President’sWelcome

Welcometo the latest edition of our magazine

What a shame the barbeque weather deserted us at the end of June. ON’s and members of the 1st XI were looking forward to the first competitive match for many years, but unfortunately the monsoon season arrived that week. We were looking forward to seeing other ON’s as spectators, and I can at least assure them that the match is firmly back in the fixture card for the future. As we waited in vain for the rain to clear it was good to meet up with Fred Godson (51-58) and Geoff Swindon, retired member of staff, who were to have been the umpires for the day.

The advert for the Brahms Requiem in the last issue increased my postbag, as many of you indignantly pointed out that they (and I) had sung or played in the real first performance. I took the opportunity to take part in this concert, and found it just as stirring as the first time.

This year I met up with Brian Rich (54-64) who lives in Coventry, and he would be delighted if any ON’s now living in the area were to get in touch. His email is brian@therichs.force9.co.uk.

We met again with the U6 form leavers after their exams to continue discussions about what they feel the Association should try to offer, and a particular request (too late for them, perhaps), was for a directory of ON’s who would be prepared to talk informally about possible careers, with contact being made first through email. This will entail more thought before we can make any progress, and I am conscious that some of you already help the Careers Department. Please let the ONA Office know if any of you might be prepared to help.

Finally, we have the largest group of retiring staff who have all accepted invitations to the Dinner on 16 October. You will all have your own memories of Paul Ponton, Norman Baker, Hazel Jones-Lee and Derick Lawson and I would encourage all those who can to join them and make it a memorable night.

Mike Barlow (53-64)

ONA President