Annual Reunion 2002

The 90th Anniversary Celebration: 1912 - 2002

Slough Grammar School,
Lascelles Road,
Slough,
SL3 7PR

Secretary's Report

In January 1912, Slough Secondary School first opened its doors to just 40 pupils. In late June 90 years later, Slough Grammar School opened its doors to several hundred Old Paludians, to former Head Girls and Head Boys, Staff, Governors and present pupils and their families in order to celebrate this milestone. The Chief Education Officer for Slough planted a tree to commemorate the event which coincided with the Golden Jubilee year of HM The Queen. Throughout the afternoon there was a concert performance of excerpts from "The Sound of Music" - and a little disconcerting for a moment when the cast took a break and appeared in the canteen in costume! A lunch was given for Governors, the former Head Girls/Boys, current Head Girl/Boy and other dignitaries including - dare I count us as dignitaries - the Old Paludians Committee!! Mrs Lenton gave a short speech outlining the tremendous changes both in the School, in education techniques and the world in general. Indeed, 90 years ago she herself would have been forbidden to be teaching since she was married - a job only for single ladies! There was a toast to "The Grammar School" and Jean Tyler, Chairman of the Old Paludians, presented Mrs Lenton with a bouquet. The time passed so quickly - the website demonstration room and the archives room were crowded, the corridors were lined with photographs, news cuttings, stories of the bravery and exploits of former students in two World Wars and programmes of drama productions from the past nine decades. Also on display was the celebration tapestry specially devised by two members of staff. Visitors came from many parts of the UK - and even Australia. On behalf of all the Old Paludians we thank Mrs Lenton for her generosity in inviting us all to enjoy the special atmosphere of such a very happy occasion. Once again we 'invaded' the School, we met with many old friends, made many new ones and lots of mini-reunions were taking place proving there was just not enough time to exchange news of the past 30, 40 and even 50 years! Photographs will be posted as soon as possible. See you all again on 22 March 2003 for our own Reunion - and dare we look ahead to the 100th Anniversary?

Valerie Storie - Secretary of the Old Paludians

PS: The results of the PSA Prize Raffle were as follows:

 
1st Prize Holiday        N. Patel
2nd       Haircut        J. Naughton
3rd       50             Smith
4th       Ring           C. Brown
5th       Hamper         Ajay Shah
6th       Tefal Fryer    J. Sulh
7th       Kettle         Philip Mipsud
8th       Clock          Hannah Graham
9th       Book           Mrs. M. Kemp
10th      Wine           Laurie Brokenshire

Photographs

	Commemorative Tree Planting Chris Spencer (Chief Education Officer for Slough) Mrs Lenton (Principal, Slough Grammar School)
	Former Head Boys and Girls Mark Dean (Deputy SGS 1969); Mike Denham (SGS 1968); Philip Hinchcliffe (SGS1963); John Overton (SGS 1966); Dr Mike Ford (SGS 1947); Prof Ian Simmons (SGS 1955); Alan Mabbutt (Deputy SGS 19xx); Angela Drakeford (SHS 1964); Jim Barker (SGS 1957-58); Susan Hames (SHS 1980); Janet Hillier (SHS 1975); Alison Pull (SHS 1974); t.b.a. Jean Bayly (SHS 1941); Irene Anderson (SHS 1937); Margaret Day (SHS 1966); Angela McTavish (SHS 1958-59); David Jewell (Deputy SGS 1950); Prabhjot Dhami (SGS Head Boy 2002); Mrs Lenton (Principal); Amanda Salter (SGS Head Girl 2002);
	Mr David Rogers (Former Head of Classics, SGS 1963-2001); Amanda Salter(SGS Head Girl 2002); Prabhjot Dhami (SGS Head Boy 2002);
	David Jewell (SGS1943-51, Deputy Head Boy 1950); Mr BH Roberts (Former Deputy Head, SGS 1968-8?); Mr GH Painter (Former Head, SGS 1966-88)
	SHS 1971 (Form 1) Back row (1971 names) Marina Corbet; Sue Bhangu; Ruth Blundell; Lis Smith; Julie Gates; Susan Mylchreest; Rose Riddell; Sandra Beck; Karin Bruton; Judith Wood-Dow; Deborah Eatock; Jill Denman; Front row (1971 names) Alison King; Karuna Parti; Pam Crockford;

Annual Reunion 2002

Slough Grammar School,
Lascelles Road,
Slough,
SL3 7PR

Over 300 people attended this Reunion, with over 200 taking lunch together. The AGM ran from 14:30-15:30.

Secretary's Report

"Held in the School's 90th Anniversary year, the Annual Reunion 2002 was an overwhelming success story from beginning to end. We were honoured with a visit from the Mayor of Slough, Cllr Mrs Joan Jones (Eyre SHS 1945-50) and her Consort (and brother), Mr Peter Eyre (SGS 1950s), both of them former pupils. Cllr Mrs Jones declared her intention to return next year. The sun shone once again. Members began arriving well before 11am. More than 200 enjoyed an excellent buffet lunch and at least 300 were present at some time during the day. What is more, several members were still actively searching the website an hour after the official end and had to be persuaded to leave since the caretaker was wishing to lock up! What a wonderful compliment at the end of an extraordinary day.

It wasn't too many years ago that the Reunion was attended by just 40 members, 35 ladies and 5 gentlemen. Now we have a glorious mix from both the Grammar School and the High School and, on either side, members from the original Slough Secondary and the modern day School. No matter that for some of us, it wasn't 'our' building, which after all was merely bricks and mortar, it is the friendships and spirit generated which symbolises the Old Paludians.

