Student society guest stars: the Athletics and Cross-Country Club

This week, we launch our new blog posts series, where student societies will take over our blog in an interview setting. This week, we welcome the Athletics and Cross-Country Club. Special Collections will talk you through their history, and then take you through an interview with the Club to tell you the benefits of joining the society today.

Photograph of the women’s athletic team, c.1930s [MS1/LF785.6A9/0103]

History

The University College of Southampton Athletic Union (previously the Athletic Club) was instituted on 17th March 1924 with the following officers elected:

Chairman: Mr G. Grant

Hon. Treasurer: Mr. Glover-James

Hon. Secretary: M r S.C. Wilmot

These were all members of the College staff. George Grant, who had only been appointed as Registrar during the previous year, became a great supporter and advocate of student sport for many years. He was elected as an Hon. Life Member of the Students’ Union in 1929 and retired as chairman of the A.U. in 1941. Students were also elected to represent the following: Students’ Council, Cricket, Soccer, Rugby, Men’s Hockey, Women’s Hockey, Tennis, Sports Day (Athletics), and Netball.

At a meeting on the 24^th June 1929 the following decisions were taken:

– To prepare a permanent Cricket pitch, which required the removal of some elm trees and the installation of a pavilion.

– To obtain a quotation for the Colours Blazers. It was suggested that when the Colours were awarded the initials of the sports should be inscribed on the breast pocket.

Hartley University College Athletics Committee minute book and accounts, 1903-8 [MS1 A4089/1]

A request for improved changing accommodation at the playing fields in South Stoneham was presented to the Athletic Club. George Grant, Chairman, said that he would refer the matter to the College Council, but he further guaranteed that a hut of some description would be erected and ready for next season. It was agreed that the hut would be ready by 8^th November 1924 with a water supply, and that there would be changing accommodation for three teams of 11 and one of 15, as well as provision for serving teas.

On 31^st October 1925, the Athletic Club changed its name to Athletic Union (A.U.) and a Constitution was adopted.

Hartley University College Athletics Committee minute book and accounts, 1903-8 [MS1 A4089/1]

To raise funds for the A.U., a flannel dance was hosted on 1^st June 1929. This grew into a regular and more formal event, with the men wearing flannel trousers and blazers. It was attended by the Principal (which we now know as the Vice-Chancellor) who presented the various awards. Many members of staff, accompanied by their partners, also attended.

On 29^th November 1929, the College Council gave its final consent to the new Athletic Union. The Council realised the student body’s potential in taking on serious responsibilities and managing their own affairs, and they believed that the scheme would greatly benefit College Athletics, and the College in general. Dr. Claude Montefiore, College President, agreed to become the first President of the Athletic Union. Dr Montefiore’s wife, Mrs Montefiore, had bought eleven acres of land in South Stoneham and given it to the College. This valuable donation accompanied by her husband’s financial assistance enabled pitches to be marked and for a pavilion to be built. The ground and pavilion were given to the College under a trust that it was to be used for sport.

Other sports became members of the A.U., including swimming in 1927 and rowing and golf in 1930. In 1935 white summer blazers were introduced.

Little sport was played during WW2 but developments were made, such as plans for new playing fields at New Stoneham, and more sports becoming members, such as the Ladies’ Rifle Club in 1942. In 1950 the College purchased 26 acres of land at North Stoneham to be developed as playing fields.

The 1950s brought a couple of future cross country champions to the A.U. in the making. There was Martin Hyman, who went on to hold the British 6 mile record, competed in the Commonwealth, European and Olympic Games, and was unbeaten in road races for four years. He obtained Bronze in the World Cross Country Championships, and was captain of the G.B. Athletics team.

There was also Bruce Tulloh, who arrived at the University in 1956, and joined the Cross Country Club, which was of a high standard set by Martin Hyman. Bruce was known internationally as being an outstanding athlete who also ran bare footed. His achievements included breaking the British records for 2 miles, 3 miles (3 times) and 6 miles. He competed in the 1960 Olympics and also ran a sub four-minute mile. He won Gold medals at the 1962 European Championships and the 1963 World Games.

