The usual collections for the R.S.P.C.A. and the Royal West Kent Hospital have been held this term. The suggestion has been made that if every boy put at least one penny a month regularly in one of the boxes, we should be able to help both these two good causes considerably, and what is more important, the boys would be learning the lesson of helping those less fortunate than themselves. We are of opinion that the only dissentients will be tuck-shop proprietors. The totals in the boxes will be announced in our next issue, together with the weight of tin-foil collected for the Ophthalmic Hospital.
Although it is the Summer Term the School Library has been very well supported, and many volumes have been borrowed each week. B. Finn has made an efficient librarian. We have to thank the donors of the following 37 volumes :- F. Tolputt (12), Miss Stubbs (7), J. Elbourn (7), Mr. Williams (5), P. Randall (3), R. Westbrook (1), D. Spencer (1), G. Goodchild (1). A number of the older books have been taken out and given to the children's wards of the hospital.
The Old Boys' Association have adopted an official tie, to be obtained at Mr. Birchall's shop in Bank Street. The tie consists of the School colours, light blue and dark blue, separated by a narrow maroon stripe. There are two qualities, priced at 2s. 6d. and 4s. 6d.
The School ties of light and dark blue can be obtained from Mr. Mayor in Gabriel's Hill, who also supplies the caps and badges. Messrs. Leavey & Co. supply the blazer badges at a price of 1s. 6d.
Several boys have attended the baths with great regularity this summer, and a number have learnt to swim. The lessons are given by qualified instructors, and no charge is made to the boys, the cost, except for admission, being defrayed by the School.
Reference to the War Memorial will be found elsewhere in the Magazine. The work is being carried out through the generosity of Mr. Elbourn, and will be executed during the holidays. Definite information as to any further names to be added to the list will be welcomed.
The date of the School Concert and Prize-giving has yet to be fixed. Wednesday, 21st December, has been suggested as a convenient time.
OLD BOYS' ASSOCIATION.
It is with great pleasure that we welcome the reformation of this Association. An inaugural meeting was held on 20th April, and about 20 members launched the scheme. Since then several meetings have been held, and the present membership is about GO. The affairs of the Association are managed by a strong and representative Committee, under the chairmanship of Mr. W. C. Beale, with Mr. R. A. Woollard as vice-chairman. Messrs. A. M. Williams and J. W. Solman are the joint honorary secretaries, and Mr. K. Fowles is honorary treasurer. Mr. H. I. Piper has been appointed as president, while the list of vice-presidents includes all present and past members of the Staff, together with the family of the late Mr. McCabe.
A minimum subscription of 2s. 6d. per annum has been fixed, but this is reduced to Is. for boys who have recently left School. An additional 2s. 6d. per annum entitles them to a copy of this Magazine each term. The principal objects of the Association are to bring together all those connected with the School, to strengthen by their support any advantage for the welfare of the School, to record all honours gained by present and past members of the School, to hold social and athletic gatherings, and to keep in touch with all Old Boys overseas or who have left the town
A special appeal is made for all Old Boys to join the Association. Several activities are already under way. A swimming team has been entered in the South Eastern Gazette competition, a cricket match has been arranged with the School, and plans adopted for replacing the present School War Memorial. Three events at the Sports were open to Old Boys, and also a decorated car was entered in the Cricket Week Carnival in the "Tableau " Class. The Association also acted as official collectors for local charities on the same occasion.
During the coming winter it is hoped to organize a football team, and also a number of socials events. The Committee are sparing no effort to make these activities both enjoyable and successful. The Association is fortunate in possessing several enthusiastic members who are determined to make the association a very live and attractive organization.
The Association meets at School at 7.30 on the last Tuesday in each month during term time, and all Old Boys will be made welcome. Correspondence, news of Old Boys,, items of interest, contributions for this Section of the Magazine, subscriptions and enquiries should all be addressed to the School, and they will be forwarded to the proper quarter.