Brighton College News

Brighton College Newsletter
Volume 7, issue 28 - 18/06/04

Prep School Speech Day
This takes place in the Dome at 3 p.m. on Saturday 26th June. The guest speaker is Duncan Goodhew MBE who was a gold medallist in the Moscow Olympics at 100 metre breaststroke. He is the author of a motivational book 'Sink or Swim' and will be an excellent speaker for both adults and children. A letter giving details of the day, which includes a slip to order tickets for the day has been sent to all parents in years 3 to 8. Spare copies are available from the prep school office (telephone 01273 704210).

Dimbleby: College Speech Day
The College Speech Day has David Dimbleby as guest speaker. Do please check with your sons and daughters that they have handed in your reply slips to Speech Day on 26 June. Experience shows that these can often lurk undelivered in the recesses of pockets or bags until after the event! A final reminder to all parents that the doors to The Dome open at 10.15 and admission is by ticket only.

Midsummer Ball
The Ball takes place on Saturday 3 July 2004. There are still tables available in the marquee (10/12 people). Tickets are Ł35 per person. Please contact Fiona Aiken on 01273 704250 or e-mail fiona@aiken.fsworld.co.uk

Gala Concert
The Upper Sixth music leavers are holding a Gala Concert at 7pm on Wednesday 7th July in the Hordern Room at 7pm. Tickets will cost Ł5 (Ł1 for students at the College) to include wine, canapés and a 'free' lucky number for the raffle. All proceeds will go to Macmillan Nurses. Please order tickets from Karen Smith, Music Administrator, Brighton College, Eastern Road BN2 0AL with cheques payable to 'Macmillan Nurses' and enclose an SAE. For further enquiries, please call Karen Smith on 01273 704341.

Pre-Prep Instrumental Concert
The Year 2/3 Instrumental Concert takes place in the Prep School Hall next Monday 21st June at 11.15 a.m. Children should arrive at the Prep School

Front Entrance on Walpole Road between 8.15 - 8.30 a.m. They are reminded to bring their instruments but no kit bags please.

1st XI beat MCC
The 1st XI had a spectacular win against a strong MCC side. In a 50 over match, the MCC amassed 289-9, with last year's skipper Chris Grammar scoring 100. In reply, Marc Gardner [134 not out] and Richard Young [82] put on 166 for the first wicket; Joe Gatting hit a quick-fire 44 not out to guide us to a fine win with nearly 3 overs to spare. John Spencer writes, "It is easy to go overboard about a great performance, but I honestly feel that, given the strength of the MCC side, this was the best batting performance I have seen from a Brighton College side in 23 years of running the 1st XI."

Queen's Birthday Honours
Two Old Brightonians were honoured recently: Gavin Henderson, Principal of Trinity College of Music and Chair of the National Foundation for Youth Music received the CBE for services to Music and to the Arts; and Clare Connor, Captain of the England Women's Cricket team, receives the MBE for services to women's cricket.

Romeo & Juliet
Brighton College Lower School Production Wednesday 30 June and Thursday 1 July at 7.30pm
Outside in the corner entrance to the Health Centre
Tickets from Reception: Ł4 for adults and Ł1 for under 18s

BCFS Tennis Day: Sunday 20th June 10am.-1pm
We are holding a tennis tournament at Badgers Tennis Club on Sunday 20th June. The emphasis is on 'social' tennis and we are hoping that all those parents with an idea of which end of a tennis racquet to hold will come along. A picnic lunch and a drink at the bar in the tennis club should round off a pleasant morning of activity. If you are interested, please call David Lowe on 01273 704222 for details.

College Field Day
The Senior School holds its annual Field Day on Monday 21 June. Outline arrangements are as follows: Lower Sixth are school-based for the morning and do Community Service visits as usual in the afternoon. The Lower Fifth have CCF and other service activities for the day. The Fourth Form take part in one of three History trips, leaving at 8.30. A fourth group has a specialist Hockey coaching course.

All activities and expeditions will return in time to catch buses at the usual time.

BCFS: Committee Members
Would any parents interested in joining the Brighton College Family Society Committee please contact Debbie Lewis on 01273 704339?