During the year we have had many new members and it was good to see so many present at the Reunion; for many of them it was the first time back in the School since leaving 30, 40 and even 50 years ago! "You haven't changed one bit" was often heard, no matter the designer grey hair or more lines on the face due to the passage of time. One 'boy' felt distinctly uneasy when passing the former Headmaster's study, half expecting an arm to reach out, grab him and 'deliver 6 of the best' for whatever reason.

First into the Computer suite shortly after 11am were two ladies who have supported the Old Paludians for well nigh 70 years. They were anxious to see what all the fuss was about over our website and soon spotted themselves on the very earliest photos - surely they take a prize for the oldest 'surfers' of the Day. There was a lot of interest shown in the website and several orders were taken for CDROM copies of the website enabling the whole site to be viewed on a computer without the need for an internet connection. As always, the displayed archives were carefully studied and aroused much interest. Archive material is still being found and handed in. Several items were donated - a programme for the very first Speech Day ever, held in December 1912; a French text book being the property of Miss Tregear from those same far off days, as well as a book inscribed with a pupil's name to ensure it was not lost - the pupil attended the School in 1912.

The Library was open for members to see the gifts presented to the School last year; everyone was encouraged to sign their name or work a stitch on the Tapestry being made to commemorate both the 90th Anniversary and the Golden Jubilee of HM The Queen. A special cake had been made with the School crest on it - this was presented to Mrs Lenton for the Staff with our good wishes.

The AGM - that essential part of the Reunion, for if there was no Committee then there could be no Association - began at 2.30 and the present Officers and Committee were willing to continue, subject to re-nomination, and 3 new committee members were welcomed. There was a short talk from Mike Brooker, who is the Treasurer of the Old Paludians Ltd / Taplow United Football Club, and was representing Mr John Head-Rapson (SGS 1966-73), the Chairman of OPL/TUFC, who was unable to be present. Afterwards, there was a presentation to our Webmaster, Ian Cairns, in recognition of his outstanding work in creating such an excellent website, which has drawn together members from around the world. No matter where they live, they can surely feel part of the Association.

This year the School has achieved 'Language College' status and from September will be officially known as Slough Grammar School (Language College). Mrs Lenton outlined the many and varied activities and achievements of the past year - one wonders how it is all fitted in. The Garden Party to be held on 29 June 2002 will be a great celebration of both special anniversaries this year and everyone is urged to attend - there will be many formal and informal activities to be enjoyed no matter what age.

Members were welcomed from Illinois and New York (a return visit since both also attended last year), two from California, from Canada and from France and from all parts of the country. It surely says something for the strength of the Association that members willingly travel so far to meet up with old friends and kindle new friendships. There was a buzz of excitement throughout the day and even after the delicious tea was over, members were reluctant to go home. Many will be back in June and we look forward to even more returning next March. For everyone, 23rd March 2002 will be a day long remembered, a truly magnificent gathering of old and new friends - can there ever be a better Reunion?"

Valerie J Storie
Secretary

Photographs

	SGS 1948 Brian Barnes (SGS 1948-55); Edgar Wallner (SGS 1948-54); David Guest (SGS 1948-56) with Roy Smith (SGS 1948-53) in front
	SGS Upper Fifth 1954 Back Row: Len Jackson; Donna Jackson; (Jeff Parker?); (Dennis Delaney?); (Alan Forbes?); Front Row: (Dennis Daly?); (Michael Gillham?); Peter Rolfe;
	SGS Upper Fifth 1954 Back row: Alan Forbes; Peter Burgess (SGS 1949-54); Dennis Delaney; Dennis Daly; Middle Row: Michael Gillham; Jeff Parker; Len Jackson; Peter Rolfe; Front Row; Peter Eyre (SGS 1950s and Mayoral Consort);
	SGS Upper Fifth 1954 Jeff Parker; Len Jackson; Peter Eyre (SGS and Mayoral Consort); Michael Gillham; Dennis Daly; Cllr Mrs Joan Jones (Eyre SHS 1945-50, Mayor of Slough); Peter Burgess (SGS 1949-54); Peter Rolfe; Alan Forbes; Dennis Delaney;
	SGS Upper Fifth 1954 Alan Forbes (from Slough); Peter Burgess (SGS 1949-54, from Worcester); Michael Gillham (from High Wycombe); Jeff Parker (from California); Dennis Delaney (from Chalvey); Len Jackson (from Chicago); Peter Rolfe (from Vancouver); Dennis Daly (from Wraysbury);
	SGS Upper Fifth 1954 Alan Forbes; Peter Burgess (SGS 1949-54); Dennis Daly; Malcolm Doyle (SGS 1948-52); Mrs Margaret Lenton (President OPA, & Principal of SGS); Len Jackson; Jeff Parker;
	SGS Upper Fifth 1954 Valerie Storie (SHS 1949-55), our Secretary, is now an honorary member of the SGS Upper VB 1954. The polo shirts are by courtesy of Len Jackson who brought them over from USA. Valerie wouldn't put hers on for fear of upsetting her hair! Whatever will Len bring next year?
	SGS Over-the-Hill Gang Jack Ditchfield, Malcolm Hellings, Jez Glanville, Ronald Earley, Eric Duncan, David Pearce, Brian Hannay, Eric Simpson, Malcolm Doyle.

	OPA Presentation of Clock Following the two Reunions, the Anniversary Clock - now ready - was formally presented to Mrs Lenton by the OPA Committee. David Jewell (OPA Committee) Amanda Salter (SGS Head Girl 2002); David Rogers (Archivist, OPA & ex-Head of Classics, SGS); Mrs Lenton (Principal, Slough Grammar School) Ken Bryant (OPA Committee); Prabhjot Dhami (SGS Head Boy 2002); Mrs Jean Tyler (Chairman, OPA); In front: Mrs Gwen Gale (Treasurer, OPA)