Fortunately, for those of us looking back in time, the school's Old Sexonian Association, formed in 1925, decided to produce its own magazine, which was first published in 1926. These magazines can now be regarded as primary, historical sources and give us a great insight into what went on at the school over the years since that time.  The magazines have either been called 'The Sexonian' or 'The Old Sexonians' Magazine'. 

The Sexonian, 1926  (Archives)

There can be no doubt about it that in terms of the Sexey's school magazines, this particular issue, being the very first, is the absolute 'cream of the crop'! The Sexey's archives contain just one example of it and I only know of one other  in existence - what a find!.

This magazine's design, needless to say, heavily influenced all those that came after it, right the way through to the last magazines in the 1970's. One interesting difference, though, is the 'Lent Term' description on the front cover, as opposed to 'Autumn', 'Spring' or 'Summer' term found on the vast majority of the  later magazines. As with many subsequent school magazines, the Weston Gazette had a hand in its printing - I wonder how much they charged?

I have decided to show the first page of the magazine in its entirety. It appears they decided to have two editors, one handling matters of the past and the other the present. The occasionally amusing 'Editorial Notes' carried on for the best part of two and a half pages. 

This initial section was followed by a report on the Prize day held in November of the previous year (1925). From the Headmaster's report we are told that - 'This term we have 100 pupils in the main school and 10 in the Preparatory class, this being an increase of 12 on last term.'

This section went on to mention the numerous successes by pupils in a variety of examinations etc - I have included details of the form prizes here -

Forms V1 and V Upper: 1^st FM Gray ; 2^nd JR Parker.

Form V Lower: 1^st D Bowles ; 2^nd E Pitcher.

Form 1V Upper: 1^st V Robinson ; 2^nd N Webber.

Form 1V Lower: 1^st m Carter : 2^nd J Tyley; 3^rd J Poole.

Form 111: 1^st E Abram; 2^nd FJ Poole

Farm School: 1^st JM Robertson

These  were followed by a 'General Literacy Test' by Mrs Bullen who had been a former Senior Mistress. Mrs Bullen wrote out six questions that were 'only  to be attempted by Sexonians who were pupils of Sexey's from 1915 to 1921.'

The next article, 'Nutshell Criticisms', makes amusing but rather surprising reading as the author doesn't hold back and says what he thinks about the individuals that make up the school's Cricket and Football teams.

He said of Packer - 'A good bowler but apt to get 'rattled' if hit frequently. Must improve his batting.' This was signed 'E.E.' - similar 'no holds barred' articles followed for both the Hockey and the Football teams - interestingly 'Packer' came in for a bit of a verbal bashing as a member of the Football team as well! - ' Much too slow. Needs to show more speed and decision in tackling.' (Assuming it was the same 'Master Packer' I don't think he could have been too overjoyed at reading those comments!! - MJ)

Fortunately, the articles do give us the names of the pupils who made up of the various teams -

Cricket:- Walsh, Curtin, Burrows, Pierce, Packer, Fear, Moon, Norman, Passmore, Duckett and Todd.

Hockey:- Jennie Comer, Ethel Duckett, Ida Hansford, Amy Hansford, Mary Curtin, Winnie Board, Emma Moon, Mary Merriman, Phyllis Duckett, Blanche Hembury, Grace Deane and Marion Coleman.

Football:- Curtin, Packer, Moon, Binning, Cottiel, Norman, Robertson, Tucker, Durston, Burrows, Brown and Walsh.

According to my calculations (as at 2009) any surviving members of these teams would have recently been in line for the queen's telegram for reaching the magic '100'. (Does anyone have any information about these early team players or indeed know if any of them survived to receive their special telegram? - MJ)

The next article, entitled 'My Visit To Niagara Falls, Canada, 1921' was written by Old Sexonian, Austin Champeney who had previously emigrated to Canada. His detailed, three page article tells of the time he went on a visit to Niagara Falls.

The next major article was by Edward Smith, the school's first headmaster. Titled 'The Log Book', Mr Smith begins a three page article about how he became headmaster of Sexey's. He tells us that the candidates for the post were three men and two ladies who... 'were met at Cheddar station, by what was then known as 'Crease's Express' - a four wheeler, drawn by a grey steed'…

Mr Smith tells us that the candidates consisted of himself and his wife a Mrs Mackenzie, Mr William Aldridge and Dr JW Knife. The post was advertised was for both a Headmaster and Headmistress and these posts went to Mr Smith and Mrs Mackenzie.

