PAGE
26
- Term
Notes
- Frae
A'The Airts
translation provided
- Editorial
- Operation
Tennis Court
- Looking Back
- St Columba's
Notes
- A Class
Outing
- Second Form
- Priory Staff
- A Memorable
Occasion
- Operation Weeds
- St Columba's
Notes
- St Andrew's
Day
TERM
NOTES
Author Unknown
Taken from The Pelican - Christmas 1955, lent by Anthony McCaffrey
The Priory re-opened on September 2nd. Fr. Moody had replaced Fr.
Egan as Superior, Fr. Conway had left the Stewardship to Fr. Coghlan
and Fr. G. Burton has been appointed Parish Priest.
Sixty-four boys descended on us that wet Friday evening. As ever they came from
corners known and unknown of these islands. After a day spent in settling in,
the boys plunged into retreat, preached with zeal and interest by Fr. J.
Walsh of Heston. His friendly and understanding manner gave added value
to his talks and helped the boys very much.
As soon as studies began the Prefects were elected: Richard Calcutt as
captain, Joseph Kavanagh his vice-captain, together with Eric Creaney,
Philip Harrison, John Martin and Brian Manus McGuire.
With the term under way our good friend Mr J. Heath returned to train
the choir for its non-Gregorian functions. Last term Mr Heath achieved a triumph
in his "Hiawatha" (performed on Sports Day in the presence of Very
Rev. Fr. Provincial and the community of Dorking), a fitting reward for his
patient labours. Now polyphonic masses are in preparation. The strain of carols—destined
to delight the villagers—also float melodiously through the house, reminding
all of joys ahead—and of our debt to Mr Heath.
As we go to press rehearsals for our pantomime-Aladdinare waxing strong.
Fr. Thompson is aptly referred to as "director-producer." The
little we have seen so far makes us all impatient for the curtain to be raised
on December 21st.
To Fr. Thompson also must go chief credit for the completion of the tennis court,
the result of a year's patient toil on the part of man.
Reference is made elsewhere in this number to the founding of the VIth Form.
Its members, two Englishmen and two Scots, have so far kept the peace admirably.
Only in their choice of subjects in languages is there any significant cleavage.
Both Scots have deserted the Fair Maid of France—their former ally—in
favour of The Senate and the Roman People whom the Angli have renounced to court
the aforesaid jilted Maid.
The term has been a long one but has not seemed so. We look forward to Christmas
joys and the departure of the homeward-bound coach on Boxing Day. The exams
will be over, a good term's work behind us, the holidays ahead.
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FRAE
A' THE AIRTS
by "The Editors"
Taken from The Pelican - Christmas 1955, lent by Anthony McCaffrey
Old Boys of ours find their way into many professions and some few find their
way back to the old haunts when they can. We hope that providing space for them
to find their way into print will encourage them to correspond with us and with
each other. Who knows when we and they may be able to help each other ? One
can envisage a monster dinner at the Troc or the Ritz, specially for Old Boys
of St Columba's and The Priory. . . and what a variety would there be of ages
and dress.
This summer, The Priory was surprised to flnd an Old Boy camping on the lawns
with his own troop of scouts.. . very portly and efficient he looked. The weather
changed and we were able to do him a good turn. For the next night he and his
young men were glad to use one of the deserted idormitories. And we did not
wake him at the "usual hour" either. Mr Collett of Southend
it was, who was here in the mid-thirties.(Bernard Collett, Priory 1931 -
37)
Then we have as almost a neighbour an Old Boy who is making his mark in the
photographic world—up-to-date pictures in old-worlde Winchester. Christie
White and his family would be more frequent visitors if he and his entire
family could be'cycle-motorised as he is himself.(Christopher White, Priory
1935 - 39)
During the autumn term we have received visits from Pte. William Tonner
who is now serving with the Pay Corps in Germany and—suspicious circumstance—he
shortly expects an increase of pay with his first rise in rank. Strange if it
could not be managed in that job! Pte. Hennessy also came to spend one
of. his long week-ends with us. He is in the Royal Artillery near Salisbury
and looks fitter than ever. Pte. Walter Perry also came for a week-end.
Like Willy, Wally disports himself on the soccer field. It appears that a footballer
in the Services has a fine time. He has found his way into the Intelligence
Corps and is, he tells us, keeping up his studies.
Lower down we give the addresses of these Old Boys. In the next, the July issue
of The Pelican we hope to have some contributions from these and other erstwhile
students and friends. And if the Old Boys' Corner can increase our circulation,
it will help us. We trust thit it will also give pleasure to you, the readers.
