The 90th Annual General Meeting took place on Wednesday 3rd November from 8:30 pm at Chester Road Sports and Social Club, hosted by President John Atkinson.
John Atkinson, the retiring President, was unfortunately unable to be present at the meeting (the photograph is from another event); therefore, it was chaired by his predecessor, Peter Guy. He thanked all members for attending, and reflected that it had been a most enjoyable and successful year. The thanks of all the Committee were given to John for his efforts to make it so. The future looked good, the membership continued to increase, and efforts to promote the Association continued. The meeting approved the general sentiments, and felt as if John Atkinson deserved praise for his commitment to the cause.
The accounts showed another surplus, and Treasurer Peter Picken was able to report that, again, all of the social events had covered their costs and made a contribution. It had also been a decent year for tie sales. The increase in the subscription to £5, would, over time, help to cover some increasing costs, such as printing of the Magazine, which had grown in size.
Martin Easton gave an update on the Harry Train Fund and the Old Carolians Leaving Scholarship Fund. They both continued in good shape and generated important income for grants to former pupils. The accounts were approved.
John Booth was elected President for the forthcoming year, and he added his personal thanks to John Atkinson for all his efforts – 'a most successful term of office'. He had come in at short notice, but soon got into our ways and had brought his own organised and friendly approach into the Association's activities. He had carried out his formal duties with dignity – and who could possibly forget his coconut shy at the barbecue?! The new President felt as though it was a great honour to be elected again after so many years, and promised the meeting that he would endeavour to continue development of 'The Way Forward' approach, felt to be successful in recent years, and to try to strengthen further the links with the School and its pupils. This would hopefully lead to a continuation of the trend of increasing membership.