In the afternoon the two of them along with Mrs Smith were taken to the small, local hamlet of West Stoughton where they were shown - ' an empty farmhouse and outbuildings with an overgrown derelict garden, a small lawn and a lovely cedar'…. Across the road a barn, with stable and cart-house below, an orchard, and a very fine Weeping Ash, quite 30 feet high….this was to be Sexey's Technical School for boys and girls.'

Mr Smith goes on to tell us that during that afternoon a certain Hurman Cock 'offered himself as first pupil in the school'. During the next three months, Mr Smith visited the Barn to watch developments. - 'At length, on August 12^th, 1897, the School opened its doors and 12 pupils presented themselves for admission, 7 boys, 5 girls, one boy as boarder. The Boys worked with Mr Smith in the Barn, the stable was their cloakroom, the cart-shed the carpenter's shop. The girls were taught by Mrs Mackenzie in a room of the house overlooking the Cedar. The first name on the roll of the school was Hurman Cock, the first boarder, Clifford Champeney.'

Many of the facilities at the 'barn School' were basic to say the least - 'The bathing for the boarder boys was a great problem, so a large iron bath was fixed up in the kitchen, supplied with hot water dipped from the copper and cold from a tank over the bath. That bath was used in other ways, for Mrs Mackenzie wanted 'Cookery' for her girls, so a top had to be made for the bath to form a working table for the making of Sexey's 'Rocks' and casseroles. Indigestion was unknown and life in general was very pleasant.'

(Because of the importance of Mr Smith's article, which runs for a number of magazine issues, I have decided to show it in its entirety  (ie photographed) in the 'History of the School' section - MJ)

The magazine continues with two poems, the first by Mr Bullen who had been a Senior Master at Sexey's and the second by J. Packer who wrote about his form -                              

The Mighty Sixth

The Sixth now reigns with intellect and 'swink',

With Upper Fifth to share its brighten'd bow'r.

All decked with blackboards, smoky stoves and ink,

Wherein doth sit the students, hour on hour,

And so display their knowledge , wit and power,

That they may goad the lower forms to work,

To labour hard and never try to shirk.

Distempered green with wainscot hazel brown,

Our realm in carbonate of lime doth team,

Which, when by careless step is trampled down.

The blame falls on the faultless Sixth I deem,

Which lives through all and still appears as keen,

This needing grit and absence of all vices,

To fight all 'Curious Constitutional Crises'.

Concerning French, the tongue we love so well,

Je ne dirai rien ici, monsieur,

Or History with sweet enchanting spell,

Or Algebra which causes many a tear.

But rather speak of Soccer, game so dear;

Our form can boast of pro.'s in number four,

A goalie, back, half, forward and no more.

…………………………………………………

Of feminines our Form contains not one,

And, therefore we can work in silence sweet.

So there, I've had my little bit of fun,

And now with great relief I soft retreat.

J Packer

The next article in the magazine list the names of the members of the newly formed Old Sexonians Association. It begins with a statement of its aims - 'The renewal of old friendships and the welfare of the school'. One of its members, a G Hole from Blackford suggested some annual activities - .. ' a special occasion must be provided to attract old pupils to the neighbourhood …. A summer meeting at this school is an obvious solution…A cricket match Past v Present…. As well as tennis for the girls… In the winter a good dance.'

The last five or six pages of the magazine were given over to 'Form Notes' written by 'Correspondents' of various forms. There was also a report on the Farm School.

Isabel Drake was the correspondent for Form IV, Lower. She begins her article - 'Our form mainly consists of new children, and a few of the old scholars from the Third Form, In number we are 28 - 11 girls and 17 boys. Though there are very few of the feminine tribe in this class, we are by far the cleverest.'

Correspondent, Joan Poole wrote about Form IV, Upper. Much of her article is about her fellow pupils where she feebly attempts to provide some anonymity by leaving out some of the letters in their names! - ' The most amazing girl in the Form is M-b-l Rog-rs, who loves making up poetry and turning up her nose when the mistress or master is not looking. The merry girl of the form and the girl who likes giggling is R-th Du-l-ing, but the teachers generally get annoyed with her laughing at her own jokes.'

Next came the 'Farm School Report' by F. Emery.  He/She begins - 'The sow and pigs getting into the poultry house is a very common incident which causes great damage. But, of course, it upsets the pupils very little, because a couple of handy voluntary carpenters arrange to miss some abominable lesson by coming over to repair the damage.'

