SCOTS Project - www.scottishcorpus.ac.uk Document : 1357 Title : The Former Pupils' Guild of the Mary Erskine School - Secretary's Report Author(s): 920 Copyright holder(s): Name withheld Text SECRETARY'S REPORT Madam Chairman, Mr [CENSORED: surname], Mrs [CENSORED: surname], Ladies 1995-96 was another busy year for the Guild. Our usual events were fairly well attended and enjoyed by our "regulars". On the last Saturday in January over 70 members battled through a snowstorm to the Winter Reunion in the Merchants' Hall. They enjoyed warming cups of coffee, delicious home baking and a successful raffle. We were very pleased to welcome Mrs [CENSORED: surname], Mrs [CENSORED: surname] and Miss [CENSORED: surname] as our guests. March brought a change of venue for the Annual Dinner when 68 members and guests enjoyed their evening at the Barnton Hotel. Pat [CENSORED: surname], an F.P. and teacher of Drama in the Junior School, Mrs [CENSORED: surname] representing the school and Mr Gilbert [CENSORED: surname], Treasurer of the Merchant Company, delighted the company vyith their interesting and entertaining speeches. We also entertained representatives from the Stewarts' Melville and Watsonian Clubs and Mrs Margaret [CENSORED: surname] the retiring Housemistress of Erskine House. A framed photograph of the "3 Different Generations" was presented by the President to Miss Ann [CENSORED: surname] to honour her 90th birthday. The decision of the committee to publicise the Summer Events to local members brought several "new faces" to our informal Coffee Evening. The beautiful May sunshine showed off the New Pavilion and Vlth Form Centre most effectively. Our thanks to Mrs [CENSORED: surname] who personally conducted a tour to view the mural in the Dining Hall. The President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer were guests at Founder's Day on 7th June. The glorious day, excellent speaker - Kate [CENSORED: surname] - and a fine meal, combined to make it a memorable occasion for us all. The following Sunday, 9th June, the Rev David [CENSORED: surname] welcomed Guild members and school representatives to the Annual Commemorative Service at Greyfriars Kirk. Afterwards he conducted a simple Act of Remembrance at Mary Erskine's grave, so beautifully tended by Mrs Elsa [CENSORED: surname]. A donation was sent to the Greyfriars International Appeal on behalf of the Guild. Our Summer Reunion was held on 28th June in Ravelston House when over 50 members enjoyed a pleasant evening and a delicious buffet. Finally last week 47 of our older members gathered at the Carlton Highland Hotel for a chat and afternoon tea. We are grateful that Mrs [CENSORED: surname] was able to join the group and bring news from the school. The importance of the Junior Section is now clearly recognised by the committee and this year's events proved highly successful. The Christmas Mulled Wine and Mince Pies Evening was attended by almost 70 recent leavers. This promises to become an annual event on our calendar. An Aerobics Club was introduced in the Summer Term. Kate [CENSORED: surname] instructs a small but enthusiastic group on Monday evenings in the Gym. The Inaugural Hockey 7s Tournament in June attracted 8 teams and was won by Heriots F.P. The social occasion and barbecue proved most successful. Thanks and congratulations are due to Junior President Lesley [CENSORED: surname] on initiating these events and liaising with Mrs [CENSORED: surname] and the senior girls. She has been ably supported this past year by the new School Representative, Kirsty [CENSORED: surname]. The committee is endeavouring to maintain strong links with the school and is indebted to Mr [CENSORED: surname] and Mrs [CENSORED: surname] for their interest in Guild matters. We are grateful to our Vlth year representatives Susan [CENSORED: surname], Claudine [CENSORED: surname] and Ishbel [CENSORED: surname] for providing direct contact with today's girls and for their practical help at our functions. The President handed over a music centre and a ship's clock - the Guild's gifts to the Vlth form for the new centre - to the entire Vlth year on 19th March. Finally, a few "Thank Yous" - to Bill [CENSORED: surname] and his janitorial staff for their efficient and cheerful help. To Chris [CENSORED: surname] and his catering team who cope calmly and professionally with all our requests. I have enjoyed my first year as Secretary and should like to acknowledge the help I have received from the President and her happy team. Shoana [CENSORED: surname] and Audrey [CENSORED: surname] have given me invaluable support and advice. I look forward to renewing friendships and meeting more F.P.s in the coming year. This work is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. The SCOTS Project and the University of Glasgow do not necessarily endorse, support or recommend the views expressed in this document. Information about document and author: Text Text audience Adults (18+): Informed lay people: Females: Audience size: 100+ Writer knew intended audience: Text details Method of composition: Handwritten Year of composition: 1996 Word count: 672 General description: Annual report of former pupils' guild Text medium Other: Circulated to Guild Text setting Education: Text type Report: Author Author details Author id: 920 Gender: Female Decade of birth: 1940 Educational attainment: University Age left school: 17 Upbringing/religious beliefs: Protestantism Occupation: Retired primary teacher Place of birth: Edinburgh Region of birth: Midlothian Birthplace CSD dialect area: midLoth Country of birth: Scotland Place of residence: Edinburgh Region of residence: Midlothian Residence CSD dialect area: midLoth Country of residence: Scotland Father's occupation: Advocate's clerk Father's place of birth: Edinburgh Father's region of birth: Midlothian Father's birthplace CSD dialect area: midLoth Father's country of birth: Scotland Mother's occupation: Post office clerk Mother's place of birth: Edinburgh Mother's region of birth: Midlothian Mother's birthplace CSD dialect area: midLoth Mother's country of birth: Scotland Languages: Language: English Speak: Yes Read: Yes Write: Yes Understand: Yes Circumstances: