Blasts from the Past: Prize Giving

The other day, I was given programmes from recent prize givings for the school archive. Looking through them, I was reminded of how many prizes are named after people. Sadly, a lot of them died far too young: in war, in accidents, through illness. But when I think of them – for I, like the recipients, know the stories behind the names – I do not think of how they passed away but how they lived. Their love of music or drama, sport or computing, classics or history. It is a beautiful thing to create a gift in someone else’s name, in honour of something they loved.

Without passion for something, we are unlikely to excel at it. Or, as the then head master Frank Shaw said in his speech at prize giving in 1969: ‘No profit grows where is no pleasure ta’en; in brief, Sir, study what you most affect.’ In support of this philosophy, the school had, Shaw said, once again ‘extended the variety of courses open to the Vlth form.’ Shaw was also proud of what pupils and staff had achieved beyond the classroom:

‘High among the events giving special pleasure was the well-organised walk in aid of Shelter by which some £1800 seemed likely to have been raised. It reinforced one’s confidence that the great majority of young people were getting on sensibly with the business of growing up, as did the impressive and generally unpublicised work of the many boys who laboured to make possible activities of drama, music, societies and games. Without their help we should not be able to enjoy such notable occasions during the year as the pro­duction of “The Crucible” and the Choral evening, both with the admirable assistance of the Wimbledon High School. Notable also had been the many expeditions and tours, 13 of which had taken place in the Easter holidays alone, involving 230 boys and organised and conducted by 20 members of the staff.’ (School magazine, Summer 1969)

There are echoes of Shaw’s speech from 1966. That year, he had reason to be especially proud of the school’s academic record. 40 pupils (around a third of the upper sixth) had won a place at Oxbridge, and 25 of these were open awards (remember: at this date, in general, less than five percent went to university).  Yet Shaw spent more time highlighting what we would now call co-curricular activities. The breadth of games played, ‘dramatic and musical events of sustained quality’, the ‘ever-widening recognition’ of the Art Society Press, the high standards of the CCF, and the work of the Voluntary Service Unit (in which pupils helped older people and pupils from other schools). There had been trips to Snowdonia, East Anglia, Sussex and France. Whilst the extent of school activities has only expanded over the years, it is clear that the ethos and aspirations of today can be traced back decades.

I would have liked to hear Frank Shaw at Speech Day. Thomas Hinde, in his history of King’s, wrote: ‘his speeches on such occasions were never less than entertaining, often brilliant, outshining those of distinguished visitors.’ (If anyone could tell me in what spirit Shaw delivered the quip by W. C. Fields, that ‘no man who hated dogs and children could be altogether bad’, I would be most grateful!). Despite his talent for entertaining an audience, Shaw decided to do away with a formal prize giving ceremony. Although Speech Day would continue in the junior school, 1969 would be the last for many years in the senior.

I believe – although I could be wrong – that the next one to be held was in September 2014. At this, the guest of honour was journalist and presenter Vanessa Feltz who, according to the school magazine, ‘reminded the audience of some of the other qualities that are required for success in the outside world. As she put it, “remember to be nice”.’ Reading this called to mind the words of alumnus and governor Lord Ebbisham at prize giving in 1938. ‘A time would inevitably come,’ he said, ‘when the record of each boy would be examined and the question of character would come first. He felt certain that the boys realised that it was necessary to have in mind the highest ideals. He gave as some instances honesty, concentration, ability to keep one’s temper, commonsense, cheerfulness, and the desire for a good memory.’ A good list indeed. Lady Ebbisham, who handed out the prizes, suggested to the head master that, in memory of the evening, he should grant one day’s holiday. I imagine, had it been given, that would have beaten any prize!

As ever, if you have memories to share, or questions to ask, please contact me at archive@kcs.org.uk.

Dr Lucy Inglis
School Archivist