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24, HIGH STREET, Tel: 2458.

^bben (Srmt (toiler (Opposite School Main Entrance)

8S, J?igb Street. Blnftlf. &ii0srx. Ed; W.itilr 2480

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T M E G AT E WAY

•July

B A T T L E A B B E Y S C H O O L

Editorial 'Dead-line' — When do words come alive? It may be an unpleasant pun but for the editor 'dead-line' has for the first time come alive. Copy has come pouring in — poems, reports, essays, illustrations — but much needed a little polish or, to change the metaphor, pruning. The proud contribu­tors have taken their offerings, and the editor has had the greatest trouble in retrieving them. The artists stood idly by, waiting for copy to illustrate. I think the standard of the writing is good. There have been a few rejections, but their authors are to be congratulated on the effort they made. But next time — do you think we could have contributions during the year, and more alacrity in revision? Or the deadline may prove mortal to the editor.

7

Foreword by the Headmistress July 8th 1972 was a day of memories and a day to be remembered, and, as last year's magazine was out before then, it seems a fitting point from which to be­gin as we look back over the academic year of 1972-73. The day had begun with the opening speech of Lord Cole, whose daughter, Juliet, is an Old Girl. Battle Abbey biscuits, unique in shape and flavour, and specially created for the occasion by Miss Wooden and her Sixth Form Hostess Cookery group, were served with coffee, and then everyone went outside where the school was already formed up in Houses to watch the new school flag broken over the gateway. I suppose when other incidents fade we shall all remember the weather: the one day in the summer we had prayed for it to be fine turned into the wettest day of the season. Umbrellas must have swayed elegantly over the parents, Old Girls and friends as they picked their way down the wet drive to the church: umbrellas certainly bobbed over the processions which followed, and our progress up the High Street was made with less panache than we had intended. One memory I shall keep is of a few girls and one valiant father, each beneath an enormous pile of school cloaks, as these were doffed at the door of the church to reveal the immaculate and fairly dry uniforms. The Service of Thanksgiving for the Sixty Years of the school, which had been planned by Miss Scott and a group of seniors in conference with the Dean, was impressive. The church was packed, most people left It feeling uplifted and moved. We should like to thank the Dean, who is our honorary Chaplain, for the dignity with which he conducted this service, and the vitality and enthusiasm which he brings to all the services we share with him. For the rest of the day the relentless rain drove us indoors. The picnic lunch, envisaged In the sunshine under the trees in the park, took place in the ruins or even In cars in the drive. After lunch people emerged from their several re­treats and converged on the Abbot's Hall where a ceremony was to take place. Amongst our honoured guests we were fortunate to have with us Miss Helen Sheehan-Dare, one of the two founders of the school. Miss Gifford and Miss Mitchell, co-principals from 1954 to 1969, and many past members of staff. There was also present the family which had produced the school's first grand­daughter, Bryony Hartley, who left in 1971. Bryony's mother, Mrs. DoreenHart­ley, nee Sanders was here from 1934 to 1940, and her aunt, Beryl Sanders from 1937 to 1940. Her grandmother Mrs. Sanders, nee Pickard.was here during the early days of the school. It was from this family that we had a gift to the school which helped to make this a great occasion. Beryl is an artist, and her striking portrait of Miss Sheehan-Dare, now hanging in the dining room, was unveiled by her mother who presented it to the school on behalf of her family. The dances, gym and judo displays took place in a limited arena in the Abbot's Hall, while more and more guests packed themselves round it to watch, under­standing our difficulties and still appreciative. As the audience grew, until even the great stone walls seemed to bulge, so did the wonderful spirit of warmth and friendliness they brought, so that we seemed more closely united into a large and happy family. The entertainments, provided by Mrs. Hawkins, Miss Hiscock and Captain Cruse, occupied the afternoon and early evening. At tea, with most people packed in the dining room, we managed somehow to cut and distribute the magnificent cake, by Mrs. Turner.

B

Every member of the school, staff and girls had been busy for months beforehand in preparation for this day, and there were special home-made sweets from the cookery department, more Battle Abbey biscuits, needlework souvenirs and bunches of herbs on sale, and from these stalls and the grand raffle money poured in to cover our large expenses.

Between the activities our visitors wandered round the school to see the various exhibitions in the class rooms. Old Girls were particularly drawn to the room where the Reminiscences Tape was playing, and some lingered long to hear well-loved voices of the past and present, that brought back their school days. Strange that the English voices of an English public school should have been so carefully recorded and edited Into a fascinating programme by a Swiss member of our staff, Miss Moser. Strange, too, that the whole history of the school, shown year by year from 1912 onwards in photographs, newspaper cuttings, letters, records, magazines and every available piece of evidence should have been so faithfully chronicled by our Canadian member of staff. Miss Mumford. Here the historian's painstaking care produced a complete history book. From the title page at the door, one moved round the library reading one enormous page after another, unfolding year by year the story of Battle Abbey School. The pages are now bound together In one great book, the Archives of the School. The Barbecue Supper, carefully planned as an outside event on the Top Terrace, took place In the Abbot's Hall, served hot on trolleys by the Sixth Form, and people stood or sat before the great log fire in the hearth, with a wing of fried chicken in one hand and a hot dog in the other, while Miss Moser and the guitar groups sang folk songs.

By the end of the day the rain had abated somewhat, and, although the glorious grand finale of Fireworks from the Gateway seemed impossible, the gallant Bon­fire Boys put on a firework display for us on the tennis courts so that it could be watched from the windows. As it happened, just in time the rain miraculously stopped, and everyone crowded outside for a breath of evening air and watched in the gathering darkness.

The new academic year began with a large number of new girls and the school full. It was a serious term of hard work and everyone looked forward to an extra day's break given by Her Majesty the Queen for the occasion of the Royal Silver Wedding. I wrote to Buckingham Palace to ask the Queen's permission to add this day to our half term, and her gracious consent was much appreciated by the girls . On the day of the Silver Wedding we watched the Service at West­minster Abbey on television In the morning, finished lessons earlier than usual and held a special Thanksgiving Service in the evening.

At the end of the summer term we had regretfully to say goodbye to Miss Moser and Mr. Daines, and in September we welcomed in their place Mrs. Sherwood for German and French and Mrs. Gould for Scripture and Latin. Christmas came and we all enjoyed our Christmas Dinner and the Fifth Form Party. Term ended with a programme of entertaining dances and a short, serious play before tea, and the traditional Carol Service after tea. We have had our usual ups and downs this year, one of the most notable being the downfall of one of the big boilers that supply the central heating, three days before the Spring Term began. It was forty years old, we discovered, and could not be rejuvenated. In the coldest part of the year the school bore up bravely, gradually donning more layers of clothing, and there were only a few grumbles.

'■>

At long last, as the weather changed for the better, the new oil-fired boiler was installed and welcome warmth returned to the school. Sixty years behind us, and as the sixty first draws towards its close signs of change herald a new phase in the history of the school. This year we have taken in our first two day-girls, who have become happily absorbed into our life and activities. In September we shall be taking in younger girls and forming a new entrance class of nine year olds. For the last few years it has become apparent that the trend of leaving in the Fifth Form and going off to a College or to a co­educational Sixth Form, is making it more difficult to continue our own Sixth Form, and it was felt that a disproportionate amount of teaching resources was being spent on very small groups. Sadly we have to say goodbye to the Sixth Form at the end of 1974.

Change comes, whether we like it or not. For those Old Girls who treasure their memories of Battle Abbey, I hope they will always find its best traditions and ideals preserved for posterity; and to those in the school who yearn for something new and long to break the disciplines that form the structure of our life, I would say, 'Offer your new ideas, never destroy, but help us to build the foundations for the next sixty years better than ever, faithful to the past, en­riched by the present, looking forward to the future.'

[®>®S»~=^

School Calendar 1972-73 September 13th Autumn Term began. 14th New Girls arrived. 15th Some of our Guides swam in The Rye Division heats for the Swimming

Gala. 16th Visit by Diane Barr.Suzy Hickmet, Gillian Specterman. Talk and film on

'The Lost River' given by Walter Murray. 17th Girls went to Evensong to take part in the Battle Church Flower Festival 23rd Lecture by Frank Lowe. 24th Service in Abbot's Hall. 30th Vlth invited Miss Parker and Miss Scott to a Chinese meal in Westnedge

House.

10

October 3rd Vth Geography group Field Day, taken by Mr. Lacey. 4th Music and Poetry Evening in Sitting room. 6th Council Meeting. Two artists from 'Portrait Associates' came to make

sketches of some of the girls . 8th School Harvest Festival Service in Abbot's Hall. 10th Mr. Lacey took Form III to visit Gardners Farm, Ashburnham. 11th Vth taken by Miss Parker and Miss Fentum to see film of 'Macbeth'. 14th Battle and District Historical Society held Evening Party in Abbot's Hall

7.00 to 8.30 p.m. 15th Special Commemoration Service at Matins, followed by laying of wreath

by the Souvenir Normand in Grounds of Abbey. 19th Sherry Party for Governors and Staff. The Vlth prepared the food,

arranged the flowers, and waited on the guests. 21st Moat House Benenden Riding School One day Event. St. Etheldreda's

House Party. 22nd Service in Abbot's Hall. 23rd St. Etheldreda's House Service. Poetry and Music Evening. 24th Party of Seniors, and the Dance group, visited the Congress Theatre

Eastbourne to see The Rumanian Dancers. 25th Talk by Miss Collard of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. 26th Exhibition of 'Paperback books for Students' in the Library. 27th Mark Reading. 27th-

November HALF TERM 1st 2nd Council Meeting. 3rd Queen's Guide presentation to Jane Findlay, followed by a barbecue for

the Guides and their guests, in the ruins. 5th All confirmed girls attended and assisted at the 9. 30 a. m. Family Com­

munion Service in the Parish Church. 6th Mr. Alderton, the Bursar, gave a talk to the Vlth on Africa. 7th Form H, and a group of seniors, taken to Langton Hall to see film of

Wild Life in Africa. 9th School taken to the Ballet in Eastbourne. VI and Vth Cookery students

attended a cookery demonstration in Hastings. 10th Miss Mumford took Form U to see the film 'Mary, Queen of Scots' in

Bexhill. A group of Guides went to the White Rock Baths for the Sussex East Swimming Gala.