On 22^nd January 1963 A.U.C. established a committee to decide upon the recipients for the first Sportsman and Sportswoman Awards.

Developments in athletics included Tim Anstiss representing England in the Pole Vault in the Home Countries Junior International at Meadowbank, in July 1978, where he was placed second with a vault of 4.20m. In 1980, he was listed as the top of all British Juniors with a vault of 4.90m.

The 1980s brought great successes in the Great Britain Pentathlon team from Southampton University. This included Kathy Tayler, a first year undergraduate. She helped represented Great Britain in the World Modern Pentathlon Championships, and her team won Gold in 1981 and 1982. She also won a Bronze medal in the individual competition at the same event in 1982, and went on to become a television presenter.

Honorary Graduate Mr Roger Black, M.A., pictured at his degree ceremony in 1992 [MS 1/GR1/3/7]

One of the celebrities of the Athletic Union’s history in the 1990s is Roger Black. Enrolling as a medical student, he only ended up staying for less than half a year, due to going on to win Silver in the 1991 World 400 metres Championships, Gold in the 1992 Tokyo Olympics in the 4 x 400 relay, and Silver in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Achievements also included two Golds in two European Championships and two Commonwealth Games. He has since been awarded an Hon. M.A. degree and has presented sports on the BBC.

The Athletics Union today has up to 90 sports that students can get involved in.

The archives for the Athletics Union that we hold include committee minute books, 1924-63, with an index from 1942 onwards; lists of officials, 1930-66; list of equipment, 1945-50, and records concerning awards, results and trophies. We also hold photographs of the women’s athletic team and men’s athletic team.

Photograph of the men’s athletic team, c.1946 [MS1/LF785.6A9/0104]

We will now take you through our interview with the President of the Athletics and Cross Country Club, Mario Pulze, so you can find out more about joining this Club today.

Interview with the Athletics and Cross Country Club

1. What inspired you to join your society?

I had always enjoyed running and cross-country when I was at school. When I first came to UoS I was just running on my own because I didn’t know about the Athletics & Cross-Country Club but I did want to improve my training as well as run with other people. Then I found the Athletics & Cross- Country Club which was so open and welcoming to new members that I decided to give it a go and see what it was like. During the first couple of weeks I had so much fun and met so many amazing people that I ended up staying.

2. What can a student gain from joining your society?

Our club is open to all abilities so we make sure we offer training and enter competitions that cater for everyone. Our main goal is to offer our members a fun and sociable way to stay fit and healthy.

Our training allows members to improve and achieve their goals, whether they are experienced athletes or just beginners. We also make sure to enter a range of competitions to provide all members the opportunity to compete, no matter their ability. As well as providing training and competitions, we are a very sociable club. We run multiple casual group runs throughout the week and regular socials to allow our members to get to know each other better.

3. What’s your favourite memory from your society?

I haven’t been in the club long but I’ve have so many great memories of my time here. My favourite memory would be Varsity Cross Country against Portsmouth last year. The route was rather challenging but it was a great day out with the club and made even better by the fact we won making the post-Varsity social an even bigger celebration!

4. What are the key events in your society’s calendar?

The key events in the SUACC calendar would have to be some of the competitions we enter such as BUCS Cross-Country, BUCS Indoor Athletics and BUCS Outdoor Athletics. These events are enjoyed by so many of our athletes as they provide the opportunity to compete at a high level but also travel and socialise as a team. Varsity against Portsmouth is also one of our favourite events as anyone can compete regardless of abilities so we encourage as many of our member to join us.

5. What is your society’s greatest achievement to date, to your knowledge?

The club has performed well in many competitions over the last few years including our men’s cross-country team that were promoted in the Hampshire Cross-Country League last season. Also, one of our athletes, Alex Teuten, was even an individual winner in the BUCS Cross-Country Championships 2017.

