Meeting Minutes 13 January 2025

Present

Simon Pickett (HM Ex officio), Tom Deller (Staff), Gary Purvis, Andrew Roberts, Nathan Whales, Rich Bijster, Nigel Barton, Tom Webster, Paul O’Reilly, Ben Whinney.

Apologies were received from

M. Whittington (Pres.), Robert Sheardown, Tony Shearer. AR chaired the meeting in the absence of the President.

Minutes from the last meeting and actions arising

Minutes of the previous meeting were reviewed and approved by all in attendance. Actions:

From previous meetings

Action – Remaining Committee members have yet to submit a ‘pen picture’ for the website were requested to do so.

This was not yet complete. Input from the following is requested: Nigel, Rich, Andy Cousins, Andrew Jones, Tony, Nathan and Mark. Action ongoing.

The President’s page on the website still includes a welcome by the previous President. This should be reviewed/rewritten by MW and uploaded to the website by SP. New action 3.1.

From Alumni 6 (23/24):

Action 6.1: Andrew Jones to contact Zest and check/confirm availability for 14 December.

Done. Deposit for 2025 Christmas Dinner is due to be paid by AJ imminently. Action 6.1 closed.

Action 6.7: Ben Whinney to advise AJ on shirt requirements.

BW reported that the expected cost of 40 shirts for the Alumni match would be approximately £1400, which included a 25% discount. To be able to receive them by Easter, it is necessary to place the order. Shirts would be retained with a five-year life expected from them. Action 6.7 closed.

It was agreed by those present that the Alumni logo would be included in the design and BW was asked to distribute pictures of the proposed kit asap. New action 3.2.

Once the design is agreed, BW will progress the order. New action 3.3.

Action 6.8: Ben Whinney to issue a general request for team sponsorship.

Due to the expected life of the rugby kit, alternatives to kit sponsorship were discussed. Options included sponsorship of the event, ball, etc. These can be arranged separately to the kit ordering. Action 6.8 closed.

BW agreed to prepare a list of options for match sponsorship and distribute for discussion/action. TW agreed to assist in identifying opportunities. New action 3.4.

Action 6.10: Andrew Jones to issue current Constitution to members for review.

Action 6.10 ongoing

Action 6.11 (amended): NP to review/revise suggested new vision/mission statement.

NB issued a revised Alumni Vision/Mission based on previous Committee discussions. After discussion, the Committee agreed that it should be slightly modified and then uploaded to the Alumni website. Action 6.11 closed.

The list of suggested Alumni objectives was discussed at length. It was agreed that the objectives must support the vision/mission of the Alumni, rather than be a to-do list of Alumni actions. A questionnaire/survey will be prepared for issue to all known Alumni which will seek the views on what is important to the Alumni such that objectives can be structured around the findings. Once objectives had been agreed, specific tasks would then be identified to achieve the objectives.

TW agreed to draft a survey and to circulate to the Committee. The target date for this would be 25 January. SP agreed to issue once survey was finalised. New action 3.5

From Alumni 2 (24/25):

Action 2.1 (6.3 amended): After dinner speakers:

• Gary Waterfall (ex. RAF) – RB to follow up.
• Jon Hardman (earthquakes) – SP to follow up.
• John Crossley (ex. MET) – RB to follow up.

Action 2.1 closed

Action 2.2: SP to report back on way forward on archiving records.

SP reported that a meeting was due to be held with Nottingham University next week. An update will be provided at the next Committee meeting. Action 2.2 ongoing.

Action 2.3: SP to look into school tour options on open day after cricket. Maybe a tour in conjunction with a music event in the school could be an option. Action 2.3 ongoing.

Report of the President

President was not present at the meeting, hence no report.

Report of the Honorary Treasurer

Treasurer was not present at the meeting, hence no report.

Items and reports for discussion and action

1. Speech Night speaker

Gary Waterfall is lined up for this event.

2. The Annual Dinner

The 2024 Annual Dinner was considered a success albeit a loss-making one (£350) for the Alumni. 54 tickets had been sold and it is anticipated that the success may encourage higher attendance in 2025. Some feedback had been received concerning the ‘stilted’ progression of the evening implying that a specific MC and timed programme should be in place for 2025.

The date for the 2025 dinner has been set as 13 December. The Committee agreed that a sub-group be formed well ahead of time to manage the event using 2024 as a model. RB agreed to lead the sub-group. New action 3.6.

3. Cricket

NW will report by next meeting on the arrangements for the cricket. New action 3.7

4. Easter rugby/shirt & team sponsorship

Previously discussed.

5. LinkedIn

TD reported that LinkedIn was showing 942 followers of the Alumni with 420 members of the group. Additional links to ongoing school achievements will be posted.

6. Alumni roles and future activities

Previously discussed under Actions.

7. Archives

Nothing further to report

8. PTFA ball

Scheduled for 12 October. Will be at Masonic Lodge. An Alumni table could be a possibility if enough interest.

Future milestone events for Alumni.

Major events coming up in next few years:

• • 2026 – 100 years of Old Boys Society
  • 2027 – 300 years since Isaac Newton’s death
  • 2028 – 500 years since school re-endowment

These events will become an integral part of the objectives for the Alumni. SP reported that a major celebration was being planned in conjunction with Harlaxton Manor for Newton’s anniversary.

More publicity at any coming events for these major events was discussed e.g. banners, pop up stand, etc.

AOB

Considering the numbers of attendees at the Alumni Committee meetings, it was suggested that the Alumni should seek more volunteers to help with its role.

Separately, it was agreed that more delegation of actions should take place, reducing the burden on the Headmaster. This needs to be actioned at the next Committee meeting.

Dates of next meeting

Alumni 4 will be held on 3 March at 7.00pm in the library.

Actions arising:

From previous meetings:

(Ongoing): Input from the following to the Alumni profile webpage is requested: Nigel, Rich, Andy Cousins, Andrew Jones, Tony, Nathan and Mark.

From Alumni 6 (23/24):

Action 6.10 (ongoing): Andrew Jones to issue current Constitution to members for review.

From Alumni 2 & 3 (24/25):

Action 2.2 (ongoing): SP to report back on way forward on archiving records. Action 2.3 (ongoing): SP to look into school tour options on open day after cricket.

Action 3.1: The President’s page on the website should be reviewed/rewritten by MW and uploaded to the website by SP.

Action 3.2: BW to distribute pictures of proposed rugby kit asap.

Action 3.3: BW will progress the order asap once new kit design was agreed.

Action 3.5: TW agreed to draft a survey and to circulate to the Committee. The target date for this would be 25 January. SP agreed to issue once survey was finalised.

Action 3.6: RB agreed to lead the sub-group to manage the event using 2024 as a model. Action 3.7: NW will report by next meeting on the arrangements for the cricket.