Pre-Prep Sports Day
The sun shone on the Pre-Prep Sports Day last Friday, setting the perfect scene for a morning of fun and excitement. This began with the "Nursery Toddle" in which parents joined their children in two circuits of the field (no mean feat for 3 - 4 year olds), raising money for Barnardos in the process. An impressive routine with the parachute by Reception was followed by a colourful display of maypole dancing, quite remarkable for 4 - 5 year olds. Children in Reception - Year 3 participated in a sprint race, Years 1 and 2 mastered "hurdles" and some Year 3 children elected to run in the 400m. Year 3 ended the morning with a lovely display of country dancing. Every child participated with enthusiasm and enjoyment, the Sports Cup being won by Blue Team. Finally staff, parents and children joined together for a well-earned picnic - enjoyed by all!

Summer Holiday Clubs
We are organising holiday clubs for Prep and Pre-Prep children from the 12th July-6th August. Both clubs are run by Brighton College staff and will involve lots of fun and sporting activities. Forms must be returned by Wednesday 23rd June. For any further information, please contact Melanie Rennison on 01273 704328.

Berlin Air Lift 2004
A party of 37 Lower Fifth and four staff have just returned from an excellent four day stay in Berlin; pupils visited key sites such as the Wannsee Conference Villa and the former concentration camp at Sachsenhausen as well as those more redolent of the Cold War: the remains of the Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and one of the last nuclear bunkers to be built. All this should have added purpose and meaning to the GCSE History course. Time was also spent admiring the cutting edge post modern architecture of the new Berlin, and some of the group were even able to follow the (mis)fortunes of England's football team on a giant screen in the unbelievably spectacular Sony Center. The past, present and future of Europe should now be in much sharper focus for those who came on this memorable study tour.

National Pool Lifeguard Courses
Brighton Swimming Teachers Centre operates Lifeguard courses at Brighton College throughout term time and during the summer. Two intensive courses (each of 6 consecutive days) will be starting on Monday 12th July and Monday 19th July. The course is essential for anyone who wants to work as a Lifeguard in a swimming pool. Candidates must have been over 16 years of age on 31st August last year. If you are under 19 years of age the complete course, manual and certification is only Ł15. If you would like further information, please contact Becky, Cathy or Pam on 01273 243955 or email info@brightonswimmingteacherscentre.com

College Distinctions
Week 7: Oliver Gorrod (H); Stephen Poole (H).

Second Hand Uniform Sales
There will be a second hand uniform sale on Saturday 24th July at 10.30am at 40 Wilbury Road Hove, BN3 3JP. Uniform for sale can be delivered to 40 Wilbury Road during normal office hours. It should be in good condition and of the new style, washed and ironed or dry cleaned and marked with the vendors name, telephone number, size and price, which should be no more than half the cost new. If garments are not of a suitable standard they will not be offered for sale and any unsold garments will be returned. Also Dinner Jackets and suits for wear in the sixth form would be accepted. No cheques or credit cards but cash only please. If you have any queries or could help on the day or have a hanging rail for loan please telephone Susy Carnaghan on 01273 748487 or 01273 206206.

Swimming Lessons at Brighton College
This summer, Brighton Swimming School will be organising swimming lessons for 3-12 year olds at Brighton College. All classes are limited to 9 children with all non-swimmer and beginners classes having at least three teachers. The lessons will operate from 9.00am-11.30am on weekday mornings, with a course consisting of a half-hour lesson every day for 5 consecutive mornings. Call Alison and Sam on 01273 705180 or 01273 321075 for more information.

Summer Cricket Coaching
Monte Lynch (Surrey, Gloucestershire and England) is running a cricket coaching course at the College during the Summer holidays from 19th-22nd July for 8-14 year olds. For further details, please call 01903 224032.

BCFS Sailing Day
This ever popular event is taking place again on Sunday 20 June from 9.30 am until 12.30 pm. We go sailing from the marina with Neilsons on 23 ft boats and it is a great morning for all ages. There are only a few places left at Ł17 per head, so call Jeremy Gilbert now on Brighton 389414 to book your place.