Wellington at Walmer: “you will be delighted with this possession. It is perfect of its kind…”

Walmer Castle in Kent was constructed as an artillery fort in 1539-40 under the orders of Henry VIII. It became the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports in the eighteenth century. The post of Lord Warden was created at a time when there was no formal navy; the Warden was in charge of five port towns on the southeast coast of England and required to supply ships for The Crown. Over the years, the Castle was gradually modified from a military fortification into a private residence. Various Prime Ministers and prominent politicians have been appointed as Lord Warden; today the role is an honorary title.

Etching of Walmer Castle c. nineteenth century. iStock.com

The Duke of Wellington accepted the role in 1829. The Marquis of Camden wrote to him in August of that year, in a letter marked “most private” respecting the position:

I learn from my neighbour Lady Aboyne, that Lord Liverpool becomes weaker after every attack & cannot be expected to live long.

Upon the idea that you may not be aware of some circumstances relative to the office of Warden of the Cinque Ports – I think it right to inform you, that altho’ the salary was abolished in 1817, the office still exists, that a very trifling salary is annexed to it, but it gives the possession of Walmer Castle & the patronage of Dover…

[MS 61 WP1/949/20]

The incumbent previous to the Duke of Wellington was the second Earl of Liverpool who died in December 1829. During the first half of that year, the Duke corresponded with him respecting the practical matters of the handover. Liverpool instructed Wellington that he would write to the servants “to say that at present you continue them” [MS 61 WP2/220/28]: we don’t know for how long this was the case. He also had the furniture valued and on 8 July 1829 Wellington sent Liverpool a draft for £1136 10s to cover the cost; that’s over £125,000 in today’s money! [MS 61 WP2/220/49]

The Duke felt the Castle required some repairs and initially it was unclear who was going to foot the bill, since this was not a private home but an official residence in consequence of his position. The Duke dealt with the matter in his customary honest and matter-of-fact manner:

There is no doubt that the Ordnance both built and repaired this Castle; and the discovery would be made if the old books were searched, and it is certainly true that in my time we painted Deal Castle on the application of Lord Carrington. But I see the objections to such a system. If Walmer Castle is repaired at the expence of the Ordnance, the other buildings occupied as houses by the officers of the Cinque Ports must be repaired equally. It is true they have salaries. But I don’t think that would signify. It would not make the line sufficiently clear.

I think then that the best arrangement would be, that I should give the house the repairs necessary to keep the house wind and water tight under the sanction of the Treasury, to be executed by the Ordnance and paid by me, and with the permission to charge to my successor a certain proportion of the expense. Of course I must pay for the ordinary casual repairs.

Let me know if you concur in their mode of proceeding and I will put it in train accordingly. It is absolutely necessary to do something this autumn or the house will fall down.  

Wellington, Walmer Castle, to [Henry] Goulburn: the arrangements for repairs to Walmer Castle, 22 Jul 1829 [MS 61 WP2/220/54]

The Duke in fact had a guest at Walmer before he had stayed there himself. In May 1829, the Duke of Rutland wrote to Wellington respecting his:

“most kind and friendly offer of Walmer Castle as a styptic to my hayfever.”

[MS 61 WP1/1019/24]

At the end of his visit he again writes to the Duke, now in glowing terms concerning the residence:

I cannot quit this place, without endeavouring to impress upon you my sense of your kindness in [?persuading] me, with three friends to occupy your Castle. The alteration which even a sojourn of five days here has affected on me is marvellous and I go away as well as I can desire to be. I am quite convinced that if I had been here early in the month of June I should have entirely escaped the unpleasant visitation of Hay Fever.

You will be delighted with this possession. It is perfect of its kind, and I anticipate that your residence here will place you in a state of perfect independence of health and strength. I never saw a place better kept. The pasture is beautiful, and the garden admirably cropped – all possible credit is due to the house keeper and gardener, for their strict attention to their duties. I am convinced they must be excellent servants.

Letter from the Duke of Rutland to Arthur Wellesley, first Duke of Wellington, thanking Wellington for allowing him to use Walmer Castle, 6 July 1829 [MS 61 WP1/1030/32]

And Rutland was right in his prediction. While the Duke had grand residences at his disposal – Apsley House in London and Strafield Saye in Hampshire – he clearly had a soft spot for the Castle and he stayed at Walmer every autumn from his appointment as Lord Warden until his death in 1852 at the age of 83.

