As I pen another tome, looking out over the fair City, (bus-gates, road works and tourist hoards notwithstanding!), the sky is blue and it hasn't rained for 4 days, something of a record in these parts! An omen perhaps for the Events list for 2001 which is overleaf.
AGM. Seems a long time ago, but we were quorate. The retiring President was unable to be present due to falling at the 18th, hole not fence, and therefore had his leg in plaster. A dangerous game, this golf! The Committee did catch up with him in April to present a commemorative plate for his two years service. Mick Moore chaired the meeting in Tony's absence. Reports were presented, accounts examined, questions answered. Officers were re-elected and Len Dyer, one of the infamous '49ers, was installed as President. His is the 48th name in the Presidents Book according to it's keeper, Pete Jenkins. Don Boynette was added to the Committee; nobody told him the penalty for turning up! The general view was that 2000 had been a good year, with successful and well attended events.
Tony Comer sent a request for old Sulian materiel. He is revamping the Archives and sorting out our collection of old photos and Sulian Magazines, particularly those from '63 on. If you are clearing out your loft and wish to dispose of such items, do let Tony know. A message or parcel can be passed on to Tony via any officer.
Committee Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at the Lansdown Clubhouse at 8pm. Visitors are always welcome to join us for a drink from about 9. (We usually get August off for good behaviour.)
Back in February a number of us were guests at the annual School Concert and as well as an excellent musical evening, we witnessed the fabled Organ at full blast with Sulian and Head of Music, Roger Tobin at the console. Apart from the addition of a few more pipes, it is now in full working order. Also at School, Mike Baker was feted in the Bath Chronicle on his alleged 65th birthday, having been there for over 40 years. I say 'alleged', because he looks no older now than when I was there, and he's had 2 generations of Woods to deal with!
Your scribe has heard from John New, (1933) who admonished me for failing to record his rendition of the old school song at the Dinner as having been four long lines all in perfect Latin. Geoff Yates, (1950) in Australia, has been looking at the pictures on our web site. Memories of the 'Ingoldsby Legends' and 'Pop' Guerrier in 1947 have come flooding back, along with the pleasures of wearing chain mail! John Leyshon (1963) sent me a picture of his knees from deepest Canada, where he still acts as a Referee for the game with the other shaped ball. And finally Alan Palmer (1947) has made contact again and renewed his sub. He also found us whilst 'surfing' the net from his home in York.
Enclosed with this newsletter you should find the Headmasters update. Promised for the next issue are the long awaited resume on our new President, Len Dyer, and a photo of the Art Tables that were presented to the School last summer, both of which slipped my mind prior to this publication. And can I also remind you that labels and envelopes are courtesy of 'Systemagic', Bath's leading Computer and Web Support Specialists.
Old Sulians Rugby Club. I know that many of you observe their activities from afar and recall your time on Lansdown. The last season was not one of their best, finishing some way down the Somerset 1 League, but they are hoping to stay there for next season. They managed to field 2 XV's most weeks, and 'Pebble' Beach tells me that socially the club is very active, if short of players. Unfortunately that is not uncommon these days. The 2nds did manage to beat Old Edwardians earlier in the season, and the 'cultural' tour to Prague was a great success. The Association sponsored the match against Imperial on March 17th. Our President made a 'state-visit' but it didn't help the result! It did, however, remind him of the Lansdown 'breeze'; straight from the Arctic! From September you are welcome to witness it yourselves!
OBITUARIES. Unfortunately, the grim reaper has been very active of late.. It is my sad duty to report the loss of 4 Sulians. In January we lost Kenneth Gregory, amongst many things a well known cricket writer; in February, Peter Gilbert, a long time Committee member, lost a very courageous fight; March saw the loss of former President Ray Elliott, and long time Treasurer, Bill Wood., both of whom had been ill for some time. The Association was represented at the funerals. We send our condolences to the families and , as with many other past Sulians, we remember the good times. On a personal note, my thanks to the many Sulians from the Association and the Rugby Club for their messages and their support at Father's Service.
June 1st: Association Golf Day at Sham Castle. Normal arrangements, Medal Round in the morning at 9.30, with the Stableford at 2.00. The now established 7 hole special for the 'Old Tosser's Tankard' will start as soon as Tony's pills kick in and Mick has collected his pension. Please contact Tony Bowrey to book your light lunch or evening dinner. 01225 463896
July 4th: Association Approach Golf at Victoria Park. Mike Wood is this year's organiser. Please leave a message with Systemagic on 01225 426800 if you intend to grace us with your presence. Yet again the Treasurer and I will search out our collection of balls and tees, and be there from 6.00 pm on the full 18 hole course. We have yet to succumb to the need for the equivalent 'Old Tosser's 12'!
July 26th: Association Nautical Picnic. Meet at 6.30 by Pulteney Weir to board Captain Terry Hardick's long boat for a river cruise to Bathampton and, if you're lucky, back! Bring your own packed supper, and you do get time off from rowing to eat it. This popular event has been brought back by popular demand so let Tony Bowrey know how many in your party. 01225 463896
Ticket will be about £3 a head.
August 30th: The Past-President's Perambulation (No3) Once again Sue Trude has volunteered to stretch your knowledge of Bath and your visual acuity to take on the Walking Quiz tour of the City. Come and have some fun and learn something at the same time. Start from the Abbey Church Yard opposite the Pump Room entrance, between 6.00 and 7.00 pm. From experience teams of 2 to 4 are favourite, giving you someone to help, and someone to blame! (Best to separate partners as well!) Again it will help if you ring Tony and advise him of numbers. There is a modest charge to cover costs and a donation to the Presidents charity of choice.
October 26th: Association Dinner at the Waterfront Hilton, Bath.
Now before you get confused, this is the same place as before. It used to be the Stakis, then became a Hilton, (although I got the name wrong last year), and it's currently up for sale, so may have changed it's name again by the time we get there! Full details in the next news, but usually 7.30 for 8 with Black Tie if you've got it, and dark lounge suit if not. By custom this has been a Gentlemen members and male guests affair, although we do now have a number of Ladies in the ranks, and the Deputy Head, Mary Crosland, was an honoured guest a few years back.
November 23rd: Ladies Night at the Bath Golf Club. Again, full details next time, but the Just In Time II Big Band have been pencilled in by popular request.
Now instead of filing this in the desk, or the bin, why not put the dates on the Calendar whilst it's fresh in your mind. Book the baby/granny/cat sitter in plenty of time, cancel the trip to Majorca ( or even Mallorca), get your suit cleaned, polish your walking boots and inflate your lifebelt. You will then be able to join with like-minded idiots for a pleasant evening or two away from the telly. And please remember to let Tony know you're coming! Even now, he is poised by the phone!