The Dinner Dance last November was indeed a most enjoyable evening, the Wine and Cheese Parties throughout the year have again been very sociable, and the Hobbies evening was also a success. We know that during the past year we have had inflicted upon us a "credit squeeze" and I expect this was partially the reason why the donations for the Christmas Bazaar were not so plentiful. Had it not been for the help of the Staff at the College in the distribution and sale of the Draw tickets, the profit from the Bazaar last December would have been greatly reduced from the previous year. One event which takes place practically every week during the year is the Whist Drive every Thursday (except during School holidays). I can speak from personal experience in recommending these evenings as most enjoyable. For the price of half-a-crown, you have an evening's game of cards, refreshment during the interval and the chance to win a prize.
So much for our money-raising endeavours. I will now turn to the question of what we can do
with the money once we have it. During the past twelve months we have
provided the School with: -
|
30 Students Chairs Tape Recorder Rugby Ball Silk Screen Printing Equipment Geographical Society Equipment |
|
costing costing costing costing costing |
|
£ £ £ £ £ |
260. 40. 6. 49. 13. |
17. 19. 18. 6. 12. |
0 0 6 0 6 |
The Students Chairs were purchased because it was not very comfortable for the majority of the Sixth Formers to sit at the regulation issue desks and chairs. These chairs we have purchased were selected by the College and they are upholstered and the writing tablet swings in front of the chair, and in addition there is a container at the side of the chair where each boy can put his books. The Tape Recorder is for use by the Language laboratory, the silk screen printing equipment is for use by the School Printing Society, and the Geographical equipment will enable the boys concerned to go out and do practical field work. Further equipment of this sort has been ordered and will appear in the next year's accounts. We have also made a permanent loan to the Drama and Stagecraft Club. This will enable tickets for various productions to be purchased in bulk. These tickets are then bought by the boys who attend these shows, and the money paid is then returned so that the float remains the same. Since the end of the financial year in August other grants and trophies have been approved. These are cups and individual trophies for both the Senior and Junior Table Tennis Championships, the Jazz and Chess Clubs. Approval has also been given for the manufacture of a special tie. This is made in Terylene and will be presented to every Prefect at the College when he leaves The issue of these ties will be restricted to Prefects. These last few items will, of course, appear in our accounts for the next financial year.
I think you will agree we have broadened our scope quite considerably and if we continue to progress in this manner, there will not be a boy attending the College who does not benefit in some way or other.
Just a brief word about Membership. During the last year we have introduced a Period Membership and I am very pleased to see so many Parents taking advantage of this. It does save me some paper work in reminding parents that they have not sent in their Membership Fees. However, I do feel, and I know the Committee agree with me, we should have a larger membership than we actually have. The cost of paper, printing and postage are continually rising and we do rely on the Membership Fees to offset the cost of these newsletters. If you know of a parent who is not a member of the Association you could play your part in encouraging them to become members.
In conclusion may I thank all of you who are regular contributors to the Annual Football Pool which we organise. This apart from the Christmas Bazaar is the only other real money-raising event we run, in all our other functions we endeavour to give entertainment and value each evening and any profit which is made, whilst most encouraging, is incidental. Thank you all for the support you have given us during the past year and I look forward to meeting many of my old friends and making new friends as well during the coming year.
Arthur Mellins
Hon. Secretary