One day I came to Malta, Ancient island in the sea. Saw the waves a'dancing-, And white clouds 'blowing free.

I thought of friends I'd left behind, Not fortunate like me. The sight was quite remarkable In all its majesty, My books had not prepared me For the sight which I could see.

T. ROWE — 4BM

At the beginning of the Autumn Term, six of us were introduced into the world of sailing. Within a few weeks we had all passed our sailing tests qualifying us to act as helmsmen in 14 foot Royal Naval Dinghies.

Just before Christmas, we were let loose in a sailing whaler, which, having three sails, was rather more difficult to control. But after a few trivial incidents, including sailing backwards through a bridge, attempting to sail underneath the anchor chain of H.M.S. Striker, not to mention one member's remarkable keenness for winter swimming, we eventually succeeded in controlling the boat.

During a week of bad weather it was suggested that we should go to Fort St. Angelo and do some work on the boats. We were not sure what to expect so we went down there with open minds. We were split up into pairs and each pair was taken to a different part of the fort. Two of us worked on the 30 sq. metre yacht "Angela", preparing her for repainting. Another pair made eyesplices, (similar to the legendary ones tied by the fourth form in 1958, taking a whole year to do so.) The third pair joined up with the crew of a duty boat and spent a leisurely afternoon, although the coxswain had a few awkward moments while they were at the wheel.

Last term it was decided that two members of the party ought to pass their time more profitably by training for athletics, This left an incomplete whaler crew which was made up by inviting three girls. So for our entertainment, lasting two happy and eventful weeks, we, the boys who were left, spent our time trying to train the girls to be "sailors". (It might be added that by way of demonstration, two boys displayed their sailing prowess by sailing under a very low bridge in a 10 foot dinghy with the mast rather higher than the bridge!) It need hardly be said that the comment in brackets was added by one of those girls.

"The Sailors": —

KEITH TAYTON, TREVOR TAYLOR, CHRIS RUOFF, BRIAN FULLER, BERNARD HOCTOR.

Bang! Crash! You open the door, and then there it is. Ready to move and drive you round the bend. Its new shoes are kicked to pieces, the nice pink dress is mud stained, the blue hair ribbons are nearly hidden in a tangle of hair which hangs over a rosy grinning face with twinkling eyes. In its right hand is a bucket full of mud and in the other hand is a spade with a broken handle. This is a little girl.

In the morning she starts to wake everyone else up by yelling in their ears and crying for breakfast. Then when you get out of bed and start making breakfast, she doesn't want what you are making and makes you mad. You slam things down hard on the table and throw the sugar bowl about and generally make the biggest noise you can. When the breakfast is made she nibbles at it and plays about and is told to leave the table, which she gladly does. Then she goes out to play and gets hurt after which she comes home and tries to help Mum, cook the dinner. When she has broken a glass, smothered the floor in flour and twiddled with all the knobs on the oven, ruining Mum's fruit cake, Mum is a nervous wreck.

Dinner is ready after about an hour's delay and she joyfully scoffs it and knocks her orange-squash flying across the table. Mum gets up to get a cloth from the kitchen and in doing so cracks her thigh on the corner of the table, so Dad gets it. Of course the little girl wants to wipe it up and she overbalances the sugar bowl which makes it a lot worse.

In the afternoon Mum takes her for a walk with her baby doll's pram. Later on she gets tired and Mum has to carry her pram which is more difficult. At last Mum gets home fed up and ready to go to bed. Than tea is made and the little girl turns to her brother home from school. Carefully and very craftily she walks up and takes his ruler or pencils and pen when he is trying-to do his homework. He then retrieves his belongings and gives her a tap on her bottom, after which she runs to her Mum and says, "He hit me, he hit me", Then he gets a good. telling off.43

Round about six o'clock Mum mentions bed and the little girl immediately disappears. When she is found she cries and struggles to get away. Then at last she is ready and makes one last bid to escape by sneaking away and hiding behind a chair. But she is found and goes to bed grinning all over her rosy face. This last act seems to change her parents' opinions of her, for they talk of all the good things about her and forget that she was ever a naughty girl.

Even though little girls are sometimes very naughty they are very comical, and it is very hard to say anything harsh about them. Just to think of them makes you want to see their cheery little faces and laugh, with them.

