In the Editorial of two years ago, the Editor had the rather unhappy duty of reporting the flagging interest in School societies, with the consequent disappearance of a large number of those societies. In sharp contrast, I am able to comment on an imposing and ever-increasing number of clubs and societies.

Under the guiding hand of Mr. Bax, the Dramatic Society has created a precedent this year by producing two plays. The presentation in the Easter term of Ben Jonson's "Every Man in his Humour", in spite of previous dismal predictions — mainly concerning "the unsuitability of this play for school production" — gained a well-deserved, if somewhat unexpected, success. In the Summer term "The Prisoner" by Bridget Boland was produced in aid of World Refugee Year, at which, although well played, attendance was a trifle disappointing. Nevertheless, a fairly substantial donation has been given to charity from the profits.

The Choral Society has extended its repertoire this year with the production of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's "Hiawatha", in conjunction with the choir of the Convent of the Sacred Heart. The valuable experience gained by the choir — and Mr. Tompsett? — was unfortunately offset by the financial loss that was suffered. Here one cannot help reflecting that it is a rather distressing state of affairs to be unable to rely on the members of the school to support their own efforts.

Next in importance to these, perhaps, the comparatively newly-formed Photographic Society made itself manifest in a very creditable exhibition at the end of the Summer Term. Considering the varied ages and abilities of its members, a high standard was achieved; this bodes well for the future of the society. "The short-lived Sailing Club" (to quote once again from my predecessor) has been revived, under the able leadership of Mr. Tipper; to such an extent that it is soon to have a boat of its own, the "Enterprise": built with as much enthusiasm as skill at Wollaston House. The Chess Club, which remained in obscurity throughout last year, has sprung into prominence this year by obtaining outside fixtures. The Hardye Society continues to flourish; as do the Scripture Union and the Christian Fellowship. Mention should also be made, in passing, of the newly-formed Classical and Geological societies. The model aeroplane enthusiasts make themselves heard after school hours; and, although as yet without official blessing, one feels that the continual buzzing of diesel engines is certain to be noticed soon, although it is difficult to foresee the result.

A large question mark continues to hover over the long-proposed school laboratories, which, in spite of the assurances of the Chairman of the Governors, remain without any visible sign. The only sign of building in the area, indeed, are the growing piles of chalk beneath Came, which themselves seem as yet completely pointless. Apparently, however, things are still progressing steadily, albeit somewhat slowly, in the appropriate channels; although I hesitate to commit myself on this point.

The Parents' Association continues to grow with ever-greater impetus. With the proceeds from various functions which they have undertaken, they have given a handsome gift to the school of a considerable number of gramophone records. The Old Hardyeans' Club, with the new and livelier blood recently taken in, continues in its attempts to gain closer and more permanent ties with the school.

The Royal Air Force Section was honoured by the award of five flying scholarships; while one Royal Naval Scholarship has been awarded. Our high academic standard has been maintained by the award of one State and twelve County Major Scholarships. Earlier in the year P. J. Short gained an I.C.I. Transfer Scholarship, a feat of no mean proportions. Besides these honours, the whole school is still basking in the reflected glory of the honours gained by P. J. Kemp and M. B. Bullocke at Cranwell.

Mr. Roussel has left us after his protracted illness to go into retirement in Sussex. We say au revoir to Mr. Whitaker also. Generations of Old Boys will remember his tireless devotion to the school and his gentlemanly demeanour at all times. However, since he continues to live here, we will doubtless continue to see his familiar form in and around the school from time to time. We wish them both long and happy retirements.

Mr. N. M. S. Roussel, T.D., M.M, B.A. 1944-1960

At the end of the Easter Term, Mr. Roussel retired from the staff owing to continual ill-health. We were very sad that this had to be and sincerely hope that his recovery will very soon be complete. We have to thank Mr. Roussel for many things too numerous to mention, but particularly as Housemaster of Hodges House and for his very efficient service to the C.C.F. in the Signals Section.

Mr. D. L. Richards. 1959-1960

was here for a comparatively short time, but he will long be remembered by those who knew him and we wish to record our gratitude to him for all that he did, and particularly as House Tutor of Heathcote.

In September four new masters joined the Staff and we welcome them. Mr. J. T. Bailward, B.A., Marlborough and St. John's College, Oxford, joins the History and English Departments.

Mr. S. C. Brickell, A.M.I.E.E., County High School, Leyton and Sunderland Technical College, joins the Maths. and Science Department.

Mr. P. Lanfear, B.A., Kelly College, and Trinity College, Oxford, joins the Modern Languages Department and Heathcote House as House Tutor.

Mr. J. May, B.A., Cowbridge Grammar School and Fitzwilliam House, Cambridge, joins the English Department.

1923-1960

D. C. Whitaker, M.B.E., T.D. (Lt.-Col.), B.A.(Lond.), A.R.C.M. Date of Birth 2.iii.1896; date of appointment 18.i.1923; Status: Deputy Headmaster 1957-1960. Note of additional qualifications Board of Education Teacher's Certificate 1921. (Distinction in Advanced Course Principles and Practice of Teaching). Date of leaving: 28.vii.60.

Such is the official record of Mr. Whitaker's service to our School. In the file which bears his name there are only two other documents, one a brief testimonial dated 1926 in which Mr. H. A. Francis pays tribute to his youthful enthusiasm and hints that with greater experience he should become an excellent Schoolmaster, the other a masterpiece of military understatement which bears testimony to his sobriety and good conduct while serving with the 12th Middlesex Battalion (18th Division) from 1916-1918.

It is not surprising that so little should have been recorded of Mr. Whitaker's many and varied contributions to the School, for he is essentially a man of humility, whose loyal devotion was taken for granted — perhaps the greatest compliment we could have paid him. Old Boys will have different recollections of D.C.W. Some will remember the erect dynamic figure of the Commander of the O.T.C. and others the Commander of the Dorchester Home Guard Battalion; most will recall parades and camps, field-days and Cert. 'A' boards, at which D.C.W. was the essential driving force — a poor phrase for he very rarely had to drive; men and boys alike followed his leadership because they could not help themselves, when faced with such infectious enthusiasm. Some will remember happy if not always melodious hours spent with the School Orchestra and may in retrospect marvel that a man so sensitive could have disciplined himself to accept what must have been little short of excruciating torture. Most Old Boys delight in re-living the exciting moments, of triumph when they succeeded in 'taking a rise' from their Schoolmasters, but few can boast such triumphs over D.C.W., for he was a schoolmaster who knew full well all the tricks of the trade, and who could on occasions explode with exhilarating indignation. All will remember him as a splendid and devoted teacher of English and many generations of Dorset men owe to his guidance a life long appreciation of the beauty of words both in prose and in verse. All will remember him too as a Schoolmaster in the finest sense of the word, a man who was never too busy to find a kind and sympathetic word of encouragement, a friend who could be relied on for help whenever it was needed, and above all a man of upright and challenging principles, which he did not shrink from preaching and by which his whole life was always governed.

Masters will remember him as an indefatigable colleague and, in his latter years, as the man who bore the full burden of the administrative minutiae without which the whole complex organisation of the school would have collapsed and still more, as a close personal friend always ready to work himself to exasperation for the convenience of his colleagues. Space forbids mention of more than this, but we trust that D.C.W. will accept this woefully inadequate tribute in the spirit in which it is written, and with it our sincere good wishes for his retirement.

Quas dederis solas semper habebis opes.

Other years of "The Durnovarian"

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