ALUMNI Cricket 1885 Hockey 1962 The Old Tettenhallians’ Club What does the President of the Old Tettenhallians’ Club do? It’s a good question with no standard answer. The Club’s constitution states that he/she shall be elected at the AGM but there is no job description as such, so it is very much up to the individual to fulfil the role as he/she sees fit. The OT Club exists to promote friendship amongst Old Tettenhallians and to promote and further the interests of the School. These are laudable aims and, over the 130 years that the Club has existed, former pupils have got together for reunions and have continued to maintain a keen interest in the School throughout their lives. The motivation for doing so derives from the close and lifelong friendships which were formed whilst pupils at the School and from the impact that teachers and other members of the School community have left on their lives. Tettenhall’s broad and balanced education, underpinned by a strong set of values, has served them well and many alumni have fond memories of their days at school. For its part too, the School has always placed a high value on its links with its former pupils. Satisfied, loyal customers and lifetime supporters are the hallmark of any successful organisation. However, much has changed during the 156 years since the foundation of the School in 1863. For example, the School’s move to co-education, which started fifty years ago this year, and the integration of international pupils from all over the world within the boarding community are two major changes which have impacted significantly on the dynamic and the location of the alumni. Also, lifestyles are now different; people are more mobile and their priorities are often influenced by professional demands and family commitments. The future health of the School’s relationship with its former pupils is dependent on both the Club and 66 Peter Bodkin presented the annual OT Venture Award 2019 to Tu Van Phan, who will be using it to fund an English teaching project in Vietnam over the summer. the School engaging with a wider audience of all generations of OTs. So back to my original question: what does the President of the Old Tettenhallians’ Club do? The short answer is everything he/she can possibly do to support the Club’s ambition to extend its reach and appeal to all former pupils and to help the School in its mission to develop closer relationships with its alumni. It’s a big challenge and a year is a short time in which to bring about significant change, but I hope that, step by step, successive Presidents can continue to use their influence in the pursuit of the Club and School’s shared goals. Peter Bodkin, President of The OT Club, 2019
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