News.
First, an omission from last time. Two more members of 'Knight's' round table joined up at the Annual Dinner. Derek Haines and Ian Birleson (both 1967) have been added to the Life Members list. John Blackman (1953) has also paid his sub from North Wales. He has been studying the contents of the web-site and found the photo of 'The Ugly Duckling'. The John Blackman found therein is, he insists, another JB, there being 2 of the same name in that year. He has also sent a photo of some fine specimens of English manhood at School camp in Studland in 1951. I hope to add it to the web-site or even the next newsletter!
The AGM found 15 members at Lansdown. Reports were accepted, rules were changed and your scribe, for reasons he can't fathom, was duly elected President. Len Dyer was presented with an inscribed plate to mark his 2 successful years as President. Tony Comer reported the arrival of memorabilia from Jack Pope (1937) He is happy to receive more by way of any of the addresses below; reminiscences, photos or bits and pieces are welcome, to add to the archives.
We also need new blood! The AGM was anxious to bring in some new faces to assist with the running of your Association by joining 'The Committee'. Ivan Whipp, a Committee man since before the war, tried to resign but no-one was listening! If you can spare an hour a month why not get in touch. The Committee meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each Month at Lansdown at 8pm. It's not all that onerous but we are not getting any younger (although I stopped counting at 37!). The events calendar overleaf shows what we do, and some new ideas or bodies to share the workload would be very welcome. Contact any of those listed underneath for further information.
The School Concert in March was a splendid affair, the formation music-stand arranging by Messrs Tobin and Calvert adding a terpsichorean note! Those that remember the old School hall can visualise the choreography required to display bands, groups, quartets and soloists totalling around one hundred, lengthways down the hall. Would 'Basher' Bennett have approved of items from Deep Purple and The Corr's, and some very lively jazz? Hummm! But there was tremendous enthusiasm from the players (and not a little talent!) and much appreciation from the audience.
Your Hon. Sec. Peter Powell, received a number of letters from those appreciative of his inclusion in his report of gems from the old minutes. Memories are stirred and old faces appear. Those that read it intently, will realise that the Approach Golf tournament celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, having started in 1953. Details, together with all our other events, are overleaf, but we do hope that all those with their name on the John Midgley Trophy will endeavour to find their way to Victoria Park on the 3rd July.
If you have any news, memories or photos to share, please feel free to send them to me by post or e-mail. We can publish them here or add them to the web-site, which, incidentally, does not have the latest newsletter added immediately. Members see the news first!
Finally, my thanks to the Headmaster for his regular contribution.
Stop Press. Sadly, Dennis Humphries passed on last week aged 82. He was a long time Sulian, together with his brother, Wilf. Also, Dr Alan Taylor, see the Heads letter.
May 8th Golf Match against Newport HSOB, away.
Tony Bowrey and an invited team will attempt to retain the 'Cup', in this long-standing fixture
May 9th Old Sulians Rugby Club Annual Dinner. Contact Peter Beach (01225 423355) for details, or the Secretary, Terry Haines, (01225 465107)
May 30th President's Night at The Old Sulians' Rugby Club, Lansdown.
A revival of a past event. Your President and his predecessor invite you to a social evening with a sporting theme. A tri-athlon featuring Skittles, darts and a quiz for teams of 4, together with a roll or two to mop up the beer. If the weather is clement we might even resurrect the legendary 'Agricola Course' for golfing fanatics. Give Roger, 01225 832207, or Len, 01179 864514, a ring to help us guess numbers. If you can't raise a foursome, come anyway, and we will match you up on the night! Modest entry fee.
June 6th Association Golf Day at Bath Golf Club, Sham Castle. Mike Wood is organising once again. Ring 'Systemagic' and tell them you are coming 01225 426800 . Usual arrangements, Morning Medal tees off at 0930, and afternoon Stableford from 1400. Light lunch and evening meal available. Last year we had a record turnout, book early please.
July 3rd Approach Golf at Victoria Park. The 50th Anniversary Year. Please make an effort to get to the Course from 6pm onwards. As usual Peter Beach will have his 'Book of doom'. Not so much a handicap, more a penalty.
Walking Treasure Hunt/Presidential Perambulation.
Teams of 4'ish from 6pm onwards, starting from the Abbey Churchyard,York Street side, near the Information Bureau. Sue Trude will inflict the mental pain and show you parts of Bath you hadn't seen before. This has become very popular over the last few years, masochism is catching! Let Tony Bowrey know you are coming so we can print the clue sheets. Clues for the clueless! Where's the valium?
August 20th River Boat Picnic. Admiral Terry Hardick (he deserves the promotion for all his past efforts) and his nautical band, will gently cruise up to Bathampton and back, with time for a Do-it-yourself feast at the half-way point. The observant will seek out the resident Heron and Kingfisher which Terry will try to book for an impromptu appearance. Boarding from 1900 hours (7.pm) at the Pulteney Weir, below Pulteney Bridge, to cast off about 1915, with drop anchor and all ashore about 2200. Community singing, (nautical style) is optional!
October 17th Annual Dinner at Lansdown Grove Hotel. Full details in September, but we have booked the venue. Note the date now, and the change from last year! Black tie or dark suit, 7.30 for 8.pm.
December 5th Ladies Night at Bath Golf Club, Sham Castle. Closer to Christmas, and, hopefully, with the Just in time II Big Band. Full details in September. PLEASE PUT THESE DATES IN YOUR DIARIES NOW!