As summer recedes into the thundery distance I'm off to the South of France, there to further the entente-cordial, improve my French and do my bit for the European wine-lake. But before I go…..
The Annual Golf match against Newport High School Old Boys resulted in another win for us. 5 pairs travelled and returned triumphant. In fact being away we won 0-5, on 5/05/05! Some kind of omen?
The results from the Association Golf day are getting to be like the GCSE's! More winners every year! Mike Wood reports that the morning honours went to Roy Aust, with Steve Ford and John Larcombe just behind; the afternoon Stableford to Steve Ford, with Roger Williams, Roy Aust and Alan Blake; the Old Tossers Tankard to newcomer Robert Withers; the Non-handicap Medal to Barry Marsh; the Nearest the Pin to Roy Aust and the Longest Drive to Mike Wood. As you can only win one prize during the day, there were cups and medals everywhere. And Roy Aust seems to be making good use of his retirement in improving his game! The Approach Golf was nearly drowned out again, but 4 stalwarts turned up in their wellies and Neil Blake took the Cup.
Then came the Treasure Hunt. Sue Trude set us off from the Botanical Gardens. A goodly number wandered around, some more aimlessly than others. The highlight was a search of 'Dingly Dell' for information contained on a board as you left the previous clue. This was largely ignored in the rush to 'get-on'! This year's event was won by Ava Bailey's 'Bailey's Creams', with the Hon. Treas. Rich Wood, runner up on a tie-break. The question concerned the Coronation of King Edgar. Being a little more mature, Ava knew the answer although I don't think that she actually had an invite! The President donated the proceeds of £92 to charity, the Home Farm Trust.
And a correction and apology. After many complaints and threats of physical violence, can I confirm that last year the Lambern/Holvey Sidcup Syndicate won the Treasure Hunt, and not as previously published.
The final event of the summer was the Captain Hardick boat trip and picnic. The balmy evening was perfect, the river was pongless and much of the rubbish had been cleared. Several herons turned up and someone claimed a fleeting glimpse of the kingfisher. An excellent evening.
A number of us attended a retirement party for Roy Ludlow, the former Headmaster. He had embarked on a fortnight of goodbyes with remarkable stamina. A scratch Big-Band of former pupils provided the entertainment. Many present and former Governors were present including Sulians Alex Wood, Roland Adamson, Tony Comer and Vernon Rowlands. During September the School had the best results for 'A level' and GCSE passes yet recorded. A tribute to all the Staff and a fitting finale to his 15 years
There have been a number of Su's related photo's in the Bath Chronicle including Alan Blake presenting bound copies of The Sulian to the School on behalf of Pete Combes and the School Sea Cadets at camp with Mr Vickery in the early 50's, which came via Ian Guy. I had hoped to include a picture here but my scanner has packed up so perhaps next time. L H Scott was also seen as a member of a 60's TV quiz team
I had a number of contacts regarding entries in the last newsletter. Jim Sagar ( who is in good form and being attended to daily by a myriad of young ladies!) recalled M. Lataillard, as did George Thomas.
Finally, the President and Hon.Sec. hope to visit School later in the month to introduce ourselves to the new Headmaster, Andrew Davies. Hence there is no School newsletter this time.
Rugby Club: After a very successful season, the Su's have gone up to Somerset 1. This will mean tougher opposition but we wish them well. As the season starts they are confident of putting out 2 regular sides.
This year's annual Association Dinner is to be held on Friday, 28th October, and will once again be at The Lansdown Grove Hotel, 7.30 pm for 8 pm. Dress is Black Tie or dark lounge suit. We have managed to retain the services of a recently retired Headmaster as guest speaker and to propose the toast to the Association. On this occasion he will not be limited to the usual 5 minutes, not that it ever did us any good trying! Seriously, we are delighted that Roy Ludlow, former Head and Vice President of the Association will be our Guest. We also hope to see Andrew Davies, the new Headmaster.
A chit is enclosed, (e-chit for those on the net!). On it you will see that the cost this year has been held at £35 a head. Once again this is reduced to £30 if you pay by Friday the 14th October. The deadline for numbers is the 21st October. We have to finalise details with the hotel a week in advance, we have to bank the cheques and we have to pay in advance! The cost incentive helps the Treasurer, Rich Wood, to sleep at night before shelling out large sums, and stops Barclays from annoying him.
Please return the chits and cheques to me, Roger Wood, at the address overleaf. If you want an acknowledgement please enclose an SAE.
Please also note that this year we have arranged for a vegetarian option if you so desire. Please indicate on the chit. And if you wish to stay at the Hotel, mention the dinner for a preferential rate.
Saturday, the 28th January 2006 at Bath Golf Club, Sham Castle. 7.30 for 8.00 as usual, is the night we reserve to pamper our Ladies.
This year you are spared the costumes and the sordid details of the Hon. Secretary's tastes in female underwear and manacles! Back by popular demand we have 'Just-in-Time 2', Bath's premier youth Big-Band, with the ever youthful Dave Peglar at the helm, or piano as necessary.
We always have an excellent turnout for this night, with a fine meal, a well stocked bar, pleasant surroundings, good company and super entertainment. Please contact me, Roger Wood, on Bath 832207 during November to book your places. That way I can finalise the details with the Golf Club and the Caterers before the Christmas rush. Ticket prices this year are £20 a head, £40 a pair.
And just as addendum, Big Tone (Tony Bowrey), who normally organises these events, is doing well and recovering from his operation. We wish him continued improvement and an early return to Sulian Service! Ivan Whipp is, I gather, a little under the weather, so we wish him well, and John New has celebrated his 90th birthday again.
The newsletter and web-site are sponsored by Systemagic, for all your IT needs in Bath. - 01225 426800