Postponed events …

Rearranged AGM of the Association

Following the cancellation of the AGM at Stationers’ Hall on 27th March due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Committee considers it necessary for the efficient and effective operation of the Association’s affairs to convene an Annual General Meeting at the earliest opportunity.

I hereby give notice that the AGM will now take place electronically on Wednesday 22^nd April 2020.

The Agenda for the virtual meeting is contained in the password protected Committee Room on the website, together with the President’s Address, the Honorary Treasurer’s Report and the nominations for the Election of Officers and Committee for 2020/2021. Members will be sent, by email, the password to gain entry.

Whilst no alternative nominations to those shown have been received, or intimated, for Officers and Committee for the Association’s forthcoming year, full members are invited to submit their nominee for any office, together with the name of a full member seconder and their nominee’s agreement to stand for office, to the Honorary Secretary by email at the address shown in The Old Stationer magazine no later than Friday 17th April. In the event of such a candidate being nominated, members of the Association will be notified on our website by Monday 20th April and invited to vote for either the candidate shown on the Agenda or for that member’s candidate and the result will be announced on the website on Thursday 23^rd April. Should no other candidate be nominated for Officers and Committee by Friday 17^th April, the nominees contained in Items 4 and 5 of the Agenda will be elected.

By order of the Committee
Tony Hemmings Honorary Secretary

Memories of departed friends 

recently notified deaths

Rev Canon John Sheen  We are sad to report that John Sheen died 14 April complications from Coronovirus.  John lived on the Isle of Man with his wife Elizabeth.The family are hoping to arrange a celebration of his life in October. John attended the School between 1944 and 1951 (Meredith).

Stanley Ward. We are sad to report that Stanley Ward died 15 April after a long, brave, fight against lung cancer – and deciding not to continue the treatment.   The family say that Stanley really enjoyed Stationers’ dinners etc. They hope all members of class of ’44 are keeping safe and well, and that some old boys can come to a memorial and celebration later in the year.

Sir John Sparrow We are sad to report the death of a past president, on 21st March 2020. John, attended the School between 1944 and 1951. Due to the current restrictions, a private funeral was held. The family follow’s wishes not to have a memorial service, or to receive flowers or messages are sent by post. A book of condolences is at : funeral directors. Any tributes or memories for the Magazine can be sent to the editor, Tim Westbrook

Owen Rowe, our oldest member, died  Tuesday 11th February 2020.  We are grateful that he got to see our magazine article on his war time heroics.

David Bignell died 28th January 2020.  Here is Obituary and here a picture of David, if not in full flight on the way there …  

As advised before 

The funeral of Hugh Alexander took place in January 2020. Here is the notice Hugh Alexander funeral

OSA Walk,  

Following the success of the Yorkshire three peaks walk in May 2019, we had planned further walks in 2020. The main walk is planned to be 12 to 15 miles with an option for a shorter walk (about 8 miles) the following day. We have identified some accommodation for two nights i.e. 18 to 20 May, although clearly any participants could extend the length of their stay. An important addition is that spouses/partners will be welcome on these walks.

The walks will be led by Ian Blackmore.  The area we hope to go to this year is the Peak District (Derbyshire).  To make it a sensible party to walk together we will cap it at about 30 participants.

The proposed main hotel is The George Hotel at Hathersage, 01433-650436, S32 1BB.  There are a number of other places at a range of prices in Hathersage and the relatively nearby Castleton, from Youth Hostels upwards, so please do not feel you have to stay at The George to take part. The proposal is to stay for two nights , although you may choose to have a longer stay. 

Ian Blackmore has developed these two walks.  The proposal is to have a dinner together on the evening after the first walk, with a more informal arrangement for the porebvious evening.

Down Memory Lane walks

Following the success of the guided walk Down Memory Lane last autumn, we were planning to repeat it, and to add a walk centred on the school’s Origins in Bolt Court.  These are now postponed. 

Please email Stephen Collins (spc@woodhaven.me.uk) if you want to be advised when the walks will now take place.

Postponed  … 

We have arranged a discount of 10% on room prices at The George.  To get this you need to refer to an agreement with Chelsea (not the club!) and that you are in the WINTER walking group.  You need to book directly with the Hotel, you cannot get these prices via a booking agency.  A small number of the rooms can be set up as twins if this is needed.

The prices are as below, B&B per night:

If we are able to continue it would be helpful if bookings could be made as soon as possible so that we can secure accommodation in one area at what can be a busy part of the Derbyshire walking season. Please e-mail Ian Blackmore and Peter Winter if you wish to be kept in touch as matters develop. 

Dates for the Diary

subject to change re pandemic 

Tuesday 12th May 2020

OSA Lunch – cancelled

Late May 2020

Derbyshire walks – postponed

Sunday 30th August 2020

President`s Day

Botany Bay Cricket Club

Tuesday 15th September 2020

OSA Lunch

Details to follow

Apology – re Alan Berwick  The magazine incorrectly records Alan as having passed.