As most of you are aware, whilst also serving as committee member for the OBA, I also carry out a role with ‘The Friends of the DYRMS’.

One of the roles of ‘The Friends’ is to raise money to benefit the pupils currently attending the School.

As part of this, each Grand Day we hold a raffle in the ‘Friends’ Marquee’ next to the Chapel, where pupils, parents, Old Boys and visitors can also purchase refreshments throughout the day.

I am looking for prizes which could be donated for the raffle, and wonder whether any of you would consider a donation in order to raise funds. Local businesses are also being approached along with various institutions who have links with the school.

Previous donations have included items specifically for the pupils (of all age groups ie sports equipment, personal items etc) and donations aimed towards adults (parents, friends and Old Boys – bottles of wine, gifts etc).

If you have anything which you consider may be a orthwhile donation please advise myself and I will arrange collection.

The raffle takes place towards the end of the parade and winners are notified on the day.

Should you be attending Grand Day anyway, please come along to the refreshments marquee to view the raffle, purchase refreshments, get out of the rain, or even offer a hand to assist – it does get a little manic at times and all helping hands would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time,

Steve Sheppard.

Inspecting Officer Lt gen Mark Mans with Lt Gen Gary Coward as Co-Inspecting Officer.

Regards

Ray Howarth

If you haven’t already signed up, we would love to see you on Sunday. Please call Caroline Cant on 010304 245 073 or visit our website to complete our online form http://www.doyrms.com/then-and-now-event.html

Many thanks

Amanda Baker, Marketing Director, The Duke of York’s Royal Military School

If you decide to go, and would like to meet after the service, the family will be gathering at Burnage Rugby Club, Manchester. Please contact Andrew Green on andrew.j.green@btinternet.com, this will help with arranging the catering.

Regards

Ray Howarth

During July and August this year, the Duke of York’s Royal Military School will be hosting a Summer School who have been granted exclusive use of the school site. If you wish to visit the school during this period, please contact reception on 01304 245023 to make a specific appointment for a visit as you will need to be escorted by school staff.

Kind regards

Caroline

Marketing Executive, The Duke of York’s Royal Military School

Dinner will be 7.15 for 7.45

Attire will be suit/blazer for the men and cocktail/dress for the ladies.

Cost will be £25 a head for the three course dinner.

All interested parties to contact me on 07900 802669 or on barlowandrew@hotmail.com

Regards

Andy Barlow

Watch this video on YouTube.

We would like to share former pupils’ memories on 25 March, and I am hoping an interesting mini-exhibition can be set up at the school. We want to celebrate everything the school has meant to people over the last 200 years, and be able to share the future plans for spending the £24.9 million that the school has received from the Department of Education. We recognise and respect the school traditions and heritage, and do not want to lose sight of that. If anything, I would like to do more for former pupils, to keep them involved with the school – and I see the OBA as being instrumental to that.

I have attached the information for you (CLICK HERE).

Please do send your memories through and I don’t mind how you would prefer to send them.

Best wishes

Amanda Baker

Marketing Director, DYRMSOBA

I am a student conducting an oral history interview on the school and how life for students has changed over the past half century. As a former student myself I know that life at the Duke of York’s is not ordinary and anyone who is willing to share their story with me would be much appreciated. I would like to conduct the interview as soon as possible between Monday the 7th of November and Saturday the 14th of November. I’m based in Worcester and I’m willing to travel so as long as it isn’t more than a couple hours train journey (since I’m a student and money is quite tight) I will be happy to travel to a location of your choice.

So if anyone is interested in sharing their past experiances of Doyrms, feel free to contact me through either my email which is: wooty1993@hotmail.com or by mobile on 07794114039 for more information or to arrange a meeting.

Thanks for your time and I look forward to hearing from some of you!

Liam Wootton.

The OBA fixture is now in its 9th year and is the only OBA rugby of the weekend following the ending of the OBA vs School game.

The over 30’s captained by Jim Whittington (Wellington, leaver in 92) will kick off at 1330hrs and the under 30’s captained by Steve Strong (Wolseley 03) at 1445hrs. There will be a minibus transporting players and supporters to and from the game running from outside the Britannia Pub, also running to the Ramada Hotel for those members attending the dinner after the game. The transport to the ground starts at about 12pm and will start leaving the rugby club from about 6-630pm.

Dick Catt (Marlborough 73) the Dover RFC Chairman has also arranged for curry for players and spectators after the match as well as an evening of karaoke and music running late into the night. There will also be a Hog roast (payable on the night) to accompany your ale!

As usual there will be the chance to catch up over a few beers during and after the games. This year along with the usual Post match trophy presentations, Andy Black (Wolseley 97) OBA Rugby Club President is going to say a few words about developments in the future direction of OBA rugby.

This really is an enjoyable and ever growing part of the OBA weekend and everyone is welcome so please pass this on to friends and fellow Old Boys that you may be in touch with and let’s get supporting the teams. For the first time ever both OBA teams lost in 2010, let’s help cheer them onto victory this year.

If you are interested in playing for the OBA contact:

Over 30’s – Jim.Whittington@antalis-mcnaughton.co.uk

Under 30’s – stephen.strong@akqa.com

Andy Black – andrew.a.black@gmail.com

If you are making your own way to the ground it can be found at

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/doverrfc/location/

Dave Shott