The Lower Vth report was written by PM Carter. - 'Even in this noisy form, silence sometimes gets the upper hand of everything. We have won our reputation of being the noisiest form in the School and we do our very best to keep it up.'

The Form V, Upper report was written by VW Curtin. ' As a form we are unfortunate enough to share a room with the Sixth. At least one advantage may be noted; we are now able to make a careful study of several different modes of ladies' hairdressing. There are bobbed, bingled, shingled and even one Eton Cropped head. In fact, all the girls are disfigured in some such way.'

The Form VI correspondent was JL Burrows. - 'After the frequent threats of ejection from the VIth and Upper Vth  room last term, we are pleased to note that the Headmaster seems fairly satisfied with the condition in which we are keeping our newly renovated abode. We are rather devoid of humorists in our form this term, but L----l, the comic man of the Upper Vth, favours us with his presence occasionally….We are proud to state that we have amongst us the Football Vice-captain and the Cricket Captain and vice. We also possess three out of the four boy prefects and three of us are on the Committee of the Debating Society. This we consider is a rather good record.'

This report ended the school's very first magazine, which was 23 pages in length.

(Compared to the school's later magazines, of the 1970's say, this early magazine (and a number that follow it) seems to lack any form of 'political correctness' and, surprisingly, the children seem to be able to say what they like about one another with very little apparent editing. I certainly would not have expected to read some of the more personal comments that can be found within its pages - MJ) 

The Sexonian, 1927, (Archives)

The cover of this magazine was identical to the 1926 issue in that it used 'Lent Term' to describe its precise time of publication. Interestingly, on the inside of the front cover is the 'triangular' advert for the school as seen in the write up of the 1934 issue. In addition to this, over the page is the photo of the front of the school and hostel as seen in the school prospectus. Here it is titled 'School and Hostel. General View' - this suggests that the copy of the prospectus came from around this period.

Page one of the magazine begins with the 'Editorial Notes' and begins by congratulating Mr Abram - 'on the excellent progress he is making after his recent dangerous illness'. The article goes on to mention staff leaving and joining the school and continues to make somewhat amusing 'non PC' comments about a variety of things - ' We have just received official notification that our lady golfers have now completed the course at Burnham. A chartered accountant has been engaged to add up their score cards.'

Next is a report on the Prize Day of November, 1926. The Speaker was the son of the Rt. Hon. Henry Hobhouse who had been Chairman of The Trustees and Governors and was a key figure in setting up the school. Mr Hobhouse 'advised all pupils to make the best use of their school days, cultivate the habit of reading and learn to use their hands as skilfully as their eyes and head'.

A list of the academic successes was then shown along with sports caps and Colours - Jennie Comer received the Somerset County Hockey Shield.

Comments on the Cricket, Football and Hockey performances followed which showed that the Cricket X1 had 'excellent results last season'. Football obviously hadn't done quite so well as what followed was a full two page article by NTW, presumably a Master, outlining their shortcomings and giving some constructive criticisms on how the team could improve their game.
The Hockey article written by BM Herbert was a positive 'nutshell criticism' of the team players and gives us the names of every player. They were J Comer (Capt), E Duckett, G Deane, E Moon, P Carter, B Hembury, M Curtin, W Board, A Hansford, M Merriman and M Coleman.

There follows a piece of verse, some two pages long, written buy one of the teachers (NTW). (I am seriously considering creating a new section based on Sexey's poetry that is 'school related' as it often gives us snippets of information and glimpses into school life that would be lost without it - MJ)

The next article, 'Boys' House Notes', is particularly interesting as it gives us the names of the very early team 'houses' that were used within the school. I believe that these were the very first names for houses at Sexey's  as the article begins 'The Sexey's House System is now in full swing….' The houses were Hadspen House, School House and Wellington House. The articles that followed written by the house captains (all of which are girls - it appears there were boy and girl captains of each house) (in order, these were Grace Deane, MJ Comer and Mary Curtin. In 1926, School House won the house shield.

The next article was written by Edward Smith, the school's first headmaster, who by that time was the Rector of Enmore. His article, titled 'The Bishop's Cup', went on to describe how the cup came into being, Smith himself being directly involved in the process - 'In the year 1903 the Headmasters of Wells Blue School and Sexey's School, Blackford (Mr Smith himself) approached the Lord Bishop of the Diocese, Dr George W Kennion…. and asked him to give a Challenge Cup for (football) competition amongst the Secondary schools of Somerset. The Lord Bishop fell in readily with the suggestion.'