ROY SAXBY — 3AM.

TAL-HANDAK DRAMA FESTIVAL

There was a most heartening number of entries this year, all showing a high standard of Production and Diction. Almost everyone in the numerous casts could be said to possess good speaking voices, and how well they used them!

Also, in happy contrast to former years, people knew their lines. There was good speed in picking up cues, and some fine characterisation. The whole Festival gave an appearance of real Interest in the Drama, making one hope — that, some day — we will see a combined production given to Parents, as well as the School.

Plays, in order of appearance, were:— POST EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS — 3 BM

A good set, with a brisk opening, and extremely good comedy. Speech, in fact was inclined to be too brisk at first, but as the cast settled down, improved. Amy Carson, as Mrs. Higgins, gave a fine, rich performance, as did Susan Hesse, playing a Fussy Old Lady with just the right shade of characterisation.

Janet Colley, as the Assistant behind the Counter, was outstanding. She had a long part, but played with confidence and possessed an extremely good carriage. There was some clever comedy with Props, such as the man with a long,, long, shopping list, (Raymond Howe).

Carmelo Borg made a convincing Foreign Tourist — in fact an enjoyable play, acted intelligently, with excellent costumes and make-up.

This form decided to produce two plays, acted separately by the boys and girls. In the first, production was good, with grouping thoughtfully carried out. Make-up was weak, and a rather unhappy touch was the Second man, who was wearing a school blazer.

Mr. Brindle (Michael Willis) started nervously but warmed up as the play progressed, showing us what an excellent performance he is capable of giving.

Congratulations to Houghton (David Ozouf) who knew how to sit still .— and oh! how many people do not!

In the second play of this form, the girls decided to show what they could: do. They very sensibly chose a Girl's School as their scene which was easy to dress.

Grouping was good in the opening, a little too quiet as one felt that! any number of girls might have a good deal to say in a free period!

Diction was good, but voices needed to come up more, particularly in parts where the plot grew more dramatic. This was noticeable when the maid entered.

The small girl, Kathleen (Sheila Miles), was played very well, also the Senior girl (Carol Cox). Here was a character who had confidence and a beautifully clear voice. Whenever she spoke — one listened.

A neat little play, quite well done.

This indeed was an entry which deserved full marks for originality and courage. So many people believe that the first thing about a play is the costume!

1 DM broke new ground in giving straightforward Choral speaking — and how well they did it! Anything with a dialect is difficult, yet every member of the team retained this throughout. Aida McCullouch, speaking the first solo, was good, with a fine Dramatic tone. David McDonald, Susan West and Christine-Wood, were not far behind in their speaking. Truly a most enjoyable break, and a grand poem! — This kind of thing is worth taking further.

The Winners of the Festival with an extremely strong cast — so strong that it was difficult to find one actor more outstanding than the other! The atmosphere one received of this play was that of a complete team working together — grouping, lighting, a most excellent set, props — and characters who each gave to the other a sense of belonging to the play.

In an outstanding cast, Clifford Stewart was outstanding — head and shoulders above anyone in his confident approach, and quiet authority. Rosalind Leuty, as his wife, Mrs. Saunders, was a gem when she lost her temper! — while Winifred Sammut did a wonderful job as Grannie.

Props were good — there was no fuss as they were cleared, and costumes were excellent.

Milly (Sandra Stinson) gave a fine characterisation — the only weak spot was some rather bad masking at the visitor's entrance.

A good play — and beautifully acted. Congratulations.

What a charming production this was! And such an intriguing introduction. Here, we had an old, well known story, acted in true Chinese fashion, where Props and Scenery are carried on and off by the actors, in full view of the audience. Costumes were excellent, showing that great thought and enthusiasm had been spent in making this colourful entertainment.

The whole play was in Mime, the spoken commentary being by the Bird played by Barbara Mills. A long and difficult part, but clear and understandable in every word.

Good use of Props — Make-up was excellent — special mention must be made of Joyce Hardman, Bernadette Ryan, and Elizabeth Ryan, as the Rivers.

Outstanding characterisation was. John Abrahams, as the Magician — a truly sound piece of work.

