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T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 7 But Gentlemen, I knew that Nick’s words this evening would be gracious, because that is his style, a style to which I became accustomed when, as he has mentioned, I briefly worked with him back in 2006. Nick, thank you so much for being with us this evening. I was humbled to hear you refer to me as one of the most amusing acts in the paper industry. But I am encouraged by the number of good young speakers coming through –none to be exact, so I am especially encouraged ! Nick, I wholeheartedly endorse your words about the close connection between the Old Stationers’ Association and the Company. And may I please ask you to convey to your Company colleagues our gratitude for the use of Stationers’ Hall for this and other functions. Gentlemen, I had also hoped to add my welcome to David Millar, Executive Principal of Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy. Unfortunately, David is unwell and could not join us. So Master, may I please ask you to remind David of our open offer to give any advice or guidance that may be necessary whenever the process to form a Crown Woods former pupils’ Association is started. For me personally, I was delighted to see the Stationers name back in a school title in London. Yes, I know it is in South London, across the Gaza strip, but the Stationers’ name, and our connection to that name, is surely the most important consideration. Nick, please inform David that we are here when he needs us. And Gentlemen, I must also thank Mike Pinfield for acting as our MC this evening. Mike, it is good to see you back amongst us. Gentlemen, as well as my Presidency coming to an end, so also is my working career, at the end of this month, in fact. I have completed 49 years in the paper industry, but now it will be time Toastmaster, Mike Pinfield Andy Thompson for other things. I have promised Roger Rufey that I shall be playing golf with Old Stationers Golf Society, although considering my ability that is more of a threat than a promise! As you will have seen in our recent magazine, my year of 1962 held our 55th anniversary reunion last September, here at Stationers’ Hall. As a by-product of our reunions, we now have a number of little splinter groups which meet occasionally to have lunch, play golf, have football stadium tours, and other activities. And I’m sure that other years have experienced the same. This might not have been possible without the reunion concept, and I therefore thank everyone who has been or will be involved in their year’s reunion process. Peter enjoying the occasion. 10
T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 7 And remember that the reunion attendance is truly a fertile, captive audience for new OSA members. We have all done brilliantly to maintain our membership level at above the 500 mark, but I’m sure there are more that we can introduce. May I please record my thanks to those of you who have attended any of the Association’s functions during the last year, particularly our Spring and Autumn Lunches, and of course our Christmas Lunch, held here at The Hall. We shall of course value your continued support for these events during the coming year. But back now to Andy Thompson. Like me, Andy has worked in the paper industry for many years, mainly as a paper merchant. Indeed, he is known in that sector as the paper merchant’s paper merchant – which surely is second only to being – popular. Gentlemen, I can tell you that the name of Andy Thompson is always mentioned whenever a senior role in the paper merchant industry becomes available, usually because he’s just been sacked from one. As I think I hinted earlier, Andy is from Birmingham, and to his credit, he does act as a great ambassador and promoter for the city, which he and I always banter about. He always tells me that in his opinion Birmingham is better in the Summer – and I always tell him that in my opinion Birmingham is better in the rear view mirror. Andy did have a trial with Birmingham City – something to do with Council Tax I think. No, I do mean Birmingham City FC. As well as being a lifelong supporter of Birmingham City Football Club, Andy is also very well connected inside the club. Gentlemen, you will have heard of such players as Bob Latchford, Kenny Burns, Trevor Francis – well so has Andy. But now is the time that they need you as a supporter Andy, so all the best for next season. Gentlemen, I expect that previous Presidents, upon being elected, have felt as daunted as I was by the challenge of upholding the good name of the Old Stationers’ Association. Thanks to the collective work of our Committee, I need not have worried. Our Committee knows exactly when and how to raise the game when it needs it, when and how to encourage and beg for support, when and how to endorse and implement a decision. At the Annual General Meeting earlier this evening, I am pleased to say that we have re-elected another strong Committee for the 12 months ahead, so you can all be assured Gentlemen that the Association is in good hands going forward. Fellow Old Stationers, I have thoroughly enjoyed my year as the Association’s President. Thank you for giving me the honour and the opportunity, and the best tribute that I can give to the role is to say that I feel like doing another year! That of course is not possible, so I shall take this opportunity if I may to wish Peter Winter every success and full enjoyment as he takes up the Presidential role very soon. Fellow Old Stationers, finally may I thank you all for your support tonight, and throughout my year, and I wish you all continued good health, success and prosperity in the years ahead. May I please toast you all – CHEERS – and thank you. 11
Page 1 and 2: NO 87 / JULY 2018 The Old Stationer
Page 3 and 4: T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o
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Page 29 and 30: ge I believe that I am right in say
Page 31 and 32: generous description). My home was
Page 47 and 48: Digging out a cross from the cabbag

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