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RN School Magazine 1959 contributed by Liz Mardel Verdala Section TH Sport House Notes Middle Watch
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R.N. SCHOOL
MAGAZINE SUMMER 1959 STAFF |
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Headmaster -- Instructor Captain D. E. Mannering, BA, R.N. Deputy Headmaster Instructor Commander L. G. Brooks, M.B.E., R.N. SECONDARY SCHOOL TAL HANDAK
PRIMARY SCHOOL VERDALA Junior Department - Miss P Collins
 
Aerial View of Tal Handak and Verdala, RN Schools Contents
Progress Press - Valetta - W 17 6 59 Foreword One of the first things I had to decide as the newly-arrived Headmaster was whether there was to be a magazine this year or not. The Commander-in-Chief s printing machine being temporarily out of action, the only alternative was to have the magazine produced by a commercial firm at very much greater expense than hitherto. By raising the price of this issue, by increased advertising and with considerable help from the School Funds I decided that it was financially just possible; I was influenced in this decision by the excellence of last year's issue, and evidence that this year's issue already written would be of a similar high standard. After only six weeks as Headmaster it would be presumptuous of me to write at length about the School. Many of the difficulties become apparent very quickly, but the solutions are not so straightforward. Accommodation is a perpetual problem and we can only hope that by the time that this appears in print new building programmes will have been started at both Tal Handak and Verdala. These, however, will create their own problems in reducing the amount of space available for recreational purposes. Instructor Captain Morgan has returned to a well-earned leave in U.K. after five years here, and we wish him and Mrs. Morgan every good wish for the future. We shall also very shortly be losing Vice-Admiral and Lady Madden who have been such staunch supporters of the School. We thank them most sincerely for all that they have done for us. I hope and believe that you will enjoy reading this magazine. D.E. MANNERING Headmaster.
If, as some claim, the post-war years in education have been an "age of experiment," we have certainly caught the spirit of the age! In this edition we have, indeed, experimented. Poems and selected articles are not contained, as they have been hitherto, within a separate section: they have been used to "punctuate" the spaces between the more-formal reports. Coloured block-headings have been retained, but the photographs have been distributed throughout the book. It is hoped that these changes will enliven your magazine, and that you will welcome them. The policy of the magazine remains the same to record the high-lights of the school year, and to reflect, in some measure, the school-life and interests of over 2,000 pupils. In selecting contributions, therefore, literary merit has not been the prime consideration, though we trust that it is not entirely absent. You are invited, then, to read of plays, of pups, of postage-stamps of many diverse things! We hope you like them. Pressure of space prevents the inclusion of many worthwhile contributions. To those whose efforts have not been included, we can say only "Thank you. Try again!" May we recommend to you the firms advertising in our magazine? Royal Naval School, Tal Handak, Malta. SECONDARY SCHOOL PRIZE GIVING Prize Day at Tal Handak was on 27th November; the Flag Officer Malta, Rear-Admiral Sir Charles Madden, Bt., C.B., presided, and the prizes were presented by Major-General C.H. Colquhoun, C.B., O.B.E. The Programme included: An address by the Flag Officer Malta. The Headmaster's Report. Songs by the Choir Tua Bethlem Dref. (Welsh Carol) Edward Arthur Go No More A-Rushing Elizabethan Song Presentation of Prizes and Certificates by Major General C. H. Colquhoun, C.B., O.B.E. Song by the School Drake's Drum Harold Spicer The National Anthem. PRIZE WINNERS 27th NOVEMBER 1958
HEADMASTER'S REPORT Prize Day 1958 Admiral Madden, General Colquhoun, Ladles and Gentlemen, May I say, Sir, how delighted we are to see you again with Lady Madden at Tal Handak and that General Colquhoun with Mrs. Colquhoun has been able to come this afternoon to present the Prizes and Certificates. The need to condense my report on the year's work into 5 10 minutes makes the problem of selection very difficult whether to talk about the school organisation, the 11+ examination and transfers to the Grammar School, or the increasing difficulties of finding jabs and gaining admission to Universities; to draw attention to the qualities and example of famous men or the way parents should help the school; but all these tend to lose some of their urgency when we think of our main problem which is "How to teach over 1,000 without enough teachers in accommodation not yet adequate for 600". Once again it has been a race against time to complete enough classrooms and provide enough equipment for the increasing number of children which at the beginning of this term reached a new record of 1,036; and we owe a particular debt of gratitude to< you, Sir, for your personal interest in our difficulties, for without your support and intervention we could certainly not have obtained approval for the four blocks of classrooms, the gymnasium, the, new road through the school and, numerous other improvements which have either been completed or are being built around us. We are also most grateful to the Dockyard Departments who with very little time managed to complete just enough of the new buildings by September to enable us to open and! carry on. Only some of the staff know how near we came to a breakdown, and men are still working in some classrooms while lessons are in progress. By next Easter we shall have added 26 rooms since 1954 in fact we shall have more than doubled the classroom accommodation at Tal Handak not to mention other improvements, including the addition of another 13 classrooms at Verdala. Unfortunately we still have a long way to go because only two of our seventeen specialist rooms are the right size, and for our new planning figure of 800 which, is, still 200 below the number of children in school we: are short of teaching space by an area at least twice the size of this Hall. For the future we hope to get approval for more buildings early next year and if our hopes are realised and the expected reductions take place, we, should soon be able to look forward to a period of stability when the buildings will be adequate for the numbers in the school, and the curriculum and timetable is not dominated by the shortage of classrooms and teachers. We have managed to keep our curriculum including
all the, usual subjects approximately
in line with, developments' in U.K. and there are plenty of
opportunities for those prepared to make an effort whether they
are in the 'A' Stream of the Grammar School or 'E' stream of the
Modern School but we have been unable to indulge in many
experiments for everything is a matter of priorities and in some
directions our progress has been slow. For example we still have no
separate room for a library and for various reasons we have not been
able to introduce some of the time-table refinements common to U.K.
schools. On the other hand there has been a steady expansion of
practical The number of children taking G.C.E. examinations has increased considerably and 83 took the examination this year 13 at Advanced Level and 70 at Ordinary Level including 15 from Modern School and I am glad to be able to report that our results continue to compare very favourably with those of similar schools in U.K. Some Modern School pupils passed the Ordinary Level examination in Craft and one boy passed the Advanced Level examination in Woodwork and Technical Drawing. These are developments which have great possibilities and I mention these results to show that advanced work is not confined to academic subjects and in the 'hope that others will be encouraged to follow: their example. Comparatively the results of R.S.A. examinations taken by 4th and 5th year classes in the Modern School were rather disappointing, largely because some of the candidates were not prepared to face up to the work which was required I regret to report that a similar attitude is noticeable in the upper forms of the Grammar School. Far too many give up too early; are too casual and easily discouraged; and fail to realise that the key to success is sustained effort and that startling results would be obtained if they treated their work as seriously as the fairly harmless but not very profitable "Rock and Roll". It's no good "idling in neutral" for nothing good was ever achieved without hard work and enthusiasm. A wide variety of out-of-school activities is part of the routine. Scouts, Guides, Life Saving, Sketch Club continue to flourish. Our "New Look" Magazine was bigger and better this year and included a number of pictures; and once the boys had -been .persuaded to sing we got a lot of fun from the "Pirates of Penzance". In the summer we sent a group of 43 to Italy. This party avoided the wear and tear of the sea and overland journey through Southern Italy by flying to Naples and after a quick visit to Pompei, went on to enjoy Rome, Florence and Venice. You will remember that last year I mentioned briefly the introduction of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. This has developed considerately during the year and has proved very popular with, the boys and their parents. (Nine boys have so far received Awards and next summer we shall have another 30. Last Easter a party went to Salerno, the Sorrento Peninsular, crossed to Capri and then returned to the mainland to climb Vesuvius. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves in spite of being soaked to the skin on several occasions. In connection with this scheme boys go to St. Angelo for sailing; an Army Instructor teaches them Fencing and Judo, and they have spent several weekends with the Royal Marines at Ghain Tuffieha. Boys from all parts of the school take part in these activities and about three weeks ago it gave me particular pleasure to see and tell three boys not particularly renowned for their work in school what jolly good chaps they had been on one of these expeditions. And in mentioning the help we get from outside sources I would like to say how indebted we are to the F.R.O. the Committee of the Marsa Club, the Army and the Commanding Officers of Ta' Kali, Safi, Luqa and St. Angelo for the continued use of playing fields and the Lido and also the Padres of all denominations who have helped us with Religious Instruction. I think, Sir, we can claim to have had another very interesting and successful year and I .would like to say how immensely grateful I have been for the friendly co-operation and support of the staff who 'have enabled the school to overcome so many difficulties. And lastly though its always safer to listen and take advice than to give it, I would urge everyone to be more enthusiastic, to remember that discipline is for our mutual benefit and to learn to do a really honest day's work; if you do this I'm sure you will always be able to look on Tal Handak with great pleasure and satisfaction.
TEACHING STAFF TAL HANDAK. G.C.E. RESULTS ADVANCED LEVEL SUMMER 1958 PETER ALDEN Engineering. Drawing, Wood Work. MALCOLM HILL Physics. DAVID LOVE Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics. WILLIAM McKINNON Pure Maths., Physics. RODERICK ROBERTSON -- Art, Physics. GRAHAM STUBBS History, Geography. ROBERT TROT Pure Maths., Physics. COLIN WARE Latin, French. GERALD WHITEHOUSE Pure Maths., Applied Maths., physics. PATRICIA DIXON French, Art. ELIZABETH WILKINSON English Literature, Geography. G.C.E. RESULTS - ORDINARY LEVEL SUMMER 1958 PATRICIA WHITTLE -- Cookery, Needlework, Houscraft. JACQUELINE WILLIAMS British History, Mathematics. MARILYN WILLIAMS British History, Art, Mathematics. PATRICIA WINCH Cookery, Housecraft. BARRIE WELLS French, Geography, Art, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry. GREGORY BAILEY Geography, Mathematics, English & Literature, Language. ARTHUR BURTON Religious Knowledge, Geography, Physics, English Language and Literature. GORDON CAMPBELL French, Foreign History, Religious Knowledige,Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English Language and Literature. MICHAEL CANE Foreign History, Geography, Art, Mathematics, English Literature. COLLIN COLE Mathematics. CHRISTOPHER DELUCHI French, English Language and Literature, ForeignHistory, Religious Knowledge, Geography, Mathematics, Chemistry. HENRY CAVIILL English Language, Religious Knowledge. COLIN DOYLE English Language, Foreign History, Geography, Physics. MICHAEL EYETT English Language, Metal Work. JAMES GRAHAM English Language, Geography, Physics. JAMES A. GRAHAM English Language, French, Foreign History, Religious Knowledge, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry. JOHN GUAST English Language, Latin, British History, Mathematics. JOHN HOLMES - English Literature, French, Foreign History, Religious Knowledge, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry. PETER HOPKINS English Language and Literature, Foreign History, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology ANDREW LYNE English Language and Literature, French, Foreign History, Religious Knowledge, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry. ALAN MOGRIDGE English Language. GORDON MOORE Latin. ROBERT POWELL English Literature, Foreign History, Religious Knowledge, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry. ROGER TREGUNNO English Language, British History. RICHARD WALTON English Language. RODERICK YOUNGMAN English Language. CHRISTINE BARNES English Language, British History, VALERIE BEVANS Needlework. ANNE BUCKLAND-PINNOCK English Language. HAZEL BURTON English Language. SANDRA CARTER English Language. ROBERTA CLARKE Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Foreign History, French, English Language and Literature. FLORA CONNELL Art, Geography, Religious Knowledge. OLIVIA FRY English Language. JUDITH GARDNER Needlework, Art, Geography, English Literature. BARBARA MANTLE English Language and Literature, Religious Knowledge Geography, Chemistry. PATRICIA MORTIMORE English Language, Mathematics. CAROL MUIR English Language. LILLIAN MUNDAY Needlework. ANNETTE MOONAN Geography, Foreign History, English Literature. HILARY PAYNTER Art, British History, English Language, VIVIAN PAYNTER Needlework, Biology, Geography, Foreign History, English Literature and Language. EVE PRIESTLY British History, English Language. JILL REYNOLDS Housecraft, Needlework, Cookery. MARGARET ROBERTS Geography, English Literature. WENDY SCOTT Religious Knowledge, Foreign History, English Literature. JILLIAN SHAPCOTT - English Literature. FRANCES SMITH British History, English Language. MARY SPARHAM --. Geography, Religious Knowledge, Foreign History, English Language and Literature. PRISCILLA SPENCER English Language. PATRICIA SQUIRE British History, English Language. DIANE STEAD Needlework. DIANE STRANG General Housecraft, Cookery, English Language. SHEILA WATERWORTH English Language. ROBINA WELLARD Art. Foreign History. English Language. AUTUMN 1958 PETER SHAWYER Wood Work. GREGORY BAILEY Foreign History, Physics. ARTHUR BURTON Foreign History. COLIN DOYLE Enigllsh Literature, Mathematics. LANCE KIGGELL British History, Mathematics, English Language. GORDON LAWRENCE English Literature, Religious Knowledge. ROBIN PALMER English Language. RICHARD WALTON English Literature, Foreign History. SANDRA CARTER British History, BARBARA MANTLE Foreign History, Biology. MARY SPARHAM French, Mathematics. ROYAL SOCIETY OF ARTS RESULTS SUMMER 1958 EILEEN WATERWORTH Shorthand. PATRICIA WRIGHT Commercial Arithmetic. PAMELA CROSS English Language, Civics. RONALD FOWLER English Language. Mathematics "A", Mathematics "B", Physics. HEATHER HOLLOWS Civics, Geography. MICHAEL HUNT English Language, Mathematics "A". LESLEY LEATHERS English Language. FRANCES McCLURE English Language, Civics, Geography. LILIAN MUNDAY English Language, Cookery and Nutrition, Geography. Human Biology and Hygiene. GERALDINE NOLLER - English Language, Accounts, Arithmetic, Civics, Geography. MICHAEL PINHEY -- English Language. Mathematics "A". Mathematics "B". PRISCILLA SPENCER Arithmetic. STEWART TAYLOR English Language, Mathematics "A", Mathematics "B", Civics, Geography, Geometrical and Technical Drawing, Physics, Woodwork. RICHARD WALLER English Language, Mathematics "A", Mathematics "B", Civics, Geometrical and Technical Drawing, Physics, Woodwork. PENELOPE WELLER English Language, Civics, Geography, Shorthand. THOMAS WELLMAN English Language, Mathematics "A", Mathematics "B", Geography, Geometrical and Technical Drawing', Physics, Woodwork. RONALD WILLIAMS English Language, Woodwork. GWENDOLYN WILLIAMS English Language.
Thursday, March 26th At 7 p.m. on a fine Thursday evening a small gathering on Customs House steps waved farewell to their sons and husbands who were about to sat sail for Sicily. As the St. Angelo boat moved away from the quay there could be seen4 written on some of the well-wishers' faces, looks of happiness and relief. Last words of advice rained down upon the departing group all of which I am sure fell upon deaf ears. Our faces then turned towards our objective, the "Argentina!" We were soon alongside and the elaborate plan for boarding, compiled by one of the teachers, did not quite function properly. The plan was for the rucksacks to be handed in chain fashion but the links of the chain vanished up the gangway and were not seen until a few hours later. "I'm alright Jack. Pull the gangway up," seemed to be their way of thinking. At the top of the gangway was an official asking for our passports. There was nothing unusual about this, but when you are restricted to an area of one square foot, precariously situated at an. angle of 45°, with a pack about half your size slung over your back and there is persistent pushing from the struggling masses behind, it is easier said than done. Eventually I managed to produce it and, handed it over with much relief. I then realized that my letter everyone had to write a letter home on arrival at Syracuse mine was already written) was inside the passport. After a long argument the letter was finally handed back. Friday, March 27th. We arrived at Syracuse in the early hours of the morning and by eight-o'clock we were all ready to disembark. At nine everybody trooped off the ship and passed through the Customs with no trouble at all. On emerging from the Customs shed we set off at a brisk pace. The Italy bound party departed from us at the station, leaving five teachers and seventeen 'boys to continue, at not such a brisk pace, their hike into Sicily. After two hours walking we stopped by the wayside for a meal, which consisted of half a loaf each and a tin of ham which was washed down by a drop of wine. After this, our former brisk pace eventually began to tell, and bodies began to drop by the roadside; it was only the encouraging words of Mr. Morgan that kept us going. Ten miles further on we had another rest during which' time Mr, Cleaver walked on to find a camping site. On his return we learnt that the site was a couple of hundred yards down the road, and we all know what that meant. A couple of miles at least! We finally made camp and it ,was not long 'before we were feeling our old selves again. That night we all visited Priolo, and for the first time I tasted a dish of spaghetti. Saturday, March 28th. We awoke early and went to a nearby pump, where those who still revelled in the ancient custom, washed! I, and a few others managed to obtain a wash in what must have been the best bathroom in Priolo. Later we made our way to the station and boarded the train, alighting, forty minutes later at Agnore. From there we walked four miles along a straight track that disappeared into the distant horizon. On either side of this track flat fields, broken by occasional wind-breaks, stretched as far as the eye could see. Walking became mechanical, no pain was felt, just a pleasant numbness. After two :brief stops Corridor de Perro was finally reached and camp was made by the estuary of a small river. This camp site had only one minor drawback. We had to walk two miles to fetch the water! Sunday, March 29th. After an early breakfast we broke camp and started out towards Ponte, An hour later, as the rest of the party began to draw away from me, I realized that if I cut-off the approaching bend in the road, by walking in a straight line, I would .gain on the rest of the party. Five other boys also .adopted my brilliant plan and followed me across the field. After twenty yards of progress, the lush green grass turned into thorn shrubs which in the middle of the field gave way to marshy land, as the leading members were soon to find out. Instead of gaining on the party we fell back even further and by the time we reached the road our shoes and) jeans were covered in mud. I was not very popular that day. On arriving at Ponte we made camp under a large bridge and in the afternoon some of us were allowed to catch the bus into Catania which was ten miles away. The most interesting thing about Catania was the way .the volcanic rock had been used to make first class roads, At ten-o'-clock we were back at Ponte and were soon fast asleep. Monday, March 30th. Our party was sent off in two's at regular intervals in ,an endeavour to catch a lift to La Plaja which was an international holiday camp on the outskirts of Catania. By twelve-o'-clock most of us had arrived at the camp with stories to tell about the various modes of transport obtained. Practically everybody had travelled in ,a Fiat, which along With the Alfa -Romeos seemed to be the only cars on the island. Swimming and football took up most: of the afternoon. In the latter sport we managed to beat a Sicilian team 4-3. The game was played in deep sand and it turned out to be more like another battle of Alamein than a football match. In the evening the other -half of the party went into Catania whilst the remainder of us sat and talked about old times. Later in the evening a few of us Wandered along to the dance hall, where we spent an enjoyable time watching German national dancing. Tuesday, March 31st. At four in the morning in drizzling rain we marched In silence through the quiet and empty streets of Catania to the bus station. Eight-o'-clock found us well on the way up Mt. Etna. The rain turned to sleet and the sleet to snow. The scenery changed 'from vineyards to bare volcanic jock and .at 5,000 It. pine trees littered the snow covered slopes. At this stage of the bus journey the road had become really treacherous and the driver made full use of the eight gears at his disposal. On alighting at a small restaurant 6,000ft. up the mountain we had to trudge another kilometer through knee-deep snow to the Refugio. Our packs which had been on top of the bus were soaking wet so that by the time we .reached the Refugio we were all frozen. A .quick change of clothes and a hot drink soon revived us. A certain teacher in the corner said in a sarcastic way "How lovely to have the blood flowing through the veins again . drip, drip." , The afternoon was spent wetting our dry clothes in the snow. Snowball fights and sledging became the order of the day, and as there was only one sledge between seventeen boys, you can imagine the chaos. Wednesday, April 1st. The weather was so bad that to have attempted to climb to the top of Etna would have been ridiculous. Therefore the whole day was spent in the Refugiio spending money, drying clothes and playing cards. Two of us played snap with a pack of Sicilian cards and it was not until the fourth game that we realized that all the playing elands were different which I am sure you will appreciate is rather a set-back in this highly skilled game. At 4.30 p.m. we left the Refugio and with, a blizzard raging around us we trudged down 'to 'the awaiting bus. When we finally 'reached Catania there was half an hour ,to go before the train left for Taormina. As the station was a fair distance away and the rain was still pouring down It was quit« a hectic dash. It was a close 'thing and as the train pulled out of the station Mr. Morgan frantically ran up and down the corridor hastily counting the boys. According to him two were missing but no one seemed to be unduly worried and on alighting at our destination our complement was found to be complete, Mr. Cleaver marched on in pouring lain to see if he could find shelter whilst the rest of us had a hot cheap meal at the Station Cafe. The night was spent in a large house at the foot of the main road into Taormina. In my room there were four of us with two beds to sleep on. We put the two beds together and slept across them. At two-o'clock that night we became conscious of a slow sinking feeling which was not surprising when we found that the beds were two feet apart. Thursday, April 2nd, Tuesday, April 7th. By Friday we were clamping .on the lawns in front of the house where we remained until Tuesday. Thus Taormina became our temporary headquarters. The mornings were usually spent cleaning ,up the camp and preparing the midday meal. After this, a trip up the hill to the main town of Taormina to buy presents for a swim in the sparkling waters below the camp, were our main occupations <for the next .few days. In the evenings a few of us frequented a coffee-bar where we dined, whilst watching TV, on hot coffee and doughnuts. On Sunday Mr. Parker and Mr. Ousbey took most of us into Messina for the day. Before we left, (Mr. Cleaver had given us 500 lire each for our midday meal and I, like many others, had visions of buying a cheap meal and spending the rest on what we liked. On arriving at Messina two Sicilian youths befriended us and showed us ,a panoramic view of Messina. They took us to a very cheap restaurant where most of us dined on steak, egg and chips after being assured that it was very cheap. When this was finished the proprietor ,came over and putting his greasy hands on my shoulder he uttered (these words which still ring in my ears to this very day, "One thousand lire (please!" That definitely spoilt our short stay in Sicily, mainly because we hardly had any money left. We returned to Taormina that night and the following day the rest of the party went, after being advised not to pick up any Sicilian friends. On Tuesday we left Taormina after having paid our respects to the old lady on whose lawn we had camped, arriving at Syracuse at six-o'-clock. After a 'brief look round the city we finally boarded the Citta de Livorno, and by midnight a tired but contented party was well on aits way back to Malta. It is on behalf of the rest of the party that I thank Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Ousbey, Mr. Ross, (Mr. Parker and Mr. Morgan for putting up with, organizing and accompanying us on this memorable adventure. R.P. PALMER. THE COBBLER In a narrow dirty street in the city of Istanbul stood a little shop overlooking the river. This shop belonged to old Mehmet who was a, cobbler. It had been his job since his father's death. It had seemed such a pity to sell this little shop, so Mehmet started his job at twelve. He was now over fifty, but he hadn't lost his cheerfulness in those tiring years. There used to be heaps of old shoes coming to be repaired and waiting silently on the shelves. Some shoes looked very cheerful in that old, dusty, leather-smelling shop vivid green, white, golden, scarlet, violet, blues and pinks. You could hear the cobbler's hammer regularly until dusk. After dusk he used to prepare ,his dinner and then, as usual, old Mehmet would close his shop and go to spend the rest of the evening in some dark bar, which reeked of old wine. That, was his only enjoyment. BELMA AYTEK, 4AM. LONDON The Tower of London, and Traitor's Gate, St. Paul's with its Dome, to the Palace in haste. The Sentries and (Guards, the photos we took, Peter Plan's statue was worth a quick look. The. Science Museum with inventions galore, The Victoria and Albert, (Showed a, century before. Old creepies and crawlies if you like to see them, Then .visit the 'Natural History Museum. The Indian Museum of Eastern charms Had statues) quite odd, some with five arms.. The Houses of Parliament are well worth a tour, And awaken our (pride in our (Government and Law. MARILYN ALVEY, 1AG. MY PUPPY I have a little puppy, He's as fluffy as can be, And every time I see him, He always wants his tea.
