Clubs & Societies

1958 Magazine Reports

Chess Club

The Chess Club is still flourishing and is now in session on Monday, Wednesday and Friday dinner times as well as on Friday evenings. Although there have been no activities other than the ‘Silver King’ knock-out tournament, we are hoping to join the Bradford Schools’ Chess League in the near future.

The tournament aroused enthusiasm among 65 boys and was won by JD Hargreaves of 4 Arts, in a desperate and prolonged struggle against IG Fox of 6 A.

Junior Debating Society

The Society meets fortnightly throughout the year, except for the summer term. Attendances have fluctuated somewhat, the average ‘house’ consisting of 15 to 20 boys.

We have had a varied programme, formal debates alternating with lighter evenings. We have had evenings of impromptu speeches, panel games, public speaking competitions for teams of 3, discussions and a balloon debate. At this last, the youthfulness of the house was indicated by its decision to throw overboard Miss Marilyn Monroe as the passenger they had no use for.

Among some of the major decisions arrived at during the year were that we were anxious, almost to a man to travel through space, were appalled by the thought of co-education, and thought the present the best possible time in which to be living.

Speakers are gaining in confidence, but still lack polish and politeness in argument. “Is it ‘eck!” or “Get lost, Pickup!” is no way of disposing of an opponent’s point!

Dramatic Society

We are glad to say that the Dramatic Society is now functioning again and the 2 one-act plays it performed at the end of the Easter term gave both performers and audience much enjoyment. We hope that next year we may attempt something a little more ambitious. We have discovered 2 keen and competent producers in Mr Jackson and Mr Fisher; Mr Jones is an expert stage manager; Mr Green in the Art department and Mr Blackhurst and his colleagues can solve all scenic problems; we shall soon have as much equipment as we need; all we require are actors - so forward, you future Oliviers!

Film Society

The Society has just completed its 4th and best season. Membership has been greater than before and we have also welcomed the 5th and 6th forms of the Girls’ School. Many first rate full-length films were included in the programme, as well as a varied selection of interesting and educational ‘shorts’.

The financial prospects are not good. It is true that we have a very small bank balance, but during the past 2 years we have been subsidised by our successful 1965 Bring and Buy sale. These funds are now exhausted, and as each season’s expenditure is approximately £80, we are urgently in need of new sources of income. For this reason a woollen rag collection is in progress and we invite the help of all the school.

Our President, Mr Marsh, who succeeded Mr Walker, left us last summer, and thus Friday meetings have been presided over by members of the committee in turn.

We are anticipating added support next season, especially from 5th and 6th form boys. More members mean better programmes and present members are asked not only to renew their own subscriptions, but to endeavour to enrol other boys as well.

Table Tennis

House competitions and the individual competitions have been played as usual, the standard of play being much improved. Many more boys entered the knock-out competition, which revealed hidden talent in many unexpected places. This increased proficiency did not prevent Petersons from proving himself once more the champion in a 21-15, 21-6 victory over Mr Jackson, who had played a very entertaining semi-final against Boldy. It is no disgrace to lose against Petersons; we noted with interest in the local press the other day that he has just become Bradford Junior Champion and was also runner-up in the Youth Championships. Congratulations!

Several members of staff entered the school contest but they ‘retired gracefully’ after giving good account of themselves.

5/4/08

©  2007 GDB & LDC