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By kind permission of the owners of the owners of the building, the 2007 Whole School Reunion and AGM took place at the Moseley School of Art, Moseley Road, Birmingham on Sunday, 20th. May. The best yet ! Everyone said it on the day, and the phone calls, letters and emails we've received since confirm it . . . Our 2007 Reunion last Sunday was the BEST EVER! If you weren't there, you missed an amazing day . . . beautifully sunny and warm, the former pupils and teachers started arriving even earlier than our early starting time of 10.30. Thanks must go to Keith Parrott and David Walton ('59) who manfully controlled the admission desk. It was great to see lots of new faces, attending for the first time, and the enthusiasm of those attending from abroad was infectious. The beautiful Antonia Ajao arrived with her old schoolfriend Louis Doyle, who has now returned from Australia. Within minutes of arriving, everyone felt that it didn't matter what years they had attended, they were among friends and the ice was very quickly broken, whether they had travelled from Belgium or Bewdley, Perth, Australia or Princes Risborough. Once again, the most senior former pupil present was Nora Potts (Grimley), accompanied by her daughter, Celia. As the most senior former pupil attending the meeting, and as a token of our esteem she was presented with an arrangement of lilies by Wendy Collins. The format for the day was completely different to that of previous years, with the school filled with laughter - a full description of the day's events is given below. Everyone who attended has asked that we should repeat the process next year - we're already planning the format for the day. We were joined on the day by former teachers Bob Ashby and Ernie (Prango) Price (pictured below) who rang the bell to commence the meeting. A very special ovation was given to former teacher and, later, Headmaster Jack (Butch) Taylor when he arrived after lunch, looking younger than ever . . . certainly younger than many of the former pupils Apologies were received from Ted "Moggy" Mason, who is now too infirm to attend our reunions, John Swift, who had family commitments, and from Stanisa "Vlak" Vlahovic, who would have loved to have joined us, but is suffering problems with his spine which prevent him getting out and about. Stan wrote a letter of apology, and insisted on paying his subscription although he wouldn't be able to attend - he just thought that he's like to support what we're doing. As usual, it didn't matter what years they had attended - former students from across the span of six decades attended . . . and whether their Headmaster was Ralph Sargisson, Harry Adams, Dickie Davies, Bill Davies or Jack Taylor. . . or whether they'd travelled to school on foot, by tram, bus, bicycle or car - we were all former pupils who had shared the most formative few years of our lives at our special small school . . . the Moseley School of Art. Whether their most memorable teacher was 'Pa' Jenkins, Alan Reece, Mr. Merriman, 'Ma' Scott, 'Moggy' Mason, 'Butch' Taylor, Bill 'Washington' Davies, 'Ma' Squires, 'Pongo' Price, Miss Scott, Freddie Fox, Mr. Jones, Truda Lane, Stan Vlahovic, 'Dickie' Davies, Miss Underhill, or Miss Pearson . . . or Bob Ashby, Tom 'Percy' Palmer, John Swift, 'Paddy' Musgrove, Reg Hartland, 'Zeke' Hardwick, everyone felt that they 'belonged' to a unique group of people who had, as children, been selected to attend a unique school.
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Nora left the school in 1929, and was joined by other senior veterans Robert Ball ARCA, ARE, ARBSA, FRSA, ARBA, ARWA, who left the school in 1933, and Ruby Colson (Summers) (1935). Bob later returned to MSA as a teacher, leaving again in 1952 to follow his career elsewhere, ultimately becoming the Principal of the Stroud College of Art. Bob very kindly assisted the President during his address with endorsements, corrections, approval and disapprovals where necessary. 
he taught !
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"CHILDHOOD - ON OFFER ONCE ONLY" - a presentation by John Ward ('53)
The President, Graeme Collins, introduced John Ward to the meeting. John had attended the school, leaving in 1953 to attend Art College, later becoming a teacher and educationalist. John proceeded to 
deliver a 45-minute presentation (over a period of nearly 80 minutes) that brought the house down.
Clearly a man who loves life, John shared scores of hysterical insights into his approach toward understanding children and his personal experiences in the Learning arena.
John brought his presentation to life by the use of an enormous number of unusual visual aids . . . walking sticks that turned into chairs . . . banana-shaped containers for your banana . . . and, most intriguingly, an overhead projector and projection screen set up, but tantalisingly never used - a bit like Jack Benny's violin . . . always there, but never played.
I had been told by someone who had already seen John's presentation that it was hugely entertaining, but even then, I was very pleasantly surprised to see the whole room full of people laughing uncontrollably at John's reflections on the cardinal sin of taking life too seriously. At the end of his presentation, John confided that what we had seen comprised only about one third of the full presentation . . . John has already agreed to make a return appearance next year.
"A 30 MINUTE AUDIENCE WITH MARJORIE YATES" - an interactive audience with Marjorie Yates ('57)
The second of the presentations by former pupils was by Marjorie, who left MSA in 1957 to follow a 
highly successful acting career in Theatre, Radio, TV and Film.
Marjorie very kindly agreed to provide us with a highly entertaining interactive presentation “A 30 Minute Audience with Marjorie Yates” which was completely different in nature to the earlier presentation by John.
