Dear Old Michaelian's,
I could not start this letter without first recording the loss of Isabel Pott who died after the last edition of the Mitre. We all have our memories of her and the many different ways she quietly helped us. She will be missed by us all, her family and her extended family of Old Michaelian's.

The 2002 re-union weekend was well attended with one member, David McMahon-Winter, coming from Tasmania. It was very pleasing to have Heacham church open on the Saturday morning for us to look round. Hopefully this arrangement will be made for this and future years.

Once again our AGM and re-union were a great success with thanks to all those who helped. Following the approval of those attending the AGM, I approached Simon Pott to offer him the position of President of the OMA which he agreed to accept. As I said in the autumn edition, after many years on the committee and as Treasurer, Ian Dupont wished to stand down. Geoffrey Kimberley replaces him as Treasurer. The rest of the committee were re-elected with the addition of Michael Chilvers. This year the committee will also be looking at the 1991 Standing Orders of the Association to see if any updating or changes are required. These will be presented at the AGM for approval.

The weather on the Sunday could have been kinder! The wind blew and blocked off all but one way to Ingoldisthorpe church and for part of the service there was no electricity. Regretfully I was one of those who did not get up the hill.

The committee will meet in April to start arrangements for our 50th re-union which will be over the weekend of 25th and 26th October. Put it in your diaries now! A golf tournament which will not interfere with our AGM or Sunday service - music and dance after the dinner - a medal or tie - a painting specially commissioned from Barbara Graville - a paper weight with the school emblem and the dates of the Association - a video of the dinner for people to purchase. These are some of the suggestions so far put forward. David Ratcliff has agreed to celebrate communion on the Sunday and would like all OMA clergy to assist him at that service. He would also like a choir.

The most important thing we could all do to make this a special re-union is to attend and bring along an Old Michaelian who has either not been at all or not been for a long time. I would be pleased to hear any suggestions to make this a special occasion.
I look forward to seeing you all in October.
 

Michael Catterick
Chairman