To celebrate the 10th. reunion since the formation of the Moseley School of Art Association, the 2011 Whole School Reunion and AGM took place at the Balmoral Suite, Ramada Hotel, Bewdley on Sunday, 15th. May.

A super day - enjoyed by everyone who attended The 10th. reunion of the Moseley School of Art Association was held on Sunday, 15th. May 2011 at the superb Balmoral Suite, Ramada Hotel, Bewdley, Worcestershire. It was a meeting with a difference, organised at a different venue to the old school for very significant reasons, all of which were discussed and wholeheartedly accepted by those who attended. Our attendance was, as expected, lower than that we have come to expect over recent years, but, as more than one attendee said wryly, "We're low on numbers, but very high on quality". I know that this wasn't said with any intention of hurting the feelings of those who couldn't make it this year.

We received a number of enquiries as to the reason for the change of venue, with one or two being quite direct in nature. There were genuine reasons, however, only one of which was a long-awaited concession to those who have consistently asked if we could meet at licensed premises for a change. The venue itself is beautifully appointed, and everyone was very impressed and complimentary about the high standard and the quality of service from the staff. The availability of the hotel was only possible due to the friendship of our President and the hotel manager, who charged us only a fraction of the normal charges. Everyone who was lucky enough to be there felt that it was the bargain of the decade with free admission and lunch for subscribers, and only £7 per person for those who aren't subscribing members. Those who stayed overnight received complimentary upgrades to 'superior' quality rooms. In the three days following the event, we've received the highest ever ratio of complimentary messages in relation to the total number attending.

Despite all of the enjoyment experienced, it will continue to be a priority that future meetings should be held at the old school. The foo-foo dust of nostalgia that's felt when former pupils enter the old school is an irreplaceable factor that can only be experienced when meeting at Moseley Road, and is a feature that draws former pupils from all over the world.

A number of personal reunions took place, adding to the 900+ reunions of former schoolfriends achieved by the Association over the last nine years. The point was made once again to those present that "they aren't making any more of us...." and that our number diminishes each year, making it important that we attend reunions whenever possible.

The school facade remains in a disastrous state of repair, and a photographic study of the exterior is to be made shortly for a new section on the plight of the building which will be created on this website.

THE 2011 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING After being called to order, the President, Graeme Collins, opened the Annual General Meeting by welcoming everyone to the 10th. reunion organised by the Association. He welcomed those who, in particular, had travelled great distances to be with us, including Bob and Jean Sedgley (1959) who travelled, yet again, from their home in Valencia, Spain, and Judi Scott (Wainwright)(1968), who had travelled from Northern Ireland. Of those travelling within the mainland, Barbara Regan (Haines)(1962) travelled from Redruth, Cornwall.

Apologies Graeme stated that he had received 83 apologies, 18 of these being from overseas members, including that of former teacher and MSAA Academic Officer T. H. W. (Bob) Ashby, who said that he is now finding it more difficult to drive from his home in the Cotswolds, but asked that he be remembered to all those whom he had taught during his 25 years at the Moseley School of Art. Other apologies included those from Mr. Jack Taylor (former Head), and former teachers Mr. Ted (Moggy) Mason, Mr. Stanisa Vlahovic, and Dr. John Swift, all of whom wished us well and hoped to be remembered to all those fortunate enough to be present. We had expected former graphics teacher Mr. Richard Waddington to be with us, although he didn't manage to make it on the day.

Obituary The President announced that the following former students had passed away: Dennis King (1947-50), who died in February 2011, Veronica Torkington (Simmonds) (1942-45) who died 2009, David Baker (1942-45), who died 2009, and Harry Sale (1941-44) who died in November 2010. The President stated that he had only been notified about Harry's death the day before the meeting. He then asked all those present to stand in silence for a short time in memory of those former students and friends who are no longer with us.

Minutes of the 2010 AGM The minutes of the last Annual General Meeting were then related to those present. The most important items were the election and appointment of officers, these being the re-election of Graeme Collins as President, the re-election of Bob Ashby as Academic Officer, and the offer by Sheila Ravenscroft (Fawkes)(1960) to organise an exhibition of work by former students..

Financial Statement The President discussed the Association's finances and announced that we have a satisfactory balance at the bank.

Election of Officers The President requested nominations for the office of President, and, despite waiting for some considerable time was not surprised when no nominations were forthcoming. He therefore agreed to continue in office following a proposal by Ivan Haycock, seconded by Michael Richardson which was carried unanimously. The President then asked for nominations for the office of Treasurer. No nominations were forthcoming. The President stated that he was disappointed that he would have to continue to act as Treasurer ex officio, assisted by his wife, Wendy, who had not even attended the school. Ivan Haycock proposed that Wendy be rewarded with an honorarium as a token gesture to encourage her to continue the hard work she has consistently contributed to the Association over the last nine years. This was seconded by Terry Savin and was carried unanimously. Wendy accepted the proposal and agreed to accept the role of Honorary Treasurer. The President stated that, despite Bob Ashby's inability to join us for the meeting, he felt sure that Bob would wish to continue as Academic Officer, and he was re-elected unanimously. It was felt that the likelihood of a significant exhibition of works by former pupils is unlikely for the foreseeable future, and a decision was therefore made to defer the election of an Exhibitions Secretary.

Subscription for 2011/12 The members unanimously agreed to retain the annual subscription at £17.50. Members who live overseas will continue to be entitled to membership without payment of a subscription.

