The Association can trace its origins, via the School magazine, back to the time when the School moved to Compton Road. As such, it has provided a valued way of helping former pupils to keep in touch with each other through sporting and social activities, the principal of which is the Annual Dinner held, usually, at the beginning of March, at the School.
The sporting and social activities are centred at Castlecroft, at the Memorial Grounds, which were purchased just after the Second World War. The Cricket and Football clubs play their fixtures there, but the Hockey Club, following the advent of Astroturf, is obliged to use the School and other facilities. There is a project under consideration which would enhance the facilities, including the building of an astro-pitch, but, as yet, this scheme is still in its infancy.
The Association is open to all former pupils and members of the teaching staff. In order to assist in providing funds for the upkeep of Castlecroft, there is a nominal annual membership fee of £10 and membership and bank standing order forms are available. Part of the funds are utilised to produce a magazine entitled “The Old Wulfrunian”, which seeks to provide current information for its members and also to revive nostalgic memories of schooldays.
In response to changing times and circumstances the Old Wulfrunians Club altered its constitution a few years ago and is now an open club. Apart from providing after - match facilities, there is also a function room capable of holding approximately 90 people, depending on the function, and a snooker room, housing two good quality tables.
The Club maintains its own membership, with an annual subscription of £30, but no charge is made to members under the age of 21 or still in full-time education.
The clubhouse, being set in its delightful surroundings, makes an excellent venue and we would urge former pupils to visit us and take advantage of the facilities provided by earlier generations of Old Wulfrunians. The building was erected in 1967 following the decision to move from the original rented accommodation above Barclays Bank in Queen Square.
The Club, therefore, moved at precisely the same time as the breathalyser was introduced, thus causing inconvenience to some and irritation to others.
We are, therefore, making arrangements to mark the 40th Anniversary of the opening of the Club and these celebrations will take place on the weekend of 1st September 2007. We would like as many Old Boys as possible from those days to attend what we hope will provide an opportunity for nostagia to reign supreme. For example, we will be showing a film, transcribed onto DVD, taken by Geoff Lacon, showing scenes from the old Club and the building of the new, supervised by one “Tiny” Price.
We also hope to organise matches for all the sporting bodies, the intention being that the sides should be principally drawn from former players, with the results being rather less important than the participation.
Of course, everyone will be welcome and it may provide an excellent opportunity for the newer generation of OWs to make their acquaintance with Castlecroft.