The 113th Annual Dinner took place on Saturday 18th November from 6:30 pm for 7:30 pm until 11:30 pm in the Oldfield Hall, King Charles I School, hosted by President John Hall.
'Year of 59' and Antipodean visitor star on John's special day
As you should all know by now, John Hall is a member of the 'Year of 59'. This is the year of John's arrival at the school and not the year Heinz extended its range by 2! In 1989, they had a 'Year of 59' reunion. This was a wonderful day with milk and buns at Woodfield and an evening dinner at the Briars. The class of 59's future as a group was sealed on that day, and I was lucky enough to be invited as an interloper, as I had helped the late and fondly remembered Sid Cooper track down members of that school year. This group didn't let us down at this year's Dinner, either, as about 25% of those attending were from that year!
The Antipodean Visitor? When this old boy entered the room, I was confused, as I recognised him, but believed the person I thought it was was in Australia. Keith Weston was over and it was great to see him again.
Jamie Butler, the School's current Headteacher, reported on the successes that the pupils of the School had achieved in the past year. The School was the best in the area in terms of results and, indeed, several pupils had gained entry to Oxbridge! Old boys' organisations are delighted to be able to support outstanding pupils and provide finances to aid the school. Jamie proposed a toast to 'the Old Carolians Association'.
In his response, John thanked Jamie, and commented on the pleasure and privilege bestowed upon him on becoming President. He referred to the illustrious 'giants' in whose footsteps he followed. The first Old Carolians' dinner had been held on 6th December 1899, and John referred to that occasion, commenting that the menu had hardly changed to this day! For those of you wondering about the date of the dinner: it is now always held on the nearest Saturday to 19th November, which was King Charles I's birthday.
John then gave us details of his journey to King Charles I School. John moved from a Birmingham city centre school to Far Forest village school in the late 1950s. (Coincidentally, your columnist also moved from a Birmingham school to King Charles I School in the late 1950s.) In Birmingham, we dropped our 'H's and now we dropped our 'Gs', as well, going from Gloom to Loom! Unsurprisingly, Far Forest school was to achieve a fair pass rate: Jeff Webb, Norman Blount and Lesley Joyner, whom I can remember, and John (he says it was a surprise to him) passed the 11 plus. John's first memories were of Blue Coats and army uniforms. His grandfather convinced him that the school was an approved school for naughty boys!
Travelling in on the popular 294 bus from his home in Dark Lane, Bliss Gate, John quickly made friends. He enjoyed the school's camaraderie, history and sport. In the last mentioned, he excelled at rugby and, in particular, athletics. He captained the School at both Junior and Senior levels in athletics, and the team dominated the County and District events, ably coached by Keith Stooksbury. John was also Blounts' House Captain.
After school, John, like your correspondent, took up a career in Accountancy. He also represented the Old Boys at Rugby. His career took him up north as Regional Director for Allied Carpets, and he lost touch with most of his friends with the notable exceptions of Sid Cooper and Bob Jeffries.
After a thoroughly excellent speech, the formalities were concluded with the singing of the National Anthem and 'Auld Lang Syne'.
Richard Woolley, 'Birmingham to Birminam' Correspondent