NEWS FROM ASSOCIATION

Current Officers: - Chairman Brenda Coxen (nee Ashworth)
Secretary Elizabeth Solomon (nee Coak)
Treasurer Janet Wilcock (nee Matthews)
Web site Contact: Wendy Wallis (nee Gwennap)
Website www.bolithoalumni.co.uk
e-mail info@bolithoalumni.co.uk

Chairman's Report 2008 - Brenda Coxen

It was extremely gratifying to see the 2007 Newsletter appear in its new format, and our thanks are due to Barbara Clarke, who collated the information it contained. There were some technical and distribution difficulties for which we apologize but hopefully these have now all been resolved. Every member of the Association should have received this second edition of the Bolitho Alumni Newsletter.

The time has passed incredibly quickly since compiling my report for 2007. Our Annual General Meeting last September was a great success. The company included several former members of the School who were attending for the first time. Without exception, they all expressed the sentiment that they wished they had been before and certainly hoped to be at future AGMs.At this point I must say that the superb lunch added to the occasion. Its content and presentation rivalled many a 5-star hotel. Our sincere thanks go to Mrs Whatley and all her helpers in the kitchen and dining room. Likewise to Mr Dobson for allowing us to renew our friendships in the familiar surroundings of the School.

As the Spring Term was shorter than normal, governed by the early Easter, it was impossible to find time for the usual Boarders Beetle Drive. However the annual Skittles Evening for all Alumni members and friends, held in May did take place. This is such a relaxed occasion enjoyed by all participants. The date is already booked for next year (see the Diary Dates). Members of the Committee have responded also to requests from the Bolitho Parents and Staff Association to assist in some of its events. A visit to our website will keep you in touch with both social activities and news of old school friends as it is constantly updated. However if like me, you are lacking in computer skills a 'phone call to me or to our Secretary Elizabeth, may answer your queries. Contact details appear under the heading of this report.
It is worth reiterating the statement made in the previous Alumni Newsletter. The Alumni embraces all the Associations of the School. This means that whether you were a former member of a) The School of St.Clare b) here during the change over to Bolitho School c) a fully fledged Bolitho School member or d)parents of any of the above (Friends of Bolitho) all are welcome. At the moment former St. Clare Old Girls are well represented though this does not preclude adding to their numbers. It is the gap, which appears to exist between them and the later members of the School that we would love to bridge. Did none of you arrange to meet a decade or so after your leaving date? Surely you have wondered what happened to colleagues with whom you spent your schooldays, or that member of Staff who influenced your daily life for so long? Now is your chance. Renew the contacts and come along to our Lunch and AGM on Saturday 27th September 2008.

Perhaps, after reading this Newsletter you hear of any Alumni member who has not received a copy, you could persuade them to contact our hard-working Secretary Elizabeth Solomon. She, along with our computer expert Wendy Wallis both endeavour to keep the list of members accurately, adding new members to our database. It is surprising how many former members of the Association move house and even countries without letting us know, then wonder why they no longer receive communications. Either Elizabeth or Wendy will let you have the details we require.

On a personal note may I end by thanking our Secretary Elizabeth, our Treasurer Janet, web site Wendy and all members of the Committee. Their help in so many ways, is conducive to the success of the Association and is much appreciated. It is the support though by all members of the Alumni as it hopefully expands that makes these efforts worthwhile. It is a delightful way of renewing, maintaining and promoting long-lasting friendships with the common bond of Our School.

The Chapel has been made slightly smaller and given a balcony over the passage way which now runs from the main entrance hall into the school. The Members at the AGM agreed to give two pews to go into the Chapel with our motive engraved on the side.

I am afraid to report that Miss John died on 7 January 2003 just before her 102nd Birthday. These photos was taken on her 100th Birthday when she was presented with a map of Cornwall from the Old Girls Association, and received a card from the Queen.

In the year 2000, The Old Girls planted a tree in the main drive. This photo shows Angela Treloar (now Mrs Thomas) and Miss Crankshaw at the ceremony.

THE BOLITHO SCHOOL

These photos have come to light of the grounds and we thought you would find them interesting. Before the building was used as a School it was the Riviera Palace Hotel and these are postcards sent from the Riviera Palace Hotel. The first photos shows the steps in front of the building that are still there today but I am afraid most of the grounds are now sold off for building.This was a postcard dated 10 September 1907. We are not sure where the palm trees were situated.

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