THE SCHOOL MAGAZINE

Summer 1962

PREFECTS' SOCIAL BY Vera Moxon

One evening early in April the school prefects held a social in the hall. The guests were members of the staff and friends of the prefects and the occasion was voted, a smash hit by everyone. The music for the evening was provided by a group of fifth form boys and some members of staff almost "twisted the night away". The delicious buffet supper was prepared by members of the fifth form domestic science group. Mrs. Cohen presented the raffle prizes and Mr. Keckwick seemed to have an abundance of winning numbers. The social finished, about 10-45p.m. and the Prefects were well satisfied with their first attempt at organising a party for eighty guests.

THE SCHOOL CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA
by David Johnson (5J)

Our School Choir has done very well since the last publication of the School Magazine. Not only have the choir delighted us with their singing in assembly, but it seems that they also delighted the judges at the North London Festival, where they gained a Certificate of Merit. The choir have also been represented in the Tottenham Schools' Festival at the Municipal Hall. Such a high standard of performance on the part of the choir is the direct result of the expert tuition given to them by Miss Flowers at choir practice, which takes place every Wednesday after school.

The School Orchestra too has maintained its very good Musical Standard. Although it has not been performing publicly this term, much hard practising has been taking place at their rehearsals every Monday after school.

The orchestra comprises:-

Violins: B. Bailey, M. Chambers, C. Dean, C. Kelly, M. Potts, V. Wilson, R. Calderelli, C. Hall, B. Sheff, E. Manning, G. Watsham, P. Warren.

Viola: J. Matthews.

Cellos: D. Masters, D. Johnson.

Double Bass: D. Hudgell.

Recorders: G. Brown, G. Cork, P. Priest, J. Baker.

Wind Section: G. Ellis, A. Creasy, E. Rowely.

Piano: C. Martin.

B. Bailey, E. Hudgell, D. Johnson, G. Ellis, E. Rowely and C. Martin deserve special mention for their regular attendance at rehearsals.

Next term will be a strenuous one for both Choir and Orchestra with Prize Day so near. But if the standard of performance is as good as it was last year, when choir and orchestra performed, among other pieces, the rousing Pilgrims Chorus from Tannhauser by Wagner, then all the work will not have been in vain.

DOWNHILLS CENTRAL SCHOOL CHRISTIAN UNION
by Ken Carveley (5D

In November, 1960, it was suggested by Edna Walker, now an old scholar, that a Christian Group be formed in this school. In July, 1951, Edna left school and I took over as Christian Union Secretary. Edna then suggested that our Christian Union should join the Scripture Union, a world-wide organisation whose main object is to help people to read and understand the Bible. Before this could become a reality, our membership had to increase, since we only had about ten members.

On the 15th November, 1961, we became a branch of the Scripture Union with a membership of 36, though we still retained the name of Christian Union. We had been asked to join the Inter-Schools Christian Fellowship, an organisation founded by the S.U. This we did on 27th February, 1962. An even closer bond was made when I became a member of the North East London Committee of the I.S.C.F. in June.

With our present membership of 50, our numbers are steadily increasing; and we are certain it is not by our own efforts but the Spirit who works through us. In the past year we have made many friends including Sister Z. Moody of the Wesley and Deaconess order, the Rev. J. W. Jordan, President of the Tottenham Free Church Council, the Rev. J. F. Balchin and Miss. K. Jack, a travelling secretary of the S.U. together with many S.U. Staff at headquarters and teachers and pupils of North London Schools.

Our latest venture was a ramble from Welwyn to Hertford. We walked 11.5 miles. Miss Sinclair took her cine-camera and we now have a record on film of this very pleasant Saturday in June.

We do enjoy ourselves! And find our fellowship invaluable. Don't forget you arc invited to join the Christian Union; just pop in any Thursday evening after school.

DOWNHILLS SCHOOL PLAY by R.S.

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday May 31st, June 1st, 2nd; the Drama Club presented "The Government Inspector" by Nicolai Gogol in the School Hall. The venture was a resounding success and the producer Mr. A. S. Jaques and the cast of boys and girls of the School are to be congratulated.

The play which is a period piece and a comedy, is set in early nineteenth century Russia. Hence it was only by dint of some very talented performances, very hard work in rehearsal that the play was brought back to such vigorous life.

The entire play is based on mistaken identity and on the panic caused - for good reasons - among the Officials of the towns headed by the Mayor when a hint is dropped that the Inspector-General is coming incognito from St. Petersburg. Such is the consternation of the inept officials that they take Khlestakov, a smartly dressed windbag, to be the Government Inspector. Jeffrey Thompson gave an admirable performance in this latter part. The part of the Mayor, which was the longest and most difficult, was played by Colin Jarman. He deserves great praise for a very commendable effort.

Robert Lockyer, the School Superintendent; Christine Rudd his wife; District Judge, Robert Morgan; Charity Commissioner, Richard Goold; Postmaster, Ian MacNab; Town Landowners, Kenneth Willis and Anthony Dring all gave of their best, and deserve the warmest praise. Other fine performances were given by Michael Corbyn as Yosif, Khlestakov's servant; by Frances Cox, and Barbara Jones as the Mayor's wife and daughter, ably supported in smaller parts by Jacqueline Farrow and June Astill, by Peter Lowman, Colin Berry, Paul Warren, Graham Waite, James Franklin and John Wigley.

The period of the play gives a fine opportunity for some colourful and attractive costumes, and despite the inadequacy of the stage, the scenery, lighting and music were very effective.

Special mention is due to David Harvey, the extremely efficient Stage Manager, and his team.

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