A message from Don H Williams - Chairman North East Branch
At the North East Branch Dinner in November 2013, I was delighted to be appointed as North East Branch Chairman. Since the close of my term as President of The St Beghian Society, in September 2011, I have continued to keep an interest in the Society and the school, albeit on the side lines. My visits to St Bees for Speech Days and for re-unions to see so many of my contemporaries and those who have become friends from other eras are highly memorable. It always amazes me that so many gravitate back to St Bees from near and far to share school and life experiences. Recently, George Gibson (FN 59-64) and his wife Pat were on a short visit from Canada. They arranged the best part of a day to visit us at home in Stannington. How quickly the years melted away and soon it was all chat and chuckles up to date. It was wonderful to see them, and indeed anyone else from any era will always be welcome to visit.
During the North East Branch Dinner I was very taken with all of the ‘well wishes’ I received as new Chairman and I will do my best to warrant such compliments. Already I have had requests to organise some sporting events. Naturally, I will be pleased to follow along the lines of calendar fixtures that many of us have previously enjoyed together. In order to do this, I will need to know your own preference. The most effective way for me to discover this will be for you to kindly contact me (see end details). The sooner I hear from you, the sooner I will be able to formulate some dates for the calendar. It will be good to hear from you, and all suggestions will always be well received and acknowledged. Although any organising will be from the North East Branch, all are welcome to attend with guests, a system which worked very well previously.
Much has changed at St Bees, as indeed progress dictates. The new Headmaster, James Davies, has great ambitions for the school and has acknowledged to me the importance and roles of the Society’s Branches, our network and fellowship. For James Davies, the school’s involvement with all Society activities is fundamental. This is only achieved through participation and planning. At our North East Branch we have been fortunate to have a ‘time served’ Secretary, Bill Dove. For the last forty years Bill has planned and organised the Branch Dinners.
They are always well attended and have a great atmosphere. Bill’s work is well recognised. The annual turnout is a testament to him. He orchestrates this, apparently seamlessly, by building a rapport with old and young St Beghians alike, year after year. Thank you, Bill, and also George Robson, for your unstinting support of the North East Branch.
Contact by email: don@kingdomofnorthumbria.co.uk Tel: 01670 789489
By Post: Woodcroft, Station Road, Stannington, Northumberland, NE61 6DS.
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The St Beghian Society, St Bees School,
St Bees, Cumbria, CA27 0DS.
Tel: (01946) 828093 Email: osb@st-bees-school.co.uk
Web: www.st-beghian-society.co.uk