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The New Lectern
Wrought-iron is perhaps regarded by most of us as an unusual medium with which to fashion a lectern and, indeed, in churches, reading desks of wrought-iron are as rare as they are unique. A first glance at the new wrought-iron lectern, which now replaces its wooden predecessor in the Memorial Chapel, will dispel any doubts about the suitability of iron work when used with taste and skill for this purpose.
It had been felt that the squat heaviness of
the original wooden lectern was made all the more conspicuous against the background of wrought-iron around the side-chapel, which was added at the time of the unveiling of the new East Window, and that a new lectern in this medium would be more in keeping with the delicate tracery of the railings.
When Colonel W. J. Shoolbred, O.B.E., Commandant of the Army Apprentice School, Chepstow, visited us last year, he kindly promised that his School would undertake to supply a new lectern in wrought-iron. Mr Le Maistre was good enough to produce a most acceptable and original design. With no contact —other than the scaled working drawing Which he drew up—between designer and craftsmen it is greatly to the latter's credit that they captured so readily the concept of the design.
Not only did the Army Apprentice School make the lectern but they presented it to the School gratuitously.
Rising from a tripod base, and blending with the existing rails and gates, a cross-shaped frame of Celtic origin supports on the front a burnished copper sword. The desk itself is supported between the horizontal of the cross and two brackets growing from the rear tripod leg. It is finely finished in natural oak and bears on the bottom edge a small brass plate inscribed:
"Presented by the Army Apprentice School, Chepstow, 1956."
J.M.
The New Play Hall
Many Old Boys will remember the Play Hall, that maid-of-all-work in the School's accommodation. It housed morning, afternoon and evening assembly: acted as an indoor roller skating rink for a few enthusiasts: as a cinema during the two winter terms: a theatre at Christmas time, and latterly it housed the television set.
By no stretch of the imagination could it be
called a beautiful place. Decorated in off-white (not by design but by kind permission of our chimney) and a crimson-brown, and festooned with stags' heads, it possessed a stage of indescribable inconvenience and a back stage which was a nightmare. Almost devoid of ventilation only the enthusiasm of the actors and the indulgence of the audience made the stage productions in the Hall the tremendous success they undoubtedly were.
This session the old Play Hall went Into a chrysalis and, behind locked doors, the trans
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formation has taken place. The new Play Hall has now emerged as a well-equipped, light and airy school theatre with an apron stage of ample proportions. Back stage there is plenty of room and convenient access to the wings by properly built steps. The stage has been built at the other end and now backs on to the main building so that all dressing, making-up and washing-off can be done conveniently without developing into the appalling melee it was of yore.
The hall has been decorated in a contemporary style withi walls in two shades of pale grey. The proscenium is pale yellow with the arch outlined in grey. The curtains are a deep rust, as are the window pelmets, the latter echoing the shape of the proscenium arch. Modern, pale yellow Venetian blinds complete the windows.
Perhaps the most important improvement of
all is that the acoustics have been very seriously considered. The ceiling has been lowered, completely covering the roof trusses: the end wall has been covered with acoustic board and the remaining walls with a smooth hardboard.
With a school theatre second to none, school dramatics should go from strength to strength, and we look forward eagerly to our next production in the new session.
Christmas Crackers
It has been said that adversity brings out the best in people and it is certainly true in the case of Mr Mortimer and his happy band of "B" House warriors who put on their show— "Christmas Crackers, 1955." The Play Hall was out of commission and right up to the last they had little idea how, where or when their show was to be produced. But they worked on doggedly and ultimately it was agreed that a temporary stage be erected in the gym- nasium. As an improvisation it was really an excellent job but, of course, it could not compare with the old stage in the Play Hall, inadequate though that was.
We, the audience, sat down prepared to be indulgent and, if necessary, long suffering! To the amazement of all the show presented to us had pace, exuberance, imagination and real humour: not for a second did the pace slacken and how on earth Mr Mortimer managed it all is still a mystery.
J. Quinn mimed and clowned his way through the show with great success, and "Macnamara's Band" was very, very funny indeed.
Mr Muir produced his usual miracles of improvisation at the piano and made one feel almost sorry for those shows that have to make-do with an orchestra!
All in all it was a delightful evening, particularly for the audience; but I am fairly sure the cast had the time of their young lives, and no producer could but feel happy at the reception given to the results of his long hours of patience and hard work. With the facilities of the new Play Hall at their disposal "Christmas Crackers, 1956," should be quite a show!
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