He often takes my slippers, They're nowhere to be found Until at last he brings them back. (He'd lost them underground). But still I love my puppy Though he's naughty as can be. I'd better go and see him now He's longing for his tea. Kelvin F. Palmer IDG. NEW YORK CITY I was only in New York a couple of days. But that was enough to tell that it was a very (big place! It's -population is almost eight millions. You notice at once the tall sky-scrapers, with the Empire State Building towering above them all. While in New York we visited many places of interest. One of them was the Empire State Building. It to known as the world's highest building and has one hundred and two floor-levels. From the top you can see miles around. Fifth Ave. is one of the main streets in New York. Along here there are many fashionable shops with windows decorated beautifully. Another place of interest we saw was Rockefeller Center. Here there are beautiful gardens and fountains and a large open skating-rink with the R.C.A. building towering above it. These are only a few Of .the main sights in New York; there are also many more, such <as Times Square, Madison Square (Garden, Greenwich Village, China Town and many others. There is .only one thing I have left until last, and that is ,the Statue of Liberty. .It stands on Bedloe's Island in the harbour of New York, City and was given to us 'by France as a token of friendship between the two 'Countries. As she stands in the harbour, holding the torch of (Liberty in her light hand, she welcomes the new-comers and bids .farewell to those who are leaving. I hope that someday soon I shall see this torch of Liberty, and I'll know then that I am really home again. CLOUDIA FURNISH, 3AM.
VERDALA CUBS The 2nd Royal Naval School Wolf Cub Pack continues to meet every Wednesday afternoon at Verdala School and its strength is being kept up to a steady 24 cubs. The pack took part in the annual St. George's Day service at St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral and afterward they "ran" past His Excellency The Governor Chief Scout of Malta. I would like to thank the Headmaster and Staff of Verdala School for their wonderful co-operation. May I say a great big thank you to "Chill", District Commissioner for U.K. Cubs, for all she has done for me personally in the 5 years I have been Cub master. She has helped me over many stiles and difficulties. Thank you "Chill". This, I am sorry to say, is the last time I shall be writing for the School Magazine, I am leaving Malta in June for U.K Lastly, a word for the cubs. Good intentions are not enough. It requires a sustained personal effort if you are to acquire the habit of "Doing your best" as you have heard me say many times. It is to your advantage. Goodbye and Good Hunting. AKELA. 1st R.N. GUIDE COMPANY The school Guide company has had an active year and has proved popular, particularly among the younger girls. Numbers are now at full strength and there is .a considerable waiting list. There have 'been several division activities, A hike during the Easter holidays proved enjoyable in spite of wet weather, and a barbecue on the roof of Headquarters gave everyone a hilarious evening. In the course of the year, there have been two Church parades, both of which were quite well attended. During recent months, the Guides, have been fortunate in having Miss Rippin to teach them country dancing. Faced with large numbers of enthusiastic beginners and a few1 more advanced, she has taught everyone several dances which are now performed with gusto, If not with technical skill. Meetings this term have mostly been held out-of-doors in the form of stalking games and sausage "sizzles." A more ambitious venture next week is a P.l's meeting to cook a two-course meal. Our thanks again go to those members of staff who have so kindly tested for badges, and to Mr, Plant for his friendly co-operation. SH
SEA SCOUTS -The past year has seen the usual spate-of activities. Last Summer during the whole of the recess, daily courses were organised by the kind co-operation-, of the officers of H.M.S. Fierce and H.M.S. Ranpura. Badge courses were held--for Signaller, Bosun's Mate, Coxswain and Oarsman, and proved very popular. Saturday morning courses were held at H.M.S. Ricasoli in Marksmanship- and Seamanship whilst the ever popular trips by M.F.V. to Comino gave the boys the practical experience of compass work they needed. An outstanding feature was the day's outing on Miner VI for the recovery. of rocket targets. A Christmas -party organised by the Group Committee of Parents was very well attended and all appreciated the variety of 'eats' as well as the variety of entertainment. Each Scout received a present of an electric lantern to help provide a safe light during camp. The Annual Camp was held at Easter on the Ricasoli Rifle Range when the new tent was well and truly christened. Perhaps the most memorable thing about this camp was the way in which the "Grey Lady" so obligingly walked when called upon to do so and convince the Tenderfeet of her existence. Unfortunately we have now lost the facilities of Ricasoli and must now pitch our tents on fresh ground. St. George's Day Parade was very well attended this year and was by far the smartest turn-out yet seen in Malta. We were honoured this year by the presence of H.E. the Governor, Sir Robert Laycock, Chief Scout and the Rt. Rev. the Bishop of Gibraltar himself a keen scout. At this time of year we lose many of our troop as they return home or move to other countries. There are now Scouts of the School Troop in many parts of the world, westwards to America and Eastwards to Hong Kong and Australia. Scouting is truly a great brotherhood let us see to it that the brotherhood will be proud of us and that we are worthy members of it. BOATING ACTIVITIES Since September last year, Inst. Lt. Cdr. Law has taken a number of fifth year boys, six in all, to H.M.S. "St. Angelo" to receive boat instruction every Friday games period. As most of the boys had been to sailing classes in their fourth-year, we have had .about eighteen months' experience. Instead of starting the new term with whaler-pulling, as we had done in the fourth year, it .was decided to go sailing. But, alas! before we could sail the whaler, it had to be pulled out into the Creek, and this operation proved one thing we had forgotten how to pull properly. We spent that afternoon sailing, being reminded that the following week we would be doing a "little" pulling. The following week it was windy, although not rough in the Creek, and Mr. Law showed us how to manoeuvre the whaler correctly alongside buoys and quays. Then one of the boys took over the tiller, his task being to bring the whaler alongside a landing stage. Being up-wind of the stage, we approached it at a high speed, as the wind was behind, and it was therefore impossible to stop the whaler quickly. The situation was saved by Mr. Law's quick action. The moral of that incident is, "never do the opposite to what the Coxswain has told you." We do not always go sailing or pulling; twice since September we have had lessons on powered-cutters, and one week we practised our shooting on the indoor rifle range at "St. Angelo". Just recently, some of the more proficient of the boys have been going out in a dinghy, while the others sail or pull ;n the whaler. We would like to thank the Boat Officer of HMS. "St. Angelo" for his cooperation, and also, our instructor, Inst. Lt.-Cdr. Law for his assistance and encouragement. S. TAYLOR, SAG.
21 THE VILLAGE BEANACRE Before we came to Malta we lived in a little village, called Beanacre. The village was in Wiltshire near Chippenham. The village was in the country, and we had a big house in Beanacre. It was great fun. My father worked in Bath which was thirteen miles out of Beanacre. We had a maid and she was in her seventies and was awfully nice. There was a farm just across the road. We got eggs there and they were nice big eggs too. The lady's name was Mrs. Skinner. We went to school in Melksham in the town. There was a church in Beanacre. It was about five minutes walk from our house. The village was called Beanacre because it grew lots of beans and had lots of acres. MARY BRYANT. 1.E.M. LOVELY BLACK STALLION Lovely black stallion, So wild and so free, Who rung like the wind, Past mountain and tree. Lovely black stallion, As black as the night, Defending his herd, With all of his might. Lovely black stallion, I wish I was he. I envy the stallion. So wild and so free. David Chambers. l.C.G. NIGHT Slowly, silently, the night draws on, Far away a cockerel cries, The nightingale sings his vesper song, Early workers start to rise, A faint death cry as cat mets prey, A mouse is dead, a cat has fed, The expectant air of the coming day. The schoolboy sleeps still snug in bed. But now the dawn is edging in, To wake once more the city's din, The cat goes home to sleep contented, The mouse is found, but not lamented. M. SNOWDOWN, 4BM. A HOLIDAY RESORT The breeze rustled softly through the tufts of grass which bordered the top of the precipitous cliff. From far below came the joyous shouts of happy children. The beach was situated between two big cliffs which towered above, casting a shadow on the crowded beach. Gay sea pinks crowned the clefts in the rocks, their pretty heads waving in the breeze. The sea was shimmering under the glare of the hot sun and a thin spiral of smoke rose slowly into the air from the funnel of a ship on. the horizon. Walking down the long narrow steps to the vast expanse of beach I noticed the amusement of some children who were riding donkeys, which trotted solemnly along. Many children splashed happily about in the sparkling water. Others contented themselves by exploring the jagged rocks while some packed lots of sea pinks and daisies. Time passed quickly and it was soon time to return home. Reaching the top I looked round and; saw many gaily painted caravans standing in some fields. I wished I was staying in one as I made my way home after an enjoyable day. GAEL BARKWILL 2.A.M.
THE SCHOOL LIBRARY Few people realise the vast amount of work involved in running a library, even a small one. When, you come into the library, select a took, have it checked in and leaver, that is the end of the matter for you, but for 'the librarian and his assistants it is only the beginning,. The book-card has to have your name and form, printed on it, and has to be placed- in correct alphabetical order in its file. This takes an average of two minutes a person and entails about 20 minutes work a day. Luckily we have two competent girl assistants who cut this time down, but even so there are always a few cards not filed, or missing, which have to be in order by the next day. Let me give you an idea of how the library works. Each book has to have three cards recording the book's details. Here is the way the cards are made: CARD 1: Author's name; type of book (Fiction or Non-fiction); title of book, and publisher's name. CARD 2: Title of book and author. CARD 3: Classification of book .(Biography, Essays, Literary Criticism,, Verse, Religion, Archeology, Art, Classics, Geography, Nature, Science, Hobbies and Interests, and History.) After classification the books are marked on the spine and paper-cover according' to their section. It will be realised that it takes a lot of work to keep a cheek on each book, and at the end of every term the whole library has to be checked. Missing 'books are listed, damaged books, or those which are too old, disposed of, and each box of cards is gone over to ensure correct sequence. We find quite a number of books missing each term, and this is usually due to a borrower, returning to England', who forgets to give in his, book. This is a common fault, so please see that you have returned your library books before you leave school. It surprises me that not many senior members of the, school avail themselves of the library. This is a pity, because ,we have quite a collection of books suitable for the older children. Our most popular section is, of course, the fiction part of the library, and there are many books, by the popular modern authors, which are eagerly snatched up as soon as they are issued. A big shock, is the lack of interest in the more famous authors such as Dickens, Weyman, Balzac and others. For an experiment I placed twelve books by Charles Dickens amongst the other fiction books; and not one was even displaced in a fortnight!! The other books are usually disordered, put back in their shelves upside down or even shoved! in a different section altogether. Still, I enjoy working in the library, despite all my grumblings. There is a fascination in sorting out books and cards, and even though the library is installed in a classroom, amidst the noise of busy students, and to concentrate is half the worry, we always manage to get everything running smoothly in time. For anyone who is willing to give up his dinner-hour, a few spare hours in his curriculum, a couple of nights a week after school and a few days in the holidays, he will find the job well worth doing and extremely interesting. A warning for all those who are about to rush for this job. At peak times I spend about 10 hours a week in the library and I am still well-stocked with work. I would lie even more behind if I did not have a few girl assistants who do an excellent job. By the .time this, is printed there will probably be a separate library,* which is our greatest need. Unfortunately I will have returned home and will miss seeing it, but I wish every success to the next librarian who will be able to experiment much more than I can, amidst more pleasant surroundings. R. YOUNGMAN. 5.AM There is.[Ed] . A RIDE ON A SPANISH BUS To see is to believe, it is said, but when one does see a Spanish bus one finds it very hard to believe! These buses are made from pieces of other vehicles, I saw one; the base from an ambulance, the engine was from an old A40 car, doors, seats, windows had been salvaged from unidentifiable sources, best left to one's imagination. This contraption runs for about six months, before various parts drop off!! The one I rode on must have just completed its 'Maiden voyage", because we were still intact at the journey's end. We began the trip, all of us packed inside like Sardines in a tin men with sacks, women with children . most of them howling, and chickens tied together by the legs and hanging head-downwards, they, also making a din. The smells combined, were awful! The most powerful was garlic! Digested garlic, I mean. We rumbled and swayed along at a perilous ten miles an hour the driver holding an animated conversation with a fellow passenger, which necessitated much waving about of his hands, leaving the steering to take care of itself. Passengers wishing to alight stamped their feet and shouted then made a wild rush for the door as the driver seemed reluctant to let anyone get off!! The conductor, meanwhile, was having a doze somewhere at the rear end of the bus, only coming1 to life to argue about fares and politics with anyone foolish enough to query his wisdom! Originally, I intended to enjoy the view from the window during the journey, but owing to the marked absence of space and the lively antics of bus, crew, and passengers I saw very little of it. The chief outside activities I noticed were pedestrians, dogs and cats leaping for safety as we passed by! Our final destination was reached amid a screeching of breaks, more shouts, and howls from uncomfortable and "fed-up" babies. The driver immediately dismounted and opened up the bonnet, his head disappearing from view among clouds of smoke and steam. I had enjoyed the journey, but felt very thankful I was making the return journey by ferry-boat! D. ROWE. 3B.M. THE ITALY TRIP We left Malta at 9 o'clock on the 26th of March, 1959, on the "Argentina", and arrived at Sicily on the following morning at about 7 o'clock, where we walked straight to the station and caught the train for Salerno, Italy. The journey lasted for 12 hours in which time I had spent 15s on postcards, drinks, sweets, etc. When we arrived at Salerno we started walking immediately on a journey which was supposed to have been 3 miles but seemed like 10. However we found a camping site and I eventually got into my sleeping bag at about 1.30 a.m. The next morning, after breakfast and a swim in the bay below the camping site, we broke camp and headed for Ravallo which was reached after walking up nearly 6,000 steps, which nearly killed us all. A weary party of 3 masters, Mr. Richards, Lt. Cdr. Bentley, and Lt. Parry, and 12 boys, Ronny Drew, Tony Elliot, John Kennedy, Colin Birt, Ronald Rowe-berry, David Garnish., Tony Graham, Robert Lewis,, John Finch, George Richards, John Thomas and myself Malcolm Snowdon, rolled down a road leading to the outskirts of Ravallo, and pitched camp. Then It started to rain, so the masters decided to take us into town for lunch. We found a small cafe and had an egg and bacon, supper with, of course, vino (wine). I think nearly all of us were very giddy that night. It hadn't stopped raining the next day so we moved into' a half-built set of rooms which were going to be a hotel when finished. Here we stayed that day and night. Next day, the 31st of March we caught a bus to Positano. Actually, we caught two buses because we changed at Amalfi. We arrived at Positano and stayed the night on the beach. Next morning after a, swim and break-fast we set off on a 10 mile trek to Sorrento, one of the main, and in my opinion the best, town we visited. We camped in a special tourist camp on the outskirts of Sorrento, and we pitched camp amongst the orange groves; which was an invitation to help ourselves of course. That night and early next day it rained heavily, so the trip to Capri was postponed until the following day. Instead we moved into an unfurnished house actually on the camping site. There we stayed for the next two days. In the afternoon we went shopping, and I spent 4,500 lire = £2. 15s. on presents alone. The next day we were up early and caught the boat for Capri. The weather was very, very, rough. Cat least my stomach thought so), and I and three others were seasick. However, we arrived and for the next hour four or five of us were moaning like "I wanna die". The masters couldn't find a place in which to get a cheap meal, so we had to get one which cost 700 lire, which is about 7/6d. each. The bill for the whole day was somewhere around 32,000 lire = £20. We stayed the night at our so-called "hotel" and the next day we again stayed in a proper camping site, under .the shadow of Vesuvius. Next day was a big day. We had to 'walk' to the top of Vesuvius which took us three hours. When we got there we were disappointed; all there was to see was lava in solid form. But the excitement came, going down., because we actually ran down! We had ,a picnic lunch on the road-side and returned to camp tired and dirty, but happy. The last leg of our journey was on the next day when we visited Pompeii which I enjoyed very much, but I think a lot, of others were more interested in catching lizards. Then we started our journey home. We caught a train to Salerno, then a train to Taormina. In this train there were 10 of us boys and our ruck sacks cramped into a tiny little passage-way, which was very trying indeed. At Taormina we again stayed in a camping site and had a nice day bathing, going into town etc. We also met the party who had been touring Sicily. Then the next day we caught a train to Syracuse, where we boarded the boat for home. We arrived in Malta at about 8 o'clock on the 8th of April, tired, weary and happy. I would like to thank the teachers for the marvellous time we had, while they were staying behind working out the next route or the next meal. "Thank You, Sirs!" M. SNOWDON. 4.BM. A COUNTRY WALK It was a lovely morning in late April when Jennifer Stephens who was staying with her Grand-parents on their small farm in Devon, set off for her friend's house in the nearby village of Sampford Courtenay. There was a fragrant scent of Almond Blossom lingering in the air as she ran joyfully along the narrow lane which led to the tiny village with its old church and Elizabethan type houses. The birds were singing continuously, and the many beautiful Spring flowers still lined the hedgerows and clustered among the roots of the huge, old trees that stood here and there along the way. Suddenly the lane 'began to wind steadily upward, and then, when Jennifer reached the top of the hill she could see all the surrounding countryside and the little village nestling in the valley below. She was nearly there, and after running quickly down the hill found herself in the picturesque village street. Passing the quaint, old inn with its cobbled courtyard, Jennifer rested for a while on the small, old, rustic bridge to watch the stream as it danced and gurgled over its rocky bed, as though in great haste to reach the sea. 'LESLEY HAESLER 3. B. G-.
SCHOOL FOOTBALL 1958-59 The present season, although perhaps not as successful as last year, has shown us that we have the making of a good team, if more training is carried out by the players themselves. It is a pity that competition for a place is not unduly high because of the limited number of players available for the first team The season started with a defeat at the hands of St. Edward's College, but we were rather unlucky to lose by the odd goal in a match where the odds were stacked against us by virtue of a 2-7 defeat the season before. The expected trouncing did not come and we looked forward to a successful campaign. As usual, however, we were disappointed when playing the Maltese schools, and I admired the way their .players combined to give us a display of fast, accurate aerial football which we counteracted with our slower but effective carpet style. It was interesting to see the two different modes clash. The results were always close, except for a 0-5 thrashing toy the Dockyard Technical College on a rain-lashed pitch. We did not put a foot right that day, and the Maltese lads "rained" supreme, adapting themselves more easily to the atrocious conditions. What about the team itself? The goalkeepers we made use of were Proudlove and Faulkner, two able custodians who were not scared1 of the hard ground! and did not indulge in ballet poses when saving the ball. The full-backs were quite competent, except .for the time when I had the unwanted "honour" of scoring the first school goal of the season in my own net. The half-backs were an Important link between the defence and the forwards, Merriman especially, thrilling the crowd every so often, when he gave the Americans a lesson in launching satellites with some of his high kicks! The forwards were always ready for a quick goal. Amongst them we had our captain, Palmer, who often rallied the team to greater efforts when all seemed lost. Three matches were played which were very interesting, two against the Staff, and one against the Parents. The two matches against the Staff were played in a friendly spirit, though before the match our team had been plagued by queues of children asking us to wreak vengeance on the unsuspecting staff for past examination results and detention cards. Although running themselves into the ground, it was seen that the Staff would fare better if they concentrated on instilling the three R's into the skulls of unwilling pupils instead of trying to teach their real masters on the playing field. The match against the Parents was watched by a crowd of critical youngsters who greeted their elders and betters in the manner that the elite of the Spion-Kop-end greet the visiting team, at Anfleld. Unmoved by their reception, the parents decided to emulate the 1939 cup-winners who were once in a similar position, viz; the odds heavily against them, and the crowd 'behind' the other team. Unfortunately the only visible relation to 1939 was the Parent's team itself, many looking as though they had; net kicked a football since the memorable year. After the first ten minutes, however, they began to play well, and were unlucky not to score on more than one occasion. The school defence had the disadvantage of being Winded by the sun shining on the bald (pate of many a rejuvenated Tommy Lawton. A good time was had by all concerned, and I hope that these two fixtures will become an annual event. After playing a few more schools, we ended the season by having the honour of playing a Combined Malta Schools XI team, consisting of the cream of Maltese schoolboy talent, each boy hopeful of gaining a place in Malta's Olympic team in future years. We distinguished ourselves toy only losing 0-2 (one being our own goal), when we confidently expected to be 'beaten by a cricket score. So the season, came to a close, and I, a "veteran" of 46 School and House games, would like to wish, the team "all the best" for the next season. I am sorry to be leaving a grand bunch of team-mates, who always kept the good, name of English sportsmanship a by-word in local schools' football. I only wish I could have completed my 50 with them. RODERICK YOUNGMAN (vice-captain.)
CRICKET 1958 The 1st XI, which was able to include ' members of the 1957 team, proved to 'be the best side for several years. Both the -batting and bowling departments were strong, but the fielding, especially the throwing in, was sometimes erratic. Chandler captained the school team very well and set a very high example, scoring three 50's in 1st 11 games. In fact his average, at the end of the season, for all matches, was 115. Robertson and Campbell took most of the wickets, while Pinhey showed promising form with his leg breaks. Trott, Stubbs and Whitehouse were efficient and very keen fielders. In the future, Palmer and Proudlove will do well in their respective roles of opener and attacking batsman. The 1st XI was chosen from the following: Roger Chandler. Robert Robertson, Gordon Campbell, Graham Stubbs, Trott, George Whitehouse, Michael Pinhey, Robin Palmer, Kenneth Proudlove, Michael Holness, Patrick Kiggell, Robert Powell, Michael Eyett, James Graham. Old Colours Chandler, Robertson. New Colours...Trott, Stubbs, Campbell, Palmer. Results of 1st. XI Matches Parents 1st. XI 115 Parents 116 for 4 Staff Staff 96 1st. XI 97 for 8 R.A.F. Ta-kali Ta-kali 57 1st. XI 51 Parents Parents 153 1st. XI 98 R.A.F. Safi 1st. XI 149 Safi 87 Results of House Competitions SENIOR 1st. Stephenson 3rd. Nelson. 2nd. Drake. 4th. White. JUNIOR 1st. Nelson. 2nd. Stephenson. 3rd. Drake . 4th. White. 1st ELEVEN HOCKEY SEASON We have had a most encouraging season, losing only against the Boys and the mixed staff. In the first case, the girls' lack of wiles told and the boys won 5-1. In the mixed school versus mixed Staff match, the score was only 2-1 at half time, but the school tired more quickly than the Staff and when the whistle blew the score stood at 5-1. However in the ladies matches, ,we beat the married commando wives 4-1, the staff 1-0, and the officers' wives at Manoel Island 1-0, the first match against this team ending in a draw. 1-1. During the Easter Holidays six girls were chosen from the 1st eleven team to play to the 6-a-side tournament at Manoei Island. In the first game of the tournament the score was 1-1, but we were given the game for the number of corners we had obtained. The second game the semi-finals went to us too, by 4-0. .In the third game against the commando wives, we had a streak of luck and won 4-1. This was an unexpected win as the commando wives had given us a good game the weekend before and we had only won then, by a narrow margin. The ladles organizing; this unofficial tournament gave us each a bag of sweets, as a reward for a most enjoyable morning.
