The 106th Annual Dinner took place on Saturday 21st November from 6:30 pm for 7:30 pm until 11:30 pm in the Oldfield Hall, King Charles I School, hosted by President Ken Ryder.
Sitting with old friends and retelling the usual stories of life in the old schools, the teachers and the memories, one could not help once again being impressed with the surroundings of Oldfield Hall. What a splendid job has been done here, with the blinds of the amalgamated schools, and the Honours Boards that exemplify the traditions of the three outstanding institutions.
Ken Ryder, President of the Association, welcomed all the 110 members and friends and introduced the guests on the top table: Tim Gulliver, the newly elected Association Secretary; the Rev Rose Lawley, the new Vicar of Kidderminster, who said grace; Dave Allen, President of the Hartlebury Old Elizabethans' Association; Mark Garnier, MP for Wyre Forest; Cllr Rose Bishop, Mayor of Kidderminster; Rosemarie Morgan, President of Kidderminster High School for Girls Old Girls Association; Steve Brownlow, Headteacher of King Charles I School; and Peter Picken, Treasurer.
Following changes introduced by the Committee this year, there were only two speeches, and general discussion identified this as a most welcome change, leaving far more opportunities to spend with old friends. It was also universally recognised that the increased number of ladies at the Dinner significantly improved the atmosphere of the evening. Long may it continue! Ken Ryder, in his own inimitable style, spoke of his immense pride at being elected President. He thanked all those that had worked so hard to organise the Dinner, and he also thanked the Committee for their help in making his Presidency so successful this year. He spoke especially of the help that he received from Norman Broadfield and ex-President Richard Woolley, and praised the outstanding Old Carolians Association Magazine – 'The Broadfield Gazette' – which is distributed each November. What would we do without it? Ken spoke of the memories of his happy family upbringing in Bruce Road, the inspirational teachers at King Charles and his own forty-year teaching career at Denstone College in Staffordshire. He discussed the Latin mottos of both the boys' and girls' schools underneath the blazer badges – 'Per Laborem Ad Honorem' and 'Gratias Hodie Agimus', respectively – and highlighted the progress and academic achievements of King Charles – taking students forward, as he had done, to success in a future career. Ken reminded us all of the career and service to the Old Carolians Association of John Booth, who had died recently. John was an Honorary Life Member and few could match his sporting and academic achievements. We often say colleagues will be much missed and, in John's case, he will be irreplaceable. Ken then concluded his speech by proposing the loyal toast.
Replying on behalf of the School, in his second attendance at the Dinner, Steve Brownlow highlighted the improved successes of the School's Year 11 and the record GCSE and A-level results, which were the best in Kidderminster in 2015. 66% of students this year obtained A to C grades in GCSE and from a position last year of 21st out of 29 Local Authority schools, King Charles reached a position of 10th this year. He also listed the impressive sporting achievements of students.
The Dinner was brought to a conclusion by Martin Wall, known affectionately as 'Max' to many of us. He accompanied us on the piano with 'Auld Lang Syne'. Thanks must go again this year to the Association members that work so hard before the Dinner, to make it enjoyable for guests. These include David Slater, Mike Wilson, Colin Lloyd, Peter Picken, Peter Guy, Norman Broadfield, Roger Perrin and Tim Gulliver. Apologies to anyone that has been omitted. Without these individuals, combined with the professional excellence of Plyvine, the Dinner would not be such a success. The raffle was also very successful this year, with a sum of £240 being raised.
'Captain' Peter Vaughan, Chief Reporter