Date Posted... Mar 17th 2022
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‘The Head Master’s birthday, on March 26th, was signalized by a half-holiday and the usual festivities. From the Masters Mr Vinter received a sovereign purse and match-box, and boarders and day-boys combined to present him with a pair of powerful field glasses.’
Truro College Magazine, April 1902
Mr Vinter’s Birthday
‘After morning roll-call, at 9 a.m. on the 26th of March, the ever popular annual ceremony took place. The Head Prefect (J.K. Peel) presented Mr Vinter with a silver entrée dish, begging him to accept it as a token of esteem and goodwill, and congratulating the Headmaster on his successful rule for another year.
‘In a felicitous speech the Headmaster thanked the boys for their kindness, and assured them of his determination to do all in his power to help on the success of the school. Whilst admiring the gift, he still more appreciated the spirit in which it had been given. He had great pleasure in giving the school a half-holiday.
‘Tumultuous cheering very naturally ensued.
‘During the afternoon the majority of the boys availed themselves of the free permits to take long country strolls. After tea the Hall was arranged for competitive games. House points were given for each game. Such strenuous amusements as threading-needle races, or Bull Board, were very keenly contested. Most fiercely striven of all were the Musical Chairs contest, and that sporting event the Potato Race. In this Hall House ran out victors, McCullagh being the winner. Out of a fine field Ingle and Delbridge were conspicuous. Martyn also ran. Hall also won the Chairs, Rickard retaining his seat, though Moffatt made an all but victorious sprawl. Bull Board was easily won by Tower, which bored Hall exceedingly. Tower also ran away with the Needle Race. Last of all the contests, and by far the most exciting, was the time-honoured Bean Bags. In this Tower gave Hall beans and bagged the prize*. Tower thus won the competition by 9 points to 6.
‘An admirable and welcome supper followed, which was enlivened by the prize-distribution, and also by another competition in which the participants had to do whatever was written on the slips of paper they held. Such orders as ‘to sing the National Anthem lying on your back’, or ‘to box a ghost’, were punctiliously carried out. After supper a sing-song took place.
‘A very pleasant evening concluded with cheers for Mr Vinter, and the singing of ‘Auld Lang Syne’.’
*No more of this – Ed.
Truro College Magazine, March 1912
Athletic Sports
‘The Annual Athletic Sports were held on Friday, 31st March, on the College Ground. Owing to the inclement weather only six events were decided, the remainders being postponed until Wednesday, 5th April, the weather then being in every way satisfactory. The officials were: – President, E.H. Magson, Esq; referees, Messrs E.B. Willday and W.R. Lobb; judges, Revs B.E. Payne and L. Keeble, Messrs C.L. Ellis, A.C. Groves, E. Beard, W. Beard, J.I. Higgins; starters, Messrs. C.H. Bray and G. Jervis; timekeepers, Messrs G.S. Elliott and Pearson; scorers, Mr C.L. Ellis and Misses Mortimer and Swanwick; Committee, the Staff, Barlow, Dixon, Toye, Pearce, Fairchild, Stoby, Richards and C.D. Webb; hon. secretary, Mr C.L. Brewer.
‘We congratulate Dixon, A.T. on breaking the school record in the high jump. His jumping was the feature of the Sports.
‘The 100 yards open event was also a good one, eleven seconds on a wet track and in driving rain is extremely creditable.
‘The Victor Ludorum Cup was won by C.A. Toye.
‘Smith House, with 167 points, will hold the Argentine Cup for the ensuing year. Vinter House were second.’
Truro College Magazine, April 1922
Scout Report
‘The Spring Term 1932 will probably go down in the history of the 1st Truro School Group as one of the most important periods of its existence. It has seen one or two drastic changes in the formation and organisation of the Group, and the introduction of a new feature in the Group Uniform.
