2020 AGM

Summary minutes saved here.

See committee papers for the President’s address and Honorary Treasurer’s report    .

Letter from Peter Thomas

Dear fellow Stationers’,

I am sure you would all like to join me in expressing our thanks to Tony Hemmings, who in the wake of the Covid-19 lockdown, ensured a smooth and efficient passage for this year’s on-line AGM.  Through his hard work and determination we were able to have a successful AGM, allowing the Committee to continue with its important and essential work on behalf of the OSA. Thanks, also go to Peter Sandell for his contribution.

I would also like to add that I thoroughly enjoyed my term as President, working with a team of enthusiastic, bright and innovative fellows who sit on our Committee. Thank you all and well done!

I look forward to seeing everyone again, once the drawbridge has been lowered and we can return to our normal programme of events.

In the meantime, my very, best wishes to you all.

Peter Thomas – Past President

Memories of departed friends 

recently notified deaths

Bruce Donaldson
We are sad to report that OSFC recently lost one of our longest standing, current club members. Unfortunately Bruce contracted COVID 19 and after being treated for 3 weeks in The Whittington Hospital sadly passed away on 27th April, aged 69. Obituary here.

We are sorry to report that Mike Andrews (usually Mickey to his OSFC chums) passed away on 2 March after a long illness. Mike was at the school 1958-1963. A service of remembrance was held at Bournemouth Crematorium, followed by the chance to reminisce with his family and friends at Crane Valley Golf Club in Verwood. Tribute here.

Alun Jeffreys has let us know that sadly his brother Philip Jeffreys unfortunately contracted coronavirus and did not recover, he passed away on the 7th of April. Philip was at school from 1968 until 1974.

We are sorry to report the death of Terry Slinn, who was at the school 1945 – 1950 and lived in West Sussex.

Lucien Perring recently learned of the death, in Canada last October, of Robert (Bob) Shepherd.  In 1948 Bob came to Stationers and was a keen sportsman. and House Captain of Meredith. He lived and worked near Toronto, Canada, for many years – becoming a key member of the local community. Obituary here. 

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OSA Walk,  

We had to postpone this years planned OSA walks in Derbyshire (19/20 May) due to the virus lockdown guidance.  A group of OSA members and their partners had been looking forward very much to this…and of course the weather would have been perfect.  The hotel in Hathersage  has been very helpful with our cancellations, but we intend to reignite this group and rebook the hotel in 2021 when the walking and the beer will all taste so good.

Please e-mail Ian Blackmore and Peter Winter if you wish to be kept in touch as matters develop.  Meantime to wet the appetite – a picture of Marn Tor.

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.

Departed friends.. 2

Harold Perry  We are sad to report that Harold Perry died 18 May, and that his funeral was held 28 May.  Details of remote viewing arrangements, and how to donate to the chosen charity here, and here is a eulogy.

Rev Canon John Sheen  We are sad to report that John Sheen (class of ’44) died  14 April of complications from Coronovirus.  The family are hoping to arrange a celebration of his life in October. 

Stanley Ward. We are sad to report that Stanley Ward (class of ’44) died 15 April of lung cancer.   The family 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 (class of ’44), on 21st March 2020. A private funeral was held. A book of condolences is at : funeral directors. Here is the obituary for Sir John Sparrow.

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

Dates for the Diary

subject to change re pandemic 

Tuesday 12th May 2020

OSA Lunch – cancelled

Late May 2020

Derbyshire walks – postponed

See article to right

Sunday 30th August 2020

President`s Day

Botany Bay Cricket Club

Tuesday 15th September 2020

OSA Lunch

Details to follow