OSAmag81

T h e O l d S t a t i o n e r - N o 8 1
music professionally, so I joined Barclays Bank and embarked
on career spanning the next 38 years!! Fortunately I seemed
cut out for banking and progressed through the ranks working
at various branches in and around North and Central London
from 1972 and achieved my first managerial appointment in
1986 in Kingsway branch with subsequent managerial jobs at
Strand, Regional Office and Palmers Green where I was
appointed Branch Manager in 1992. Since then I was mainly
in Corporate Banking based in Essex, in offices in Ilford,
Basildon and most recently Chelmsford from where I retired
in February 2010.
I have been living in Nazeing, Essex since 1978 and married
to Lesley since August 1977.We have two daughters aged 35
& 31. Sadly my younger daughter Claire, is severely physically
handicapped having been born with cerebral palsy. She has
neither speech nor any control of her body, hence she is in a
wheelchair and totally dependent upon others for all her
needs. She is however, mentally very “with it” and has a wicked
sense of humour. She has been living in a very good care home
in West Sussex for the last 10 years and we visit most weeks.
My older daughter, Joanne and I are both Arsenal season
ticket holders. I am also a member of Middlesex County
Cricket Club & frequently bump into a number of OSA
members at Lords throughout the season.
In the months to come I am determined to help increase
membership numbers particularly from the “younger” element.
It is interesting to note that there are only 33 members of the
OSA who joined the school from 1969 to the date of closure.
By 1970 there were well over 1000 boys at the school and the
intake each year was c 170/180; so why have so few from that
era joined the OSA? I am determined to find out and see
whether the OSA needs to offer some alternate functions in
order to attract this generation. I am compiling a list of year
representatives initially from the years 1966 to 1982 and will
encourage each of them to track down as many of the
contemporaries as possible with a view to running a reunion
and also encouraging them to join the OSA.
This year coincides with my 50th anniversary and Geoff
Blackmore, Huw Williams & I have been tracking down as
many of the 1965 intake as possible; last count we’d found 69
with another 24 to go. Our reunion is on 9th October.
Finally, I look forward to seeing as many of you who can make
it at Botany Bay Cricket Club on Sunday 30th August for the
annual President’s Day match. I have threatened to play, but
I’m not sure whether Mr Blackmore will pick me!! In any
event I will certainly buy you all a drink!
Peter Sandell
OSA President 2015-2016
ANNUAL DINNER 2015 -Stationers' Hall – March 27th 2015
President's Address – Roger Melling
Bishop, Master,Clerk, distinguished guests and fellow Old Stationers.
Thank you Stephen for your toast to the OSA. You are indeed
evidence that Old Stationers have been successful in many
callings and professions.
I have been coming to these dinners for some 11 years. I never
ever contemplated standing in this position! Be aware of the likes
of Tony Hemmings or Geraint Pritchard say ‘could I have a
word?’ It could be your turn! It has been a huge privilege to be
President, especially this year. Last september was the 60th
anniversary of the class of ’54, starting at Mayfield Road, so Ihave
been able to hold the presidency, on behalf of all members, of
The Presidential speech
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