William Pitt drilling the militia at Walmer Castle, 1803. iStock.com

Why did Wellington like Walmer so much?  It appears that its coastal location was a significant factor. In 1832 the Duke reported to Lord Melville that the combined fleet was visible from Walmer Castle: the strategic position may have appealed to his military training. [MS 61 WP1/1238/15]

In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, sea air was considered to have great health benefits. As we have already heard, the Duke of Rutland found his visit worthwhile. The Duke’s attempt to persuade Lord Rosslyn to visit paints a picture of a seaside idyll:

Our weather here is delightful, and is improving daily. Possibly it might do you good to pass a little time near the sea. I should be delighted to see you and you might come to Margate by the steam boat with ease. Your own carriage might meet you there or I could send mine for you.

Copy of a letter from Arthur Wellesley, first Duke of Wellington, to Lord Rosslyn [MS 61 WP1/1186/24]

The Duke was always keen to have visitors at Walmer and entertained on a grand scale. Snippets from various letters give us hints about the sort of events he hosted.

• 

• 

List in the hand of Arthur Wellesley, First Duke of Wellington, of the people he has invited to dine with him that day at Walmer Castle, 5 November 1840 [MS 61 MS 69/2/103]

In February 1832, the Duke wrote to Lord Kenyon enclosing a letter he had written to him in November the previous year and neglected to send; note the reason for the delay:

You wrote to me in November last a letter which I received when I was at Walmer Castle. I immediately wrote you an answer which I never closed, principally because my house was full of company at the moment and I was much occupied…

[MS 61 WP1/1216/12]

Despite entertaining extensively, from a personal perspective he preferred a simple existence and lived and slept in a single room:

• 

• 

Letter from Arthur Wellesley, First Duke of Wellington to his confidential servant Christopher Collins. Collins should have a fire lit in Wellington’s room at Walmer Castle, hot water for tea and boiling sea water for his feet, 13 September 1839 [MS 69/2/15]

It is fitting perhaps, since the Duke was so happy at Walmer, that he ended his days there in his modest room.

• 

• 

Diagram drawn by William Morgan, 26 New Street, Brompton, of the room at Walmer Castle, in which Arthur Wellesley, first Duke of Wellington, died September 1852 [MS 69/4/1]

The Duke’s body was embalmed and he lay in state at Walmer until 10 November; approximately 9,000 visitors made the pilgrimage. He was later transported to London by military escort.

The stories they tell: student songs

As we move into another academic year and one that is rather different, this week’s blog looks at a consistent aspect of student life from the past – student songs.

The origins of academic songs can be traced back to the Middle Ages. One of the most popular examples is the 13th century Gaudeamus igitur (“So Let Us Rejoice”). As with many student songs it is a light heart composition reflecting aspects of university life, with the term “gaudy” (commonly used to refer to college feasts in the United Kingdom) believed to be derived from its opening line. Such compositions continue to be performed during university graduation ceremonies, in the form of graduation hymns, or sung at academic feasts, in the form of drinking songs. Other examples include fight songs, sung by student sports teams, or songs associated with student societies, such as rowing or hiking clubs.

The academic songs associated with the University of Southampton range over its history from the nineteenth-century Hartley Institution onwards and are a reflection of the period in which they were created.

The Oarsman’s Song [MS310/46 A2075]

The first item is an example of the songs associated with a sports society. ‘The Oarsman’s Song’ is attributed to Stephen (Steve) Fairbairn (1862-1938), an Australian oarsman, rowing coach and pastoralist. Fairbairn coached at Jesus College, Cambridge, Thames Rowing Club, and The London Rowing Club. He was a prolific writer and is considered to be the master of “sayings” when it comes to rowing. This copy is from a collection of papers related to the University of Southampton Boat Club. [MS 310/46 A2075/7]

