T

he success of the Golden Jubilee Reunion of the Old Michaelian Association held on the last weekend of October 2003 has provided great incentive for the committee not only to continue but to build on their efforts for the future.

You will appreciate that in 2006 it is the Diamond Jubilee of the opening of the school. What greater reason could you require for another great Michaelian party? (2009 is the centenary of the birth of the Headmaster but let's keep that one in the locker at the moment!). The camaraderie, good humour and happy reminiscences were characteristic of the weekend in October 2003 and I am now delighted to be involved with the committee and to be able to see at first hand the thought, care, time and planning that goes into making the reunions a success.

Michael Catterick and his team do the hard work and all you need to do is to come and join us all in the last weekend of October 2004! Being Old Michaelian’s there is healthy discussion within the committee about what changes might be made, the nature of the promotion of the weekend, how we might be able to help those who might possibly not otherwise be able to attend, and all the hundred and one things that go to making up a successful party.

However, what emerges is a rollercoaster of emotions for the weekend and it was wonderful to see the quite extraordinary efforts that had been made by a number of old boys and girls who had not returned for many years. Their involvement was tremendous and we have created a time after the dinner that any Old Michaelian or spouse who wishes to do so may make a short speech, tell a story, raise a question as to who was responsible for... and so on! This proved very successful last year and if anybody wishes to come and make a contribution do please let me know.

I imagine that most institutions that closed in 1969 are now just a distant memory. The fact that the Old Michaelian weekend is growing in popularity is down to all of you, and if you have not attended recently please do so and you will be astonished at what you find. All of us on the committee look forward to welcoming you.

Simon