A Merry Christmas and New Year Blessings to you all.
ADDRESSES
277278 A.C.2 MACKLE, T.A., New B Sqdn., Flight 10, Hut 151, 11 S of R.T.,
Royal Air Force, Hednesford, Staffs.
4169980 AC.2 McMANUS, J., Hut x37, 2 Wing, No. S. of T.T., R.A.F., Weeton,
Lanes.
Pte. W. M. PERRY 23236721, Intelligence Corps Centre, Maresfield, ne~r
Uckfieid, Sussex.
23177682 Gnr. HENNESSY , 181 Squad, 192 Indp. Survey Trg. Battery, 'Home
Barracks, Larkhill, Wilts.
Pte. W. M. TONNER, R.A.P.C., 107 Area Cash Office, Osnabruck, B.A.O.R.
10.
ROBERT TAYLOR, now a clerk in an export office, 4 Epping Place, Highfield
Site, Chorley, Lanes.
PETER JACKSON, now on 12-year contract with the Navy, 3 Lupton Street,
Chorley, Lanes.
EDWARD HESKIN, now farming with his father, Cross Swords Farm,. off Moor
Road, Chorley, Lanes.
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EDITORIAL
Author
Unknown
from The Pelican, Summer 1955, lent to us by Anthony McCaffrey
Since the days of St. Paul, missionaries have been rolling stones, and White
Fathers generally give the moss little time to settle. Of those who have stopped
at the Priory only the exceptions have come to rest for any length of time.
In the past year movements have been even more rapid and numerous than in the
past. At Christmas our Superior, Fr. Cassidy, was appointed to the Missions,
and to replace him came Fr. Egan from Dorking. Now he too is to leave
us, for Monteviot House, where his health will be given better chance of mending
than the Priory with its strains and stresses can offer him. He will carry with
him our affection, esteem and our gratitude for his endeavours on behalf of
all.
Last September saw the arrival from Scotland of Fr. T. Conway as steward.
Now the missions have claimed him also. Happy indeed the natives who have him
to care for their needs of soul and body. The children of this parish and the
boys of the Priory have benefited from his zeal and thank him sincerely and
promise him their prayers.
To succeed Fr. Egan Fr. Moody, no stranger, will come from Scotland,
while a veteran from the missions, Fr. Coghlan, will take over from Fr.
Conway. To work in our ever-expanding parish Fr. G. Burton, also back
from the missions has been appointed.
There will then be new faces next term, but we are sure that the spirit of zeal
will be the same as in the past. May Our Lord guide those who come and those
who go.
Of Priory activities in the past six months the reader may find details within
these covers. As we go to press the examiners for the General Certificate of
Education are being offered samples of our scholastic activities of the past
few months. The boys are quietly confident that their offerings will not be
found wanting.
At Easter it was our joy to welcome parents and relatives of several boys at
the Priory. The personal contact thus established could not but be profitable
for all. To those responsible for the boys' formation here it gave an added
awareness of responsibility and resolve to train the boys confided to them with
all the zeal and competence required. May that personal contact be deepened
so that the boys' natural and spiritual families may work in harmony for the
fashioning of worthy missionaries of Africa.
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OPERATION
TENNIS COURT: Continued
by J J E
from The Pelican, Summer 1955, lent to us by Anthony McCaffrey
The white-robed figure pointed solemnly at the
expanse of mud before him. He was surrounded by a group of innocent Priorians.
"That, my dear boys," he said, "is the tennis court we are going
to make."
Someone laughed. The group splashed through the mire in their wellington boots,
and one fetched a spade. With all due ceremony Fr. Thompson scooped out
the first spadeful of mud. Operation tennis courts had begun.
Next day the boys came out in force, a strangely garbed collection which would
have done credit to a gang of navvies. At first everyone was more of a hindrance
than a help. Mud and water flew here and there in generous quantities. John would
be filling in the hole that Tommy had just made. In general there was confusion.
However under the watchful eye of Fr. Thompson the work progressed.
The mud surface was removed and the excavations begun. The depth was fixed at
eighteen inches. This was perhaps the most trying part of the operation. Nobody
saw any apparent progress. However after a period of about twelve weeks the foundation
depth was reached. A seeming lull in activity followed, and some thought that
the project had petered out.
