MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
This News Sheet is issued to summarise the ADA events of 2023 and to inform you of our plans for 2024.
A new committee had its first full year together, and several meetings were held on ZOOM. An overall strategy for the ADA was developed for 2023 and this will be updated for 2024. The foundations for a new ADA website have been laid and this is expected to improve communication between members in future.
COMMITTEE UPDATE
The new committee is Nick Ridley (Chairman), Jane Collard (Vice Chairman), Peter George (Treasurer & Membership Secretary), David Mountain, Gerry Moss, John Wallis and John Bellamy. Mike Dobson also continues as a consultant.
AGM – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7
This was held at the school and David Blow, former headteacher, spoke on behalf of the school. Karen Hewitt (née McLeod 1952-59) was the guest speaker and she gave a most interesting talk on the work she has led in developing communication between Oxford University and universities in Russia. The AGM was open to all members via ZOOM. Afterwards some of the committee had lunch at Denbies with Karen Hewitt (see photo below).
From left to right: John Bellamy, Nick Ridley, David Mountain, Karen Hewitt, Mike Dobson, Norma Hall
WREATH LAYING CEREMONY
The annual Remembrance wreath-laying ceremony took place at the school on Friday November 10th and was attended by Jane Collard, David Mountain and John Bellamy from the committee. They were joined by several pupils and members of staff.
From left to right: David Mountain, John Bellamy, Jane Collard
NEW ADA WEBSITE
A new ADA website is being developed by John Wallis in conjunction with Lee Wayland, who runs a website design business in Dorking called LW design Limited / Nettl of Dorking. This is planned to be up and running early in 2024. Please contribute to and make use of this new website.
Our thanks go to Mike Nicholson-Florence, who ran the website for many years.
STRATEGY 2024
Our current strategy will be updated for 2024. Emphasis will be on finding new members and increasing our communication with the school.
ZOOM MEETINGS
In future, ZOOM meetings of the committee will be held every six weeks.
2024 ACTIVITIES
The programme for ADA activities will be similar to 2023. A visit to the Dorking Museum will be arranged for all members.
The AGM will be on Saturday October 5.
*******************************
May I thank all members for your continuing support and wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a good start to the New Year.