At the Annual General Meeting in 2006 the Chairman announced a proposal by the Committee to set up a bursary in memory of Tom and Carol Gilbart, who came to the school in the 1940s, helped to create the Vinehall that we know today, and were a formative influence on generations of Vines. Tom Gilbart died in 1975 and his widow Carol sadly passed away in 2006.

After discussions it was decided to create the Gilbart Travel Bursary, to be awarded annually to a Vine or Vines planning to undertake a Gap Year project between school and university, or after completing their education up to the age of 25.

The first bursary recipients were selected in 2007. The awards were presented formally at Vines Day 2008 by Andrew Gilbart, son of Tom and Carol, to Will Thoms and Jack Thomson. They were followed by Vicki Goldsack and Magnus James, and the latest recipient is Pierrot Lee.

Vines planning a Gap Year in 2011 are invited to apply for the bursary, and application forms are now available. In the first instance you should register your interest with the Vines Society Hon. Secretary, Malcolm Gordon, at info@vinessociety.org.uk.

Applications will be accepted up to 31st October 2010 and will be examined by a subcommittee of the Society. Applicants should be aged under 25 years on that date. The successful candidate(s) will be advised as soon as possible thereafter.

Following completion of their project, the successful candidate(s) will be expected to report back to the school on their experiences.

The October Concert, by Vines for Vines, was a great success.

An enthusiastic audience of Vines and their guests filled the Vinehall Theatre and welcomed a dazzling array of Vine talent.

Compered by Alastair Mavor and Thomas Van Der Klugt, the show featured the Vinehall Jazz Band, led by Andrew Ferguson, which was assembled especially for the occasion and gave a rousing rendition of some jazz standards.

Other acts included piano and cello solos, sketches, ballet, percussion, singing and guitar, concluding with our own Tom Chaplin.

The evening was dedicated to the memory of past President of The Vines Society and former headmaster, Richard Taylor, who had sadly passed away a few days before. Concert-goers were also updated about the Vinehall School Foundation and Rwanda Aid.

A retiring collection raised more than £600, which was boosted by a contribution from the Society. After deducting expenses the balance of more than £500 was divided equally between The Alzheimer's Society, Rwanda Aid and the Vinehall School Foundation.

Following last year's celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of The Vines Society, on 5th July Vines of all ages gathered at Vinehall for the 50th Vines Day. In the early years of the Society, lunches were held in London, so the invitation to Vinehall in 1959 was a great occasion, which has been enjoyed by Vines ever since. This year there was also a strong contingent of Honorary Vines, staff and governors who have given long service to the school.

The day started with the Leavers' Service, which was followed by a Buffet Lunch, generously provided by the School, and the 51st Annual General Meeting.

At the AGM members received reports about the current state of the Society and its finances and participated in elections. David and Sally Chaplin were re-elected as Joint Presidents for the next 3 years; Brian Dollar and Nick Russell-Davis continue as Vice-Presidents, whilst Richard Taylor and Ellen Hill have retired. Vines were pleased to accept the Committee's recommendation to elect as new Vice-Presidents Julie Robinson and Geoffrey Whitehead. Four more members of staff were elected as Honorary Vines. In the Committee elections members were re-elected in rotation, Paul Redman retired and Victoria Goldsack and Fiona Stuart joined for the first time. The Chairman, Matthew Wilson, concluded the meeting with information about the activities taking place during the day, and announced that he would be stepping down as Chairman at the Committee meeting in November, when his successor would be selected.

The cricket match was again played in glorious weather but this year the Vines XI did not manage to avenge its 2008 defeat. The Head's XI just prevailed in a high-scoring match, which could have gone either way until the closing moments, and were presented with the President's Cup.

Meanwhile the Friends again staged a superb fête, which was enjoyed by Vines and Vinehall families alike. Amongst the activities was a gymnastics display in the sports hall, and the day concluded with the children's disco. We are grateful to so many parents for their hard work in running stalls and planning the event. The Society again funded a bicycle as a prize in the popular raffle.

An excellent tea was marked, as usual, by the presentation of the Tom Stuart Menteath Cup (to Diego Cordoba) and also this year the new Anniversary Cup donated by the Society (to James Wylson). The names of this year's recipients of the Gilbart Travel Bursary, Victoria Goldsack and Magnus James, were announced; unfortunately neither could be present to receive their award.

Any Vines who are not receiving correspondence from the Society should make sure that we have an up-to-date address.

Next year's Vines Day will be on Sunday 4th July 2010. Put it in your diary now!