The Annual Dinner 2004

The guest speaker at this year’s dinner was Alan Kemp (BGS 1939-1946). A three course dinner was followed by the customary speeches. Tony Austin (BGS 1956-1961), Old Bostonian Association President proposed the toast to the Queen. Due to ill health, our usual toastmaster, Reg Adcock was not able to attend this year’s event. His role was ably filled by Peter Sharman (BGS 1959-1964).

Alan Kemp

Alan Kemp proposing the toast to the School

Alan, a retired headmaster, spoke, often amusingly, about developments in education. He spoke out against past attempts to abolish grammar schools and generally about political involvement in education. Alan praised current teachers and pupils, especially those of Boston Grammar School. He asked for support for the school from the Association.

The Headmaster

The Headmaster, John Neal responds to the toast

John Neal responded to Alan’s toast to The School. He thanked Alan, who he knows as an ex-governor of the school, as grandfather of Simon and Thomas, pupils at BGS, and as a fellow member of Boston Rotary Club.
The headmaster talked fondly of the late John Porcher, former President of the Old Bostonian Association, saying that his wife had described John as “a true gentleman”. He hopes that the School can continue to produce people like John, even with “the constant stupidities of political interference”.

Following the singing of the school song, the raffle was drawn.

Attendees

Familiar faces at the dinner