The background to the current King’s Tynemouth Alumni is well documented.  The following extract is taken from the book “The King’s School, Tynemouth - A History” by John H Taylor

“One important aspect of a School Magazine, said Ellison in the first issue in 1934, was that it “should be a strong force in uniting the Old Boys among themselves and to the school”.  The Old Boys’ Association had of course existed before this time but it is not until the regular Old Boys’ Section appears in the School magazine that we can piece together something of their activities.  Interest seems to have waned somewhat in Wilkinson’s day but the mid thirties see a revival of enthusiasm.  Monthly meetings were resumed in October 1934, followed by an Annual dinner in November and a Dance arranged for the subsequent February.  Sporting activities played a major part in the life of the Association.  The Old Boys’ Cricket Club had come into existence in the early thirties and by 1936, with a membership of 187 it appeared to be flourishing.  Subscriptions at this time were 5/- for a playing member and 2/6 for supporters.  Ellison showed a great interest in the Old Boys’ Cricket Club (as did other enthusiasts on the staff, like Messrs. Bates and Darke) and played whenever he was asked.  The Golf Tournament at Alnmouth became a popular annual event.

A film of the Golf outing in 1936 was taken by Dorman Byers and screened at the Annual Dinner in November 1936 - “this caused great amusement, many rude remarks, and a great deal of back-chat, on account of the curious antics displayed on the screen”.  E V Laidlow won the Golf Cup that year and in the subsequent two years.

Social events like the Annual Dance attracted much support - 160 Old Boys and guests attended the one held in the Rex Hotel in January 1938 - but the following year, it was noted, attendance seemed to be showing signs of falling off: “Is it accounted for by the fact that February is too busy a month with other Dances”, lamented the School Magazine, “or do the majority become tired of dancing towards the end of the Season?”

Things were certainly taken seriously in the pre-war years.  Old Boys’ blazers with badges, we are informed, could be purchased from Isaac Walton’s of Newcastle for 39/6 and ties for a mere 2/6.  Cricket Club caps and sweaters were also available from the same retailer.

The war intervened, and it was not until 1947 that the round of social activities resumed.  On the Saturday before Remembrance Day in 1947, Lazenby Pearson unveiled the War Memorial tablet on behalf of the Old Boy’s Association which was then dedicated by the Bishop of Newcastle.  Following an appeal by Ellison at the AGM, the Cricket Club came back to life and acquired a tenancy of Smith’s Park, its first real home base, in 1949.  Membership to the Old Boys’ Association continued to grow in the post-war years, topping 400 in 1952, but despite the rise in numbers, attendance at social and sporting functions (with the exception of the Cricket Club), it was noted, was beginning to tail off in the later fifties.

The first years after the Woodard takeover seemed to herald what looked like terminal decline for the Old Boys’ Association.  1974 saw an unsuccessful attempt at revival, but it was not until 1987 that the Association resumed its active and flourishing links with The King’s School and it now seems to be going from strength to strength.”

The present Former Pupils' Association developed from The Old Boys' Association.  At the 7^th AGM held in 1994 it was renamed because of the increasing number of female 'Old Boys'.  Interestingly when a vote was taken to change the name the girls overwhelmingly indicated that they wished the Association to continue under its current name.  However the Committee decided that it should move with the times and keep politically correct by recognising the presence of females within the Association with a change in name.  In the absence of a more imaginative title the name of "The King's School Former Pupils' Association" was adopted.

At that time, with a newly invigorated Committee and dynamic chairmen, there was much enthusiasm, both from the former pupils themselves and from the School.  Over the years a central core of events has been developed including the Annual Dinner, various sporting fixtures against the School and Staff, a family cycle ride and, until recently, an annual Dinner Dance.  As the years passed, however, pressure of work and other commitments led to a decline in those able and willing to stand on the Committee.  This made it harder to organise these events successfully.  By the late 1990s the School was increasingly involved with the running of the Association under the guidance of a handful of dedicated FP Committee members and by 1999 it was felt appropriate that the School take a more active role in its administration. 
With the turn of the new Millennium, an Alumni Development Officer was appointed and an Alumni Development Office established within the School.  The primary purpose of this office is to act as a central co-ordinator for the collation of information and the direction of queries on everything relating to former pupils.  It is envisaged that an effective and comprehensive database of all former pupils of the School will be created which, apart from being a simple listing of names and contact information, will include more detailed information relating to their school years, subsequent careers, current hobbies and interests.  This will enable efficient networking and targeting of particular former pupils for specific events as well as providing the School with a previously untapped source of career advice and professional and sporting skills.

To facilitate the creation of this database a questionnaire has been developed which will be sent to every former pupil whose name and address becomes known to the Alumni Development Officer, whether a current member of the Association or not.  For the database to be effective  we would appreciate it being completed and returned.  It is hoped that eventually every former pupil approached will decide to join the Association. 

Briefly, for an annual subscription of only £5 pa the Association offers each member the following:

· You will receive regular newsletters with information about former pupils & KSFPA events

· Association Email and Year Group Directories

· You can use the Alumni Development Office to trace long lost classmates and renew friendships.

· Increased fellowship with other members through a variety of social, cultural and sporting events.  With the help of the database we will be able to target events knowing which activities would appeal to you.

· The opportunity to say what you want the Association to offer.

· By re-establishing close links with the School, you can be kept informed of School events e.g. Speech Day, concerts, sports days, communion services, drama productions, etc.

· The School magazine will be sent to you each year.

· The opportunity in the future to attend organised class reunions.

To help us achieve the above please return our questionnaire and please consider joining.    We look forward to hearing from you.

School Reception:  (0191) 258 5995

KTA Office:  (0191) 258 9164

Fax:  (0191) 296 3826

School Website:   www.kings-tynemouth.org.uk

School E-mail:  info@kings-tynemouth.co.uk

KTA Email: alumni@kings-tynemouth.co.uk

The King's School (HMC), Huntington Place

Tynemouth  Tyne & Wear  NE30 4RF

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