Chairman's Letter

Dear Old Michaelians,

As many of you know, Martin Graville, OMA membership secretary and who has for some years edited the “Mitre” was taken suddenly and seriously ill in July and had to undergo major surgery. By the time this reaches you I hope that Martin will be well on the way to recovery. I hope he can even make the re-union! I know that he and Barbara are very pleased with all the messages they have received and have been added to the guest page. In the mean time Bill Cullin has stepped in to produce this edition. Bill has previously worked with Martin, taking the responsibilities of printing and distribution. It cannot be easy to find that you have to edit and print a magazine with only a few weeks to publication.
I am sure you will all join in with me to say a very big THANK YOU.
Another re-union approaches and final arrangements are in hand. In later pages of this “Mitre” you will see what has been arranged. Seeing the details on paper makes it look as though things just fall into place. Anyone who has served on the organising committee will know that that is not the case. But each year it seems to get easier because of the experience gained from past committee members. This year, due to ill health and for professional reasons, some committee members have had to take a back seat. The rest of the committee has helped new members, including your new Chairman, and the whole organisation has been done with a feeling of good will. The committee is always looking for new blood. There are some of the present committee who now want to take things a little easier. There are Old Michaelians out there who have still a lot of energy. Why not put yourselves forward to join the committee? If you cannot attend the AGM but are prepared to stand, give me your name and I will put it forward.
I would like to say a big “thank you” to all the present committee but I am sure they will understand if I pick out Ian Dupont for particular mention. Ian has been treasurer for a number of years but now feels that is the time to stand down. He would not do so without the knowledge that he could hand over to someone equally good and I am pleased to say that Geoff Kimberley has put himself forward for election for the post of Treasurer.
Ingoldisthorpe church is to bury a Millennium Capsule and your committee has been asked to provide items for inclusion. Bill Cullin is putting together a CD containing memorabilia and we are preparing some documents. If anyone out there has something about life at St Michael’s, which they would not mind their great-great grandchildren seeing, please contact Bill or me.
A very important occasion took place this year when Eric and Margaret Bocking celebrated their Golden Wedding on July 26th. Your committee arranged for flowers to be sent on behalf of all Old Michaelians and they were gratefully received.

I look forward to seeing you all in October.

Michael Catterick
Chairman