Marjorie's was a very personal and candid experience, which was met with fascination from the audience. She stood alone on the stage, without props or script, during which she reflected on her time at MSA, causing us all to recollect shared memories (of Miss Squires and Mr. Jones in particular) following which she described how she progressed from early jobs as a commercial designer and illustrator, via the path of talent contests, into her chosen profession of Acting.
It was clear to everyone present that Marjorie still considers herself to be "one of us", entirely without the disdain or condescension that can sometimes accompany those who've achieved fame and celebrity.
Her account of her earliest attempts to break into the world of entertainment by 'nose-whistling' "In a Monastery Garden" - complete with demonstration - caused the audience to raise the roof . . . especially when Marjorie confessed that her brother had beaten her to first place with his accordion act . . . Following this humiliating defeat, Marjorie reviewed her strategy, choosing to opt for her 'Bird 
Impressions' act (again, with a demonstration) only to lose once more to her accordion-playing brother.
Marjorie has acted alongside a list of actors that reads like a "Who's Who" of British acting.
A former member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Bristol Old Vic, Birmingham Rep and other leading theatrical institutions, she is currently starring as “Carol” in Channel 4’s BAFTA Award – winning TV series “Shameless” with David Threlfall.
Marjorie confessed that the series was "rather rude" . . . an understatement by most people's estimation . . . a hugely funny account of a dysfunctional family, in which Marjorie plays the role of "Carol" - whose partner is an interesting character - a pyromaniacal sufferer of Tourette's Syndrome. Marjorie is pictured being presented with a bouquet of flowers by highly respected former teacher and headmaster Jack ("Butch") Taylor on behalf of a very, very appreciative audience of former pupils.
Roy Reynolds ('44)
The President welcomed former pupil Roy, who was attending his first reunion meeting. As a young boy, Roy had a prodigious talent, and whilst still a pupil at Moseley Art School he 'stooged' for well known cartoonists Norman Pett (one of the teachers at the school, the creator of the Daily Mirror cartoon character "Jane") and Steve Dowling, drawing such characters as 'Ruggles' and 'Garth', as well as "Jane".
Roy was born in Eastleigh, Hampshire, England on the 30th June 1929. Following his attendance at the Moseley School of Art, he studied at the Birmingham College of Art, Margaret Street and then served in the Royal Air Force in Air Sea Rescue. He then joined his family who had emigrated to South Africa after the war, working in advertising and design studios. In 1963 he returned to England, where he remained until 1980, when he returned to South Africa. He returned to England in 1982.
Roy has enjoyed success in his professional career, and has shared his success by raising in excess of £2 million for charity by donating works of art and prints of his work.
Roy very kindly brought three limited edition wildlife prints to the reunion which he offered to be sold in aid of the Association's funds. Graeme Collins auctioned the prints, raising a very welcome £180.00 for our Treasurer.
Our sincere thanks go to Roy for his generosity.
The Annual General Meeting
The President, Graeme Collins, welcomed everyone to the meeting, which was held in the first-floor Drawing Room. He welcomed in particular those who had travelled from from overseas to join us.
Item 1: Apologies
Apologies were acknowledged from our Treasurer, Roy Dalton. Whilst not having followed a career in art, it was ironic that Roy was prevented from attending by the power of the palette . . . not, in this case, an artists palette, but a heavy delivery pallet loaded with goods which fell on Roy's foot, breaking some bones the day before.
Apologies were also received from Mr. Ted 'Moggy' Mason, Mr. John Swift, Mr. Stanisa Vlahovic, former pupil the Rev. Christine Musser (Brudenell), together with over 180 other apologies from members and non-members.
Present, as always, were the Year Representatives for those who left between 1929 and 1944, Ivan and Marie Haycock, who met at our school and later married. They were joined by their schoolfriends Doug and Yvette Yates, who also married after meeting at the school. Arthur and Christine Bishop ('58 Reps), Terry Neal ('50 Rep), Pat Surman (Barton) ('54 Rep), Mike Richardson ('49 Rep), Ron Carter ('60 Rep), Tony Light ('47 Rep), and, for the first time, our new Rep for the leavers of '65, '66, '67 and '68 - Judith Wainwright, who travelled over from Ireland to be with us.
Item 2: Obituary
The meeting was notified that a number of our former pupils had died since our last AGM. These were Janet Phillips (Taylor) (1961), Ken Warmington (1939), Geoffrey Clarke (1953), Graham Howlings (1956), John Pittaway (1948), Kathleen (Kay) Mitchell (1935, killed during Blitz, 1940), David Burton (1957), John Dignam (1945), Frederick Smith (1945), Margaret Davies (Webster) (1957), Dorothy Fisher (Docker) (1931), and Denis Carroll (1947). Further details may be found on our obituary webpage.
Those present were invited to stand for a few moments in remembrance of all of those departed friends and members of the teaching staff whom they had known at the school.