‘Rearrangement of school hours, and Rugby practices made it obvious that the old system of Scouting would have to be modified to meet the new conditions. It was seen at once that no day of the week could be set aside for a troop meeting as a whole and therefore the Group has been re-divided. The old distinction of Senior and Junior has been applied again on a Form basis, so that under the new arrangements, boys in the Vth and VIth forms constitute the Seniors – re-named the ‘Crews’, – while the lower school Scouts have been grouped in two divisions of two patrols each to work on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons respectively, the Crews taking part in any activity for which they are available.
‘Undertaken at first as an experiment, the scheme has proved highly satisfactory in practice, thanks to the increased enthusiasm and willing co-operation of the rugby coaches….
‘Mention has been made of a change in the Group uniform. This takes the form of the substitution of grey flannel shirts for the khaki jersey hitherto worn. We made the decision on the grounds of personal comfort, general appearance and utility, and although the change will take some little time to complete, we feel that temporary variety is only a fitting price to pay for ultimate smartness.’
The Truronian, March 1932
‘The Bursar, Matron and kitchen staff are to be congratulated on the way in which the School is being fed. After 2 ½ years of War the U-boat campaign has not been successful in causing us to go hungry. Future generations will be interested to read the Menus of the meals served in the Dining Hall for a typical week this term; and Old Boys who were at School in 1914-18 may compare it with the bill of fare of their own school days. When butter is referred to it means, of course, a mixture of butter and margarine, and we should naturally be glad if the meat ration were bigger.’
The Truronian, Easter 1942
Entertainments
‘March 1st. Films. “The Lady Vanishes”. A famous spy drama.
‘March 8th. Lecture. Mr Ashley Rowe on ‘Truro’. Mr Rowe spoke with authority on the growth of the City. He has been working on the story of Truro for 9 years and he gave us a very interesting evening. Bennetts, J.A., very ably thanked Mr Rowe.
‘March 15th. Films. “Morning Departure”. A dramatic tribute to the men of the Submarine Service.
‘March 22nd. Lecture – “Elephant Bill”. Lieut. Col. J.H. Williams talked about his friends the elephants and his work with them in Burma. The vote of thanks was made by Corkhill, A.G.L.’
The Truronian, March 1952
Sixth Form Dance
‘The sixth form dance this term was an unprecedented success. It was held in the Common Room between 7.30 and 11.15pm on Tuesday, 6th March, and the Bob Williams Dance Band was engaged for the occasion. Mr W.E. Weeks acted as master of ceremonies, and refreshments were again available in the Dining-hall. Over-crowding was, fortunately, avoided, since numbers were strictly controlled.
‘The general theme of the décor was one of “Road Up”, walls and other miscellaneous structures being adorned with old road signs. The Prefects’ and School Prefects’ Rooms were also available for the further entertainment of guests.
‘Sincere thanks go to Mr Weeks, Mr Aldwinckle and all the organisers and kitchen staff.’
J.R.R.
The Truronian, April 1962
Truro School Annual Film Festival 1971-72
‘This year’s film festival, held on March 1st, was very well attended and the presentation went off without a hitch. The standard of entries was very high, with quite an improvement on previous competitions. In particular, the sound tracks were much more ambitious and the technical quality of the films was much better than previously. This was due in no small measure to the skill and musical sensibility displayed by Stuart Brown, and the care taken in rehearsal by the projectionists, Stephen Haymen, Mark Hardy and Neil Shaddick. The prizes were presented by the Headmaster and Mrs Bulley. Mr Bulley gave a vote of thanks.
‘I would like to thank all the T.S.F.U. members who put in so much work and performed the duties allocated to them with such quiet efficiency, thereby making the evening so successful.’
R.G.W.W.
Competition Results
Best film of a family holiday: ‘Heartbeat of Africa’ (Mr S.A. Wilson, Mid-Cornwall Cine Society).
Best use of sound: ‘Scarecrow’ (Neil Shaddick, T.S.F.U.)
Best acting: Clare and Jane Shaddick (‘Scarecrow’)
Third Prize: ‘Those were the Days’ (Mr R. Hepworth, Par)
Second Prize: ‘Look!’ (Simon Howard, T.S.F.U.)