The President stated that a large number of members were paying the wrong amount because they hadn't submitted fresh Standing Order forms following the increases during the last few years. He said that a fresh updated Standing Order form will be sent out to each member with the forthcoming newsletter.

Dave Allen - The Eastside Project Dave was, unfortunately unable to join us at the meeting due to an unavoidable professional commitment. It is hoped that he will be able to join us next time to discuss the culmination of The Eastside Project, which he conceptualised and has overseen during the last twelve months. Following on from his highly successful and laudible Birmingham Grid Project, Dave's latest project is creating a visual record of Birmingham's Eastside as it was before the planned major redevelopment takes place, and will be exhibited at a suitable venue which is yet to be determined. A preview of the photographs on Dave's website will show that the project, which will be concluded next year, will feature some excellent photography, much of it having been taken by our former students:

www.birmingham-photographic-grid.org.uk/eastside_links.html

Refurbishment of the Moseley School of Art Building The appearance of the once beautiful school facade continues to cause grave concern. A long discussion took place regarding this, the most central issue confronting the Association, which pre-occupies all of our members.

The President reminded those present that, at the 2010 AGM, he had recommended to the members present a donation to the school owners of £700.00. It was unfortunate that the representatives of the owners admitted themselves to the meeting while the debate regarding the merits of the donation and the intentions of the owners was still taking place. There had been some reticence among the members present about the validity of the donation, and there had been a suggestion from the floor that we may be able to aid the refurbishment more effectively by using the £700.00 and any future potential donations to promote the facilitation of the refurbishment ourselves with those organisations which could make this possible. Mr. Javed Arain, for the owners, the Moseley Muslim Community Association, had explained to the meeting that the interior of the building was now in good condition, reminding us that major works had been carried out since 1981, including the recent electrical rewiring. An impasse had arisen, and the President resolved to defer consideration of the matter of a donation, or an alternative means of obtaining financial aid for the refurbishment, until a future time. Due to the nature of the Association and the frequency of meetings that can be used to debate and resolve matters, the issue of the donation remains in abeyance.

The meeting had previously been reminded that, following a meeting in 2003 with a representative from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Graeme Collins had been provided with a very favourable indication that a large scale grant in the order of £1.2 Million would be positively considered if an application was made. The representative had made an unsolicited approach to Graeme following the airing of a live radio broadcast from the school during the 2003 Reunion at the school, when the staff at the Heritage Lottery Fund had been impressed by the case made for the refurbishment. Graeme had passed this information to Mr. Arain, representative of the owners, the same day.

The plight of the school, which to all intents and purposes looks totally derelict from outside, was publicised in the national press and TV in October 2010 when the Birmingham branch of the Victorian Society proclaimed that the building had been included in a list of the ten most endangered Victorian and Edwardian buildings in the whole of England and Wales. This serves to illustrate the seriousness of the problems faced by the building. The society said that the building had suffered from years of neglect, and urged the Birmingham City Council to use its powers to ensure that urgent works are carried out. There have also been a number of other news items in the Birmingham Post regarding the dilapidated appearance of the school.

The President stated that he has, since the 2010 Reunion, initiated negotiations with a number of parties and organisations with a view to facilitate early commencement on a programme of refurbishment, and that there were signs of considerable progress. Further information will follow shortly.

The President explained that, whilst wishing to ensure that progress is made regarding the refurbishment, the Birmingham City Council will be the lead authority in progressing the matter. He provided a lengthy and comprehensive perspective of the situation relating to the plight of the building, following which a number of members thanked him for the work and time he had invested on their behalf.

The President requested a vote of confidence from the membership in relation to the strategy described, and this was approved unanimously.

Any Other Business Graeme mentioned that a large number of former pupils have changed their email service providers, and therefore their email address, without notifying us of the change. This causes a huge amount of confusion and frustration, and he asked all former pupils to provide an update of their present email address by sending us an email at the link provided at the foot of this webpage - whether you think we have your correct address or not.

Graeme stated that he felt that, although we have no premises of our own, we ought to be doing something to enthuse young people to take an interest in the Arts. A brief discussion followed after which it was decided that a small group of members would be formed to organise organise an open Art competition for young people, based on the submission of original works of art. There will be an initial showing of selected artworks, followed by an exhibition of final selections held, preferably, at the Birmingham Central Art Gallery. Further details will be announced as they come to hand.

There was no other business.

Most Senior Former Student Present It has become a custom at our meetings for the most senior female former student present, representing the many thousands of girls who passed through the gates of our old school, to be presented with a bouquet as a token of our love and esteem. Our most senior lady members known to us are Nora Potts (Grimley)(1929), and Muriel Reay (1934), both of whom have, during the last year entered residential care homes. On this occasion, we had expected 'Auntie' Ruby Colson (Summers)(1935) to be present, but she couldn't make it on the day. The bouquet was therefore awarded to Mary Green who is a mere 88 years of age, having left our school in 1938.

Mary is pictured (top) being presented with the bouquet by our President.

The formal part of the meeting was closed by the President at 1.15pm., and everyone present availed themselves of the sumptuous buffet lunch and the opportunity to bring to mind old friends, teachers and events at the school from 40, 50, 60 and more years ago. So enjoyable was the ambience that Graeme had to "evict" some of the members who had remained for more than an hour after the projected dispersal time.

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2012 Reunion The meeting was informed that the next Annual Reunion and AGM will take place at the old Moseley School of Art building, on Sunday, 20th. May 2012 - a date for your diary.