Welcome to this latest, perhaps somewhat ‘overdue’ Newsletter and its range of Drama Club and Markhouse School items, along with details of a ‘goodly’ amount of newly found memorabilia now added to the Website.

The content inevitably leads in with the successful CMMF Performing Arts Project that took place at Kelmscott School in July and is followed by several new and interesting items about MDC members; although, sadly, these include our initial thoughts and memories following the recent loss of Bill Chapman – along with those of his wife Helen in reminding us that ‘he never lost his fond memories of his time and friendships at the Drama Club!

Along with the latest website additions, this Newsletter highlights the anticipated return to ‘home ground’ via a further CMMF project at Kelmscot School, Walthamstow, Guardian Reports about the Schools early ‘external’ examinations, some newly revealed non MDC activities at Markhouse and the parents reaction to the threatened closure in 1966 . There is also news of a number of our members and the Council’s ‘formal’ recognition of Stan Raynor on his retirement from the Marsh Street/Markhouse Youth Centres.

In contrast to the somewhat ‘limited’ size of the January edition, this latest Newsletter has a good deal more content and whilst it’s likely that most interest will be on the news of some ‘successes’ in ‘catching up’ with former members and school staff, the further development and changes to the website have dominated our work over the past few months

Along with conveying Festive Greetings this brief Newsletter confirms the results the recent Website Funding Appeal, the forthcoming memorabilia additions that will be detailed in the next ‘main’ Newsletter in April and, very sadly, the recent loss of John Jones – who will be fondly remembered as a very committted, friendly and supportive art teacher at Markhouse