Not a good play, but acted so well, by a gifted cast, that it appeared almost brilliant. Introduced by a good Compere (Christine Adams), the play started with a swing. There was good characterisation by the cast, particularly by Miss Mickey and Mr. Snooks (Susan Johnson and Michael Gleave, the latter showing good attack, and dominating the scene Tom Noddy (Harry Meredith), was cheerful, a most excellent mime, thoroughly at home on the stage, but spoilt so much of his outstanding acting by turning his 'back on the audience'.

Grouping was rather unhappy, particularly around the Donkey's Tail, where masking spoilt the point of the play.

An excellent production this, with imaginative handling and clever grouping, but spoilt by slow picking up of cues, and weakness in the main character; who lost his words so often. Probably due to nerves, but what a pity! Costumes, sets, props, were so excellent.

There was an intelligent use of the stage in the various scenes, and very good props. Costumes were excellently in Period — but make-up was inclined to look dirty.

Strongest were the men in this Cast, the girls appearing rather colourless, except for E. Whapshare, as Dame de Whitt. Here was a mature characterisation, who knew how to stand still and listen — outstanding in her performance.

A good production — all congratulations must go to Amanda Beale — with a mature, sound sense of Theatre — one felt that one more performance might have steadied a cast Into giving a really brilliant play.

A mimed play — indeed, a brilliantly mimed play — with each character being spoken by a separate cast of speakers.

The attack was quick, most mature, and the miming characters made the most of their parts. Comedy, throughout was excellent. Outstanding were the Colonel (.Irene Lewis), and his daughter (Carol Jones) who acted with just the right touch of feather-headedness. She moved gracefully, with good timing. Costumes were excellent.

Much praise must be given to the Compere, (Harry Gisbourne) who introduced the play, and the Chorus who handled their change of voices so well.

The hero (Terence Bodiam) was most convincing; the Villain (Christopher Allen) unfortunately masked himself behind a curtain part of the time, so that important "business" was too far off stage to toe seen by the audience.

A good comedy, however, played with right amount of light and shade.

Produced by a master-hand in Pantomime, this huge cast handled their story well. Costumes were colourful and very good indeed, while the voices of all characters could be heard clearly.

The Princess herself (Carol Wilson) was charming, possessing a good voice, while the Prince (Rowena Samuel) was a most adequate partner, confident stage-presence, and able to cross a stage beautifully.

Pip and Pop (Peter Fuller and Ralph Guy) were outstanding in a strong cast, in which so many good characterisations could be seen.

The Queen, Charwoman, and the Witch (Christine Burgess, Gerald Pulker, Susan Hopkins) made good entrances and built up their parts. Two perfect little cameo's of character were when the Old Man (Michael Berridge) played his part in the Wood scene (a most sincere performance this) and the Nurse (Christine Blundell) in the first scene. Each gave the atmosphere of being that particular character, not just someone playing it.

A very good show indeed.

A play in three scenes, quite well dressed. Here we watched the search for a happy man —• who, when he was found, was so poor that he had no shirt on his back.

The opening gathered speed and confidence, and as the movement progressed, one or two characters emerged as really gifted actors. Dr. Stout (Robert Powell) was one of these, being very good indeed, with a fine sens* of comedy. He and the King (Kevin Cox) played their scenes well, with obvious enjoyment but never over-playing.

Their was some rather bad grouping of the courtiers, which might have been improved by breaking up their straight lines, and the crowds voices were weak — otherwise, a well acted play, possessing speed and the right sense of comedy.

Introduced by a confident Compere (Beverly Harding) we soon found our-selves in the Court of the Caramels. Make-up was inclined to be too black, but a small point this.

Costumes were good, showing thoughtful work, also there were good Props.

All three Caramel brothers (Graham Hughes, Rodney Martin, William Craig) were good. They had clear voices, and acted with authority. Unfortunately, clowning began to run away with the action of the play. This is always a danger point, and one never can quite judge, without experience, when to drop slap-stick, particularly if the audience are enjoying it. So that, near the end of the play, much of the real acting, and there was some good work, was lost to the audience.

