Recollections of Blaisdon Hall
PRESIDENT'S REPORT FOR
2009- 2010
I
can truly say that from the moment I took over from our former long-serving
President, Charlie Springett, I
have spent some part of each day on matters relating to the Association. Looking
back over the year since our last Reunion, I have exchanged something in the
order of 250 emails, written 30 personal letters and had numerous telephone
conversations with Members, Friends & Associates. Most have been joyful
exchanges with a few sad ones.
On
behalf of Members, I have sympathised directly with bereaved relatives and other
loved ones. Shortly after our last Reunion, Bernard "Barney" Grace
died. In Spring, we learned of the death of Anthony Oatt and then most recently,
Vincent Shaw (Faulkenbridge) died suddenly. I sent personal Condolences Cards on
behalf of our Association.
In
keeping with past custom, seasonal Newsletters prepared by Fr. Sean, John Ward,
Wayne Howe and myself were posted out. The feedback from recipients was very
positive. My key goals of delivering a high quality of Communication and Contact
were thus realised.
I
look forward to another year of building upon all our former President's work
and consolidating the fraternal spirit animated by Don Bosco in those who ensure
the Salesian Charism is extended to
past pupils worldwide. I thank everyone who - in whatever way - have given me
their support and welcome all who are able to attend this 2010 Reunion. We
recall in prayerful Remembrance those whom we knew and loved. We reach out to
those who cannot join us today. Long live
Oh Alma Mater and May thy sons hereafter bring honour to thy name!
Tony Brady
MINUTES
OF BLAISDON PAST
PUPILS ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD IN THE FORMER VILLAGE
SCHOOL. Sunday 29th August
2010 at 9.30.am.
In
Attendance: Father
Sean Murray SDB; Roger Allen, Tony
Brady; Len Carter; John Hennessey
(Mieczkowski); Wayne Howe; Lawrence
Stanton; John Ward.
Chairman:
Roger Allen Minute Taker: Tony
Brady.
Father
Sean opened the Meeting with a prayer.
Apologies:
Michael
McKenna, Alan Ferry
Draft
Minutes for previous Meeting were accepted as read.
Proposed:
Lawrence Stanton Seconded: Len
Carter
Item
(1) President's
Report - tabled
Item
(2) Treasurer's
Report - tabled
Item
(3) Secretary's Report:
Wayne Howe reported Membership
holding at 250. Seventy five Member have been recovered from other website
sources. Since last AGM 3 Newsletters have been posted to all those who have not
requested Newsletter by email.
Item
(4) Nomination of Secretary.
Wayne Howe who since the last AGM volunteered his service indicated that he wished to continue in post. He was
nominated by Tony Brady - Seconded by John Ward and elected unanimously.
Item
(5) No
election as President elected last year to serve 3 years.
Webmaster's
Report: These are contained in 3 posted Newsletters since last AGM and John
Ward reported increased use of
contacts via The Guestbook.
Item
(6) Any Other Business:
Vincent
Shaw (Faulkenbridge) RIP
(1) John Ward, at Fiona Shaw's request, conveyed a
heartfelt apology for not yet writing and delivered her thanks to Father Sean
for coming such a long way to be a Concelebrant at her Father's Requiem Mass.
Fr. Sean was delighted, as always, to have provided this service to Vincent
(RIP), as he has done for numerous Blaisdon Past Pupils.
We then discussed Anna Shaw's kind and generous offer to make a donation
to the Blaisdon Association, in appreciation for all the Tributes made by Past
Pupils on learning of Vincent's death.
(2)
The Blaisdon Village War Memorial: Father
Sean reported that the name of Kenneth Hill, who died as a civilian in
Shrigley - and is mistakenly set among the Second World War Commemorated - is to
be removed and replaced with the name of Brendan McGurk. A Citation by Norman
Taylor will be submitted in due course.
Fr. Sean has begun the process of making the correction through official
channels. This will incur a cost to the Association. All present
Mandated the Treasurer to make provision for this.
(3)
John Ward notified the Meeting that the National Association of Salesian Past
Pupils is to adopt a domestic Chaplaincy Support Appeal following the completion
of the Africa Education Bursary Appeal. He will be posting the Appeal Poster on
the blaisdonbrotherhood website shortly.
The target is to raise £12,500
by March 31st 2011. It was
agreed that the Mission project for this year 2010-11 to support the Chaplaincys
of our existing UK Salesian Schools, would be an appropriate way to use Anna's
wishes effectively and resonate with Vincent's intentions.
(4) Tea & Buns: His
expectations of refreshment being available in the School after a long
drive were not met, so John Hennessey felt justified in complaining. Tony Brady explained
that though refreshment was left available, he was probably diverted by greeting
others near The Red Hart and missed John's arrival from Spain.
Had he seen him, he would have mentioned that it was a serve-yourself
arrangement. He accepted the complaint, apologised and thanked John for raising
the matter.
(5) Invitation to visit Blaisdon Hall: Tony Brady reported
on having formally met with the new owner of Blaisdon Hall. Mr. Andrey Zhelamski
and his sister Yvengna (Helen), will host a drinks
reception and lead a conducted tour of selected areas of the house and
grounds following the Reunion lunch. John
Ward has prepared a gift-wrapped copy of
the Recollections book and Roger
Allen has arranged a floral tribute to be presented to Helen.
Date of next Meeting: Sunday 28th August 2011
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Tony Brady has sent the following information for publication, which will bring great joy to so many of us who lived and worked at Blaisdon Hall and its environs.
Dear Members, Friends, Associates and Father Sean. When the new owner of Blaisdon Hall - Andrey Zhelamskiy - took up residence earlier this year, I composed a short welcoming address in Russian and sent it to him including back numbers of our Association's recent Newsletters. I followed up with an Invitation to join our members for Lunch at the coming Summer Reunion. Today, I received the following communication which I am sure will be received with great pleasure by you all. Best Regards. Tony Brady. President.
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Dear Mr. Brady, We are aware of the Salesian Past Pupils of Don Bosco Blaisdon Association, and of the longstanding connection of the school and the order with Blaisdon Hall. We know that the Association holds an annual reunion in Blaisdon every year, and this year we would like to extend an open invitation to all of your members to join us at Blaisdon Hall for a couple of hours on the day of your meeting for drinks.
We understand that the date of your reunion will be the Sunday of the August Bank Holiday weekend, i.e. the 29th August. We are sure that plans for your day are already at a late stage, and therefore we are flexible regarding your timetable for the day. We will be very happy to discuss with you a suitable time during the day for a visit. I will telephone you as soon as I can to discuss this further. I shall personally be out of the office until next Monday morning.
We very much look forward to meeting you and your members.
With best wishes,
Jeremy Nichols
PA to Mr. Andrey Zhelamskiy
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We are so delighted at Tony's initiative, and the wonderful response from Mr. Andrey Zhelamskiy for his most generous invitation back to a House and grounds that were home to so many of us during the most formative years of our young lives. We have come to see Blaisdon as Home, many had no other, and the Blaisdon Villagers as our Family, which is generously reciprocated. JW
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Next Mini Reunion on the Sunday after Easter Sunday as usual/. Sign App Sheets already open for the 2011 Blaisdon meets. JW