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Newsletter 1999 The President’s Message 1999 The last twelve months in the affairs of our Society and indeed in those of St Michael’s Church have been overshadowed by the sudden death of John Gray on New Year’s Day. It is true to say that he was foremost in holding together, guiding and steering both these institutions during the impossibly difficult time following the closure of the College in 1985. He taught at the school from 1957 to 1984 and he was Secretary of this Society from 1982 to 1991. He was second only to Kate Ashley in his many years devotion to the Society. One cannot help but use the words ‘he will be sadly missed’. An obituary and report on the funeral service that Tim Coles wrote for the Sword is printed elsewhere in this newsletter. It is planned that Evensong on Saturday 14th August, the Reunion weekend, will be a Memorial Service for John Gray. "Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in peace For years I have been fascinated by trying to find a possible connection between Ouseley and Elgar. Perhaps it springs from a desire for neatness — by trying to put two people one admires, and who are obviously not totally unconnected, in the same pigeonhole. At last a connection has been found, by Dan Symonds, in the SMC archives in Hereford Cathedral Library. I have written a short article about it in this newsletter. The Reunion last year was a great success thanks largely to the continuing generosity of Maria Fry and her father in allowing us the run of the school, and also to the dedicated work of our Secretary, Tim Coles. One point to note is that at the AGM a new rule was introduced to allow people who are not former pupils or staff of the College to become members, but without voting rights. This was largely John Gray’s idea, and it will enable those who in various ways are contributing to the continuing life of the Church, and others, to join us if they wish. It will also benefit the Society in the problem of dwindling numbers as the years go by. Finally I would like to express my grateful thanks to the Committee for all their work, especially Tim Coles who has a great capacity for work. During my three years as your President we have a meeting during the winter, either at Malvern or Ombersley. I recommend this idea to my successor. At last year’s AGM, John Brown retired after sixteen years as Treasurer of the Society. We are all extremely grateful to him for controlling our finances for such a very long time, and for the efficiency and devotion that he has shown over the years. We must also thank Nora for her supporting help. A presentation will be made to John at the Reunion Dinner in August. I would appeal to those members who do not attend regularly, or perhaps cannot remember when they last came back, to try and make it this time. Simultaneously going down memory lane and working to keep the Society going is good fun. Keeping in contact with each other and renewing our association with the place that has had so much influence on our lives seems to me to be a way of expressing a sort of gratitude. John Austin
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The 2006 Reunion was the Centenary of the Society and 150 years since Ouseley opened his college
For more details see here |
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St Michael's College Society |