While the boys rested Fr. Thompson was trying to solve a problem. There were no
bricks with which to lay a firm foundation. One brickyard offered to supply them,
but their price was too high for our slender means. Somehow nine hundred cubic
feet of brick had to be obtained to cover the excavated area.
Finally an arrangement was made with Eastleigh brick works ten miles away. A staunch
ally of the Priory, Mr L. Pond, obtained a lorry and a shuttle-service
was run to and from the Priory every possible day. Of course it took time to reach
the place, load, return and unload at the Priory, forty minutes as a rule. Over
twenty journeys were made to and from the brickworks and then the great day came.
A fine six inch coat of red brick dust was laid on the court and then rolled into
the foundation bricks by a steam-roller hired for the purpose. Soon the court
took on a very respectable appearance, a tribute to Fr. Thompson, without whose
enthusiasm and example the court would never have come into existence.
The end however, is not yet. A playing surface is one essential, but now wire-netting
to surround the court must be found and all the necessary equipment.
The tennis court is only one of the many of the past year's achievements. As we
view the long smooth surface we see in it proof that the Priory tradition of hard
work and self-sacrifice is still 'a main feature in the life of the Priorian of
today. Well done all concerned!
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LOOKING
BACK
by Michael
McDonnell
from The Pelican, Summer 1955, lent to us by Anthony McCaffrey
When the boys returned after the Christmas holidays many
of them were perhaps a little disheartened at the thought of the long months separating
them from the summer holidays. Perhaps the future looked austere then, but as
the months revolved and winter gradually melted into summer so did time transform
longing into fulfilment.
Of the two terms which we have experienced since Christmas, the summer term is
understandably the better. All the world over the weather governs, to a certain
extent, many of man's activities and festive occasions, and here at the Priory
we are also subject to its rule. Several times during the past few months we have
been very unfortunate: football matches last term and a number of cricket matches
in the past few weeks have been rained off on a number of occasions. Quite recently
the Corpus Christi procession had to be cancelled after eager preparations of
preceding days.
Of particular events a visit to Wembley on St. George's day was a landmark. Fortunately
there were no Welsh boys at the Priory to share the humiliation of the Welsh XI
that day when the English schoolboys romped home to easy victory on the soccer
field at Wembley. A large group of Priory boys watched the game: the day was made
more interesting by a visit to Windsor on the way to London.
Easter holidays are looked forward to and enjoyed by all. This year the sun could
not have been more generous in his visitations at that vital time, and his presence
ensured a fine holiday. Some boys were fortunate enough to have their family here
for a few days. All who came seemed to have a very enjoyable holiday in this corner
of England and regretted leaving.
Those boys not fortunate enough to have their parents with them compensated in
a number of ways and easily found scope for their energetic and adventurous spirits.
It is difficult to tire of spending holidays at Galleydown, but if one should,
this wonderful county has much more to offer. The nearby ports of Southampton
and Portsmouth attract many boys, and during the Easter holidays a few more energetic
souls were drawn farther afield and accomplished a cycle tour of the Isle of Wight.
At the Priory itself there has been much to occupy willing hands during free time.
With the help and careful directions of Fr. Monaghan two excellent cricket
nets took shape in the bank leading to the football pitch, and two more are being
made for future use. Fr. Thompson has likewise brought about the construction
of a hard tennis court which is nearing completion.
Recently the boys of the Upper Fifth were gladdened by the news that all who applied
for admission to the house of Philosophy had been accepted. For them this term
has been a trying one, clouded all along with examinations. Nevertheless these
future philosophers are in the best of spirits and are looking forward to being
the pioneers of the new house of philosophy in Ireland.
Before the curtain finally comes down on another school year we have two more
important days to keep us merry and busy: one is sports day when we will be entertaining
the philosophers from Dorking for the last time, and the other is the day of the
garden fete. For sports day the choir is preparing "Hiawatha" as an
item for the concert.
Thus will have swiftly passed another joyful school year at the Priory and another
step taken on the road to the
Priesthood.
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ST.
COLUMBA'S NOTES
Author
Unknown
from The Pelican, Summer 1955, lent to us by Anthony McCaffrey
The second issue of The Pelican finds us all in very good form—full of
excitement about the end of the year, the coming examinations and the Summer holidays.
The general undercurrent is of course satisfaction in a job well done, and in
the realisation that the completed year is one less on the way to the priesthood.
