THE OLD BRUTONIAN
LETTER FROM THE President Dear fellow Old Brutonians, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing President, Ian Stuart, for his dedication and enthusiasm over the last three years. Ian's belief that the younger members of the OBA should be encouraged to play a greater part in the activities of the Association has led to a prominent Facebook page and a new improved website. On that website there are also details of the Apple-growers’ match fixtures to be found. Sporting-enthusiast young OBs should note that they are actively recruiting new members. There is an exciting buzz to the School at the moment, not only because of the 800th anniversary of the signing of Magna Carta but also because of the challenging prospect of 500 years of the School’s existence in 2019. The Headmaster, Ian Wilmshurst, has been given the green light by the Governors to achieve his aim of commemorating the longevity of the School by the building of a dynamic and innovative new music centre on the site of the old swimming pool. This will enhance the School and hopefully encourage talented musicians to consider a career in the very strong music industry in this country.
This is a wonderful project and the OBA Committee has pledged its support to the Headmaster and Gareth Evans, who will be coordinating the fundraising. The intention is to have the chosen architectural design on display at this year’s London lunch at the Stationers’ Hall on December 4th. This will be a wonderful opportunity for the membership to have a preview of the plans for celebrating 2019. The London Lunch last December was, as ever, very well attended, with new faces amongst the long-term regulars. It was a great pleasure for me, on that occasion, to be able to thank Jan Juneman for all her years working as Assistant Secretary to the OBA. The Lunch in London serves many purposes, not least of which is about renewing old friendships as well as acquiring new ones across the generations. There was much merriment and laughter over excellent food and wine. I look forward to seeing everyone again at the Stationers’ Hall later this year with (hopefully) yet more new attendees. There are currently two pupils in the School benefiting from OBA scholarships; both are excelling in their chosen specialisations of, respectively, music and sport. It is very heartening that we have this opportunity to support talented pupils. I know that they both appreciate the contribution made to them from the Old Brutonian Association. This year’s AGM will be held during the morning of June 6th with a luncheon to follow. (Please see the notice elsewhere in the magazine. There is a cricket match planned for the afternoon plus the possibility of tours of the School. This will be a great time to show off the School and its achievements to family and friends. I look forward to seeing as many Old Brutonains as possible at the AGM, as your input and support are vital in the shaping of the Association. Here's to my next two years and the 2019 celebrations and best wishes to you all. Floreat Brutonia! Kirsten Palmer MA President, Old Brutonian Association
Please send news and photos to oba@kingsbruton.com
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