Valete 1937
R. T. Viccars (1931-36; Prefect 1936; Football Half-colours 1935). With the departure of Viccars, the School has lost a fine sportsman and a popular and efficient Prefect. "If a thing's worth doing, it's worth doing well" must have been his motto, for he put his best into everything. This trait, coupled with a hearty and willing disposition will carry him (we feel sure), a long way in business.
H. Fineberg (1931-36; Monitor 1936). Though not outstandingly brilliant in sporting activities, Fineberg was a fine "sportsman," which after all, is far more important than mere skill. He had a strong sense of responsibility, but was, nevertheless, not at all dictatorial. His cheery nature was well-known, especially among his co-students in the upper part of the School, who join us in wishing him every success in his future career.
J. J. Hampton (1930-36). At the beginning of 1936, Hampton, actively engaged in preparation for the General School Examination, decided to sit for the Civil Service General Clerical Examination, the age limits for which necessitated his sitting in May. Despite this disadvantage, he passed both examinations with ease. Further comment seems superfluous. In addition, he became co-editor of the Monovian. In this really difficult task he acquited himself with honours; although only I, his partner, can realise fully the value of his work. While lamenting his leaving, we wish him every success in his career as a Civil Servant.
D. A. Wright (1931-1936; Prefect, 1936; Captain of Higham House, 1936; Swimming Colours, 1936; Captain of Swimming, 1936).
Strange as it may seem, Wright was a ballet fan, and it has been suggested that his grace in the water was the outcome of this trait. (We cannot help thinking, however, that even a porpoise is graceful in the water.) Nevertheless, whatever the cause of his excellence, whether acquired or inspired, we must congratulate Wright upon the high standard of his swimming. Curiously enough, he also, like his predecessor, Farnworth, was an accomplished dancer, and further amply filled the role of prefectorial jester. He carried out his duties as a Prefect quietly and efficiently, and was always willing to give his assistance in any work.
H. J. W. Wilmshurst (1931-36; Prefect, 1935-36; Captain of Whittingham House, 1935-36; Athletics Colours, 1935; Captain of Athletics, 1935-36; Vice-Captain of School Gymnastic Team, 1935-36).
In Wilmshurst the School has undoubtedly lost one of its best Prefects. He was by no means a stern disciplinarian, but his efficiency in the discharge of his duties', coupled with a genial nature, won for him the respect of almost every boy. As Captain of Athletics he set a fine example not only to the School Team but also to the bays of the School as a whole. In the Gymnastic Team also he was noted for that thoroughness which characterised all his work, and we are sure that his position will be filled only with difficulty. However, we feel that it is really unnecessary to eulogise "Wizzle's" school life, for every boy who made his acquaintance must have realised how deeply rooted was his interest in the School. We wish him every success in his studies at Queen Mary College.
F. Fry (School, 1935-37; Monitor, 1936-37).
Although he came to this School from Palmer's School for his last year only, Fry, by reason of his quiet unassuming manner, was very popular in the Fifth and Sixth Forms. He was a member of the School Athletics Team.
W. D. White (1930-1937; School Captain 1935-7; Prefect 1934-7; Football Captain 1935-7, Football Colours 1934, Capped for Essex Secondary Schools 1935-6, '36-7; Cricket Captain 1935-7, Cricket Colours 1934, Capped for Essex Secondary Schools 1935-6; Gymnastics Captain 1936-7; Captain of Allpass House 1935-7; School Athletics Team 1933-7).
To all the newer Prefects (those elected within the last three years), one of the greatest mysteries of school life has been: How long has White been an inhabitant of the Prefects' Room? Lest any misinterpretation be placed on that remark, let us hasten to add that nobody would object to his continued presence for many years to come. His cheerful but firm command over the prefectorial staff, his solicitous care of the cricket bats, his energetic gymnastics, and his enthusiastic organizing of numerous dances in which the preparation of refreshments never allowed him time to participate, despite the number of would-be parties anxiously awaiting him, will be affectionately remembered by all his colleagues. Nor must we forget to mention his manifold abilities as Captain of Football, Cricket, Gymnastics, and Allpass House, and as a member of the Athletics Team.
It is interesting to note that he was, when appointed, the youngest Captain the School had ever had. He was also a most efficient and popular one, who "in his time played many parts," all with a great measure of success.
The results of Higher Schools are not yet to hand, but although "Bill" is himself rather pessimistic in this direction, we hope he will achieve the success he undoubtedly deserves. He leaves with the thanks and best wishes of the School.
R. C. Jennings (1928-1937; Prefect, 1936-7).
No present-day Monovian can recall the days when Jennings was a "fag," and he himself guards the secret as jealously as a woman conceals her age. Now, in what is, we believe, his fourth Sixth year, he is leaving us. One outstanding memory remains: that of the unfailing modesty he displayed over his amazing mathematical ability. Knowing his modesty, therefore, we were very pleased, but not greatly surprised, when last December he was awarded an Exhibition to Emmanuel College (although one small boy innocently inquired if it were for making scenery). Our best wishes go with him as he proceeds to higher levels of knowledge at Cambridge.
G. T. Jefferson (1930-1937; Prefect, 1935-37; Secretary of School Committee; Vice-Captain of Whittingham House, 1937; Secretary of Photographic Society, 1935-7; School Athletics Team, 1937).
