The Victorian 4: Snippets of Times Past

From 1983, some more snippets from the Victorian.

Temp Passe

DURING the coming issues of ‘The Victorian’, I would like to take the opportunity to comb our archives and write about what the magazine was reporting in past years.

10 YEARS AGO (November 1973):

It was all change in November with the following infonnation in ‘College Notes’:

“The College building programme has progressed. The old general science laboratory is now a geography room; the old biology laboratory a languages room bearing the name Moliere; the old chemistry laboratory is the new Masters’ Common Room; and the old physics laboratory a mathematics room bearing the name Eden."

[I remember that change well. It was just after the opening of the new "Science Block" which everyone called a "Science Block" and no one called "The Princess Anne Science Wing" - how do you write that mouthful out on timetables! Brian Tricker, head of science, oversaw the project and the time and energy cause him to have a breakdown, a pity because he was such a talented and brilliant educator.]

On the subject of cricket ‘The Victorian’ writes:

“It would be somewhat of an overstatement to call this season successful, particularly in the way of results, and there is no doubt that compared with previous seasons. this is a very young and inexperienced team.

Most members had in fact been blooded in previous seasons, but they now found themselves vital members of the team, despite being only in their fourth year at College.

“The team's results were: 1 win, 7 draws and 8 losses. Tait topped the batting averages with 18.20 runs and Le Brun the bowling averages with a wicket every 12.24 runs. Colours were awarded to the latter - St. George, Keylock, Sutton and Richomme.”

25 YEARS AGO:

Under the title “Men at Work", ‘The Victorian’ reported:

“At the beginning of last term strangely garbed persons were to be seen wandering about with brushes, buckets and mops. It transpired that these were the Literary Lower Sixth, who had temporarily become interior decorators. The ‘objet d'art’ was Room B. This dank, dark dungeon (we quote) “has now been transformed into a blue sun lounge”.

On another ‘cultural’ note.-

“A widely varied programme of songs and instrumental music was arranged by Mr. Sackett for the Summer Concert in the hall on July 26th. The performers were Mrs. Grove, Advocate Crill, B. J. C. Aldridge, Mr. Rowley, Dr. Carré, Mr. Sacket, the school string orchestra and junior choir, and the Preparatory choir: P. J. Lobb, P. F. M. Hanning. R. A. Fry, A. G. de Ste. Croix, P. M. Lear, R. C. Godel. R. A. Challinor and from the Prep., J. Herivel and W. Langley."

The report continues:

“The audience, which nearly filled the hall, took full part in the community singing, which as usual. brought the concert to an end. Mr. Sackett was particularly congratulated for organising such a successful concert.”

Another item from the same issue:

“After a cancellation because of weather conditions. the annual athletics match against Elizabeth College was eventually held on May 5th in Guemsey,"

The match was lost and the Hutchence Cup stayed in Guernsey. However, there were several good performers.

“It is difficult to single anyone out for special mention. R. W. Averty ran a very fast half (mile) to return a time of 2 mins. 6.5 secs. He also won the quarter. D. G. Carpenter. the captain. won the 100 yards and 220 yards against strong opposition, and R. Blair Hickman won the mile. with B. G. Heard a very good second."

50 YEARS AGO (1933):

“The Headmaster-elect, who takes over in the September Term is Mr. John Halliday Grummitt, M .A.. at present Head of the Classical Department. and a House Master, at Epsom College.” The article continues: "He is thirty-two years of age and married. Though a layman. he preaches occasionally in the Epsom College Chapel."

[He published Everyday Prayers. Compiled by J. H. Grummitt, Hugh Martin and M. I. Rogers Hardcover – 1 Jan. 1926]

Mr. Grummitt stayed at the College until 1939 when he left in a somewhat controversial way.

[In September 1940, about 40 boys with Mr. Grummitt, Mr. Hopewell and Miss Aubrey were accommodated at Bedford School. Shortly afterwards Mr. Grummitt left on his appointment as Principal of Belfast Royal Academical Institution, and Mr. S. M. Toyne consented to act as Headmaster of 'Victoria College at Bedford '.]

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This one has either gone, or moved. Back in those days, in the playground of Rouge Bouillon School, they used to have Cycling Proficiency on Saturday mornings so children could learn signalling, the Highway code, etc. Judging by the adults who now cycle dangerously, we could do with it back again.