One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows: 'Memories (R.S.C.) 1922-1924 I sat in Busby Library as a member of VII for 6 Terms ; from Play 1922 to Election 1923 my seat was in the far left-hand corner of this picture (a privilege to have chairs, no longer desks or forms!); from Play 1923-Election 1924 as First Classic (a little revived at that time) I chose a Chair at the end of the table by the window (we chose in order of seniority). We sat at the feet of I.F. Smedley (never ‘Snogger’ to his Form), a profound Classical Scholar, complete master of his subject, and a gentleman. He had (I believe) been Master of the VII since 1898. He was also a consummate master of English and a purist (Eg.- ‘Baptized’ not ‘baptised’, because derived from Greek root; conversely, ‘Authorised’, never ‘authorized’). We were taken in some subjects by the HM –not so great a scholar, but with the priceless gifts of enthusiasm, zest and appreciation. Our order for 1923-4 was determined by the result of Higher Cert. in July 1923. There were no promotions from CVI in 1923 so 13 of us continued for a second year in VII. Not caring to risk Election, 4-5 of us gained Open Scholarships.'
One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows: 'The ‘Dryden Form’ was kept unobtrusively somewhere behind the semicircle of seats for the Monitorial Council at the N. end of School. Few saw it there, and few cared. It was first pointed out to my father and myself by E.L. Fox when I appeared for my first Challenge in 1918. No doubt (likes so much else stored Up School) it perished for ever in the Blitz. The Form itself was exceedingly rough, worn by the seats of generations. In the dim light of School the letters could barely be made out (It may be noticed John Brown has traced them round in chalk for this photograph). To my mind it is open to question whether they were carved by the Poet or by his son of the same name (K.S. 1682-5). Nearby was cut in huge, deep letters ‘A.SLADE’. We all knew the tradition that it had cost him 500 lines for each letter (see L.E. Tanner, p32)'
One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows: 'Back of Grant’s 1918-24 A portion of the School precincts I naturally never once set eyes on during all those years. Except for Monitors (on official duty) no member of any one of the five Houses was allowed to set foot inside another. This no doubt Grant’s Yard (somewhat more specious than its counterpart up RR next door). The windows are protected by wire-mesh because of the ‘Yard Game’ played there, the counterpart of RR Yard Game. This was a kind of miniature football played four-or-five-a side with a rubber ball about 4 inches in diameter. A very fast game (and too rough for me personally). If the ball was ‘popped’ on an iron spike or (more likely) ‘skied’ into GG Yard next door, it meant an outlay of 6d, on another, if available. We would call, “Thank-you ball Grant’s!!” Sometimes our ball would come back, but not often. (GG balls were never skied into RR Yard!)'
One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows: 'Memories 1918-1924 In Dr Gow’s last year (1918-19) few boys had occasion to enter the HM’s house except for a Confirmation interview (as also under H.C.W.). It was different when H.C.W. came in 1919. He and his wife set out to entertain all boarders to dinner, two by two. I recall going in fear and trembling with an even smaller Under School boy- and being much relieved by the kind welcome we received. Monitors and Senior K.SS were later invited from time to time. While in charge of the School Coin Collection from c.1922 to 1924, I was allowed unlimited access to the landing where the Cabinet was kept. (This was a great privilege). I have also happy recollections of private tuition classes in Theocritus conducted by the H.M. in evenings of Play 1923 and Lent 1924 for KSS in the VII. These played no small part in the Open Scholarships some of us gained at that time.'
One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows: 'This picture would have been ‘posed’ by John Brown. As Under Election John he would have had to clear up the mess after Term, together with the long-suffering ‘Nymphs’ (as the two College charwomen were termed). I do not recall any such (rather senseless) ragging at the end of any of my 12 Terms in College (in any case, at the end of Play Term Under Elections, depicted here, were accommodated up Saignes). There was however one annual event on the last Saturday night of each Election Term, as an aftermath of the feast which followed Declams. This was Conveniences Race, a knock-out in which the Juniors competed in pairs, as a part of gaining their ‘freedom’. It consisted of a hurdle-race over towel-horses the length of Dormitory, out to Conveniences (Night Japs), to touch the door-handle there (a good bit of rough play took place here) and so back, cheered by occupants of one’s Room. Competitors wore pyjamas, and (an innovation I remember in 1924) top hats with white ties round the crowns.'