11th St. Martin's House Party. 13th St. Martin's House Service. Our Vth, joined by twenty five girls from

Claverham, given a talk and demonstration by a beautician from 'Boots the Chemist'. Dr.and Mrs. Kevin Down, friends of Mrs. Griffin, talked to Vlth form on the Irish Problem.

14th Student from Chelsea P. E. College started her month's teaching practice with us.

15th Poetry and music evening. 16th Dean talked to girls about The Evening Communion Service, and then

took evening Prayers. 18th Members of Dance Group taken by Miss Hiscock to Chelsea P. E. College

for'Dance Day.'

11

20th Royal Silver Wedding Celebration. Girls watched Westminster Abbey Service on Television. Miss Parker took a special service in the Abbot's Hall in the evening.

25th Judo examinations. 26th Abbot's Hall Service. Group of girls taken by Miss Hiscock to Eastbourne

to see the 'Little Angels of Korea'. 28th Miss Cattell took party of seniors to concert at The White Rock Pavilion

in Hastings. 29th Miss Parker attended The Old Girls' Reunion in London. 30th A party of Vlth, and Vth Bronzes, went with Miss Parker to the theatre in

London.

December 5th Guildhall Speech and Drama examinations. Police lecture and film on use

of new level crossings. 6th Guides sang Carols to old people at Sheppard Place. Miss Vaughan's

Music Party. 7th Large Party of girls accompanied by four staff visited the Tutankhamun

Exhibition at the British Museum. 8th Carol Singing on the Green had to be cancelled owing to heavy rain, but

some townspeople joined us to sing carols around the fire In the Abbot's Hall.

9th Christmas Dinner followed by Vth Form Party. 10th School Service in the Parish Church. Display of presents for the orphans.

Activities Cup won by Form III. Inter-House Gym competition won by St. Patricks.

12th Christmas Entertainment. Dance drama entitled 'Scrooge' followed by Miles Malleson's play 'Michael' performed by the IVth Form. The Carol Service in Abbot's Hall after tea.

13th Closing.

January 10th Spring Term began 14th School examinations started for the Vlth, Vth and IVth Forms. 20th Film and talk on work of Invalid Children's Aid Association. 26th Council Meeting. 28th Service in Abbot's Hall. 31st Chimney in Abbot's Hall swept, first time for forty years according to

Harold! Poetry and music evening In Sitting room.

February 1st 1st and Ilnd Form expedition to London, first to the Commonwealth Insti­

tution, and then to the Westminster Theatre to see a pantomime. 9th Miss Radcllffe, County Careers Advisor, came to talk to the Vth Form

girls. 10th Visiting lecturer Donald Grant gave a talk on 'Famous Dams of North

America'. 17th Vlth Form attended a dance at Bethany School. 20th Miss Gay took a group of nird Form girls to St. Leonards to hear the

Hastings Youth Symphony Orchestra. 22nd Small party of IVth Form girls visited University College Hospital,

London. 25th Abbot's Hall Service.

13

28th Concert in the Abbot's Hall given by the Downs' Symphonia, conducted by Michael Morse, under the auspices of the 'Teaching of English Asso­ciation'.

1st Three members of the Vlth visited University College Hospital Pathology Laboratory.

2nd First performance of 'Toad of Toad Hall' presented by Forms II and III. 3rd Second perlormance of 'Toad of Toad Hall'. 5th Moat House Benenden Riding School 'Quiz' at Bedgebury. 10th Party of girls went by coach with Mr. Coghlan to Beachy Head and walked

to Birling Gap. 11th School service In Church. 13th Guide Company took part in the Camp Fire Singing at the Hastings Festival. 14th Choir sang at Hastings Festival. Vlth to City of London Exhibition and the

Westminster Theatre. 16th Cookery 'O' level examination. Council Meeting. 17th Lecture, with slides, by Mr. Lacey on "The dangers of Smoking'. 19th Cookery 'O' level examination. 20th Group of IVth and Vth. 22nd Benenden Riding School cross country competition. Our team came 4th

out of 18 teams, and Fiona Mount won the Individual Challenge Cup. Delrdre Bannerman attended a one day 'Art and Design' course in Lewes.

24th Local Schools Netball Rally. 25th Twenty three girls confirmed by the Bishop of Lewes. 26th All newly confirmed girls went to their First Communion at a 7. 30 p. m.

service in the Parish Church. 27th Mark Reading. Open Day for parents. 28th Closing.

April 30th Summer Term began. May 4th Council Meeting. Sailing commenced. 5th Judo examinations. 7th C. S. E. examinations started. 8th First swimming lesson. 9th First visit of six Chelsea P. E. Students who are to come each Wednesday

to help with games and activities. Music and poetry evening in Sitting room.

10th French 'O' level oral examinations. 11th English for Foreigners R. S. A. examinations. 12th Mrs. Kemp (Anthea Goddard), new Chairman of the Old Girls ' Association

came, with her family, to have lunch with Miss Parker. She talked to the Vlth and Vth forms.

17th Dean came to plan Abbot's Hall Service with the Vth Form. 22nd Spanish 'O' level oral examinations. 27th Abbot's Hall Service. 30th June HALF TERM 3rd

13

Forthcoming Events. 4th Cambridge 'A' and 'O' level examinations start. 6th Council Meeting. 9th Old Girls ' Day. 18th School Examinations start 24th School Service in Open Air Theatre. 25th Vlth and IVth visit Wimbledon. 29th-July Guide Camp. 2nd 6th and 7th Meetings for Parents of Ulrd and IVth Formers. 7th St. Mary's House Party. 9th St. Mary's House Service. 14th Vth Form Dance. 15th Form Plays. and 16th 18th Sports. 19th Closing.

St. Mary's House Report Head of House Pauline Smith Vice Head Mltra Alan Games Captain Sharon Langley Stars Judith Reed, Sharon Langley, Helen Samadizadeh,

Philippa Rogers. IQ Form Shields Liza Davies, Lilmarie Evans. G. C. R. 's Liviere Robles, Kathryn Darby, Helen Reid, Nadine

Williams. St. Mary's house found it difficult to behave during the Winter Term but we managed to do fairly well. We came first in Merit Marks and our House Posi­tion was second. The Easter Term began with exams for the seniors and while we were busy revising the juniors became extremely mischievous, in fact they seemed to forget all the School Rules. However in spite of this we came first and won the Shield. Mitra Alam was made Vice Head of St. Mary's House and I should like to thank her for all the help she has given the House. She really is a 'Pillar of Strength.' The Summer Term has now begun and we are hoping to keep the Shield this term, but more important is that we should remain a happy, well-mannered house, all working together. Our House party takes place this term. This comes once a year and we are all looking forward to plenty of eating and games. I should like to thank St. Mary's for being such a super house - the House Captaincy has been very enjoyable.

14

St. Martin's House Report Head of House D. Banner man Vice Head V. Dawbarn

G. Swoffer Games Captain S. Hayes-Fisher Stars A. Apkan, S. Jones, J . Findlay, T. Karsten. G.C. R.'s D.French, S. Loghman-Adham 'And let us all to meditation.' — How was the Autumn Term? All in all, it was a difficult one and the girls seemed to find the alternatives to the 'straight and narrow' easier to follow. (Fortunately, we have learnt that 'Tis one thing to be tempted, another thing to fall!') St. Martin's was placed 4th overall, with 2nd for posture, and a very good effort in the inter-House games fixtures, for which we must thank Sarah, our games Captain. The House Party provided a brighter note, and our ever efficient IVth form members gallantly provided the decor, and kept the evening going; neither must our Vth formers, whose talents were engaged in the kitchen,go unmentioned! The Spring term saw a little more practical expression of the House spirit, and we rose to third position though here again, the three months had not been easy for anyone. Great enthusiasm was aroused in the netball and volley ball matches, and owing to some tremendous playing, we held a good position throughout, and were placed 2nd.

It is now the beginning of the summer term, and, whatever the end result, I must thank the House, for all that we have learnt: - and above all, our gratitude to Miss Fentum, our House Mistress, and to Miss Cattell and Mr. Lacey — and to everyone — bonne chance !

St. Etheldreda's House Report House Captain Helen Rundall Vice House Captain Penny Billinghurst Games Captain Vanessa Pepper Stars D. Shah, J. Kryzwon, J. Henry, and S. Livermore. 3rd Form Shield M. Binns G. C. R. "s G. Henry, S. Brice, and F. Aziz After winning the shield at the end of last year, St. Etheldreda's returned in the Winter term full of life, and hope for a happy, successful year. At the end of the term S. Livermore received her star, and P. Billinghurst her Bronze. It was a happy term with the House party wonderfully arranged by 4th and 5th form. It ended successfully with us retaining the shield.

11.

The Spring term got off to a bad start, and the school was in a mischevious mood throughout the term. At half-term D. Shah and J . Henry gained their s tars . During this time St. Etheldreda's collected many bad marks, resulting in our rivals, St. Mary's, winning the shield, while St. Etheldreda's scraped second place. J. Kryzwon won her star, and M. Binns her 3rd form shield at the end of term. We have returned this term determined to avenge last term's defeat,but also determined to make it a happy term. I should like to thank Mrs. Griffin for all her help as House Mistress, and for the unfailing support of the other House staff, as well as all the members of the house who, despite their many misdemeanors have been wonderful.

St. Patrick's House Report Head Susan Gregory

Vice Head Tania Horner

Games Captain Joanna Hayward

Bronzes Susan Gregory, Tania Horner

Stars Gladys Leung, Ayse Sumer, Joanna Hayward, Rebecca Milne. Emma Nightingale, Jacqueline Styles.

G.C.R.'s Kerena Guest. Fawzla Azlz.Golnaz Shariatzadeh.

The winter term proved more successful than many previous terms. The House moved to third position and came first in deportment. For this, our congratu­lations go to Jo Hayward, the Games Captain, who has aroused plenty of enthu­siasm throughout the year. The gym group captained by Sue Harris, won the Gym­nastics Cup. Unfortunately we dropped down to fourth position in the Spring term. The mock 'O' and 'A' levels were distracting. St. Patrick's came third in the netball House Championships. St. Patrick's House Party on 17th March was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Our thanks go to the fifth and fourth forms for providing the scrumptious supper and the decorations in the English room. St. Patrick's tra­ditional cake was made by Miss Gay and was very eagerly consumed.