1ST. ELEVEN HOCKEY TEAM Centre Forward Elizabeth Roe; Left Inner Margaret Strickland; Left Wing Wendy Morrell; Right Inner Jennifer Bound; Right Wing Linda Knapp; Right Half Roberta Clarke; Left Half Vivian Ray; Centre Half Elizabeth Read; Left Back Pat Untell; Right Back Jaqueline Williams .(vice captain); Goal Keeper Janet Ogden (captain). Other girls who played with the team; Wendy Blanchard Right Wing; Jacqueline Rixon Right Half; Joan Wotton Right Wing; Carol Muir Left Half, The 6-a-side team were: Centre Forward Elizabeth Roe; Left Wing Wendy Morrel; Right Wing Linda Knapp; Centre Half Janet Ogden (Captain); Right Back Jaqueline Williams (Vice Captain); Left Back Pat Antill. LIFE SAVING AWARDS (GIRLS) 1958 Instructors Certificate: V. Paynter, V. Pitt. Scholar Instructors Certificate: V. Bevins, A, Flnnock, M. Tottman. Bronze Cross Medallion: V. Pitt, V. Bevins. A. Pinnock. M. Tottman, G. Noller, P. Wright. Bronze Medallion: A. Denman, S. Dixon, L, Jefferson, B. Mortimer, C. Murchison, D. Pike, K. Pilsibury, L. Pinnocik, J. Rixon, V. Smith, D. Starkey, M. Wheeler, J. Wotton. Intermediate Certificate: R. Anderson, B. Authur, A. Ashton, J. Butlin, M. Cleaver, S. Cooper, C. Elvin, P. Gard, M. Hlg;gins, C. Hutchins, C. Knight, S. Mills, S. Oxford, R. Phillips p-. Roberts, R. Sccggins, B. Shawyer, J. Shawyer, W. Slader, S. Smith, J. Symonds, M. Thomas, M. Thomas, S. Trott, S. Wilson, P. Wyatt. Elementary Certificate: J. Moore, P. Wormington. ATHLETICS FIELD EVENTS BOYS The field events were all decided during the week preceding Sports Day. 15 records were broken which indicates that the standard has improved. Worthy of mention was the high standard set by the 4th year. MORRIS in the high jump and long jump, and STONEY in the discus and javelin being particularly good. GIRLS This year more time was devoted to the preparation, of field events with very encouraging results. There were twelve new records and javelin and discus were included for 3rd year girls. We are greatly indebted to R.A.F. Safi and Ta Kali for allowing us to make such frequent use of their tracks and jumping pits. There was all round improvement in long jump events. Linda Knapp 5th year made the best jump 14ft. 3.5ins. Although some new records were ,set up in high jump, the standard is still low. Suzanne Trott (3rd year) jumped .well, bait with greater opposition she could have added inches to her winning jump of 4ft. 4ins. Both junior sections improved their Cricket Ball throwing. Sally Frow threw 132ft. a very good effort. There was much .greater enthusiasm shown this year in the discus and javelin events. Geraldine Noller and Linda Knapp are commended for these new records. RESULTS
SCHOOL RECORDS
INTER SCHOOL SPORTS. CORRADINO MAY 20th. Our Senior team performed very creditably and for the second year running won the Championship shield. STONEY was 2nd: in <the 100 yds, -and Is't in the 220 yds. .URAN was 2nd in the 220 yds (and shot- put. HOCTOR won the 17-18 years age group' 440 yds, and MORRIS won the 15-16 years age group 440 yds. WILLMAN was 3rd in the! 880 yds and ,1st in the long jump. STONEY, URAN, MORRIS and HOCTOR won the mile medley (team race in record time. Our junior team however was just not good enough. FRENCH :ran well in the 220 yds. and came 2nd. ROBBINS threw well in the javelin sand .was .also 2nd. The rest of the performers were very disappointing, a hope that those juniors who will still be here next year try hard to capture some of the spirit and determination displayed by the seniors.
MALTA A.A.A. CHAMPIONSHIPS The Malta. A.A.A. Championships were held at TA KALI on Sunday May 10th. As usual we entered a team in the Junior events i.e, 15-19 years age group. Whilst the standard achieved was .not as high as last year, our lads had .a large measure of success. STONEY won the -100 yds. and 220 yds. .sprints. This athlete has improved considerably on last year's form and has developed an excellent style. HOCTOR won the 440 yds. beating the record holder CRAIG by a few feet. When HOCTOR learns the art of relaxed and tactical running he will become a top-flight athlete. MORRIS and (GRAHAM were 1st and 2nd respectively in the High Jump and MORRIS was also 2nd in the Long Jump. This athlete has shown excellent ability at the 'sprints, discus throwing and shot puttting; In fact he is perhaps our most accomplished all-round (athlete. (WILLIAM was 3rd in the Javelin and URAN 3rd in the 1220 yds. The relay teams performed most creditably. MORRIS, LAWRENCE, URAN and STONEY led from start (to finish in the 4x110 yds. relay and won easily. STONEY, URAN, HOCTOR and PALMER also won the mile medley relay. This very satisfactory standard set by our athletes was the result of hard training,, good team spirit and perhaps, above all, courage. This year five girls were entered for the only girls' race included in the programme (15 to 19 year Girls > 100 yds.). Four of them qualified for the final in which they gained first four places. 1st Lesley Pinnock 2nd Linda .Knapp 3rd Janice Sandison 4th Lesley Leathers DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD This scheme was introduced Into the School .last year and proved to be popular with some of the older 'boys. Stoney, Love, Mullen, Hammond, Bishop, Taylor, Dowling and Guast gained the bronze award, after completing the course satisfactorily. To say the least it was very Interesting to observe them in camp. Special mention must, however, be made -of G. Bailey who gained the Silver Award. He achieved a high standard .at athletics, passed the Bronze Cross and the Instructor's Certificate of the Royal Life Saving Society, completed a year's course in fencing; and most ably led six, boys on a three-day expedition. This entailed the feeding of his followers, map reading, finding out .geographical facts on the way and organizing good camping. The following boys, Wotton, Hoctor, Stoney, Yeo, Dowling, Ruoff, Puller, Finch, Gilmore, Peters, Wood, Uran, Birt, Clough, Wilkinson, Wetherall and Cleevely (are at present engaged on the various activities of this scheme, and I hope that before the .end of term the majority of them will have qualified. JUDO (The noble art of Self-Defence) At the beginning of the winter .term judo classes were started in the school hall as & pursuit for the Duke of (Edinburgh's award. The first lesson .consisted of lying on your back and rolling from side to side, banging your forearm and head hard on the mat. This proved rather unsuccessful as the school mats were .full of dust and the bangings resulted in the thumpers being enveloped in great _clouds. From that we (progressed to /the (three actual break falls. These falls, though sounding (rather silly, are the nucleus of ,judo. If you cannot perfect the break falls it is useless trying to do judo as they break 90% of the fall. The three falls are the rolling break fall -from .left shoulder to right hip, the hand stand, and the hardest the somersault. These resulted in many bruised beads and backs but the thought of broken-heads and backs spurred the boys on to greater efforts and the majority persevered to the first throw the major hip throw. Unfortunately most of the boys were wearing school uniform and -the end of. the lesson showed several torn shirts. There are three movements before the actual execution of any throw: the breaking of the balance, the move into the throwing position, and the throw. All these must be done at speed if the throw is to be successful. After some four weeks in the school hall we commandeered a barrack 'room at St. Andrews where a more suitable mat was provided. With the proper equipment progress was faster and we learnt many new and better throws, such as the floating hip, sweeping ankle, sweeping loin, body drop, the two shoulder throws, and other tips that make the sport easy and interesting. Unfortunately, the numbers began to dwindle from, the original thirty to about ten as the boys found the trek, to St. Andrews, every Tuesday and Thursday too much, or discovered that they were not suited to being thrown about. The remaining enthusiasts, who were now turning out in a variety of clothing ranging from pyjama jackets and jeans to football shirts and track suits, became quite proficient at the various throws, and the sparring bouts and contests were very interesting in as much as they proved that size and strength were no match against speed, cunning, and alertness. During the Easter holidays the majority of boys went hiking in Sicily but the remaining four spent the time learning unarmed combat against various weapons: such as knives and knuckledusters. I would like to say for the benefit of any parents who read this article that judo is not the art of killing but the .art of self-defence. It Is a good, clean sport which keeps a person not only physically but also men-tally fit in as much as he has to be continually alert to prevent himself from being thrown or to pick the right opportunity to throw his opponent. Finally, on behalf of all those who took part, I would like to say thank you to Sergeant Miller of 40 Commando R.M. for spending his spare time instructing us and I hope that the Royal Fusiliers, who at the moment occupy our barrack room, will be accommodated elsewhere so that we can resume our lessons! C. JOHNSON.
PROGRESS The horse is a wonderful creature Whose value to man is still high, Despite cars and tractors, Atomic reactors And jet planes that scream thro' the sky. The Bluebird on Coniston Water Created a stir, so to speak, But public attention Dissolved at the mention Of "racing at Epsom next week." Racing cars roar round the circuit And motor bikes tear round the track, But I will concur With those who prefer A ride through the park on a hack. To farmers the horse is still useful Horse-power, not from petrol but Wood, For who does the hauling When engines are stalling And tractors get struck in the mud? SUSAN IDLE 4 B.M. 38 PACIFIC STORM The sun slowly sinks from the darkening heavens until it disappears from view behind the dark, still waters of the ocean. The sky above is filled with the golden rays of the dying sun, only to toe menaced toy ominous Mack clouds driven towards land 'by an unseen hand. The once-calm sea is stirred up into a heaving frenzy and the still night becomes a wild and raging fury as the storm reaches its peak. The clouds are rent asunder toy a sudden streak of lightning, and the seething earth is revealed. A strong biting wind that shrieks and whistles through the leafless tree tops, accompanies a mighty clap of thunder which causes the dry earth to vibrate violently. Another Winding flash of lightning is followed toy a resounding clap of thunder. The heavens open and the land is engulfed toy a thick downpour of rain. Gradually the rain, thunder and lightning cease. The storm is almost over, and only the sound of the Great Pacific. Rollers pounding down upon the stony beach, and the faint rumble of thunder in the distance., disturb the silence of the night. SUSAN ANDREWS, 3 B.G. LONDON After an almost sleepless night I awoke to find myself shivering on a top bunk with the blankets hanging over the edge, and the wheels of the train clattering rythmically. For what seemed like hours I lay, looking out of the window, and waiting for the rest of the family to wake up. At last, they did, and 'after washing and dressing, and having had a cup of tea we sat down and waited impatiently for the train to arrive at our destination. Eventually we arrived at Euston Station, London. We left the train, collected our luggage and out on the street hailed a taxi, which took us to the hotel where we were to leave our luggage. We then boarded an underground train, which took us to Charing Cross, and from there we went to a restaurant for breakfast which consisted of, tomato juice, rolls, toast, and tea. We left there for Whitehall, where we saw Sir Anthony Eden leaving 10 Downing Street, and also the Cenotaph. A short distance away was the Horse Guards' Parade where we saw the Changing of the Guard. Next we caught a bus which took us to Westminster Abbey. The building was then almost hidden by scaffolding both inside and out, but there were many interesting things to foe seen, such as the grave of Britain's Unknown Soldier. A short distance from here was the Thames and Cleopatra's Needle, near which there was a boat waiting to take sightseers for a trip down the river. We went on -board this, and set off with a man pointing out things of interest as we went along. We left the boat near Westminster Bridge, just outside the Tower of London. We went round to the entrance and began to go round the tower itself. The things which we saw, like the Traitor's Gate and the Bloody Tower, were all very interesting but I wanted to see the Crown Jewels. I was disappointed however, because we did not have time to wait. After lunch we went through some of the large shops, and then spent quite a time in St. James' Park. From there a short walk up the Mall took us to Buckingham Palace where I bumped into a Guard, who was marching up and down outside the gates. This ended the afternoon, so, after having a meal, we went back to our hotel for the night, so that we would toe up in time to catch our plane to Malta the following morning. SHEILA SMITH 2.A.G. 39 A DOG FIGHT A prehistoric Ford lorry, mudguards flapping like some bird which is so heavy it cannot take off, and crowded with dustmen hanging on it in the most peculiar poses, slowly lumbers down the street. It shudders to a halt; almost simultaneously the men 'jump off and gather up the "dustbins". What a nattering way to describe a petrol-can with the top wrenched off! Six or seven haggard dogs wait in the shadows, waiting, waiting for a dustman to pick up a bin. Then with wild whoops and yells (in dog language) they rush upon the unfortunate soul and bowl him over; tout on they rush, barking, after the bin which appears to be running away and like Atalanta spilling golden apples to distract its pursuers' attention. What golden apples! Egg shells, orange peel, cabbage leaves, apple cores, pieces of paper, juicy bones. Bones? Two small dogs grab one, and pull on it, growling deep down in their throats. Immediately the dustmen forget their job and gather round, bargaining, as to which dog will win. The white one with the black ears, or the sandy brown terrier? "Twopence on the brown one!" "Never! The black one will win easy!" The bidding continues, so does the fight. As the dustmen had joined in so did the dogs. A heap of dogs, whining, growling, harking, scuffling. An Alsatian comes prancing up, and into the fray he jumps scattering them all. The bone lies deserted in the road. All eyes turn to it. With a whoop they are on it once more. Once more the tussle is on. Once more the bargaining. Parp! Parp! An oily American car comes bouncing round the corner. The dogs scatter. Once more the bone lies deserted in the street. A small grey mongrel rushes out, and without stopping, snatches up the bone and retreats into its yard. The engine of the FORD explodes into life again with a bang. The water cap shoots three or four feet into the air, steam gushing out after it. The men rush to gain a place on the lorry, and with the help of the hill it rolls forward, lurching, full of men, "Who have a job to do and can't stand around idle." The street is peaceful once more. The dogs settle down and bask in the sun, a warm, Maltese Summer sun. RICHARD SANDERS. 2.C.G. LONGLEAT HOUSE If ever you find yourself in Wiltshire you really must not miss a visit to Longleat House, near Warminster, the seat of the Marquess of Bath. The house itself is one of the finest in England, with spacious grounds in which herds of deer graze quietly, and peacocks strut proudly on the lawns. The view of the house and surrounding countryside, from "Heaven's Gate," is truly magnificent. There is a large lake called Shearwater on the estate, and this is a favourite spot for visitors, especially in the Spring when the borders are ablaze with rhododendrons. The title of Marquess of Bath has been held, since 1789, (by the Thynne family. The family's Coronation robes and coach are on show, and this was used by the Marquess at the present Queen's Coronation, There are many beautiful rooms and some of the ceilings were hand-painted by Italian artists who were brought to England especially for this. Upstairs there is a very valuable library to which privileged students come from all over the country. The long table In the dining room is always kept laid for a state dinner, with the priceless silver and china on display. There are many excellent paintings of the family all over the house, and a resume of their history is given 'by the guides who conduct visitors around the house. The servants' staircase is made of centuries-old oak; it is bleached 'by the countless years of having been scrubbed with beer! In the Hall there is a "Madrigal Clock" which plays an English Madrigal every hour, while figures come out of the clock and parade to the music. Like most stately homes, Longleat is very expensive to run, and 'because of this and heavy taxation, the present Marquess and his family live in a small house on the estate. It is his ambition to live again in his ancestral home, and perhaps the many half-crowns paid by visitors for the joy of seeing this lovely house, may one day enable him to realise his dearest wish. GLENYS METHERELL, 4.A.G. MODERN SCHOOL DRAMA FESTIVALThough there was a disappointing lack of entries this year, the general standard of Production and Acting was very high. There was much more attention to detail, many of the plays, indeed, having a professional flavour. It was refreshing to meet some very good mime; this has sometimes been lacking, and if producers are beginning to realise the value, even in non-speaking parts, future Productions are going to show an extremely high standard of Theatre. Taken in order of appearance, the plays were: Elixir of Happiness. 1 A.M. Opening with a good tableau, the cast of this play spoke their parts clearly. Diction was good, so were costumes, which gave the Eastern atmosphere. The Sultan, played by Terence Bodin, was authoritative, holding the characterisation of the part extremely well. Linda Barrett, as the Princess, possessed a good voice, using it intelligently, as did the Sultan's sister, played by Susan Shiers, although she lost authority in the last scene, where she needed it most. All three Princes were excellent, particularly Martin Erp, who played .well, and knew how to stand still at the right moment. Outstanding, was the mime in the market scene . this was where the Sultan's sister should have been stronger, as she was really finishing the story, but the buying and bargaining were so well done that her part was lost. The Compere in this play was excellent, it is one of the difficult jobs in a theatre to make an Audience settle down and listen, before the play has started. We were shown, however, how well it could be done. A good play, with a strong cast, and very good production. Crizella. 1 C.M. A rather local edition of Cinderella, but quite interesting. Barbara Earnshaw, as Grizella, did very well, managing a marvellous quick change on the stage itself. There was some rather unfortunate masking which lost points. Diction was fair, sometimes inaudible, a fault which spoilt the Compere, who had a confident Beppo, while Harry Meredith and Richard Morgan were excellent foils as the Ugly Sisters. Harry Meredith indeed, almost stole the show. Robert Powell did well as Father, while Beverley Kitchener made a good Prince. Jill Easterbrook was a little shy as the Genie try to forget the audience, next time, Jill- Roger Steele completed the cast as Page. Costumes were imaginative, but mime could have "been better.
Childe Rolande and the Elfin King, 1 B.M, How well the cast did use their voices in this! Everyone was audible, Diction being extremely good. Costumes were quite adequate, except for that of Merlin, which should, one felt, have had a long gown. Compered by Elizabeth Smith, most audibly and confident, the play moved at a good pace. There were some unhappy moves, masking was bad, through the tendency of some of the cast to stand behind the curtain instead of moving more Centre Stage. This, of course, can happen to the best of us, through sheer nervousness. The three Princes were very good, particularly Christopher Allen as the youngest brother. Brumpton, was excellent, possessing a great deal of confidence. Michael Wentworth, as the King, carried his part well, although he was hampered by a large cloak. The weakest point seemed to be Merlin not in his acting ability, tout in his too static pose one felt that he should have been given slightly more movement between the visits of the three brothers. An imaginative play, however, with a great deal of possibility. The Lost Locket. 2 B.M. An original play, this, taken from a story, with some of the most colourful and excellent Props I have seen in an Amateur Performance. Characters showed a good attack particularly Carmelo Borg in the rather unsympathetic character of the Guardian. His harsh bitter voice proved an excellent foil to the others. June Barber, as the little girl, was excellent. She possessed gaiety, and the correct amount of pathos never over-playing. She was a splendid foil to Pat Wyatt and Diane Neal, as the English Girls. They, together with Hilary Edwards as the Stall-Holder, were good in their own right. Grouping at all times was satisfying. The colourful costumes gave an atmosphere of holiday and sunshine. Indeed, there had previously been much hard work and thought, put into the play, particulary in the Fiesta Scene. Outstanding, in a most outstanding play, Carmelo Borg and June Barber.
The Travelling Salesman. 2 C.M. A very good setting this, with some excellent Props. Comedy, the broader it is, proves harder to play, and it was a great pity that such a good comedy had to end so abruptly. Mrs. Jones moved very well she had a good voice, with confidence in herself. Also the girl who played Mrs. Green. The idea was extremely good the weakest point toeing the too-hasty ending, tout it is always difficult to choose this on a first playing. Pirates Come to London. 3 A.M. A "dream" play this rather well done, too. Costumes were good, so was the atmosphere of the School Marm and her bevy of school girls. The girl who played this part is to be congratulated, as she stepped in at a moment's notice, as understudy, and gave an excellent performance. The play moved with good speed, grouping was <well done, until the Pirates arrived when some unfortunate straight line standing on one side ruined the picture of the girls' group. Diction was excellent again, the understudy, Beryl Arthur was outstanding in her prim tones. This Group, to my mind, are capable of some very good acting in the near future. Winners were 2 B.M., with I A.M. as Runners up. It is always with a sense of gratitude that I attend these Festivals, There is so much interesting work to toe seen, and so many capable actors, that one yearns to produce them! Thank you indeed, for giving us all so much pleasure each year. Do keep it up. A. ROWE.