There are several examples of College songs, this version – ‘A College Song’ – dates from the very early days of the twentieth century and is dedicated to the students, past and present, of the Hartley University College, Southampton.  The words are written by James Montgomery and the music composed by Charles T.Smith, a Hartley University College student from 1906-08. [MS 1/7/291/23]

‘A Song for Pedagogues’ comes from the Society of Old Hartleyans’ “Happy Days” scrapbook. The song was sung at the Society of Old Hartleyans’ Annual Dinner and was composed by F.C.Lunn, a Hartley University College student from 1914-16. The arrangement is based on “The British Grenadiers”, a traditional marching song of British and Canadian military units. [MS 1/7/291/23]

Amongst the papers of Miss A.Ellis, who was a student at the University College, Southampton, 1927-30, is a manuscript of the ‘Theatre Rag Song’. Whilst the second verse relates to wanting to acquire some “proper college knowledge”, the other two verses focus on food and drink, perhaps reflecting something of the catering available to students at the time. [MS416/3 A4201]

‘The Wessex Students’ Song Book’ compiled for students of the University College Southampton, circa 1942. The book contains a collection of 33 student songs, including another version of the ‘College Song’ which is displayed here. [MS 310/56 A3099]

Finally we have the ‘Southampton Students’ Song Book’ compiled by the Students’ Union Song Book Committee, September 1950. The collection includes most of the old Wessex songs, some from other sources and some written especially for this new song book. The thirty songs are divided into a General Section, Students’ Section, and Ceremonial. [MS310/25 A1062/3]

We hope that you have enjoyed this brief foray into some of the songs of the past and we would be delighted to know of current college songs or those that students remember from their time at the University.

The stories they tell: The O.R.T. Technical Engineering School, Leeds

James Parkes, whose Library on Jewish/non-Jewish relations is our largest and best-used printed special collection, was a great enthusiast for pamphlets, valuing the immediacy they give to contemporary events and issues. Amongst his collection is a 1940s booklet on the Leeds ORT Technical Engineering School, which tells the story of the last Jewish school to operate in pre-war Berlin and its transfer to Britain.

The O.R.T. Technical Engineering School, Leeds Parkes BZ 6751.J64

The Berlin ORT School had opened in 1937 to provide training in woodwork, motor repair and other vocational courses for Jewish boys, aged 15 to 17, who were barred from attending state or municipal trade schools. To provide some protection from Nazi attacks on Jewish property it had been founded and financed by British ORT, and, surprisingly, it had been approved by Adolf Eichmann, on the basis that its students would emigrate on completing their training.

As measures against the Jews increased and having secured the consent of the Home Office and the Ministry of Labour for the transfer of the school to Britain, Col. J.H. Levey of British ORT travelled to Berlin to try to obtain permission from the Nazis for the move. At the last moment the school’s machinery and tools were confiscated – their inclusion having been one of the British Government’s conditions for transfer – but despite this a group of 106 boys, about half of the students, and eight instructors, were able to leave Berlin on the 28th August 1939, most not aware that this marked a final farewell to their families. Britain’s declaration of war on Germany six days later prevented a second group from escaping. The school continued to operate, but in June 1943 it was occupied by the SS and most of the remaining students and staff were deported to Auschwitz or Theresienstadt.

School workshop in Leeds

Once in Britain, the students spent a few months at the Kitchener Camp at Sandwich in Kent, before the school opened in Leeds in November 1939, under the auspices of the Joint British Committee ORT and OSE, two Jewish humanitarian organisations, concerned with the training and health of young Jews.

The booklet provides a brief outline of the School’s background, going on to describe its courses, which were open to young Jewish refugees from other European countries. Options included welding, plumbing, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, carpentry and a market gardening course, open to both male and female non-resident students. The booklet also contained a request for donations – the cost of running the school being put at fifty shillings per student per week.

Room in one of the hostels

The amenities of the hostels served to demonstrate the skills that prospective students could acquire as the refugee students had carried out the wiring, plumbing and decorating and had even made some of the furniture. In their spare time, they could choose from a range of recreational activities, which included a school orchestra, choir and theatre. It was left up to individuals to determine their own religious observances, the school being “a Technical School and not a religious educational establishment”.

