From the President: I’M BETTING ON MORE GREAT REUNIONS

Having returned from a 60th Anniversary Dinner for Bristol and the West of England it was quite obvious to me that everyone enjoyed and took part in a brilliant celebration. Congratulations and particular thanks to Bill Affleck for organising such a superb event. Although I regularly attend North East Branch Dinners, visiting other branches and meeting St Beghians from all eras makes me realise just how special St Bees School is to all of us. As usual at these events the time to socialise and talk is always too short.  However, many of those that I meet say they will attend future events and encourage other colleagues to join in too! I was impressed to see Bill Frankland (FN 26-30) at Bristol, who promises to visit Newcastle for our North East Branch Dinner in November. According to Bill, new boys used to be initiated by being rolled around in dustbins (tell us more stories please). Whatever were our own experiences at St Bees, it has created individuals with great character and personality.
It is always good to meet younger OSB’s. Also attending the Bristol Dinner, there was Michael Farrer (E/FS 81-88), who had some great tales to tell, and Emma Pile (L 89-92), who is keen to attend the next Manchester reunion! From my era there was Dacre Watson (SH 56-62), Stephen Lees (G 56-62), John Holden (F 59 –63), Stuart Withnal (G 58-63), and our Hon. Sec. David (Fred) Lord (SH 60-65) was also with us. During his days at St Bees, and as a fully-fledged pilot, Dacre Watson took part in a memorable and unique RAF fly-past on CCF Day. As Dacre commented, “… with the bureaucracy these days this could never be repeated”. As I write, President’s Night at Newcastle Races is fast approaching and I’m betting this will also be a great event. My message is for everyone to keep in touch. Let us know where you are and what you are doing. Come along to any of the branch reunions. As Michael Farrer concluded, “I’ve really enjoyed this reunion and it’s just a shame there’s no more wine left!”

Don H Williams MCIM
PRESIDENT OF THE ST BEGHIAN SOCIETY