The summer term brings 'O' and 'A' levels, the school exams, the tennis, swimming and rounders championships. A very warm thank you to Miss Gay, as House Mistress, comes from the House. The very best of luck to everyone for now and the future.

16

Form 1 AUTUMN TERM This term was our first term at Battle Abbey, all except Fiona and Charlotte. As it was our first term Miss Scott, our form mistress , thought it best to let Fiona be our form captain the first half of term and Charlott be the Games Captain and help Fiona as vice.

At half term Fiona was Games Captain and Vice Captain, and Charlotte was Form Captain. For the first two weeks of term we each had a Guardian whose duty was to look after us, show us around and help us to learn the rules of the school for a test which most of us didn't pass! During the term we visited Battle Museum and the Congress Theatre where we saw a ballet.

BATTLE MUSEUM Miss Mumford who is our History teacher took us to this small, but interesting, museum. In the museum we saw a copy of the 'Bayeux Tapestry' and other things of in­terest from history. BALLET

Also during the term we went to a modern Ballet at the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne. This show we all thoroughly enjoyed. BONFIRE NIGHT On November 5th we all watched the Battle Procession come up through the Abbey Gates and turn around at the top of the drive. In the procession there was a group of people who had dressed in fancy costume, also there different kinds of floats. Some of the people in the procession threw bangers, most of the people were carrying burning torches. CAROL SINGING On Friday the day before the 5th form party our school was going to hold a carol service on the Green, but on the day it was pouring with rain. So instead of having it on the Green we had it around the fire in the Abbot's Hall. In the interval some of the 6th form roasted chestnuts which we all enjoyed very much.

5TH FORM PARTY Every year the 5th form give a party for the rest of the school. At this party there is a fancy dress competition judged by the staff who also dress up. At the end of the party the 5th form let down a net full of balloons so that we could all have one.

!7

CAROL SERVICE At the end of term the school gave nearly the same carol service as before but this time it was for our parents. Sandra Campbell read the first lesson.

S P R I N G TERM The first Sunday of the term a Spanish Dancer came to entertain us. Some of the dresses , which she made herself, were very beautiful; we all enjoyed this performance very much.

VISIT TO LONDON One of the outings which we went on during the term was to London to see a pantomime called 'Give a Dog a Bone', we all enjoyed this pantomime and Miss Scott and Mr. Lacey took us. First we went to see the Commonwealth Institute, then we had a snack lunch. After lunch we went by coach to Westminster Theatre where the pantomime was being held. After the pantomime we had a lovely meal of this cheesy eggy thing with peas, chips and we had jelly for 'afters'. We all enjoyed this outing very much. At half term Nadine Williams was presented with her G.C.R. During the rest of the term we had lots of Netball matches against other schools. At the end of Term we had inter-house Netball matches. Bryony Holroyd in our form played for her house, St. Martin's, and Miml Hooper for hers, St. Mary's. At the end of term Nadine, Elizabeth, Francesca, and Sandra all received their posture badges. After half Term our form went on lots of outings for our English project. Some of them were: the Dairy.post office,fire station,Police station and lots of other outings. After half Term Miss Scott became ill and our classical studies teacher Mrs. Gould took over as Form Mistress.

SUMMER TERM We have just begun the Summer Term. Our form Captain is Deborah Ross and our Vice is Tania Henson, our games Captain is Kim Wilson. This Term is the best Term in the year so we have heard, when we go swimming and we play: Tennis, Rounders, Athletics, and many other enjoyable games.

Deborah Ross and Tania Henson

Second Form Report SUMMER T E R M Our Form Captain was Fawzia Aziz. We had seventeen people in our form. Kim Breaks, Georgina Henry, Sara Brice, Shireen Hayderi, Golnaz Shariatzedah, Heba Ghaleb, Fazana Aziz, Fawzia Aziz were all G.C.R. ' s . G.C.R. stands for 'Good Conduct Ribbon'. Tbey all went on the G. C. R. outing with Miss Scott, who

18

was our form mistress. They went to see the film, 'Fiddler on the Roof. We went on our form outing, on a train, which was very old, and we then went to the beach which was great fun. The staff had a rounders match, and they all dressed up, this was very colourful and great fun. We went to see a ballet called 'Giselle'. July 8th was the 60th anniversary of the school and its 50th year at Battle Abbey. Parents and Old Girls came. We had many kinds of entertainment, and some of us were in Ballet dancing, 'Alice in Wonderland', and 'Hiawatha', which was a modern dance; there was also a gym display.

We all enjoyed taking part in the inter-house matches sports day, rounders match, and the swimming and tennis.

C H R I S T M A S TERM Miss Mumford was our form mistress and we were now all in 2nd form. Geor­gina Henry was our form captain, and our vice captain was Kerena Guest and Kim Breaks was games captain, and our vice games captain was Shlreen Hayderi. We had eight new girls, Denise French, Susan Jackson, Jane Sutherland, Helen Reid, Katheryn Darby, Liviere Robles, Tracy Kelly, and Corrina Morrison-Low. We went to see the Royal Ballet, who performed different scenes, from different ballets, which was very enjoyable. Also some people in our form went to see "The Little Angels', who were from Korea. Miss Mumford took us to 'Mary Queen of Scots' in Bexhill which was a very good film. In December we sang carols in the Abbot's Hall because it was to wet to sing on the Green, we also had chestnuts. Miss Scott took us all to see a lecture on African Wildlife at Langton Hall, which was enjoyable. We made presents for the orphans and we came second in the competition. Georgina Henry read the lesson at the Carol service and Kerena Guest won a prize for dressing up as Anne Boleyn, in the 5th form entertainment. We took part in the service in the Abbot's Hall and Georgina Henry and Shlreen Hayderi read a poem.

S P R I N G TERM Our form captain was Denise French, and our vice form captain Joceline Godson, and the games captain was Susan Jackson, and vice games captain was Livere Robles. We had three new girls, Kerry Ross, Fiona Barrington, and Victoria Keenan. We went on an outing to the Commonwealth Institute, and learnt about Canada, then went to see 'Give a Dog a Bone', which taught us to say 'please', 'thank you' and 'sorry', and not to say 'I couldn't care less ' . Mr. Lacey and Miss Scott took us. Miss Harker taught us Music and English for a while. We started doing the work for our form play, which is 'Robin Hood', and it is going to be performed In the summer term. Miss Parker directed a play called 'Toad of Toad Hall', and all of second form were wild wooders. The play was a great success, and was lots of fun.

1!)

Third Form W I N T E R TERM Apart from being our first term in third form, the winter term was one filled with exciting events. The first of them was the visit to the well known, "Tutan-khamun exhibition' held in the British Museum. The outing was partly to aid us with our 'Ancient Egypt' projects which were at that time being compiled. The tomb itself was rather eerie and made one want to hide away or run out into the bright sunlight. Much of the jewellery we wanted to take back with us, but theft was Impossible,as all the exhibits were extremely carefully guarded! As we drove back through the driving rain that evening many of us were looking forward to the 'Festival Ballet' held in Eastbourne. This we all find very enjoyable, and when we did actually visit Eastbourne none of us were disappointed. As always we were presented with a charming series of short ballets, all of which were very entertaining. St. Martin's and St. E's house parties broke the monotony of a working term. Third form members especially observed how the party was organized by fourth form, taking examples for our turn to organize next winter term. Miss Hlscock chose several members of the third form dance group to partici­pate in a 'dance' day at Chelsea Physical Training College. The day was tiring, fun, and also showed us how other schools interpreted the words 'Modern dance1. Nearing the end of the term the fifth form party was held, the staff arrived on the scene in the most Ingenious costumes, Miss Parker and Mr. Lacey looking very grand in their Victorian attire. The performance of 'Scrooge' and the fourth form play named 'Michael' brought the term to a close, a term of hard work, yes, but also one of enjoyment.

Fiona Hill

S P R I N G TERM The first half of the Easter term was a busy one, we spent nearly all our free time rehearing for 'Toad of Toad Hall' which Miss Parker directed. The play was performed for the people of Battle and then for parents. After we had per­formed it for our parents we were allowed to go home for the night. The play was a great success and many staff put a lot of work into it helping with the costumes and scenery and lighting. There was no half term but we did have mark reading at which Lisa Davies r e ­ceived the Third Form Shield. We were all very proud of her as we all thought she deserved it. The next half of the term was spent getting back to hard work again. Before long Miss Scott fell ill and had to go away. One of the great disappointments of the term was the cancellation of Wembley. We were planning to go and see the hockey match — England against Ireland — but because of bombing earl ier when people were injured in London, some girls changed their minds. It was a shame as we were all looking forward to it.

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We didn't have any hockey matches but we did have the inter-house netball matches which St.Mary's won. Later that evening St. Patrick's had their house party which was another of the great successes of the term. The fourth and fifth forms had put a lot of work into it and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Maxine Binns and Lillmarie Evans received their Third Form Shields at the end of term. An open day ended the term, a happy and successful one which seemed to have been enjoyed by all.

S. Perkins, Form HI

Fourth Form Report THE SUMMER TERM The Summer term was an exciting one when we welcomed Maureen Diaz-Albertini and said goodbye to Yvette Webb, Cynthia Smythe and Candy Ellis. St. Mary's had a most enjoyable house party and there were also inter-house rounders, swimming, and tennis matches. On July 8th Battle Abbey School had its 50th anniversary when all the old girls came and visited the school. During the day various activities took place but owing to the bad weather any outdoor activities had to be shown indoors. By the end of the day the weather had cleared enough for the fireworks display. One of the most exciting events was our form outing when we went to Brighton for the day. We visited Preston Manor and then spent the rest of the day on the beach. Miss Gay. the Rev. N.Dalnes and Mrs. Fenn came with us. Sports day ended the Summer term. St. Martin's won the cup for the third time running.

C H R I S T M A S TERM We had a series of exciting events taking place throughout the last term. At the beginning of term, we welcomed eleven new girls from all parts of the world, and also our first day girl to Battle Abbey. We voted for Vicki Fuggle as form captain.