SCHOOL CHOIR Since September our choir has been industriously ' making music' every Tuesday after school. Many people will debate whether 'making music' is the correct description, but the choir is voluntarily attended, and the members who attend regularly seem to enjoy themselves. During the Summer, a group of senior girls has been meeting on Friday evenings, so the peace of Tal Handaq has been shattered on yet another evening. At the annual Prize-Day, the school and choir, after much sweated labour, sang "The Music Makers" and "Drake's Drum", whilst the choir sang an Elizabethan song "Go no more a-rushing'' and a Carol in a foreign tongue "Tua Bethlem Dref ('Towards Bethlehem Town'). Many Welsh eyebrows were raised during the performance of the latter song, and many were the comments from the Welsh members of the staff. At Christmas time we took part in an enjoyable Carol Service, during which Mr. Knight kindly recorded our voices. We had a few agonising moments at the end of the service, listening to our efforts. At the time of going to press, we are rehearsing a mixed bag of songs for a concert in June. We shall not easily forget the many hours spent practising 'The Bluebird' toy C. Stanford, and the insistence on the part of our choir-mistress that some of the sounds were intentional discords. We should like to thank Mrs. Arnold (whom we are still in the habit of calling Miss Davies) for a year of happy singing, and for putting up with our sometimes inharmonious warblings. Thank-you. ROBINA HALFORD } PAMELA McDONOUGH } IVAG PAULINE RUTHERFORD} THE RECORDER GROUP The group has met regularly throughout the year on Tuesdays at 3-45 p.m. but numbers, which were initially quite strong (particularly from first year classes) soon began to tail off. Nevertheless we were able to divide into an advanced class and a beginners' class and in the course of the year several members of the latter, under Miss Kernahan's careful tuition were able to graduate to the former. In the Easter Term Miss Kernahan had to give up her class in order to toe able to concentrate on the Verdala Operetta, and we should like to take this opportunity of thanking her and letting her know how we have appreciated the very considerable effort she has made during the past two years in coming to Tal Handaq, in her own time, to take our recorder classes. Those of us who saw and heard the excellent results in the operetta and Verdala Recorder Group now realize how much hard work she must have put in there. Miss Bower has very kindly taken over her class here. At the time of going to press we are planning to take part in a School Concert and we hope this may persuade some of the other recorder players to come forward. There seems to be a popular idea that recorder playing is a suitable occupation only for small girls but this is certainly not so, and the scope of the instruments is not generally realized. With several Trebles .and a privately-owned Tenor and Bass the group can now produce a complete quartet. Four Treble Recorders have been bought by the School and we thereby hope to encourage children to graduate from the Descant, which is after all, only a minor member of the family which happens to serve as a convenient beginning. It is the Treble which was an important solo instrument of Handel's day, and on taking it up one opens the door to an enormous repertoire of solo and ensemble music. "Master of the Treble Recorder" should be the primary aim of every player. M.F.L. THE EMBROIDERY COMPETITION 1958 The entries for this competition were very few in number, standard was quite high, and more prizes had to be provided. The prize winners were: However, the 4th., 5th. & 6th. Forms 1st. Wendy Blanchard. 2nd. Sara Dixon. 3rd. Dawn Fear. 2nd. Year 1st. Gillian McCullock. 2nd. Claudia Furnish. 3rd. Carol Graham. 3rd. Year 1st. Kathleen Pilsbury. 2nd. Lorraine Jeffries. 3rd. Maryanne Wheeler. 1st. Year 1st. Louisa Lambe. Stephanie MacDonaugh. 2nd. Susan Jones. 3rd. Pat Wyatt. One or two entries deserve special mention the Teneriffe lace by Wendy Blanchard was worked most delicately and carefully; Katheleen Pilsbury's Hardanger-work was sewn with almost mathematical precision, and Louisa Lambe's cross-stitch was sewn so neatly and attractively that it could have been used on the back as well as the front. It is hoped to hold another competition this year, if there is a sufficient number of entries. Any embroidery from school or home, which has not been submitted before, may be entered. The dates of the competition will be 20th & -21st. July. SKETCH CLUB This year as usual, as soon as we had seen the last of the winter rain, the Sketch Club recommenced operations with the usual visits toy bus to San Anton Gardens where there are to be found varied subjects, including! mediaeval architecture, Victorian statuary, trees, shrubs and flowers and even a caged peacock! Our next visits were to the botanical gardens in Floriana, to draw and paint the exotic cacti and tropical trees, and then to Marsa to draw the various dockside activities; further visits to Mdina will take us to the end of term. During the holidays a smaller number of children are taken by car to some local beauty spot, preferably to the sea. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. painting is varied by swimming and picknicking, All the paintings we paint in Water Colours, Poster Paint, or Oils, CHILD ART EXHIBITION An exhibition of children's paintings organised toy the Society of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce, opened on the 6th May 1959 in the Palazzo de la, Salle in Kingsway, Valetta. The exhibition proved so popular that the closing date was extended to the 30th May. The exhibition was afterwards shown in Gozo. The school was well represented in all groups and our children won ths first prize in three of the four groups, and many children were awarded certificates. The pictures were arranged in four groups, 5-7 years, 8-10 years, 11-14 years and 14-16 years. The following is a list! of children to whom prizes and certificates were awarded: 1st. PRIZES AND CERTIFICATES - CHILD ART EXHIBITION GROUP I. Age 5 - 7 years. Certificates Keith Dickerson} GROUP II. Age 8 - 10 years. 1st. Prize S. Smith Certificates C. Lotter L.Paige J. Bletcher A Knott G. Hutton } Verdala GROUP III. 11 - 13 years. 1st. Prize Ian Pennington Certificates Olwen Burns Jane Gaunter Susan Macaulay Claudia Furnish (2 cert.) Carol Graham Clive Callard (2 cert.) Joan Milne Sandra Pearsll Desmond Potter Neil Carter Christopher Jacques. GROUP IV. 14 - 16 years. 1st. Prize Heather Hollows Certificates Linda Goldsack Margaret Thomas (2 cert.) John Waterman Kenneth Waltho Keith Laming Dennis Cook David Faulkner John Wotton Belma Aytek Bronwen Shawyer. These pupils will have to attend at Palazzo de la Salle to collect their Certificates and prizes at a later date. "INVINCIBLE LUISA" The name of the book I have chosen to tell you about is 'Invincible Louisa'. It is a biography which was; written by Cornelia Meigs. Cornelia Meigs is an American author. She is best known for her stories from; American history written for boys and girls. She was born in Rock Island, Illinois, but grew up in Keokuk, Iowa, and spent her summers in New England where her ancestors had lived. Her parents and grandparents told1 her many true stories about New England life, the early settlement of the Middle West, fights with Barbary pirates, the War of 1812, and the war between the States. Some of her first books, 'The Windy Hill,' 'The Pool of Stars,' and 'Rain on the Roof,' are a retelling of these stories. She once said she owed her inspiration as an author to Louisa 'May Alcott, about whom she wrote 'Invincible Louisa'. This biography won the Newbury Medal in 1934. Cornelia Meigs was graduated from Bryn Mawr College in 1907, and returned there in 1932 to teach English. Her play, 'The Steadfast Princess,' won a Drama League prize when it was presented in 1916. 'Invincible Louisa' was copy written in 1933. Its chief characters were Amos Bronson Alcott, her father. Abba Alcott, her mother. Anna Alcott, her sister who in 'Little Women' was Meg. Elizabeth Alcott, her younger sister who was Amy. Ralph Waldo Emerson, Mrs. Hancock, Theodore Parker and Louisa May Alcott herself. This is the part of the book I liked best. When Louisa was a little girl she heard a noise in their big brick oven. When she looked in she saw a Negro slave. He was using the oven as a hiding place, because at that time, if a slave stayed in the North a certain period of time he would be free. I liked the part of the stosy because from that time on Louisa realized what a wonderful thing freedom was. I enjoyed this book immensely for I found out that Louisa May Alcott's family) knew many famous people. Some were great .historical figures such as William Lloyd Harrison. Many such as Charles Dickens, Ralph Waldo Emerson, William Ellery Channing, Nathanial Hawthorn, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow were famous in the field of literature. Her great uncle was John Hancock, the first signer of the Declaration of Independence. I was also pleased to note that although the books written by Miss Alcott were fiction, she drew her characters from real people, and used as settings for her stories places that played a prominent part in her life. JOYCE WHEELER 4.A.G. MY DREAM I dreamt I had a pony, Her coat was liver brown. She was such a lovely creature With her mane and tail like down. How proud! I was to ride her Bound about the town. We galloped over moor-lands Up steep hills and1 down.
Past river, moor and mountain, We left them far behind. Past houses, farm and church-tower Oh, what a splendid ride. But just as I was jumping Over a gate so red, I woke up oh- so suddenly, And fell out of ray bed. JANET COLSLEY 2BM, The Postage Stamp Stamp collecting or Philately is a very interesting hobby and started over a century ago. The "Postage stamp" was thought of in 1840 by Sir Roland, Hill. Before then every letter or parcel had to be paid for on delivery and all money collected entered into a cheque book. The idea off using stamps to send letters caught on at once in England, but it wasn't until 1847 that the U.S.A. used the idea. Later, in 1848 France and Germany copied the other countries, and during the fifties the system spread right through Europe and the British Empire, Now all civilized nations use the postage stamp. The first postage stamp (the "Penny black") bore a portrait of the then young Queen Victoria. Nearly all early stamps had a portrait of the king or queen, the main reason being a safeguard against forgery, as any change in a familiar face is easily detected. When the first stamps were printed such things as perforating machines had not been invented, and although they were printed in sheets of 240 they had to be cut apart with scissors, DAVID BROWN 2'BM. My Trip to Malta My journey began on the 29th June 1955. We got up at six o'clock in the morning and there was a mad rush to get myself and my sisters ready. At about quarter to seven a taxi came round to our house and my mother hustled us all out of the house, and we said good-bye to our neighbours. As we started down the road my friends were waiting at their doors, waving and shouting good-bye. When we got to the station it was completely deserted except for one business man going to work. The train came into the station and we began a long dreary journey to London, We soon got tired and settled down to read or draw. At last" we arrived in London, the trip having taken the good-part of the day. A private bus was waiting to take us and some other families to the "Union Jack" Hotel where we spent the night. Having had breakfast sausages and bacon we got once more into the bus and drove to the station, where We boarded the train for a 2 hour trip to Southampton. After going through the customs we stepped out into the bright sunlight where straight before us we had our first glimpse of the "Empire Ken" the ship we were to travel on. The Captain was waiting at the top of the gangway so we boarded the ship and a Steward directed us to our cabin. Since there were a lot of people on the ship some passengers had to share cabins, but luckily we had one to ourselves. It had eight bunks, two mirrors, two wash-basins, a red carpet and a wardrobe, At last the ship started and we all crowded on deck to wave our good-bye to Merry England. I met some new friends on the ship the very first! day. We were to pass the Rock of Gibraltar at one o'clock in the morning but although I tried desperately to stay awake, I just couldn't. We had a marvellous time lazing on deck chairs, playing games, singing and exploring the ship. The food was absolutely delicious and the Captain even arranged a party and a sports day in which I won a box of sweets. At about 10 o'clock one morning we pulled into Algiers where we went ashore for six hours. I got a beautiful hat costing 1,000 francs. As we pulled out a squad of little boys came running to the ship and the Troops, for it was a Troop ship threw coins and cigarettes down. Some boys even dived into the sea. On the morning of July 5th we came into dock in Malta, where we went ashore in a fast motor boat. My father was waiting for us and after going through the customs once again, we went to our flat in Manoel Street, Gzira. JOAN MILNE 2AG. Miniature Land While taking a walk I suddenly spied A little green hill about seven, feet wide. At the foot of this hill between some trees, A little house stood, which came up to my knees. Two little windows with curtains of green One little door, the smallest I've seen One little; knocker all shiny and bright Two little steps, scrubbed spotless and white. Through one of the windows in the wall I can see a 'bedroom, oh, so small! In one of the corners stands a bed. And on this lies a quilt of red. Through a little passage a kitchen room, With one little table, two chairs and a room. Just two little rooms, but the dear little house Is quite !big enough for a, little brown mouse. TANYA AMNER 3AM. Trapped! Plonk! With one swift movement I was trapped. One moment I was as free as a bird; the next, trapped as securely as any prisoner in a cell. Escape, I knew, would come eventually, tout when? For how long was I to endure the discomfort and agony! I surveyed my surroundings with an -anxious eye. Although in a crowd, I might well have been on the loneliest of desert islands, for my companions were powerless to help me and ignorant of my terrible predicament. I tried to think what the heroes of fiction would have done in a similar emergency. Dick Barton, Biggies, or Bulldoig Drummond all had extracted themselves from- far worse positions. Perhaps I might enter into conversation with my gaoler in the hope that I might move him? In desperation, therefore, I ventured a remark. "Winter's here again," I murmured, ''Yes," came the reply. He seemed rather taken aback by my boldness. "I see the weather report promises rain," I continued, nervously. Whether this, statement was to receive a similar non-committal grunt I shall never know, for the same stroke that had imprisoned me was instrumental in my release. My companion rose to leave the bus and in doing so released the tall of my raincoat on which he had been sitting. BRIAN LINCOLN 4AG. Mathematics Circles here, Tangents there Alternate Segments everywhere Triangles = and isosceles Logarithms and indices Factorizing x with + and Awful problems while "they'' time us. Time and; distance, speed' and rate, Can't work them out and "they" won't wait: And as 4 Cubic formulae They really are 2 hard 4 me! MARGARET STRICKLAND' 4AG. Back to Top
DRAKE HOUSE - BOYSFOOTBALL (1958-59) Drake for the fourth time in succession have won the football shield. The senior team has not been beaten for the 'last four years although there were a few close shaves this season. The scores were as follows: Senior Team Drake v Nelson 3-1 2-1 Drake v Stevenson 1-1 3-1 Drake v White 3-0 5-1 The team was composed of keen and reliable players. Every time Drake had a match, a full team was always ready and waiting long before the scheduled kick off, as also were the reserves. Neither the weather nor the distance entailed stopped the players from turning up on time. A .blending of skill, enthusiasm and hand,1 play was the main reason for Drake's splendid performances. The defence was as steady as ever thanks to hard work put in by Youngman, Burch, and Graham. Reid, Fry and Mackenzie kept the flag flying up front, notching seventeen goals in six matches. Intermediate Team (2nd & 3rd years) The 2nd and 3rd year team won all their matches except one which they drew; and until the last match of the season had scored eleven goals and conceded none. This was sure proof that a strong defence and a capable forward line prevailed. The scores were as follows: Drake v Nelson 5-0 3-0 Drake v Stevenson 0-0 1-0 Drake v White 2-0 5-3 One would expect the team to be composed of mainly bigger 3rd year lads, but this was led by Gilmour who was in charge of such an outstanding eleven it would not be lair to pick out any of the players for special mention. They played as a team and this was the key to their success. JUNIOR TEAM (1st year) The 1st year team- was weak this season when one compares them with the previous Drake 1st year teams. When they had lost their first two matches it looked as if the football shield was liable to change hands at the end of the season. Luckily they pulled their socks up after Christmas and began to win their matches, their most worthy win being the crushing of Stevenson. Enthusiasm was their main asset. Their scores were as follows: Drake v Nelson 0-6 2-5 Drake v Stevenson 1-3 1-0 Drake v White 0-0 2-1 The most consistent players were Carroll. Jones, Burden, Tucker and Childs. CROSS COUNTRY (1959) The juniors came 3rd which was a lower position than expected. The main reason for their failure was that there were two absentees, both of whom were good runners. Also during the race one of Drake's main hopes in this event pulled a muscle and came in 2nd to last. Credit must be given to Bentley who came second and Carroll who was seventh. In the intermediate section Drake could only gain 3rd place which was not surprising for hardly anybody trained for this event. The first of our runners home could gain only tenth position. Just behind him came Oakley and Drew, and if these three had .been backed up by the rest of the team Drake might have done better. If the older members of this section had pulled their weight less strain would have been imposed on the 2nd years on whom Drake had to rely almost entirely. Credit must be given to Oakley who despite his size and age managed to come in twelfth. In the senior section Drake did fairly well this season, occupying second position. We had three boys in the first ten, they were Palmer, Burch and Graham. Unfortunately, although the rest of them did their best, they were too spread out 'to give Drake any chance at all of winning in this section. There were no sudden absentees this year and all the reserves turned up with their full kit. On an aggregate Drake came 3rd. SWIMMING (19S8) Drake did fairly well this year managing, with the help of the girls to obtain the position of second. It was the girls 'that let us down, as they obtained only 79 points whilst the boys managed to get 105 points. The strongest age group amongst the boys was the under-twelve-and-a-half, the most outstanding swimmer being Atwell. The other outstanding swimmers were Drake. Smith and Stubbs, both of whom collected a useful number of points. DRAKE HOUSE Tennis The senior tennis at the beginning of this school-year was not at all promising, and only a few people could be relied upon to turn up for practices. The consequences of this were that Drake came third in the tennis tournament. The team for this was:First couple Olivia Fry Margaret Strickland Second couple Christine Collins Charlotte Finnie Third couple - Roberta Clarke Geraldine Crocker 51 Hockey More people seemed to be interested In hockey than in tennis but it was still very difficult to make up a senior team. The first years were very keen on trying for the junior team, and with more practice they should toe able to get in next year, but the second and third years need to show more enthusiasm. In the hockey tournament the juniors did not do at all well, and were placed third, but the senior team, contrary to all expectations, came first. The Junior Team was: Left Wing: Pamela Roberts Left Inner: Angela Ashton Centre Forward: Diane Edgell Right Inner: Catherine Stormonth Right Wing: Wendy Slader Left Half: Marie Kaslik Centre Half: Leslie Hasler Right Half: Lorna Phillips Left Back: Susan Hill Right Back: Susan Masters Goal Keeper: Carol Graham. Netball
The Senior Team was: Left Wing: Barbara Fisher Left Inner: Sandra Grant Centre Forward: Margaret Strickland Right Inner: Pat Glover Right Wing: Christine Colling Left Half: Olivia Fry Centre Half: Roberta Clarke Right Half: Eileen Smith Left Back: Christine Rees Right Back: Jill Calder Goal Keeper: Lesley Pinnock Again, more enthusiasm was needed from the house and both netball teams were very unsuccessful. Drake eventually came a very poor third. The Junior Netball Team was: Attack: Wendy Slader Shooter: Pamela Roberts Centre: Diane Edgell Centre Attack: Christine Gibson Centre Defence: Lorna. Phillips Defence: Susan Hundley Goal Defence: Susan Masters.
The Senior Netball Team was:- Attack: Christine Collins Shooter: Pat Glover Centre: Gay Hamilton Centre Attack: Barbara Fisher Centre Defence: Roberta Clarke Defence: Charlotte Finnie Goal Defence: Lesley Pinnock. The netsball shooting competion was much more successful and Drake came first. We have to thank Susan Gilbert, Pamela White, Lorna Phillips, Christine Gibson. Christine Moore, Pamela Roberts, Christine Collins, Carol Robinson, Pat Glover and Roberta Clarke. We would like to congratulate Christine Collins for scoring the most goals. K. Clarke. NELSON HOUSE - BOYSIn the three events this season, Football Cross-country and Athletics, Nelson came 3rd. 2nd and 4th respectively. Football Quite a good season on the whole. As usual the 1st year played very well, coming top of their section with 11 points. The 2nd and 3rd year team came 3rd in their section with a total of 4 points. There was some slacking in this team, so "buck-up." The 4th, 5th and 6th Year also came 3rd in their section. FINAL POSITIONS 1st Year Nelson 11 Points Stephenson 7 Points Drake 5 Points White 1 Point 2nd & 3rd Year Drake 11 Points Stephenson 7 Points Nelson 4 Points White 2 Points. 4th, 5th & 6th Year FINAL AGGREGATE 1st Drake 27 Points 2nd Stephenson 21 Points 3rd Nelson 21 Points 4th White 3 Points. Nelson came 3rd in the finals due to Stevenson having a higher goal average. There was a lot of trouble over Kit this season. People taking out shirts for house matches did not return them in time for the next game. Consequently we lost track of some of the shirts. Will those concerned please see that it does not happen again. CROSS-COUNTRY The 1st year and juniors turned out full teams but there was a noticeable lack of enthusiasm amongst the seniors. It was only by the most dire threats to life and limb that some members of the senior team were induced to turn up. Our final position was 2nd, ATHLETICS In the field events the final points were as follows: Stephenson 266 Points White 195 Points Nelson 185 Points Drake 174 Points, It is obvious from the final results that Nelson is greatly lacking in talent, although there is no lack of enthusiasm. No member of Nelson (Boys) came first in any race. The Final Positions were; 1st Stephenson 506 Points 2nd White 392 Points 3rd Drake - 356 Points 4th Nelson 353 Points. We were very sorry to lose Mr. Downs, our keen and conscientious House master, last term. He has been amply replaced by Mr. Pollard, from whose Eagle eyes and quivering Moustache, anyone with the slightest talent or inclination for sport finds it impossible to escape. P. HOPKINS. NELSON HOUSE - GIRLSHOCKEY We were unfortunate this year in having very few seniors who could play hockey. Nevertheless, we did manage to provide a team, who, with more practice playing together, could have fared much better. The forward line lacked in shooting ipower, and as a result of this, no goals were scored by Nelson throughout the tournament. It is hoped that next season we will be able to regain the Hockey Shield which we have held for the past three seasons. The Senior team consists of:- Keeper.- Pamela Macdonaugh Right Back: Vivian Ray (Captain) Left Back: Kathleen Pilsbury Right Half: Pauline Rutherford Centre Half: Jacqueline Rixon Left Half: Carol West Right Wing: Helen Smith Right Inner: Pat Casey Centre Forward: Eve Priestley Left Inner: Sara Dixon Left Wing: Linda Goldsack. The Junior team was more successful and did well to finish second to White in the tournament. The members of the team were all very keen and there was always a good attendance at the practices at Manoel Island. The forwards played well together and a special mention must be made of Rita Phillips, who played well on the wing. The Junior team consists of:- Goal Keeper: Sally Rayson Right Back: Diane Neale Left Back: Lynne Dixon Right Half: Vivienne Shepheard Centre Half: Priscilla Grant left Half: Pat Feherty Right Wing: Susan Spikers Right Inner: Ann Walsh Centre Forward: Pat Cavill Left Wing: Rita PhillipsLeft Inner: Carol Knight (Captain). NETBALL Both Senior and Junior teams played well this season, but, unfortunately did not win enough matches to outpoint Whites' two successful teams. Nevertheless, we were second to White in the overall total.The Match results were:- SENIOR Nelson v. Drake won Nelosn v. White lost Nelson v. Stephenson won JUNIORS Nelson v, Nelson v, Nelson v.Drake lost White drew Stephenson won.
