Collegiate Old Boys Annual Dinner Friday 25th October 2024

 

It is some 39 years since our beloved School closed but amazingly in spite of this we are are still able to arrange our Annual reunions. A real tribute to the appreciation and education which we experienced at our time in Shaw Street. Traditionally the dinner has been hosted for many years at the exclusive Athenaeum Club in the city centre. Sadly this year our Council was forced to seek an alternative venue due to an unacceptable large increase in the meal cost and room hire indicated by the club. After considering a number of  options it was decided to hold this year’s meeting at the Lee Park Golf Club and move to a meal at lunchtime. Traffic and transport problems in the city centre in late evenings contributed  to our choice as the new venue has the facility to provide free secure parking and a more affordable meal price.

In the event 43 Old Boys were able to join us. A number of members who have regularly supported previous dinners have passed away and some others are still in employment. Like myself we are growing older by the day and have reached the age when they are suffering with health problems which prevents some from attending. Had they been able to join us our number would have well exceeded 50. Let’s hope that our annual reunions can continue BUT we do need your support for many years to come. 

Lionel Ross has officiated as our MC for many years but sadly is suffering with eye problems and again Steve Darby volunteered to conduct the proceedings in Li’s absence. Steve was a star footballer at school and went on to manage top football teams overseas. We are grateful to the multi talented Steve!

As usual the meal was preceded by the formal AGM when reports of events over the last year and the finances were discussed.

In all other respects the normal routine was followed with an illuminating speech from fellow old boy David Jones . I had learned earlier this year that David had served as Mayor of Wakefield and he had no hesitation in accepting my invitation to make an address to us this year. David is an accomplished speaker and he entertained us with his memories and experiences (good and some not so good) whilst at school. Like all of us he is very proud to have been a pupil and I suspect he could have spoken for a lot longer but he was constrained by time which we had allocated. David and all present were impressed by the new venue and enjoyed the excellent meal which was provided by Stabler’s Catering who are recognised as having the highest reputation of all local golf clubs.

For the first time ever we were delighted to welcome the newly appointed Principal of Liverpool College, Mrs Alison Haynes. She also had no hesitation in accepting our invitation and I am sure that she thoroughly  enjoyed herself as the first female to be in attendance at our dinner. L

Obviously the meal was followed by the singing of the School Song  ‘Vivat Haec Sodalitas………”. Many of our group are still capable of singing  all the words from memory but others, like myself, were assisted by the words on the reverse side of their ticket.

The school song was then followed by the school chant and both were proudly  delivered with customary gusto!

In closing it would be remiss not to mention my thanks to all concerned in the arrangements for the success for yet another enjoyable, successful reunion and of course enabling our Association to “keeping the show on the road” 

Photographs together with a list of those present will be posted on our Website and also the Facebook pages.

The date of our 2025 meeting will be announced in due course and published on our website and Facebook pages.

For several years we have organised informal lunchtime meetings and provided there is sufficient support it is intended to continue these in the new year.

Once dates are confirmed full details will be circulated to those on my email distribution list and also on our website and Facebook pages. We also expect to repeat the occasional invitation for wives to join us.

The success of our reunions is totally dependent on the support of our members and I would encourage all to join us whenever possible.

The final item to mention is that after much effort we have been able to meet at School for the Annual Service of Remembrance at 10.30am on 11th November 2024. Our Chairman, David Winsland and his wife, Lynne have graciously volunteered to provide refreshments at the end of the service which will be led by fellow old boy John McLaren. Free car parking is available in the old school yard.

Please do your best to join us as the  number in attendance last year was disappointing having regard to the effort in arranging the service,

Just before I sign off may I just say that our decision to change the venue this year  caused me a degree of concern but in the event I was delighted to receive positive feedback from those attending. The free secure parking, no late night travel problems and importantly the quality and quantity of the meal. To this extent I was greatly comforted and so pleased that all present thoroughly enjoyed yet another successful event and a superb address from David. 

Last but not least, a big thank you to all those who were able to attend we really appreciate your support which makes these events and the efforts involved so rewarding.

PS:  Since drafting this report I have received quite a number of unsolicited complimentary remarks from those present which I treasure and find rewarding which is a great incentive for me to continue in this role in spite of my advancing years. The date anticipated for our next reunion is Friday 24th October 2025 which may be helpful for Old Boys who are still in work.

 

Derek Corlett

1955-1960.

 

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Table 2

 

Table 3