Item 3: Minutes of the Last Meeting
The minutes of the last meeting related to:
CONFIRMATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS:
President - Graeme Collins
Treasurer - Roy Dalton
Exhibitions Secretary - Pamela Headford
Academic officer - T. H. W. 'Bob' Ashby
SUBSCRIPTIONS:
The President had recommended that the subscription should remain at £10 per year. Following a proposal from the floor, it had been unanimously agreed to fix the subsctiption at £15 per year.
PRESENTATION OF CHEQUE TO SCHOOL OWNERS:
The President had explained to those present that the Association had not made any payment to the school's owners for the use of the building since we started our meetings at the school in 2002, despite the fact that the owners had incurred costs to enable us to use the building. He reminded the members that we had been allowed to hold one two-week exhibition, one one-week exhibition, and two other reunion meetings, all at no cost to ourselves. He sought approval for the presentation of a cheque for £1,000 to the owners, this to be made without creation of precedent and with any future donations to be made on the basis of the financial status of the Association obtaining at the time. The proposal was enthusiastically endorsed by the members and was duly proposed and seconded, following which it was agreed unanimously. Mr. Javed Arain, representing the owners, was pleased to accept the cheque and addressed the meeting, outlining progress with the building works and reaffirming that we were welcome to use the building for future Association events.
Item 4: Election of Officers
The following officers were unanimously appointed, there being no other nominations :
President : Graeme Collins
Treasurer : Roy Dalton
Exhibition Secretary : No nominations or appointment
Academic Officer : T. H. W. (Bob) Ashby
Item 5: Annual Subscription Fee
In the absence of the Treasurer, the President provided background information regarding the financial status of the Association, stating that our accounts had now been audited by a chartered accountant, and that our current credit balance amounted to approximately £4,850.00. Mr. Bob Ball asked that the
President should ensure that he (the President) had been reimbursed all of the costs he had incurred since the foundation of the Association. The President confirmed that, following his statement of intention at last year's AGM, he had now been reimbursed £3,200 for some of his documented and receipted payments on behalf of the Association. He added that he had now drawn a line under any further claims and would not be reclaiming any of the other costs he had met. These included a number of postal bulk mailshots, bulk photocopying, stationery, van hire, exhibition hardware, website hosting charges, etc. He confirmed that he would continue to pay the costs of the website, and that all other future expenses will be reclaimed as they arise.
A further amount representing commission from the sale of reprints of school photographs undertaken by Paul Sankey ('64) has yet to be forwarded to the Association, and is not represented in the accounts.
The President expressed his disappointment that more members have not yet opted to pay their subscription by Standing Order, and encouraged everyone to assist the aims of the Association by doing so. Whilst reminding everyone that the Association cannot continue without the income from subscriptions, he recommended that the subscription should remain at £15 per year. This was formally proposed by Mike Richardson, seconded by Ron Carter. The motion was carried unanimously.
After reminding the membership that only one payment had been made to the school owners since we began using the school for our meetings, he sought approval for the presentation of a cheque for £1,000 to the owners, emphasising that any future donations would depend on the levels of funds in hand at the time. The proposal was enthusiastically endorsed by the members and was duly proposed by Bob Ball, seconded by Doug Yates. The proposal was carried unanimously. Mr. Javed Arain, on behalf of the owners, was pleased to accept the cheque, following which he addressed the meeting. He welcomed everyone present, reaffirming that he welcomed use of the building for future Association events.
The President added that we aren't, perhaps, spending enough time, effort and resources on promoting the interests of our members who are working in the Arts. Even without the services of anyone prepared to take on the office of Exhibitions Secretary, he hoped that we might look at alternative ways of forming an exhibition for next year.
Item 6: Any Other Business
YEAR REPRESENTATIVES Year Reps are absolutely pivotal to the success of the Association - without them, the Association has no future, as the need for personal contact between reps and their year members is essential prior to reunions as this greatly affects attendance figures.
Judi Wainwright has become Year Rep for the leavers of '65, '66, '67 and '68 - she has already launched herself into contacting everyone on her database and to finding the other leavers from those years. Living in Ireland, she managed to attend her first meeting this year and we're sure that she's going to make a huge difference to membership and attendance.
We still need Year Representatives for the leaving years - 1948, 1951, 1953, 1955, 1974 and 1975. Please email me at the email address below if you'd like to do something to contribute to the Association. Your help would be really appreciated.
DAVID ALLEN ('75) It was explained that Dave is undertaking an art project he has entitled "BIRMINGHAM GRID" . . . a brief visit to Dave's website will explain all. I will be taking some of the photographs - I hope you'll volunteer yourself to help in what will be a fascinating project.
PHOTOGRAPHS NEEDED Please check out the new uploads of pictures and profiles on our website - we're adding more all the time, and we welcome further profiles and contributions to the 'Sharing our Past' project - please visit our webpage. The loan of photos taken at the time you were at the school always welcome - safe return guaranteed.
EMAIL ADDRESSES All contacts, whether members or otherwise, are requested to advise us of their email addresses if they have been changed recently - the change to broadband has caused us to lose contact with many of on our contact list.
Our next meeting will be the Annual Reunion and AGM on Sunday, 18th. May 2008 - a date for your diary.
