Summer 2011 2 ODA Contacts Chairman Warren D. Martin ‘Kwetu Bach’ 4 Gorwel Llanfairfechan LL33 0DS Tel: 01248 680398 E-mail: [email protected] Secretary Elfin M. Edwards 3, Cae Mair Beaumaris LL58 8YN Tel: 01248 810340 E-mail: [email protected] Treasurer Gareth V Williams Llwynysgolaig Ffordd Gwyllt Llanfairfechan LL33 0ED Tel: 01248 680770 E-mail: [email protected] Welsh Affairs John Bryan Jones Heulfryn 7 Victoria Rd Old Colwyn LL29 9SN Tel: 01492 515558 & fax E-mail: [email protected] Committee members Barry A Wynn 7, Ffordd Islwyn Bangor LL57 1AR Tel:01248 353851 Co-opted member responsible for IT Don Parry-Jones 21 Laurel Avenue Bangor on Dee Wrexham LL13 0BQ Tel: 01978 780005 E-mail: [email protected] Co-opted members with responsibilities for recruiting younger members Paul D Smith Patrick R Hemphill 5 Parc Derwen Springhill The Green George Lane Denbigh Glemsford LL16 5TJ CO10 7SB Tel: 01824 708017 Tel: 01787 282307 E-mail; [email protected] The Archivist The Newsletter Editorial Team (See end paper for contact details 3 Message from the Chairman - Warren Martin I should have remembered the old service adage, “never volunteer!” But several months ago it slipped out that in order to ensure that our venerable institution would continue within a legal framework of our constitution I would be prepared to take the chair. Cometh our general meeting I am walking up towards the Regency with my mind full of all the faces that I am likely to see and hoping that I will remember the name of anyone who is not a train boy. Nearing the venue I remembered that I had promised Phil that I would distribute copies of the News Letter. The Chair seemed very far away. Anyway, there would be proposals and discussion and only in the dire situation of nobody coming forward would I need to raise my hand. “OH! Man of innocence”. Aproaching the top table and looking at the smiling faces of Gareth Griffith and Elfyn Edwards I realised I had walked into a well constructed ambush. The main items of the Agenda stared up at me from a piece of paper on the table. However it seemed to go well and members were constructive and helpful. Tim Akrill was pleased that it was run according to the Constitution and Pete Hughes suggested that I end it to much approval from the members.. That evening the Garreg Môn Hotel was humming as the throng relaxed. Some relief that we were not met by protesters and delighted that the staff were able to tell us that the whole incident had been over reported. (For those of you who do not read the Local papers, it was all about a Monoglot chef). The staff seemed anxious .The food was ready but nobody seemed to want to move. Thinking that I could work my way through the group’s deep in chat and gently ask them to move towards the dining room it soon became obvious that it would be impossible! Not one gap could be seen so I brought the meeting to order and led the procession to the dining tables. To those of you and especially to your wives and partners who do not like a parade ground voice I truly apologise but there seemed to be no other way. The meal went well and all appeared happy and at last comes the much needed comfort break! I hope you all noted that the Chair was still wearing 4 the Old Dom`s tie and as appropriate was still jacketed. Whilst permission had been granted many wondered around in various states of disarray! As my wife circulated, renewing old acquaintances and taking photos I sat and admired the technique of our 90 year old President deep in conversation with our young lady guest .Time for our guest speaker, Tony Gray to let us in on some of the secrets of Welsh Rugby, as he sat down the realisation that it was getting late! There would be no need for funny stories or to make Peter Hughes an Honorary Grand Master of the Illustrious Order of Hafod Eryri. This was done later by recorded delivery. The dinner came to an end but groups of guests seemed reluctant to leave and as Mair drove me home I felt quite pleased! However there is no one like a daughter for bringing one down to earth. On the morrow she was reading the news letter, that part of it dealing with the Rucksack club when she blurted out “who is that silly little man in the blue hat”. I would like to thank all of our past Officers and Committee Members for all the effort they have put into the formation and the running of the Association and to the Members for all your support and your contributions to the News Letter. Long may this continue. I also wish to assure you all that I and the present committee will do their utmost to continue with the traditions already established and in the immediate term carry out your wishes as expressed at the A.G.M. Warren Secretariy’s Report June 2011 Recently, I stood and admired the ancient mosaics and frescos in Herculaneum and Pompeii, my mind unable to comprehend that some of these intricate works of man were created in the seventh century BC and so well preserved as to document as if in a snapshot, an instant in time when the whole of these two cities were engulfed by ash and lava flows from Vesuvius. When we read our past Dominican magazines (now so usefully preserved on the ODA website) does this also feel like a moment in our lives preserved for us and the next generations? I hasten to add that we are no ancient monuments, yet, but the point is made. We can go back to a time when we were there or had friends in the school team photos or the dramatic society productions. Even the atmosphere of the articles takes us to a point in time when we remember fondly or otherwise our Friars days. 5 Hopefully, these newsletters also jog our collective memories of long friendships and perhaps with rose tinted spectacles look fondly at the education given to us by what was regarded in its day as a first class team of tutors. During what proved to be a most successful Members Dinner in April, I had the pleasure of speaking at some length with the present Head Boy and Head Girl. Both were courteous and pleasant young people who expressed the same confidence in their present day head teacher and staff. Furthermore, they showed a keen interest in the activities of the ODA and both urged us to link up with the Friars school sixth form in particular. A sobering thought is that the same sixth form is actually larger in pupil numbers than was the entire Friars School of my day (Early 1950s). Our Guest Speaker, Tony Gray, gave us an excellent insight into the Welsh International Rugby of the 70s, 80s and 90s. A Friars pupil who has achieved huge success at all levels in his chosen sport and still plays an active role in the game. Roy Thomas spoke for all of us present when he expressed his pleasure at hearing Tony, in his own modest manner, recalling, often amusing, experiences on and off the field. We now have an elected president in Mr Cledwyn Jones, long time teacher of music at Friars school and outstanding conductor of the choir for many years. ”Cled” as he is fondly known, is the only Friars teacher left in the ODA and has always been a loyal supporter. He was once a member of the famous “Triawd y Coleg” while in the UCNW Bangor and we are pleased he has accepted our invitation to be Hon. President. Our thanks were made to Gareth Griffiths, retiring chairman and to Colin Dixon, retiring Treasurer both of whom were founder members of the present ODA. Warren Martin and Gareth Williams, both of Llanfairfechan were persuaded to take up the reins and we are so grateful to them for doing so. An interesting and challenging suggestion was made at the General meeting regarding having “Friends of the ODA” A number of friends and family members came to our Rucksack Club Lunches and walks and some expressed the need to give some support to the association in a tangible way, such as a donation and thereby receiving a card as a “friend of the ODA”. I would be interested in knowing your views on this so that your committee can follow up this idea or perhaps reject it as unworkable. Please also use the ODA Website www.theolddominicans.org. It is your ODA and I look forward to hearing from you. My thanks also to all who gave me words of encouragement following the Members weekend. Diolch am eich cymorth gefais ar ol y Cinio. Edrychaf ymlaen am glywed ganddo chi. Elfyn 6 A MESSAGE FROM THE NEW TREASURER First I want to thank all the many members who have already paid their subs for 2011.Prompt payment helps me to balance the books and helps our finances. May I now appeal to the rest of you who for whatever reason have still to pay up, please do so as soon as possible. You can pay by cheque or Bank standing order or by internet transfer for those with internet banking. Our bank details are:- HSBC Bank plc., 274, High Street, Bangor, LL57 1RU.