The next article was a description of a visit, presumably by one of the staff,
to the Ford production line in Manchester. He was very impressed by what
he saw. This was followed by Mr Smith's second part of his 'look-back' at
the background to the school's beginnings.(This will appear in the 'History
of the School' section and is not printed here.) Immediately prior to his
article was this photo of the Old Barn at Stoughton where the school first
began.

 

The very final page of the 1927 magazine was an interesting one as it was perforated down its left hand edge. This was a diary of the many Cricket events in the Summer term of 1927 and contained the dates of no less than 23 school cricket matches between May 11^th and July 23^rd. This had been put together by the Cricket Secretary, AG Duckett, with the intention that people would tear out the page and use it 'calendar style' as an extra reminder of the games ahead.

The Sexonian, 1928 (Archives)

The front cover describes this issue as 'Autumn Term, 1928' - the first not to use the 'Lent' description. On the inside of the front cover is the school's 'triangular' advert.

The 'Editorial Jottings' tell us that the editor in charge of the 'past' has now left and that the magazine is now under the sole guidance of one editor, Emlyn Brown.

Staff 'goodbyes' consisted of Miss Burwood (Domestic Science), Mr Williams and Miss Evans (due to poor health).Staff 'hellos' were given to Miss Bryer and Mr Knott.

The first full article was a description of the 1928 Prize Day which had been held on November 2^{nd. - 'Mr Abram was able to give an excellent account of continued progress in all the branches of school work.'…. 'The prizes on the day were distributed by the Dean of Wells, who gave a delightful address to the scholars.'}

The prize winners are too many to list but the 'Form Prizes' were won by the following - V1. and V. Upper - E Duckett, M Carter, A Hansford. V. Lower - D Board, I Drake, E Abram. 1V Upper- ? Rich, F Heal, M Duckett. 1V Lower - ? Puddy, E Porter, ? Cook, ? Thiery, . Form 111 - ? Gillard. Farm School - E Edney. Domestic Course - G Herring, O Withers. Preparatory School - ? Vowles, ? Williams.

There follows an account of Victor Curtin's experiences in Australia which comprised of extracts from early letters.

Next came the sports reports which included the usual sports 'criticisms' , this time of Cricket and Hockey. The school's tennis team were particularly good - 'Our tennis team was exceptionally strong and was successful in winning all the tournaments played against other schools. Colours were awarded to Winnie Board and Phyllis Duckett.'

This was followed by Mr Smith's 'Log Book' (which can/will be found in the 'School History' section) - it is titled 'In the Year 2' and describes the school based events of 1898.

An article by the school's Dramatic Society came next. - 'The chief event of the season was the production of 'Brown with an e'. Main parts in the production were taken by Emma Moon, Phyllis Carter, Winnie Board, GJ Tucker, FT Terill and A Rich. This was produced by Miss Thrower and Mr Peacock.

The following article in the magazine, written by Emlyn Evans, was titled 'A Great German University' and describes the university of Heidelburg and the various duels that used to take place there.

This was followed by 'The 'Past' Editor's Lament' and was written by Lionel Brown. The piece begins with a poem and finishes with over a page of reminiscences.

Getting out an Annual Magazine is no picnic.

If we print jokes, people say we are silly;

If we don't , they say we are too serious.

If we publish original matter, they say we lack variety.

If we publish things from other papers, we are too lazy to write.

If we don't print contributions, we don't show our appreciation.

If we do print them the magazine is filled with trash.

What in thunder is a poor editor to do, anyhow?

Like as not, someone will say we pinched this from another magazine - So we did!

Lionel Brown

This was followed by a poem (a limerick?) about the Farm school and was written by PR Packer.

The Farm School

On the farm, it is delightful to be,

As everyone there will agree;

What with feeding the hens,

In their sloppy old pens -

Well - you might as well try in the sea.

In the dairy it's a jolly sight worse,

When cheese-making we've got to rehearse.

And we try not to mutter,

When making the butter -

A desp'rate soul-satisfied curse.

Of course there're the cocks that we kill,

Their blood we must try not to spill,

Though it's really exciting,

When they all start a-fighting,

We 'ring' them and make them lie still.

We used to have plenty of bees,

But into their heads came a wheeze,

And, one winter, they froze,

From their ears to their toes,

Now, they lie in their coffins at ease.

But now I should think it's quite time,

I started to finish this rhyme,

So good-bye for a while,

And we'll still try to smile,

In the midst of this glorious grime.

