Clubs & Societies 1964/65

1964/65 Magazine Reports

Radio Society

‘Since Christmas the club has had many members from among those training those training for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The club will help them to gain their awards and at the same time get an insight into a satisfying and inexpensive hobby. They are being trained by the senior members in Morse and the basic elements of radio.

Wilcock and Denton are finishing and perfecting our radio-controlled car, which will be on show in the near future.

Our distinguished president, Mr Law, who has been interested in radio for a long time, has now taken his Radio Amateurs’ Examination, which, when he has taken his Morse test, will enable him to operate his own transmitter.

Because of the interest in short-wave radio, we are building a receiver to cover the amateur wave-bands on 160m and 80m. This will also be on display in the near future. The receiver will provide a means of learning Morse and the art of using a short-wave receiver. It will also have its own log, in which the various amateurs received will be recorded.

Short-wave listening is a hobby in itself, and members wishing to take it up will have their own log-books, which when checked against the school log will be adequate evidence for the Duke of Edinburgh’s examiners.’

Sixth Form Debating Society

‘In October of this year (‘64), it was suggested that following the success of the Debating Society last year, we once again form a society in conjunction with the Girls’ Sixth to engage in discussions on various topics of mutual interest. We began with a Staff Brains Trust when Mr Tebble (the new Head), Miss Aspy (Girls’ Head), Mr Brian Smith and Miss Isitt stood up gallantly and eloquently to a barrage of awkward questions. After that we provided our own entertainment. Geraldine Scott and Margaret Braybrook debated the motion “That the World’s hungry should be fed”; the next debate almost completely abolished the monarchy as the Chairman vainly sought to defend it against Keith Narey.

Unfortunately attendances have been disappointing. Particularly we would welcome more support from the Lower Sixth, who at present seem to show little interest in the society. We have to admit in comparison with last year the debates have been rather drab, chiefly because the speeches from the floor of the house after the main speakers have had their say have been so inadequate. Perhaps if we can raise our standards of performance in the meetings that have been planned for the future, we shall deserve, and receive, more support than we have had so far.’

(B Birch VIA Mod)

Aero Club

‘1964 proved to be one of the most eventful years the club has had since it started. A highlight of the year was the trip to London Airport in July....On another occasion we journeyed by train to the “Battle of Britain” Air Pageant at Church Fenton. There we really saw the RAF in all its glory. A “Lightning”, the latest all-weather fighter of the RAF, did 2 runs, as well as aerobatics - a slow run and a fast one, the second a case of ‘this is a Lightning, that was!’

In our meetings at school we shelved the plastic kits for a while in favour of more complicated flying models made of balsa. A kit and a 1cc engine were bought and just before Christmas the maiden flight took place. Half an hour later, another great event occurred - the aircraft’s downfall. Two novices took their turns to fly the plane. The first made it climb too steeply and it stalled, becoming wrapped up in the control wire and damaging the under-carriage. The second managed 2 circuits but then not only the undercarriage came off but also the wings and the underside of the cock-pit. However, we are not discouraged and intend buying other flying aircraft which we hope will live longer.’

Jazz Club

‘On January 19th was held the first meeting of the Jazz Club formed by Crosby and Stobart of 5A, the aim being to awaken interest in genuine jazz, which “pop” has forced into the background until, along with more serious forms of music, it has become something with only minority appeal.

Only 4 boys, with Mr Butler to supervise and provide the records, were present at the first meeting, but we hope in time more will come and listen and discuss the music.’

Chess Club

‘The Senior team made a shaky start to the season with 2 away games against strong teams at Carlton and Belle Vue. Against Carlton the team lost 3.5 boards to 2.5 and managed a 3-3 draw with Belle Vue. The Junior team won the corresponding matches 5-1 and 4-2.

The Senior team then won the next 5 games against Thornton, Woodhouse Grove, Hanson, Hipperholme and Rhodesway. The Senior team consists of J Holland, K Ogden, B Bannister, G Wood, J Hewitt and the captain I Johnson.’

Photographic Society

‘The Photographic Society has been reformed with the help of Mr Tebble and Mr North. We are lucky to have a very good dark-room at our disposal and now have 2 enlargers, as Mr Tebble has contributed his on a “permanent loan” basis, together with some lighting equipment. Mr Cheetham and Mr House have also given or loaned chemicals, dishes etc and we are very grateful to them. Most meetings so far have been enlarging sessions, and to judge from the amount of photographic paper consumed, have been very fruitful. A positive result of the society’s work is seen in the display of photographs of school activities in the entrance hall, in very fine oak frames made by Mr Steele, to whom we are most grateful. The society meets on Mondays and Fridays. Mr North and Mr Tebble, or Close and Guy of the Sixth, will be glad to give details to anyone interested.’