SOCIAL A very successful social was held in the school library last November. The object was to enrol as many of the new leavers as possible before they got too far removed from their schooldays. There is some hope of a similar function next autumn. The Annual Christmas Ball was a different matter. It was very poorly attended an estimate of 60 people is quite generous and those who did bother to come did not seem to enjoy themselves very much. Again we lost money on it and we have doubts about the continuation of this function. 'Generally, the social activities of the Association seem to be stagnating. We have virtually one function a year, and this does not seem to flourish. What then are we to do? Give in to the general apathy of young people today with their "packaged entertainment" of television, or continue the frustrating uphill struggle? If there is anyone who feels inclined to join the struggle, or has any ideas to discuss, we should be glad to hear from them. FILM GROUP Our first film was completed and given its premiere at the A.G.M. We learnt a great deal from our first attempt, particularly regarding the importance of weather conditions. We "shot" most of it in dull, cloudy weather, and, consequently much of the film was dull and cloudy too. While we had spent a great deal of time writing scripts and timing sequences in the "Newsroel", the second film was almost entirely spontaneous and unrehearsed. In fact, a few of us suddenly decided to try our hands at an "epic". We chose colour this time and luckily a sunny day too and transported two van-loads of props and half-a-dozen people to a delightful location at Sarratt Bottom, near Chorley Wood. The setting was ideal a hill dotted with trees, gently sloping to a stream, complete with rustic bridge. The finished film, shown at the social in November, entitled "The Battle of Sarratt Bottom", is a dramatic story of a group of unsuspecting Britons suddenly confronted by a warlike Roman Legion, whose numbers have become somewhat depleted during their invasions of other similar, unsuspecting Briton encampments. After much hand-to-hand fighting, involving, apparently thousands of extrass, a glorious climax is reached with the wheeling on of the Roman "Piece de resistance", a gleaming, cardboard replica of a cannon, which actually fires papier-mache cannon balls (thanks to much research by our ballistics expert). Undaunted by this show of power, the Britons nonchalantly beat off the invaders with rolled newspapers and having watched the dejected Romans depart, by the bridge, of course, they settle down to a victory celebration, proving beyond doubt, that "audaces fortuna juvat". 48 THE A.G.M. The A.GJM. was held at the school on September 14th 1962, with the President, Mr. James, in the chair. In his opening remarks Mr. James -gave a welcome to all Old Scholars and in particular to some who had not been at the A.G.M. for several years. He also announced that three pupils, now Old Scholars, had gained State Scholarships in this the final year in which they will be awarded. The three are: Carol Home, C. Hobson and G. Pickett. Treasurer, Mr. M. Torrance, said the Association had over 50 in the bank. This sum included 34 set aside towards the cost of a future dinner. Officers elected for 1962/63 were . Secretary Miss J. Pye (re-elected) Treasurer Mr. A. Shields Press Secretary Miss M. Farmer (re-elected) Social Secretary Mrs. P. Shields Membership Secretary Miss A. Dixon (re-elected) First year reps. Miss S. Wilson and Mr. R. B. Twigg Committee members 'Mrs. M. Butcher, Miss J. Buck, Mr. M. Woodington, Mr. M. Torrance Staff reps. Miss Strickley and Mr. Thornton The Prospect Players' recent film was shown at the end of the business meeting and was a great success. OLD SCHOLARS AT HOME Eileen Pope is teaching at Lady Margaret Infants' School. She is engaged to Terry Durnin, who has secured a teaching post in Leicestershire, which he will take up in September. They hope to marry in December. Robert Hearmon (1953-60) has been posted to Aden where he will be attached to Middle East Land Forces. Margaret Gouldsmith (1955-62) won the Senior Girls' Long Jump title at the All-England Schools' Championships in 1962. Joan Haines (1954-59) won the Ladies' Motorcyclist of the Year award at Brand's Hatoh in August, 1962. Ron. Dennis (1939-44) took a posit as chief analyst with L. Light Co., Colnbrook. Colin Aber (1955 62) accepted a commission in the R.A.F. to train as a pilot. Jim Stockwell (1945-46) was President of the Ealing Chamber of Commerce in 1962. Joyce Edmondson (1946-53) has taken the post of Senior French Mistress at "The Dame Alice Harpur School", Bedford, from September, 1963. 49