Numbers have been maintained during the year, which opened with seventy-nine and
closes with seventy boys on the roll, a number that the College can comfortably
accommodate. Two boys have been at home for long convalescence after attacks of
rheumatic fever. Otherwise, in spite of flu' which brought classes to a halt at
the end of January, health and progress in studies have been satisfactory. We
are confident that some twenty members of Form II will leave us for The Priory,
and thirty from Form I will advance to Form II in September.
With the house of Theology near us at Monteviot, it is easy for our students to
keep their eye on the goal, and the annual ordination ceremonies prove a powerful
and timely encouragement to flagging spirits.
Staff at the end of the year is the same as last September with the exception
of Brother Didacus who has replaced Brother Richard in workshop,
kitchen and garden. Father Moody is leaving us to take up his new post
at The Priory next year.
As the contributors tell us in their pages, the addition of an asphalt playground
has proved of great value, providing as it does a chance of sport and of a cleaner
house in bad weather. Our sports field is still in need of drainage and re-turfing
before it can be called an amenity. With Spring we came to fine weather, apart
from some weeks of frosty mornings after Easter. Most of the boys are looking
bronzed and brawny as as result.
Healthy minds in healthy bodies . . . ? What the minds are like, the students'
little articles will reveal.
Wishing our readers a happy perusal of these pages, we leave them now feeling
grateful for their support and looking forward to meeting them again at Christmas.
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A CLASS OUTING
by Michael
Adkins, Form IA
from The Pelican, Summer 1955, lent to us by Anthony McCaffrey
On Ascension Thursday, Father Riddle took his
Form IA, and Father Cronin's Form, IB, to the Cheviot.
Form II were going there too and they left in their coach ten minutes before we
made our departure at 11.30 a.m.
Both coaches reached Sourhope Farm at the foot of the hill together, and Fr.
Desrosiers and his merry men started to climb the hill while we ate our lunch
in the coach.
We were on the way twenty minutes later . . in a snowstorm. After a few minutes
of easy climbing we saw Form II ahead on the easiest route. We kept going although
we were bound to take longer than our rivals. After an hour, some members of our
Form turned back, too tired to go on.
An hour later, much nearer the summit, we met a Form II boy who said that the
summit was just ahead; but Father Riddle realised that Form II had not reached
it. Form I reached the top of the hill half a mile further on, and they had to
cross a bog to get to it. Photographs recorded the victory and the joy of the
conquerors, and then the party made a speedy return to the farm.
We had tea in the coach on the way back to the College.
When they were told, Form II could hardly realise that they had not really been
to the top. The height of the hill is 2,676 feet above sea-level.
(Has anyone got any of those photographs?)
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SECOND
FORM
by Leo
Clancy, Form ?
from The Pelican, Summer 1955, lent to us by Anthony McCaffrey
Although there are two other forms at Saint Columba's, namely IA and IB, they
do not have much chance to show their abilities when Second Form are around.
Take sports for example. We second formers are so good at football that we let
IA and IB play together against us and we always beat them. At cricket they are
frightened to play against us and even when combined, before a game of tennis
or basketball starts we know, and they know, that they have not an earthly chance
of winning.
We second formers are tops. We proved this when the whole school decided to have
a shot at climbing the Cheviot. We challenged the 1st Form to a race. We agreed
of course that the winning Form would be the one which climbed first the highest
hill on the English side of the Border.
We all set off and our coach soon took the lead. It wasn't a very thrilling race
because the First Year were left miles behind.
When we arrived back they tried to tell us we did not even reach the top. The
cheek of it . . .
They even said they could provide photographs to prove it. This was about a month
ago, but we have not seen the photographs yet. (Nor have we, by the way)
Of course all this, or most of it at least, is due to Fr. Desrosiers, our
Form Master. He is a French Canadian, and although he cannot speak English very
well, I'm sure he could teach the first Form, if not the Second, a good few things.
So it's three cheers for Fr Desrosiers and good old Second Form.
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THE PRIORY STAFF
from The Pelican, Christmas 1956, lent to us by Anthony McCaffrey
Very Rev. Paul F. Moody W F , M.A. (Superior):
Senior English,Elocution
Fr. Patrick Fitzgerald W F , B.A. (Director, Master of Discipline: Latin
Fr. Hugh Monaghan W F : French, Music
Fr. Thomas Rathe W F (Bursar): Doctrine
Fr. Alan Thompson W F : History, Geography, Dramatics
Fr. John Fowles W F : Holy Scripture, Junior English, Science, Elocution,
Sports
Fr. William Lynch W F , B.Sc.: Mathematics
Also
Fr. Gerard Burton, W F (Parish Priest)
Fr. William Halligan, W F
Brother Aelred, W F
Brother Andrew, W F
School Captain: Brian M. McGuire
House Captains: Xavierians, George, Smith ; Augustinians, Brian McGuire
Games Captain: George Smith
Prefects: Joseph McDermott, Edward Bleasdale, Eric McCormack,
Christopher McGuire, Michael Kelly
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A MEMORABLE OCCASION
by Michael
Goodstadt, Form VI
from The Pelican, Christmas 1956, lent to us by Anthony McCaffrey
Even in Africa there are few African bishops. Thus when
an African bishop visits the Priory we feel fully justified in beating the drums
and calling it a memorable occasion.
