OLD DERBEIAN SOCIETY
President's Message Continued
In the weeks following my agreeing to go forward I did some desk research and was astonished at the amount and value of the work done by the Officers and committee members for the Society, and for the new Derby Grammar School. Thinking about myself in person I wondered "what if?" but Alan my immediate predecessor said not to worry as he would be a member of your committee for the next two years and so would be around.We have some tasks ahead as 2011 is the Centenary of the Society and there are hopes to mark this year in a special way. Possibly you may have ideas, speak up please. Do watch this space.
I said in my thanks to your AGM how humble I felt, and how proud. I am truly proud to be a Derbeian. I was born in Derby and raised in both the City and County. I am truly Derbyshire. (I was at Wembley when the Rams won the FA Cup!). Meeting those pupils now in school I am very happy that they are creating their new traditions.
I hope that I can help our Society towards a transition where younger Derbeians start to take over the reins of office and lead us into the second centennial. Do please look at the events planned already for 2010. While many of you have left our beautiful shire, there are also many of you living within easy reach of Derby. We want your support. Why not come along to the Cricket match and to the reception afterwards. We all want to meet more of you. Each of you must have a friend from your days at school. Why not phone them and jointly with your wives, husbands or partners come along.
Yes do it today!
This sparks another thought. We have over the years created a tradition of events. The Annual Dinners in Derby, Edinburgh and London, Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph outside St Helen's House, the Amber Valley Reunion and last year the School versus Society cricket match was restarted. A reception and garden party followed.
However we must look to the future. Are there other events that the Society should undertake? Perhaps we should hold more and, if so, what would you like? The future of our Society is in your hands, each and every one of you. I want to reach out to you all and encourage you to join in our activities, suggest new ones and ensure that we have a vibrant Society to move into the next centennial.
I would really welcome hearing from any Derbeian old or younger, member or not, what would you like? Please help; let us have your thoughts, today please. We need to hear from you NOW.
Gwenda, my wife joins me in sending our very best wishes to you and your families for 2010.
Hedley W A Alcock
1937-44
President, Old Derbeian Society
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