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Ladies and Gentlemen
The time has come to recall those
not able to be here this afternoon, but are thinking of us as we are thinking
of them. In particular, Mike Thompson, Charlie Marshall and Taffy Harris who
had intended to attend but due to health and family commitments were not able
to come. We remember the staff and students who have, unfortunately, passed
away: Jack Bates, Charlie Bruce, Lou Daniells, Alan Holding, Dave Perryman,
George Walker, Doug Wright and Mike Ward.
But before we raise our
glasses, let me take you back to the summer of 1955, the date of the
photograph. High tech in those days was a slide rule, a set of log tables, LP
and EP records. We had no CDs, no DVDs, no mobile phones, no laptops, no
emails, no digital cameras and no ipods, whatever they are. How did we survive?
The photograph with your menu shows 34 young students together with the
staff of the Royal Dockyard School. The students had just completed their 4
years of study and were eagerly awaiting the results of their final
examinations. The names of everyone in the photo are shown at the bottom.
However, this photocopy is derived from the official photograph and downloaded
from Keith Hart's excellent website.
For various reasons 5 of our
colleagues are missing from the photo. They are Pete Schembri, Brian Scott, Tom
Wells, Mike Ward and Mike Thompson. Perhaps they were a little camera shy, or
more than likely they were down the pub either celebrating or drowning their
sorrows.
The staff of the Royal Dockyard School, headed by the
principal Mr Goss assisted by Mr George, Mr Crowder, Mr Haigh, Mr Kaye to name
but a few, had set very high academic standards and we are indeed indebted to
them.
For them and us, may I now ask you to raise your glasses and drink
a toast to:
'OUR STAFF & FELLOW STUDENTS'
I now invite
Malcolm to respond. Thank you. |