Maintaining The Network Establishing the network of former pupils and teachers of Buckhurst Hill CHS has been a huge but most enjoyable undertaking. I am occasionally reminded that this network has a limited life span, and it is interesting to speculate just how long we might expect to continue. Many participants are now somewhere between 40 and 75 years of age. It is reasonable to assume, therefore, that we should be able to continue for at least a further 15-20 years. This, however, is a fairly pessimistic estimate. I hope and expect that maybe more of the younger ex-pupils will begin to see the value of participating. This could give us a potential new membership of at least 600* additional members from the later entrants all of who are now under 40. Based on my experience and the fun I have had during the first four years, I have no immediate plans to hand over the reins. But plans can sometimes get changed for reasons outside our control, (I was gently reminded of this by my fellow committee members recently) and in any case there are plenty of members better qualified and skilled than me in the various tasks. It led us to consider how we might ensure continuity, at least for the expected 15-20 years. One idea that I am very keen to promote is to invite any interested members to talk with me and maybe visit the office to see how I operate. Please contact me if you would like to take up this offer. Needless to say, there is absolutely no obligation involved. You may have no intention of taking on any of these tasks but I would be pleased to hear from you or arrange a visit. My activities broadly fall into two categories: (1) maintaining and developing the membership list, and (2) editing and publishing OB News. These two roles could, of course, be split, but that is not ideal. I have picked up many items for publication directly as a result of the search for new members. If you would like more information, to discuss this further or to arrange a visit to the office, please contact me. Graham Frankel