Before the 'Form Notes' articles, a quick mention was given to 'Our Distinguished Visitors This Year'. These were, The Countess of Caernarvon, The Director of Education for Cypress and the Inspector of Schools for Palestine. The foreign visitors were interested in seeing how Sexeys combined its agricultural/domestic education with the academic side -Sexey's fame had really spread far and wide!

The 'Form Notes' began with the Lower 1V and was written by Eileen Mogg. This was written, start to finish, as a 'play on words' at the same time mentioning the surnames of class members. These were, Board, Popham, Duckett, Curtin, Wall, Coles and Hatch.

The Upper 1V contribution was written by K Puddy. - 'The numbers of the form have greatly increased since last year, these now being sixteen boys and nine girls.'….'One thing for which we must think ourselves lucky is the fact that we are amply supplied with blotting paper and pen-nibs. For all this we must thank our form Mistress, Miss Lewis.'

Notes from 'The Domestic Science Form' were written by D Carnell. She says - 'This course is quite an interesting one, and has attracted seven members …. We are unfortunate in sharing a room with the Farm School boys. One of the Farm School boys, who is also a prefect, is so tall that the Matron was obliged to lengthen his bed to prevent the frost from nipping his toes! The Farm School boys are frequently of assistance to us. For example, they killed the poultry for our lesson in 'Poultry Dressing'.

J. Binning covered the goings on at the Farm School. - 'The Farm School consists of nine boys …. We take many subjects apart from our farm work, but French, Algebra, Geography and Geometry are omitted because we have no examination in view. We have amongst us the best athlete in the school, namely George, who won the Sports Cup for us last year…. Amongst us we have a few brave men like Holliday, George and Henderson who, without a blink, can kill a chicken by dislocation. Last year the top of the Form was a girl but she has now entered the Cannington Institute for a course of farm work …. The Domestic girls, who are eight in number, take some lessons with us, and then the 'yapping' starts ….'

Notes from the Lower Vth were written by A. Rich - 'Nothing really very noteworthy happens in this Form, but, like a country without a history, it is a very happy one. Our Form Master doesn't seem to be very benevolent …. he has given us one nib and one piece of blotting which he expects to last the whole term…. The girls are very pretty. In fact, it seems strange that they do not enter for beauty competitions….. As a form, we are fortunate in not getting many punishments but the other day two of our 'good' girls were given a thousand words to do as a punishment.'

I M Drake wrote up the events from Upper Vth. - 'We are eleven girls and five boys. Now we are Seniors we have to curb our high spirits and set a good example to the Juniors. …. Congratulations to M Curtin, who has been again selected to represent the Somerset Schools' XI and to M Merriman, once more a County Reserve. Binning, the Hadspen House Captain, left us early this term to pull mangolds for Mr P at the Farm School….. We are losing our only 'plait' at Christmas, as well as two other girls, one of whom is the Head Girl.

Goings on in the Sixth Form were covered by W Board. -, 'The Sixth Form still maintains its reputation and consists only of a few select members….. we lost our only male representative …. The three members enjoyed a period of comparative peace….. We must heartily congratulate Vera Robinson on her obtaining Exemption from Metric, and so reflecting glory on her form. We wish her the best of luck in her college career. The addition of flowers and bulbs to our window sills, on the suggestion of our Form Mistress, is certainly an improvement…. Whilst speaking of Miss Evans we should like to thank her for her 'Punches' which are greatly appreciated.'

After a further two articles, 'Life at Halton' and 'A Cruise in the Norwegian Fiords' by L. Leigh and PE Denbee respectively, the 'House' notes began. M Merriman and F Poole, the house captains of School House started the article. -'another year has gone, and we have again won the House Shield…. We should like to thank Emma Moon, and Lane, for all they did to make our House a success, during the last year. This year we are fortunate in having for our House Mistress and House Master, two keen 'sportsmen', Miss Bryer and Mr Knott. …We congratulate Mary Merriman on being chosen as reserve centre forward for the Schools' County Hockey team, Ruth Durling on passing a music examination and Elsie Abram on passing one in Dancing.'

The Wellington House notes came next, written by the captains G Mary Curtin and H Tyley. -'The Hockey team have won their first match, the House having five members of the first eleven including the Captain. We also have the Senior Boy Prefect the Senior Girl Prefect, two other Girl Prefects and two Dramatic Society officials.'

Marion Carter and J Binning wrote the notes for Hadspen House. -'The boys have played one match against School House, when they drew, the score being 1-1…. There are four new girls in the House this year, and as two members have had their hair shingled this term, it is hoped they will not catch a chill this winter.

