What a year 2003 has been! We have had our sad moments with the loss of a number of Old Michaelians and partners but have happy moments such as the 50th Anniversary of the OMA re-union. We were very pleased that all three of the Pott siblings were able to attend. Those who attended the weekend for the first time or after a number of years absence must have found the camaraderie quite amazing. From the moment we met in the “Mariners Bar” on Saturday until we parted on Sunday from Ingoldisthorpe Church Hall everyone enjoyed themselves.
At the AGM, all members of the outgoing committee willing to stand were re-elected with the addition of Pat Frost. The revised constitution of the Association was approved. A letter from Colin Ratcliff was received in which he suggested that the OMA should consider setting up an educational trust. This was considered to be an over-ambitious scheme owing to the small and diminishing number of OM’s. An alternative proposal was an annual prize to a pupil of Ingoldithorpe School (RP was chairman of governors) for an exceptional achievement, as a reminder of the existence of St Michael’s. Further consideration will be made by the committee and reported back to the AGM.
Chris Winter (Father Alban) presented the Association, on behalf of the OMA’s in Australia, an aboriginal painting showing the Mitre in a central position surmounted by the letters OMA and surrounded by various animals signifying the spiritual significance of the Association. It has been added to the memorabilia and will be shown at all future annual meetings.
The dinner was attended by OMA’s (72) plus 30 guests. A number of others joined us for the after dinner speeches and mingling. Having a number of after dinner speakers worked well with all those who spoke limiting themselves to the three minutes allowed. A Pott in charge of this part of the proceedings must have helped!
The Sunday Eucharist was well attended. David Ratcliff led the service, assisted by all the OMA clergy who were able to attend. This made the service very special. The ad-hoc choir conducted by our organist Ben Gunner proved a success, though I do wonder how David Ratcliff was able to sing counter tenor! I presented to the churchwardens of Ingoldisthorpe, on behalf of the OMA, a kneeler embroidered with the Mitre and dates of the school. They brought it to the altar where it was blessed by David. It is to be used as the bishop’s kneeler.
Finally I would like to thank all those who helped in any way with the organisation of the 2003 weekend. I know, as Chairman, I get all the “thank you s” but it would not have been possible without their help.
Michael Catterick
Chairman