47

A. R.

The choir has met regularly every Monday afternoon from 3.30 p.m. until 5.0 p.m. and has had a very busy year. During the Autumn Term much hard work was done in preparing songs for the Annual Prize Giving Day, including Peter Warlock's "Come to Bethlehem", and Doctor Arne's "By Dimpled Brook", and for the Carol Service which was held on the last day of term.

During the Spring Term, rehearsals were held in preparation for the School Concert which was given to parents at the end of term. A special feature of this concert was the two part Cantata "The Walrus and the Carpenter", words by Lewis Carroll, and music by Percy E. Fletcher. A Junior Choir was formed this term, and met every Tuesday lunch hour, and it acquitted itself extremely well in its performance of Folk Songs of different countries. The School Choir rounded off its work with a performance to the School in morning assembly of the lovely Anthem "Ave Verum" of Mozart.

We are very grateful to those enthusiastic members of the Staff, who have assisted us from time to time.

We would welcome new members, particularly Altos, and we would especially like to see Senior pupils from the Grammar forms. The only qualifications required are enthusiasm, and an ability to sing in tune.

"Since Singing is so good a thing I wish all men would learn to sing".

The Recorder Group has been meeting every Tuesday night during the year. Three groups have been formed, an advanced group, and an intermediate group and a beginners group. The Christmas Term saw us practising diligently for a Carol Service at the end of term and towards the big day, Tal-Handak once again rang with music in the dinner hours. All three groups played the same piece: "Pifa" from the Messiah.

Throughout the Easter term each group has been rehearsing for the school concert. The beginners group drilled by Miss Bower played 3 tunes with Mr. Gerrard's group. The advanced group, taught by Lt. Comdr, Law also played 3 pieces. Together, all three groups played an ensemble,

The advanced group consists of a complete consort of recorders, several descants and trebles, a tenor and a bass. The intermediate group consists of descants and trebles. All the beginners are using a descant.

Although many people joined in September, classes have begun to tail off and we would therefore welcome any newcomers.

P. FEHERTY 2 A.G.   J. CLARKE

The Embroidery Competition took place in July 1959. As usual, prizes were awarded for Cross-stitch, Assisi-work, Hardanger and Jacobean work. Other types of work, including Smocking and Shadow work made pleasing additions. Once more Verdala contributed some delightful Junior work.

We hope to receive more entries this year. Posters will be displayed giving the details. In addition to the usual 1st & 2nd place prizes for each year a prize will be offered for a book or folder showing methods of repair. This prize is intended specially for 3rd year girls.

1st and 2nd. Jean Sims. 1st. Stephanie McDonough.

(No prizes awarded for 3rd place). 2nd. Josephine Bohm.
3rd. Sandra Grant. 3rd. Patricia McDonald.

1st. Carol Graham.

2nd and 3rd. Phillipa Marreck,

1st. Felicity Hammant. 2nd. Vicki MacKenzie, 3rd. Carol Coombe.

 

1st Year

1st. Jennifer Hockley. 2nd Susan Blackmore. 3rd. Patricia Fryer.

Juniors

1st. Anita Henry

2nd. Joy Mansell.

3rd. Jennifer Goldsack.

The Tal Handak Art Club meets every Tuesday afternoon from three-thirty to five o'clock.

The club is made up of the best pupils at drawing in each form taught by Mr. Dickerson. There are twenty-four members in all.

The object of the Art Club is to encourage pupils who like art, and also to give them an opportunity of seeing the results from the various other forms as well as their own.

A good number of the exhibits at the recent Child Art Exhibition, held at the Malta Society of Arts, in Valletta, were the work of members of the Art Club. The results of the exhibition reflect great credit on the members and master of the club.

The club has been working for only about six months. It is fairly certain that when the next exhibition is held in 1961 the results should be even better.

PAT COOPER 3 AG.

The third annual exhibition of Children's Painting promoted by the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce opened on the 2ilst April in the Palazzo de la Salle in Kingsway, Valletta.

The R.N. School at Verdala and Tal Handak was, as on the previous occasions, well represented and the work shown had variety and originality. At any rate the Selection Committee seemed pleased and awarded two prizes, one of which went to Rose Marie Arthur, aged 10 years of Verdala. The other was won by Patricia Cooper, aged 14 years of Tal Handak in addition the school was awarded a pleasing number of certificates of merit.

