A time of reflection and a few thoughts from the Head of Music have made it a memorable week at Rayner’s Lane.
We will remember them
THE normal cheerful and positive tone of the School was very much changed this week, as staff, pupils and parents gathered to commemorate the sacrifices made during the Second World War. With the traditional rainbow flag replaced with the Union Flag – ceremonially flown at half-mast – no one could mistake the sombre and respectful mood that pervaded every aspect of Rayner’s Lane.
Whilst the Headmaster himself has never seen ‘active service’, his admiration for old boys who gave their all is well known, and this was reflected in a poignant address he gave to invited guests assembled in the playground. At the end, his voice cracking with emotion, he delivered a clever re-working of the Kohima Epitaph:
When you go home
Tell them of us and say
For their today
You gave your today and tomorrow
Bowing his head he called for a minute’s silence, book-ended by the ringing of the School’s Cooper Bell – famed for its loud and penetrating ‘Bing-bong’.
With the formalities completed, it was time for visitors to experience some exhibits that pupils had been busy preparing to showcase what life would have been like 80 years ago.
The Red Cross tent was a particular favourite, with many people happy to queue for nine hours to see the doctor – thank you, Mr Streeting, for playing the part to perfection!
The Wartime Farm, which had been months in the making and should have been an important element of the celebrations, was shut due to unforeseen circumstances. Our Bursar Ms Reeves explains:
‘Everyone was extremely excited about our Farmer Brown initiative and a huge amount of effort was put into making it as realistic as possible. However, after careful consideration we realised that with the emphasis on hardship, anti-social hours and an unrelenting workload it was not an accurate representation of farm life. Most individuals realise that then, as now, the agricultural business is simply a byword for easy money and laziness. With that in mind, and wary of accusations of misrepresentation, we reluctantly decided to close the display immediately. We apologise for any inconvenience.’
Musical youth
This week we publish a query from Montgomerie T, Lower Vth
‘I would very much like to play a musical instrument but am happy to recognise my limitations. I feel that the piano might present too many challenges. Could you make some recommendations please?’
Ms Powell, Head of Music, replies:
‘Hello Tim and well done for wanting to take up a musical instrument. At first glance the choice of what to play can seen daunting, woodwind, brass percussion each with many permutations, but let me reassure you, with patient practice you can master whatever you decide to take up.
‘Usually when an absolute beginner comes to me with a similar question, I suggest that initially they would be well rewarded by tackling something simple, usually a dog whistle.
‘Dog whistles come in a variety of materials from inexpensive plastic through to the premium Jingye steel selection. Within a week you should be confident enough to play I Was Kaiser Keir’s Batman unaccompanied.
‘If you are feeling more adventurous, however, you wouldn’t go wrong in plumping for a small trumpet. This would guarantee you centre stage at any gathering. Good luck!’
Following this advice Ms Powell got in touch asking us to publish the following addendum.
‘On reflection and after discussing this with other members of staff, I realise that my suggestion to Master Montgomerie was ill-advised, and I should have thought through my guidance more thoroughly. Neither a dog whistle or small trumpet are suitable instruments in a novice’s hands. A triangle would suit him perfectly – a wide range available coincidentally from the manufacturer Jingye.’
Thank you, Ms Powell, for your wise counsel!
