20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DINNER
The East Family History Society 20th Anniversary Dinner was
held on the 5th October 2013 at Bishopshalt School in Hillingdon.
held on the 5th October 2013 at Bishopshalt School in Hillingdon.
the 20th Anniversary AGM & Dinner were held in the beautiful setting of a mansion built in 1856 which is now part of Bishopshalt. The event had been organised by Pam Pearce, the society's social secretary and her husband Ken. Pam & Ken, both former teachers at the school, were able to answer questions about the beautiful building. On arrival members attending were met in the Mansion Hall by Pam, where they caterers offered a choice of Alcoholic drinks, Tea or Coffee. As they chatted before the AGM, new friendships were made and some old friendships were rekindled. One family was able to meet, for the first time, family members who had travelled from New Zealand.
The AGM & Dinner were to be held in the stately rooms of the mansion and members were also able to gather in the conservatory and as it was a lovely day, explore the beautiful gardens.
A major display had been prepared by Anne East, the research manager, illustrating how research had changed in the last 20 years, from the 'green books, prepared by John & Andrée East, containing page upon page of carefully handwritten notes, to the present day with the internet, and so much information being easily and quickly accessed online with a click of the mouse. Members were also invited to display their family trees and memorabilia and one member Dorothy Morgan displayed a tree which stretched the full length of the room!
The AGM & Dinner were held in the stately rooms of the mansion and members were able to gather in the conservatory and as it was a lovely day, explore the beautiful gardens.
The AGM, which was held in the Billiard Room began at noon and was Chaired by Lionel East, a former Chairman of the Society. After dealing briskly with business on the Agenda the meeting finished just before 1pm.
We were soon called into lunch which was served in the Old Library. Forty Four people sat down to our celebration lunch which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. The caterers did a fabulous job, not only with the delicious 3 course menu offering a choice of fish, meat & vegetarian main courses and a choice of 3 starters and 3 sweets, but also with a very entertaining Master of ceremonies, providing amusing and entertaining commentary throughout the meal. Wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee was also offered.
Ros Hipkin, our newly elected Chairman ( Ros prefers the use of this title ) had placed a commemorative bone china mug at each table setting The very fine mugs were white bearing the Society logo and anniversary date in blue, as shown in the picture below. Guests also received packaging and a bag to carry them home safely. Ros has since ensured that members who were unable to attend were offered a chance to have a mug sent to them after the event and very small number of mugs are still available to anyone who would like one.
After lunch our Guest Speaker Michael Gandy held everyone's attention with a very entertaining talk, warning us not to rely on historical novels for an accurate picture of life in earlier times. . He is a gifted, humorous and challenging speaker, who could speak for hours on any aspect of genealogy. His talk was knowledgeable and very wide ranging, he set an alarm at the start of his talk, and over ran his time, but many in the room would have been happy to sit and listen to him for much longer! When finished he left us all with many facts and numerous questions to think about.
People were slow to disperse after Michaels talk, gathering in groups to chat. Before those who attended headed for home, they were able to wander the grounds, to view the ornamental garden and croquet lawn.
Those with an interest in historical buildings were treated to a tour of the school, led by Ken Pearce, a retired former teacher at the school. The school occupies the site and grounds of a former Victorian mansion and its name reflects the fact that for 500 years, the Bishops of Worcester rested or 'halted' in the property between their frequent trips to and from London.
Throughout the day Pam & Ken had been quietly moving around, ensuring everyone was enjoying the day, smoothing problems and keeping us our scheduled timetable.
The Society is very grateful to Pam and Ken for organising a very memorable day, to Rosalyn who organised the commemorative china mugs and to everyone who helped to make our Anniversary Dinner a very enjoyable day.
The AGM & Dinner were to be held in the stately rooms of the mansion and members were also able to gather in the conservatory and as it was a lovely day, explore the beautiful gardens.
A major display had been prepared by Anne East, the research manager, illustrating how research had changed in the last 20 years, from the 'green books, prepared by John & Andrée East, containing page upon page of carefully handwritten notes, to the present day with the internet, and so much information being easily and quickly accessed online with a click of the mouse. Members were also invited to display their family trees and memorabilia and one member Dorothy Morgan displayed a tree which stretched the full length of the room!
The AGM & Dinner were held in the stately rooms of the mansion and members were able to gather in the conservatory and as it was a lovely day, explore the beautiful gardens.
The AGM, which was held in the Billiard Room began at noon and was Chaired by Lionel East, a former Chairman of the Society. After dealing briskly with business on the Agenda the meeting finished just before 1pm.
We were soon called into lunch which was served in the Old Library. Forty Four people sat down to our celebration lunch which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. The caterers did a fabulous job, not only with the delicious 3 course menu offering a choice of fish, meat & vegetarian main courses and a choice of 3 starters and 3 sweets, but also with a very entertaining Master of ceremonies, providing amusing and entertaining commentary throughout the meal. Wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee was also offered.
Ros Hipkin, our newly elected Chairman ( Ros prefers the use of this title ) had placed a commemorative bone china mug at each table setting The very fine mugs were white bearing the Society logo and anniversary date in blue, as shown in the picture below. Guests also received packaging and a bag to carry them home safely. Ros has since ensured that members who were unable to attend were offered a chance to have a mug sent to them after the event and very small number of mugs are still available to anyone who would like one.
After lunch our Guest Speaker Michael Gandy held everyone's attention with a very entertaining talk, warning us not to rely on historical novels for an accurate picture of life in earlier times. . He is a gifted, humorous and challenging speaker, who could speak for hours on any aspect of genealogy. His talk was knowledgeable and very wide ranging, he set an alarm at the start of his talk, and over ran his time, but many in the room would have been happy to sit and listen to him for much longer! When finished he left us all with many facts and numerous questions to think about.
People were slow to disperse after Michaels talk, gathering in groups to chat. Before those who attended headed for home, they were able to wander the grounds, to view the ornamental garden and croquet lawn.
Those with an interest in historical buildings were treated to a tour of the school, led by Ken Pearce, a retired former teacher at the school. The school occupies the site and grounds of a former Victorian mansion and its name reflects the fact that for 500 years, the Bishops of Worcester rested or 'halted' in the property between their frequent trips to and from London.
Throughout the day Pam & Ken had been quietly moving around, ensuring everyone was enjoying the day, smoothing problems and keeping us our scheduled timetable.
The Society is very grateful to Pam and Ken for organising a very memorable day, to Rosalyn who organised the commemorative china mugs and to everyone who helped to make our Anniversary Dinner a very enjoyable day.
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Chairman Ros Hipkin & her husband David.
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Lionel East & his wife Claire with guest speaker Michael Gandy.
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Journal Editor, Amanda Gostelow.
Committee Members Peter & Brian East
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June Lines and our Master of Ceremonies
Committee member Kevin East with his wife, Website Manager Yvette.
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Members chatted over tea, coffee and after dinner mints. Everyone was presented with a gift bag containing a lovely commemorative china mug bearing the POINTS EAST logo.
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