On October 3rd, the Feast of St Theresa, Patroness of the Missions, we were delighted
to have with us Bishop Rugambwa. His stay was brief and although he did
not address us publicly we were deeply conscious that in our midst was an outstanding
personality. Perhaps the most striking characteristic of this tall regal African
Prelate is his gentleness, the gentleness of a powerful yet humble man.
Laurean Rugambwa was ordained priest in 1943 at the age of thirty-one. The first
five years of his priestly life were spent among his own people in Tanganyika
Territory. In 1948 Father Rugambwa went to Rome where, after three years study,
he received a doctorate in Canon Law. One year later he was consecrated bishop,
the first African in Tanganyika to be raised to the episcopal dignity. Rutabo,
his diocese, is one of the few dioceses in Africa which is staffed entirely by
African priests, brothers and sisters.
From time to time during our years of training we get glimpses of the missions
which encourage us more than any number of words; surely this occasion was one
of them.
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OPERATION
" WEEDS "
by Anthony
McCaffrey, Form V
from The Pelican, Christmas 1956, lent to us by Anthony McCaffrey
When the seventy-two lusty youths shattered the peace
and quiet of Bishop's Waltham with their equally lusty voices in the early days
of September, they found the Priory much the same as it has been for the past
forty years. For some it was a return to a familiar place; for others everything
was new; but to all it was obvious that the place had been taken over by an undesirable
foe—weeds!
The young Priorian on his first walk down the far famed "Burma Road"
was informed that the plot of land at the end of the walk was the vegetable garden,
but this name did not appear to have any obvious justification.
The unfortunate state of affairs was soon noted in higher circles and it was not
long before one of the Fathers had taken on the task of putting things in order.
Not much skill was required to pull out weeds three feet high, only good eyesight
to discover the vegetables buried therein. A system was soon devised whereby two
members of each House reported for duty in the garden each afternoon. Although
aided by other volunteers, the Work was still going too slowly and so it was decided
that the best way to make boys learn their Latin verbs was to make them pull out
weeds for a few afternoons.
As the aforementioned Latin verbs proved a stumbling block to many, the work in
the garden went ahead rapidly and soon a respectable area had been cleared. It
was now a race against time and the elements, as the ground had to be cleared
before the Hampshire monsoons. Large gangs of workers attacked the matted undergrowth
every half-day.
On one of these days it was noticed by one and all that only a small portion of
the garden, bounded by "the Danube," remained to be weeded. All the
afternoon the cry, "To the ditch" was chanted by twenty pairs of lips.
After two hours a rousing cheer indicated that "the ditch" had been
reached. As the weeds were removed machines took over and the ground was ploughed
and harrowed and the rest of the small weeds removed.
It is very heartening to see the results of manual labour and having progressed
this far successfully, we hope to continue the work and make the Priory vegetable
garden worthy of its name.
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ST COLUMBA'S NOTES
Author
Unknown
from The Pelican, Christmas 1956, lent to us by Anthony McCaffrey
"Plus ça change, plus c'est la même
chose" might well be the motto of
St Columba's. Every year we see half of our numbers go, to be replaced by the
same number of strange faces; every year, too, sees some new faces at the Fathers'
table; and we wonder how things will ever be the same. And yet one year is strangely
like another; along the cool sequestered vale of life we keep the noiseless tenor
of our way. The tenor may not be quite so noiseless, the vale is sequestered,
as our visitors know, and cool, especially at this time of the year; but Gray's
lines give at least the gist of what we mean.
Among the faces seen no more at the top table are those of Father Boyd,
now in the Mission of Abercorn, after eight years at St Columba's; and of Father
Desrosiers, who finds London University tame after two years of the junior
Forms. They have been replaced by Father Sweeney, lately returned from
Bukoba, and Father Aucoin, who is carrying on the Canadian tradition of
St Boswells. We are also glad to welcome back Brother David, after his
two-year exile at the Priory; strangely enough he seems none the worse for his
experience.
