The OGA enjoyed a lovely sun-soaked day at The Netherwood Hotel at Grange-over-Sands on Saturday 30^th January 2010. The event, originally organised as a Christmas Reunion at the end of November 2009, was postponed due to the appalling floods which hit Cumbria as people were being advised not to make any unnecessary journeys. The weather we enjoyed on the day could not have been different with clear blue skies reflecting over Morecambe Bay.

Sincere thanks are extended to Sue Tomlinson for organising the event. The Netherwood Hotel was exceptionally accommodating and attentive with no request too much hassle. After welcome drinks in the Top Terrace, a wonderful three course luncheon was served. The food was superb – always a good enough reason for joining us at Netherwood!

After lunch, we were lucky enough to be joined by the new Headmistress, Maxine Lucas, who introduced herself to those members present. I’m sure everyone who was there will agree that it was a lovely occasion to meet Maxine and we thank her for attending so soon after her arrival in the Lune Valley. It is clear that Maxine has the School’s wonderful traditions at the heart of her visions for moving Casterton forward into an inevitable new era as she takes the helm in her new post. On behalf of all the Old Girls, we wish her well with her leadership of our old School.

We were also fortunate to hear from Sarah Blakemore, one of the Deputy Head Girls, who gave us the girls’ take on life at Casterton at the turning of this new decade.
A raffle was held with prizes ranging from Casterton School teddy bears, jams and preserves made by the catering staff headed by new domestic bursar Paul Page, CDs of the wonderful Choir and Phoenix, chocolates and wine. As usual, the proceeds of the raffle go to helping the OGA support those pupils currently at School – a wonderful cause – so thank you for your ongoing support.

 

The OGA’s next event will be our London Reunion to be held at The New Cavendish Club on Saturday 6^th March 2010. We do hope that you will be able to join us for another day of good company, reminiscing about times at Casterton over good food and drink in a wonderful setting in our country’s capital. Our Secretary, Sarah-Jane Dunhill, is organising this event so please do let her know if you wish to attend. Please call her on 07816 633586 or email her at cogasecretary@hotmail.co.uk. The cost of this event is £30.00 per head and we ask that you forward cheques, made payable to “Casterton Old Girls’ Association”, to her (address available upon request or in forthcoming direct mailings).

We hope to see you all very soon! Other forthcoming events are:
22^nd May – OGA AGM and Founder’s Day Celebrations at Casterton
25^th September – Lancashire Reunion at Nigel Haworth’s Northcote Manor