. Simpkins organised a 'Games Afternoon' on the first Exeat. This was to raise money but also 12

to introduce the new parents. It was a great success due to the organisation and making of the games by the Busbys and Mr. Cornwell and the excellent buffet lunch served in the Davidson's marquee. Again after Carols the Friends supplied mince pies and wine, which gives a friendly end to the, afternoon and occupies the parents while the boys eat their very large tea! Mr. Gibson organised a Quiz evening for parents and friends, which was highly successful and made over £500. The winners were Mr. & Mrs Thomas and friends. The money raised by these events has been spent on advertising and, amongst other things, materials for Mr. Cornwell who spent many hours making the most beautiful portable staging for the school, which had its debut on Open Day. We are most grateful to him and to Mr. Giles who covered it in carpet. We are most grateful to the following for their generous gifts: Mr. & Mrs. Richardsons - Potatoes for November 5th.

Mrs. & Mrs. Griffin - Pommel horse for gym. The Friends - Judo mats and lights for the exhibition stand. Mr. & Mrs. P. Edwards - Apples. Mr. & Mrs. Griffin - Apples and pears and a gift of books for the junior library. Mr. Simpkins, who has been organising the advertising and, with the help of other parents, has given much of his time to manning our stands at the Education Fairs. Mr. Cornwell for making portable staging. We are sure that we speak for you all when we say how delighted we are to have Soozie Williams restored to health and back in circulation. CHESS For the first time for years we were not able to compete in the Times Chess Challenge. Many of the juniors are interested in Chess but do not appear to have the 'guts' to get over the initial learning problems. However, having said that there are now one or two emerging and perhaps we shall be able to take part next year. R. Williams won a Chess Computer for the school and a book called 'Winning Move", signed by the author Grandmaster Raymond Keene for himself, in the Winning Move Competition organised by the British Schools Chess Championship. MUSIC We entered the Elgar Music Festival competition expecting to come somewhere near the bottom of the list and when the choir returned, having won their class we could hardly believe it. Mr. Lowland is to be congratulated on this achievement. We also sang, as usual, in the Dean Close and Malvern College Festivals. Due to an oversight we were not invited to enter the Worcester Music Festival and when we woke up to the fact it was too late for the choir events. We were able, however, to enter individual solos and Mr. Read has kindly written the following:'On 11th March four boys from Aymestrey entered the Worcester Competitive Music Festival, all emerging with marks in the Merit category. In the morning session M. Telfer and S. Read sang 13

Mr Gowland with the Choir The Clock Carol in the very competitive Under I I Solo Vocal Class. For both boys this was their first entry into a competition, and they picked up some generous words of encouragement, as well as their Merit certificates from adjudicator Andrea Calladine. In the afternoon A. Hewson and J. Read entered the Under 14 Solo Vocal competition. Both sang The Bird's Lament very well, emerging with a Merit Certificate, and Read was a shade unlucky to finish third in some very close marking. As soon as the adjudicators critique was finished our competitors were whisked at high speed to the College Chapel at Malvern where they joined the remainder of the Aymestrey Choir and the choirs of eleven other schools in Evensong. This annual service is part of the Malvern College Preparatory Schools Music Festival, the highlight of which was a superb rendition of Handel's Zadok the Priest. The combined effect of twelve choirs on this exciting piece set the 'tingle factor' going for many of the parents in the congregation.' Anthony Davidson, for the 5th year running, won his class at the festival for Violoncello or Double Bass 14 years and Under and came away with the Sybil Russell Shield. Rupert Williams and Jonothan Read both passed Associated Board Grade V singing.

