Dear Old Godhelmian, We hope that this newsletter finds you well.  The main section is about the OGA Reunion 9^th October 2021.  Covid – 19  These are the latest UK government recommendations (as of 14^th September 2021):  These are the guidelines that we would like you to follow:

• Regular hand-washing and sanitising
• Wearing masks when you are inside, if you are able
• Staying outside as much as possible, if the weather permits
• Keeping a distance, especially in queues
• Please use the Test and Trace system, either on your phone with the QR code or by filling in a form

We will be taking temperatures with a digital thermometer as you enter and we will endeavour to keep plenty of windows open in the rooms we are using and to have the facilities for lunch well spaced out.  With common sense we will all be doing our best to stay safe together.  11.00 to 4.30 BST - Main Event - Godalming College, Tuesley Lane, Godalming GU7 1RS.

• There will be name badges as you enter. A list of attendees (to date) is at the end of this newsletter.
• Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available all day.
• A group photo will be taken during the course of the afternoon.

Collectors’ Corner is for anyone who would like to display a small sample of their material or memorabilia. David Muscott will display images of Godalming and Guildford banknotes and give a short speech (2.30) on provincial banknotes. We would also like your memories of school: photos, school reports and items of uniform would all be welcome, but make sure your name and contact details are attached so you don’t lose them if you leave them behind. We will provide a template to collect your thoughts and memories, either for the book or for the website. The College Library has some photos that will be on display with other artefacts we have collected such as the Godhelmian magazine. 12.00 to 2.00 - Lunch - Bring your own soft and/or alcoholic drinks if you wish. N.B. 2.00 to 4.00 BST – Internet Room (optional) - a chance to connect with your faraway friends. There is likely to be a change of plan here.  We have been told that we may have to use Microsoft Teams rather than Zoom. A bit nearer the time we will send out the details of what is happening, how to proceed and a list of times and people so that you can join in the session if and when you want. Steve Teague will be running the session at the College. 2.30 – 3.00 David Muscott’s presentation about provincial banknotes. 4.30 to 11.00 - Relaxed get-together - The Inn on the Lake, Ockford Rd, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1RH.  Treasurer Peter Cousins (1965 – 72) has agreed to take over the role of Treasurer from Caroline Brooks.  We are very grateful to him and welcome him to the OGA committee.  Book

• We are hoping to have a brief outline of the hardcopy book, Godalming Grammar: A School on a Hill, ready for the Reunion in October.
• Louis de Bernières, author of novels, poems and short stories, including Captain Corelli's Mandolin (1994) and Ben Elton, Old Godhelmian, writer (Blackadder, The Young Ones, Upstart Crow), actor, director and comedian have agreed to write introductions for us.
• We are seeking a sponsor to help us with the financial aspect of this project. Please let us know as soon as possible if you have any ideas or contacts.

 Membership

• To date (August 2021) 453 people have confirmed their membership of the OGA and 143 people have registered on the Website.
• Please register on the website (https://www.theoga.org/) in order to access the full range of information and photographs.

Essential Information Website  The website (www.theoga.org) has been updated by Richard Hindle with support from Mary Pugh and Eleanor Andrews and is now live.

• Archive material (photographs, obituaries, history, etc.) from the original website has mostly been retained.
• We are adding more material all the time.

 Archive

• We would be grateful for GGS images, in high definition. Until further notice, please send in digital form to Eleanor ([email protected]).

 Social Media

• Currently there are three Facebook pages for ex-pupils of Godalming Grammar School:
  • GGS School Reunion 2017 (a closed group set up for that specific purpose)
  • Godalming Grammar School Reunion (a public group set up for a specific reunion)
  • Godalming Grammar School (a closed general group)
• Godalming College has a Facebook page.
• There is another interesting Facebook page for Godalming Town Past and Present.
• Twitter - @Godalming Grammar School, @ Godalming College
• Instagram – Godalming College

All good wishes, The OGA Committee.