BRIDGE TRUST BRIDGE TRUST SOCIETY The Society’s year 2018/9 has been a success with sporting and social events bringing together people whose attendance at the School spans an 80 year period. It is a group, which current pupils can join and be a point of contact to meet, greet and discuss, now and in future years, the good times you had at Handsworth. Our principal function is the Annual Dinner, held in March at Handsworth Golf Club, a big delegation attended from the School, with Elias Ijder and Oliva McKnight reporting on the Sporting and Academic achievements of the School in 2018. Sebastian Kane Miles proposed a Toast to The Society, with a witty and enthusiastic speech. A great evening was had by all. Other social events comprised the ever popular Men’s Supper at the Clubhouse with former football Alan Kennedy given a rousing reception after his revelations of what went on behind the scenes at Liverpool FC; a slightly more sedate Past Presidents’ Dinner in January; a Coast2Coast cycling weekend from Mumbles to Ross on Wye; an Awards Night and several events run by our football, cricket and swimming clubs. Our Clubhouse and superb sports ground in Romilly Ave. are used by our own clubs and hired out to individuals, groups and particularly to local teams who appreciate the quality facilities on offer. Former pupils of the School not only are invited to major items on the calendar of the School, but are intimately involved in its governance, bringing wide experience of business life to help develop and improve buildings and the life of pupils. Please remember YOU are the future of The Society, we look forward to your joining us. Philip Swann FOOTBALL CLUB REPORT The 2018-19 season proved a very difficult one for the Old boys’ Football Club. We started with three teams but due to an unfortunate combination of circumstances we had to withdraw our 1st XI from the Premier Division. Nevertheless, the remaining two sides enjoyed reasonable seasons. The 2nd XI (which became the 1st XI) had a new division, new manager and many new faces and finished a very creditable mid table in Division 3 and reached the semi-final of the Cup. The team managed to display levels of performance equal to the best teams in the division and gained many great results but too many frustrating loses. They have a strong squad and an excellent team spirit and but for some unlucky injuries could well have secured promotion. The future looks bright if a few key additions can be made to the squad and the majority retained. Player of the season was Tony Thompson whose performance in goal on occasion even left the rival managers stunned. Top goal scorer was Isaiah Beaumont. It was a big rebuild for the third team (later the 2nd XI) over the summer with many of the best performers from last season moving up into the first team. A number of good young players were signed but we lacked vital experience especially at the back. Another season without a recognised goalkeeper for most games didn’t help. However, the youngest back line we’ve had for years (each player was under 18), learned game by game. When the first team was withdrawn we got back much needed experience and quality. We began to compete, initially reducing the goals conceded, and eventually leading to winning games. More players were signed so that the squad ended the season quite strong. Sean Windsor was player of the season - he has just turned 18. Robert Udrescu was top goalscorer. The main challenge the club is experiencing is not the number of players – although more are always welcome – but people to manage the sides. If we can find enthusiastic new managers, then the excellent facilities we have will always attract players. So, we head towards 2019- 20 with some significant challenges, but we are optimistic that we can move forward and improve on last season. Ian Bird Past Presidents 41