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Trinity Old Scholars Association

TOSA - - - - - A Way Forward

October 2005

About a decade ago, one of our one-time scholars of Trinity County/ Grammar School (Don Grammer – Class of ’37) had the idea – and the impetus – to suggest the re-creation of the old scholars association (once known as OTSA).

Amid great excitement and wonderment, over 200 old scholars turned up for the first reunion and the ‘membership’ has since topped 900 – all recorded on a data base with all the information needed to find an old friend - - - as many have since - - -

However, like Topsy, it “just growed”, – virtually uncontrolled - and although assisted by a variety of helpers it never became a recognisable entity! From an annual reunion in Hatfield it has mushroomed into a series of ‘local’ groups – each with their own ‘ad hoc’ administration.

Not in any way to impute that there has been any lack of responsibility, it nevertheless transpires that this rather nice collection of old friends and scholars had in fact no official status whatsoever – nor any responsibility – at all!!! It has relied on the ‘ad hoc’ well-meant activity of the Founder – an overworked Don Grammer, who now wishes to take it easy.

For instance until recent discussions at a luncheon in June of this year it was not fully recognised by some that this sizeable collection known as TOSA had no apparent legal standing at all - and no basis of administration. Not even any rules! Accordingly a group of ‘old scholars’ gathered together at the behest of Don and considered how best they might put matters on a regular basis.

After detailed analysis this group prepared – as had been requested – a suggestion of how the new collection ‘TOSA’ should be graced with a Constitution, Rules of Management, and a Committee to accomplish this desirable state of affairs. - - - following the example of the original Association ‘OTSA’ - which was incidentally headed up by the Headmaster with an appointed Committee with various clearly defined roles and responsibilities.

To affect this ‘set up’ will take a little time but it was felt that a very early start should be made in view of the serious misgivings that have given rise to this consideration as a whole. It was suggested that to recognise the urgency of concern a timetable should be set and that this Constitution should be accepted and implemented in time to become operational as the New Year opens.

To this end a Constitution has been created with the help of Kemal Ghafur 1951 (retired lawyer and solicitor) and agreed in principal by the founder members and other interested parties namely

Don and Yvonne Grammer 1937 and 1939 Audrey and Roy Augood 1944 and 1941

Reg Rogers 1934 Joan and Ron Bates 1941 and 1942

Colin Marr 1951 Anne Flanagan 1958

Janet Smith 1947 Stuart Wells 1942

Doris Chennells 1942 Derrick Ball 1939

Derek Richell 1943 Peter Townsend 1946

Those present at the consideration meeting are named below and have agreed to act as an ‘ad hoc’ committee until October 2006.

Marjorie Bell (Humphreys)

Class of ‘40

Fred Brailey

Class of ‘50

Mary Davies (Parker-Smith) Class of ‘51

John Glyn

Class of ’46 - Co-ordinator 1946 group

Derek Jones

Class of ‘42

Vic Manning

Class of ’49 - Co-ordinator Bournemouth Reunion

Judith Neville (Crook)

Class of ’52

Joy Riley (Thompson)

Class of ’44

Beryl Skinner (Hayter)

Class of ’42 - Website Editor and Co-ordinator Reading Group

John Snellgrove

Class of ’37 - Database Custodian

Jeanne Zimmerman (Webb) Class of ’50

Peter Zimmerman

Class of ’47

Beryl Skinner was proposed as treasurer by John Glyn and Peter Zimmerman and has agreed to act in this capacity.

Colin Marr (51) has agreed to become independent examiner of the accounts.

The constitution has been distributed to old scholars attending the October reunion at Hatfield on the 15th October 2005. For details of the Constitution click here (Constitution)

Finances. The Association has relied on donations for it to survive in the past. However, many “registered” members do not attend meetings, luncheons or other activities, and from the day they have

registered, have not been heard of again. They will remain on the database for reference purposes only. It has been decided that in moving forward, a membership subscription must be instituted to cover costs and this has been set at £5.00 per annum. (Two members at the same address will only pay a single subscription).

For the time being, overseas members will not be required to pay a subscription, as the cost of converting

Currency out ways any benefit to either member or TOSA.

Those who have made a donation within the past three months will have this treated as membership and will cover until at least December 2006.

Those who have not already done so, are now invited to join officially – please send your membership subscription to:

Mrs Beryl Skinner

110 Reading Road

Finchampstead, Berks

RG40 4RA

Making cheques payable to TOSA (Please do not send Cash or postage stamps)

Please quote your year of joining. Printable Membership form available by clicking on

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

If you require a receipt, please enclose a stamped address envelope.