First Prize (together with the cup) and the Truro School Society Prize for the best film presented by a T.S.F.U. member: ‘Scarecrow’ (Neil Shaddick)
Adjudicators’ Comments on the Best Films:
‘Look!’
‘This was a simple and straightforward little film on pollution of the Cornish countryside, rivers and beaches, inviting the audience to look – and indeed to think. It made its point simply and effectively being almost gruesome in its starkness. The recorder playing of Stuart Brown was interesting and original and the abrupt change of music was successful. Overall, an intelligent film, technically good, which was much appreciated by the audience.’
‘Scarecrow’
‘Neil Shaddick’s film which won everything it could have done, had the audience gripping their seats in suspense. The music of Stravinsky and the plainsong of the final scene were admirably matched to the skilfully filmed and brilliantly edited visuals. An exciting and original film, it was an easy winner, both with the judges and the adult members of the audience.’
Terraces 1972
A still from 'Scarecrow'
Hockey
Lent Term 1982
‘V Plymouth College (H) Won 2-0 (Neil Reid (2))
‘Truro School took revenge for last year’s defeat by Plymouth College in this return match. Although Truro played well, we didn’t play as a team in the first half. However, things changed in the second half and two well-taken goals by Neil Reid provided us with the win that was deserved.
‘V Camborne School of Mines (A) Won 5-4 (Tim Manhire (2), Roger Pellow, Paul Wright, David Morton)
‘The School scored an early goal through Tim Manhire, followed by a short corner from skipper David Morton to put us 2-0 up. CSM replied quickly, and the goals came at regular intervals until half way through the second half, when Truro was 5-2 up. Two late goals shocked Truro after lapses in concentration, but we held on, although Tim Manhire was sent off for 5 minutes.
‘V Staff XI (H). Won 5-0 (Tim Manhire (4), David Morton)
‘On a fine but windy day, the boys 1st XI took on the might of the Staff XI and convincingly thrashed them. Tim Manhire put four past their helpless ‘keeper and David Morton put away one of his short corner specialities to take the tally to five.
‘David Petit was rarely troubled in goal, but whether it was due to the incompetence of the staff attack, or our sturdy defence, I know not.
‘V Culdrose (A). Drew 1-1 (Tim Manhire)
‘On a cold, wet and windy day, Truro School battled hard for a well-earned draw. The sides were evenly matched and, after conceding a late goal (late in the match) we rallied, and Tim Manhire equalised.
‘V Culdrose (H). Won 3-2 (Tim Manhire, David Morton, Paul Wright)
‘Despite playing well, we fell behind to adubious goal half way through the first half. Tim Manhire pulled us level soon after, but Culdrose again went in front. The game became very physical in the second half, and Dave Morton equalised for us. Ten minutes from time, Paul Wright scored to give us a well-earned victory.
Mixed Matches
Lent Term 1982
‘V Truro High School (H) Won 6-0 (Tim Manhire (5), Adrian Jones)
‘At the request of the girls of THS we (played this match) fielded a mixed side. The incessant rain made play (a little) awkward, but the game went on. Tim Manhire scored an early goal, which was quickly followed up by a second from Adrian Jones. We were content to sit on our 2-0 until the THS came close to scoring a couple of times. After the break we attacked in strength and Tim Manhire added to his goal of the first half. Our defence had little to do, but what was done was competently done by Sanga Honeyman and David Morton, whose voice was strangely silent during this match, the captaincy having been temporarily passed on to Richard Dyson.
‘V Cheltenham YMCA (H) Won 3-2 (Tim Manhire, Emma Pascoe, Adrian Jones)
‘Truro began this match very lethargically and paid the price of slack play, going 2-0 under. However, Emma Pascoe reduced the YMCA lead before half time. Good play by David Petit saved Truro from dropping further behind, and in the second half, Leonie and Adrian linked well in a move that was finished off by Tim Manhire. The winning goal came from Adrian by way of a short corner.’
New Wind Orchestra Opens Concert
The school’s new Wind Orchestra, which was formed in September, made its debut appearance at the concert in the New Gymnasium on March 5th. It opened and closed the concert with some spirited playing of various very hummable tunes.
