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A.O.S.A. 2002 ANNUAL REPORT |
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This Magazine
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During the week leading up to this year’s Reunion on the 23rd and 24th June, I do not suppose I was the only one anxiously watching the television weather reports, to see whether the warm, sunny weather was going to last over the weekend. Well, it did! Not a drop of rain fell. It was warm, but not too sunny, so the temperature in the marquee was maintained at a very pleasant level. Marquee? Yes! We were back at the same location as last year. The Whinstone View Country Club and Caravan Park. It is so convenient, right on the outskirts of Ayton. The elegant marquee was again our base, where we met our friends, ate our meals, listened to our new President, and enjoyed our AGM. Like last year, there were some early arrivals on Friday, with their caravans, plain or motorised, but most of us turned up on Saturday afternoon.
Before long, Tessa Snowdon, our Reunion Organiser, her many supporters, and the catering staff from the Whinstone bistro appeared from behind the scenes with a host of dishes of delicious portions of barbecued chicken, sausages, hamburgers, etc. and a wonderful array of salads. An orderly queue quickly formed; we helped ourselves and returned to our tables to enjoy the repast and continue our chatting and reminiscing with our friends.
As the feasting drew to a close, the buzz of conversation grew louder in competition with the start of the disco music. Dancing commenced, led by that indomitable couple, George and Sheila Howd, to loud applause! The D-J played a variety of dance music for young and old during the rest of the evening. The strains of “Sentimental Journey” almost got a “crumblie” like me to my feet – but not quite! It was, nevertheless, a pleasure to see a number of my near-contemporaries tripping the light fantastic to the old tunes, and there was no doubt that the younger generations enjoyed ‘rocking’ and ‘jiving’ to more contemporary music. The dancing, I understand, continued until after 11 p.m.
The many comments which I heard about the refurbishment were very favourable, and we all agreed that Ayton Friends had a facility well suited to their needs, now that 300 or so scholars no longer worshipped there. After Meeting, attended by some sixty Old Scholars and Ayton Friends, we enjoyed a cup of coffee, conversation and a look round the new rooms, particularly upstairs, where the School memorabilia attracted much attention. Many thanks to Jane Campbell, and a local Friend, Carol Avison, who collated the artefacts and organised the exhibition.
The finger buffet, again prepared by the staff from Whinstone’s, was much enjoyed, and was supplemented by drinks, soft and otherwise, bought from the Bistro bar. Once again, we are indebted to Tessa for her enterprise, organisation and hard work, not forgetting her many assistants. Chat and reminiscing with old friends, not seen for a year, continued until 3 p.m., when we foregathered at one end of the marquee to listen to our new President, Sonia Wade, give her Address. Sonia, who has been District Secretary for Stockton since 1972, greatly amused us with anecdotes and memories of her school days and subsequent life. We do hope that she is enjoying her year as President now that her Address is behind her. Sue Fox once again chaired the AGM in confident and sympathetic manner, and ably handled the matters arising. There was a small amendment to the Constitution, resultant from a persistent request from an O.S. to include his own material with that of the Association. Under ‘Any Other Business’, the Committee was notified of a number of complaints from members that the cost of the two meals appeared to be excessive. The Treasurer explained that, in the days when the School was our venue, there had been no ‘accommodation’ charge, and meals were partly subsidised. Now, the meal subscriptions had to cover not only the food we ate, but also the cost of the marquee. Even so, as last year’s accounts show, the deficit was £640 in 2000. This year, we are told that, due to lower sales of tickets, the loss will be even greater. Association funds cannot stand this for many years! After thanking the Committee for all their hard work, the AGM was concluded. Tessa then organised a welcome cup of tea for us all, and the exchange of “Farewells” heralded departure for home. Once again, another successful Reunion had been achieved. Joe Tillott (1936-1939) |
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By
7.30 p.m., about 80 of us were assembled in the marquee for the start of
the Reunion programme, i.e. the formal hand-over of the Presidency.
Arthur Grainge, the retiring President, removed the insignia from around
his neck and placed it delicately on the person of the incoming
President, Sonia Wade, uttering, as he did so, the traditional words of
encouragement in the inimitable Arthur manner. He embraced her and we
all applauded. Then he repeated the transfer of the regalia, embraced
her again, and we all clapped. For good measure, he hugged her again;
more applause. But let there be no misunderstanding! This was all done
for the cameras! Sonia then asked if she could make her speech there and
then, and thus be able to enjoy the weekend; but protocol must be
observed and she was persuaded to wait.
Looking
round at this stage, it was heartening to see how many YOUNG Old
Scholars had turned up. My impression is that more and more Old Scholars
from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s have been coming to the Reunion over the
last three years, and it is hoped that this trend will continue. Their
interest in the Association is essential, if its spirit is to be kept
alive in the years to come.
Sunday
dawned cloudy but, by the time we reached Ayton for Morning Meeting at
10.30 a.m., the sun was shining brightly. What a transformation we
found! The restructuring of the Meeting House had been completed earlier
in the year. The new room for worship is slightly more than half the
size of the old one, whilst the remaining space is now occupied by a
Small Meeting and Children’s room, a kitchen, and a committee room.
Upstairs, there is a display and storage room for the school
memorabilia. There is also a long hall and social area leading to the
new Meeting Room, and new cloakrooms have been built.
Finally,
we found our way back to Whinstone and lunch in the marquee. As we
arrived, we met John and Mary Reader, and Ruth Harwood, all three
looking very fit and well, plus more Old Scholars who had just come for
the day.