2008 A.R.O.P.S Conference (Association of Representatives of Old Pupils Societies)

This year's Conference was held at Kimbolton School in Cambridgeshire and we were welcomed by Mr Bill Gillen (Old Arnoldian and Old Instonian), the Chairman of AROPS. The school is in a beautiful country setting with acres of well-mown grass and mature trees. The school buildings include Kimbolton Castle previously owned by the Manchester family and was the last home of Catherine of Aragon. The Headmaster (Mr Belbin) told us that his study is known as the Queen's Room and, because it contains a historical painting, he is obliged to have CCTV there (fortunately only focusing above head height he said).

 

The first session was 'A Headmaster's Perspective on School Liaison with Old Pupils' Societies'. Dr Christopher Ray, the High Master of Manchester Grammar School (Independent) gave an excellent talk on the importance of close co-operation between the school and its former pupils. Much of what Dr Ray said related to activities and people going back into the school's traditions and history but still applicable to today's events.

 

The second session was taken by Mr Roger Moulton, an Old Pauline. A survey of old pupil societies had been completed. From the 77 returned surveys it was seen that 70 had clubs of some kind; most were related to sport (and he was impressed with the keenness of the Golfers' Tasse Competition (the one activity we do have, run by Di Leaver (Mrs Wiggins), and she is always keen to hear of ASA golfers of approx. 24 handicap in order to build her team). Other than sport, there were 13 choirs and 5 orchestras. Some schools had clubs centering around professions, such as Lawyers, Doctors and Surveyors; Framling had a 'City Club' which gained 200 members in two months. (It is to be expected that associations with many clubs are usually the 'traditional' boys' schools which supply member/s of their administrative staff to run their extensive databases etc..)   

Following pre-lunch drinks in 'The Saloon' with its ornate ceiling and classical pictures we had a very tasty lunch before attending the afternoon session on 'Circle of Friends--How to use Facebook and Other Online Networking to Extend Alumini Contacts and Events'.

This was really beyond my realm of knowledge but it was all very interesting and at our last ASA meeting the subject of Facebook was on the Agenda so we are 'moving along'! I can tell you about the Speaker; he was an Old Lawrentian (Ramsgate) but very young! and his present work is as President of the Royal Holloway Sudents' Union; his name is Joff Manning and I hope that whatever future career he chooses we shall hear more of him in the future.

Our last session was questions and answers; there were questions but as many were about the use of modern technology the answers were not so forthcoming from the senior panel; it all go to show how fast things are moving and what a job some of us have to keep up!
 

For those who are interested there will probably be an official report later in the summer on the AROPS website (www.arops.org.uk)