Following the House Notes came an article titled the 'Old School Association', written by Jessie Comer. Jessie summarises the events at the Summer and Winter reunions of 1928. -'The Summer Reunion was held at the school on Friday, June 8th and proved a very enjoyable day. 'Old Boys' played 'Present Boys' at cricket and won by a big margin… After tea everyone took part in a treasure hunt…. The events of the day wound up with a dance in the main school.'

Regarding the Winter Reunion -' There was a good meeting of members and their friends at the dance held in the Institute, Wedmore on Friday, November 30th….Music was rendered by the Harmonic Dance Band of Bridgwater, and their excellent playing helped the evening go with a real good swing …. The dancing came to an end by 2 a.m.'

The last two pages of this 24 page magazine contained a list of new Association members. Two ex pupils, William 'Spider' Tinney and Ronald Curtin were dealt with in some detail. Williiam Tinney had been an 'immensely popular' pupil at Sexey's from 1906-13. William eventually emigrated to Canada where he entered the church and was ordained in 1926. Ex pupil Ronald Curtin BA - 'fell in with a company of (gold) prospectors journeying to New Guinea…. The leader offered 'Ronnie' the position of geologist….'

The final paragraph in the magazine contained news of some of the past pupils.

The Sexonian, 1929 (Archives)

In the Editorial, 'Goodbyes' were said to Mr Peacock and Miss Lewis along with Miss Stone who left to get married. New staff arrivals were Miss Bussell, Miss Madge and Mr Sims.

The next article was the next episode of Mr Smith's 'Log Book' (This appears/will appear in full in the 'History of the School' section.) 

This was followed by the various sports articles, beginning with the cricket. Apparently, illness took its toll on the team although - 'we had our fair share of victories against neighbouring schools'. Colours were awarded to H. Inman. At football the team came third in the league, colours being awarded to Hill and Holiday. There followed a detailed account of a football match between the school and the Old Sexonians. At half-time the score was 2-0 to the Old Sexonians but the school managed to pull the score back to a 2 all draw by the end of the match. At hockey, the 'Old Girls' fared rather better and beat the school 7-3. At tennis, winners of the senior tournament were O Carnell and D Greenslade. Netball was also played with the day-girls beating the boarders 6-1 - 'largely due to superior passing'.

The next article was about Ronald Curtin's trip to Australia where he was able to meet up with his brother, Victor. Ronald worked for a gold? mining company and he - 'pegged two leases for the mining company and one piece of ground has been called 'The Wedmore'.

The article that followed outlined the Annual Entertainment which took place that year on the 12^th and 13^th of December. The entertainment opened with a comedy by the kindergarten class called 'The Little Man on the Moon'. Next came a one act farce by CE Jennings titled 'Five Birds in a Cage'. The concert ended with a school adaptation of the opera 'Maritana'. The headmaster was congratulated for the 'high standard of the orchestra and chorus.' 

This was followed by 'An Ode to the Cheddar Brake' by Philip Packer. 

The famous Charry now behold,

Its engine runs so sweetly.

Her bonnet, diamond-studded gold,

Outshines a 'Rolls' completely.

And there its body is displayed,

In racing style so bonny,

With strong oak, ebony inlaid -

It's driven by little 'Sonny'.

His gleaming eyes are shining through

The windscreen so crystalline'

The road ahead he has in view,

With optics amethystine.

The whirling wheels entice a ride,

With spokes all silver plated,

The seats and cushions found inside,

With silks are inundated.

But ah! I cannot well describe,

The apex of this splendour,

Perceive the students who imbibe,

The studies they've to render.

But now I think this ode is o'er,

My pen is running dry,

I'm sure that it begins to bore,

So - Cheddar Brake - good-bye. 

(These 'school-based'  poems, more commonly written in these earlier magazines as opposed to the later ones, give us some delightful and very interesting snippets of information about the goings on at the school at the time from a child's point of view. I for one am surprised that the school Brake was a motorised vehicle back in the 1920's. With Sexey's being a country school 'out in the sticks' I would have thought it more likely to have been horse drawn (as we know the earliest ones were) - it would be smashing to identify the exact type of vehicle this would have been - MJ) 

'House Notes' came next, this began by naming the house captains for the three 'houses'. These were - Hadspen House: Marion Carter and Douglas Thomas; Wellington House: Olive Carey and Frederick Porter; School House: Dorothy Board and William Holiday.  School House won the shield for the third year in succession. (As far as I can tell, School House was made up entirely of boarders, hence the name - MJ.)

