The Oratorian Online

MESSAGES FROM THE EDITOR
Issue 21

I am pleased to be able to include in this issue the tribute to Simon Barrow who retired as Headmaster at the end of last Summer term.

I make no apology for including in this issue the full text of Father Gregory’s speech to the Newman BiCentenary Dinner together with the message from His Holiness Pope John Paul II about the Cardinal and the comments of Archbishop Vincent Nichols. It is entirely appropriate that we should have a better understanding of our Founder.

I would like to take the opportunity on behalf of The Society, to congratulate Mario Binyon (1934-38) who has been elected a life member of the MCC (w.e.f 1.1.01) following 50 years of membership.The Old Boys Society Committee is keen to expand the areas of interest sponsored by the Society.

Now that Old Boys Sport is well-organised and meets with considerable success (even if – apart from the Cardinals - not much reported on!), it has been suggested that some similar organisation of Old Boys Music or even Drama, might be appropriate. The Committee of the Society would be interested to hear any views on this. Why not write a letter to the editor on the subject, with a view to promoting a debate? Anyone interested in organising any such activity should contact one of the Officers.

On another front, the Committee is keen to develop some ‘regional leaders’ who might be interested in organising small local gatherings of old boys (perhaps even subsidised, at least initially, by the Society). There are a few old boys who have done this very successfully off their own bat and we would be interested in hearing both from them and any others who might be keen to do something similar.

There are opportunities for you to express your views in two other ways. We are looking for a new editor of The Oratorian and the Committee is always on the look out for new members. Please contact the Chairman if you are interested.

You may be interested to know that there is now an Old Boys Notice Board in the covered way at the School and this contains details of the Society and fixture lists for the Old Boys sporting activities etc.

Many of you have been enjoying reading or dipping into Oratory Lives, that fascinating and beautiful hardback collection of obituaries of Old Oratorians. For those who missed out when it was published, it is still possible to obtain a copy. (£16 from Tony Tinkel at the School).

Dates for your diary later in the year are the Annual Requiem for Old Oratorians in The Little Oratory at Brompton – Thursday 8th November and the Annual Dinner (and AGM) to be held on Friday December 7th at The Army & Navy Club. Don’t forget that those of you who left the OS since 1997 are entitled to one free dinner so, if you havn’t claimed yours yet, make sure you are there this year.

Rather sooner, the School is celebrating the Cardinal Newman bicentenary with a Memorial Chamber Concert. On Wednesday 2nd May,there will be a chamber concert given by the Duke Quartet, composed of works associated with Newman. Andrew Routh, a current pupil will play the piano part in a performance of Schumann’s piano quintet.

Enclosed with this issue is an order form for a special commemorative cover of Cardinal Newman, in case anyone should be interested.

May I remind any Old Boys who move house that they should send details of their new address to Margaret Stubbington, our records Secretary (see Inset).