The team consisted of:- SENIOR Goal Keeper: Carol West Defence: Vivien Ray Centre Defence: Jacqueline Rixon Centre: Kathleen Pilsbury Centre Attack: Pauline Rutherford Attack: Sara. Dixon Goal Shooter: Jane Mary Masters. JUNIOR Goal Keeper: Pat Feherty Defence: Maureen Cotter Centre Defence: Susan Trott Centre: Ann Walsh Centre Attack: Dora Mantle Attack: Carol Knight Shooter: Rita Phillips. NETBALL SHOOTING Despite the outstanding efforts of Jane Mary Masters and Rita Phillips, both accurate shooters, the other members of the team were not as successful and Nelson came fourth in this event, TENNIS 1958 Nelson did not shine at tennis at the beginning of this school year. The selection of the team was confined to a small number of people, who, despite every effort, failed to retain the shield, taking second place to White. The team consists of:- first Couple: Jane Mary Masters, Vivian Ray. Second Couple: Marigold Barrett, Wendy Blanchard. Third Couple: Kathleen Pilsbury, Pamela Macdonaugh. If Nelson is to establish itself, then a big effort will be required from all of its members, Vivien Ray House Captain Lesley Leathers Vice Captain. STEPHENSON HOUSE - BOYS ATHLETICS (1958) This years performance was a really outstanding effort and congratulations go to all competitors and also to those who yelled themselves hoarse cheering them on. We really romped home to a clear victory by 20 points. Our actual positions were second in field events and second in track events, but our aggregate carried us well forward showing a good all-round performance from each form. Admittedly the Juniors had a rough time in all events but usually it is sheer determination rather than skill that brings one of our first-formers through the tape. With football and cricket teams constantly being broken up by people leaving, it takes a good individual example to kindle some form of spirit among those who tend to become disheartened. Our only wish is that the spirit shown in entering the athletic events will last through to the swimming sports. This event will toe our last chance to pick up the necessary points to keep us ahead of the other houses, having had a bad time at Cross-country. If our water-babies are as determined as our athletes we should scrape through as Champion House. CRICKET (1958) It looks as though foe Cricket Cup is becoming Stephenson's traditional possession, at least from tine Senior point of view. Once again we skittled out the other houses, winning by a large margin of runs or wickets. The standard was still not as good as it might have been. Batting and bowling were as good as could be expected, tout fielding was inclined to toe slack, especially when the match seemed to be "in the bag". A defeat might have done some good in shaking a few people up. Calling between runs was almost pathetic, some types might have been using telepathy for all the communications that went between them. A plain "yes" or "no" is all that is required. Not much can be said about Junior matches as most of these were played on games afternoons or on mornings coinciding with Senior matches. No doubt they gave of their best and judging toy the score-book those deserving mention are Hodge, Gleave, Gooch, Purdue, Tinson, Hopperton, Townsend, and Wilkinson, all of whom set up- either good scores or good bowling figures. This was a very good season and our hope is that those remaining from these teams, next season, will repeat this year's performance. SWIMMING (1958) Not much can be said concerning this effort; we just weren't good enough. We had a full number of entries in every event except for over 154 where everybody could do free style tout no breast stroke or back stroke. We finished in the same position as last year, third, so did no worse. There were some good individual performances, Flanagan did well in the under 124 breast stroke and back stroke. Wilkinson put up a very good performance winning 12J-14 diving and Gilmore, also in the 124-14 group, who was entered for every event, backed up Wilkinson in the diving and also won the breast stroke. Kiggel put up a good showing in 14-154 in every event and also did well in over-14 diving. Lyne was back bone of the Seniors' entry coming second in breast stroke and also giving a good showing in the over-14 diving. Belay teams weren't very successful, both coming third. It looks like Stephenson had better just trust to luck with swimming and concentrate on the other sport events which we can practice together. We haven't won the swimming since 1955 which ls three years too long, and we've been third in 1956-57 and 1958 which looks like a bad habit. FOOTBALL (1959) The way Stephenson started off this season everybody thought we would run away with the Championship. The 1st year up to the half-way mark had not lost a match and their captain Littlejohn was an outstanding player. Unfortunately he left for U.K. during the season. The 2nd and 3rd years and Seniors also played well. Outstanding in the Seniors was newcomer T. Uron from Turkey. However, during the second half of the season we failed miserably. Due to lack of keenness especially in 1st, 2nd and 3rd years, people leaving for U.K., and by Drake's masterly way of having Stephenson stars transferred Into Drake, the strong teams we had were soon whittled down to mere skeletons of their original form. We lost our chance of taking the Championship, again coming 2nd to Drake. However to compensate, the Seniors put up a great show against the rival Drake House, the first match being a draw, the second resulting in a defeat, the goal being scored two minutes from time. Thus ended a somewhat unhappy season for Stephenson Football. CROSS-COUNTRY (1359) Again Stephenson obliged the other Houses by filling their traditional position in this event namely last!!! The credit for gaining this coveted position was again due to the 1st year, who throughout the season showed complete lack of spirit and stamina to make a success of the course. However all is not blamed on the 1st year, the Seniors themselves took no interest whatever in cross-country this year. Coming third was utterly useless and was a very bad example to the rest of the House. The under 15 however were successful in coming second to White, the Champions. It is about time that some of us bent our backs and really got down to some serious training in this event. I am sure that a great House such as it is, Stephen-son can yet add to its honours by winning the Cross-country next year. G. C. Lawrence, House Captain. STEPHENSON HOUSE - GIRLS NETBALL Despite the fact that the seniors lost all their matches, the team put up a very good show. Due to the absentees, changes had to be made at the last moment. The team consisted of the following girls: Goal Keeper: M, Plowman Defence: C. Mathews Centre: 3. Bound Centre Attack: D. Fear Centre Defence: G. Noller Goal Shooter: J. Wotton Attack: E. Reed Reserve: H. Finnie. The Juniors would make a promising team if more practice were put in. The two most outstanding players are W. Morrell and O. Burn. The team lost to Nelson and Drake, but drew with White after an outstanding game. The team consisted of:Goal Keeper: P. Ellis Defence: W. Morrell Shooter: O. Burn Attack: L. Tierney Centre: M. Alvey Centre Attack: P. Micallef Centre Defence: P. Tichener. NETBALL SHOOTING Two competitions were held. In the first Stephenson was third, and in the second they came second. The standard of shooting was, unfortunately, not very high and there was very little co-operation. The most outstanding shooter was Joan Wotton. HOCKEY The senior team did not have an opportunity to play as a complete team before the House Matches, but in spite of that handicap, they came third. The forward line kept up reasonably well, and play on the whole was good, but there is still room for improvement, especially in passing. Throughout the games good sportsmanship was shown and everyone enjoyed themselves. The team consisted of the following: Centre Forward: E. Roe Left Inner: D. Pear Right Inner: S. Stevenson Left Wing: J. Bound, Right Wing: 3. Wotton Centre Half.- E. Reid Right Half: M. Plowman Left Half: Y. Northmore Right Back: C. Mathews Left Back: G. Noller Goal Keeper: S. Currl. The Juniors were very keen to do well, but there is much room for improvement. They played more as individuals, than as a team, tout with practice this should be overcome. The sportsmanship displayed was very good. The most outstanding player was W. Morrell who for her age was very good. As Drake and Stephenson drew for third place, the goal average was taken, so this caused Stephenson to come fourth. The team consisted of the following girls: Centre Forward: J. Shawyer Right Wing: C. Langley Left Wing: C. Beaty Centre Half: S. SmithInner: D. Rouse Left Inner: W. Morrell Right ATHLETICS Right Half: M. Cleaver Left Half: A. Hornby Right Back: S. Oxford Left Back: o. Burn Goal Keeper: P. Micallef. Although there were few seniors in Stephenson, they did well in the track and field events. They won the senior relay, and G. Noller won the Discus, setting up a new record of 74 feet 9 inches. The Juniors also did very well, winning most of their races. Sally Frow set up a new record; of 132 feet 7£ inches for throwing the Cricket Ball. Stephenson -again won the Girls' Championship Cup this year, and also the House Trophy. Congratulation to everyone. House -Captain Helen Finnie Games Captain Elizabeth Roe
WHITE HOUSE NOTES FOR SCHOOL MAGAZINE So far this year there have been only two competitions .football and the cross-country race. At football we failed miserably; at cross-country we won handsomely. FOOTBALL This season must surely go down as the worst in White House's short history. Only three points were won out of a possible thirty-six. Although the seniors failed to win a point there was no lack of determination. The team tried hard and Faulkner in goal often saved the team from being completely swamped. We were unfortunate to lose Pinhey CM.) and Williams as the beginning of the season. The juniors were captained by Oompton aided by Carter, but their was little enthusiasm in this team. Frame and Pinhey (A) played well. The 1st year, captained by Parker and Lawrence, started the season promisingly but seemed to collapse after losing goalkeeper Chetwin. Helsby and Doyle played for the school 1st XI, and Helsby, Lincoln, and Faulkner played for the school under-15 team. CROSS-COUNTRY For the 5th year in succession the shield was awarded to White House. There was no lack of enthusiasm in the seniors and juniors but the 1st years ran with a team of ten instead of twelve. In the seniors Bailey (2nd), Taylor, Shepherd and Doyle were all in the first thirteen and White House won this section. Thomas won the junior race and Faukner, Bowes and Callard were all in the first five giving White an easy win in this section. Lawrence won the 1st year race and in this section we were second to Nelson. However, on aggregate White House were champions. Athletics and swimming are yet to come. In these events will the whole house, and not just a few individuals, try? C. M. Doyle. POSTSCRIPT: White House put up a splendid performance at the Inter-House Sports, finishing second to Stephenson. A good effort! WHITE HOUSE REPORT GIRLS We have shown marked improvement this year, probably due to the draft of new athletic girls into our House. Now, at last, White House does not come last with unfailing regularity. We would like to thank the House mistresses, who, through their unflagging; interest and enthusiasm, have wrought a great change of feeling throughout the White House Girls. HOCKEY The Junior Team worked together much better than I had thought possible. Their forward line must learn, however, not to be selfish. They won two matches and drew one, gaining- five points in all. 59 The Senior Team failed to score goals, which was a source of bitter disappointment to us all. This forward line must work together and not fumble with the .ball. The backs and halves played exceedingly well. SENIOR Centre Forward: Robina Halford Left Wing: Linda Knapp Right Wing: Rita Mays Left Inner: Sandra Wilson Right Inner: Shsena Hinds Left Half: Janet Bosworth Right Half: Paula Blackburn Left Back: Pat Antill Right Back: Jacqueline Williams Centre Half: Pauline Bently Goal Keeper: Janet Ogden (Capt.) Reserve: Sandra Carter. JUNIOR Centre Forward: Susan Antill -Left Wing: Susan Dixon Right Wing: Jane Barrick Left Inner: Pamela Gard Right Inner: Philiprpa Marack Left Half: Vicky Machenzie Right Half: Susan Lammerton Left Back: Kathryn Ogden (Capt.) -Right Back: Wendy Sturmey Centre Half: Joan Milne Goal Keeper: Elizabeth Noonan Reserves: Pat Wyatt, June Barber. NETBALL Here we were disappointed by the Junior Team. I had expected them to win all their matches. The Senior Team worked hard and, I think, deserved their three wins, giving them a total of six points. SENIOR Centre: Rotoina Halford Centre Attack: Linda Centre Defence: Pat Antill Attack: Janet Ogden (Capt.) Shooter: Rita Mays Defence: Jacqueline Williams Goal Defence: Susan Bray Reserve; Pauline Bentley. JUNIOR Centre: Susan Antell Centre Attack: Philippa Marack Centre Defence: Susan Dixon Attack: Kathryn Ogden (Capt.) Shooter: Pat Wyatt Defence: Carol Westwood Goal Defence: Wendy Sturmey Reserve: Jane Barrick.
TENNIS The Junior Tennis Team won their matches last Summer Term, and this again caused surprise. I had not expected them to do so well. The Senior Tennis Team won easily. I was again agreeably surprised! SENIOR First Couple: (Capt.) Janet Ogden, Linda Knapp. Second Couple: Rita Mays, Robina Halford. Third Couple: Pauline Bentley, Marianne Tottman. JUNIOR First Couple: Sarah Hills, Philippa Marack (Capt.) Second Couple: Robina Halford, Kathryn Ogden. Third Couple: Elizabeth Noonan, Dilys Cole. CROSS COUNTRY FOR 1959 The three Cross Country Races were held in March on the usual course. Strenuous practice had been put in beforehand by the various competitors under the watchful eyes of the House Captains. The results were: lst YEAR 1. Lawrence W; 2. Bentley D; 3. Vasey N; 4, Mason W; 5. 'Parker W; 6. Lovely W. House positions 1st Nelson; 2nd White; 3rd Drake. UNDER 15 YEARS 1, Thomas W; 2. Yeo S; 3. Bowes W; 4 Faulkner W; 5. Birt N; 6. Callard W. House positions 1st White; 2nd Stephenson; 3rd Drake. OVER 15 YEARS 1. Palmer ; 2. Bailey W; 3. Blandon N; 4. Taylor W; 5. Burch D; 6. Shepheard W. House positions 1st White; 2nd Drake; 3rd Stephenson. White House are to be congratulated on winning the Senior and Junior Crosscountry Championships. 81 A COLLECTIVE EFFORT BY THE BOYS Of 5BM. We started by knowing nothing; and we were rather ashamed of being seen charging around with nets, trying to catch "poor defenceless little butterflies." We were called "Hunters", and worse, by our critics. Now that we have made a collection and realise how much work is involved and what care is needed in preserving the beauty of insects, we couldn't care less how many people think that we are mad. Our first captures; were cabbage whites a pest in anyone's language. We used jackets, caps, match-boxes, jam-jars and anything else we could get hold of in order to capture these specimens. Many of them were bedraggled and hardly worth the name of butterfly, tout they gave us something to practice on and after a time we realised that a light net was the best means of capturing those delicate insects whose beauty we wished to preserve. A butterfly, if left alone, will live for about three weeks. A butterfly properly preserved will last for ever. We have been accused of being cruel because we pin the butterflies on a board the people who say that, don't realise that we do all we can to avoid cruelty to the insects. After capture in the net, the butterfly is killed very quickly so quickly that it hasn't got time to damage its wings by flapping about in the killing bottle. Then it is set out on a board so that the full beauty of its wings can be seen. In all this work, capture, killing and setting out, the butterfly must never be touched with the fingers or the wings will be damaged and a damaged butterfly is not worth putting in a show case. So with the capture of our first specimens began our training in handling butterflies without touching them! At first this seemed impossible, but, as we went on, we learned to toe patient and now we have a reasonable collection, all "untouched by hand". When the butterfly is dead, a special pin is put through the hard part of its body just behind its head. The butterfly is then put in to the Setting board and strips of paper are pinned across its wings to hold them flat. After a month or so the whole insect has dried and set and it can then be put into the display case which, if airtight, will keep the specimens for all to enjoy ever afterwards. It is a long trail from the capture to the display case especially for anyone who hasn't got patience, and who isn't ready to try to be patient. Our first specimens were mangled wrecks by the time we had finished with them. Our display cases are now the envy of all who see them. Now we can have a really close look at several varieties of the butterflies that live in this part of the world, and now we can really appreciate the delicate patterns and colours on the wings. At first we took anything that came our way. Now a butterfly has got to be perfect before we capture and preserve it. Our collection includes the following: Cabbage White, Small White, Small Blue, Small Copper, Brown Argus, Small Heath, Meadow Brown, Wall Brown, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, Clouded Yellow, and Swallow tail. We also have several specimens of the fascinating Humming Bird Hawk Moth, Locust and Praying Mantis. Among the "creepy-crawlies" we have collected scorpions, spiders, and many different varieties of beetle. We didn't realise that there were so many different kinds of insect on Malta. It is surprising what you can do and see, if you are patient and .learn to keep your eyes open. Peter Humphry, Marshall Hansen. Kenneth Proudlove, John Wotton 5BM. The close of the Christmas term saw the annual production of the school play. This year they launched into the field of comedy with a well appreciated production of "Middle Watch" by Ian Hay and Stephen King-Hall. This play with a. nautical (background was well suited to the audience, and producer Lt. Cdr. Bentley did an excellent job in bringing out the full humour of this farce. It is difficult to single out any member of the cast for special mention, but no one can deny that the stalwart defender of "hempire and honour" Marine Ogg (Mr. Downes) stole the show. Mary, (Jacky Williams) acted superbly in her scenes with the captain, capturing his attentions as eloquently with her eyes as she did with her delightful American accent. Equally convincing and well-acted was the romance between the blonde bombshell Fay, (Deidre Pike) and the Captain of Marines (Bernard Hoctor). On the Naval side witty dialogue and subtle humour was bantered between the Admiral (Lt. Cdr. Arthur), the Commander (Gordon Moore) and the victim of all situations, the Captain, ably acted by John Knight. The good acting of Wendy Blanchard coupled with the high standard of make-up, transformed her into a very domineering wife for the Admiral, while Linda Goldsack's expert wielding of the brolly terrified even the stolid Ogg. Christine Collins made a charming Admiral's daughter, while Al Fong and the Corporal of Marines, one of whom always managed to appear at the most embarassing of moments, were very well portrayed by Marilyn Alvey and Robin Palmer. Other parts were played by Rikki Ledsham the flag lieutenant, Robina Halford as his girl-friend, and last but not least, Spike Walton as an A.B.
A SCENE FROM "MIDDLE WATCH" » The cast and stage hands will long remember the many amusing incidents which took place behind the scenes, such as Mr. Bletcher giving an imitation of twenty sea-men arriving upon deck to fall in for duty. Another additional laugh was provided toy the Commander who, on dashing into the bathroom, tripped over the combing and nearly crashed through the backcloth. All the laughs were not however supplied by the cast, and on the last night in particular they were as much amused by the raucous laugh of a gentleman in the front row, as he obviously was by the play. The scenery surpassed even the usual high standard and we must thank our stage manager, Mr. Bletcher for his magnificent set. The rocking at the back cloth while the ship was at sea was most realistic or so we were told toy some of the more fragile members of the audience. This was unfortunately his last set before the Island, his previous ones having been acclaimed by all who have seen them both at school and in the R.N. Drama Festival. Credit is also due to Mr. Knight for his lighting and carefully timed sound effects. Miss Rippin and Miss Bowers are to be thanked for their colourful costumes, while we must not of course forget to thank the numerous undauntable strong men who, between drinks and jokes etc.. changed the scenes. J.W. J.K. DARK BROWN The annual Royal Naval Drama Festival was held last February at the Manoel Island Theatre and for this auspicious event Mr. Cecil Bellamy, a distinguished producer and critic, was again invited to adjudicate. On the second evening of the festival, which was devoted to One-Act Plays, the Tal Handak Staff presented Philip Johnson's Victorian Melodrama. "Dark Brown". This is the story of a rather sinister North-countryman, Arthur Brown, who periodically leaves his wife, Jenny, to visit his sick Aunt at Eastbourne. Jenny's mother is very sceptical about the truth of these absences, especially as the newspapers are reporting a spate of murders, and when one of Jenny's friends tells her that he saw Arthur in London when he was supposed to be with his Aunt, suspicion mounts against him. The entry of the mad aunt, who in a sane moment says that she has not seen Arthur for years, sets the scene for a highly dramatic finale. But maybe you did not see the play, so to reveal the final twist of the plot would be to spoil your future enjoyment. Miss Henderson and Mr. Parker as Jenny and Arthur Brown won great approval from the audience, particularly in the way they built up the tension to the climax. Miss Hunt was Bella Crewe, the frivolous girl-friend of Jenny and Mr. Downs played Fred Whitworth, Bella's somewhat henpecked fiance, the adjudicator being loud in their praise. Miss Knight was Jenny's mother and Miss Floyd the mad aunt, both difficult parts but admirably played. Light relief came from the rather spinsterish, scandal-mongering shop assistant. Miss Tasker, delightfully portrayed toy Mrs. Gough. Mr. Bletcher and Mr. Djckerson built a magnificent set to depict a typical gloomy Victorian sitting room and Mr. Knight was responsible for the excellent lighting. The adjudicator found much to praise in the performances of the cast and his criticisms were mainly technical. He was particularly impressed with the set, which lent so much to the atmosphere of the play and on the final night he awarded the School the Rose Depares prize for the most outstanding set, Lt. Cdr. S. Bentley was responsible for the production of the play.
BONZO I have a wonderful pet, and his name is Bonzo of course. He is a puppy a wonderful, wonderful puppy he is. He has a sad little face, and wagging little tail, and his colour is very light brown. He is so dirty, he makes such a mess of the floor, so I'm afraid I will have to send him over the sea to Gozo. Joyce Compton 1EM. FISHES In and out go little fishes, Finding things for tasty dishes, Playing in and out the reeds, Nibbling at the juicy weeds. To and fro go mother fishes Carrying out their husbands' wishes. Doing jobs which must be done, While the others have some fun. When at last the night draws nigh; And the silver moon climbs in the sky, Father fish will call his brood, Whilst good old Mum prepares their food. S. Selman 2BM. SANDY BEACH Sandy Beach is situated on the northern side of the island of Cyprus, not very far from Kyrenia. From the bay you can see Kyrenia Castle silhouetted against the blue sky. Near by are hotels from which tourists and holiday makers go to the bay. The bay is practically surrounded on three sides by high cliffs and when the tide is out, there are quite a few caves to be seen. Swimming is perfectly safe because the sand doesn't shelve, but slopes gradually down to the deep sea. If you are lucky enough to possess a face mask and flippers, a world beneath the waves is opened to you. Brightly coloured fish are swimming about. Red and white coral is to toe seen. Sea anemones wave brightly coloured fronds in the motion of the water. The. Sand is a beautiful white colour and gleams in the sunshine. It becomes very hot in the heat of - the sun and is sometimes too hot to lie on without some-shelter of the cliffs and sometimes there isn't any room to move under them, without tripping over someone's feet or stepping on someone's sunglasses. At low tide a lot of people congregate round the rock pools and some of them come back with a crab in a jam-jar or a piece of sea-weed fluttering gaily from their hand, or shells clanking in their pockets. At sunset the sea reflects the setting sun like a mirror. The brilliant tints are spread over the water. It is so calm it looks as though it were waiting for night to fall. Joanna Roberts. 2AM. THE RACE A cloud of dust intermingled with exhaust smoke, a screech of brakes, the roll of tyres and the buses shot forward. The three-thirty race was on. Twenty or so, buses streamed down the Royal Naval School drive. The fun was yet to come, Pepsi-Cola hill had not yet been reached .... but when it was .... A cream and white bus, Jacko driving, sped round the bend and helter-skelter after the leading bus, the driver, of which, was determined that Jacko's bus should not lead. The leading bus therefore careered across the road, the children in it screaming with delight and urging the driver onwards, making V signs at the schoolchildren in Jacko's bus. Both drivers determined on keeping the lead, neither was going to give in; the buses are like horses, surging forward, neck and neck, streams of black smoke like tails trailing behind. The excitement of children, mingled with the fear of the Staff aboard one of the buses, one of the Staff busily jotting down the buses' numbers . . . nobody could possibly win such a race . . . when suddenly appearing above the crest of the hill was a cyclist .Poor fellow, even from 200 yards distance he seemed quite pale, and dismounting quickly, he pedalled his bike onto the grassy verge. Meanwhile the buses did not falter, excitement had reached fever pitch, and then out of Pepsi Cola gateway shot a lorry. The buses braked, the race was over, but it had an appointment for 3.30 the following day. The losing driver must have his revenge. Two minutes excitement was over! Tomorrow was another day. . . .! C. Rees. 5AG.
JUNIOR SCHOOL REPORT THE JUNIOR SCHOOL Last September I came to Verdala to take the place of Miss Vasey, and was given a warm welcome by the staff, who did so much to help me and the other newcomers to the Junior Department, Miss Billard, Miss N. Roberts- and Mr. Carrell, to feel at home at Verdala, that we all soon felt as If we had been there some while. Prior to our arrival the staff had said goodbye to Mrs. Van Book, Mrs. Barkaway and Miss M. Roberts. Mrs. Van Book's help at the piano was missed by Miss Rowe's Ballet Club, but Miss Billard was persuaded to take her place. Those staff remaining returned for the Autumn Term to find the promised Romney Hut had been erected, giving us four more classrooms which were much needed to cope with the rapidly increasing numbers. The fifth room was put into use as a Junior Reception Class. This kind of class is very valuable in a school like this., at which groups of children arrive at intervals throughout the term. Now all these children go first of all to the Reception Class, where they are welcomed by Mr. Wilsher and given a chance to settle down and become acquainted with the school, (before being tested to determine their right class out of the twenty in the school. The quickness with which their natural worry at finding themselves in such a large school is dispelled and the way in which they settle down is a sign of the success of this class and a tribute to Mr. Wilsher. We shall be sorry to lose him from this work when he leaves us to return to the United Kingdom at the end of the term. We had hardly settled down to the work of the Autumn Term before we welcomed Commander Brookes, who came in October, but this meant we had a very sad farewell to say to Commander Paynter. His happy personality was known throughout the school, and it was with great regret that staff and children said goodbye to him. It is good to know from letters that he has not forgotten us. In January, Miss Hodgeson came out to join us, while Mrs. Preston came on to the permanent staff after helping us out as a supply teacher during the previous term, after the departure of Mrs. Male. Here I would like to thank our supply teachers, Mrs- Male, Mrs, Preston, Mrs. Knight and Mrs. Hicks, who have so often come to our rescue at very short notice, and whose ready help and willingness to fit in anywhere they are needed, have been such an asset to the school. We have been particularly fortunate that Mrs. Preston has been ready to take an interest in Brownies, as this has helped in the formation of a Brownie Pack to match the Cub Pack. During the year we have been pleased to welcome two parties from the Mater Admirabilis Training College. These were very interested in the work and activities of the children and in the apparatus which helped to bring reality to their Arithmetic. Visitors to the school at some times of the year would undoubtedly meet a few surprises. Just before Christmas a 'plague of rats' appeared in the school, as children rehearsed enthusiastically for their parts in the "Pied Piper", the Christmas pantomime; while the staff room became a workroom in which many teachers spent all their free time making the costumes. Both children and staff worked as a team to make the pantomime a success. This term every dinner hour sees children painting scenery under the direction of Miss McMeeking or rehearsing in the hall with Miss Stinston or Miss Kernahan ready for the operetta which is to be performed shortly. At Christmas there was also a Nativity Play which was performed on the last day of term by the choir. This was a very sincere, moving performance and both the children who watched and those who took part, joined in the Carol Service which followed, realising more fully the true spirit of Christmas and the meaning behind the parties and the fun. Throughout the year, the usual activities of Cubs, Brownies, games, ballet and choir have -continued successfully and added their share to the rich life of the school. The school continues to grow in size and every week new faces appear, but all soon settle down and become part of Verdala. P. Collins THE INFANTS DEPARTMENT "I had no idea the school was so large. What an enormous playground, and what a lot of children!" Remarks, such as this, are frequently made by parents visiting Verdala for the first time. What, then, are the reactions of the children? What are the five-year-old's impressions of Verdala on his very first day at school? What are his thoughts as he cautiously climbs down from the school 'bus, firmly clutching his "white card" to join the stream of children making their way up the steep drive? Is this anything like the school he imagined? Is he feeling apprehensive? Is he excited'? Is he feeling apprehensive? is he overwhelmed by the vast expanse of playground, the numerous different classrooms and the masses of strange faces? Daily, the Staff in the Infants Department are amazed at the adaptability of these very young children, since the majority readily accept this new environment and take to school like "ducks to water". They very soon learn their way about. They abound with energy and seem thoroughly happy and at ease at school. In spite of this, we have been concerned for some time for the very tiny, timid children, trying so hard to play their little pretending games of "mothers and fathers" and being "buses" or "engines" amid the speed and hustle of bigger children chasing each other and playing ball games. It was generally agreed that these little ones would have a much happier, calmer day, if at playtime they could have a special portion of playground and a toilet block reserved for the use of "Infants' Only." This idea has been tried during this term, and whilst some of the younger children still prefer to play in the main section of the playground with older 'brothers and sisters many are glad of the refuge offered by the Infants' Playground.