The article that followed was written by Miss E Shire, who had been a one- time Senior Mistress at Sexey's but left to work at a Methodist College in Ceylon. She wrote a long, five page account of her experiences there. 

The next article, written by M. Woodgate, titled 'The Senior Picnic' tells of a cycle ride and ramble taken by about 30 senior pupils along with Miss Bussell and Mr Evans. This included a walk on the Mendips above Cheddar and an 'excellent tea' at Tynings farm before the cycle ride back to Blackford.

Jessie Comer wrote the article that followed about the OSA Reunion which was held on June 14^th. The day's programme opened with a cricket match between the 'Old Boys' and the 'Old Girls' with the 'Boys' eventually winning by 34 runs. In the evening - 'Edward Tucker and a few other Old Students gave a farcical play entitled 'Brown with an E'. Apparently, this very humorous farce was extremely well done. The day's activities - 'concluded soon after midnight with the singing of the National Anthem and Auld Lang Syne'. 

FM Heal wrote about the school's Sports Day which had been held early, on the 16^th of May so as not to 'interfere with the studies of the 'Oxford Candidates''. On this occasion a points system was used - 'This year, prizes were not given to the winners of each individual race, but points were given, six to the winner, five to the second, four to the third and so on, and at the end of the Sports, the person with the greatest number of points had the first prize.'  The Senior Girls first prize went to Mary Curtin and Ruth Board won it for the Junior Girls. 1st prize for the Senior Boys was won by George i (not a misprint) and Boulton won 1st prize for the Juniors. 

IR Packer followed the Sports Day article with the following poem -  

A Lament On Leaving School 

And how the years slip fast away;

How clear to me

Comes the memory

Of my first day.

The Cheddar horse-brake nears the gate;

How calm and wise

Those grey stones rise;

For us they wait

The School's year now begins apace,

Yet many have gone,

And more anon

Will fill our place.

And though my five years' stay seemed long,

T'was but a day

Of work and play,

Then I was gone.

Now I'd return if I could find

'Old' faces there,

My books and chair,

And the same old grind.

But though for past years we lament,

Let's look ahead,

And smile instead -

All time's not spent.

So to the past I wave a fond adieu;

A link was cast in that old forge - the School,

Binding for aye the old up with the new.

(As if on cue, this second poem adds to our missing knowledge of the School Brakes. The first line of the second verse tells us that five years earlier (1924?), on the author's first day at school, the Cheddar Brake had indeed been horse powered! - MJ)

The next major article was 'Prize Day, 1929', written by Marion Carter. This was held on Friday, November 1 - 'Mr Abram reviewed the events of the year and was able to give an excellent account of progress in all departments of school work …. 'Professor Cock, after presenting the prizes, gave what must have been one of the finest speeches ever delivered at a Prize distribution.' 

This was followed by 'Examination Successes' (with too many names to mention) although I will mention the successes in the 'Oxford School Certificate', these were - Marjorie Woodgate (with Distinction in English), Marion Carter, Evelyn Duckett, H Tyley, FC Porter, Dorothy Board, Emma Moon, Isabel Drake and Mary Curtin. 

The next article, 'Wanderlust' was written by ex Sexonian, Denys H. Robinson who'd attended the school from 1916-1918. Denys told of his journeying from the time he went to sea in 1919 up to the point where he became an Inspector for the East India Railway. 

The next few pages covered new members of the School Association as well as Births, Marriages and Deaths. 

The next major article was titled 'Egg Laying Trials', written by Robert S James who had attended the Farm School at Sexey's from 1921-2. Robert became Manager of Hampshire County Egg-laying Trials and wrote an informative article about this competition whereby chickens and eggs were judged and their owners awarded with various cups and medals.

The 'Form Notes' were preceded by a photograph of the prefects at the time

The 'Form notes' began with Form111 and were written by M Cox - …'one morning we had an exciting chase after a mouse, which disturbed our religious studies. Tilley caught it by the tail, thinking he could do a trick with it … We have six 'babies' in our Form and they all sit in the corner. Our Form Master has appointed a 'nurse maid' to look after them and promised to pay this person a penny a day. However, the wages have not been paid, neither have the duties been done.'

Form1V's offering concluded with some reasonably informative school-based poems along with the names of the students who wrote them. Unfortunately, it isn't clear who wrote the main article.

' Our Form is composed of 37 pupils…. We are very proud of our classroom with its antique furniture, wonderfully carved desks bearing evidence of the industry of previous occupiers and a very antique clock…. Above the piano presides a very well known gentleman - our former Headmaster- who, like a guardian angel, always smiles benignly on us….. Life in school is very pleasant on the whole - even detentions are not too serious.'

