Introduction
The Monovian was started in 1918 and ran for three issues before lack of funds stopped production. When The Monovian was re-started in 1925, the numbering was also reset to No.1. Thus the first three are numbered 1-3 and the second series then runs from No. 1 in 1925 to No. 101 in 1977-79. Interestingly, with the exception of a couple of hiccups during the war evacuation, this series was produced twice or three times a year for 45 years before the tradition was broken with one issue in 1971, then the last three issues appeared with gaps of two years between each. Thus, the Monovian survived and triumphed through the second world war, only to be defeated by the comprehensive system!
Early Series; 1918-20
No.1 1918
Foreword
It is with great pleasure that we offer to the School this, the first number of The Monovian and we hope that with it is definitely established an institution which is well nigh indispensable to the life of a big school like ours. This can only be so if we have the unfailing support of every present member and that of no inconsiderable number of Old Monovians. Our "bete noire" in school magazines is the one that confines itself to an endless succession of names, dates and figures, a diminutive understudy of a Government Blue Book! We want The Monovian to be the first vehicle for the literary talent of those amongst you who may hereafter essay the hazardous profession of authorship. We extend a hearty welcome to members of the staff who, having served in the Great War, have been recently demobilised. We are all looking keenly forward to the day when we leave the old premises in High Street, which have housed us so long, for more commodious ones in Forest Road. We understand the building of the new School is to be proceeded with soon. Let us hope that this is so, for we are a growing institution and very cramped in our present shelter.
No.2 November 1919.
Foreword
We have read somewhere of a certain professor who, convinced of the paramount importance of the weather in affairs of life, allocated exactly ten minutes of his time each day to a discussion of it-whether with himself or not, we can-not say. Now if any sort of weather deserves such a portion of a savant's precious time each day, all the more does the weather we have enjoyed so far this Term merit a line or two of cold print to perpetuate its memory. School re-opened on Friday, Sept. 19th, and, during the rest of that month and the bulk of the two following ones, we have enjoyed a succes-sion of mild days, not infrequently sunny, with occasional thin fogs and light rain. The result is that games have gone in full swing since the beginning of Term, which makes us regret the late date of the opening of the season with outside teams. But a vigorous and successful series of matches will easily atone for the late date of starting. The most outstanding item of interest for the Term is the foundation of the School Photographic Society, under the presidency of the Headmaster and the expert leadership of Mr. Broad, whose skill with the camera is well known. A good start has been made with an excursion to Kew (not " in lilac time," unfortunately-the. best time according to the poet), of which an account appears in the General School Notes. We wish this, the tender nouveau ne of our rapidly growing interests, the best of good fortune, and appeal for a wide membership paying subscriptions regularly. We should like to add that the excellent instruction members will receive gratis would cost them highly elsewhere. A bombshell ! One afternoon about the middle of Term we received in full assembly the disturbing news that we were all to be photographed-and that right early-the following morning immediately after prayers. Only one short night, alas! to practise before the patient glass that witching expression that kills instanter. Promptly next morning, resigned and hatless, we filed out, and the deed was done-and quickly. There was a goodly array of clean collars mid neatly arranged locks, and some of the staff looked strange in gowns so fre-quently discarded. The result of all is that an excellent photograph has been taken, which, if purchased, would form an attractive souvenir of happy school days. Our General School Notes for this number open with a list of successes achieved in public examinations last Summer. It is a record of which we may be legitimately proud; and, though it is somewhat invidious to make distinction where all have done so well, we should yet like to draw attention to E. P. Martin's achievement in coming third on the list of County Intermediate Scholarship winners, and R. G. Sutton's success in the Cambridge Higher School Certificate Examination, which is of advenced character. The Cadel Camp at Little Baddow fulfilled all the expec-tations of the promoters save one: the number of cadets who attended was not as big as it ought to have been. We confidently anticipate a much Iargcr attendance at the next camp, now that it is known what a splendid holiday can be enjoyed there. Many Old Boys are taking a keen interest in the School Magazine, and the editor begs to thank them for numerous letters of congratulation and encouragement. He hopes they will steadily support the Old Boys' Section. A very good plan would be for one of them to act as editor for that section and see to the collection of material for it. It is difficult for the general editor to get into touch with many Old Monovians. In conclusion, we extend a hearty welcome to Mr. J. Baird, the last member of our staff to be demobilised, and to all new boys, who, we hope, will do all in their power for the advancement of the School, and buy their Magazines regularly and promptly.
G. Rothery.
No. 3 March 1920
Foreword
March, 1920.
An editor is usually regarded as a being who sits before a desk laden with an enormous pile of MSS., which he consigns with monotonous regularity to the limbo of forgotten effort, culling perhaps one in every hundred as suitable for publication. We in our very humble capacity are not in such a fortunate (or unfortunate) position: since the foundation of "The Monovian" we have cried aloud for material. Our cries this time have been heard and we are very glad to be able to publish a greater number of efforts from boys themselves. This is quite as it should be: a school magazine should be a boys' affair, and it rests with them to make it a success. One other point ere we close our remarks, imperatively scanty owing to exigencies of space: when the idea of a magazine was first mooted, every boy from top to bottom of the School pledged himself to support it loyally throughout the whole of his school career. Let us all remember our pledge: it is a point of honour with us.