OPAR2003

Annual Reunion 2003
An Annual Reunion for Old Paludians and former members of Slough Secondary School, Slough Grammar School for Boys, Slough High School for Girls, Upton Grammar School, Slough Grammar School, & Slough Grammar School (Language College) took place from 11:00-17:00 on Saturday 22 March 2003 at

Slough Grammar School (Language College) Lascelles Road Slough SL3 7PR

Report by the retiring Secretary
"The day dawned bright, sunny and warm and, by 11am, members were arriving for Reunion 2003. Coffee was available; archives on the corridor walls were studied and a special room was set aside for yet more archive material - records, photographs, letters and reports spanning the full 90 years of the School's existence. Various items were on sale, such as books, bookmarks, CDRoms and so on as well as a few photographs.

Lunch was served for about 150 members and once again the catering staff (led by Lynne) produced an excellent buffet with a selection of sweets. With an hour before the AGM itself was due to begin; those already present took the opportunity to go back to the Computer Suite to familiarise themselves with our website and study the many photographs now numbering well over 200, thanks to the continuing efforts of Ian, our Webmaster. The Library was open throughout the day, thanks to Jane the School Librarian, for members to inspect earlier Old Paludians' gifts together with books purchased in memory of members who had died.

Our special Commemorative Clock was shrouded until later - it was purchased with the generous donations of the Old Paludians to mark the School's 90th Anniversary which happily coincided with the Golden Jubilee of HM The Queen. It was high on the wall shrouded by a red curtain.

More members had arrived for the afternoon session by the time the AGM began. Our Chairman, Jean Tyler, welcomed everyone - members, former members of staff, some current members of staff, the Chairman of the Parent Staff Association, the Head Girl and Head Boy and of course our President, Mrs Lenton, School Principal, who was thanked for allowing us to "invade" the school for another year. Two members had travelled from abroad (California and Spain).

A few moments of reflection were called for as the names of members (including four members of staff) who had died recently were read out. The Secretary then presented the Minutes of the 2002 Reunion: Details of the Finance Statement were on display - once again, thanks to the vigilance of the Treasurer, our finances were in excellent order. Both Valerie and Gwen were thanked for their hard work. A draft of the proposed Constitution had been circulated to everyone in January; with one or two very minor adjustments, those members present voted unanimously to adopt the Constitution which will be displayed on the website.

Then came the Election of Officers and Committee. Jean was re-elected as Chairman, Gwen as Treasurer and Ian as Webmaster. Valerie was elected as Editor and the other members were re-elected with the exception of Ron Spalding who was standing down due to work commitments. The position of Secretary remained vacant with no nominations. Valerie felt it was time to step aside after 10 years having seen the membership doubled to around the 1000 mark as well as involvement with the setting up of the website under the expertise of Ian. Jean thanked her and presented her with a gift token..

In her Report Jean thanked the Committee for their support during the year and welcomed the close links now forged with the School - on most special School occasions Old Paludians were represented. The website continued to grow and it has reached members on all continents - many are thrilled to make contact with old friends and their alma mater once more. Ian was thanked for his continuing hard work.

The two oldest members present, Rinah Kew and Connie Edwards, assisted by the present Head Girl and Head Boy, unveiled the Commemorative Clock. In pride of place between the Honours Boards in the Hall, it has simple wording and a matching surround.

Mrs Lenton gave her usual comprehensive report - the School has achieved Language College status and continues to make its mark in the world of education. There are numerous visits made by the students both in the UK and abroad, covering every aspect of the curriculum: likewise the School played host to many distinguished visitors during the year. The School takes pride in its past and equally, looks to the future with enthusiasm. Mrs Lenton was thanked for her report and presented with 2 growing orchids.

The raffle was drawn and tea was served. Everyone enjoyed their day - some had come for the first time, others were regular visitors and all delighted in seeing old friends once more. And then, it was all over for another year.

The post of Secretary remains unfilled - Jean has a full 'job description' and anyone with computing skills who can assist the Association is urged to get in touch."

Valerie J Storie retiring Secretary of the Old Paludians

Photographs
to be supplied