From the Secretary

Secretary’s Report Secretary’s Report

Ian Southcott

As I write this on a cold, clear morning

I would imagine that I am not alone amongst those scribbling for various

periodicals in thinking of how to avoid reference to the obvious or trying to come up with a new angle or how not to include the dreaded ‘unprecedented’ – none of which is too easy.

However, one thing that is looming is my first annual renewal of my Zoom subscription. Naturally, I paid for the executive version with no restriction on time or number of participants; however, on reflection, this may have been unwise as limiting a meeting’s duration has a lot to be said for it and would be easier on the ether and beneficial to climate change as the reduction in hot air circulation might be considerable……

In March 2020 few people had heard of Zoom and no doubt we all wish that we had invested in a few of its shares as the price has rocketed over the past twelve months in line with many West Coast big tech companies – it’s an ill wind!

Looking forward, there is little doubt that Zoom – other internet video communications companies are available – will be a permanent if less pervasive fixture in our business and social lives but to what extent will we be so reliant?

As far as the Old Bristolians is concerned, Zoom has enabled us to remain in touch and to continue our management and development of the Society. Committee meetings have continued, virtual lunch club get togethers are thriving and the administration function soldiers on in a remote but nevertheless effective fashion.

How will these and other facets of the Society be managed in the future? modern life, how this is manifested and how it will be manifested has changed dramatically and will continue to do so. As a Society we need to recognise these changes and ensure we continue to keep pace with them so we remain relevant to all Old Bristolians. Social media and facilities such as Zoom were already bringing about huge change in how we communicate and this infernal pandemic may have just hastened the process along.

(Note to self: beginning a paragraph with a preposition would have resulted in severe censure in the 3B of 1964….).

There seems little doubt that we will strike a balance between physical and virtual contact and that balance will vary according to need and inclination. There will be a ‘new normal’ – it will not be like Bobby Ewing emerging from the shower with everything back to the way it was.

Our AGM this year has been scheduled for June; normally, it takes place in March but last year it was in July – no doubt we will be back on track by next year. The committee consists of volunteers who share a desire to embrace the Old Bristolians’ community; being an OB is a mixture of nostalgia, a wish to keep in touch, a recognition of what BGS did for us in so many ways and an attempt to maintain those bonds in whatever way we can. Being an Old Bristolian is important and I know many of you share this view and this provides the energy and enthusiasm to ensure that the Old Bristolians’ brand is something we wish to see prosper and grow over many years to come.

One more thought to end on – in late 1665, the renowned diarist Samuel Pepys, bemoaning the misery of the Great Plague, was looking forward to sampling the wares of a new bakery opening in Pudding Lane…..

But, like many other aspects of Ian Southcott (1964 – 1971) Secretary