WIMBLEDON AGAIN

For the fourth season in succession, fifty boys from our School were chosen to act as ball boys at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon. As in previous years they did their job well, receiving words of praise from spectators, umpires and players. The glorious sunshine, with not drop of rain during the whole fortnight, made conditions ideal for tennis, but the grilling heat had its disadvantages for both players and ball boys. Some of our boys were affected by the heat and Stephenson 174 spent a week‑end in hospital. Fortunately, when he rejoined us on the Tuesday, he was quite well again.

One of the players most popular with the boys was Schroeder, the Champion. After every match he said, "Thanks boys." We knew that his words were sincere, and his kindly manner seemed to spur us on to greater efforts.

An exciting incident occurred on the Centre Court. A grey squirrel, "tree‑rat" as we call it, invaded the court and interrupted the game. All of us joined in the chase and ran two or three times round the court before Johnny Knight managed to grab it. He had to pay for spoiling the squirrel's fun by being bitten twice on the hand.

"Gorgeous Gussy" Moran's panties" caused a flutter of excitement and a topic of conversation as popular as the weather at Wimbledon. Unfortunately, "Gussy" wore them only twice throughout the whole tournament. I must say that I sympathise with those members of the ''higher authority" who had the misfortune to choose the wrong day!

I had the privilege of representing the ball boys in the B.B.C. programme, "In Town Tonight." It was a most interesting experience and carried with it a certain monetary reward, which will stand me in good stead for the holidays.

School Captain J. G. James.

The Goldonian summer 1949