Post by Gren Perry on Jul 27, 2007 19:58:08 GMT
I have recently circulated this report by email as background to the Early Post War Team Photographs. The response to this email was such that I thought that I should make it available on the message board.
Nuneaton Old Edwardians Association
December 1945
Shortly after the end of hostilities in Europe the Association committee met and it was decided that the revival of the Association should be undertaken. A questionnaire was circulated to the many Old Edwardians who could be traced, and although a very high proportion of those to whom the questionnaire was sent were serving in H.M. Forces, it was gratifying to receive some 200 replies.
A rugger match was arranged against Nuneaton RFC for Saturday, 15th September, and a general meeting of Old Boys was held at School the same evening. The chair was taken by W. B. c*cks, Esq., who was supported by the Headmaster, W. H. M. Branston. Esq. (the Acting Hon. Secretary) and Lt.Col. T. B. Hoddell (the prewar Hon. Secretary). There were 76 Old Edwardians in attendance. The meeting stood in silence for a minute in remembrance of Old Edwardians fallen in the 1939/45 war. A letter was received from Mr. A. B. Holman, a previous Headmaster, wishing the revival of the Association every success. There were many apologies from Old Boys who were unable to be present.
Mr. c*cks gave a short history of the Association and led up to the reasons for and the aims of, the present meeting.
Mr. Branston gave a resume of the necessarily curtailed activities of the Association during the war, and spoke of the Association meeting held in 1944. He stressed the aims and objects of the Association. The co-operation between the School and the Old Boys, and vice versa, the value of a strong 'Old Edwardian Association to the Town, the opportunity to continue friendships and associations throughout the years and now since the war the additionally strong Ex-Service bonds were among the points mentioned. He urged all members to give their continued support and enthusiasm to ensure the Association's success to achieve those aims. In the absence of Mr. S. J. Drakeley, the acting Hon. Treasurer, Mr. Branston gave a brief report on the financial position of the Association, which had assets of approximately £103.
A general discussion on the future policy of the Association took place and after a number of Old Edwardians had spoken on various points the following resolutions were adopted by majority vote on a show of hands. The general subscription to the Association should remain as before. Annual Membership: 5/- for members over 21 years of age, 2/6 for those under 21 and Life Membership: £3 3s. These members will receive a copy of the School Magazine each term. Without the Magazine the subscriptions are 2/6 and 1/- respectively. All subscriptions will become due on 18th January 1946 and should be sent to the Hon. Treasurer:
Mr. S. J. Drakeley,
64 Mancetter Road,
Nuneaton.
Separate subscriptions would be payable to the various sections formed to pursue sports and other activities of the Association.
It was decided to form the following five sections at once:
Rugby Football
Cricket
Athletics
Discussion Group
Dance Committee
The following additional activities were suggested and it was agreed that they could later be the subject of the formation of new sections after there had been an opportunity to get the newly formed sections running at strength:
Badminton
Lawn Tennis
Music
Bridge
Dramatics
Swimming
Table Tennis
Photography
The provision of a Headquarters Club was considered a first essential and it was agreed that the first appointed Committee should itself appoint a Sub-Committee to examine the problem of provision of Headquarters. The Headmaster stated that the School itself was always available for the Association.
The following officers were elected:
President: The Headmaster.
Hon. Secretary: Mr. F. T. Moore.
Hon. Treasurer: Mr. S. J. Drakeley.
Committee: Messrs. W. H. M. Branston, W. B. c*cks, J. L. Glazier, C. W. Streather,
W. H. Spencer, W. J. Betts, T. R. Hoddell, N. G. Painting, R. C. Walker, K. J. Tonks,
L. T. Draycott, A.W. Cross.
Hon. Secretaries of Sub-Sections were elected as follows:
Rugby Football: Mr. F. T. Moore.
Cricket: Lt.Col. T. R. Hoddell.
Athletics: Mr. D. R. J. Silver.
Discussion Group: Mr. F. E. Nicklin.
Dance: Mr. H. P. A. Jones.
Without the Magazine the subscriptions are 2/6 and 1/- respectively. All subscriptions will become due on 18th January 1946 and should be sent to the Hon. Treasurer:
Mr. S. J. Drakeley, 64, Mancetter Road, Nuneaton.