Both St. E's and St. Martin's had their house parties which were a great success, due in part to the effort of their IVth formers. The Guides had a very enjoyable term, as one of their senior members was awarded her Queen's Guide Badge. IVth form Guides organised a party to con­gratulate her. Also the Guides have done a great deal of voluntary service; they went to sing to old people at 'Sheppard Place'. Because of the Queen's Silver Wedding Anniversary, we were given an extra day at haU term, and we were allowed on the actual day, to go out shopping in Battle and watch television. This just made our first term in IVth year! Throughout the term our form made various trips to Ballets and films. We all saw a Rumanian Dance group, which we all thoroughly enjoyed. Unfortunately our form's orphans' display was not quite what we had hoped it to be, but maybe next year . . .

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During the term Miss Parker produced a Christmas play entitled, 'Michael', a one act play situated in a Russian peasant home. This was performed on the last day of term with Miss Hiscock's production of 'Scrooge' by the Dance Group. We had a marvellous audience who all enjoyed it. At the end of term, we all took part in various Christmas celebrations at 5th form party and Christmas dinner, for which this year our form decorated the dining room.

E A S T E R TERM Back from a wonderful Christmas holiday, we found ourselves faced with the dreaded thought of exams. Two new girls, Jackie Ford and Sue Brown, joined our happy crowd, and we all sincerely hope that they have found it easy to settle in, happily. Much to our delight it started to snow. Unfortunately our poor boiler could not stand the constant pressure of giving out heat, and died peacefully at the age of forty-one. Our form has recently been growing far more attached to guitars than our sitting room can stand. We have about fifteen guitars lined up on a specially designed rack. Our musical efforts tend to drive the staff rather mad at times. Five girls from our form went to London, to visit the University College Hos­pital, to see the nurses' way of life and how the hospital is operated. They en­joyed their visit immensely, and many are seriously thinking of making nursing their career .

Many events were cancelled this term. The judo exam, Wembley and the tradi­tional form plays. As a few of the forms felt there was such a short time left for producing a play, it was agreed these should be postponed until the summer term. The Girl Guides and the Senior Choir prepared themselves for the Hastings Festival, which takes place annually at The White Rock Pavilion in Hastings. The main stage is enormous; however, the Guides came second out of eight com­panies, and the choir came fifth out of eight other entering schools. We have had lectures this term, which have proved very interesting. Also we had a concert which was very enjoyable, this was open to the public. A few of us that went had great fun playing the role of hostesses. The music was lovely. The French and German classes in our form sent for pen friends. Many of us have received replies from Germany; however, most of us are still waiting for a letter to come from France. We all agree that it Is a good way hopefully of improving our languages and giving us a wider scope and other ideas about the countries. This Easter term has been such an eventful one, it has flown by and we are very near the end of term, much to our delight. A few of our form will be enjoying their holiday abroad, but the majority will be spending it in England.

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Fifth Form Report W I N T E R T E R M Winter term '72 saw fourth form elevating themselves to the fifth year with en­thusiasm and gusto. A splendid bunch of girls resigned themselves to spend the year ahead obtaining slender figures and the odd ' 0 ' level. Pounds as well as subjects were shed at frequent Intervals. During the term, the geography group were taken out by Mr. Lacy. Undoubtedly, the day must have proved the windiest of the term, but, despite this, blown about but well tanned geographers arrived at Mr. Lacey's house where Mrs. Lacey gave us all a superb tea.

A field day was had by all! Fifth form party at the end of term brought a lot of laughs both behind scenes and on stage. The school and staff were an excellent audience and we hope they en­joyed it as much as we did.

The term ended with the dance group putting on their version of 'Scrooge', Miss Parker's production of 'Michael' and of course the carol service. A few violent shock waves were generated by mock 'O' levels, at the beginning of the Easter term. Great preparations were made for the fifth form dance but alas, as the boys developed measles and we had a mumps scare, the dance was was wisely postponed. Trouble with the school boilers proved a cold, painful process. No cases of frostbite were recorded, but several complaints were made I The end of term came very quickly, and rather hesitantly, we put forward our books and files for open day. With all promises of hard work, fifth form left for what they hoped would be 'An endless four weeks'. However,come the 30th April, the 'endless four weeks' had gone and greetings were sparse. More time was spent enquiring about holiday work. A few serious faces showed the building apprehension of 'O' levels. So with the prospect of tennis, swimming, athletics, the postponed dance — and 'O' levels, we look forward to a filled and successful term. In conclusion, we would sincerely like to thank Miss Parker and all the mem­bers of staff for their helpfulness and understanding. We would especially like to thank Miss Robertson, who has been a most patient and capable form mistress.

Sixth Form Report In the Autumn of 1972, it was brought to the notice of the school that the Vlth had acquired a somewhat interesting group, to avoid confusion, let It be said that all five fell under one category, that of originality. Asll and Ayse had flown in from Turkey, and equipped with a sufficiently high sense of self-preservation, and humour, found the everyman's land of the Vlth Form sitting room and kit­chen to be suitably teeming with wild life. Our Polish Immigrant, from Nigeria, added to the 'atmosphere' with her extensive knowledge of Shakesperian quo­tations, and, when 'wee timorous beasties' now shake the house, the flock re-

treats to safer pastures. Nina's 'talents' were particularly fascinating to Dipti, our little Indian, from Tanzania, who had never met this species before. The 'proverbial' last but by no means least was Char Boor, more commonly known as Lienne.who proved to be extremely cheerful, and never allowed the non-appearance of mall to cast her into the depths, (do not ask of what, — they are peculiar to Vlth Form). Sue, Helen and Judy came up from the Vth and were generally pleased with our calm, sane approach to life. (Let it be sufficient that the 'old' girls go unmen-tioned). And so, with Susan Lauw as our Form Captain, the weeks and months sped by, highlighted by a trip to the big city to see 'London Assurance1, pre­ceded by dinner. Winter followed, and the arr ival of Cordelia and Leila, from Malaysia and Persia respectively, brought more, 'amusement' to our 'stage'. (If this report seems a little disjointed and erratic, please to bear in mind that I am surrounded by the form under discussion, who I find to be exceedingly lacking in sympathy and un­derstanding. — Ah well, on with the labours of Hercules). Many thanks must go to Mr. Lacey.who undertook to risk derangement by taking our cosmopolitan crew to see the 'City of London Exhibition', followed by dinner, and a 'topical, Musical Review' — 'G. B.' — at the New Westminster Theatre. This excellent 'break' was followed a few weeks later by a successful Bethany boys' school dance. — Let It here be noted that in between our 'ventures' afield, and the hard work. Bridge sessions entered our amazing 'repertoire' , while certain members of the form attempted to exterminate us all with their nocturnal bumps (keep fit exercises — such are the trials of an earnest Vlth Former). And now we are at the beginning of an end: the summer term. Soon the academic year will be over, and for some, it will mean the last of school. From all of us, a big thank you to the Staff, especially Miss Kortright, and our Form Mistress, Miss Fentumjand a toast to this term, and the future.

Le Penseur Aprks Rodin (Bailie Abbey Style)

U

Senior Choir Report 1972-73 Our voices certainly weren't at their best at the beginning of the Christmas Term from lack of practice, but Miss Cattell soon had us in training for the Carol Service. At this the Procession was not as successful as we had hoped because the Abbot's Hall was very full and the choir became rather scattered. However we certainly enjoyed the service, and some of us felt rather sad when we realised that It was the last one the 5th and 6th form choir members would sing in at Battle Abbey. During the Easter Term we concentrated on two pieces for the Hastings festival. However Miss Cattell had to leave us for a few weeks through illness. As we could not manage without her, we came sixth in the competition although we suc­ceeded in achieving a fairly high standard of singing and were awarded a Merit Certificate. The Summer Term has now begun and a Music Concert is being planned for the end of Term. We will be singing in this and also singing an Anthem for the School Service. Needless to say we have a busy term ahead. We would like to thank Miss Cattell for all her help and enthusiasm throughout the year.

Pauline Smith

The Games Report 1973 Winter term started well for the year's sports. The netball teams won nearly all their matches, thanks to Miss Hiscock who insisted on weekly practices. Hockey is now one of our main sports In the winter, but the results of the matches were rather disappointing. The gym group from each house practised extremely hard for the competition. An outside adjudicator decided that St. Patrick's should come first. In the Spring term quite a few matches were cancelled because of various school activities. We entered the Under 13 and 1st VH teams for the Hastings Tourna­ment, they both came fourth. At the end of this term inter-house netball and volley ball matches were played. St. Mary's were overjoyed when the final re­sult came through — They won both matches! We hope this term to be successful in all sports.

Lesley Bowen (Games Secretary)

Hastings Tournament Teams 1st Under 13 S. Hayes Fisher G.S. E. Hooper V. Pepper G.A. G. Henry (capt.) S. Langley W.A. T. Kelly L. Allman (capt.) C. S. Hayderl J.Henry W.D. K. Guest J. Hayward G.D. K. Breaks T. Horner G.K. L. Robles

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w4*»,

Guides Our Guide year started off well with a party to celebrate our first 'Queen's Badge'. The senior patrol organised and gave the party, inviting Miss Parker, Miss Scott, and other members of staff and friends. During the year we have had several outdoor meals at night and in the mornings. We enjoy these very much as we all feel so free. This year we came second in the Hastings festival, feeling very proud. Miss Fentum, our Guider, helped us considerably in this, for which we are very grate­ful. Also, with the help of the senior guides, our company went singing to 'Sheppard Place', an old people's home, and to the hospital, cheering everyone up. At the beginning of the year we also had a swimming competition with other guide companies. We did not do very well except in diving. Now that most of the year is behind us, we are all looking forward to camp again We are hoping to go to Blacklands camp site which is especially for Guides. It has been a very enjoyable Guide year, with lots of interesting events. Here is hoping next year will be as much fun.

Senior Patrol

Abbey School Guide gets "Highest Award" A member of the 2nd Battle Guide Company, which is attached to Battle Abbey School, was presented with a Queen's Guide Certificate at the school of Friday. Sixteen year old Jane Findlay is the first member of the company to obtain what the Headmistress, Miss J. E. R. Parker, described as 'the highest award that any Guide can work for.' Miss Parker said the award involved a good deal of hard work which in Jane's case had included a year 's voluntary service at Battle Hospital.

2(i

Division Commissioner Presents Queen's Guide Badge

The certificate was presented by the Rye Division Commissioner, Mrs.C. J. Watts.

