News.
The School held its Exhibition of 100 years of the combined Bath City Secondary, City of Bath Boys', Oldfield and Beechen Cliff Schools on the 20/21/22 of April. Indeed it has just finished as I write this. The exhibition was a triumph. Tony Lawdham and Dai Morris were overwhelmed with the weight of memorabilia sent in by old boys, and, with their band of merry helpers, had clearly spent a great deal of time and effort in mounting the display. Former Head Peter Bolton attended and it was hoped that Jim Sagar would be able to look in. On the Tuesday night many Su's made the pilgrimage, some from considerable distance, led by John New who held court near to the 'Bar'!. Volunteering subs were Ray Chubb (51), Glynn Leyshon (54), Brian Coombs, Tony White and Bernard Cox. Chitties were on show and may result in more. Ian Guy invested in a new tie! (So could you for £4.50 inc. p & p from the Hon Treas!) Photos of all the displays are posted on our web-site but cannot do justice to the detail of the photos and articles displayed. Every one that I met had found themselves somewhere in the old 'long style' photos or Concert and Play programmes. Along with the many sporting photos, the old Registers and Admissions books were a great source of interest. Ferreting through his desk, the Headmaster had managed to find 2 canes! He assures me that they are of historical use only! 'Henry' the dap was also displayed in all his worn glory. (Whether from feet or bottoms is not recorded!). A string quartet played gently in the background and some Su's even managed a guided tour of the old building. Entrance through the main doors and passage up the stairs was allowed for this special occasion. (I still look over my shoulder, even after 40 years! Guilt is a dreadful thing!)
Other News
The AGM came and went. We were quorate, but only just! We may well have to reduce the required numbers next year in order to remain within the rules. The Association events are well supported but the AGM and particularly, the Executive Committee are in need of numbers!
Your scribe was kept on for another year as President. I promise an up-to-date picture next time. The Association sponsor a match for the Old Su's RFC. I attended the sponsors lunch at the Rugby Club on March 13th and watched the match against Old Culverhaysians. This years league performance is best put behind us, but the lunch and the company were excellent! There is also good news from the Colts end of the Club where, one hopes, the future is to be found. A good number of lads from School and from Kingswood have had a good season.
Just before that, on the 9th March, a number of us met with the Headmaster for a sherry prior to the annual Concert in the School Hall. This has become a logistical nightmare for music maestro Paul Calvert, a testament to the success that Paul , and the recently retired Roger Tobin have had in attracting pupils to instrumental music. There were performances by string, woodwind, brass, folk, vocal and guitar ensembles, together with the Concert and Swing Bands. I would have mentioned the 'Percussion Ensemble' but you all probably heard them!
Your silver-tongued Secretary, Peter Powell has managed to co-opt Terry Lee onto the Committee. One of the infamous '49'ers, Terry is very welcome. Are there any more volunteers?
Sadly, former Physics Master, Dr Keith Hoskins was killed in a car accident earlier this year. A regular at the Dinner, I attended his funeral on behalf of the Association. A modest but multi-talented man.
And finally, it was my very great pleasure to present a small memento to Ivan Whipp, who stood down this year after 45 years on the Committee! New recruits are promised a lesser sentence!
Diary for 2004
15th May (Saturday)
Old Sulians Rugby Club Annual Dinner at the Clubhouse, Lansdown. Contact Terry Haines for a ticket. (01225 465107)
28th May (Friday)
Golf Match against Newport High School Old Boys. You will get the call if you are needed!
4th June (Friday)
Association Golf Day at Bath Golf Club, Sham Castle. Contact Mike Wood at Systemagic to register your interest. (01225 426800) or mike@systemagic.co.uk. Normal arrangements-muster 8.30 for Coffee prior to Morning Medal; lunch from 12.30 if you're only coming for the afternoon Stableford; the Old Tossers' 7 during the morning! Light lunch and evening meal.
7th July (Wednesday)
Association Approach Golf at Victoria Park. 6 pm onwards. We could do with a few more taking part this year, amateur or pro'! Pebble Beach will have his book of doom for your handicap!
29th July (Thursday)
Walking Treasure Hunt in the City organised once again by Sue Trude. Please let Tony Bowrey know you are coming. (01225 463896) Start from outside the Pump Room in the Abbey Churchyard, not Kingston Parade, this year. Teams set off between 6 and 7 pm.
20th Aug (Friday)
Presidents Night at the Rugby Club, Lansdown.
7,30 onwards. Teams of 4'ish. Tri-athlon, (Quiz, darts and skittles), Agricola Trophy Golf if the weather is kind, and supper. It would help catering if you would let me know you are coming. (Roger Wood, 01225 832207)
29th October (Friday)
Annual Association Dinner, Lansdown Grove Hotel. Black Tie. Tickets from Roger Wood or Tony Bowrey. Speaker to be announced. Full details in September but note the date now.
27th November (Saturday)
Ladies Night at Bath Golf Club, Sham Castle. Dinner and entertainment (?), the theme being 'D-Day Anniversary/ 40's Night'. Costume optional, along the lines of 'Allo allo' or 'Colditz'. Medals may be worn. Songs of the period will be sung and no spam, promise! Tony Bowrey will sign you on and supply your ration cards.