Separate subscriptions would be payable to the various sections formed to pursue sports and other activities of the Association. It was decided to form the following five sections at once:
Rugby Football
Cricket
Athletics
Discussion Group
Dance Committee
The following additional activities were suggested and it was agreed that they could later be the subject of the formation of new sections after there had been an opportunity to get the newly formed sections running at strength:
Badminton
Lawn Tennis
Music
Bridge
Dramatics
Swimming
Table Tennis
Photography
The provision of a Headquarters Club was considered a first essential and it was agreed that the first appointed Committee should itself appoint a Sub-Committee to examine the problem of provision of Headquarters. The Headmaster stated that the School itself was always available for the Association.
The following officers were elected:
President: The Headmaster.
Hon. Secretary: Mr. F. T. Moore.
Hon. Treasurer: Mr. S. J. Drakeley.
Committee: Messrs. W. H. M. Branston, W. B. c*cks, J. L. Glazier, C. W. Streather,
W. H. Spencer, W. J. Betts, T. R. Hoddell, N. G. Painting, R. C. Walker, K. J. Tonks, L. T. Draycott, A. W. Cross.
Hon. Secretaries of Sub-Sectionswere elected as follows:
Rugby Football: Mr. F. T. Moore.
Cricket: Lt.Col. T. R. Hoddell.
Athletics: Mr. D. R. J. Silver.
Discussion Group: Mr. F. E. Nicklin.
Dance: Mr. H. P. A. Jones.
It was agreed that Section activities should be centralised in the General Committee. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Chairman, Mr. W. B. c*cks.
WAR SERVICE:
On the subject of War Service, I am able to give some figures, which will necessarily be incomplete since my records are by no means up to date, and I appeal to all Old Edwardians who have not furnished particulars of their service to do so to me as soon as possible. Old Edwardians have served in, the Royal Navy, the Army, the Royal Air Force and Merchant Navy. They have also served in the N.F.S., A.R.P. and the Special Constabulary.
We have had representation in every theatre of war, and on the Seven Seas. My records show the following figures.
Old Edwardians joined the Armed Forces, 276 of whom at least 33 have given their lives and 10 others have been wounded or taken prisoner of war.
RUGBY FOOTBALL:
The Old Edwardian's Rugby Football Section has resumed activities again this season despite the many difficulties which presented themselves. The Committee are to be congratulated on the quick way in which the Club has got into full swing again after the lapse of the war years.
A fixture list has hurriedly been compiled and some 25 fixtures are to be fulfilled. The team (only one XV can so far be fielded) is a constantly changing one, and a place in the side is found, wherever possible, for any service member home on leave. All service members should communicate with me if they are home and would like to play.
Mr. H. B. Fincher (just back from the army in Italy) was elected captain of the Club for the present season and has worked very hard towards getting the aside together. The results of the six matches so far played are rather disappointing, the club having yet to record its first victory.
Some good games however have been witnessed and the club has been unfortunate in the result on more than one occasion. The best game to date was versus Saltley College who won by 11 Points to 8.
The Weddington Road ground, the home of the Club for so many years, is unfortunately at present out of commission, the pavilion having been lost through enemy action. The club hopes to return there at an early date. Meanwhile home games are being played on School grounds. The difficulty of kit is acute, particularly jerseys and boots. Old Boys on leave are often unable to turn out for lack of kit and the Committee is anxious to obtain a complete set of Red and White jerseys which may be kept laundered and available for the team each week and for the special benefit of service members. An appeal has already been issued through the local press for kit which is required to be given, loaned or sold to the Club. Old Boys are again earnestly requested to do what they can in this direction.
CRICKET:
A little time must elapse before this section commences activities but Lt.Col. T. B. Hoddell will be pleased to hear from intending members and a meeting will be held in due course to elect the officers and committee.
OTHER SUB-SECTIONS:
Of the other Sub-Sections formed at the general meeting the Secretaries of the Discussion Group (Mr. F.E. Nicklin) and Dance Section (Mr. P. H. A. Jones) have since joined the Services, and this will necessitate new nominations to fill the vacancies. I shall be very pleased to receive suggestions or volunteers!
Yours sincerely,
FRANK MOORE
Honorary Secretary