Editorial

It is with a tad of nervousness that I put pen to paper, yet again, as Editor of 'The Mitre'.

Before I go any further I wish to take this opportunity to express my hearty 'Thanks' to Martin Graville on behalf of all of you for his devoted hard work as Editor over the last seven years. How he maintained any sense of sanity for so long, only Martin can explain.

This is the third time that I have taken on the responsibility as Editor of 'The Mitre' over a period of some 40 years and therefore I completely understand the task that is not only expected of me by all Members but also the responsibility that goes with the title of Editor.

By now you will have ploughed your way through several pages of script and I hope that the one fact that could not have escaped your notice is that the format and style of 'The Mitre' has changed. If you were present at the 2005 AGM you will recall that, during my presentation, I suggested that this change was necessary to keep 'The Mitre' up to date and crisp incorporating as many contributions from you, the Members, as possible. Of course, I am forever willing to listen to criticism and constructive ideas that hopefully will enhance 'The Mitre' and keep it going as a communication tool for all Old Michaelians all over the World.

So, I make no apologies whatsoever in expressing my sincere THANKS to everyone who has contributed this time and I hope that the selected articles have brought a tear to the eye, a smile to the face and a touch of nostalgia. It is, of course, a hope of mine that Members will be encouraged and fortified with ideas and make immediate contact with me and contribute their own articles for future editions of 'The Mitre'

I mentioned to you in the OMA Newsletter published last February that the Committee had decided to publish just one edition of 'The Mitre' each year and that this decision would be constantly reviewed. Nothing much has changed to date but I do have to say that I am much encouraged by the response that I have received from Old Michaelian's when I have requested articles, interviews and other assorted relevant material. I will be enforcing the issue again at our April Committee Meeting for consideration to be given to reverting back to TWO publications each year but not if this will mean a decline in quality.

Simon Pott (or Granddad as he now prefers to be known) mentioned to you in his article how pleased we all are that, at the time of going to print, the numbers of Old Michaelian's and partners who have indicated their commitment toattend the Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Reunion Weekend are extremely encouraging and this indicates to us that 2006 will be an extremely successful year for the Association. If you have not made up your mind to join us in October please do not hesitate too long because we would all love to see you there. Make that commitment NOW and make contact with Ruth Chilvers to reserve your place at the Reunion Dinner. Ruth can be contacted in so many ways by telephone, e-mail, snail mail and also via the OMA Web Site. I am making sure that a Reservation Form is supplied to you with this copy of 'The Mitre' and I hope you will all take advantage of the heavily discounted price for the Reunion Dinner offered at £20 per person on this very special occasion.

Lastly, I am already thinking about the next publication of 'The Mitre' and there is every possibility that I may come knocking on your door for some sort of contribution. No, not money, but script, copy, articles, poems..........you know what I want!!

I hope you all have a great summer and we all look forward to one heck of a Party in Hunstanton at the end of October.

Best Wishes to you all

John Wallington

Editor