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The Ellesmerian Club President

Paul Russell - Derry 1982 - 1987

The Ellesmerian 2023...

When Richard Thurgood, Club Chairman, asked if I would accept the Presidency, I was most humbled and flattered.  Initially reticent, I am honoured to be asked.  I am usually happiest organising behind the scenes, though will always step into the foreground when necessary.  Since 2010, even if you have not attended an event which I have organised either in whole or in part, you will certainly have read my prose without realising.

As the academic year drew to a close, I was acutely aware how unwell Richard was becoming.  As he continued to give directions on all matters Ellesmere, it was heartbreaking to see such a strong man succumb to illness in that way.  He so wanted to make it to the spring luncheon in person to see the transfer of the Presidency from Robert Russell to myself, but in the end it was just not possible and Life Vice President, John Harvey, officiated.

Richard was a giant of the OE Club and he gave generously of his time to both Club and College.  It was poignant that his last wishes were that his funeral should take place in the College Chapel.  Both myself and John Harvey were given our instructions in typical Richard style.

In a moment I will look forward, but humour me for just a minute.  Whether you are a current student, member of staff, Old Ellesmerian, or casual reader of this publication, how often have you simply glanced - and ignored - the various Honours Boards and plaques around the school?  You may have simply walked past the War Memorial, or paid little attention to the names of former Chaplain's on the panels in Chapel.

Every name has a story, but so do all those whose names remain unknown to the casual bystander.  Unrecorded.  As you meet Old Ellesmerians you find that most are very modest creatures.  To todays' students I simply say this:- You are most fortunate to be given the opportunity to study at such a school.  Give of your best everyday.  Every opportunity is open to you, and if not, ask!  To every Old Ellesmerian, you have a considerable amount of life experience to offer todays' students and fellow OEs alike. Don't waste that experience.  Share and be stronger!

In recent years social media has changed how we all communicate.  It can be a power for the good, occasionally less so.  It would be unrealistic to expect the OE Club to remain unchanged in some quasi 1890 time bubble.  We have to evolve to stay relevant.  That said, along with the school we will continue to host the Remembrance Sunday Chapel Service and OE luncheon, the spring half term lunch at College too.  City drinks remains popular in London twice a year; and it is a good "networking" opportunity.  A small number of individuals help organise the sporting events.  The most important thing therefore to say is that it is your "Club" and the message is simple:- Do not be shy.  Engage.  If you are not there, we are not complete.  Do not be nervous if you have not previously attended an OE event - you are Ellesmerians!  Regardless of peer year, you will be amongst friends that you never knew you had, so I look forward to seeing you at the next social!

Paul Russell