Kit required by students

The selection of the rules and regulations listed gives a glimpse of life at the school. Many relate to maintaining cleanliness of person and of accommodation as well as the importance of thinking of others and obeying room leaders and staff. Students were not to grumble about the food or to write letters to the press without permission. Going out without a hat – which must not be worn at an angle – was forbidden. Although not among the rules listed, students were also advised not to let themselves be overheard in the street speaking German or discussing the war, for fear of provoking hostility. Throughout there is an emphasis on the gratitude that the students should have for the opportunities provided by the school and the importance of doing nothing to discredit it.

Students outside one of the hostels

The School continued to operate until 1942 when funding it had received from the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee was lost. British Government policy meant that although some students found work or joined the Army, others were interned, some being deported to Australia. A research project on the school is planned by ORT UK as part of their centenary celebrations in 2021.

The stories they tell: Conrad Veidt

In this week’s blog post, we tell the story of Conrad Veidt, and his journey as an actor, showing items from our Conrad Veidt collection.

Conrad Veidt [MS380 A3064 2/1/20] 

Hans Walter Conrad Veidt was born on 22 January 1893 in the Berlin suburb of Potsdam. His impressive height, high cheekbones and handsomely thin face made him natural casting for sinister or figurative acting roles. 

Conrad Veidt as a baby [MS 380 A3064 1/1] 

Acting Career

Veidt received his basic acting training and stage experience from Max Reinhardt, and appeared aged 20 before World War One at Reinhart’s Deutsches Theatre in Berlin. Veidt acted here before 1914 and after 1916. During 1914-1916 Veidt served in the German army, with illness permitting him to be assigned to Berlin after 1916. 

His career in German film began in 1917, where he made his film debut in Der Spion. In 1919 he played the part of a homosexual in Anders als die Andern, which caused a lot of controversy. Veidt enjoyed a successful career in Germany in the 1920s, becoming one of the highest paid stars in German film. The 1920s showed Veidt gain international success with his roles in expressionist films such as in Der Kabinett des Dr. Calligari. This was his first major role, and by this film, Veidt had already been seen in 15 films.Others included Anders als die Anderen (Different from the Others), Das Wachsfigurenkabinett (Waxworks), Orlacs Hände (The Hands of Orlac). 

Conrad Veidt as Lord Nelson in Lady Hamilton, 1921 [MS 380 A3064 1/2] 

After forming his own company Veidt took to directing, with one of his works being the film Lord Byron. Veidt was invited by John Barrymore to Hollywood in 1926 and went on to star in 4 films during his time in the USA. He returned to Germany in 1929 where he continued his career.  

An anti-Nazi, Veidt left Germany in 1933 and settled in London. He became a British Citizen in 1939. Here he enjoyed a successful film career in British films until he moved to the United States of America in 1940. In this decade Veidt played his best known roles; Major Strasser in Casablanca and the evil vizier in The Thief of Bagdad. His final film, Above Suspicion, cast Veidt in the role of Count Hassert Seidel who assists an American couple spying for the British secret service escape the clutches of the Gestapo. Veidt starred in more than 100 films. 

Conrad Veidt in The Thief of Baghdad [MS 380 A3064 1/2] 

Adverts for Casablanca film screenings [MS 380 A3064 1/6]

Personal Life

He married three times, firstly to music hall artiste Gussy Hall; then Felicitias Radke, with whom he had one daughter, who are both shown below. His third wife was agent Lily Barter, who he married in December 1980. Veidt died on 3 April 1943.

Conrad Veidt with Felicitias Radke and daughter Vera [MS 380 A3064 1/1] 

The Collection 

The collection is formed of material relating to Veidt collected by J.C.Allen. There are eleven volumes of photographs, articles and copies of correspondence, c.1890-1991, compiled by Allen in the 1980s-90s; publicity photographs for Veidt, including for The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, The Thief of Bagdad, Jew Süss and Casablanca; film journals, 1934-9; recordings. 

Adverts for film screenings starring Conrad Veidt [MS 380 A3064 1/6]