Meeting 24 May 2005
Because several of our group were still in England, fewer than usual were at our meeting on Tuesday 24th May, Empire Day as it was once called. An advantage of having only five at the table is that we get a much better opportunity to talk among ourselves, something that we never seem to be tired of.
Four of us attended the various festivities in Portsmouth that were organised by the School’s Development Department during the first week of May. It was sad, but not unexpected, to notice that none of OP Committee graced any of the activities over the four days. I notice in the latest issue of the Old Portmuthian a few comments showing concern at the declining attendance at OP functions. Perhaps this may be remedied if the OP Committee showed some interest in the world-wide spread of Old Portmuthians. Needless, the magazine’s pages continue to ignore our little group.
I mention just two of many impressions gained during the visit. First, the School and its activities are really inspiring. Such is the degree of restless energy that, to me, the pupils have the vibrancy that I imagine they share with eighteenth century Americans. It would not be surprising twenty years hence for one of today’s pupils to draft a Constitution for the world’s future mightiest power and with such foresight that it remains practically intact for over 200 years. One thing has not changed. After at least sixty years, a House Prefect still has to stand at the gate to record latecomers’ names.
Second, English Choral Music is superb, perhaps even better than when I last heard it. However, the pitifully small congregations in English churches scarcely do justice to such artistry. The Commemorative Service at St Thomas’ Cathedral on Sunday 8th May seemed to have fewer people attending than at my local parish church. When I attended Choral Evensong in Ely Cathedral, there were a greater number in the choir than among the congregation.
The next 4 meetings are on 16 August, Friday 21 October 2005, Tuesday 21 February and 9 May 2006. We are making a big drive for a big attendance at our meeting to be held on Trafalgar Day. We hope that wives and friends will join us. Any who are planning a trip to Sydney in the (Australian) spring, please try to come. Gap year students, backpackers and others who may be short of a bob in Australia should not be deterred by the thought of an unsought expense; I am sure we can work something out.
Enclosure: Cliff House, temporary home of The Portsmouth Grammar School 1940 to 1944.
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