1951 – Foreword and Editorial

Foreward and Editorial 1951

FOREWARD

The first number of our School Magazine has made its appearance. We hope it will become part of our corporate life-a pleasant diversion to draw us from the pent up channels of formal study. Throughout its pages the reader is given an ever widening picture of School life as lived today. If, at the same time, it creates a deepening sense of affection and respect for the School, and what it stands for in the community, then the work of those who have made publication possible will be worthwhile. To all who have helped we give our most sincere thanks.

The work must not fall on the shoulders of a few enthusiasts, the willing horses to be found in most communities. Rather, all can offer something, however small, to help make a record of our everyday life, and in so doing, share the joys of living and learning together. Pride in a measurement of achievement in a new venture should, in itself, be an inspiration to all. Is it too much to hope that among the readers of today we shall find the contributors of tomorrow?

At no time in the history of mankind have the changes in the ways and lives of men been so many, so varied and so rapid. The School as a whole has shared these changes ; as witness many of the Old Boys who come back. Yet, deep down, they feel, they still belong, and are still a very real part of that small but vital world in which they lived, worked and played in the days gone by-in the affection and respect they felt for teachers and school friends, in their interests, activities and all the experiences that grow from a variety of things to be woven in good time into patterns of lasting value. Looking back through the golden mist of memory, they are happy in the thought that they took some share in shaping acceptable standards of tradition, loyalty and achievement. For one fleeting moment they are conscious that, they too, were shaped in the same way. and by much the same methods, by those who had gone before. In the words of Hazlitt they " reflect the colours, the light and shade, the soul and body of a work " -well done.

We are happy in the thought that the present pupils will prove worthy.

W.G.E.

EDITORIAL

In the first number of this new magazine, may we be excused for taking some of our very limited space for a statement of aims.

First, the magazine is to be a record of the School's life, on normal days as well as on exceptional, so that older readers may recover the atmosphere of the School during their own schooldays, while those still at School may recognize the breadth of the picture. The object is to fix in these pages some of the bustle, fun and companionship of life here, If work is mentioned, the reference shall be brief. Readers to whom the topic is distasteful will naturally skip such passages as deal with work. The results of our School games and sports are recorded ; on the last pages appears a School list which will be brought up to date in future numbers by a record of those who have left and of the new boys.

Secondly, through the news of Old Boys, we hope to keep alive our present interest in each other long after our school-days have ended.

Thirdly, as much space as can be spared will be given to original work. We ask each reader to write on any subjects which appeal; put the result away for a month, then re-read it. Alter it; prune it; expand certain parts; emphasize the fun in others ; then if it still interests you please submit it to the editorial eye. Writing is good fun, even without the ultimate object of appearing in print. But if that is the purpose, then the additional care is welt repaid.

Finally, there will be a Correspondence section. In this it is hoped to publish letters from present and Old Boys. We shall be delighted to publish letters from the former on Games and Work, so if you hate and despise work, now is an opportunity not to be missed. Attack it with all your reasons. Then may we appeal to all Old Boys who see this number to make this part of the Magazine widely known. Many Old Boys could write fascinating letters on the places they visit. Mervyn Howell, at present in Korea with the Glosters, is a case in point. May we hope that this will reach his eye.

These are our present objects; time will suggest others. Meanwhile, may we express the hope that our readers will enjoy this number, now and at many a later reading.