ORWELL HOUSE: In winter term 1961 Orwell House (and Berners) changed from a Junior School under Fred Mudd to a Senior School with Derek Thornbery in charge.* With his inspiration (and perspiration) a majority of the house's pupils took up an instrument and Orwell House became famous for its musical reputation, to the point where it was able to put on high quality concerts on its own. Even we immature oiks at the time could appreciate what an extraordinary achievement this was.

*note from John Gardner: "I remember this as we were the last intake (1959) to undergo a full cycle through the Junior Houses."