Author: Barry Mellish

Following on from my earlier e-mail reporting the sad passing of our ex-player Graham Evans, people always say “Why do we only meet up at funerals?” Well, now is your chance to see eachother  on a happier occasion. Following on from the success of last year’s FP Lunch, we are holding another gathering at The Rectory Field on Friday 25th August from noon. 

Everyone is welcome to have a beer and a curry in the convivial surrounding of The Rectory Field, the Home of Askean RFC where we are the only male rugby team to hold home matches. Bar prices are very reasonable and the food is great as well as being exceptional value, so what better opportunity to meet up with old friends and wallow in nostalgia over a beer or three. 

If you know anyone who may be interested in attending who is not on our mailing list, please pass on the good news. This is a celebration of our past and current friendships and a chance to share an ale

Please contact me if you are able to attend

Regards

Steve Homewood

07795 445404

The minutes of the meeting will be posted here when they are available, in the meantime some thoughts on the meeting.

A pity that a few more members could not make it. The meeting was well run, the main news being that the revised Rules of Association were passed without dissent.

Our new president, Peter Ayling, was installed in office as was our Senior Vice President, Steve Homewood

.

After the formal proceedings members and guests enjoyed an excellent meal together. A great time was had by one and all.

I send you the sad news that Pauline Martin has died. For many years she ran the catering at the Broad Walk sports ground. Her late husband, George, was involved for thirty-five years in running the Old Askean Rugby Club.

Pauline’s funeral is on Tuesday, 6 June at 1.15pm at Vinters Crematorium, Maidstone, ME14 5LG, and afterwards at Bearsted Golf Club ME14 4PQ.

Please inform Kim Martin if you would like to attend: kimianmartin1956@gmail.com.

Kemnal Park Crematorium was filled to overflowing for the Mike’s funeral. The chapel was packed with his family, work colleagues and friends from all walks of life. There were plenty of Old Askean ties to be seen with a scattering of OA blazers. Many of us could not get into the main chapel and so filled the entrance lobby.

After the service we retired to the Bull at Chislehurst where the tributes to Mike continued. It was a splendid occasion and just a shame that Mike was not there to enjoy it. It is hoped to post an obituary to Mike on this site.

This was a splendid event. The AGM was chaired, with his usual efficiency and aplomb, by our president Andy Jordan-Smith. The meeting was concluded by his successor, our incoming president Gary Bunce.

At the end of the meeting Dennis Johnson was presented with two engraved whiskey glasses as a gift from the Association to thank him for his many years of faithful service on the committee. Roger Pawley, who was unable to attend the meeting was presented his glasses the previous day by Roger Goodman. Both of these Askean stalwarts have retired from the committee.

After the meeting some 30+ Old Askeans and guests had an excellent dinner which was organised by our Social Secretary, Roger Goodman.

You will be pleased to learn that the Old Askean Annual Lunch was a great success. Although there were fewer people than usual dining, just under forty, it was a very convivial occasion. Sadly President Garry Bunce was unwell and so Senior Vice President Peter Ayling hosted the meeting.

We were pleased to be able to welcome Christopher Hardie, Master of the Haberdashers Company as our guest of honour. he spoke warmly of the School and of the Old Askean Association is his speech.

After the meal some of the members and wives stayed for a few hours drinking and reminiscing in one of the bars.

Menu

Cream of Leek & Potato Soup with Chive Créme Fraiche

Roast Breast of Chicken, Mushroom, Asparagus & Tarragon Veloute sauce with French Beans & New Potatoes

Vanilla & Raspberry Crème Brûlée served with a Lemon Sable

Vegetarian option available

Tea, Coffee & Petit Fours

The numbers at the last gathering the City Diners were somewhat reduced, there just being a “Magnificent Seven”! Sadly we were too busy talking, drinking and eating to take any photos. I can assure you that it was a splendid occasion and this Old Askean thoroughly enjoyed himself. The soporific effects of beer and wine almost caused me to miss my train station on the way home, but I awoke in time – just!

Do come along and join us next time as there is plenty of money in the wine fund!!! Barry Mellish

The funeral service is at Randall’s Park Crematorium, on Wednesday 31st August 2022 at 10:15 am. The family ask attendees to arrive by 10:00. there is ample parking on site. A live stream of the service will also be available, details to follow.”

If you intend to be at the funeral it would be appreciated if you could let Toni know, to help re numbers. tonic1641@hotmail.co.uk

*Donations via brian-burgess.muchloved.com

Streaming details:

Name Brian Burgess

LocationRandalls Park Crematorium,

Leatherhead -Wednesday 31/08/2022 10:15

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