Other items were played by the 50-strong main Orchestra, as well as a number of smaller ensembles – there was a Haydn String Quartet played by Richard Ashford, Clare Cocks, Emma-Jane Smith and Vici Haymes; pieces for three clarinets (Simon Milton, Katherine Kemp and Emma Hale); the Brass Ensemble (playing as usual at an impressively professional standard); and a Handel Sonata played by Karen Morse (flute), Cameron Harris (oboe) and Andrew Jenkins and Jo Mooney (on harpsichord and cello continuo).
Congratulations are once again due to Mr Derek Spedding for organising and conducting a marvellous evening’s entertainment, and also to the many music teachers who work at Truro School.
Truro School Newsletter, March 1992
The Society of Deep Thought
‘We at the Society of Deep, and formerly Intellectual, Thought are unafraid to take a controversial issue by the horns, and hit it head on. We are also fearless when it comes to mixed metaphors. At SODT we discuss selected topics while munching on school bagged lunches. While everyone else fights over who doesn’t get the grim egg sandwiches, Mr Case can be found calmly polishing a fluorescent green apple using a perfectly ironed red spotted handkerchief. As can be seen from the above, we also have a tendency to overdo the adjectives.
After a brief scrap over the food, the discussion begins. Over the past year we’ve looked at a range of issues. These have included whether teenagers have no morals (yes), whether modern art is over-rated (yes) and the future of the monarchy in the UK (‘No it’s OK, you have the egg sandwiches’}.
‘We meet in the room of the school’s in-house mixer, DJ Still, every Tuesday lunchtime. Sometimes the discussions become quite heated and we have to open some windows to let in some fresh air. As this a sixth form club, the debate often reverts to topics directly related to us, such as whether people who smoke or drink excessively should receive NHS treatment (yes). Another good one for us was the question of whether the education system in Britain needs a complete rethink. If I remember rightly, we unanimously agreed on that one, though which way the vote went I will leave to your imagination.
‘The discussions are always totally open and honest, with a diverse range of views being expressed…
‘Last week Mr Case decided that we should end the spring term on a high (note) by considering the meaning of life. As usual, the quality of the debate collapsed following Mr Case’s introduction, and the rest of the meeting was splattered with pretentious and supercilious comments and, I’m afraid, no new insights were forged as to our purpose and meaning, other than avoiding egg sandwiches at every given turn…’
Joe Callaghan
Terraces, 2002
Utah Ski Trip Spring 2012
‘In the early hours of Saturday 31 March 2012, 40+ students from Truro School embarked on a long journey across the Atlantic heading to the unique destination of Brighton Ski Resort in Utah, USA.
It was jam packed week of skiing, boarding, snow tubing, shopping, film watching, golfing, go-carting, bowling, laser-tagging, swimming, eating and to top it all off, experiencing a live NBA basketball game in Salt Lake City.
‘On the first morning, students were efficiently suited and booted by the American ‘ski fit’ team and then were introduced to their various instructors at the ski school. The Truro School massive exhibited a various array of funky labels and splashes of colour across the Brighton ski slopes; in fact they were hard to miss…The beginners progressed rapidly from green slopes to confidently confronting the black slopes in just three days! The intermediates picked up the need for speed during the week, weaving through trees and dared each other in the snow jump park, whereas the advanced skiers left the staff (Hockley, Gould, Nicholas and Collinge) in their tracks!! Despite bruises and bumps, the boarders showed their true commitment and no-fear attitude, and by the end of the week were ripping it up in the snow park and showing off with a bit of off-piste exploration.
‘One of the many highlights of the trip, alongside the wide tree-lined slopes and fresh powder, was the opportunity to see Utah Jazz fight it out live on their home ground against the Phoenix Suns. It was a thrilling match to watch…’
Mar 14th 2024
Jan 19th 2024
Sep 14th 2023
Mar 2nd 2023
Feb 2nd 2023
Nov 11th 2022
Truro School is part of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST)
MIST Registered Office: 66 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LH
Charity No. 1142794
Company No. 7649422
