WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT

Bolton School has always held a special place in my heart. My mother attended in the 1930s, my brother and I in the 1950s, and my two daughters in the 1980s. As a result, I had no hesitation in accepting the offer of the Presidency in 2019. It is some time since I was honoured to be appointed President of the Old Boltonians’ Association, and I now find that my term of office will end shortly, having been prolonged by the invasive pandemic which has had such an influence over our lives in the last few years. I shall be passing the chain of office to my successor at the Annual General Meeting in May this year.

My time in office has constituted quite a journey, and its length totally unexpected. Despite the disruption to the familiar rhythms of our annual cycle of events, it remains the case that there is great energy in the Association. Gatherings at regional dinners have resumed and remain popular in Cambridge, Edinburgh, London and Oxford, and our lunch in Cumbria. In particular, we had a memorable dinner in the Long Room at Lord's Cricket Ground, and, an equally memorable event at the Armourers' Hall in London. In addition, we still hold our termly Old Boys’ lunches at School. Alumni play a large part in providing support and advice to students, and an Alumni of the Year has been inaugurated. Members still give generously to the Bursary Fund.

I will vacate my position taking with me very fond memories of time spent with members of the OBA. My personal thanks are due to the officers and committee members. I owe a great debt of gratitude to the teaching and administrative staff at School, and especially to the many members of the Association who have given me and Old Boltonian activities their constant help and support.

Roy Battersby (Class of 1961) Old Boltonians’ Association President, 2019-2023