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The Annual Reunion Dinner, 2004| Home (Aston) | Index (Aston) | |
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The Annual Reunion Dinner, 2004| Home (Aston) | Index (Aston) | |
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My first reaction on entering the room with my contemporary John Donnelly, whom I had met in the car park, was one of slight disappointment: there were fewer tables than last year. So we made for the bar where we met Mike Dugmore from the year after ours. Next, to the table plan to find out where we were to sit.
This year the tables had been named after former Association Presidents and stalwarts. Quite rightly the 'top' table was named after that giant of the school's first century, Frank Jones. The others were H W Richards (our table), H C Rowan, Jim Thompson, Eric Collis, Charles Gilbert, Reg Rodaway, Jim Connor and 'Polly' Harpur. I'm afraid to admit that Jim Connor was the only one of these known to me. He had written very kindly to me on the death of my AOE father in 1980.
By the time we had surveyed the table plan two more of our contemporaries had arrived: Jim Parker and Peter Band. Thus last year's unholy quartet was reconvened. We had met twice since then: at Perkins 65 and Jim Parker's annual 'ABC'* bash. This year we were joined by (the Reverend) Martin Leigh from the class of 1951, who only just made it. I had forgotten all the changes that had been made in the area since Martin was last there in 1958, and had omitted to provide him with clear instructions when I had seen him but four days previously for the first time in 46 years!
In due time we were summoned to our tables - once again right at the front! - where we found some of our even more senior companions from last year. One of them immediately recognised Martin from his time as Vicar of King's Norton! This turned out to be John Castle, the oldest AOE present. John had come to Aston in 1929, and his father in 1891! Martin's neighbour at table (currently unidentified) turned out to live only five miles from his current parish in north Staffordshire. So Martin, at his first attendance, knew more people at the table than I did!
We found at our places the Winter 2004 edition of the AOE Newsletter, skilfully edited by Brian Roberts. He had designed a cover depicting six books written by AOEs. My contemporaries asked me 'Who was William Lumb?' (Bottom right). They should have known, but I was able to tell them. They were suitably impressed and then asked me about Walter Allen (Bottom centre). I hadn't a clue and my credibility suffered a huge blow! I shall ask BDR, in a folorn attempt to retrieve my quite undeserved reputation for omniscience in all things Astonian!!
The 'top table' were then applauded in. Once again the ever humorous Bob Simpson was Master of Ceremonies. Later in the evening he admitted to being 76, but only because someone accused him of being 77! Bob called on Brian Roberts to say Grace. Now Brian really is ominiscient in matters Astonian. He had chosen a Scots Grace, and linked with it two former AOEs from long ago who had served with the Black Watch - so much in everyone's thoughts at this time.
As the first course was served Bob Simpson announced this year's intellectual challenge: to create, during the meal, an anagram of 'Homemade Minestrone Soup'. Fortunately he did not include '... with Parmesan Cheese and Herb Croutons'!
The Loyal Toast was followed by the Immortal Memory - a minute's silence for the 193 AOEs who died in two World Wars. They were commemorated with the time honoured words 'For they grow not old ....' pronounced by Alan Haynes, also on our table and described in the programme as 'Unpopular Estate Agent'!
Thereafter it is permissible, and appropriate, for the mood to lighten. While many took the opportunity to inspect Aston Villa's plumbing arrangements I went and had a chat with the three representatives of the present generation. This year they were once again, happily, included on the top table rather than down among us peasants. They turned out to be the school vice captain and the captains of cricket (making his second appearance) and rugby. I have to say that I was particularly pleased to see that one of them was a black lad.
Earlier Brian Roberts, now a septuagenarian - to Bob Simpson's obvious delight - had warned me that he wanted to introduce me to the deputy Head, Frank Hedley. This was no social accolade: they had a job in mind for me! Before he did so I managed to say hello to one of only two surviving masters from our era: former deputy Head Harold Jessop. I pointed out the rest of our contingent who then descended on him. Jim Parker recalled the time Harold had hauled him up to the gym for fighting (with Dave Walton) and made them settle the matter using boxing gloves and the Queensberry rules! To Jim's amazement Harold not only recalled the incident but said that he had had to resort to this device on only two subsequent occasions. So Jim and Dave are members of a very exclusive fraternity!
Meanwhile Brian had carted me off to meet Frank Hedley - actually for a second time (see last year's account). A real delight for me was that the new Headmaster, Colin Parker, joined us and I was introduced to him too. So now I have met five of the eight headmasters to lead Aston. Colin said he was aware that I had written about him, which impressed (and slightly unnerved!) me. After commiserations that I was not a historian(!) they asked me to assist in re-vamping the school's web site. I immediately accepted: I have little else to offer and so was particularly pleased to discover a way to help. I hope 'Billy' Chivers would approve!!
Formalities resumed with the results of the anagram competition. As usual, almost traditional even, some entries were disqualified on grounds of vulgarity! Next came the raffle, won by Peter Band. In announcing this Bob Simpson revealed that he had worked with Peter at the beginning of what was to become a distinguished career in the aluminium industry. Finally, Alan Haynes was pressed into service to auction a set of wine glasses engraved by Harold Jessop.
The speeches started with the toast 'The School and Foundation'. This was proposed by Jon Collis, AOE son of stalwart and former President Eric, recently deceased. First off Jon brought a gracious acknowledgment from his mother, thanking the AEA for their support in her bereavement.
The response by the Headmaster was Colin Parker's first opportunity to address the wider 'Old Boy' community. The contrast in style from that of his predecessor was significant - and presages a new and much anticipated phase in the school's development. To me it was very reminiscent of the headship of another historian - L G Brandon.
The toast to 'The Association' is the President, Bob Stait's, chance to get in his 'six penn'orth', and is the point where, briefly, the evening takes the form of an AGM. That was soon dispelled when Peter 'Spot' Harvey (pronounced 'Spo'!) got up to respond. Another AOE son, this time of Golf Section President Les who was sitting on our table, Peter spoke with obvious affection of his time at Aston and of the friendships forged in the days when his job enabled him to participate in AOE events. The programme described Peter as 'City Banker'. It was too obvious - but Simpson couldn't resist!!
These evenings are sprinkled with hilarious moments. Just one will suffice. At one point the new chairman of Governors was introduced: Toby Norris, Professor Emeritus at Aston University. When Bob Simpson discovered he had been a professor of Electrical Engineering he asked him 'Can you fix this bloody microphone?'!
The regular pianist was not available this year, but we were not to be spared our annual challenge. It was time for the school song. I was most impressed to discover afterwards from Martin that he had learnt it off by heart: I knew only too well his views on the sentiments it expresses!
And so it was time to go home. After farewells to Jim, Peter and John I sought to redress my earlier neglect of Martin. I am quite unable to lead him in the paths of righteousness - but at least I could get him back to Spaghetti Junction, whence he made his way safely home to north Staffordshire!
Like so many long anticipated events the Annual Reunion Dinner was over in a flash. I felt I had hardly spent much time with any one individual (for which they were, no doubt, extremely grateful!) whilst talking non-stop throughout the evening.
Martin Studholme ('Studders'), his wife Sharon and sister-in-law Dianne had once more worked hard to achieve a difficult task: balancing the needs of an ageing group of AOEs with those of a young, non-Astonian, sports playing community. Thanks to you all!
P.S.: By the way, I don't have a photo of 'Billy' Lumb, so if anyone can help ....
*Alcohol, Boule and Conversation!