Art exhibitions, especially those of contemporary work, serve to mystify and annoy the general public rather than please or stimulate, and one is left wondering what standards or methods are adopted by selection committees to help them arrive at their conclusions. It seems that where professional artists and architects fail children succeed, and it is to be hoped that exhibitions such as this will induce further studies and a greater awareness of the difficulties confronting the visual arts,

F.M.

My family and I started ,'this most interesting voyage, about a year or two ago, in September. I was very excited as this was to be my first trip abroad. We left King George V docks a little later than expected on the S.6. "Kenya Castle".

We sailed through the English Channel on a clear day and the Isle of Wight was visible. The Bay of Biscay was rough and many passengers were sea-sick, including me. This did not last for long and we soon docked at Las Palmas.

We stayed here overnight and at 4 a.m. we were awakened to go ashore. We went by taxi to the shops. The shops were open (so early!) and people from the ship were buying souvenirs. I bought a Spanish fan and my sister bought a fluffy dog. Las Palmas is not very Mg but it is one of the largest ports belonging to Spain, Las Palmas is the capital of the island of Grand Canary.

We had the famous ceremony of crossing the line. -(The Equator). This takes place only on outward journeys not homeward journeys. King Neptune was impersonated by one of the crew, and is very funny to watch.

We had a very long sea journey before reaching our next port of call. Altogether it was ten to eleven days. In these days we enjoyed ourselves by playing deck games or reading in deckchairs. We were very thankful when we reached Cape Town.

Cape Town is famous for its Table Mountain and my family and I tried to get to the top but it was so hot that we just had to give up as the roads were very twisting and the sun blazed down. We had a lovely view from the road. Buses could take you back down but it looked very dangerous.

Our next port of call was Durban. We met some friends of ours who took ms round in their car. We enjoyed ourselves very much and they bought us fresh fruit and chocolate to eat on board. Durban was lovely and I enjoyed my stay there very much. We had a lovely meal there of baby chicken and salad.

We travelled on to Beira. We were not allowed ashore, but other passengers were taken ashore by boat,

We stopped at Dar-es-Salaam where we stayed for nearly two days. We went ashore and did some shopping. We landed by boat as you cannot dock by the shore. It is very nice there and I enjoyed it very much.

When we stopped at Mombasa we found it was joined to the mainland by a causeway. The climate there was very hot, and it is a very nice town. We bought lots of things there, including carved animals which are very popular. Mombasa was very small and we saw most of it in one day. There are lots of different races, to make up the population. There is a very old Fort called Fort Jesus which guards the Old Port.

Our next stop was Aden. It has very hard rock which makes Aden look hot and dusty. It was hot. We went ashore and saw little boats carrying goods to sell to the other passengers.

We sailed on to the Red Sea where it was very hot and most of the passengers were using the ship's swimming pool. It was not very big but it made you lovely and cool in such hot weather. We passed several ports. One of these was Port Sudan. We then passed through the Suez Canal.

We saw camels and their riders,, and you could plainly see other ships ahead as the ground was flat and sandy. It was most interesting and I enjoyed it. We also passed Fort Said at the other end of the Suez Canal.

The ship then came out into the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It was quite warm here and we used the swimming pool quite a lot.

Our next stop was Genoa. We stayed here a long time and went ashore, to do some shopping. Mum bought some carnations which were cheap, but in lovely bloom. Dad took some pictures with his cine camera. They came out very well. We took some snap shots of the statues and lovely fountains. I enjoyed myself here a lot.

Marseilles was our next stop and we went ashore with some friends. It was very smelly but very interesting. We bought some picture postcards of French dancers.

Gibraltar is famous for its apes, and we spent a very nice time with some friends there!

We then sailed through the Bay of Biscay, homeward bound. I shall never forget this exciting journey.

I was sorry when we finally reached home.

MARGARET BLUNDELL — 4BM.

The mountain stream comes tumbling down,

And hits the rounded pebbles,

And on them breaking plays a tune,

In tinkling silver trebles.

To see the laughing stream,

Then show the world their spotted breasts,

And little eyes that gleam.

The summer flowers are in full bloom, Around them buzz the bees, And prancing lambs dispel the gloom, Beneath the shady trees.

PETA STEWART-BEALE — 2BG.

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