SHENSTON IAN 88 - Old Silhillians Association

THE CAXTON CLUB
With a tremendous start to the year at Open Day, with the club taking over 20
orders in one afternoon, the pace hasn't eased up. We've printed reams of
personalised note paper, tickets for all occasions, business cards, the 6th Form Ball
menus and tickets, school certificates, and even detention cards! The busiest time
of the year was around Charity Week: with so much to do in a limited time, we
printed well into the evenings to meet the deadlines. My thanks must go to Miles
Turner, Stephen Urry, James Evans and Anne Pemberton, the club's first female
member. Good luck to James Evans, "cricketstar extraordinaire", who will be the
future head printer. However, with the departure of the UVI we now need more
members. Come along and try it — it's great fun, really! (IVths and above).
During the year we received a very generous donation of paper from a parent
(please could he, through his son, contact the head printer) of the school to whom
we extend our sincere thanks.
Finally, my thanks also to Mr. Melling who has been especially helpful- it was
much appreciated. Anyone wishing to place an order or join the club should see
Mr. Melling.
Paul Cusack
Head Printer
THE POETRY SOCIETY
The poetry society was formed at the beginning of 1988, and is run by Mrs.
Chell. A small number of boys attend the meetings, which are held in D1 every
Wednesday lunchbreak.
At the poetry society we do a number of things which involve writing, reading
and discussing poetry.
A great deal of work and time is spent writing and discussing poetry, but most
of the boys who attend the meetings like reading poetry the most.
S.J. Alkini
WATCH AND CONSERVATION CLUB
Conservation proved popular this year with increasing numbers of people
giving up their Sunday mornings (and in some cases afternoons) to help preserve
the countryside.
Many successful trips were arranged to assist the Worcester Nature Conservancy
Volunteers (WNCV). These trips were mainly to the Lickey Hills nature
reserves; Spinneyfields, Beaconfields and Grovely Dingle. The work undertaken
included tree felling, bracken basking, path clearing and protecting badger sets.
The weather was on our side for most of the time and everybody greatly enjoyed
the trips.
If you're interested in helping out keep an eye on the notice board outside F4
or see Dr. Sheffrin.
Alex Messenger.
SIXTH FORM CENTRE
A hard working committee have provided an excellent Sixth Form Ball and a
lively Barn Dance. The coffee bar has remained in profit and has contributed to the
centre's funds. The ball provided its usual spectacle of smart young men and
women but was especially memorable for the zest and enthusiasm of the
participants. Perhaps the new, and very effective, choice of band helped. The far
more informal Barn Dance was remarkable for its friendly atmosphere and the
determination by all to put into operation the instructions of the caller. Thanks are
due to Mr. Tomlin and Mrs. Keil for all their efforts.
As term ends the centre has been invaded by builders and surrounded in
scaffolding. The final result will be an improved and enlarged Sixth Form area. I
wish Mr. Brough, the new warden, and his new committee every success with the
refurbished building.
PJG
ELECTRONICS AND COMPUTING.
Much interest has been 'aroused this year in the use of computers to synthesize
and interpret human speech. This has resulted in a great deal of intermingling of
computing and electronics expertise. DAC and ADC had a bit to do with it; they
both came up with . very good designs on the bus!
At last, the first stage of BB's infamous robot is complete; it does not yet have
a mind of its own, but we're working on it! The result of much feverish wielding of
soldering iron and screwdriver, this creation of the 'Great Fusion of 1988' can
frequently be seen trundling menacingly,around the School terrorising all who get
in its path!
C.C.