STOURBRIDGE OLD EDWARDIAN CLUB

ED-Words  Newsletter
September 2021

More importantly, from a commercial perspective, Stourbridge Rotary Club have confirmed they will be holding a large number of their meetings at the club based upon the quality of our facility. The long term sustainability of the club for all users is dependent on attracting bookings like this one.

Talking of functions, I’m now looking forward to the Annual Dinner on Friday 8th October 2021 at which the after dinner entertainment will be provided by Steven Bruce an Auctioneer and Valuer from Warwick who will provide an insight into his career and a behind the scenes look at antique programmes on the TV.  So please support this event and invite wives and partners and guests if you can. 

It is that time of year when subscriptions are due. The Secretary has sent out details of how to renew to all Members. Prompt payment of subscriptions is vital to the Club’s sustainability. It is vitally important we all comply and pay our dues. The front door codes will be changed on the 1st November and car park fobs will be deactivated in early January for those members that haven’t paid.

In closing, could I also remind you of the forthcoming AGM in early December. If you want to become more active in the running of the club please stand for Committee. In a post Covid world we need to take advantage of business opportunities and encourage innovation in providing a club that all members can enjoy. If you feel you can contribute, please stand for Committee - your Club needs you.

Education has felt the brunt of Covid-19 over the past 2 years with ever changing guidance, the quick shift to online learning and then the constant battle to keep institutions open for students to be able to learn in person. King Ed's has been no different to any other, but we are proud of what we have achieved and how our staff and students have quickly and peacefully adapted to every change we have asked of them.

Applications
In a year where new students have not been able to come on site for either open events or our college orientation days we have a huge bank of confirmed applications. 2,600 students applied to become part of the King Ed's community and to date we have converted 1,230 of these into live students. We are still receiving application for students wishing to join the King Ed's community.

Results
We have one of the largest cohort of A level students in the area; with 1053 year 13 students receiving results this year.  We are delighted that 179 students from this large cohort achieved A*/A grades in 3 subjects or more. Our A*-C  pass rate was 84.8%  and our overall pass rate was 99.9%. This was achieved with teacher assessed grades which the staff worked tirelessly on to ensure our students received fair and honest results.
 

Please be reminded that annual membership renewals fall due on 1st October and that membership cards (with the new door code which will be changed 1st week in November) will be behind the bar in due course for those who have paid or are life / free student members only (and have also completed their application to confirm they still wish to be members).

Many thanks to the 95 of you who have ALREADY completed their online renewals form. Can everyone else please do the same asap prior to our October 31st cut off for changing the door code.

Simply CLICK HERE>>

Our full events programme is beginning to  re-emerge and is  visible on our Events Calendar.

Special mention should be made of :

• Annual Dinner on Friday 8th October (details of which you already have) and will include a video of the 1961 Charter Day Parade and a talk from Auctioneer and valuer Steven Bruce.
• Trafalgar Dinner (open to all this year ) on Thursday 21st October (details TBA)
• Quiz Night on Tuesday 26th October (details TBA)

We are now in full flight with new events. The only recent past event to mention is the very successful President's Evening on September 4th.

For full report click HERE>>

Disposal of Duplicate Artefacts

All the surplus glass goblets have been taken over by members in exchange for the suggested donation, together with a number of tankards and booklets on the history of the Club. My thanks to all those members who have made donations and please enjoy the Club memorabilia.

Your donations have raised sufficient funds to pay for one of the specialist box frames to house items of vintage School and Club clothing, which include two striped cricket blazers and cap from the pre-War era. These items are in the process of being prepared for display with others to follow, and will soon adorn the interior of the Club.

Donations of Photographs and Other Memorabilia

 My thanks also go to those members who have been able to unearth old school photos and sundry other items which are much appreciated for the Club’s Archives. Some of the photos have already encouraged brain-storming for names of those featured in the photos and have stimulated fascinating recollections from some of our senior members, together with promoting happy memories. Further memorabilia of both the School and the Club are always very welcome.

Contact:
Kenneth Wright, Club Archivist, on 07710 781169
or the Club on 01384 395635

To fill our cup of success with joy and make it overflow,  our  Team B emerged top of Division 2 and will now be promoted. Again, the Ball family comprise most of Team B.

Well done to all concerned on an excellent season (which was extended and competed recently due to the pandemic).

We are pleased  to report we have just heard from David Harcourt who tells us

"I am so proud to announce that we have been awarded a GOLD award for  2021. In the toughest of years  it is a magnificent result. Please share the news with your teams please".

David’s team do a lot of work on our garden area facing the ring road and are responsible for the delightful boxes. Well done to David and the team.