THE ORA
Old Redingensians’ Association LTD President’s Report 2019-20
Dear Members of the Reading School Family, It has been a great honour for me to be President of the ORA this year, but what an extraordinary year it has been! I do hope that everyone has coped in these difficult times. My condolences to those who have lost loved ones or been impacted by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
activities have had to be cancelled, at the discretion of the Headmaster.
The AGM and Annual Dinner were well attended, with a reunion of the 1969-76 cohort running on the same day. The return to Big School as the dinner venue was much appreciated and the food provided by the School Catering Manager, Michal Zakrzewski, and his staff was excellent. I have been actively involved with the ORA since moving into Our guest of honour and speaker for the event was Vinodha semi-retirement a few years back. I decided to organise a (Vin) Wijeratne (County 1977-84) who provided an reunion for members of South House from my era (1971entertaining speech covering his memories of attending the 84) using the spare time. I was ably aided and abetted in School and delivering wisdom from a rich and varied career, that endeavour by Michael Barrott, who subsequently which had led him to become the Chief Finance Officer of persuaded me to join the ORA Council. The following year I the Royal Mint. turned my attention to organising a reunion for the 1977-84 cohort, which was a little bit smaller, but similarly enjoyable. I have had the pleasure of attending a number of School events as President, before Covid-19 reared its ugly head. I wish to pay tribute to all those on the Executive, Council The Remembrance Service is always a highlight of the ORA and Association members who give up so much of their time calendar, and this year was no exception. It was great to to make the ORA what it is and ensure that its charitable have the support of the School choir and provided me with a objectives are met. Without their efforts the support rare opportunity to turn up in uniform, as I am a Cadet Force afforded to the School and its current pupils would not be Adult Volunteer. The Music Competition held at the possible. Hexagon was a joyous celebration of the pool of talent and enthusiasm contained within the student body. It certainly The role and activities of the ORA remain constant: to compared favourably to competitions from my era, although provide a focal point for old boys of the School; to support the expansion in pupil numbers at the School made for a the education and experience of the current pupils and to very full programme. The Senior Prize Giving in December support those ORs in need. In the last year we have gave me the opportunity to award a number of prizes with allocated financial support for the library, the School historical connections to the association. It was a privilege magazine, the 150th Anniversary Celebrations and to play a small part in celebrating the excellence nurtured sponsored both book week and a number of musical by the institution. enrichment activities. Some of these funds have been diverted to assist with the Covid-19 response, where
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Floreat Redingensis
SEPTEMBER 2020