The main topics of the term will be unfolded in the pages that follow; the students
will tell of them in their own words, so that it would be almost an impertinence
for even the Editor to anticipate; in any case, he could never hope to capture
the authentic note.
It is interesting, says Charles Lamb in one of his essays, to trace the course
of a mighty river; to follow the Ganges or the Indus from its mouth to the first
faint trickle in the hills. No less interesting is it, says he, to trace back
the career of a great writer; to follow his development back to its small beginnings—"to
the Gnat which preceded the Aeneid, and the Duck the Samuel Johnson trod on."
Here we are proceeding in the opposite direction. It may seem to the fastidious
reader that some of the contributions in our pages are of the same breed as the
aforesaid Duck; whether the little trickle will one day become a mighty river,
and be known to posterity as Op. 1 in the Collected Works of A. B. Jones, or whether
as The Snowman by Jones Minor, its hour of glory is transitory, is in the lap
of the gods.
Be that as it may, the little stream in the hills is often more attractive, if
less majestic, than the wide estuary; and it is our hope that the contributions
from our Juniors, though very much Mark I, will interest, or at least amuse, our
readers.
"There is a destiny that shapes our ends, Rough hew them how we will,"
says the poet; it was not of the Pelican that he was writing. The Editor finds
that he has plenty to do selecting material, without shaping it as well.
Rough-hewn and unpolished they may be—that, alas or otherwise, is the voice
of St Columba's. In forty years time these articles may be invaluable;
until then, may they give you pleasure. (They still do)
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ST ANDREW'S DAY
by Andrew
Cowe
From The Pelican, Christmas 1956, lent to us by Anthony McCaffrey
Besides being a holiday, St Andrew's Day this year
was something special—it was the first time that the whole community of
Monteviot invaded St Columba's.
After High Mass they arrived in a special coach—scholastics, novices, postulants,
old Uncle Tom Cobley and all. The Fathers of the staff, too, were there, all
except the Superior, Father Moorman; after all, I suppose somebody has
to stay and look after the house.
After a few moments of what the army would call fraternising, we all moved towards
the yard. First there came the Monteviot team in red, then the St Columba's
team in their blue and gold singlets and shorts. Was it big-event nerves, or
shyness, or what? Whatever the reason, St Columba's at first could not hold
the international Monteviot attack, who quickly chalked up a dozen points without
reply. However, a goal by Shevlin seemed to liven things up again, and
after that it was really a game. St Columba's had more than their share of skill
and speed, but in a game like basketball, height is an important factor; and
the scholastics towered over us.
The game ended in victory for Monteviot 32-18.
At lunch, both communities were mixed. With 35 extra students and six extra
Fathers, one would have expected the noise in the refectory to be worse than
usual, if that were possible. Instead, it was possible to hear what was being
said at one's own table—an unusual state of affairs. Perhaps it was that
the younger students were overawed by the presence of the scholastics; or that
they liked to listen to their elders; whatever it was, it was a most pleasant
meal,together.
After a decent interval, battle was rejoined, this time on the football field.
A cold wind was blowing down the Eildons, so that all but a band of diehard
spectators viewed the contest from the dormitory and study-hall windows. Once
again height and weight told, and Monteviot were the victors by 4-2.
When the players had washed and changed, everyone went to the 1st Form classroom,
where the desks had been placed round the walls, to form a miniature ballroom.
There, by the special request of the scholastics, a team of students gave an
exhibition of Scottish country dances, after Father Superior had given a brief
explanation of their meaning.
The music, the kilts, and the speed and intricacy of the movements thrilled
the scholastics, many of whom, being French, Dutch and German, had never seen
these dances before. They sat or stood round in admiration as the different
dances succeeded each other without interruption—the Duke of Atholl's Reel,
the Eightsome Reel, Roxburgh Castle, Petronella, Scottish Reform, The Eight
Men of Moidart, and Come Ashore, Jolly Tar.
Benediction, with the chapel full, and everyone singing, was an inspiring service;
and I am sure St Andrew held his head a little higher in heaven. Then followed
high tea, and we all proceeded to the study hall for a film show. All too soon
the long day came to an end, and we were all assembled on the steps to bid our
guests goodbye; and we fervently echo the sentiment expressed by one of the
scholastics: "Let us hope that this is the start of a nice tradition."