Pre-Prep: Distinguished Visitor!
The Pre-Prep was honoured this week to have a visit from the College Headmaster, Dr Seldon. He spent two days becoming familiar with the routine and workings of the Pre-Prep, visiting all classes from Nursery to Year 3 and chatting with the children over lunch. Although he was well up on his history, especially the World War 2 topic Year 3 are presently doing, he found the Year 3 maths challenge club quite taxing! He also failed dismally in his waltzing with Sue Wicks to the music of Tchaikovsky's "Waltz of the Flowers" as the children were leaving the Hall following the Award Assembly. More lessons at the Pre-Prep would improve his mental maths and co-ordination but it was great for him to see what his youngest pupils achieve.

Sports Review
Senior School Girls
Junior tennis players narrowly lost to Lancing on Tuesday. The U15IV drew 3 sets all but lost on the game count-back, while the U14IV lost 4-5. Jessica Trafford and Lucy Tomlinson did very well to fight back after two heavy defeats to beat Lancing's third pair 6-0. Stephanie Tyler and Lucy Turner unfortunately slipped to a narrow loss in the final set, having only dropped one game in the previous two sets. Senior tennis players struggled to compete on the astro turf at Eastbourne. Five Lower 6th pairs gave their best, on a very hot afternoon, but the opposition was too strong. The opposite was true in the rounders matches. Our U14 and U15 B teams both had convincing wins against Eastbourne's A teams. The Lower 5th, ably captained by Charlotte Grammer, won by 11 rounders. Nicola Holdsworth and Jenny Sheppard were top scorers, Katie Levey was the sharpest fielder and Heidi Shiu was the best all-rounder. The U14 Bs, coached by Mrs Gill, continued their fantastic season - the team has played 5 matches and won every game by an innings. Victoria Fry scored 10 rounders in their match and Georgia Lindsey and Philippa Lee combined to dismiss 8 of Eastbourne's batsmen as the team cruised to their 35-12 victory.

Senior School Boys
At the Dieppe International Fencing Tournament last month, Lloyd Jefferson was placed a commendable third and was the highest placed foreign fencer. Closer to home, Lloyd continues to maintain his second position overall in the Leon Paul Junior Series National League having reached the semi finals at competitions at Eton, Bude and Portsmouth. His next big challenge is the British Youth Championships at Cosford in July although being the youngest fencer, it will be more an experience and challenge as he will be up against fencers who are competing at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. Prep School Girls This week the Prep school hosted an invitation U11 rounders tournament held at East Brighton Park. In glorious sunshine eight teams contested for 'winners' medals and our U11 A and B teams thoroughly enjoyed pitting themselves against much stronger opposition. The 'A' team top scorers were Rebecca Harris, Tara Bhimji and Alexa Wood. Tara Bhimji also took four good catches and is awarded Full Colours for her excellent all-round performance. The 'B' team led by Captain Katie Boyle also achieved some high moments. Jamie-Jo took some superb catches in the deep field, Laura Smallwood made some thoughtful fielding decisions and Olivia Beeby was attentive and secure at 2nd post. The afternoon was a success and the final between Windlesham House and Westbourne House was close, Westbourne House just victorious 10 rounders to 8.

Prep School Boys
We travelled to Handcross Park to play cricket and won three of the matches. The under 9s needed 48 runs off the last four overs to win. Three sixes and four fours from Alfie Maynard brought us within range. With two balls remaining we required two. Dhilan Amin held his nerve and smashed a four over square leg to give us a victory by two runs. An astonishing finish to an exciting game. The under XI B team lost their game. Handcross made 180 for 3 and we reached 78.The A team won with superb bowling from Sam Smith (5 wickets) and excellent batting (32) from Nick Greenaway. The 1st XI fielded first and Handcross reached 104 for 6. At one stage we were 35 for 5 in reply. Enter Charles Davies to partner his brother Adam. They took the score on to 105 with just five balls to spare. Adam scored 67 not out and Charles 10 not out. Well done the team.

Editor: David Ollosson

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