Your chance to make a donation to Donald Wood (1950-84) who retires as OLA Hon Sec

DONALD WOOD OLA SECRETARY TO RETIRE

Don who celebrated his 88th Birthday on New Year's day this year is to step down as our esteemed Hon Sec during May 2008. Don, born in Cardiff, was educated at the Canton High School with his twin brother Stanley. Both Woods served the country in the 1939-45 World War - Don in the Royal Artillery and Stanley in the RAF. Don served in India and Burma and was involved in the crossing of the Irawaddy and the retaking of Burma.  

The end of the War saw him entering the University of Wales in Cardiff where he read Modern Languages. This led him in 1950 to LGS where he stayed until his retirement in 1984 - a 34-year career devoted to the Burton Walks.  

As a member of the OLA you may like to be refreshed of Don's achievements. The 1980's was a period of time when the OLA was not a particularly healthy organisation. In 1984 Neville Ireland and the committee appointed him Hon Secretary, and some 24 years later he is still devoting much time and energy to our Association. During this time Don has steered the OLA with sheer determination. If you have been on the receiving end of his persuasive touch, you will appreciate the efforts required to keep OLs in touch with each other.  

Today, the OLA is a healthy organisation, with an eye on the future, largely due to Don's hard work. Much of the work of the Association fell on his shoulders and he has operated as a volunteer to the benefit of all the membership, with his wife Pat supporting him throughout. Don's close association with the school spans 58 years - a quite incredible commitment.  

The members of the present Committee have arranged a gift for Don, but the Committee felt that the Members of the OLA would welcome an opportunity to show their personal appreciation, gratitude and affection to a man who asks for nothing and has given so freely to the OLA.   So if you wish to make your contribution to the Don Wood Retirement Fund please do so.

The idea is to make a presentation to him at the Loughborough Dinner on 17th May 2008.   MAKE YOUR CONTRIBUTION IN ONE OF THE

FOLLOWING WAYS:-  

1. If you bank on-line send your contribution directly to

  • sort code 40-30-24
  • account number 10632147
  • account name Old Loughburian Association

Please be sure to add a reference - usually the space is limited in electronic banking, so an abbreviation like "DW Donation" will identify your contribution  

OR  

2. send by cheque - write "Don Wood Donation" on the reverse (not the front), payable to the Old Loughburian Association and post to Andrew Lane, Clear & Lane Chartered Accountants, 340 Melton Road, Leicester, LE4 7SL  

Thank you - your donation will be gratefully recieved and be a fitting tribute.