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CRICKET This was not a great season although it finished much better than it began. After two resounding defeats, first by an excellent Moffat's team and another by an equally good St. Richard's XI, we had a most exciting, high scoring draw against the OAA. Oliver Heynes gave the Old Boys a great start with 35 and with good support all down the order they made 145 before we bowled them out. After tea Micky and Wilson put on 45 without loss, and helped by no less than 51 extras and 16 by Crooks in 3 hits, we were 3 runs short with 3 wickets in hand when we ran out of time. A really exciting draw. A good win against The Abbey came next. Crooks and Edwards bowled well and they were all out for 78. We made 79 for 6 wickets, mainly due to Crooks who scored 34, including a vast six, well supported by J. Griffin: together their stand was worth 54. The last match was against the Fathers and was a most exciting game. Batting first the Fathers very soon lost 3 wickets for 20 but Messrs. Crooks, Williams and Griffin retrieved the situation and were eventually all out for 115. Bowling honours were evenly divided between Crooks, Edwards, Griffin and Lowe. The fielding was good and included a marvellous catch by Wilson on the mid-wicket boundary. Micky's first scoring stroke was a 6 and he went on to make 36. At 60 for 5, with prospects looking grim, Davidson came in and batted well. He too hit a 6 and his stand with Crooks was worth 46 runs. J. Read then defended well and with Lowe and B. Griffin both hitting boundaries we won with 2 wickets and five minutes to spare. A good way to finish the season. Colours were awarded to Micky Hiranyasthiti and Morton Edwards. ATHLETICS This year four boys achieved five star awards in both 3 Events and Pentathlon:U15 - T. Wilson U14 - N. Lowe and M. Hirayasthiti U13 - A. Hewson Colours were awarded to J. Read, A. Hewson, J. Griffin and R. Williams. SWIMMING The swimming pool, as is usual now thanks to Mr. Goodyear's hard work and magic touch, was ready for swimming as soon as the weather allowed. A great deal of hard work took place this term and by the end all but one could swim at least 10 m. In the distance awards Gibson, Aston, Boom, Cornwell, Newton and P. Williams gained their 1000m badges, J. Read 3000m and R. Williams 4000m. The latter is the fourth boy to swim 4000m here - one of the other three being his elder brother. However pride of place, and a first, must go to M. Edwards who swam 5000m. This is no mean achievement because although the new pool is nothing like as cold as the one most readers will remember, it is not heated. The following competed at The Elms for the Limb Shield:U 10 - Jones, Marriott, Williams P., Busby, Cornwell, Newton & Boorn. U12 - Ludlow, Aston, Simpkins, Gibson, Brown, Swan, Abbi & Hewson. U14 - Crooks, Griffin B., Williams R., Micky, Griffin J., Lowe, Read J., & Edwards. 15

3000m Distance Swim I slipped into the pool. It was luke warm. I started off at a fairly fast pace with Williams R. behind me and Edwards in front of me. Edwards was doing 5000m and Williams 4000m. The first 20 laps were simple, but the thought of 55 more laps to go tired me out more than the swimming. I felt like a small tug boat chugging round and round the pool. I was starting to feel cold now and the sun had gone in. I was well into the second hour and I was looking forward to getting out. There were five more laps left. I

was beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The last two laps I pushed myself to the limit. The triumph of finishing was great. I tried to pull myself out of the pool, but I was too weak at first. When I did get myself out I had a big attack of cramp. It was like a big bone sticking out of my leg. I recovered in two minutes. Jonathan Read (IVth Form) Colours were awarded to J. Read, M. Edwards,J. Aston and R. Williams. THE TAMING of the SHREW Mr. & Mrs. Williams once again organised a party to Ludlow Castle and afterwards entertained us to a sumptuous tea. Everyone enjoyed the day and we are most grateful for their generosity. Micky Hiranyasthiti writes.-At last the time had come when we had to get ready to leave school for Ludlow. It was the most beautiful countryside of England that I have ever seen. I could see for a distance. The hill was a lovely shape, the grass was as green as anything. On the way I was in a different car to Mr. G. I wished I was in his car because he would normally teach you and tell you interesting stuff. The journey was about 40 minutes, When we arrived at the Ludlow castle car park we saw Mr. Williams was standing waiting. He was the kind person who bought the tickets for us. Before the play started people were speaking like a mothers' meeting. At last the play had begun. They did not put the part of Christopher Sly in, which I was expecting to happen. The first 20 minutes it was bad. The sun was shining on us like anything. My trousers were very hot. When I touched my legs it's like I had burnt material on my legs. I thought that if it will be like this for the whole of the play, we would be in trouble. Mr. G, was looking hot and I expect that he had the same feeling about the sun shining on our legs, because he had to shade his legs by putting a book above them. Luckily it became better, but the sun still came out sometimes. The play itself was fantastic. After the play had finished Mr. G. looked quite pleased about it. I was not confused who was who because he was very kind to tell me all the time who was who. Then Mr. Williams invited us to his house for tea. Mrs. Wellspring was the person who cooked for us. The lasagna was yummy. She was a very good cook. Before the tea was served Williams R. took me round his house. Before we left everybody said 'thank you' and Mr. G, said "What a good way of ending a day," which everybody agreed. 16

In the Summer term we were fortunate enough to recruit Mrs Bayliss, who lives in the village, to help with the English. She proved a most inspiring teacher and we all. boys and staff, learned much from her. She prepared the boys for "The Taming of the Shrew" which made all the difference to their enjoyment of the play. Amongst other distinctions she is an OFSTED inspector. TWICKENHAM Mr. Read kindly transported a party of us up to Twickenham to watch Cambridge, captained by Nigel

Richardson - Aymestrey 1979 - 1984, beat Oxford in the best Varsity match for years. We stayed behind afterwards to meet Nigel and to be photographed with him and the Bowring bowl. To celebrate this occasion Mr. Read suggested that we should throw a party for Nigel at Aymestrey and he volunteered to supply champagne from Fortes. This was a very last minute event as we were going away for Christmas . We tried to contact as many of Nigel's contemporaries and also other rugger playing old boys, who were local, as we could but I am afraid there are many of you whom we were not able to contact and we do apologise for this. Nigel made a most gracious speech, thanking the school and many friends for their support and he presented Aymestrey with a copy of the history of the Varsity match.

