Annual General Meeting of the Old Clayesmorian Society at Simpson’s in the Strand, Saturday, 1st Feb. 1997. at 1800hrs
Present: D. St K Anderson, President.
Jane Salkeld, Chairman and Membership Sec.
G. G. D. Staines, Hon Treas. and Editor of Newsletter
H. Teed, Hon Sec.
H. G. Chubb.
D. R. Fangen.
R. H. Mitchell.
H. G. Thompson.
N. J. Zelle..
Minutes of the previous AGM 27th Jan 1996 read by Hon. Sec. and signed by Chairman.
Matters Arising
Jane Salkeld elected to Chair by ballot in competition with N. J. Zelle. There being no nomination for Membership Secretary, Jane Salkeld agreed to continue for a limited period. J. C. M. Garnett resigned editorship of the Newsletter. G. G. D. Staines took this on in addition to his duties as Hon Treasurer. S. E. Levinson gave up the post of Hon Sec. after many years on the committee. H. Teed nominated and elected.
Report from Hon. Sec. noted that the school’s Centenary took prominence during the year. The Centenary Service in Salisbury Cathedral on 2nd March 1996 was most impressive, followed later in the year by a Centenary Ball and a Summer Fair.
The Society’s activities began the year with the O. C. Dinner at Simpson’s in the Strand on the 27th Jan. followed by an OC Day on 18th Feb. A bitter day, no hockey match and a low turn out of OCs (six or seven). Just enough Committee members for a meeting and a quorum. A week-end 11th & 12th May was a much more lively event with Nick Zelle’s musical day culminating in a concert in the Chapel on the Saturday and a cricket match on the Sunday. Enough Committee members for a fully structured meeting on the Sunday morning before Lunch. Arising out of this came the idea of an organ recital by the itinerant American Organist Carlo Curley underwritten by the Society in the expectation that it should make money for the C. C. C. appeal. The event took place on 21st Sept. It was well attended, well received but contrived to make a loss. The year seemed to offer activity enough and the Dorset Dinner in the autumn became a silent casualty. No tears, not even an enquiry. There is an OC weekend on 20th Sept which is open to suggestions.
Report from Hon. Treasurer was reinforced by audited accounts posted on board at the meeting. The gist is that the Society is solvent to the tune of circa £14,000. This is considered good but to a thoughtful Treasurer is seen as capital capable of yielding an income of around £600 and the chance to live within it provided not too many outgoings (which had been the case in this Centenary Year). Hon. Treasurer advises the best return on deposits is to be had with the Royal Bank of Scotland. This has been done. The current account meanwhile, remains where it is as charges are least.
Report of Hon. Editor of the Newsletter States that publication is "soon" i.e. in a month or so. Copy is very welcome now and for future publication.
Election of new Hon Membership Secretary. Chairman wishes to divest herself of this one and nominations were canvassed from the floor. None forthcoming, matters remain i.s.q. for the present.
Election of Hon. Editor of Newsletter. A similar situation obtains and the two posts are combined in the person of George. G. D. Staines at least for the present. There again, being no movement from the floor.
Any Other Business.
The C.C.C. Appeal continues to be of concern until the Astro turf pitch and Pavilion are paid for. Alan Gilmore states that £226,000 has been raised mainly from a couple of hundred OCs. There is scope to make money from hiring out the field during school hours and holidays to aid income. Stumbling-block is that there is no place for teams to change until the pavilion is built. Admitted, teams can arrive changed and drive up to the Sports Centre for a shower afterward.
Application for Lottery funding has been declined. Chair suggested facts and figures be published in the Newsletter as oft as may be. OC ships will come over a period of years and conscience stirred at a similar rate among the rest. From the floor, Peter Parsons 55-59 advised keeping up the pressure to the point of harassment there being nothing to lose.
Also from the floor: T.G. Wright, 40-44 asked that OCs abroad might be allowed a proxy vote where relevant. Chairman said she would consider inclusion in the rules.
John Grant is willing to accept Hon OC status. Hon Sec. to arrange. (Done 23rd Feb.)
There being no further business, The Chairman closed the meeting at 1840 hrs. Dinner announced at 1902 hrs.