Unofficial Christ's Hospital Forum

Mid A 15 wrote:

shoz wrote:Is/was the Steeplechase an official school event or some kind of initiation for the benefit of the seiors?

It was an inter house cross country race(s) (junior, intermediate, senior) held annually in the Lent Term. Mr Tall may well be referring to training for the event which those that aspired to win it did. The rest of us were just grateful to get round!

Do / did the girls do it after the merger?

Was there a similar event in the Hertford days?

We didn't do cross country.

a) The school was right in the middle of town

b) We weren't allowed outside the school gates (might see a boy doncha know?)

c) it was far too individualistic, we only did 'improving' team sports and tennis.





We didn't even do athletics the first year I was there, maybe even the second, my memory is going.

englishangel wrote:c) it was far too individualistic, we only did 'improving' team sports and tennis.

I suspect this is why there`s little emphasis on cross-country at CH - "team" sports seem to be the major thing.

(And yes, I know cross country is run as a team in competitions...but you know what I mean!!)

Mrs C. wrote:

englishangel wrote:c) it was far too individualistic, we only did 'improving' team sports and tennis.

I suspect this is why there`s little emphasis on cross-country at CH - "team" sports seem to be the major thing.

(And yes, I know cross country is run as a team in competitions...but you know what I mean!!)

Yes I do. Strange that so many of us turn out so individual. I was far more 'bolshy' in Sixth Form than I had ever been lower down the school.

Then at Uni I definitely did not 'run with the crowd'.

Great Plum wrote:

Mid A 15 wrote:

shoz wrote:Is/was the Steeplechase an official school event or some kind of initiation for the benefit of the seiors?

It was an inter house cross country race(s) (junior, intermediate, senior) held annually in the Lent Term. Mr Tall may well be referring to training for the event which those that aspired to win it did. The rest of us were just grateful to get round!

Do / did the girls do it after the merger?

Was there a similar event in the Hertford days?

The girls have their own race...

I know you've all been waiting for me to comment, SO........

"Nothing like a good 'merger' with the girls !"

Seriously though folks, I don't ever remember doing a single cross-country. Probably banned now under Health & Safety rules.

I don't think so, they still do it where mine are at (state) school.

Great Plum wrote:

Mid A 15 wrote:

shoz wrote:Is/was the Steeplechase an official school event or some kind of initiation for the benefit of the seiors?

Do / did the girls do it after the merger?

Was there a similar event in the Hertford days?

The girls have their own race...

I can vouch for that - I remember coming 16th in the first steeplechase, don't remember the 2nd one and managed to get out of the last one

We didn't have a steeplechase at Hertford although they may have before my time.

Steeplechase is fun!

I am in training at the moment - although this 'training' is also due to the fact that I am unfit and need to get exercise in the form of 2 1/2 mile runs four times a week.

It is a shame perhaps that the whole school is not so involved nowadays. Even the 'fun run' is shunned by the eternal cancer stick users.

And yes the route is much modified because of Health and Safety (right so-and-so's they are). We (I think) remain within school property, although not within the ring fence. It's about 4 miles I think.

darthmaul wrote:Steeplechase is fun!

Which takes me back to my earlier posting! There are kids at Penair (11-16 comprehensive) and at Truro School (Independent all through day/boarding) who would love to tackle Sharpenhurst (and any other bumps, muddy bits or rough country at CH). CH prides itself on fitness and sporting prowess! How about a challenge match? Cornish kids love seeing other places especially one as different as CH. What is more they are pretty enthusiastic about their running and might inject a bit of life into things.

Who is responsible for cross-country these days? I see it is still in the brochure!! Perhaps, Luke, (or Mrs C) you could draw someone's attention to this posting?

Not quite sure who`s responsible - but will make a few enquiries!

Perhaps Johnathan could put the idea forward?

Steeplechase is fun?

I thought drugs were banned at CH!!

Great Plum wrote:Steeplechase is fun?

I thought drugs were banned at CH!!

Each to their own. I suppose it depends who you are following.

Matthew
I am proud of you.
Cross-country running ? Each to their own .... yes! My idea of purgatory. Was then .... still is. Scarred for life, no less.
Come on, folks, there is pleasure .... and then there is pleasure!
Reminds me of the end of Apocalypse Now/Heart of Darkness ...
"The horror! ......The horror! ...... The horror! ....... The horror!"

Mr Arthur Mayhew is currently in charge.

He is keen no doubt, but there is no more fancy dress...

HowardH wrote:Matthew
I am proud of you.
Cross-country running ? Each to their own .... yes! My idea of purgatory. Was then .... still is. Scarred for life, no less.
Come on, folks, there is pleasure .... and then there is pleasure!
Reminds me of the end of Apocalypse Now/Heart of Darkness ...
"The horror! ......The horror! ...... The horror! ....... The horror!"

Like son, like father!

darthmaul wrote:Mr Arthur Mayhew is currently in charge.

He is keen no doubt, but there is no more fancy dress...

Thank you for that, Luke - and a very happy (18th?) birthday to you!

PS - I note that badminton is one of your main interests - I hope you have found a reasonable partner?