A message from the President
When I was elected President of the Old Arnoldians, at the A.G.M. in April, two thoughts entered my mind. First, a sense of gratitude to the members at the meeting for their support. Second, the thought that it was rather more than I deserved.
I now look forward to the year ahead. It will provide me with even closer contact with the School than I have had during my years of retirement.
Those OAs with good memories will remember Richard Rhodes initiating the day, for Upper Sixth students, known as "First Impressions". It no longer exists in the same format but the practice interviews, part of the day, still continue and I have maintained a good link with the present day students by carrying out such mock interviews. As a consequence of those interviews I can assure the Old Arnoldians that the present pupils of Arnold School are every bit as confident, intelligent and personable as the students of yesteryear.
The next important date in the OA calendar is 10th September. This is the occasion of the Annual Dinner. It is to be held in School this year and therefore will provide former students with the opportunity to see the changes that have taken place in recent years. Last year's dinner was notable for the number of young OAs who attended. It would be another memorable night if such an attendance of young former pupils could be repeated. Mark the date in your diary, contact Amanda Hoskisson in the School Shop and get your tickets ordered.
After the OA dinner I will have the pleasure of attending the dinners of other local schools' associations. I look forward with interest to seeing the variation between the different associations and the differences in their after dinner proceedings.
As the year progresses I will say more about the Executive Committee. However, at this stage, I think all Old Arnoldians should be grateful for the effort put in by officials of the Committee.
Finally, it would be very remiss of me if I failed to thank last year's President, Julie Jagger. She carried out her duties with great charm and aplomb. Julie will be a very difficult act to follow.
Best wishes
Peter Bentley
