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We are extremely sorry that, owing to the sudden illness of his younger
son, Mr. Llewellyn has had to return to London, and is unable to write
‘From The Headmaster’s Desk’ in this, a most unique number of “The
Elliottonian”. For this is an Evacuation Number. And if it be thought
presumptuous to endeavour to continue the issue of our magazine in such
circumstances and at such a time, it is because “continuity” has been our
watchword and our achievement since we have been evacuated.
Woking received us hospitably, but scattered us to the four winds. One
party found itself at Maidenhead, another at Byfleet, another at Knaphill,
yet another at Old Woking. But a main contingent at the Goldsworth Central
School in the Goldsworth Ward of Woking formed a nucleus attracting more
or less strongly the scattered parts, so that first one and then another
were joined up.
Nor is this process finished, for the New Year should see the Byfleet
section once more with us, and there are still hopes that we may welcome
the prodigals from Maidenhead. So the Elliott School has continued as a
School, and that a very live one. It was found possible for eleven members
of the Fifth Year to take the Oxford Senior Schools Certificate, and that
under the name of “Southfield Boys”. We sincerely hope that their efforts
to preserve continuity under such duress of circumstances will be
rewarded.
It is most pleasant, too, to be able to record the favourable impression
made by the Elliottonians in their new home. From billetors we are
receiving excellent testimonials of considerate behaviour and good
manners.
But it must always be remembered that continuity in a school is a burning
torch passed from hand to hand. We lost our Fifth Year, and the Fourth
will soon takes its place. The traditions of the Elliott are ever in new
hands. Before the critical view of the people of Woking, and amidst scenes
far removed from Southfields, the greatest endeavour must be made to carry
on and to follow on, until such time as we are permitted once more to
assemble in our own hall and read yet again the familiar motto, “Manners
Makyth Man”. This assuredly is the best of all wishes for 1940.
W.R.M.
Note: this is a transcription of a
document at the London Metropolitan Archives researched and copied by June Broomer
(Austin).
Reproduced above is the original first page.
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