OLD PAULINE NEWS
The OPC President Brian Jones (1961-66) comments on the Club’s initiatives, events and news in the last six months.
While lockdown restrictions have meant that Old Paulines have not been able to meet in person, I am delighted that this has not called a halt to Club activities. Late in 2020 the Main Committee met to discuss a report from The Strategic Review Group. The most immediate impact of a number of proposals agreed was the setting up of a working party to propose changes to the Club’s governance and structure. I hope this will lead to changes being introduced that mean the leadership of the Club is more diverse and better able to engage across our membership, particularly with younger OPs.
Kayton Library was maintained, also virtually, at the end of the Feast. The book this year was a signed original copy of Fun and Fantasy: a book of drawings by OP EH Shepard (189496). (A recording of the Feast service and the Order of Service are available to view on the OPC website). I hope we will be back in the Cathedral and at Mercers’ Hall in 2022.
The OPC has worked alongside the School by taking events on line. OPs of all ages and background have been involved in the popular Topical Tuesdays webinars. I was delighted that we were able to hold a virtual Feast Service in early February, maintaining a 350-year tradition through a modern medium. Matthew Knox the School Chaplain led the service and there were contributions from the High Master, the Chairman of Governors, the Captain of School and OP clergy. The tradition of making a presentation to the rare books collection in the School’s The Kayton Library where the Club archives will be stored
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ATRIUM
SPRING / SUMMER 2021
As has become traditional for retiring High Masters, the Club commissioned a portrait of Professor Mark Bailey to hang in the Montgomery Room. This was completed in time for the planned unveiling at the Annual Dinner last June but unfortunately this fell victim to the pandemic restrictions as have subsequent efforts. I hope the unveiling can take place soon.