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Camp We are most grateful to Mr.& Mrs. Brown for hosting our camp. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the experience - in particular the visit to the cattle market. Everyone was upset by S. Williams' accident but they were delighted to see him when he visited the camp on the last night. He has written the following about the incident:`We were dropped off at Clifton-on-Terre and were going to hike from there to our destination which was Sutton Court in Tenbury Wells. We were about three miles into the hike when we entered a cornfield. There buried under a load of corn was a little ditch which I fell into, back first! After a two minute walk Mr. Goodyear put my wrists on a gate and one was out of shape. We then walked to Upper Sapey where Mr. Goodyear phoned the school. We waited in the rain for Mrs. Barnett who took me to Casualty where I found out for certain that I had broken my right wrist, which was bad because I am right handed. After having my X-rays done and finding that the ulna and the radius were damaged the doctor said that I had to stay in over night because I had to have an operation to have a pin put in my arm to keep the bones separated. The worst part in the hospital was how long I had to wait. I got there at 12 noon and I was put in bed to rest until my operation. Guess what time my operation was! 1900 hours. The next day I returned to school, all plastered up. I found that I had won a prize for English from Mrs. Bayliss. The prize was two reading books which were Tom Brown's School Days and The Children of the New Forest.' Stuart Williams

CROSS COUNTRY

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The teams took a time to get going this year and at Malvern our seniors came last being beaten by one mark

by St. Richard's. The juniors fared better coming 9th out of 11. At Abberley there was an improvement, the seniors were 9th out of 11 and the juniors 15th out of 17. In the last race of the season at St. Richard's however, things improved with the seniors coming second, with Abberley 1st and St. Richard's 3rd and the juniors coming 3rd out of five teams. Hewson ran well in this race and came 6th overall for the seniors. Telfer distinguished himself throughout by being well ahead of the other Aymestrey juniors in every competition. Other juniors who ran well and showed promise were Lewis, Allen, Busby, Read S., Newton, Underwood and Williams P. J. Read was unable to compete in many of the races because of the age limitations on Cross Country events, but he established a new record for the 1500m of 6'03, the previous one being 6'15 set by Griffin J.

RUGGER The emphasis this term has been on developing Rugby skills. The boys' improvement was shown when at the end of term we played Abbey School on their ground. Despite going down to a heavier side in the 2nd

half we not only contained them in their 22 but crossed their line three times. SOCCER The soccer season was a virtual washout. Apart from the first and last weeks of term we could not use the pitch because it was waterlogged. All play was restricted to the hard play area and games played on a seven a side side basis. Late in the term we were challenged by Lee House to 5 a side and a 6 a side matches on our hard play 19

area. Lee House won the latter and the former was a draw. Finally in the last week we played away to Broadheath School. The team played well in the first half to hold them to a single goal. The second half began in a snow storm, with the wind against us and we eventually succumbed to a 5-1 defeat. ENGLISH SPEAKING BOARD This year, thanks to Mr. John Durham who joined our staff from Hillside in the autumn, some boys were entered for this exam. which is divided into four sections. Each boy has to give a prepared talk on a favourite subject, recite a poem, read and answer questions. There are nine possible levels and the boys all came in the first three, which was an excellent result. Junior Grade Three - James Boorn, David Busby & David Lewis Very Good Pass Stuart Read, Matthew Telfer & Thomas Cornwell Credit Junior Grade Four - Julian Aston, James Marriott & Louis Ludlow Very Good Pass Anthony Davidson & Arun Dhanoa Credit Edward Brown Distinction We should like, once again, to thank P.J. Wellspring for all the help he gives us over the magazine. The cost would be a great deal more if he did not spend much time and labour putting it together, and organising generally, the amateurish efforts of the editor. STOP PRESS Aymestrey was well represented in St Paul's Cathedral for the V.E. Day Service. Martin Harris (1965-1970) and Tim Jones (ex Staff) were singing in the choir and Stephen Dorrell (1960-1965) was in the congregation. Congratulations to Jonathan READ for a Chapel Centenary Award for Art at Bloxham. 20