Teaching Staff Verdala. (See colour photo.)Two blocks of classrooms at Verdala have now been made almost exclusively Infants' Blocks to accommodate ten classes. The eleventh class, started in January of this year, occupies a classroom made by drawing the sliding partitions across the centre of the hall (much to the disappointment of Staff and children who had previously enjoyed their P.E. and Music and Movement in this attractive little hall). Mrs. Farr joined the Staff in January to take charge of the newly-made Class eleven and quickly transformed a very ,bare looking room into a most gay, attractive classroom. The walls are colourfully decorated with the children's own artistic efforts. Touring the infants classrooms one cannot help but be impressed with their bright, attractive appearance. The Staff have obviously spent much time out-of-school, producing for their classes a considerable amount of interesting reading and number-reading apparatus of all kinds. Such apparatus is both useful and decorative and when introduced into the classroom it acts as a great stimulus to young children endeavouring to master the early stages in the basic subjects. The children's own efforts at picture-making and modelling ("ships" incidentally are a most popular subject) displayed about their classroom help to make it their own. For most of the year the classrooms have been gay with flowers, many of which the children have gathered from the fields adjoining the playground. Several children, with help from teachers and parents, made very careful collections of pressed wild-flowers and were so interested it was decided to hold a competition during the Easter holidays for the best collection of ten different flowers. On days when the weather has been suitable many of the younger classes have enjoyed lessons out of doors in the shade of the verandahs and under the trees growing near to the school. As usual the Infants ran their races on Sports Day and collected their sweets afterwards! During the Summer Term many of them took part in the Swimming Sports and did extremely well. Last Spring Term a 'group of seven year old boys and girls, who had been taught by Miss Instrell, took part in the Schools Music Festival. They played two percussion band pieces with great precision, and enthusiasm! This year Miss Burke's class will be singing at the Concert to be held at the close of this year's Music Festival. During February and March students from the Mater Admirabilis Training College at Rabat paid their annual visit to the school to observe teaching methods. What charming and delightful visitors they are. They are so interested in the children, so readily fit into the programme planned for them and are so appreciative of the help given them by our teaching Staff. Some weeks before the students visited Verdala a group of five and six year olds were taken to the College by Miss Burke who gave a demonstration lesson for the students. The children's very sweet singing and 'graceful movement delighted everyone. The Children thoroughly enjoyed the lesson and the orange squash and delicious home-made cake which followed. Before returning to Verdala the children had a romp in the hall and played games organised by the students. The experience was a happy and profitable one for all concerned. Changes in the staff this year have been very few. Miss Instrell left in August to 30 to Salisbury Rhodesia to foe married. We wish her and her husband much happiness. Mrs. Birch transferred to the Junior Department and we have welcomed into the Infants' Department Miss Stideford, Miss Holmwood and Mrs. Fan. We have also been grateful for help given us by Mrs. Hicks, 'Mrs. Preston, Miss Morris, and Mrs. Gee, who have come into the school as supply teachers. There has been a very settled atmosphere about the school throughout the year, due undoubtedly to the fact that the remainder of the staff, Miss Batty, Mrs. Beech, Miss Burke, Mrs. Davies, Mrs.Keare, Miss Lee, Miss Townsend, and Mrs. Wicks, have now been on the staff at Verdala for a considerable time, so that new members of the staff met well-established colleagues who readily gave help and co-operation wherever it was needed. Throughout the year all the staff have worked together as a team to ensure smooth running of the department, and consequently the children have enjoyed a full and varied life. A good standard of work has been maintained throughout the school and many children have achieved well-above-average standards. During the Autumn Term we said Goodbye to Commander Paynter and Mrs. Paynter who returned to Gosport. We have very happy memories of their stay in Malta and we send them our very best wishes. Shortly before Commander Paynter left we had welcomed Commander Brooks and Mrs. Brooks to Verdala and the younger children were most interested by the fact that for a few days the school had two headmasters! We were so pleased that Commander Brooks and Mrs. Brooks were able to join in our Christmas festivities. This year some of the infants took part in the school Pantomime as the boys and girls and baby tots in "The Pied Piper". We sincerely thank Miss Lee who arranged their dresses and' supervised Just before the end of term the six and seven-year-olds performed a Nativity Play. The children, young as they were, played their parts with sincerity, and reverence. Christmas is always a happy time especially where there are young children, for they enjoy everything wholeheartedly. With tremendous enthusiasm they set to work to produce mountains of decorations. They were so delighted with the coloured-lights on the Christmas tree. They vigorously coloured Christmas cards for Mummy and daddy, then laboriously wrote their Christmas messages inside. They listen intently to the Christmas story with its message of love and good will, peep quietly inside the Christmas crib, sing softly Away in a Manger and all the other carols so loved by children and adults. It is a said that in retrospect, one always sees the good things in life, and that the difficulties overcome are forgotten. Doubtless, we have had our problems and difficulties, in the Infants Department during the past year, but we must have overcome them fairly easily for they are now forgotten, for the memory recalls only that the year was a thoroughly happy one. V. North. FOOTBALL REPORT ON only two occasions during the season was it necessary to postpone a game because of bad weather and, generally, playing conditions were very good. In the Autumn term Stevenson House, with a nucleus of good players remaining from last year, continued to dominate the House championship.
SOCCER 1st XI Nelson House came closest to beating them and ended up in second position. The fight for the Bowie Cup in Services' Primary Schools League was a close and exciting one and again the Trophy changed hands. This time St. Andrew's School, very ably led by a strong and capable centre-half, wrested the cup from Luqa and went through the season undefeatable. Our "A" team at Verdala had a very sound defence and, in David Shepherd, one of the most successful forwards in the League. In important games against St. Andrew's and Luqa, however, they just failed to find their best form. The season ended with an excellent game at St. Andrew's when they, as champions, played the combined XI from the other schools. The result was a 2-2 draw. Verdala's representatives in this game were, John McDonald, David Shepherd, Richard Light and David Tucked. J. Ousbey. VERDALA NETBALL It was decided in the Autumn Term that there were so many promising Netball players in the 4th Year, that we really ought to form a school team. As a result of trials, there were nearly 30 girls picked out, whose standard of play and enthusiasm entitled them to a place. We ran 3 teams, and the standard of play, particularly footwork, was as high as that of many Senior Teams. Altogether, we played 3 schools, i.e. The R.A.F. School. Luqa; The Army School, St. Andrew's and The Army School, Tigne.
VERDALA NETBALL TEAMS The girls who represented Verdala were: "A" TEAM C. Simmonds C. Kirkby A. Ryder S. Barrick B. Rixon J. 'Richards F. Baynton 'B" TEAM J. Bianchi N. Johnson A. Pennington C. Hatcher L. Collett P. Hearst P. Selman "C" TEAM S. Lavis A. M. Wilson A. Wilson S. Hayes S. Milford E. Anderson E. Gower All the matches were very exciting and from them we learnt a great deal about our weaknesses. Result of matches played :- HOME: v. St. Andrew's - 2 wins Luqa - 1 win Tigne - 2 wins St. Andrew's - 1 win, 1 loss AWAY: Luqa - 1 win Tigne - 1 win. 1 loss, 1 draw TOTAL: Losses 2 Draws 1 Wins 8 W.M. Preston (Mrs.) VERDALA SWIMMING SPORTS 1958 We had excellent weather for our Sixth Annual Swimming Sports, held at the Fleet Bathing Centre, Ricasoli, on the afternoon of 18th July. There were 27 events on the programme and these included freestyle, and backstroke events for each age group, an open diving event, a girls and boys relay and five Infant School Events. The heats had to be run on two previous days this year and not one as previously. This was due to the very large entry from boys and girls. Each child competing was awarded a point for his house. In this way Nelson House started the Sports Day with 120 points, Stevenson with 116, Drake with 98, and Whit§ with 96. By the half way stage on Sports Day Stevenson had moved into the lead followed closely by Nelson, White and Drake, in that order. There were some exciting finishes and the final result was: 1. Stevenson 211 points 2. Nelson - 174 3. Drake -144 4. White 137 Mrs. Pack kindly consented to present the prizes. We are indebted to P.T.I. Moore and his Staff at the Lido for their invaluable help and' co-operation which helped to make the afternoon a success, RESULTS
RELAYS GIRLS 1. Stevenson Susan Wood Louis Reed Sandra Lewis June Christian BOYS 1. Stevenson Donald McDonald John Marraefe Christopher Wyatt David Edge Mothers' Race Mrs. Pennington Fathers' Race Mr. Brown
P. Ross. ROYAL LIFE-SAVING SOCIETY GROUP 1958 The usual enthusiasm for this activity was apparent again this year. Twenty two children attended the classes regularly and each one gained he Elementary Certificate. This Certificate is the highest award they can gain at their age. As usual, we are deeply indebted to P.T.I. Moore and his staff at Ricasoli Lido for their help and encouragement. The following were awarded the Elementary Certificate: Philippa Ritchie Susan Stewart Dorothy Smith Lynn Westacott Gillian Brown Pamela Jones Katherine Simmonds Judy Mills Sheira le Clercq Lesley Collett Laraine Penn Jennifer Oxford Anne-Marie Wilson Miranda Swann Jacqueline Mortimer Rhona Johnson Alan Oxford Kelvin Palmer Graham Payne Kevin Hayes Stephen Epperson P. Ross
DRAMA NEWS THE "PIED PIPER OF HAMELIN" Christmas Term traditionally ends with a Pantomime, but this year parents and visitors were given a greater treat with this show. An original play, written around the old story by Mr. Ousbey, and produced by Mr. Willisher, it was a feast of colour, beautiful scenes and slick performances. Who will forget the lovely scene, under the stained glass window of the Church, as the cripple boy recovers the use of his legs? This part was played by Stephen Westacott, giving an excellent characterisation. He was partnered by Judith Nixon as Lisa, his loyal friend. The Rats of course, were very much in evidence. There were Mummy Rate, and Baby Rats (one in a Push-chair!}* Spiv Rats, and most hilariously an Admiral Rat, played with great "Savior faire' by Richard Curtis. He was accompanied by a crew of sea going Rats, usually doing deck scrubbing - at the double. The costumes were lovely, due to the hard work and artistry of Miss Butters and Miss Horton, who combined colour with a delightful sense of Period. The Pied Piper was played; by Daved Aldington, while the rascally Mayor of Hemelin was our old friend, boisterous Robert Skinner, who did so well last year as the Robber Chief. Father William, quite a difficult part, was done .very well by Michael Michael Richards. In fact, all were excellent, and many of the audience were quite speechless at this beautiful production from a Junior School and the Baby Rats from Infants 7. Scenery was by Miss McMeeking who did wonders with the stage and lighting at her disposal. Truly a credit to Mr. Willsher's patience as a producer, and Mr. Ousbey's combination of humour and pathos in the story. Miss A. Rowe
Scene from Pied Piper. BALLET CLUB The Ballet Club still continues, the numbers always on the increase and great enthusiasm shown for Practice! Many new members have joined while others have left us, either for U.K. or Tal Handak, though the majority of the latter group attend Saturday morning Class. Grade Exams have been held and quite a few good "passes" have resulted. During last Summer the Club gave an entertainment in aid of Trinity Church at their Annual Garden Fete. It came at a bad time, when many of the Senior Grades had left. However, through hard work, several understudies suddenly found themselves Soloists, and a fine performance was given. Pauline Hargreaves was outstanding, as she stepped into the chief role of "Sleeping Beauty" also Debbie Davies, who on the eve of her return to U.S.A. danced the Skater's Polka with Sue Millor, and the Diamond Fairy. In the Christmas show one group danced a Jelly-Fish Ballet ('quite a success) while almost everyone else performed, in the Fairy Ballet, which appeared when the hill opened to admit the Children who followed the piper. "Tich" Baker who always gives of her best, was delightful as the Butterfly, while Lynn Johnson showed how advanced her elevation and Arabesques are, in the Lilac Fairy solo. Lorraine Pernn and Joy Mansell danced a Pas de Deux as the Dragon-flies, both being well qualified to make something of the speed of this dance. At the moment, the practice evenings are being spent in working-up for an entertainment to be given early in June, and as at least four of our young soloists are on Blocks, there ought to be something interesting to see. For the benefit of newcomers and parents who may be interested, the Ballet Classes are held on Monday and Thursday evenings after school, a bus bringing the children home, although those living in outlying districts must be collected by parents. The classes are not open to Infants, only to the Junior School. Practice tunics must be black, with pink leather Ballet Slippers (Anilo and Davides' Please). Although the children do occasionally give performances, the main aims are to give poise, good-co-ordination, and an interest in dancing. Miss A. Rowe. MUSIC CLUB The School Choir has consisted entirely of Fourth Years this year and the work has been planned with the idea of performing an operetta at Whitsun. The first effort was a musical Nativity Play at Christmas. The Choir now increased to fifty members, is working very hard during lunch-times and after school, towards an ambitious performance of Arthur Somervell's Princess Zara. Miss Kernahan Miss Stinton
LIBRARY REPORT With over 2,000 books in the library, we feel that there must be something to please everyone, and there has been a large membership this year. The latest addition is a section of historical novels which make both exciting and interesting reading. Also, since last year, we have picked out story books suitable for the children of 8 and 9 years and put those in a separate group. Increased numbers of books for boys, such as the Cormorant Series, and for girls, such as the Wells and Alison series, have been avidly read: one or two girls encroached on the boys' territory, tout the reverse doesn't seen to happen! (The boys just aren't Ballet minded!) Favourites among the First Years are the stories of Muffin and the Adventures of the Little Red Engine. The illustrations in many of the books for the youngest readers are really 'beautiful, and the stories are simply and clearly told. Many children, who are Nature lovers, take advantage of having two books each week from that section, since many of these have little solid reading matter, but contain illustrations and interesting information. We are always extremely grateful to children who, on leaving Malta, give us any books they do not wish to take with them. We should like to express our thanks to Padre Scott Currie and his family for the wonderful selection they handed over to us. Each term a small selection is added to the shelves, purchased with your sixpences, and each month a book arrives from the Children's Book Club. The latest, "Horse in the Clouds,' written by a 16-year-old girl tells of a boy in the Argentine and his love for a wild stallion, Pampa: Already more new books for next year have been ordered. We hope all tastes have been catered for. Would you like to read about Space Travel, of the Adventures of a Seafaring Bat, or the escapades of Susan and Bill? Maybe you would prefer stories of the Golden Stallion or to .gain information from the various encyclopaedia. Whatever your choice, don't forget to join your library at the beginning of next term. D. J. BUTTERS J. OUSBEY FROM MOMBASA IN KENYA Many of you will remember with pleasure our previous Headmistress, Miss Vasey. To prove that she has not forgotten you all she has very kindly contributed this very interesting article, which I am sure you will all enjoy reading. "It is just about a year since I was writing my contribution to Verdala's Magazine and although I am several thousands of miles away I often think about you, and felt I would like to write to you all once again. I heard that a certain ship was coming in from Malta with a friend of mine in the crew, so I prepared an interesting box to take back to Verdala. In it were all sorts of fascinating things like queen shells from the Coral Beef here, 10 pods of, Kapok which your Mother uses for stuffing cushions, but which I had picked from a tree, a leaf of a sisal plant which gives you string, a boll of cotton woven by a bird like a vivid yellow canopy. And then I learnt the sad news that the ship wasn't going back to Malta! I am sure you would all like Mombasa though not at the moment, as it has been very hot and very dry for a very long time. I think the boys would like best a visit to the Old Port which at present is full of Arab, Persian and Indian dhows, some of which have come right across the Indian Ocean, with only sail and wind. They are wonderful ships, just as they were 2000 years ago. In days gone by their Persian rugs and: carpets were very beautiful and costly. The smaller dhows manage to trade up and down the coast all the year round, and last week one of them brought a cargo of children to see the Queen Mother! Most of these dhows are built on the lines of the naval sailing cutter, the Royal Navy having interested itself in teaching the Arab shipwrights here, during the last years of the 19th Century, to build this type of vessel. If you were to go with my Arab friend and myself on board one of these larger dhows on Saturday you would have fun. First we hire a little rowing boat, dirty and not nearly as picturesque as a dghajsa, and get to the dhow. We will be met by a tough-looking Arab who will take us to the Captain, or Nahoda, a very colourful man who will first sit us on cushions on his carpeted poop. While we watch the crew at work we will be offered a horrible cup of sharp, bitter coffee poured from a beak-spouted copper pot. You, I hope, try to look as though you are enjoying it! You will probably be offered some dates arid an assortment of nuts. When the crew finish their work, if they like the look of us they will take out native drums and sit round and play an interesting rhythm, sing some queer shanties and in the centre will be a fearsome dancer waving his battle axe as he leaps and dances. Everyone looks radiantly happy and you will feel like that, too. You would have enjoyed Xmas high up on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain. Yes! Father Xmas managed to get as high as we did, but I don't think he has ever been to the top. Several people did get there, but it takes five days. I don't think all the Infants would have enjoyed being with me in the Game Park. We got right among the lions and had two sitting by the front wheels of my car, and two by the back wheels, so we couldn't move until they were hungry. Then they spotted some poor zebra and so we got away. It was fun standing on the Equator and taking photographs' but wearing woollies because it was cold! It was exciting to see the Rift Valley and not just draw diagrams of it from a Geography Book. It was good to see Lake Victoria and the source of the Nile, but it was awe-inspiring to watch the great volume of water pouring from the Owen Falls Dam. It has been interesting this week to follow the journeys of H.M. the Queen Mother as I can picture many of the places she has seen. No doubt some day you will visit some part of Africa, which is such a fascinating country. Until then I hope you all are having a happy time in Malta and will enjoy going back again to U.K. M. E. VASEY 79 BOOK REVIEWS THE SECRET GARDEN The Secret Garden is about a girl named Mary. She came to Yorkshire to live with her Uncle on the moors after living in India, where her parents had died of Cholera. She was a conceited girl, used to having her own way and thought everything most peculiar. She made friends with Martha the maid and liked her very much. She had met the gardener who told her the story about the garden, which had been locked up by her uncle, after his wife had been killed in it. She also learnt that the key had been hidden. After that ,she wished to find the key and door of the secret garden. Every day now she hunted high and low. One day, however, she found the door, she discovered the key in the ground. A moment of suspense, would the key fit in the lock and turn? Now, we will leave it for you to find out for yourself. This book is in Verdala School Library. MIRANDA SWANN Form 4A.I.J. SWEET WILLIAM Do not take William as being sweet, as he is quite the opposite. He is a boy who hates school, but likes parties and bulls eyes. Here is a review of just one of the ten laugh-packed chapters of "Sweet William". It is called "William and the Bugle". William's brother. Robert, has been given a bugle to look after while his friend is away. Robert's friend left the bugle the day William was to go with the school history club to see an Elizabethan Manor House. William has joined the club, not because he is interested in history, but because h3 would miss an arithmetic lesson. On the day of the outing William takes the bugle meaning to return it that night but while amusing his friends he accidently blows an inharmonious blast upon the instrument. The master, Mr. Perkins, who is known never to give confiscated articles back immediately takes it away. I will leave you to find out how this story finishes. The book is in the school library. DAVID N. PALMER Form 4A.I.J. PRINCESS CHARMING In this delightful book, four sisters are dismayed, at the prospect of leaving Idle Pines, their beautiful home by the sea. Surely, there must be some way out, and suddenly there is, for Pandora, the ever optimistic member of the family, has an idea. Why not change idle Pines into a boarding school for girls. Miss Wendell, whom the sisters call Wendy, receives the plan with enthusiasm, and soon the girls are hard at work, getting ready for the first term. The success it proves to be, the discovery, by Rory, of a babe in the woods, their caravan holiday, and many other adventures, go together to make an exciting, and entertaining book for girls. It is a school story with a difference, and as always Miss Oldmeadow, handles the characters with a skilled touch, and the reader's interest is held throughout. CAROL LAWS Form 4AIJ. THE BOY NEXT DOOR This js a story about a boy who came to England because his wicked Uncle was trying to kill him. He thought his father had died in an air crash. The children next door send messages in a broken ball to him. A man and lady are his guardians and the children think the man is a spy .for the uncle. They play with him when the guardians are not about. On a river nearby there is a house-boat where they hide him and also his uncle hides there because he followed them to England. One day in a cafe they met a man who asked for the .boy and they thought was his wicked uncle so they did not tell him. I think I will let you find out who the man was. You will be able to get the book in a bookshop. The author of it is Enid Blyton. GORDON TRIGG Form 4AIJ. STRANGERS AT THE ABBEY 'Strangers at the Abbey' is a very exciting book for girls. The main characters are Joan Shirley and her cousin Joy Janet Robins who is called Jen for short, and Rykis who is an unknown cousin of Joan and Joy. It happens that one night Rykie takes the keys of the Abbey and goes and meets her half-brother called Angus. They want to take an Abbey jewel so that they can sell it in London and use the money for Rykie to go to her sister who is a film star in Hollywood. Jen sees the light in the Abbey and goes and wakes Joan. They go to the Abbey and what happens next I will not tell you. But this is a good book and I advise you to buy it. PATRICIA COLLJS Form 4AIJ. JENNINGS LITTLE HUT 'Jennings' Little Hut' is an exciting story by Anthony Buckeridge. Jennings and Darbishire build a hut by the pond in the school grounds, where they go after prep. Their friend has a goldfish, and while their friend is ill he asks them to look after it. They decide to let the goldfish swim in the swimming pool and they lose him. Mr. Carter sees it, and this leads to more trouble. The exciting story makes you roar with laughter, and can be found in Verdala School library. PETER LANT Form 4A.I.J. ADVENTURE ON RAINBOW ISLAND Bobby, Peter, and Eileen are asked to go for a holiday with Mrs. Newman on Little Sark, which is one of the Channel Islands. They are sent a parcel from a Doctor friend with a note saying: "If you fancy yourself as a detective, what do you make of this?" With it was a .pretty mother of pearl shell in an oval shape. They have many adventures on the island. If you want to follow their adventures I suggest you get this book. - KATHERINE SIMMONDS -« Form 4AIJ. 81 BALLET SHOES 'Ballet Shoes' is a book about three girls Pauleen, Patrova and Posy. Great Uncle Mathew (who is not really their uncle at all) finds the three children separately on his travels. Pauleen a pretty fair haired child with blue eyes (she is the eldest of the three) was on the same ship as he when it was wrecked. Mathew rowing along in a life boat saw a pretty baby bobbing about in a life belt. He looked round for her mother and father but seeing that she was alone he picked her up and put her in the bottom of the boat. Imagine Silvia's (his niece) surprise when, on returning home Great Uncle Mathew presented her with a gurgling baby. Read for yourself how Posy and Patrova were found and the adventures of the three foster sisters. This delightful book may bs obtained from the school library Authoress Noel Streatfeild. TERESA GLEADOWE. Form 4A J. DAVID COPPERFIELD 'David Copperfleld' written by Charles Dickens is a very good book to read. It is one of those books that will make you think about it for a long time afterwards. The illustrations in it are rather funny and I can remember quite a lot of them. The book has lots of cruelty in it tout it still has a lot of happiness, especially at the end, when his aunt defends him against Mr. and Miss Murdstone. Altogether this book is very amusing and it is interesting to compare life then with life today. David has a horrible joto in a warehouse though he soon escapes. I think this book is in the school library. GEOFFREY EDGELL. Form 4A1J. SUSAN'S HELPING HAND I found 'Susan's Helping Hand' a very enjoyable book. It is about a girl who goes to Switzerland for her holiday. She goes with her brother and some friends. The adventures they get up to are very exciting. Especially one, where they go on a mountain train without paying. If you want to know more about this book it is available in any bookshop. I have not only read it once but more than a dozen times. SUSAN REYNARD. Form <A1J. THE PHANTOM PATROL BY A.R. CHANNEL This a very exciting book full of adventure about five Boy Scouts in Finland, two are Finns, one is British, and the other two are Lapps. The Britisher, Stuart, is about to go 'back to England when the war breaks out against Red Russia and he cannot return. The Finnish army gives them a wireless so that they can give them information of what is going on behind the Russian Lines from their hut. The scouts know very well if they are caught by the Russians they will be shot as spies. One day they are given instructions from the Finnish army to blow up the Murmansk Railway. They set out to do it leaving Stuart's father and Matti, a Lapp, who are both wounded, at the hut. When they return they find in the hut eight Russian soldiers and that Matti and Stuart's father are captured. They are to be shot. Find out what happens, by reading this exciting story. KEITH HARDY. Form AAIJ. WINTLE'S WONDERS 'Wintle's Wonders' is a girls' book. It is all .about two girls, Hilary and Rachel. Rachel's father was killed in an air crash. Hilary is an adopted cousin. Later in the story Rachel's mother dies, and they are sent to their aunt, Mrs. Wintle. Dulcie Wintle is her vain daughter Rachel is very unhappy, and if you want to see what happens, you must read this lovely book by Noel Streatfield. Wintle's Wonders is available in the Verdala School Library. JENNIFER PASSMORE, 4AIJ. FIVE GO DOWN TO THE SEA In this Famous Five book the five children and their dog Tinny go to stay on a farm in a little village. A little ragged boy called Yan follows the five wherever they go. Yan takes them to see his Grandad, who tells them a lot of things about the day when he was a boy. One thing was that from a tower (that could only be seen from a certain point,) they used to flash a light so that the ships would follow it and be crushed on the rocks. The strange thing was that Grandad had seen the light three times that year. I found this book very exciting and adventurous. If you want to know more about it, it is available in any bookshop, The author is Enid Blyton. ANNE PENNINGTON. Form 4AJ, THE FIGHTING FOUR This book was especially written for boys and is about four trained men who have to blow up a German power station. If you read this book you can find out what happens in this very exciting book. It is available at nearly any bookshop costing about three shillings and is made by Children's Press, The characters are tough and ready to meet any danger. This book was written by A. R. Channel. S. MATHEWS. Form 4AIJ. THE SIXTH FORM PANTOMIME This is an exciting and amusing book about the nine sixth formers who make; a pantomime for the Babbington Show. Babbingtonis an orphanage for which their school collects funds. Many problems crop up, one being a new girl who. for some reason wishes to spoil their pantomime. "The Concerns of Cecily" is about the same people and is also very enjoyable. If you wish to read "The Sixth Form Pantomime,' you can get it from the Verdala School Library. SUSAN BARRICK. Form 4AJJ. THERE SHE BLOWS "There She Blows". This is a very good book for children from eight to twelve. The story is about whales and mostly about Greenlander Whales. I think it teaches people who read it a lot about fish and the sea. People who like the sea are bound to like reading it. The person who wrote it must have been to sea for there is a lot about life in the Ocean and about the whales and their ways. He must have studied the whalers and the people who owned them. The only person I thought was in the wrong place was Ginger, the cabin- boy. He was a very jealous person at the beginning and then he changed. I think he should have been unfriendly all the time. JACQUELINE PHILLIPS. 4AIJ.
