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A.O.S.A. 2005 ANNUAL REPORT |
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The 2004 reunion took place a few weeks after the D-Day 60th anniversary celebrations. One of the historical items that the various commentators concentrated on this year was how much a part the meteorologists played with bad weather threatening the whole operation. In the days leading up to the AOSA reunion I was paying as much attention to the weather reports as Ike had sixty years before. Tuesday and Wednesday had seen torrential rain, swelling the rivers in Northumberland to bursting point. The forecast had Thursday brightening up, Friday sunshine, and Saturday starting off fine but rain returning in the afternoon. Why was the weather so important? I had opted to sleep under canvas on the Saturday night. First port of call, was the ‘Oak’, where I joined Diz Dexter and Suzanne Potter (Morgan) for a bar lunch. Obviously one of the main topics of conversation was whether the walk would be on or off. As we were sitting, Harry Snalam from Vancouver, Canada introduced himself. Shortly afterwards Roy Openshaw arrived to set up his projector. It was a 16mm affair that he picked up from a car boot sale. To me it looked remarkably like the one I used at the school in the seventies. He looked rather dashing in his breeches and hacking jacket. Dick Dennis did not take Roy seriously when he said he had arrived on his horse. However, he (Dick) disappeared only to reappear a short while later to say, ‘There’s a horse on the green!’ Roy had arrived on his horse after all! Jane Campbell (Bye) was kept busy by many old scholars in the memorabilia room, some of whom were returning for the first time since leaving the school. One such old scholar was Bridget Robinson from the 1970s, but she was only able to stay for the afternoon. Whilst most old scholars visited some of their old haunts or freshened up for the barbeque, the committee met in the marquee to prepare for the AGM on Sunday. It was fortunate that Whinstone View had extended their car park, as despite the poor weather over the previous week, the evening was very well attended. Phil Ramsey and his family were joined by Phil Head and his wife, (from America.) The two Phils and I shared news of events since we had last met. The evening’s planned events started with Gill Jackson (Hinds) handing over, reluctantly I suspect, the President’s Medal to Robert Campbell and with it the office of AOSA President. Then Jane Campbell received the President’s Spouse’s pin. Then came the quiz, compiled by Diz Dexter. It was a well thought out range of general knowledge questions. The result was very close with Phil Ramsey’s team pipping Gill Jackson’s by a single point to win the competition. I think Phil Head and his wife clinched the winning point by producing an American dollar to find out which president was on it. The proceedings drew to a close after the raffle prizes were presented. I had a short walk to my tent and a nice soft bed. There was an upside to all that rain after all. Sunday morning arrived sunny and warm and after breakfast Diz Dexter, Suzanne Potter (Morgan) and I headed to Meeting. As always, there was a warm welcome awaiting us from the members of Ayton Meeting. Afterwards Jane Campbell was kept busy with old scholars trying to find photographs of their time at Ayton, and she was able to find examples from most eras. Lunch back at Whinstone View was very pleasant with a generous buffet to prepare everyone for the afternoon’s formalities. Very quickly, the tables were cleared away and the chairs rearranged to provide a more business like atmosphere. When Gill asked me to write this report I asked her for some tips; she advised me to mention people by name. I have a terrible memory for names and so I must apologise for the many whom I have omitted. However, I have saved a few until last. Gill of course for her help and advice, Dick Dennis for helping put names to faces, via his website and finally Jenny Summerfield (Smith) who made such incredible success of organising the weekend. She made us all feel so welcome, especially those who were returning to Ayton for the first time. James Slater (1974-78) |
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You can see the full 2004 Reunion Photo Report on separate pages |
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A.O.S.A. 2005 ANNUAL REPORT |
The forecasts seemed to be accurate and on Saturday morning, I set off down the A19. As Middlesbrough came into view, with Roseberry Topping just visible beyond, I could see dark clouds moving in from the west. I headed straight for Whinstone View, and booked in as the first drops started to fall. A few minutes’ swift work and the tent was up with moments to spare before the rain proper arrived.
Lunch over we moved across the Meeting House. To Suzie and Diz’s delight the walk was still on and a party of twelve, led by Wendy Smith, set off towards Roseberry Topping. I refrained from joining them, because of an ankle injury, but I heard later that the rain stopped and they headed up to Roseberry common with a few hardy souls braving the winds and climbing up the Topping itself.
Roy had a couple of copies of a promotional film made during the thirties about life at Ayton. It was black and white and silent so commentary was via caption cards between scenes. Bill Kitching and his wife Dorothy (Lewis) watched the film, and as they had both been at the school around the time the film was made, were able to add some interesting anecdotes about some of the ‘stars’.
Formalities over, the food was served, and a fine spread it was. I had opted for a vegetarian dish, which was a good choice as you seemed to get extra large portions. Moving round I spotted Karl and Bobbie (Roberts) Terry sitting with Penny Thomas and Graham Lee. I also bumped into Adrian Hodgson and enquired after his sisters, Karen and Sally-Anne. He said that they had both been headgirls at the school but he had not managed to follow in their footsteps. I couldn't see him as headgirl myself.
Proceedings were opened with Diz Dexter inviting the AOSA President to give his presidential address. Robert Campbell, although not an Ayton scholar, was an honorary member of the Association, the spouse of an OS and the father of three more, as well as being the Chairman of the School Committee in 1997. He delivered an informative and enlightening account of the events that led to the closure of the school in 1997. The AGM proper opened after Robert’s address, and its proceedings you can find reported formally elsewhere in the magazine. The weekend drew to a close with coffee and chat as those of us who had camped struck our tents and said our goodbyes.