Association Annual General Meeting  

The A.G.M. was held at the Clubhouse on the 20^th January which attracted something like a baker’s dozen in attendance, with possibly the baker issuing short change, or something like that. 

The minutes of the meeting are not to hand, but the Chairman’s report is well worth reproducing here, even though it was compiled by an Ockenden.  Neil reported:-  

‘The first half of 2005 was dominated by the continuation of the Celebrations of the School’s 75^th Anniversary of its foundation.  The Jubilee Dinner on 5^th February in the School’s new Sports Hall was a major success.  285 people sat down to an excellent dinner.  There were about 90 Old Boys present with their ladies.  Speeches from Professor Jack Scarisbrick, Jimmy Buttress and Robin Gregory, the Headmaster, were of the highest quality.  Perhaps the most rewarding part of the evening was the way those present moved around the tables between courses, meeting up with old friends.  It was indeed a very happy evening.

The next event was the Old Boys’ Annual Dinner which, in view of the Jubilee, was held at Woodcote Park Golf Club.  The venue and the good food provided the foundation of a very enjoyable evening for the 75 who attended.  It is true to say that one or two members, particularly, Maurice Reaney, were rather wistful about the move from the School Hall.  I would like to thank Duncan Ponikwer for his energy in putting together this successful event.

An attempt to arrange a Jubilee Golf day involving parents, staff, boys and Old Boys failed to raise enough numbers to make the day viable.  Although, in the event, nearly 20 people turned up on the day to play a sociable round of golf.

The final Old Boys’ event for the 75^th year was the Open Day at the School on Sunday, 25^th June.  Bishop Howard Tripp celebrated Mass in the School Chapel, supported by Deacon Paul Strickland who traveled up from the West Country for the day.  Afterwards there was a Buffet Lunch and Bar in the Hall.  We were rather disappointed that only about a hundred attended as opposed to over 500 for the School’s Golden Jubilee.  Nevertheless, those who came seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly.  There were certainly a number of members who do not attend the usual functions but travelled quite long distances to be there.  We were delighted to see them.  The highlight of the occasion was the presentation to the School of a portrait of the retiring Headmaster, Robin Gregory, which has become a tradition of the Association.  Robin received the portrait on behalf of the School, as well as a copy for himself, and was clearly delighted with the likeness.  It can be viewed on the wall of the staircase leading up to the Headmaster’s room in company with Robin’s predecessors.

The School completed their Anniversary with a Party in the Park on the School field in Peaks Hill.  A very lively occasion.  A great deal of hard work was put into the organisation of all these events and the Old Boys’ Association played a significant part in that organisation.  It was very helpful in bringing the school and the Old Boys closer together.

As far as the Association itself is concerned, it is true to say that the Anniversary celebrations diverted much of our attention away from our intentions to develop the Association in its new form.  However, there were many achievements to be grateful for. 

First, I would once again like to pay tribute to Maurice Reaney for his splendid Newsletter which continues to inform, cajole, entertain and occasionally insult the members.  It is a very heavy undertaking to produce such a quality product three times a year.  We have every reason to be most grateful to Maurice for his devotion to this lifeblood of the Association.

Following in his footsteps, electronically, is Simon Drury who has set up and maintained the Website for the Old Boys.  This has produced a large number of hits and 43 people have registered their interest so far.  It is very early days in this development and we hope that, in the years to come, this will prove to be a very important way for the Association to have contact with a much wider range of Old Boys.  Our thanks are therefore due to Simon for his expertise and hard work.

Michael Thelwell has done Trojan work in analysing and sorting out the membership.  For many years we have continued to send the Newsletter to a number of Old Boys who have let their subscriptions lapse.  In the Jubilee year, we decided to continue to spread the message as widely as we could.  After much discussion, we have since decided to write to about 90 members to advise them that if we do not receive their current subscription we will stop sending them the Newsletter.  We are hoping that this will induce many of them to fork up!  I would like to thank Michael for all his hard work in this area.

Michael is also the mainstay of the 30 Section.  The Ramble in May for the energetic few, the Lunch in July which attracts the more sedentary among us and the Dinner at Woodcote Park Golf club for members and their ladies who enjoy the good things in life, once again proved that there is plenty of life in the 30 Section.

The Golf Section enjoyed their Annual Meeting at Knole Park , Sevenoaks on 9^th September.  This is an ideal Club and course for an enjoyable day’s or afternoon’s golf.  The section is always looking for newcomers.  The informal afternoon’s golf before the 30 Section Dinner is always a pleasant golfing event.  The Association should be very proud of Kieron Staunton, who left the School about 3 or 4 years ago, and who has qualified for the full European professional tour only two years after turning professional.  We wish him every success in the years to come.

As yet, we have only tenuous links with Purley John Fisher Rugby Club, the John Fisher Old Boys Soccer and Cricket Sections.  We will be working in the coming year to develop our contacts with them.

We will also be devoting a lot of attention to extending our membership to the middle and younger generations of Old Boys.  We would be pleased to hear any suggestions from our present membership on how we may achieve this.

Our final occasion in 2005 was the Mass in the School Chapel on Remembrance Sunday for all those connected with the School who have died.  Old Boy Canon Jim Pannett said the Mass, supported by Deacon Joe Parsons.  Canon Jim had arranged for a Fisher boy to sound the Last Post immediately after Maurice Reaney had finished reading out the names from our Book of Remembrance.  It was beautifully played and was most moving.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all the members of the Committee with an especial mention for Michael Drury, our Secretary, and Michael Farrin, our Treasurer.’