We’re delighted to report that the Annual Dinner held on Maundy Thursday, was a resounding success! The new venue, the Tony Currie Suite at Bramall Lane, worked tremendously well and the catering team gave us great food and service.

 

President John Parr’s address was brief, as promised (10 minutes to the second!!) and we were left with plenty of time and space after dinner to move around and chat with old friends and new. 

 

On this point, it was great to welcome new OEs (and re-welcome some who had not been to the dinner for many years) on the night -  David Grunwerg 61-68; Rob and Bernard Baxter 66-68; Steve Machin 66-72; Kevan Judge 64-71; Richard Wragg 59-66;  and a special mention must go to Edward Huntley 53-58 who has been living in Queensland since 1962, last came to the dinner in 1983 and was a last minute addition, booking his flight only the week before to do some family business locally and he was keen to coincide with the dinner! Great to see you Ed and all the other new faces!

 

Mention must also go to our two most senior stalwarts, David Kirkman 43-53 aged 91 and Brian Hall 45-52 aged 90 for keeping the flag flying!

 

Ex-headteacher and ever a keen supporter of the Association, Michael Lewis, had the chance to invite everyone to the launch of his new book Flight from Prague, which will take place on September 19th at the School. More details to be circulated soon. We wish Michael well with what looks like a hugely interesting story of his father’s journey from Prague as the war was starting.

 

On behalf of President John Parr and the Committee we would very much like to thank you all wholeheartedly for coming to the dinner and continuing to make the effort. As those who attended will have realised, the only downside to the event was the number of attendees. 55 was the total on the night and is clearly a disappointing number. We all had a great night, of that, we are sure. It’s just a shame more OEs weren’t there to share it. 

 

As John said, please let us know if you have any ideas for the future. We know we have to move with the times so as everyone seems to be saying these days….” nothing is off the table!” - new date, place, time of day etc etc.  We certainly don’t want it to die but there is no doubt we need the support of younger OEs to keep it going. We are awaiting a meeting with Linda Gooden, current headteacher, to discuss plans and strategies for the future. We will keep you posted of developments. In the meantime, we’d be pleased to hear you comments. Check the new website for updates and contact details.

 

Thanks once again.

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P.S. Apologies re photos below - these are from 2022. We enjoyed the night so much we forgot to take photos this year!!

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