2022 President Mr Gordon Pepperell - Year end summary.
"In January 2022 I was surprised, and honoured, to be asked to be the President of the Old Dartmothians Association, and not knowing quite what to expect, my immediate thoughts were to try and increase the membership of both the men's and ladies sections, and over the course of this year it is something that I have achieved and I will continue to work at in the future.
During this year our association has completely refurbished the fish pond railings in the Royal Avenue Gardens, and then, just as that task was completed, we had a 'problem' with the fountain. The ODA took the decision to repair the fountain in time for the Christmas celebrations, and so it was with thanks to a major effort by the association members, and generous donations from the people and businesses of the town, it now looks wonderful.
In some of my other duties undertaken during 2022, in August I was happy to represent the ODA at the opening of the Dartmouth Royal Regatta, and then in November with the laying of the wreaths at the remembrance parade.
Also in 2022, Alan Orchard had a wonderful plaque made, which I then presented to the Ship in Dock Inn, at our 'Toasting the Founders' get together, and thanking them for their continued support of the ODA. The end of November I attended my President's dinner, and although it clashed with World cup football, Rugby, Christmas shopping and some atrocious weather, it was a quiet affair but nonetheless enjoyed by all who did attend.
There were a couple of new events that I was asked to do this year, one was the lighting of the lights on the Dart RNLI / South Devon and Channel Shell Fisherman's Welfare Fund 'Crab Pot Christmas tree'. Another new event was when I gave a short speech and a toast at the 'Fat Stock Show Dinner' an occasion that proved to be really hilarious, if you can imagine what would happen with a group of farmers that only seem to meet socially once a year.
I would like to thank all our dedicated and willing members for their support and friendship this year, and wish next year's president the best of luck.
So to all members and their families, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous centenary year."
Gordon Pepperell.
