Taylorian 2020

106 A s Elizabeth Bishop said in her poem One Art: “The art of losing isn’t hard to master”; in the words of those developing skills in controlling a half-ton animal: “The art of equestrianism isn’t hard to master”; however, as the young gentlemen of Merchant Taylors’ who have chosen to embark on this endeavour will admit to you, “It is!” Littlebourne Farm Equestrian Centre in Harefield is owned and run by John and Caroline Dent, and we are very lucky to be able to use their high-quality facilities and horses. This nationally approved equestrian establishment is managed by award-winning BHS Accredited Instructor Ben Mitchell-Winter who, along with his colleagues, trains and supports the MTS boys in their riding skills, aswell as coaching them for the internationally recognised BHS exams. The numbers of boys joining the equestrian team at Taylors’ grows each year, with at least one boy riding from each year group, and lessons take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for differing age groups and abilities. This year’s BHS qualifications were awarded to Sam Taylor-Cummings, Josh Morris, Sanil Amin, Cyrus Limki, and Mrs Udell. Recent Open Mornings have featured equestrian demonstrations in the school grounds, and these have elicited plenty of interest from visiting families. As captain of the team for the last four years, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Udell for her enthusiasm and fortitude in guiding the young riders, and I would also like to thank Mrs Stubbs for her support – it is good to know that the team continues to flourish each year. James Fraser (L6) Sport Sport Equestrian M erchant Taylors’ this year continued its involvement in the Herts Swimming Gala. The Herts Gala series was set up many years ago by local swimming enthusiast and former Royal Masonic School teacher Brenda Prescott who, to this day, generously gives of her time and expertise as she continues to preside over proceedings. Running from October to March, the series was originally instated in order to provide high-school students with a competitive sporting option to help pass the long winter months when less sport was being played. In the ensuing time, it is fair to say that the Games and extra-curricular commitments met by our students have increased, meaning that those boys who do choose to swim often find themselves at far-flung venues late on a cold December school-night in addition to their seasonal Games commitment. As we do each year, Merchant Taylors’ hosted one of the galas on 21st November, welcoming some 150 swimmers from schools near and far. We unfortunately did not enjoy as much success this year as we have in the past, with the junior boys placing 9th out of 12 boys’ schools, the inters 10th, and the seniors 11th. That said, from our perspective, the success lies in the fact that these boys had the opportunity to swim competitively when they might not otherwisehavehadthechance.Theemphasis is always on competition, enjoyment and positive sportsmanship. Special mention must be given to our Sixth Form leavers who have swum with the squad for many years, namely Patrick Brown andArber Kushevica. Both boys have enthusiastically made themselves available to swim, even when they were facing many other commitments. They have been excellent role models for younger swimmers in the squad, and we wish them lots more enjoyment out of their swimming as they move on to university. Mr MW Pacey Swimming