The Annual Dinner 2003

Tony Austin welcomes Rev Dick Westland to the OBA Annual Dinner.
Also pictured are John Neal (Headmaster), Paul Mould and Reg Adcock

The guest speaker at this year’s dinner was Rev. Dick Westland (BGS 1939-1944). Following a pleasantly sociable three course dinner in the dining hall of the School, Tony Austin, the OBA President introduced the toast to the Queen with a plea for the future of the Association.

The President

He pointed out the difficulties of organising the OBA now that on leaving the school most people go away to university, never to return to Boston.

Tony suggested that one way of persuading more people to become involved in the Association’s decision making process might be to combine a general meeting with a school open day. He has further explored this option in the president’s letter on page 3.

Rev. RT “Dick” Westland

Revd. Dick Westland speaking at the dinner

The toast to the school was proposed by Rev Dick Westland. He spoke of his school career which began at Park Board School and then moved to St. Nicholas School before starting at BGS in 1939. Having not shone at school he classified himself as a late developer.

On leaving BGS Dick became an apprentice at Ruston-Hornsby before leaving for his National Service in the Army.
After the army Dick returned to a textile factory in Boston where he became involved in athletics and cricket as well as running the Old Boys’ Tennis Tournament.

Dick became a department manager in textiles, went on to be involved in production control and later became involved in retail knitting machines, which led to his opening the shop in West Street.
He married Pat in 1954 and became a diocesan Lay Reader in 1960, visiting North Sea Camp as part of his duties. From 1983 he trained for ordination, becoming first Deacon, and later Priest. In 1993 Dick retired at the age of 70 having been the Chaplain at Pilgrim Hospital.

Although retired, Dick continues to take weddings, funerals, etc.

He is thankful for the education and friendship provided by BGS, and is concerned about the future of the School. He thanked the Headmaster and Staff and congratulated them on being awarded Technology Status.

John Neal

In his response to the toast to the School John Neal, BGS Headmaster, thanked the Old Boys for their support, for the new piano which was donated last year, for the mini museum housed next to the library, and to those who contribute as governors and foundation governors.

John reminded us that the School’s 450th anniversary will be coming up in 2005. The Governors and the School want to do something to celebrate it. A committee has been formed which includes Tony Austin (OBA President) and Lawrence Rich (OBA Secretary and BGS Bursar). Suggestions for a fitting way to mark the occasion can be conveyed to Tony or Lawrence.

John returned to the subject of the threat to grammar school status. He remarked that only one petition so far raised has led to a vote and that it was defeated. The expense of this process is nevertheless regrettable as it diverts money which may otherwise have gone into education.

John highlighted the difficulty in recruiting new staff, and spoke of concern over the funding of higher education, of particular concern in Boston, which is not a rich area.

Following the customary singing with gusto of the School Song, the raffle was drawn.

In his closing remarks Tony Austin mentioned that £1062.50 had been raised in the sale of raffle tickets before the night, and that the final figure would be even higher (see p16). He also mentioned the “September Song” supper dance held last year which was considered a good evening if a little short of people. He indicated that there should be a similar event this year.

Attendees

Familiar faces at the dinner