Before the presentation another pupil (also a Guide) was honoured when Miss Parker read a letter she had received from Mrs. P. A. Petrides, of Attwood Farm.Bodle Street Green.

Mrs. Petrides stated that she and her husband attended a swimming gala at Hastings recently and during one of the races a girl got into difficulties. Susan Harris, a Battle Abbey pupil, was quick to realise the situation. She jumped in and brought the girl safely to the side.

(Reprinted from 'Sussex Express ' . )

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Jane Findlay - Queen's Guide

The Golden Jubilee Celebrations Before Saturday, July 8, much work was put into preparing food and entertain­ment. The result was a well planned, organized day. The fact that it rained from beginning to end and all outside activities had to be cancelled or moved inside, did not seem to matter too much. All went smoothly and the day of thanks giving for the school's fiftieth year at Battle was a great success. The parents arrived for coffee in the Abbot's Hall and the girls joined them there afterwards to hear an opening speech from Lord Cole. This added an importance to the occasion which might have been missing in the 'homely' gathering of the coffee party. The guests then moved out into the drive to watch the breaking of the school flag, on the gateway, to the sound of a bugle. Despite the bad weather all went well and the parents were ushered to the Parish Church for the Thanksgiving service.

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The service began with three processions followed by the choir singing an an­them. When they had taken their place in the stalls a full church joined them in singing 'Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation'. Miss Parker, the headmistress, then spoke a bidding prayer which was followed by the choir singing Psalm 150. Karen Lovett-Darby, a leaving fifth form girl, then read the first lesson which in its turn was followed by a hymn. Miss Gifford, the former headmistress, read the second lesson. The choir sang the anthem 'Jesu, joy of man's desiring'. Next the Chairman of the board of Governors read the Call to Service. The school hymn was sung and the Dean of Battle preached a sermon. Another hymn was sung which was followed by the national anthem, the blessing and a final hymn. 'Thy hand, O God, has guided'. After the service the girls joined their parents for picnic lunches in the ruins, or in cars , or anywhere dry, as the rain continued. After lunch everybody assembled in the Abbot's Hall to see the inveiling of a portrait of Miss Sheehan-Dare (Mrs. Jacoby's sister,one of the founders of this school). This was followed by a school fashion parade. Girls of varying height paraded the school uniform through the ages, the smallest girl modelling the earliest clothes. These uniforms went as far as the present, and even further.. .a uniform for the future was devised, trousers and a fur jacket!

The shooting of the Normans was cancelled due to the rain and all the enter­tainment meant for an outdoor showing had to move to the Abbot's Hall. This started with a Greek Dance, the performers wearing traditional flimsy brown dresses ornate with ivy. Such a dance had been produced twenty years earl ier . An 'old fashioned' gym display followed — skipping and exercises. This was followed by modern gym sequences in small groups using apparatus and showing more agile movement as a contrast. Next,tea and an enormous cake by Mrs. Turner. It was shaped as the Abbey Gateway.

Cutting The Cake - 8th July

After tea came scenes from 'Alice in Wonderland' produced by Mrs. Hawkins, the ballet teacher. Alice met the white rabbit, the March Hare and Mad Hatter, Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, the Duchess and many other animals, birds and flowers. A Judo display followed illustrating the different defensive and attacking move­ments, the art of ground work and of contest as well as how to take falls, all In sequences devised by Captain Cruse, school Judo master and leader of an East­bourne group.

'Dance Your Merry Dance' - 'Hiawatha' 8 th July

'Hiawatha' was then performed by the dance group portraying in modern move­ment Longfellow's story. Tennis should have followed but because of the rain this was cancelled. The parents were given time to wander round the school and inspect various displays in the classrooms. A barbecue supper had been arranged but this took place in the Abbot's Hall. The girls were allowed to change into home clothes, trousers, and stayed in these to watch the firework display which brought a placid end to the somewhat hectic day! Some girls returned home with their parents for the night;others Stayed to listen to folk songs sung round the fire to guitars in the Abbot's Hall.

Susan Harris, V

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Places we have been and things we have done

Ascension Day, 1972 Ascension Day celebrates the return of Jesus to Heaven, and is held just over five weeks after Easter. This year a schools' service was held, and was attended by four schools, in the parish church of Battle. The service was originally planned for two thirty in the afternoon, but these arrangements had to be altered and it was held at nine o'clock in the morning instead. The four schools — Glengorse, Battle and Langton, Claverham and Battle Abbey — filed noisily into Church at nine a.m. to an accompaniment of 'Godspell'. which was played on the record player. When all the schools were in the church, "Amazing Grace' was played by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (also on the record player, of course). The schools each contributed something to the service. The first was Battle and Langton, a primary school, who performed a Chorale by Bach on recorders. This was followed by a reading from some pupils of Glengorse. Then the Lord's prayer was sung by Claverham school, with the chorus sung by everyone. There was more singing after this, when the 'Lord of the Dance' was sung and played by a recorder group from the primary school. The whole song was then repeated, without singing and danced by the Battle Abbey Dance Group. Unfortunately it was impossible for those seated at the sides of the church to see the dance, and no one really liked to accept the Dean's kind invitation to stand on the pews!

A few folk songs were sung very well by a small group of girls, followed by a short talk by the Dean. The service closed with a hymn and a prayer; then it was back to work!

Erica Hollands-Stemp, Form IV

Third Form Outing - July 1972 Early one July morning the form arranged themselves in the coach and before long we were out of Battle High Street making our way towards Brighton. The coach was filled with the continuous chatter of our excited form and the long and monotonous journey was soon forgotten. In the front of the coach the staff, Miss Gay, Mr. Daines and Mrs. Fenn, were preparing themselves for an exhausting day. We arrived at Preston Manor about twelve o'clock and soon we were making the grand tour of the house. The house had been built in the early Georgian period and the gardens were beautifully kept. Inside, the furniture was of extreme value and the silver was kept in glass burglar-proof cases. The tour took us about an hour and after that we were off once again, this time to Brighton beach.

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The lunch was much appreciated and after settling down on the beach we all tucked in to our picnic. Miss Gay gave us a lovely surprise by giving us strawberries and cream later. The weather was gorgeous and everyone felt extremely lazy in the sun. About half an hour after our lunch a couple of the braver members of our form decided to try the sea. They soon retreated after putting their big toes in the icy cold water. Many of us just lay on our towels lapping up the sun. Unfortu­nately as a result of our striped swimsuits some of us got a striped sun tan! At about half past four we packed up and were once again taken to an unknown place. We discovered it was a lovely old tea house where we were given delicious, mouth-watering sandwiches and lovely cream cakes. This was much appreciated as once again we were all famished. On the way back to school the noise on the coach was very different. Many people were asleep and the rest were Just sitting quietly, it had been a lovely day but now everyone was exhausted. All good things have to come to an end!

Caroline Irving-Swift, IV

'"W'

London Festival Ballet On Tuesday, 20th March, the Fourth and Fifth form of the dance group went to see the London Festival ballet perform at the Congress Theatre at Eastbourne. The first Ballet was called 'Summer Solstice'. It was all about human feelings, and had only a piano for accompaniment. There were two men and a girl performing. The girl was wearing ballet shoes with 'blocks'; she gave an excellent performance. The second Ballet was set in Russia. We find ourselves in a fair ground where three puppets are performing. One of them is a clown and cannot stand up how­ever hard he tr ies. The other two puppets, a doll and a black prince, hate the clown and disregard him completely. It was very sad because In the end the clown dies and his ghost haunts the puppeteer. The last Ballet was called 'Le beau Danube'. It had many of the famous Strauss Waltzes. This too was mainly about love. Two people fall in love, then another girl comes along and falls in love with the man. There is wild confusion but in the end all turns out well. After the performance we thanked Miss Hiscock for taking us. We got back to Battle at about eleven o'clock, we were all very tired, but happy.

Lesley Rein, Form IV

:<2

A Visit to Gardners' Farm 'Are we here? ' were the shouts heard from the coach, as It turned up the nar­row bumpy road, which led to 'Gardners' Farm' . The coach drew up in the rather wet and muddy farmyard and an order was given for rain coats to be done up, and Wellingtons put on. We then clambered out, very noisy and excited, and were led through the wet to the shelter of a Dutch Barn, which Mr. Ward-Smith had very kindly prepared for the occasion by setting bales of hay for us to sit on. They were very comfortable, and once every body was settled, Mr. Ward-Smith began to tell us something about the farm and farming in general; it was a very Interesting lecture. When he finished, many questions were thrown at him from all directions by a horde of inquisitive school girls who were dying to know the answers to the questions on their ques­tion sheets (which we had all been supplied with before we left school). We were then split into two groups; one group went with Mrs. Ward-Smith to see the calves, and the other one (which I was in) went to see the pigs: we thenswopped over. Mr. Ward-Smith led our little group through the slippery farmyard to the somewhat smelly 'pig-sties', there we watched the fat little animals eat, they did make a mess, grunting and squealing at each other as they did so! Then after a quick look at some of the machinery we swopped over and went with Mrs. Ward-Smith to see the calves. They were dear little things; some of them werebarely a week old. But unfortunately we could not stay long with the calves, as the time was getting on, and we had to be back at school by five o'clock for tea, as the kitchen had forgotten to pack us our picnic tea. Mrs. Ward-Smith then made a very welcome suggestion. She said that, if we all came inside, she would give us something to eat. This offer was greeted with cries of 'Gosh! Thank you!' So after changing our boots we trouped through the lovely old farm house to the lounge where a splendid sight met our eyes, three enormous plates of home made biscuits and cheese scones. 'Mm', they were delicious, and as you can probably guess they soon went. A lovely log fire was burning In the fire place, it was so homely and just rounded off a super afternoon.

Sharon Robinson, Form 111

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Visit to the Tutankhamun Exhibition On 10th December 3rd Form and some people from 4th, 5th and 6th went to see the Tutankhamun exhibition in the British Museum. First we were shown into a passage way full of giant photographs showing the finding of the tomb by Carter and his team. Then we walked up a slope into a dark room. It seemed as though we had walked into the tomb itself for a life like Egyptian statue, dressed in slave's clothes, stood in a glass case just in front of us. We walked through several dark rooms resembling the first one. They were full of chairs, chests, games and jewellery carved beautifully by pro­fessional Egyptian slaves. In the last room there was the actual death mask which was worn by Tutankhamun. It was gold plated and inlaid with lovely blue stripes. After we had seen the exhibition some of us bought postcards and books telling us in detail about the discovery. We enjoyed ourselves very much.

