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Chalk, Richard Seymour, 1905-1985
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The Dryden Form

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)'

The Pavilion up fields

One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk as follows:
'Memories 1918-1921 (thereafter to Water)
By 1918 Elson was a venerable, silver-haired figure up Fields, yet with many years still to go. Over his many years he prepared and maintained a first-class Cricket Pitch. We were of opinion it was the second best in London - “Better than Lord’s, second only to the Oval”. Be that as it may, I head “Plum” Warner assure us (at a lecture up School in Election 1920) that one reason why we lost so many matches was that Vincent Square provided such excellent pitch within easy reach, so attracted many leading London cricketers; he also appreciated the sumptuous tea provided not only for Teams but to all visitors. (My only memory of Elson is bowling in nets)
Before the acquisition of the Boat House (1921) and Grove Park, pressure up Fields in summer was extreme. Boarders not in the Corps (I for one) played Cricket 5 days in the week, and watched a School Match on Saturday. I have memories of 7 games in progress simultaneously along the S. side of Fields. Once a terrific swipe from the end-most pitch narrowly missed me at square-leg. I had to chase it across six pitches, being cursed at each for interrupting the play! (Tho’ never a player of any mark, I nonetheless retain a love for Cricket!)'

The Refectory Wall

One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows:
'I think we called this corner (perhaps erroneously) “Ashburnham Green”. Unlike that of Green itself, its grass was sacrosanct!
None of us had any idea or appreciation of its architectural and historical associations (for which see L.E. Tanner, pp 24-25)
It did seem almost sacrilege to use one end of it for a Miniature Shooting Range - but where else could space be found? (On my return from India in 1945, I found School itself being used for this purpose by some persons, during the ‘Exile’.)
Westminster did not excel at Shooting. On one occasion we were bottom of all the School Teams competing in the Ashburton Shield - despite weekly visits to Bisley. However (a fact overlooked in School Records) G.C. Cobbold (RR) and G.W. Teed (A.HH) won the Cadets’ Trophy at Bisley in (I think) 1920.'

[It is likely 'G.C. Cobbold' refers to Reynold Chevallier Cobbold, one of two Cobbold brothers at Westminster at the time, but the only one in Rigaud's.]

The Stage and Auditorium

One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows:
'The sudden transformation of half of Dormitory into Stage & Auditorium mid-way thro’ Play Term was an amazing annual feat. (I have never fathomed where such a vast amount of gear was stored meanwhile). Under Elections migrated up Saignes, Upper Elections occupying their Houses. Combined with a ceaseless round of rehearsals, the dislocation caused to study and routine was immense, but also K.SS would never have it otherwise, regarding the Latin Play (with strictly Elizabethan pronunciation) as our bounden duty to our Royal Foundress. (What of KSS today??)
The fire-hazard in the Auditorium was immense. The whole structure was made out of wood and the only exit the narrow gangway (shown) beneath the ‘Gods’! There was one fireman on duty, he long superannuated.
Since almost the beginning of the century, the Play cycle had settled into a fixed Terentian tetralogy- Andria, Adelphi (1919, post War), Phormio and (euphemistic) ‘Famulus’ (olim Eunuchus)- produced on rigid lines by the meticulous Rev. GGS Raynor. Scenery certainly and costumes presumably (including those extraordinary ‘fleshings’ for limbs) dated from the previous Century. I acted Gera in ‘Adelphi’ of 1923, very capably produced by Rev. H.K Luce'

Westminster School Series AFB

This series of postcards depicts scenes from around Westminster School. They were numbered by R.S. Chalk (OW), who penned the following note regarding the series in 1976:

"Westminster School Postcards c.1911
(Purchased up Suts. c.1923)
1,2 - Staff
3-12 - School & Busby Library etc.
13-19 - College
20 - 25 Ashburnham & Library
26-31 - Yard, Rigaud's, Grant's
32-33 - Dean's Yard
34-36 - College Hall
37,38 - Science Labs
39-44 - Fields and Gym
45-47 - O.T.C.
48 - Carpenter's Shop

It would seem 9 of the original 57 p.c.s are missing. These included (i) Interior of Suts (alas!); (2) Art School (memories of incredible character W. Kneen); (3) Ashburnham Staircase (? two); (4) Fields); also perhaps a second view of College Garden
R.S.C, 1976"

Chalk annotated the back of the postcards he had in his possession. These annotations are included in each record for which they are present.
Each postcard in this series is marked 'Westminster School Series AFB' on the reverse. While the meaning of 'AFB' is uncertain, it is possible it may refer to the initials of the photographer, who is potentially a College John named Arthur Brown. This speculation is drawn from information included in Chalk's captions.

"Westminsters" Patronize Charterhouse Tuck Shop

One copy annotated on reverse by R.S. Chalk, as follows:
'“Charterhouse is our big match” I was told as a new boy in 1918, “and they generally beat us”. Too true!
It was not until 1974 that I paid a brief visit to Charterhouse, and in view of all those wonderful games facilities on their doorstep, I marvelled we were ever able to hold up our heads before a School nearly double our size. Yet in days of Taylor & Lowe, we did.
I have vivid memories of a nail-biting last cricket draw in 1920, very much in our favour, when I.A.W. Gilliatt alone saved Charterhouse.
Better by far in 1922 - when Taylor and Lowe shot out Charterhouse to 25 (!!) and themselves knocked off the runs required before lunch! I arrived (alas, none too soon!) in time to see the last wicket fall at 18. (If only McBride could have held that catch in the long-field at that total!)
Then - Football, I witnessed that agonising goal-less draw in 1923 *(actually (I see) a lost 0-1), played (for some reason) not on Big Game Ground but B Ground. We had the better of the play. In the second half the Charterhouse goal-keeper lay on the ball. Our 3 inside-forwards proceeded to propel him into the goal with their feet (legitimate in those days). But the Ref: “fearing he might be hurt” blew the whistle and saved him and Charterhouse.'

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