This year’s Annual Reception proved to be one of the most successful yet. A mixture of former and current staff joined almost 50 former and current students for a fantastic afternoon.
Chapel Service
One of the biggest impacts of the change to a single day event has been the attendance at the chapel. There was literally standing room only for the service which was led by Steve Hodgkinson (MBE). Jeff Lewis gave a short word on the importance of wisdom, and the need to use the knowledge gained at school and in life wisely and with kindness. The OSA is grateful to old boy Rob Glassonbury for playing the piano for the hymns.
AGM
Following the service the AGM was held. Steve (Treasurer) presented the accounts for the 18 months to December 2023, which were accepted by the meeting. One of the highlights of the AGM is to hear how the school uses the gift given by the OSA to the Head Teacher’s discretionary fund. Sarah Burns shared how the school continues to be able to support children and their family knowing that there is money available, an ethos not all other schools can meet. The members unanimously agreed to increase this fund by 25% to £1250. Jeff Lewis (Secretary) explained that this gesture was possible because the membership continues to grow with circa 100 paid up and another 30 plus who need to pay for 2024.
The Secretary shared a summary of the year and in particular the ongoing support for the rugby club, the new partnership with Beartown Brewery and trying to get to more school performances. Mark, as President, shared his vision to continue to grow the membership and provide events and website content which old boys and old girls of the School will find relevant. He also spoke of the coming year which will be the 125 anniversary of the OSA culminating in the 1200th Annual Reception. With a joint CCF Former Cadet’s Dining In Night, a return to the RAF Club and an anniversary golf event it will be a full year, and will culminate with a special Reception. He thanked all the members and the staff at the school for their commitment and support.
Lunch
Thie lunch was a huge success. Again the food was excellent and the Beartown Brewery beers were well received. It was the atmosphere however that made this year’s event different. With a dozen former staff and some current staff present, it felt that every guest had someone to talk to. From John Owen, Nick Harvey and Keith Ludlam who all joined in the 1960s, through to Stuart Dodds and Simon Robertson who recently retired and Steve Mills. In between Alan Atkinson, Glynn Robinson, Richard Ayres, Barbara Glastonbury, Kath Hudson, Liz Ward, Steve Hall, Mick Pierson, Trevor Moors and, last but no means least, former Head Colin Brown.
There were multiple first timers at the lunch and several pods were seen forming, chatting and laughing as former pupils met for the first time in as much as 50 years!
This year’s raffle, named after our late President and Treasurer Reg Dunning, exceeded all expectations. The first 5 prize totalled over £200 in value, and with lots of other donated gifts it was a busy draw. The final amount raised was in excess of £400. Thanks to everyone for their generosity.
It was good to hear from two of the Head Student team, Head and Deputy head Girls Ruby & Ella. They spoke of the important role the student senate now plays in the dynamic of the school. It was wonderful to hear how they help promote student welfare, especially for students as they transition to “big school”.
Mark shared a few more thoughts on the following year before handing to Sarah Burns. She highlighted how proud she was of the pupils. Not only in academic, sports and performing arts, but in their personal development and how they embrace the Sandbachian ethos. Finally she reflected on the future of the school and the investment that needs to be made to the original Grade II listed building. This will hopefully come from a government funded programme. As part of this the school landscape will change as it establish modern buildings, fit for providing great education to meet the demands of the next 20 years and beyond.
It left the committee to thank the catering staff, Pete Sherratt Chair of Governors, David Osborne and Head Teacher Sarah Burns for their support as the day came to an end,
As everyone made their way home, they hopefully could reflect on a great day where the OSA was once more able to Reunite Friends, Support the School and Build on our Heritage.