Jefferson may claim the distinction of being the first real biologist that the School has had, and we are sure none will deny that he has set a very high standard in this subject. But while some will remember the murky deeds he perpetrated in the "Skittle Alley" (even now no one is certain of the fate of the most recent School cat), others will remember his genius for impromptu debating. His fund of knowledge-by no means confined to that learnt parrot fashion from dogmatic textbooks --and his ability to marshal facts made him a formidable opponent in a battle of wits on almost any subject. This aptitude, coupled with his sincerity and good nature, could not but be admired by all who had the pleasure of meeting him. However, it must not be assumed that Jefferson was a "swot." His successes in sport were not exceptionally brilliant, but they were well earned, for his training was characterised by that same thoroughness that was noticeable in all his work. As a student, as a Prefect, and as an athlete he may well be proud of his school career, and we can do no better than wish him equal success in his future life.
A. E. J. Brunwin (1931-1937; Prefect, 1936-7; Vice-Captain Mallinson House, 1936-7; Football 1st XI, 1935-6, 1936-7; Football Colours 1936; Cricket 1st XI, 1936, 1937; Cricket Colours 1937).
In Brunwin the School is losing a keen sportsman and accomplished scholar who will be remembered not only for his versatility, but also for his supremely cheerful attitude to life. As one of the leading members of the Table Tennis Club, he was, in fact, one of those stalwarts who brought about the change from "ping-pong" to serious Table Tennis in the School, as a valuable member of Cricket and Football 1st XIs, and as a conscientious Prefect, he earned the respect and affection of all who knew him. It is fitting that he should have rounded off his school career by obtaining a Junior Clerkship in the Civil Service, and we wish him every success in his new position.
D.A.W. Furbank (1936-1937; Prefect, 1935-37; Captain of Morris House, 1936-37; Capped for Walthamstow, Football and Cricket, 1933, 1934; Cricket and Football Secretary, 1936-37; Football 1st XI, 1936-37; Football Half-Colours, 1937; Cricket 1st XI, 1936 and 1937; Cricket Colours, 1937).
It is surely unnecessary to eulogise Don's efforts on the cricket and football field. Often have we heard his name read out in Hall as having the best cricket score for a match; and all, especially the First Eleven, know how reliably he played as half-back during a very hard season, 1936-7. For two years he has carried out his prefectorial duties with quiet, good-humoured efficiency, and the School will be the poorer for his departure. The Prefects will mourn the last of their leading ladies, and we feel sure that Miss Bolton will miss his capable assistance in matters secretarial. We wish him every success in the Civil Service.
P. A. C. McDermott (Prefect, 1935-37; Captain of Spivey House, 1936-37; Football 1st XI, 1936-37; Football Half-Colours, 1937; Dramatic Society Committee, 1935-37; Secretary of Debating Society, 1935-36, Chairman, 1936-37; Gymnastic Team, 1934-37; Athletics Team, 1935-37; Tennis Team, 1936).
One item is missing from this list of "Mac's" successes, his captaincy of Spivey House Gym. Team in the last Gymnastic Competition. The manner in which he tackled the responsibility of guiding his team through the table proved, more than anything else, his capability as a leader. Indeed, in all activities he showed that calm and self-confidence which gained for him the respect of his fellow students. As the First XI goalkeeper he had a very heavy season, but in spite of this, he seemed never to lose heart; as an actor he reached a high standard-we need only mention his performance in The Farmer's Wife; as a gymnast and an athlete he was well above the average; and finally as a Prefect he carried out his duties conscientiously and efficiently and was ever willing to lend a helping hand. A record to be proud of! Even the recollection of several of his atrocious puns (though, we must say, he did have his witty moments) does not allay our regret at losing such a personality. We all join in wishing him every success in his career as a Civil Servant.
L. H. Cherry (1932-1937; Prefect 1937; Gym Team 1934-7; Swimming Team 1936).
Cherry has been a Prefect for only two terms, but in that short time he has made himself, by reason of his imperturbable cheerfulness and serene efficiency, very popular with the whole School, and especially with the inhabitants of the Prefects' Room. He will be remembered as one of the last members of the now non-existent Cross-country Team, and he will be very much missed by the Gym Team of which he was a very active member. We wish him every success in his future career, and wonder if he will later turn professional cyclist.
L. W. Funnell (1932-1937; Prefect, 1937; Football lst XI, 1937; Cricket lst XI, 1937).
Since last January, when he became a Prefect, Funnell has hardly been noticed by his colleagues, so quietly and unobtrusively has he carried out his duties. He has performed his prefectorial tasks and played football and cricket with considerable success. His unassuming manner and inveterate cheerfulness, the very qualities by which we shall remember him, should prove a valuable asset to him in the future.
N. P. Bruce (1932-1937; Prefect, 1937; Swimming Captain, 1937; Vice-Captain of Gymnastics, 1937).
During his school life Bruce has taken part in many and varied School activities. He has distinguished himself at swimming-his record for the Under Fifteen Breast Stroke still stands-and was last term elected Swimming Captain. His performance as Caesar in the Fifth Form production of Julius Caesar was outstanding; and when Bruce's name is mentioned, one instinctively thinks of his connection with the Gym, Team.
As a result of his agility he was appointed Vice-Captain of the Team at the beginning of this year. Finally, his election as Prefect demonstrated his popularity among the members of the School. May he be as successful in his future life as he has been popular at School.
J. F. Salmon (1931-1937; Prefect, 1937; Editor of the Monovian, 1936-7).
Yet another has come through that agony of persuasion which seems to be the lot of an editor. We feel that all editors have a sixth sense which tells them how to coax an article from any boy, and Salmon was no exception to this rule. Although he was not as irresistible as some of his predecessors in the extraction of material for his critical pen, he kept up the fine traditions of the Monovian, a great achievement for one who is probably the youngest to have filled this position. We hope that he will enjoy equal success in his career as a Civil Servant. His dapper appearance, his eager inspection of the Humorist and Punch for the latest jokes, his ingenuity in editorial crises, all will remind us of another popular Editor and Prefect.
(A very capable editor, painstaking, courteous, and reliable.--G.R.)