OLD DERBEIAN SOCIETY

Centenary Year 2011-12

There is a growing sense of anticipation for the unique opportunity to celebrate the Centenary of the Old Derbeian Society, which was inaugurated in October 1911. Planning for this auspicious year is at an advanced stage and it is a wonderful opportunity for ODs to make it a memorable celebration year. There will be a number of opportunities for ODs and their guests to meet up and review the past and to see the present.

4 February 2012 - Gala Concert

A Gala Concert will be held in the School Assembly Hall on Saturday 4th February 2012 at 7.00 p.m. when the following Old Derbeians will be appearing in a programme of Classical and Popular items: Michael Harris (1958-65), Andrew Nicklin (1958-65) and Ben Bloor (2003-2010), amongst a number of other performers including the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Derby.

Tickets for the above event are available at a cost of £15 per person.

Tickets are available by writing to: - The Bursar, Derby Grammar School, Rykneld Road, Littleover, DERBY. DE23 4BX marking your envelope 'Old Derbeian Society Concert'. Please enclose a crossed cheque, made out to Old Derbeian Society to cover the cost of the number of tickets required and do remember to include a stamped and addressed envelope for the return of the tickets.

Tickets for the concert will also be available in Derby by personal application at the Assembly Rooms Booking Office and at Foulds Music Shop.

16 June 2012 - Garden Party

The OD Society President's Garden Party in this Centenary year is scheduled to take place on Saturday 16th June 2012 at 6.00pm in the grounds of the School on Rykneld Road Mickleover, Derby. There will be a finger buffet and refreshments. Full details will be available on the website during the early part of 2012.

23 June 2012 - Cricket Match

A cricket match will be played between the School 1st XI and an Old Derbeians XI at the Derby Grammar School sports ground, Merlin Way, Mickleover commencing at 1.00pm. This is the annual Alan Sanders trophy event.

24 June 2012 - Amber Valley Camp Reunion

The annual visit to the site of the Amber Valley Camp will be held on Sunday 24th June commencing at 11.00am at the Ogston Sailing Club, Wolley Moor, Derbyshire. DE 56 6FN. This is an event not to be missed for 'Old timers' who experienced school life there in the Second World War.

9 October 2012 - Scotland & North of England Dinner

The Society's Centenary will be celebrated at the Scotland and North of England Dinner arranged by Adrian Hayes OD (1970-77) in the splendid surroundings of the Royal Scots Club, Abercromby Place, Edinburgh EH3 6QE at 6.45 for 7.30 pm. For further details see the Forthcoming Events page of the website.

9 November 2012 - Derby Grammar School, Act of Remembrance

Old Derbeians are most welcome to join with the current staff and students for this Act of Remembrance in the School Assembly Hall commencing at 10.30 am.

10 November 2012 - Old Derbeian Society Centenary Dinner

The Society is planning to hold a Centenary Dinner in the magnificent Assembly Hall at Derby Grammar School on Saturday 10th November 2012 at 6.45 for 7.30 p.m., this being a major event to mark the close of the Centenary Year. Details will be circulated with the Annual Newsletter in the summer of 2012 and will be available on the website in mid 2012.

11 November 2012 - Remembrance Service

The Remembrance Sunday service in the Centenary Year will take place on Sunday 11th November 2012 at 10.45 for 11.00 a.m. when members of the Society and guests will gather at the Derby School War Memorial outside St Helen's House King Street. This moving service will commence, as always, with the Two Minutes Silence at the chiming of 11 o'clock by the Cathedral clock and will be followed as usual by the laying of wreaths by our President and the Headmaster of Derby Grammar School. The names of fallen pupils inscribed on the monument who had made the ultimate sacrifice will be read out aloud by a number of Society members. In the Society's Centenary Year this will be an especially significant occasion and it is hoped that, as the event follows immediately the Centenary Dinner, there will be a large presence of members and guests.

Please do note these significant dates for the Society in your diary.
Additionally, a celebratory print from a painting of St. Helen's House is being commissioned, and it is anticipated that this will be of great interest to all who cherish memories of their school-days there and it is hoped there will be a big demand to purchase copies. Details on how to order will be placed on the website shortly.

Other Centenary Items

History of Derby School - The Society has produced a CD of the thesis written by the late Colin Bell OD, a Past President of the Society, on the history of Derby School up to the end of the 19th Century. These are available for sale at £10.00, thanks to the efforts of Barrie Sheard, Society Archivist. The CDs will be available at all the above events or by contacting Barrie Sheard at jbhygiene@supanet.com

St Helen's House Commemorative Print - As part of the Centenary Year Celebrations we have produced a celebratory print from a painting of St. Helen's House which has been superbly printed on quality board and which is available at a cost of £3.00 each. Copies will be available for purchase at all the above events.

Society Archives - During this Centenary Year do please look through your drawers, filing cabinets and boxes in the roof space and elsewhere to see if you have any material, photos, publications, and any other memorabilia from your time at School. Please contact Barrie Sheard with details of anything you find, by e-mail at jbhygiene@supanet.com or by mail to: J.B. Sheard OD, Holden House, 1, Canal Bank, Shardlow, Derbyshire. DE72 2GL

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