North East

The 2018 North East Branch Dinner was held at the Northumberland Golf Club, Gosforth Park, in Newcastle on Wednesday 7th November.

Twenty-seven Branch members and guests from the school met in the delightful club lounge for drinks and conviviality. Before all attendees moved into the dining room, Chairman Don Williams welcomed everyone and in particular, by way of celebrating the school’s September re-opening, Head Master, Gareth Seddon. As a point of general interest Don announced that a sporting rugby event is being planned for the 9th March 2019 between Newcastle Falcons and Coventry Wasps; more details about this are available on request.

Don informed everyone about the sad death of Branch stalwart, Norman Wakefield, and called for a minute’s silence in his memory and in the memory of St Beghians who fell in service during The Great War and subsequent years. On a final note, as a gesture of appreciation for such regular attendance, something which makes the North East Branch so successful, everyone received a gift. At the conclusion of the dinner and speeches, Don presented hard back copies of his book ‘A Portrait of Achievement’. This outlines over 2000 years the North East of England through the events, resources, and people that have shaped and contributed towards its being known affectionately as ‘The Pride of Northumbria’.

In the dining room after saying the traditional ‘Foundation Grace’, a superb meal was served and enjoyed by everyone. Following the ‘Loyal Toast’, Head Master, Gareth Seddon, gave an interesting and upbeat account of the re-opening of the school and the time since. Within six weeks he was faced with an Ofsted school Inspection! However, he remained positive while awaiting their report summary (we have since heard of the good result!). Gareth illustrated some of the most memorable first term events and new pupil activities. He stressed how delighted both pupils and parents were with progress to date. Internal classes, activities and work are supervised by teachers and staff based in the Foundation. There is a growing impetus of interest with families considering placements next year and Gareth expressed his confidence with the prospects for future pupil numbers. In conclusion he proposed a toast to ‘The St Beghian Society’.

St Beghian Society President, Peter Lever, then delivered a speech that gave members an insight into the many challenges that had to be faced by both the school and the Society. A steadfast determination by the Chinese led to the school’s re-opening, and he was confident that with the continuing strength of backing by the Full Circle Group, the future ground is firm. Without any requirement in their plans for Grindal House, and given the high cost of repairs and upkeep, it is possible that this property will be available for sale. Similarly, the properties along Lonsdale Terrace are likely to be re-instated as individual residences with adequate parking and therefore suitable for sale. As the school has been closed for three years, it will be some time before the Society itself has any new members. Support for annual dinners and events is of great importance and Peter acknowledged and praised the Branch Secretaries and all others who have worked to ensure the Society remains vibrant. Concluding his speech, Peter proposed a toast to ‘the school’. 

Finally, a guest well known to Society members, Darryl Davies, gave a talk based on his experiences at St Bees whilst he was a pupil and then for 32 years, a school master. Darryl spoke very humorously whilst he recounted events and reminisced about past school masters and pupils. His imitation of history master, Dickie Dearle and his obsession with passing trains and railway timetables was particularly amusing. Darryl mentioned that he had been very moved by the Service of Remembrance this year on what was a very well attended St Beghians’ Day at the end of September. He also thanked N.E. Branch member, George Robson, for devising the Order of Service, serving as organist and for donating the ‘Old St Beghians Remember’ plaque in the Chapel that was unveiled adjacent to one listing ‘The Fallen of The Great War’.

At the end of the meeting Chairman Don Williams distributed copies of his book and then everyone retired to the lounge for some last chat and farewells before making tracks for home.

Present: D.H. Williams, Chairman (FN 61-64); D.F. Lord, Treasurer OSB (SH 60-65); W.E. Dove, Secretary NE Branch (FN 57-60); P.G. Lever, President OSB (G 62-68); D.W. Davies (FS 62-68); G. Seddon, Headmaster; F.O. Messenger (SH 50-55); I.D. Nimmo (FN 52-57); J.D.S. Brown (G 52-59);N.D. Clothier (FN 53-57); W.M.H. Dix (FN 55-58); C.R. Kennedy (FN 55-59); D.G. Leslie (SH 55-59); A.M. Carstairs (FN 57-62); G.C. Robson (FN 57-64); J.M. McBryde (FN 58-61); T.G. Steven (G 59-64); A.O. Burn (G 62-65); N.W. Adams (FN 68-71); Mrs R.V. Lewis (L 77-79); D.J. Pitchford (G 95-02); D. Bushby (SH 95-02); P.J. Drysdale (SH 95-02); B. Wilson (SH 97-04); R.I. Littler (SH 98-05); M.T. Garstang (SH 98-05).
Note: D.G.W. Reed (FN 75-78) paid but could not make it.

Photos may be seen by clicking here.

 

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The St Beghian Society    
St Bees School,    St Bees,    Cumbria,    CA27 0DS.

         Tel: (01946) 828093      Email: osb@stbeesschool.co.uk      Web: www.st-beghian-society.co.uk