Maxine Binns

Modern Dance Group At the end of the Christmas term 1972 the dance group performed 'Scrooge' based on Charles Dickens' 'Christmas Carol'. The story was danced and mimed by the cast. The producer, Miss Hiscock, was also the teacher of the cast. Many people helped with the make up, the lighting and the music and the proper­ties for the performance. The cast all wore leotards and tights and a few of the characters had material wrapped over their leotards. The lighting was very effective because when a ghost or person came on to the stage, the lighting changed. The person who was happy had a blend of lights, red and yellow, which made the stage look gay, but for a ghost who was weird and horrible the lights changed to a pale white colour and the lights made the stage look misty and dim. The main characters were the three ghosts played by Giselle Swoffer, Kylie Stoddart, and Tania Horner, Scrooge who was played by Susan Walton, and Marley ghost who was the terrifying dead partner of Scrooge played by Alison Moss.

Susan Walton and Alison Moss

The Spanish Dancer On the 15th January a Spanish dancer came to our school, her name was Anne. Her father played the piano for her, and her mother came out in front and told us about each dance that Anne the dancer did. She hand made all her clothes except for those in the first dance. In some dances she had a very sad face, but in most she looked fine and very happy. Once she used very small cymbals on her fingers, otherwise she used castanets.

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Give a dog a bone On Thursday, 1st February our form went to a Pantomime in London. This Pantomime was called 'Give a Dog a Bone'. We got on the coach straight away after prayers and assembly. It took quite a long time to get to London, but it was well worth it. First of all we went to the Commonwealth Institute and we were given a Quiz, to do. My partner was Sandy Campbell, because we each had partners. When we had finished the quiz we went to have our lunch. Then after lunch it was about time for us to go to the Panto­mime. When we got to Westminster Theatre we found we were a little bit early so we sat down and waited. Then the curtains went up and it all began. The charac­ters in the pantomime were the dog (Ringo) and his master Mickey Merry. There was his father who was a very lazy man and there was his mother. There was Mr. Space, and the wicked and man King of the Rats. The King of the Rats was a man who could change all people who said 'I couldn't care less ' into ani­mals. Mickey Merry and Ringo and Mr. Space tried to stop this man fromchang-ing humans into animals. So they tried to change them all back. They won in the end and it all turned out happily. 1 really enjoyed it. Then we went to a restaurant and had a lovely meal of 'peas, chips and a cheesy eggy thing', then we had jelly. Then we travelled back and when we got in we went straight to bed and I dreamt about it.

Deborah Ross, Form 1

' T o a d of Toad Hal l" From Fourth Form's point of view 'Toad of Toad Hall' was one of our many school plays and it was performed in the Spring term. All of the actresses were in second and third form, and the the stage hands, dressers , and make up team were all members of the senior school.

Miss Parker began planning and casting the play in the Christmas term. About three weeks before it was to be put on in the Spring term we started having discussions about costumes, make up, stage hand team, and more than anything about the cast itself. The stage was then moved from one end of the Abbot's Hall to the other; was raised two feet on concrete blocks; and a trap door was cut in it.

Now the work really started, and, while Miss Parker went over and over each scene with the cast, the eight stage hands got together and began writing out a list of all the props and which stage hand moved what. It was quite a problem collecting all the props. Meanwhile Miss Mumford got ready all the costumes with the dressers ' team and Mrs. Fenn and Mrs.Gould with members of the fourth and fifth forms discussed and planned the make up. Mr.Coghlan fixed up the lighting and some of the art group painted the scenery.

The first dress rehearsal was on 25th February and it went fairly smoothly. Korty helped the stage hands and two stage managers and we all got a lot done that day. We had two more rehearsals, and by that time we were ready to 'perform'.

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Toad was acted by Lil-Marie Evans, Badger by Annette Penny, Ratty by Sara Dann.and Mole by Sharon Robinson. These were the four main characters. The first day came. It was Friday 2nd March. Everyone was walking round reciting their lines but few looked in any way nervous. The performance started at six o'clock and lasted for three hours. This performance was for the local people who wanted to come and many people came. The play went through smoothly and without any mishaps. The parents' performance was the next day and they seemed to enjoy it. The whole cast acted well; the lighting was superb; and the scene shifting was quick and efficient. Miss Parker was presented with a large card and bouquet of flowers from Toad and all the cast, with which she seemed extremely pleased. The four main characters also received small bouquets. After the play was over, most of the girls went home with their parents for the night and did not have to be back till eight thirty the next evening. 'Toad' was a play that we all enjoyed and shall never forget.

Maureen Diaz-Albertini Form IV

Battle Abbey School Play 'Toad came home' during performances of 'Toad of Toad Hall, the dramatisa­tion Of Kenneth Grahame's 'Wind in the Willows' at Battle Abbey School. The play, produced by the Headmistress, Miss June E. R. Parker, was excel­lently performed to audiences of parents, guardians and friends, by girls of the second and third forms, effectively transformed into ferocious ferrets, stealthy stoats and wily weasels, field mice, rabbits, ducks, turkeys and, not least, well co-ordinated horses. Lilmarie Evans (12) gave just the right swagger to Toad while Annette Penney (14) brought staid wisdom and sobriety to Mr. Badger and Sara Dann (14) as 'dear old Ratty' and Sharon Robinson (14) as 'dear simple ingenuous Mole' won everybody's hearts. Collections were taken at the two performances and a total of £42 was raised for a donation to various national and local animal charities, among them the Blue Cross Home at Northiam.

(Reprinted from the 'Sussex Express'.)

Hunter Trials On March 22nd Battle Abbey sent four girls and a reserve to tackle this year 's cross country competition at Benenden. The course this year had a few more obstacles, which during the course of the afternoon caused much grief to the riders but, luckily not to the horses. The Steps and the drop fence caused most of the refusals during the afternoon.

37

Fiona Mount was the first to compete for Battle Abbey, followed by Anna van der Klugt. Both achieved clear rounds. Fiona Hill had a fall at the drop, but luckily got up to clear the rest of the course. Sally Clark collected two refusals whilst going round.

At the end of the day the results were given out. Battle Abbey came fourth out of about sixteen teams, fn the individual class Fiona Mount was placed first with two Bedgebury girls and Anna van der Klugt came fourth. We must not forget the reserve who was Caroline Jackson who acted as a runner during the day.

Sally Clark, Form IV

Integrated Studies Last term we started a new lesson called Integrated Studies. We were studying France. We were divided into many groups, some of them learned about the food in France, some buildings of France, some all about Paris, but Nadine and I worked on clothes of France. It was all very interesting. On the day before we left we had to write down all that we had learnt during the term. I wrote down some of the things I learnt about a man called Worth who was a famous Paris designer in France. I learnt a lot from it. This term we are doing a project on Modern Battle.

Francesca Gee

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38

The School Magazine I never know what to write — For the school magazine, How about 'the lectures we've been to' Or 'the ballets we've seen'. What ever it is — It's never worked out So now I'm trying this — I'm sure you won't doubt.

So here's my final hope The last of them all -It's not about hobbies Or how to play ball. It's not very special — I'm sure you can see, But it 's all you can expect From little old me! S.Calcott-James, Form III

The Dark Wood One day I was walking in a wood which no one liked going to, because they said they heard strange noises. I did not believe them so I went there one afternoon. It was very dark all though it was in the afternoon, and a thin mist lay around drifting in between the t rees . I could hear nothing, so I thought that it could not be true, so I turned round, then I heard a whine. It must be imagination I thought, but I heard it again and I knew it was not. I walked through the wood further and saw an animal lying on the ground. Icould not tell what he was so I went closer. He was a dog. He snarled at me and tried to get up, but could not. for he was hurt. I managed to get closer and stroke him and he realized I would not hurt him, but suddenly I heard a howl, and I looked round and saw a wolf. I ran. and was out of his sight when I heard them both fighl. The dog was not strong enough so I crept back and threw some stones at the wolf and he went away. I ran home and got some food and bandages and came back to find the dog. When he had eaten he tried to get up. He wobbled and fell. 1 tried to train him to be like other dogs, but he was too frightened of the noises of owls and wolves. At last he could stand and would come when asked to, so I took him home, and kept him as a pet. No one ever went to the wood again.

Elizabeth Morrison, Form I

39

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Rabbits They're funny little creatures Hopping along the dirt. They're brown, black, grey and white, Golden little rabbits. They thump their feet When something's not quite right Hopping in the woods, Those golden rabbits. They're furry little animals, So cosy, warm, and soft, Sitting in the sun These golden rabbits. They twitch their noses, And flick their ears. And thump their little tails. Golden little rabbits.

Julia Goebel, Form I

The Black Horse There he goes, Galloping away like Thunder His mane waving up and down in the wind Over the hills and dales over the marshes and moor lands. A beautiful black stallion With his tall flowing behind him.

Cathie Lovett-Darby

'14

Spring Time Spring is on Its way The flowers are bright and gay The grass Is turning green, Here comes the Golden Queen of Spring Time. The lambs are out at play The farmer Is feeling gay It's such a lovely dream To see the Golden Queen of Spring Time. The holidays are coming The children all are running Everything's a gleam To see the golden Queen of Springtime. The birds all are singing The tunes all are ringing It is a sunlight beam To see the Golden Queen of Spring Time.

Julia Goebel, Form 1

My Summer Holiday in South Africa Last summer I went to South Africa with my parents. We went on a 'Jumbo Jet ' from London Airport (Heathrow). During the flight they showed a film called the 'Crook'. We arrived at Jan Smuts airport Johannesburg. South Africa is in the southern Hemisphere. It was winter time when we visited the country, however it was very warm and sunny when we were there. In Jo'burg we went to see a lion park. It was full of different species of gazelles. We saw some ostriches too and a few zebras. Then we got to the lions they were really lovely. We also went to a diamond cutting factory which was most Interesting. The hotel we stayed at Is called the 'Holiday Inn'. It was very comfortable and very relaxing. My family and 1 went on a tour one day. We saw all the shops and the Gold mines, and many many other things. Then we went to Durban and stayed at a hotel called the 'Mallbu' It was on the sea front so we had a super view of the sea. One day we went on a tour of 'Zululand' or 'A Valley of a Thousand Hills'. We saw many native people, including some who danced for us. Zululand is very beautiful with trees and waterfalls. It is really like a paradise. It is a place for the native people to live there In peace. While we were there we did a lot of swimming. Then we took another plane to Capetown. We hired a car and drove around the Cape Peninsula to the Naval Base at Simonstown. The Peninsula is a very beautiful part of South Africa. 1 did quite a lot of swimming. I saw Table Mountain which is really lovely.

