The Committee
Front Row (left to right)
Ken Shone, Marcus Pembroke, Gerard Brooks, Bob Willis.
Back Row:
Garry Poulson; John Cheney, Nigel Croxford, Emma Kedgley, John Saunders, Dave Stacey.

President's Report

In my second year as President of the OPA, the committee have again worked exceedingly hard to make this year a success. All the events have gone off smoothly and each one breaking even or making a profit.
The sporting calendar runs effectively each year with OPA teams VS Park House School Teams enjoying good and always competitive events. Some sporting events were not held this year, but with more help these could be re-instated.
The Spring Ball for '94 was held at the Newbury Racecourse, with about 150 people attending it was an excellent success and a most enjoyable evening. (I hope to see many of you there in 1995).
The Carol singing which was held in early December was in aid of the Newbury Samaritans. The 5th Years of Park House School came out on three evenings to help collect for the charity and an excellent ,709-00 was raised over three nights. Many thanks to all those who collected, walked, counted money and drank a few drams, it was an excellent achievement.
We had many high points this year with the Social Events and Charity collections, also New members increased by 12, the most over the past four years. My thanks go to the Head Boy - John Saunders and the Head Girl - Emma Kedgley. We have valued their input throughout the year and you will all be pleased to hear that they have joined the committee for the coming year. Also an enormous vote of thanks to John Cheney - who as School Liaison Officer has been a constant source of inspiration on new ideas and instigated the idea of inviting the 4th years to the Tennis and Swimming sessions which have been held on Saturdays throughout the summer. This has made a marked change to the money lost last year and has saved us a great amount this summer.
Also held in conjunction with the Year 11 (5th Years) of Park House School we had two well attended disco's at the Newbury Rugby Club, which help to promote the OPA to the pupils, and hope that they may consider joining the Association when they leave school.
Needless to say that the year's activities have included many people who have volunteered their time and efforts solely for the OPA. My own thanks go firstly to Ken Shone who took over the position as Treasurer when Craig Allen stepped down last year. He has produced a sterling effort, keeping the books together, and ensuring that we are all kept in the picture of how the accounts are doing at any given time. Also a special thank you to Marcus Pembroke who again has performed a wonderful job as Secretary and one also of keeping me in order. Then, to all the committee who have worked to keep the OPA going and running efficiently, and to whom I owe my thanks. Also to all the Teachers, to Ray Cullimore and Colin Martin, Mr Derek Greenup and to friends and family who have helped us make it through this year. Thank You.

Gerard Brooks - OPA President.

Ken Shone 80 this year

Ken, or Kingsley as he is known to some of us, continues to be an extremely active and supportive OPA committee member. In this his eightieth year he has undertaken the post of Hon. Treasurer, and has produced accounts in record time. The whole committee is most grateful for his untiring service. We wish him, and his wife Diana, continuing good health for many years to come.

At our AGM in November 1993 Ray Cullimore, Nigel Croxford, and Dave Stacey were each nominated and duly elected Honorary Life Members for their enduring and loyal service to the Old Parkonians Association.

After 34 and 20 years service to the School respectively, pictured here with other staff leavers in July this year. The OPA wishes them well for the future and thanks them for their support over the years - Doug Cook with the Quiz, and Hugh Ennion with the Croquet.

What's Happening Back At The Old Place?
... or a quick update on a few of the changes at Park House.

The main change over the past four years is the appointment of the new Headteacher, Mr. Derek Greenup. He has continued to build on the school's reputation and successfully marketed the good image of the school so that we now have maximum pupils in each new year. Norman Haymes is enjoying his retirement in the wilds of Hampshire, and has renewed hi acquaintance with his walking boots.

This year Hugh Ennion retired to concentrate on his painting, and Doug Cook hung up his football boots. Can you imagine Park House without Duggie? Both Hugh and Doug have been great characters and will remain part of the tradition in the memory of many pupils. Many of you senior Parkonians will be saddened to hear of the death of Noel Brine (ex head of English) earlier this year.

Last year saw the introduction of a new House system. Gone are Lambourn, Kennet, Loddon, and Enbourne, and in their place Cedar, Beech and Oak. It speeds up Sports Day, and has produced some interesting phrases on the sports field, for example, "Scrum down lads Beechball".

The (very) old terrapin classrooms have finally been replaced by a new Library Block in preparation for the Sixth Form, which is due to start probably next year, and will be a welcome addition to the school.

Finally the Old Parkonians continue to support the school, encouraging pupils to participate in a variety of sports and events, and to keep up the contact between you and the School.

John Cheney

Old Parkonian School Liaison

£709 to Charity
A fantastic £709 was raised with the help of Park House 5th form pupils using a colourful Father Christmas float on three nights in December last year. All the monies raised was given to the Newbury Branch of The Samaritans.