President’s Message

Written on 11th July 2019 My dear fellow Rossallians

I cannot believe that I am now in my third year as your President. However, I still feel as privileged as ever at the honour bestowed upon me, and equally enthused about not only the progress within our School, which is palpable, but also the ongoing

activities of your Club. I am basically computer / internet “illiterate”, but many of us, more “modern” than me, are “literate” and so, I would commend to you our website and forthcoming activities page, which is looked after so splendidly by the Development Office. I do not propose to give you “chapter and verse” of my recent movements (albeit many and varied), other than, perhaps, to congratulate our Halford Hewitt Golfing team for a great effort at Sandwich this year, under Noel Muscutt’s captaincy, when we lost to Watsons in Round 3; we could easily have been contesting the Semi Final, or even the Final – quite like “old times”! Now, we eagerly await the introduction into the team of the products of our wonderfully successful Golf Academy. However, there are some interesting forthcoming events, your support for which would be appreciated: 2019

• The London Gathering at the Wax Chandlers’

Hall (6.30 for 7.45 p.m.), on 25th October. • The Remembrance Day Service in Rossall

Chapel on 10th November. • O.R. Carol Service in Rossall Chapel on 21st

December. 2020

• O.R. Weekend 28th March.

• WW2 Pilgrimage to Normandy: • Main Tour to the Battlefields 10th – 15th June • Short Tour 12th – 14th June to play “Ross Hockey” on the beach at Arromanches! Both trips to honour those from the Rossall Community who laid down their lives for us during WW2. Come and join us. May I pay tribute to the great work our secretary, Ian Preston, continues to put in on our behalf; so much of it goes unheralded, but, believe me, it is crucial. Thanks also to the Development Office who ensure that everything runs smoothly. Furthermore, I must commend the recent publication of the OR Book of Remembrance – WW1 (where we lost some 298 ORs). I am so proud that the Rossallian Club has sponsored this “tome” – it is a masterpiece – and warmest praise in particular to Hannah Jenkinson (OR), who has conducted such “in depth” research. Our new Sports Centre is now complete and will be officially opened in October. It is a major addition to the infrastructure of our School, and ensures that we retain our position as one of the premier sporting institutions in the North of England. Well done Council!

For those of us committed to seeing the Organ in Chapel restored to its former glory, I am delighted to report that the required remedial work can now go ahead as funds are available. Our thanks are due to all those who have made this possible, especially Hazel Trapnell and David McKee. Last, but by no means least, thanks to my fellow officers, the Committee, and all those connected with the activities of the Rossallian Club. Without you we would be pretty much lost! Warmest greetings to all from both Lilias and myself.

Graeme Marrs MBE (J & F 51-57)

We are saddened to announce that shortly before publication, Graeme Marrs passed away following a short illness. Our thoughts are with his family. We have lost a truly great friend, whose energy and enthusiasm will be missed. Please do take the time to read his message above. There will be a full obituary in the next issue of the magazine. 3