48

At the end of our holiday we went to the airport and took another plane back to London as we flew back we saw a film called the 'Andromeda Strain'.

Fiona Wallace, Form I

The Dortoir

Out of the Form Room Window When I look out of the window, I see the ruins of the dortoir where the monks slept long ago. The trees sway in the soft breeze and the birds are flying high in the sky. The stony pathway with flowers on one side leads up to bushes and trees.

When I look along the flower bed, I see only about three flowers of yellow and cream. Also people walk round with cameras, and children trailing behind. A tree trunk sticks up from the ground and there is a sign saying, 'Visitors' Route', hidden away in the grass .

Just outside the window an old wooden bench still stands with a bird box waiting for birds to come for food.

Elizabeth Morrison, Form I

4G

The Worm The worm in the garden it wriggles all around. It wriggles in the garden, it wriggles on the ground. It wriggles in the village, it wriggles in the town. But sometimes it wriggles All under ground. It moves along the garden looking for its food. But when it hears a human it hides out of view. It hides in its burrow, it hides in the grass . But if you don't see it, it Will wriggle away fast. It wriggles, wriggles, wriggles all day long. But sometimes it happens, something goes wrong. It wriggles out of its burrow actually by chance. And it 's eaten by a blackbird sitting on the grass.

Kim Wilson, Form I

The Elephant Poor grey elephant so old but still strong, He was once pulling logs, And breaking down trees, Think what a life it must have been. He must have been waiting and waiting, For the time he was scrubbed, Trudging in the river to fill his trunk, To throw upon his back. But now he just walks about Thump, thump, thump, No one sees him, no one cares, So I go and talk to him, And think poor grey elephant.

Belinda Thompson, Form I

47

Prep Prep is silent not noisy, Prep is where you work not play, Prep is where you get lots of work done, In different parts of the day. When I sit in my desk at prep, I think I wish I was out there Singing and playing and jumping about If I could only be out there I'd sing and play and jump About. And feel as free as a bird.

Nadine Williams, Form I

Autumn The strong wind blows The leaves of the trees, They dance to the music of the wind. When they fall they cackle like witches. And they die when they reach the ground. The creeping frost curls itself Around the leaves, The chilly dew melts in The warm sunshine, Mocking the grass like shining blades. The reflection of the light blue sky Falls on to the bare branches, Spiders' webs hang from the dewy branches, And the sun throws its rays into This autumn world.

Ferzana Aziz, Form II

48

A Summer Song The summer sun now on her golden Throne, Throws her rays across glistening Lakes, Flowers open, welcoming her warming comfort. Birds and animals run free, In their glossy coats.

The sea rumbles in on the shore, Trying to enclose the warmth. The waves, curling under, lick the beach, And then fall back into a wall of foam. Oh! What a summer it would be.

Sara Brice, Form II

Frost The frost on the grass is like icing sugar on a cake. It creeps over the grass in early winter and the cold wintry air freezes it. It dances on the window panes making a floral pattern as it goes. It freezes the leaves and then creeps on to other things. It nips my toes as it climbs into my boots, freezing them one by one. It clings on to each separate strand of grass with its cold, powdery, icy feet. Then the sun comes out and the dew on the grass that has been turned into frost melts, the window panes start dripping with water, the leaves go soggy and the grass is left wet with dew.

Kathryn Darby, Form II

The Little Orphan He stood there in the rain, In ragged and tattered clothes. His legs were black, His weary face, was so black, That it made him look as if He'd just come down the chimney. He looked at me, With big sad eyes. I slowly turned and walked away. Then someone pulled my cloak. As I turned around I saw him. He then said, 'Spare a copper?' I felt so sorry That I took him by his grubby hand And led him to my home. Now I'm proud to say, 'This is my son, my little boy', To all I see or meet.

Kerena Guest, Form II

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Solitude The static frost covers the grass, sharp and pointed, Solitude mocks me, I trample on through the mystic lingering mist, That covers me like a shadowy blanket. The swirling snow cuts through turning and whirling till it reaches the ground, The tall trees, numb and motionless stand stretching towards the clouds, Watching me as I make my way forward. Before me lies the painfully quiet stillness of life. And the shrouded wilderness of winter.

Denise French, Form II

The Little Orphan She sits by the window Staring out on to the street, Sadness in her eyes. She remembers, With the cruel pain of remembrance, Laughing faces, Loving eyes, Gentle eyes, The warmth of being wanted, All gone for ever, And two tears trickle down her face.

Georgina Henry, Form II

The Wood The Wood was quiet, and the leaves were falling softly. There was a crunch of foot steps, on the hard frosty leaves. The sun was shining through the trees, which made the frost sparkle. There was a crack, and down fell a branch. The sun went in, the wood was dark; nothing sparkled, nothing moved. Everything was still in the quiet, quiet wood.

Elizabeth Pepper, Form II

Winter Everything is clear and still. The frosty dew is yet lying on the lawn, The old world is dying — Dying into a glassy ball. A robin hops across the path And on to the trampled leaves, That lie in soggy heaps on one side; A child runs through the puddles That are splattered about like Paint flicked from a paint brush. A heavy dusk falls at evening And with it comes a mist Which wraps its hands around everything. Surely this is winter.

Annette Swoffer, Form II

■'Puddles Splattered Like Paint From A Paint Bush"

51

Winter Silence falls upon the lonely forest, Nothing is there, Not even the small shining eyes, Thai lurk in the murky shadows in between the trees. The fir trees are no more Than snow covered mountains, Soaring up into the grey sky. A mouse scurries across the empty whiteness, And is greeted by emptiness, The sun sinks down, And blue darkness wraps itself around the empty forest.

Susan A. Jackson, Form n

The Storm The storm was bursting, With forceful gusts of energy, The mad March gale, Blowing off the roof tiles, Shattered the window panes, With a splash of hail

There they go — white glossy balls, Bouncing off the rooves to the ground, Now the black sky lightens, As the storm dies down, The birds come out, And the sun is peeping Through the clouds.

Corinna Morrison-Law, Form II

Away from Winter into Spring Away from winter into spring, Away from the horrible snow, Away from all those miserable thoughts, And into a world full of growth. Away from the fog and the mist, Away from the dull, quiet days, Away from the days when I had to trudge through slush, And now the soft, springy turf.

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Away from the leaves, stiff with frost, Away from the dampened days, Away from a desolate lonely time, And into a world full of life.

Jane Sutherland, Form II

What Spring Means To Me Spring is not only the time when one sees lambs gambolling upon fresh fields of green, nor when young rabbits peer cautiously from their holes hoping for a romp when no one is looking, or when the blossom bursts, never failing tocatch one's eye, it is — to me — the beginning of something. The beginning of new life, when the land has been under the cover of snow, lying so still as if asleep; it suddenly awakes, and hence, the dawning of Spring. The land lies spread out before its admirers, free from its white burden, and filled with the anticipation of coming changes. Mother Nature garbs her trees with glorious robes of green, and adorns them with jewels of fire. Then daffo­dils come out; their yellow heads nodding in a gentle breeze, and patches of daisies, like yellow haired ladies in ruffles of white, most humbly agree. The leaves are never so green, the grass never so lush, the trees never so splen­did, as In Spring, and the sun shines warmly down on its yellow comrades, making the picture complete. This, is what Spring is — to me.

Lilmarie M. Evans, Form III

53

'Old Age' She looked at her old crinkled face; it was a tired face, worn with old age. The sun's faint rays shone weakly into the tiny room, a bed stood in the corner, one leg broken, the bed neatly made up, but with only two blankets. An upright chair facing a desk on which stood a mirror, here the old lady stood, making herself up with what powder she had left in the compact, brushing back the thin, grey hair. Someone might come in, she thought to herself. No one did come, that day, or any other day. A few days ago, the parrot — 'Polly' was its name — One of her only possessions had died. She had been heartbroken. Not wanting to go to the local vet because she did not trust him also money was a problem; she had watched it die slowly. Now she was alone. She pottered about her little room, glad the sun was shining, the frail hands tended the wall plant with loving care and devotion; what else had she left? Occasionally her eyes wandered to the street below, watching the busy, bustling of everyday life. She let a tear drop to the newspaper covered floor, nobody knew she was up there, no one knew... They only found out three months later. Someone had noticed the window open. 'Mrs. Smith never left the window open,' she exclaimed. 'I always noticed.' She had always noticed, had she? That's funny, no one noticed THIS time.

Fiona Hill, Form III

La souris at las chats Je suis petite, mignonne.charmante mais je ne vivrai pas longtemps si ce grand chat mechant me croque a pleine dent. Je chante comme un rossignol et j 'attendris les poussy-cats, mais je chante toujours ce qu'il ne faut pas chanter et chaque fois je me fais presque croquer. Je danse comme une princesse, et j 'alme faire la belle mais toujours je leur marche sur les pieds et chaque fois je me fais presque croquer J'e'tais trop imprudente Ainsi je ne sors plus de chez moi Petite souris on ne sort pas de chez soi sans faire attention au gros chat mechant.

Sophie de Hillerin, Form III

54

mmM£i Question Without Answers

What world is this I live in? A world so round I almost get giddy. A world within a world? With large pink heads which invade your privacy even now and again. They have beaks with two deep caverns, one on each side of the beak. Twice daily they open their claws above my world and drop large morsels of food which sink rapidly to the ground. What frightens me most Is the large furry thing that watches over me licking its lips and glaring at me with greedy eyes. When 1 get bigger I'll escape,but for now who wants to be a fish?