The clock above the time-table

Is always fast or slow.

And we are never able

To get the time, you know.

The bell it goes an hour too late -

French lesson is too long,

Then goes a clatter of a plate -

And soon our dinner's gone.

Then off we go to the tuck-shop door -

For there they sell pure pickles.

They always have a splendid store

The boss is named 'Ma' Nichols.

W. Gillard

Elegy Written In The Fourth Form 

The school-bell tolls the knell of parting day,

And weary boys do on their desks recline;

And restless, look upon the clock

To hear it slowly go tick-tock.

Our cheery poet on his pen relies,

For writing out some simple lines;

And still they look upon the clock

To hear it slowly go tick-tock.

The 1V Form clown who to his audience looks,

Whilst hunting for his scripture books;

Shoots 'Tuskers' with a click

- And still the clock goes tick-a-tick.

The 'Dormouse' on his seat doth sleep,

Huddled in a nodding heap;

-And still the clock goes tick-tick-tock-

Will it ne'er be four o'clock?

At last it comes th' awaited hour,

And out we rush at full horse power;

The schoolboy homeward plods along the lane,

Boarders alone are left to take the strain.

T. Williams

Jock of Ubley 

Our Jack he is of robust build,

With muscles firm and wide,

He goes down to the river cold,

And swims against the tide.

He is a pro' at woodwork'

And made a picture frame;

The master thought it wondrous work,

So on it put Jack's name.

The master was so proud of it'

He showed it on Speech Day;

It gave Jack's mother such a fit,

She nearly went dotty.

W. Gillard

A report from the Farm School and Domestic Science group came next - once again this article wasn't 'signed'.

'This term began with the 'awful period of apple eating' …. With the coming of the colder weather, one of our boys was told officially by Mr A. to 'clothe himself properly and to wear his pants'.

'A little time ago one of the chickens met a mysterious death…. Coleman, Kitley and Edie were closely questioned, but fortunately left the court (the stable) without a stain on their characters. The deceased hen was very popular amongst us and we all liked her pretty little ways.' 

Lower Vth's report followed - 'Our new arrivals since the last magazine was published, are two boys and a girl, the boys being J 'Percival' Todd and R 'Charlie' Mogg, the girl Elsie Studley…. 'Percival' is a good mathematician. Elsie is a brilliant linguist….'Charlie' is a keen footballer and he immediately found a place in the First X1.' 

A.Rich wrote the report for the Upper Vth - 'We are fifteen, nine girls and six boys… Several members represent us in sport. Six of our girls play in the hockey and tennis teams. Four boys are included in the football and cricket elevens….. We feel quite sure we should have more examination successes were we supplied with more comfortable desks. We find it difficult to be good and study always but to quote the Head ' the great day will soon be here, so we must push on - push on - push on.'

Next came 'News of Old Sexonians', compiled by the head master. Mr Abram mentioned a number of old pupils who had either written in or paid visits and some were complete with the dates of when they attended Sexey's. These were the Rev Tinney (1907-1914), WC Brookes (1908-1911), Neville Denby (1925-1926), Denys H Robinson (1916-1918), Gerald DF Robertson (1925-1928) and Robert S James (1921-1922). In the article, Mr Abram writes that the Rev Tinney moved to Canada and eventually became Principal of the Chooutla Indian Residential School in Carcross, Yukon. (By 'Googling' these key words it comes up with a website showing a  picture of the very school as well as articles relating to the (very contraversial) education of the Indians by the Anglican church. The school had an unfortunate end and burnt to the ground in 1939 - MJ)

'The Sexonian', 1934 (loaned by the family of JGW Foster)

This magazine and the other items that make up the article about the Sexey's war hero, Joe Foster (see the 1930's section) were kindly loaned by Pam Piper, Joe's sister. 

 Old Sexonians' Magazine, 1948  (loaned by Joyce Huett)

Mr Tomlinson's article gives us a flavour of the extreme pressure that he was under from the word 'Go'. It's no small wonder he felt he couldn't cope with the Farm School as well - its closure must have been a very difficult decision for him.

Mr Smith was also asked to make a contribution to this 'Jubilee' issue. His article begins with a lovely 'pen and ink' sketch of the Stoughton site - in the absence of any photographs this is probably the nearest we're going to get to a likeness of the 'barn school' on the website, although this does appear to be copied from a known photograph taken of the building in 1897. 

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