OLD DERBEIAN SOCIETY

Review of Past Events 2009

8 Nov 2009 - Remembrance Day Service

Although St Helen's House, the former home of Derby School is currently undergoing re-development, it is pleasing to note that the new owner (Mr Richard Blunt) has promised that the Old Derbeian Society War Memorial will be safeguarded.

The Society was therefore able to hold its annual Remembrance Day Service at the Memorial as usual at 11.00 am on the morning following the Derby Dinner, this year Sunday, 8th November 2009.

There were approx. 40 members and guests present at the Service which was led by The Rev'd. Preb Derek Tinsley (1946-54) following the laying of wreaths by the President and the Headmaster and by the reading of the names of the fallen.

Those attending then adjourned to the almost adjacent Flower Pot Inn for coffee & biscuits and further reminiscences.

7 Nov 2009 - Annual Derby Dinner

The Derby Dinner was successfully held on Saturday, 7th November 2009 at this year's new venue The Mackworth Hotel, Ashbourne Road. Almost 70 members and guests enjoyed a very pleasant evening in excellent surroundings. Thanks are due, yet again, to Norman Chapple (1942-48) who organised the event for the umpteenth time with his usual efficiency and flair.

10 Oct 2009 - Scotland and North of England Dinner 2009

The Scotland and North of England Dinner was again arranged by Adrian Hayes (1970-77) at the Royal Scots Club in Edinburgh on Saturday, 10th October 2009. A delightful meal was enjoyed by the relatively small group ODs able to make the Dinner this year and as usual the flow of conversation and reminiscences continued throughout the evening.

23 July 2009 - Reunion of 1947 Year

Sixty two years after first meeting as the fresh members of Forms 2L (Levi) and 2R (Reeson), twelve senior gentlemen met again on 23rd July 2009 at the Georgian Hotel, Derby. This was the third successive annual get-together of the group and it seems this has now become a regular yearly event. Numbers would have been even greater but for two unavoidable late withdrawals and others who had unbreakable commitments.

As ever on these occasions, reminiscences take pride of place. Some are old favourites which will be voiced for as long as the group meets, but amazingly each year brings forth a new crop of events hitherto forgotten. No one doubts the veracity of the stories narrated or the inevitable embellishments which occur, for this is the stuff of old boy re-unions. However as each year passes there is a greater familiarity and awareness with more recent history; current events are discussed along with personal aches, pains and losses. These meetings of 1947ers came about because of the efforts of Alan Sanders and his loss since the last meeting was felt by all. Alan would have been delighted to think that something he initiated had so clearly met a need of his school mates.

Next year we will meet again and expect to winkle out those who have almost but not quite made our meetings to date.

We recommend strongly to other intake years to start their own meetings and experience the great pleasure enjoyed by the 1947ers.

H.A.R. Jones (1947-55)

27 June 2009 - Cricket Match: Old Derbeians versus Derby Grammar School First XI

This match was held at the School's new Sports Ground on the afternoon of Saturday 27th June 2009 and was a 25 overs match and a closely contested game which ended with a win for the 'Old Boys'

Saturday afternoon 27th June 2009 in Mickleover, at the School Sports ground, was warm but cloudy as the Old Derbeians commenced their batting. The occasion was a renewal, after a period of more than 30 years, of the annual cricket match, Derby Grammar School 1st XI vs. Old Derbeians. The match umpires were Ben Bradley (1996-2003) and the Head of PE, Mr. Whitworth. After the allotted 25 overs, the Old Boys had reached 132 for 9 wickets, Sandeep Bassi was top scorer with 35 runs not out. Several of the School bowlers had taken 2 wickets each in their 5 overs.

After the tea interval the School boys batted steadily however at the commencement of the last over 18 runs were still required for victory. Spectators and players cheered as each run was scampered and big hits were furiously fielded on the boundary edges. The umpire signalled a 'run short', and then after the last ball was bowled, the School had scored a very commendable 122 for 7 wickets, Christopher Cook top-scoring with 34 runs. For the Old Derbeian side Andrew Wood (1999-2006) took 2 wickets for 14 runs in his 5 overs.
Report: A.R. Thomas (1945-54)

27 June 2009 - President's Garden Party at Derby Grammar School

A very successful inaugural event was held in the grounds of Derby Grammar School following the cricket match.

Players and spectators adjourned to Derby Grammar School, Littleover where, on the lawn in front of the library and new School Hall, the President's Garden Party took place. Headmaster, Mr Paine, welcomed everyone saying how much he had enjoyed the cricket match and hoped that it may become established as a feature game for the 1st XI in the summer term. Guests were able to enjoy guided tours of the School, enjoy glasses of fruit juice or wine and be entertained by the School Big Band playing a programme of light music. An excellent finger buffet was available, and OD guests, cricketers, sixth formers, parents and staff circulated, chatted, and enjoyed the warm evening sunshine.

President of the O.D. Society, Alan Lockyer (1946-53) thanked everyone for supporting this new event which he hoped could be repeated annually and be allied to the cricket match held in the afternoon. This could become an event for Old Boys and Girls of Derby Grammar School to rendezvous at, meeting to continue and extend their school-day friendships. They would find these friendships would last many years and strengthen on the basis of shared experience and reminiscences. Ralph Holden (1944-52) closed the garden party at 8-30 pm, explaining to guests that proceeds were to be donated to the Headmaster's Fund for future School projects.
Report: A.R. Thomas (1945-54)

21 June 2009 - Amber Valley Reunion

The annual reunion was held in the Old Dining Room, Ogston Sailing Club on Sunday 21st June, Elisabeth and Nick Bowden making the arrangements as usual.

Click here to read Stan Smith's report of the Amber Valley Reunion 21st June 2009

Peter Pollard's has kindly recorded his reminiscences of life at Derby School during the Amber Valley Camp days.

9 May 2009 - 55th London Dinner 2009

As usual, this year's London Dinner was held at The Royal Overseas League, off St. James Street London, on Saturday, 9th May.

Click here to read Keith Mansell's report of the event.

January 2009 - New Headmaster at Derby School

Mr. Richard Paine succeeded Roger Waller as Headmaster at Derby Grammar School.