Selected Articles and Poems THE CASE The man was aware that the boy had been following him for quite some time. He was carrying a case, and it was that, that interested the boy. As soon as he saw the man and his case he had known he was a stranger. He had wanted the man to know he was being followed and slowly he caught up with him. "Sahib", he said breathlessly, as if he had come a far distance, "you are a stranger here. Our village has many wonders to show. I will toe your "guide." "I am not a stranger," said the man slowly and finally. "But Sahib," he protested "you carry a case. No one ever carries a case in our village." The man said nothing. By now they had reached the market place in the centre of the village. It was crowded with stalls of all sorts and sizes. Then a crowd of young boys appeared1 as if from nowhere, darting dexterously between the stalls and shouting what appeared to be a piece of public news. A few feigned tears and beat their breasts with their fists. The boy's eyes glistened. "Ah, Sahib, for just one anna I will tell you what the boys say." Before the man could answer he went on, "They speak of the death of a White Sahib. He lived in the bungalow on the hill outside our village, At full moon two nights ago he was killed with a knife and much foreign money was stolen. But nobody cares". His voice trailed off as he realised the white man was not listening. He thought quickly. The White Sahib obviously did not mean to give him the money. Suddenly he snatched the case from the. man's hand and ran quickly away. The man leapt after him shouting in an uncontrolled rage. "Stop thief! Hold that boy! Hey there, catch him!" But how could he hope to catch a boy who had lived in the village all his life? The boy dashed under one of the stalls. He watched with a slowly spreading smile the flying feet of the man running up and down the market place. A long time afterwards he crept out from under the stall and went to an old disused well outside the village. There he dusted the case many times. With a stone the case was not hard to open. Slowly the boy raised the lid. Rows and rows of banknotes were packed inside the case. The boy's eyes gleamed. "Paper!" he breathed, and then he buried his face in the crisp notes. Then he rose, satisfied. He had capital. Now he could make plans. "Today," he said slowly to himself "because it is a special day I shall use two pieces of paper to make two boats, but tomorrow and for many tomorrows I shall make only one boat." He hid the case under a loose stone in the side of the well and then walked slowly down to the canal with two "pieces of paper" clutched in his hand. M. RICHARDS. Form 4AIJ. EACH DAY Softly, softly comes the dawn, Serenely comes the golden morn; Struggling through the night Come tlie first rays of light; Softly, softly comes the dawn. The sun has risen high In the clear blue sky; Not a cloud in sight Nothing, but the light; The sun has risen high. Slowly, silently comes the night, Slowly, silently goes the light: Sunset has come And sunset has gone; Slowly, silently comes the night. JENNIFER PASSMORE, Form 4A1.J. THE RIVER'S JOURNEY Twisting and twining, Bubbling and churning, That's the way I go. Swelling and sinking, Cutting and jinking, That's the way I go. Pulling and pushing, Laughing and gushing, That's the way I go. Tinkling and singing, Swerving and swinging, That's the way I go. Till at last all sorrows ended. Till at last all quarrels mended, J am at my journey's end, That's the way I go. TERESA GLEADOWE, Form 4.A1.J. '85 A POND A pond can be two different things. It can be angry or gentle. As the sun comes, out in the morning the pond is crystal clear and at night its dark, oily depths sparkle und-sr the pale moon light. On a clear day you can see the weeds swaying under its calm waters. On some ponds there are pink and white water lilies closed in by sprays of green shiny leaves. JULIA CAMPBELL Form 2AJ SPRING FLOWERS In the pleasant month of May, When all the flowers dance and sway, They all look so very neat, When scattered all about my feet. LINDA WILKINSON Form 2CJ. A FISH There was a little fish. That lived in a dish. And how he wished. That fat little fish. He was not in a dish. That fat little fish. LINDA PERRY, Form 1A.J, FIRST UNAIDED EFFORTS AT POETRY - INFANTS 1As I was walking down the hill I saw an old and tattered mill And from a distance it looked so small But when you got near it was very tall.
I want to be a police man And ride about in a van And wave the traffic going by Watching for robbers with one eye. CHRISTOPHER BENTLEY, Infants I. I'd like to be a windmill That's set up high on a hill For the farmer to grind his corn For the baker to use at dawn. JOANNA MARTINS, Infants I. I want to be a pixie And then I'd live in Dixie. I'd have a little motor car And travel in it very far. STEVEN KIMBERLEY, Infants I. As I was walking dawn the lane I saw a girl called Mary Jane And she was riding on her horse And in her land they spoke in morse! CYNTHIA MILL, infants I. 86 UNDER THE WATER I think that under the water Is another world. All the different things that can be seen, for Instance the various kinds of fish, small and large fish funny shaped fish and some with the most (beautiful colours. There are gold, purple, red and black striped fish and fish that can be seen through. Some fish prefer to swim en their own, where others swim in shoals. Most fish are harmless but some can be very dangerous such as sharks, sword fish etc. When I am sometimes swimming underwater I can see what seems to be a wonderful garden, made up of big jumps of coral with strange and beautiful weeds growing from them, the dainty sea anemones which open and close as they are touched. Sometimes I can see what looks like a hedgehog but which really is a sea urchin known as sea-egg, whose spikes can be poisonous. A.M. WILSON Form 4AIJ KIM I have a little pussy cat. I call him Kim, And any cat lovers, Would give their heart to him. He is ginger and white, And he goes out at night, He comes in at morning, Tired but adoring. SUSAN FINCH Form 4BIJ. DRAGON COUNTRY Long long ago there was an Island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, which grew very good crops. Rich merchants from all over the world came to buy its corn and wheat. Then one day a terrible thing happened. A dragon that breathed fire and smoke came to that country. Breathing fire and smoke, it went about the country from village to village, from town to town, from city to city, and even to the capital. Men tried to fight it with swords but never won. It burnt all the houses; and in the end even the crops were burnt. The Island was a mass of flame and ash. No more rich merchants came. Then the dragon went over a bridge. The bridge could not bear its weight and broke, and the dragon was drowned. The people cried out: "We have no crops or houses." So they set to work growing crops and building houses. When the crops were good, rich merchants came back to buy its corn and wheat and dragons have never been seen since. The country soon grew very rich. But after the dragon that wasn't the last thing, for about three years later, a huge monster came, it ate everybody up men,, women and children. And it ate all the corn and wheat. It broke houses, ships and bridges. Then it swam away. No more merchants came. The Island now is deserted. The only signs that people once lived on it are the ruined cities. JOHN ERVINE Reception. THE SHELLFISH AND THE CRAYFISH There once was a shellfish, Who had a brother who was rather selfish So he sent him to tea at the bottom of the sea, And there he met the Crayfish. The shellfish said how .pleased he was The cray fish said "you like the Wizard of Oz" Said the shellfish "If you are so selfish, I shall go back to my brother the shellfish." Said the crayfish "Oh don't do that, I said you were that because you are fat," 'Wnd then", said the shellfish "you are too thin, You look as though you are a pin." So they disputed loud and long, And at last it turned into a song. That was called "The Shellfish and the Crayfish" And both were rather rude and selfish. DAVID TIRARD Form 4AIJ.
A CORAL ISLAND BIRD It was in the Pacific Ocean on a small island in the sun with palm trees all round. A reef covered the entrance to the bay. A lovely blue sea was dashing against the rocky coast of this blue coral Island. Sea gulls were chirping and flies buzzing around, with a soft breeze blowing the palm leaves. Walking inland we found a river running out into the sea with a parrot whistling louder and louder. It was yellow and green with a red breast, I had a net with me and I caught this lovely bird and made a bamboo cage. I took it home and called it Coral BERNARD WINCH Form 4BIJ. A WILD FLOWER Observe me as you pass by don't trample me to scorn, If all my friends should perish you'd be the one to mourn. Please do not take my pretty head to deck you're button hole, Or make my suff'rings longer and put me in a bowl For though some colder darker day, as every flower must I'll shrivel up and fade away to mingle with the dust, Why must you cut my pretty life which 'ready is so short, So you can see and smell me near, of me you have no thought. TERESA GLEADOWE Form 4AIJ.
MY LIFE AS A HORSE I am a circus horse, I was bought from a farmer at the market place. My owner is a girl called Susan Brown. I am a pure black horse with a white patch which looks exactly like a star, so they call me White Star. Every night I get practice in the -circus ring. My owner wants to make me a star. I go through all the tricks she has taught me. Her daddy thought I was no use at first, and was going to sell me, but she taught me tricks secretly and one night he saw her in the ring and he said, "I thought I told you not to bother about that horse." He paused and then went on "and I've just remembered that I was to sell it." Just then Joey the clown came in. "It's Mrs. Brown" (Mrs. Brown was away) he gasped. "She said that she forgot all about Susan's birthday which was last Friday, and she said she was going to send her a horse." "Oh!" said Susan "I've got a horse already." She ran to the telephone and I followed her. She told her mummy about it and her mummy said that I could stay. A;ter six months of hard training I was a star horse.JOSEPHINE SMITH Form 3CIJ. MY UNLUCKY DAY One morning I woke at a quarter to eight I thought, "Oh its school I'll be ever so late." Quickly I watched and then quickly I dressed. Found I'd forgotten to put on my vest Off with my clothes again now my hair in a state Dear oh dear it was quarter past eight. At last I was ready to have my nice meal But pussy annoyed me by biting my heel When I had finished my breakfast all up I somehow or other broke a new cup When ready at last to go out of the door My case burst right open all over the floor. "Oh dash it," I said "what a terrible mess, The ink bottle's cracked and splashed over my dress My thermos is leaking all over books, When 1 get to school I'll get some black looks" And then to my horror I heard someone say "Where are you going? Today's Saturday.'' MIRANDA SWANN -Form 4AIJ,THE GIPSY A life that's hard but a glorious life A life that's hard and free, Give me a horse in the open range, And that's the life for me. A roaming life in a caravan Where work will always be. A thing to honour and esteem, And that's the life for me. A life that's spent in labour hard, For men and children wee, And yet a peaceful life and gay. And that's the life for me. ANDREA WILSON Form 4BIJ, 89 THE C.I.C. It .was a bleak November day, six children sat in an old disused shepherd's hut on the top of the hill. Each one felt disconsolate. They called themselves the C'.I.C. (criminal investigation club). Suddenly Mary cried, "Why don't we do something? I'm getting bored." "Don't you think we all are?" snapped. Steven her twin. Steven, known as Steve was Mary's brother, Pat and Carol were twins and Peter was a year older than they. Anne was known as 'baby' for she was the youngest, and we must not forget Susie, Anne's puppy. Suddenly Susie started to bark at the door and a sneeze was heard, then a scuffle of feet. The C.I.C's rushed to the door in time to see the retreating forms of their deadly enemies the S.S.S. (Secret Spy Society). "Well of all the cheek," exploded Peter. "They didn't hear much," grinned Steve. Suddenly a shout of "Help! help!" came from below. They all looked in the direction of the shout to see a S.S.S. member struggling in a shallow pool. You can imagine how funny it was. "Oh, I've remembered what we came to the hut for," said Anne. "Yes, wasn't it about the lights at the castle?" asked Pat. "Well seeing the owner is away, I suggest we walk to the castle, climb over the gate, then we can solve the mystery." "All right, it's fixed we'll meet at the castle," said Peter. So after supper they met outside the castle gate. "Shall we climb the gate?" asked Carol. "Yes," was the answer. When they were in the courtyard, they went straight to the main hall. By a lucky chance Carol slipped and there was a grinding noise, then a hole appeared in the wall. "Shall we go down?" whispered Anne. "Nothing to be scared of," sneered Peter. Down they went into the hole. They heard voices, but unluckily Steven slipped, making a lot of noise. The voices stopped and footsteps were heard. "It's a couple o'kids Bill," the speaker who was a burly man .said. "What shall we do with them?" he continued* "You won't do anything to them'," a voice said. "It's the guv'nor," exclaimed Bill. Janet had fainted and when she recovered she was told that Lord Grantham, returning from holiday, had been told about the signals. Walking in the main hall he found a hole down which he climbed into the passage and found and arrested the crook. So all ended well, but none of the children accepted a reward. RITA McINTYRE Form 4AIJ. FIGHTING The sun was set My eyes were wet Johnny had pulled my hair I pulled his back He gave a smack I grabbed his teddy bear. CECILIA GLEADOWE, Form 1AJ. 90 THE DEATH OF THE WICKED WITCH Once upon a time there lived a lovely princess, in a beautiful castle. Now near this castle lived a poor woodcutter and his son. The boy's name was Alan. Alan was in love with the princess, whose name was Marigold. She loved Alan too, but her father disliked him because he was poor. One day Marigold was riding on her horse, Black Beauty, when she saw a gleaming whits castle. She rode up to it and rang the big bell. A nice young lady opened the door and showed her through a great hall, past a dining room and into a small study, where an old lady sat, in a black robe and hat. "Oh" Marigold said, "yyyyyyou aaaare a a wwwwwitch!" "Yes I am," cackled the witch. "Of course I am. Ha ha ha he he he, I'll change you into a bumble bee!" "Oh nnno pppplease dddon't" stammered poor Marigold, "I'll make a meal of you I will!" Just then at the palace everyone was looking for her. her may I marry her? Alan said, "If I find "Yes, Yes, my lad, but find her first!" Alan went into the garden and took a magic pebble from his pocket. "Pebble, Pebble, where is the princess?" "In the black witch's house". It replied. Alan went to the castle and killed the witch with his axe and freed the princess. He married the princess and they lived happily ever after. SHERRILYNE CLARKE Form 2BJ. FEAR When it is dark, And your all alone, You get a shiver, Down your back bone. Don't look back, But you're being followed, By a man in a mask, Who is hollowed,
His bones are white, His hair is black, Dear oh Dear! Don't look back. If you do, He's sure to shoot, Then he runs off, With all the loot. JOY MANSELL, Form 4.A.I.J. SNOW When snow does fall, it falls quite fast, And children hope that it will last, But grown-ups hope that it will go, Because they do not like the snow. We love to build a snowman tall Then when the sun shines watch him fall And when we all are frozen stiff We're home to tea within a jiff. MARGARET SMITH, Form 3. C.I.J, 91 WILD AND CURIOUS ANIMALS OF AUSTRALIA There are many curious animals that live in Australia but nowhere else in the world. The Kangaroo is sometimes called a "roo" by Australian boundary riders. In Australia the people shoot Kangaroo and also catch them for pets. Kangaroos keep their babies in pouches which are in front of their stomachs. They are found mainly in New South Wales. Another curious animal is the Koala Bear. Koala Bears are only found in Australia. These Bears will only live on eucalyptus leaves of a special kind. They have black eyes and a nose which is flat and black. They are jolly good at climbing, but when they reach the ground they cannot walk very well. They are shot by trappers for their lovely fur which is very soft and grey. But the funniest of them all is the Kookaburra or Laughing Jackass, It is called the laughing Jackass because it sends out a laughing sound. The Kookaburra is found in New South Wales and Western Australia. MICHAEL UNSWORTH Form 2CJ.
SPRING The seasons are changing, And springs coming on, The flowers are blooming, And winter has gone. The daffodils are coming, And crocuss too, But we mustn't forget, The forget-me-nots blue. The sheep are rejoicing. Their lambs have been born, The maidens are happy, Their dresses adorn. The men are out yachting, In waters blue. While the children are wishing, That they could go too. PATRICIA COLLIS, 4.AjI.J. BLOSSOMS Blossoms blooming bright Oh what a pretty sight; Apple, peach and pear, See them everywhere Blossoms bright and gay, See them every day. DAWN BAYNTON, Form 2.C.J. A CONVERSATION BETWEEN A WORM AND A BIRD "Good morning," said the worm to Thrushy one day. "Good morning Mr. worm" said Thrushy "I could do with you for my breakfast" "B-to-b-b-but said the worm "you can't do that" "Oh yes I can!" laughed Thrushy "Look out!" The thrush dived and the worm dodged' and the bird's beak soon became very sore. Thrushy went to his doctor and his doctor said, "You will have to stay in bed for six months." Meanwhile the worms house was nearly falling down with his laughter. "Ho. Ho, Ho!" IAIN SMITH Form 2BJ. CALAMITY JANE Oh Calamity Jane, You've done it again, You've smashed the new vase That was sent down from Mara.
Oh Calamity Jane, You've done it again, You've torn the new dress, 'That was sent from Aunt Bess. AM. WILSON, Form 4AIJ. MY HOLIDAY IN SICILY 1 was very excited when I heard from my mother and father that we were all going to Sicily in the summer holidays for a week. The day before we went we were all busy (packing, my father had already obtained tickets and all of us were ready to go. The next day we were up early, the taxi drew up outside and we all piled in with our suitcases in the back. We drove to Luqa airport where we boarded the aircraft, a Convair Metropolitan, and waited until it took off. As Malta faded into the distance we began to look at the sea below us; occasionally we saw a tanker ship by below and then .somebody saw Mount Etna some way off. About five minutes later we were flying over Sicily, then the airport where we were going to land, lurania, came into sight and; we landed smoothly on the airstrip and taxied over to the terminal. We waited there for half an hour and then we caught a coach to Taormina. The Paridiso Hotel where we stayed overlooked some large gardens which looked very pretty when lit up at night. Round the corner was a small cafe which sold delicious ice-cream Motta and everyday ,we went there for some. called One day my mother said we could go and see the Greek theatre in Taormina, about a mile away from our hotel. When we reached it we saw that the theatre was in the middle of a round shallow pit with tiers of steps surrounding it. Beyond the steps were some old ruins which had at one time been the enclosure of the arena. There were still Iron gates where the people who were acting came out. We stayed there for a little while to take photographs and then we walked back to the hotel to have a meal. The food we had in the restaurant Was continental with about six courses to a single meal, for the first course we generally had spaghetti followed by fish or meat. After that came fruit in wine, and then if you liked you could have fresh fruit. Sometimes we went to a beach where we could swim, although there were usually a lot of jellyfish about. One day we decided to go up Mount Etna. My father and sister did not want to go so only my mother and I went on the coach which was to take us there. The journey to Etna was about thirty miles, although we went by way of Catania which added another thirty miles to the trip, so we settled down to watch the scenery flash !by as we sped along. After a while we began to .ascend Etna and watched the earth change from brown to black as we neared the top. Soon we were passing through walls of lava with huge piles of it on the ground, the pieces varying from the size of a pebble to that of a boulder. Soon we stopped and walked around one of the side craters where we picked up some lava to take home with us. The wind up there was terrific, a pleasant change from, the heat which we had left behind in Catania. At the Albergo Etna we had a very nice lunch in the shade of the pines. The next few days we spent wandering around Taormina, the shops and the gardens, and taking photographs. By that time it was time to return to Malta, so we packed our bags again and went to Catania by taxi, where we boarded the aircraft which was to take us back home after a very enjoyable holiday. RICHARD CURTIS Form 4AIJ. THE YOUNG MAN OF RYDE There was a young woman of Ryde. Who fell down the stairs and cried, She got up again, and went out in the rain, But then she fell down and died. CHERYL R. CHANDLER. Form 3CIJ.
JANE'S STRANGE COMPANION One day Jane was walking over the common when a storm came on and she ran for shelter under a tree. When she got to the tree she found it had a hollow shelter so she went in it. When she was in it she saw a flight of stairs going into the ground. She did not want to go at first but her curiosity got the better of her so down she went As soon as she got down there she heard someone say "oh I am so lonely living here by myself." Jane slowly opened the door and saw a little elf "Oh what are you doing here?" she cried. "I heard you saying that you were lonely living by yourself so I thought you might let me live with you because I have not got a home." You see Jane was an orphan. "Will you really live with me?" squealed the elf in delight "Of course I will," said Jane "at least I'll have a home.'' The elf was very kind to Jane. He gave her a comfy bed and fairy coffee and fairy Palm toffee. One day Jane saw the ell' getting all dressed up. "Why are you getting all dressed up in lovely clothes?" she asked. " Its the fairy ball tonight do you want to come?" "Oh yes please I'd love to come" cried Jane. So that night the elf and Jane went to the fairy ball. Jane met the fairy King and Queen. She had so much fun that she fell asleep ais soon as she got home. Every day she worked with the elf and one day the elf turned her into an elf herself. Now they both run about helping people and they have won the fairy cup for goodness and kindness. SUSAN WAUGH. Form 3AJ.