K. Hogan, Form III

The Hunters and the Hunted Down in the darkest depths of the ocean a conger eel stirred from sleep. Slowly it slithered out of its rocky den and began its weary search for food. A few brightly striped fish darted here and there, keeping well out of the eel's reach. Ahead of the eel, a blurry shape could be made out; it was of tremendous size and dark in colour. When the conger eel caught sight of the blurred shape, it changed its direction and headed northward, for It did not want to be Involved in a fight with a hungry killer whale. As the eel turned to go, the whale saw it. In a flash the chase had begun. Around, under, behind rocks, in and out caves, out in the open, tangling in seaweed. The killer saw its chance, the eel was tiring. With a triumphant gasp, the killer sunk its teeth into the middle of the eel 's body; like lightning, the eel reacted by swivelling round, shaking the killer loose, and tearing the right fin from its body and swallowing It. Blood was mingling with the water, the salt of the water was causing pain for both the killers, as their wounds were open.

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Suddenly, from nowhere a school of sharks appeared on the scene, having been drawn by the blood. Within minutes the conger eel and killer whale had vanished In the hungry maw of the sharks. So once again the hunter became the hunted-

Elizabeth Hooper, Form III

The Bushbaby His large almost transparent eyes, Stare into the darkness, Searching for some insect to eat. His little claws cling on to the branch. His soft shine fur blows in the cool breeze, As his long tail wags, Hanging over the branch. Suddenly he sees an Insect, His eyes become even larger. His little claw grabs, But In vain. He doesn't seem to mind. He is only a beginner. So, Again he waits, And waits, Till another little insect goes by, For his dinner.

S. Perkins, Form DJ

Cat in a Rug He lay under the rug Not moving a muscle. Suddenly up he gets and Prowls around underneath the rug. Pop!! Out comes his head With an expression on his face as if to say Peak-a boo! He rushes back under again, And a couple of seconds later Out pops his head at the other end of the rug. His eyes sparkling in a mischevious way Under he goes again. He begins to fight with the rug; Claws at their utmost He tugs at the rug; Suddenly he rushes out from beneath, Bottle brush tail and all And disappears through the door.

D. Rawlinson, Form HI

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56

The Lion Fearfully he stood The king of beasts His great head held high His solemn eyes filled with hate, His golden mane arrayed in glory. At his side lay the half mauled remains Of some poor unsuspecting creature. Yet this beast This killer, Lifts one soft velvety paw, and rolls Over like a kitten in the blood stained grass.

Sharon Robinson, Form HI

-^X Les Animaux Les animaux ne m'aime plus Je les ai embet£s Les animaux m'aime plus Ils viennent me tuer. Regarde! a l'horizon Des pieds petits et grands Regarde! a l'horizon Ils ont l 'air menacant. Je vois un elephant Et un petit rat, Je vois un chien blanc Et un drole de chat. Je dois m'echapper J'ai peur et j 'al froid Oh! ils m'ont attrapee Vite!Sauve-toi. Les animaux m'ont fait peur Mais ils ne m'ont pas touchee Les animaux m'ont fait peur Seulement pour m'embeter!

Rebecca Beierle, Form IV

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The End of Autumn The Autumn winds are blowing, Winter is closing fast, Trees bend before the blinding snow, Which follows the stormy blast. The houses stand like mountains, Against the dark grey sky, The few leaves left upon the ground, Lift up and seem to fly. At night the trees stand silent, Their limbs are dark and bare, Cold numbs the bones of fox and mouse, Of cow, and bird, and hare. The bees that hummed in Summer Now crawl their last, and drop Like leaves that once enclosed each bush. All nature seems to stop.

Maureen Diaz-Albertini, Form IV

Thoughts Far and near High and low The mountains high The valleys low We crowd them high With dust and dirt. If we would think We'd see them clear Far and near We try to find The mountains high The valleys low We seek like fools For paradise, And yet i t 's there If we would look. Lesley J. Rein, Form IV

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The Music The beautiful resounding echoes, Striking each note one by one. The colour and clarity amazingly Different, each in a class of its own. The beat pushes and thunders through, Soft, still, strings, notes, bows, keys — The rippling of the smooth notes. Sadly, the violins strike in Softly chime the others on time The waves of rhythm rock me Rock me, asleep, all is well, All is quiet, calm and forgiving.

Kylie Stoddart, Form IV

59

Raindrops They come like Soft feet, The feet of A child, A lost child, wandering aimlessly down a dark Narrow street, And, as they grow larger, and heavier, The child begins to cry,

And, as the raindrops mingle with the tears, the child watches The raindrops fall into the swirling torrents At the sides of the road, and disappear down the gutter. Lorraine Swoffer, Form IV

60

A Harvest Mouse's View of Autumn The leaves glitter with the first Autumn rainfall the leaves all red, Yellow, brown, orange, all golden colours. Bui i t 's also a time of the hunt, When foxes, bears, hawks,ferrets, Rabbits, hares, and all manner of animals Are hunted, slaughtered, massacred But the mouse alone is safe. The time of Harvest, of festivals, Of corn, apples, carrots, cabbages and Oh so many things, i t 's the time of Autumn. Time before the cruel, Hard, evil winter falls. A time for joy, A time to go to sleep.

M. Van Vestraut, Form IV

"There is a Hil l . . . ." There Is a hill in the East, Where the lonely, old people are left to die, Discarded there like worn out pens, A fair thing it seems to some. Dear Readers, By all means throw away your old pens, But please not on that hill in the East, Because that's where The lonely, old people wander aboul in tears.

M. Van Vestraut, Form IV

61

A Visit to the Theatre Seeing the performance of a play in the ruins of an Ancient Greek theatre is an entertainment well worth experiencing. Maybe this is because the theatre and plays were born here, or it could be just the beautiful surroundings, but which­ever it may be I consider it as something quite out of this world. In such places as Epidauros and the Dionysos theatre in Athens I especially enjoy plays which tell of the lives of the ancient inhabitants of the country.

The theatre to which I have been many times is that of Dionysos in Athens. It is situated just below the Parthenon and along with Epidauros is the best pre­served theatre throughout the whole of Greece. The outer walls still stand, making a beautiful backing for the stage, and with the moonlight shining down upon it the setting is so perfect that it seems almost impossible. The stage is of wood over stone foundations and is very big. Thus allowing the actors plenty of freedom of movement. The seats rise steeply and it is advisable to bring your own cushion as after an hour or so they begin to feel very hard and uncomfortable. As the seats have no backs to them you must sit In an upright position so as to avoid knocking the legs of the person behind. This theatre is in actual fact partly Roman but you cannot tell this without looking closely.

The play which I went to see was 'Phedre' by Racine and was therefore in French. It tells of Thes6e, King of Athens. He had wished to marry a daughter of Minos, but on her way over to Athens Thes6e met her younger sister, Phedre, so abandon­ing the elder sister on one of the Agean islands. When the play begins Phedre is troturing herself with doubts for she has fallen in love with her step-son Hy-polite.but he is in love with Aracie.an Athenian girl of royal blood. Having triumphed in all his battles, Thesee returns to Athens and comes to the palace straight away to seek Phedre. Expecting to be welcomed home, he is heart broken and furious to learn that Phedre has fallen in love with Hypolite. Thesee takes all his honours from his son and throws him out of the palace. Not really knowing what to do Hypolite takes a chariot and makes for Mycenae on the Southern Peninsula, but on the way there is an accident and his body is found dragging behind the chariot. When Phedre hears of his death, she takes poison and goes to die by his side. The play ends with Thesge finding her body, and he, no longer having the heart to do anything, walks away up a flight of steps and stops at the top staring out over the horizon.

The play was put on by the 'Comedie Franchise' and with the beautiful sur­roundings and marvellous acting was very moving and one that I shall never forget. The costumes, though simple, were beautiful and very appropriate. The stage lighting was very good in all shades of blue and red making the end very effective and also the beginning when the heroine was torturing herself in her mind. In such theatres the acoustics a r r marvellous and all the words could be heard very clearly even at the top of the theatre.

One would think that after a few visits to these places one would get tired of seeing plays in the same surroundings, but for me that is impossible as the beauty is so outstanding, and yet it is also so natural. Without these places the world would be utterly different; maybe drama would never ever originated had it not been for the Greek civilisation. The best time to see plays in the Dionysos theatre is during the Athens festival when all kinds of entertainment, from ballet to opera are available for your pleasure.

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The play 'Phedre' is one of my favourites but even so 1 feel that if I had not seen it in such beautiful surroundings I might not have appreciated it quite so much. The way in which the play was written Is beautiful and the words almost flow from the actors mouths. I always look forward to visits to the theatre and can't wait until the chance of going comes up again.

Vicky Dawbarn, Form V

Remember Remember, remember A few years ago, A small Welsh village Hidden in the hills. A school at the Bottom of a black tip. Remember the laughter Of innocent children As they went to school That morning. Remember the dark Thick sea of sludge That brought death to Those children of Aberfan. All that is left is The past laughter in The hills, and the faint Weeping of a mother's Sorrow. Philippa Rogers, Form V

The Death I saw Him as a King As he accepted the Cross on His back Like a father carrying his children's burden. And as he stumbled under its weight With the blood and the sweat pouring down With the thorns crowning his head I noticed a God. This was no man that I saw. What man would carry the sins of the world? What man would comfort the sorrowful As he himself made way to his death. And as if the thoughts of the sinful crowd Increased the weight of the Cross

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He fell a second time, a third And the crowd's enthusiasm increased. I could no longer accept this And with new strength of a lion 1 pushed through those sinners To this Man. Like eternity, he looked in my eyes Oblivious of the crowds jeering And I picked up thai Cross I picked up the sins of the world And on my shoulders I carried them Up to the Hill called Calvary. And Ihey nailed him to these sins And he hung there looking down on the world. And as I stood below, His eyes met mine And softly he said, 'Forgive them' And then my God died Died for me and the world.

Janina Kzywon, Form VI

Teenage Thoughts It 's like a storm. You see it coming, Blowing darkness over the body. It drenches your thoughts And you fight the blinding tears That thunder in your eyes Causing floods of anguish And electrifying your mind. It roars in your heart Allowing your aches and your fears To build up with the dauce of the wind, And your hopes and desires To fall,crashing around you. And then it goes, But very softly, blowing Silently away To just a murmur, a whisper And gently it touches you And you feel its refreshing breeze That no longer hurts you And you awake to its beauty, Its calm and gentleness.

Janina Kzywon, Form VI

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