Old Monovians Supper, 1966

In a year which has been full of alarums and excursions, the setting of the Supper seemed unchanged. There were the tables with their familiar coloured runners, so tastefully decorated with Mrs. Curl's flowers; the usual menu cards with the words of the School Song tactfully printed on the back for those who might falter at the crucial moment. Then there were the many familiar faces, with some new ones, in their allotted places: Peter Couch and Harry Hyde upon whom so much of the work falls; J. S. Arthur, sadly without Mrs. Arthur to whom kindly messages were sent; "Colonel" Ninnim, looking a younger-than-ever credit to the life of physical fitness; Fred Davis, the oldest member present; and John Payling, efficiently conducting the evening from the Chair. Over one hundred and twenty friends sat down to an excellent meal served by boys of the School, the whole superbly organised by Mrs. Lee, and as on all previous occasions time passed too quickly.
The toast of the School was proposed by J.G. Jamieson, who recalled the rigours and pleasures of schooldays long ago, proving what an intangible thing true education is. The response by the School Captain, M. A. G. Holtham, was a masterpiece of after dinner speaking. I cannot recall that any Captain has equalled his standard in the past twenty years, though there have been some good speeches in that time. The School should be proud of this young man.
E. S. Williams, a former School Captain and now a local Headmaster, proposed the toast of the guests, combining this duty with a presentation to two retiring members of Staff-Messrs. Rayner (thirty-six years' service) and Brobyn (thirty-three years' service). From these two much-loved masters came speeches of wit, humour and fun, which appropriately closed the more formal proceedings on a note of hilarity and grand climax.
So the evening passed joyously, yet with a shadow felt by all but to which even passing reference was scarcely made, Reorganisation. One could only guess the thoughts of S. N. Chaplin who has devoted so much of his life to local education, or for that matter the thoughts of the Headmaster, or of P.J. Curl, A.E. Holdworth and L.A. Moules, of past and present members of Staff, and of so many O.M.'s who have given so much to Monoux.
Those in authority must bear a heavy responsibility if what one anticipates comes to pass: the first five years of reorganisation, during which time many thousands of children will be receiving their only secondary education. The politicians and administrators might consider the Chinese proverb : "He who goes to kill an enemy should first dig two graves", for in supposedly ending one alleged evil they may well be creating two real ones.
Even so, none of this Should endanger our enjoying many more Suppers together when O.M.s will be able to greet their friends. Our grateful thanks are due to Peter Couch, Harry Hyde, Mrs. Lee, Mrs. Curl, Mr. and Mrs. Tomlin, many boys and to the Committee for hard work which was most assuredly crowned with success.
D. C. Pettegree