2008 Annual Dinner

The 99th Annual Dinner took place on Saturday 22nd November from 6:30 pm for 7:30 pm until 11:30 pm at Kidderminster Town Hall, hosted by President Colin Lloyd.

Members and their guests enjoying the exquisite cuisine. This year, there was an innovative change to the menu: a choice of roast beef, poached salmon or a vegetarian dish for the main course; and a choice of chocolate gateau and the traditional apple pie for pudding.
Members and their guests enjoying the exquisite cuisine. This year, there was an innovative change to the menu: a choice of roast beef, poached salmon or a vegetarian dish for the main course; and a choice of chocolate gateau and the traditional apple pie for pudding.
After the meal, which many thought was particularly good this year, our principal guest, Cllr Stephen Williams, Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council, proposed a toast to the School and the Association, having delivered an entertaining speech comparing and contrasting his two great interests in life, health and safety(!), and politics.
After the meal, which many thought was particularly good this year, our principal guest, Cllr Stephen Williams, Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council, proposed a toast to the School and the Association, having delivered an entertaining speech comparing and contrasting his two great interests in life, health and safety(!), and politics.
Headteacher Tim Gulliver responded on behalf of the School. His speech, consisting of the usual year's achievements, went on to mention the many challenges being faced, plus some long and involved jokes. As ever, though, it was informative, entertaining and was well received.
Headteacher Tim Gulliver responded on behalf of the School. His speech, consisting of the usual year's achievements, went on to mention the many challenges being faced, plus some long and involved jokes. As ever, though, it was informative, entertaining and was well received.
President Colin Lloyd (seen apparently posing for his statue) responded on behalf of the Association. His relaxed style was appreciated by those present, all of whom must have wondered how each successive President manages to dig out fresh anecdotes every year, many of which bring down the house! As you would expect, Colin didn't disappoint.
President Colin Lloyd (seen apparently posing for his statue) responded on behalf of the Association. His relaxed style was appreciated by those present, all of whom must have wondered how each successive President manages to dig out fresh anecdotes every year, many of which bring down the house! As you would expect, Colin didn't disappoint.
One of Colin Lloyd's contemporaries, Chris Page, fresh from playing second fiddle in the Bruch Violin Concerto during the Wyre Forest Symphony Orchestra's world tour of Kidderminster, performed the required Presidential 'character assassination' skilfully, efficiently and hilariously; in fact, his speech appeared to turn into an unrehearsed double act between himself and Colin, before he got round to proposing the toast to the President! A great end to a great evening.
One of Colin Lloyd's contemporaries, Chris Page, fresh from playing second fiddle in the Bruch Violin Concerto during the Wyre Forest Symphony Orchestra's world tour of Kidderminster, performed the required Presidential 'character assassination' skilfully, efficiently and hilariously; in fact, his speech appeared to turn into an unrehearsed double act between himself and Colin, before he got round to proposing the toast to the President! A great end to a great evening.
Of course, this wasn't quite the end. After the formalities, there was time to socialise and to meet friends old and new, including two of the Association's guests, Head Girl Nicola Price and Head Boy Matthew Lander.
Of course, this wasn't quite the end. After the formalities, there was time to socialise and to meet friends old and new, including two of the Association's guests, Head Girl Nicola Price and Head Boy Matthew Lander.
And, by an amazing coincidence, Past President John Booth discovered that he and the Head Girl are third cousins! You never know into whom you might bump at the Old Carolians Association Annual Dinner!
And, by an amazing coincidence, Past President John Booth discovered that he and the Head Girl are third cousins! You never know into whom you might bump at the Old Carolians Association Annual Dinner!
There's literally nowhere else that they could ever wish to be.
There's literally nowhere else that they could ever wish to be.

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