MOTHER'S NEW HAT It was Thursday morning and on Friday it was Mother's birthday. She had two children of her own and their Father had died during the war. The two children said to each other, "shall we buy a new hat for her birthday? So they went to the shop, but it was 6/4 and they only had 6/3. They started! to walk back and saw a penny. The boy said, "Look a penny." "Good," said the girl. "Now we can get that hat we saw in the shop." So they ran back to the shop, and the girl ran in and said to the shop keeper, "Could we have that hat with all the flowers on it?" "Yes, of course" said the shop keeper. So the shop keeper got the hat and gave it to the girl. The girl gave the money to the shopkeeper and ran out. The two children went home, and had their dinner. After they had eaten their dinner they wrapped the present up, but the pa/per ripped. They tried again and it worked. Then they hid it. Just then their mother called them for their tea. So they went in and had their tea and went to bed. Soon they were fast asleep. In the morning they woke up, got the present, went to their mother, gave her a kiss and gave her the hat and she said, '"It is the best present I have had in my whole life." BETTY SQUIRE, Form 2.B.J. MY VISIT TO THE NEW GAS-PLANT AT MARSA First we had a drink, then we went to the man who showed us round the gas-works. His name is Mr. Lawton B.Sc. First he took us up to the control room where there were gauges, dials and machinery etc. He explained that there was a cooling tower and that gas, is made up of oil and steam. He also explained about the control room and a lot of other things. One thing he told us, is that the cartoon is cleared out in little pods _(pools). There was a chimney shaped like a rocket. The old gas-works used coal instead of oil and steam. When the gas is made it goes into holders, and through pipes into our homes. NORMAN MORGAN, Form 2.A.J. THE MOUSE There's a little brown mouse, Who lives in our house, When he wants cheese He will not say please. He comes out at night In an awful fright, When no one's about That's when he comes out. JULIA NORTHEY, Form IAJ. 95 OUT OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES - INFANTS I During the holidays I went to a Christmas Party at the E.R.A's Club. It was very nice indeed. We had a Christmas Tree with lights on it. It was so pretty. And Santa Claus sent me a pastry set. It had a rolling pin, a dish, a spoon, a board, a packet of tea and a tin of coffee. JACQUELINE YOUNG, Infants I. I went on a ship to St. Angelo. I saw a figure head. I saw a cannon and cannon balls. I, saw lots of things on the cannon. I saw the walls, then I went back home. DAVID NORRIS. Infants I. One day I saw a man picking prickly pears. He was standing on the cactus branches. A bucket was in the green grass and the man was throwing the prickly pears into it. RODERICK, ST. VAUGHAN. Infants I. I dreamed last night that I had a train that gave out sparkes, and every time I switched it on I had to run away. IAN WOOD, Infants I. Down 'below our balcony I watch all sorts of things, I watch the rubbish man, I watch the removal men, I watch the children singing Christmas carols. I like Christmas don't you? STEPHEN DOB SON, Infants I. I have a canoe, it is a red and white canoe. We go out in it to Valletta sometimes. I help my 'brother to row. I have a fishing rod. Ws have been fishing three times and we haven't caught any fish in those three times. My brother's friend has a canoe and we have a race. My brother and I win the most. CHRISTOPHER BENTLEY. Infants I. In the summer holidays I went for a holiday on the Fort Duquesne, my Daddy's ship. There was another girl for me to play with. There were lots of men there. Mummy was there as well. We went to Sardinia, we went there for a long time. PATRICIA TODD. Infants I. It was nice on the plane coming back from England, but when it comes down quick you have to hold your tummy and it blocks your ears. We stopped in France to refuel for five minutes and then we went to Malta, We got there at 2.40 on Wednesday. We were taken home, had supper and we went to bed. ROBERT ROSS. Infants I. One day I saw a tanker, it had lots of pipes on it. It was up at Birzebbugia. There is a harbour there and I saw H.M.S. Eagle. It was fun looking at Eagle. but the tanker was scruffy and some of the paint was off. The Eagle was painted. It was very nice to look at it. It always comes outside our house. RODERICK ST. VAUGHAN. Infants I. 96 Stories from Infants 2 A WIZARD Once upon a time there lived a wicked wizard. He lived in a wood. When anybody came past him, he made himself invisible. He wears a big yellow hat « and a green cloak. People do not like him. He has a magic stick. He is a magician and makes lots of spells. LINDSEY WOOD, Infants 2. A GOBLIN Once upon a time there was a very naughty goblin. He was called Tom. He lived in a toadstool. He had a little blue coat and trousers. When he is bad all his little goblins start to be bad as well. DAVID POOLE. Infants 2.
INFANTS' HANDWORK. A WISH If I had one wish I would choose one hundred pounds because I would like to buy a toy-stove and a doll's lot. I would like a big doll, a puppy and a cat. I'd want a little doll's fridge, too. GAY PHIBBS, Infants 2. THE SUBMARINE ADVENTURE It was while on holiday in Sicily that I heard of the water Pirates, They were a notorious gang of ex-navy submariners who, with the aid of midget submarines, plundered merchant ships. Already twenty ships had been lost! Some were Italian, some British, some Belgian, some American, but all the ships' crews were always disappearing too! One day I was swimming under-water 97 with an Italian friend, off Sicily, when my friend, Mias, suddenly saw a midget submarine come into view! "Signor, look frogmen!" he cried. He was right, for into view came four frogmen! "They are the water Pirates Signor!" Mias cried. We surfaced to our launch, for we now knew where the hide-out was, and we could notify the Police! Soon we were in the launch and took off our aqua-lungs. In the Police Station we saw Police Inspector B. Dingle and Constable K. Hare. We had the pirates captured and Romencen the leader surrendered. "What is your proper name?" I said, "Because you're not Italian." "My name is J. Marrack" he said. Soon I was going home so I said goodbye and got my apparatus and flew home. My parents were excited when I told them about it, and I had to tell everyone. I was the local hero. NIGEL PIMM. Form 3.A.J. WHEN YOU GO OUT When you go out in a Mercedes car, The other cars go so slow, So you have to hoot the hooter, Wah! And then it makes them go. When you go out in a Morris eight. The other cars go so fast, It makes you think your going to be late But you still have to wave them past. When you go out in your soap-box cart, The wheels begin to grind, And then the front begins to part, And then you have a lot on your mind. GEOFFREY EDGELL, Form 4AIJ. MY PET IN IRELAND When we were in Ireland I had a pet called Smuts. My brother Chris trained him very well and! when daddy went shooting rabbits and birds Chris used to send Smuts to get whatever daddy had shot. Smuts was a cross between a Water-Spaniel an a Retriever. He could swim nearly as fast as a fish. He could run nearly as fast as our car. We lived in Londonderry. My brother Michael used to tease Smuts and Smuts used to get very cross sometimes he bit Michael very badly. DAVID JOHNSON, Form l.A.J. THE TRAIN JOURNEY The old train rattled down the line, Through the old and haunted mine, Over the small and narrow bridge, Along the white and chalky ridge. Puffing and steaming it came to the station, At last its reached its destination. Passengers running here and there, Porters hurrying everywhere. STEPHEN MATHEWS, 4.A.I.J. ^ Stories from Infants 1 A NAUGHTY BOY Once upon a time there was a little boy called Peter and he was always fighting and punching everybody on the nose. One day there was a pixie party and there was an invitation on Peter's garden seat. When he came out he ran over to the garden seat and got the invitation. He ran back and, said. 'Tarn going to a party. It is a pixie party. It is at twelve o'clock in the night." When he went there he got a shook, his shorts were ripped, he got thumped and bumped by the pixies. It ,was his own fault for they thought he liked rough play. In the morning, when he got dressed, his mother was angry. CYNTHIA MILL. Infants I.
INFANTS' CLIMBING FRAME. Once upon a time there lived three little elves. They lived, by the seaside. They went down to the beach one day and in a box they found some jewels. Into the cave they went to the Elf policeman. "We've found some jewels," they said, and they brought the jewels to him. He gave them a red hat each for a reward and after that they went to their little red and white house and had tea, JANET BURBIDGE. Infants I. Once upon a time there were two boys, one was called Peter and the other, John. One day, Peter and John went to the beach and John said, "Look over there. See that little boat?" "Oh yes," said1 Peter, "Let's go and see whose it is, We might find something there. If no one is there, shall we sail to that island over there?" "Oh yes, let's go," said John, They both went to the boat. They .got in and sailed to the island. When they were on the island John said, "Shall we explore 99 that cave we saw?" "Yes," said Peter. So they went in the cave. The cave was dark so John switched on his torch and he saw a big hole and a flight of steps going down. They looked down the hole and saw two men making plans about where they should steal jewels next. The boys went to the boat, got in and soon were at the other side. John said, "Stay here, while I go and phone for the policeman." John phoned for the police. The policeman came and! put he men in gaol and the two boys had a, gold watch as a reward. CAROL STARKS. Infants I. Once upon a time there was a little girl called Anne. Her mother said, "Tomorrow you can go down to the beach." So the next day Anne went down to the beach. When she got there she saw a big cave. She said, "I will go in the cave," so she did. When she got in she was frightened because she saw a light. She did not know what it was, so she went up to the light and saw that the light was jewels shining. She hurried home to tell her mother that she had found some jewels. Her mother phoned the police. The policeman asked Anne's mother where she had found the jewels. Then Anne's mother said, "I did net find them, Anne found them." He heard about some robbers that stole jewels. He caught them and put them in prison and gave Anne a gold ring for the reward. LINDA OSBORN. Infants I. THE LOST GOLDEN BALL One day all the people in Fairyland were very excited because the Queen was having an important meeting. All the people were laughing and shouting then suddenly a voice said, "Silence," and the Queen said her speech. This is what she said, "Now are all my people listening?" "Yes," was the answer. "Well," said the Queen, "Prince Borne is going to a cocktail party and he has to take a golden ball. Everybody who goes to it must have one." Prince Borne had a golden ball but as he was crossing over the green field where all the mortal people were camping, his carriage went ever a big stone and his ball fell out. All his people were hunting everywhere to find it, but it was of no use. it was gone. As Pippie the elf was walking along the open moor looking for the ball he saw a little girl crying. He ran to her and said, "Why are you crying, little girl?" The answer was, "I've lost my Mummy and I can't find her." "What is she like?' said Pippie. "She's got a purple skirt and a blue sun hat," said the little girl. "Right, I'll see if I can find her," said Pippie, "bye-bye." "Good-bye," said the little girl. First he found a lady in a purple hat and a blue dress. Pippie wanted the complete opposite. Then, at last, he came to the right one. He said, "Please, ma'm, I know where your little girl is. Come with me." The kind woman followed Pippie quickly to the crying girl. At once the little girl s face brightened up into smiles and laughter and to Pippie's enormous surprise she gave him the golden ball itself. Well, I'm happy to say that Pippie had his reward for after the cocktail party, the Prince gave him the golden ball to keep for himself STEPHEN DOBSON. Infants I. 100 THE ROCKET Once upon a time there was a little rocket whose name was speedo. One day he went from Space to the moon and then he came to us. The Speedo's mother came up and scolded him. She had lots and lots of people in her, but Speedo was a naughty little rocket and away he went to the moon. His mother went after him, but Speedo was too quick. He raced into Space and his Mother went >back to Earth. Father Rocket said, "Where have you been my dear, and Where's your mummy?" "She is in the moon," he said but he had made a mistake. Father Rocket wsnt to the moon, but Mother Rocket was not there so he went to the Earth and brought her back to Space. FRANCES EVERSHED. Infants I. MY WISH I wish I had wings. I would fly high into the sky and look at the earth below. I would even have rides on the aeroplane that pass my way. I would play with the birds, from the great eagle to the tiny wren. I would dive down to the earth and sit on the chimney pots and look down just to see what was going on down there, then suddenly I would shoot right up in the air and' make everybody jump. Then I would sit on a soft pink cloud and go to sleep. STEPHEN DOBSON. Infants I. A PICNIC It was a bright sunny morning, when I went to play with Joanna. We were going boating on the river in the Daisy-May. She is a little blue and yellow rowing boat. Rat-atat-tat went the knocker as I ropped on the door. Out came Joanna and said "Shall we take our lunch with us so our trip up the river will be longer?" I agreed and we went to ask our parents. They troth agreed so ,we packed our lunch. As we walked down the lane to the boat-house we admired the lovely flowers and the trees, especially the weeping willows hanging over the waters edge. When we came to the boat-house, we got the Daisy-May in to the water and scrambled in to her. I took the oars and; Joanna took the tiller. On the way up the meandering river we felt the warmth of the sun. As we went up the river we saw the cows that had come to graze on the rich green grass, and the beautiful wild flowers growing on the river banks, poppies, daisies, buttercups and celandines. Every now and then a trout or carp would jump out of the water and we watched with amazement. But then my arms were getting tired so Joanna and I changed over and I sat at the tiller. Joanna saw a side stream so we went up it there was a wood and one side and a bank on the other and we decided we would have lunch there. We went into the shallows where an overhanging branch was and we tied the Daisy-May to it. We climbed out onto the banks where the grass was so slippery we had to hang onto the 'branches above so we would not slide into the water. When we got further into the wood I saw a sign-post which said, "Blue-Bell Wood:'. Joanna found a glade where we could eat our lunch. We sat down under the shady trees and ate our lunch. When we had finished our lunch we put our bags into the boat and had a walk in the wood. There were squirrels running up and dowb the treetrunks. There were ants building there homes, bird up In the boughs singing merrily, and grasshoppers chirping. Soon it was getting dark and we could see the stars in the velvety sky and the moon was shining on the tree tops and we thought we had better be on our way. We went to the boat and we went silently home for tea. RO'SANNE WIKINSON. Form 4AIJ. ROBIN HOOD When Robin Hood was walking along Suddenly he was sprung upon. Then hand to hand a fight began And then another joined his band. GEOFFREY KNOTT, Form 2.B.J. ROBIN HOOD Through the green and bushy wood, Rode Friar Tuck and Re-bin Hood, Brave and strong and friends indeed, They stole from rich for those in need. ROSEMARY HAYES, Form 2BJ ROBIN HOOD Robin Hood was an outlaw bold His coat was Lincoln Green. He robbed the rich of all their gold No Merrier Band was seen. PATSY GUBB, Form 2B.J. MY CIRCUS JOB I am a tight-rope walker in a big circus. This is my job, I have to wait along the tight-rope to the other side. I can go on the rope by climbing ladders. I can take up a rope and start skipping on it and also I can take up cups and saucers and balance on the rope. I go to lots of places to tight-rope walk. I dress in a costume. The colour, is yellow with shining diamonds on it. JOYCE HARDMAN. Form 4CJ. BEES All the 'bees make a. lovely noise, They sound just like my clockwork toys, As they fly in amongst the flowers They don't care about the wind or showers. CHRISTOPHER RAYNER, Form 2B.J. THE SHOP When I see the great sweet shop, It makes me turn and look and stop. It is such a lovely sight, With candy-floss at such a height.
The sweets make my mouth water. I wish I was a millionaire's daughter, So I could go and buy them all, and take them home and share with Paul. LINDA WILKINSON, Form 2.C.J 102 MY TRIP TO ENGLAND I stood gazing out of the window at the little bay across from our flat. Suddenly a car drew up. We went down- the stairs. The little girl who lived across the read asked me if I was leaving the island. I said "No". While Mr. Dingle packed the things into the car I helped him. Soon we were on our way to the docks. We were to travel on the S.S. Orcades, an Orient Line ship of 28,000 tons. When we got out of the car all my VAL bubble-:gum cards fell out on the floor and so I had to pick them up. Soon wa were on the ship. We waved good-bye to all the people on the shore. We found our cabins and. settled down. The first meal we had was delicious. We could choose and I shall never forget the chocolate bear we had for tea. On the second day we landed at Naples. Ws took a ride in a car round the town. It is a very beautiful town. That day we found the playroom and once more we had two ice-creams each. We slept in bunks and my brother and I took it in turns to steep on the top one. On the third day we went swimming in the swimming pool. That day we stopped to refuel at Gibraltar and I saw the Spanish and North African coasts. One morning when I was eating my ice-cream the lady-in-charge said, "We will visit the bridge today, but before that we will see some films." There was a loud cheer. The films we saw were about a boy and some robbers and also a tourist film of London. Our visit to the bridge was very exciting. The officer showed us the automatic pilot, the radar and the window cleaners. He let us try to guide the ship. One morning when I got up and dressed. I went to Mummy's and Daddy's cabin. They told me we were at England, they asked me to guess what the weather was. "Raining," I replied. "Yes", said Dad. I went on the covered deck and saw it was raining. Two hours later we were sitting in a restaurant, eating and drinking. At five o'clock I was sitting at Grans house just in time for tea. It had been a lovely journey and I liked it better than travelled by air. PETER ROSS. Form 2AIJ. PLAYING IN THE GARDEN Playing in the garden, With a red and yellow ball, Playing in the garden, It bounces o'er the wall. Playing in the garden, With a dolly in the pram, Playing in the garden, She says, "Mam Mam." Playing in the garden, Dressing in clothes fine. Playing in the garden, With the King we dine. MARGARET MILLS, Form 4.A'J.
MY PETS I had a little cat, Whose fur was white and grey, And his little eyes sparkled, In the night and day.
I had a lovely dog, His back is smooth as can be And everywhere I go, He always follows me. I have a little budgie His breast is pretty green He always loves his lettuce And he always likes to be seen. SHEILA MORTIMER, Form 4BI.J. INSPECTOR JENKINS INVESTIGATES! It was the thirteenth of May, and it was the night of the police officers dinner party. The party had just started when three shots ware heard outside and the sound of a car screeching into gear. Inspector Jenkins, the Well-known detective, Sergeant Carrell and Police-Constable M.J. Seattle rushed to the door, Jenkins opened it, only to see the body of his best friend and companion, Sergeant Ross lying in the middle of the road. On his back was a letter. Jenkins went up to the body and looked at the letter, it read: BRING £500,000 TO "VILLA ANTEVE TOMORROW OR I SHALL STRIKE AGAIN!!?!? sgnd, ?!
Inspector Jenkins took Ross to the mortuary, and then went to his home. He sat down in his lounge and started thinking. He did not know what to do so went for a walk. Suddenly, he heard the roar of an engine and out of the darkness sped a Red Vauxhall Victor. It streaked past him and the driver sent a volley of bullets at Jenkins. "Phew! well at least I've got his number 21887". "I think I'll pay .a visit to Mr. ?! at Villa Anteve." Jenkins went to get his car, and then he sped off. Villa Anteve was a lonely old place in the country. He braked, and saw a light shining in an attic. Jenkins found the door ajar, he walked stealthily up the stairs, he was half way up when he heard a voice. It was not the sort of voice you would like to hear 1.30 in .the morning, it was an eerie, stealthy voice "I have been waiting for you my dear friend, but will not have to wait any longer!" He fired ,a shot and Jenkins went tumbling- down the stairs. Mr. ?! had STRUCK again! Early in the morning, the hunt was on for the murderer of Ross. Another hunt was on for Inspector Jenkins. Police dogs were let loose in the grounds of Villa Anteve. Superintendent Ousbey, the famous Scotland) Yard detective, was there. It was 10.30 when they found Jenkins. He was lying in a coal cellar bound hand and foot. They untied him and he said ?! had left in a grey Bentley. Jenkins rushed outside. He got into his Mercedes and off he went until he came to a Police station. The sergeant came out and gave him a letter, it read "I did ti sruoy ylerecnis JOS.P. I lliw eb ta alliv asor. Jenkins telephoned Villa Anteve saying that they had got to be at hand near Villa Rosa. He then went to Villa Rosa and knocked on the door. Ousbey opened it. "Jack Ousbey you are under arrest for the murder of Sergeant Ross." He took a whistle and blew it "Pheep". Six .policemen rushed up the steps. "What proof have you that Ousbey did it" Carrol said. "Well read this backwards" said Jenkins. "I did it. yours sincerely (Jackousbey) J.O. P.S. I will be at Villa Rosa."So Jenkins had solved the mystery again. S. WESTACOTT, Form 3.A.J. KNITTING Knitting, knitting) a.11 day long. Knitting short and1 knitting long, Skirts for dollies, bootees for babies, Hot water covers for d'ear old ladies. ESTELLE HIDE, Form 3C.I.J. ADVENTURE ON THE MOON At last we had landed on the Moon. Two of the men got out of the rocket and stood on the Moon, and then I and the rest of my companions got out of the rocket. The stars looked like jewels against the black sky, and all around were tremendous craters and huge mountains of magnificent colours. We walked about, wondering what we might find. Every step we walked we found ourselves a long way on from where we were. We eventually came to a cave, and as we went into it, we found it led to a long narrow passage underneath the ground. As we went on we came to a magnificent cave covered with precious stones, so we took as many of them as we could hold and went on. Then suddenly we saw to our amazement, a little man. I walked up to him, (but as I did1 so a startling! thing happened he disappeared. I could hardly believe my eyes. We walked quickly out and returned to Earth, and saw the outlines of Africa, and a month later we landed on Earth and were greeted by crowds who were there to meet us. SUSAN SMITH, Form 2.C.J. THE RACE I saw a sailor Racing a tailor Puff-Puff went the tailor Puff-Puff went the sailor And then, they stopped, when they Bumped into a trailer. NORMAN MORGAN, Form 2.A.J. PEARL DIVERS When I was seven years old I went to the South Sea Islands where I spent my holiday. My Dad knew a man called Doctor J.S. who was a very good diver. We had been to a lot of Islands like Tahiti and Samoa. My 'Dad and I were experts at pearl Diving. Some men wore aqualungs like my Dad and me. We had a powerful motor boat. South of Tahiti we were going pearl diving. One day we saw dead turtle prints in the yellow sands. When we were due to go home we were going home by ship. I thought this was great fun, but I did like the pearl Divers of the south sea Islands. BARRY DINWOODIE, Form 4.C.J, SWANS Swans are big and white, They swim upon the lake, They go to sleep at night, And at morn they wake. Sometimes they swim in the creek, And people feed them with bread, Their feathers are nice and sleek. Proudly they hold their head. When baby swans are born, Mother is not so tame, Be careful!, people are warned, But curiously they come again. BARBARA WRIGHT, Form 4.B I. J. AN APPRENTICE'S HOLIDAY My name is John. I belong to the carpenters' gild. I have worked for six years and I am fourteen. My master is called Tom. He is a harsh old man, but his wife is very good to me. I am on holiday for it is a feast day. I spend my morning playing football with my friends. The foot-ball is made of leather and stuffed with wool. The play I watch in the afternoon is David and Goliath. It is my favourite play. The armour they have on is very good and it glitters in the sun. The gild that performs; it is the leather workers' gild. A pageant is the cart on which the play is performed. CHRISTOPHER WOODING, Form 40.J. THE YOUNG WOMAN OF RYDE There was a young woman of Ryde Who took a long journey to Clyde She chewed on the food, But was not in the mood, So she fell on the floor and died. JIMMY COWLEY, Form 3C.I.J. MY HOME IN MALTA My home is in Marsaxollokk. Looking out past lots of fishing boats is the Lido, a beach I often go to. Then further on still is Delimara Point. Our house was built in 1812. To get into it you go up fifteen steps to a balcony. When you open the front door you go into the hall. The first room is the sitting room then opposite is the spare room. Walking on a little further there are two other rooms. One is mummy's bedroom. If you go through it you come to the kitchen. Then we walk back to daddy's dressing room, if you go through that room you will find yourself in my brother's bedroom. There are two doors in it, one door is the bathroom and then there is one into my dressing room which leads into my bedroom. MAN COLLETT, Form I.A.J. THE GROCER'S SHOP Our grocer's shop is small and dark. But oh, is smells so nice! With tea and coffee, ham and cheese, Mixed up with soap and; spice. I often think when I'm grown-up That's what I'd like to be. A busy grocer, selling things To boys and girls like me. TERESA SEGAR, Form 3.C.I.J. SUPPLY TEACHERS Verdala School, February 10th. Dear Mrs Davies I hope you are getting better. I am looking forward for you coming back to school. I think having spare teachers come in handy. Love from LAWRENCE LAWS. (Infants 2)
Prayers by Infants 2 Dear Father God, Thank you for the flowers, the trees and the blue sea; Thank you God for the ships and 'planes; Thank you for our parents, Thank you God for everything Amen. (MICHAEL BURBECK, Infants 2) Dear God, We thank you for helping our mothers and fathers. Thank you for keeping me safe through the night. Amen. (JOHN BRITTON, Infants 2) Please God, will you make all the sick boys and girls well, especially those in hospital, Please let them come home soon. Amen. (NICHOLAS FEAR, Infants 2) Thank you God for the Queen and her family. Thank you for our families too. Amen. (GRAHAM HIPKINS. Infants 2)
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Ogden 6G.
