Reunion History
In the Days that Followed

              
The first group to meet up was probably those working in the City. A couple of Lunchtime meetings were held at the "Cock & Woolpack in Cornhill. The group included Bill Ansell , Don Carter, Stuart Cresswell, Derek Kinsley, Geoff Pearson and Doug Morris.

As each insisted on providing a round of drinks it made for an uncomfortable afternoon in the office. As an outcome it was decided to consider the alternative of an evening function and Stuart and Doug set out to find suitable premises.

The result was the first of the organised Reunions. It was held at the "George" George Court, Charing Cross on 14th December, 1971. 35 attended for a sit down meal with a humorous address by the notable Alan Simpson.

                                                                                    First "Get-Together"
                                                                                         14.12.71
        
Norman Andrews                            Phil Gatland                                                 Jack Knight                                                Arthur Simpson 
Bill Ansell                                       Eddie Goldbourne                                         Brian Mitchell                                             Brian Stanley 
Frank Ashton                                  Brian Goldney                                              Doug Morris                                               Vic Stevens 
Bob Brett                                       Ray Hampton                                               Peter McDowell                                          Gearge Sumner 
Mike Butler                                    Peter Hull                                                     Tony North                                                Derek Watts 
Colin Chapman                               Bill Hyde                                                       Barry Pritchard                                          Jack White 
Stuart Cresswell                              Doug James                                                  Pop' Pritchard                                           Bill Woodhouse 
John Frankland                               Ted King                                                       Ken Sanders                                             Fred Worman 
Tony Gathercole                              Derek Kinsley                                                Alan Simpson   

During the subsequent years Reunions have been held at a number of venues:-

Nation Liberal Club, Whitehall, "Ship & Shovel" Charing Cross, "Cheshire Cheese" Little Essex Street, "Aristocrat" off Baker Street and RFU Twickenham (Rugby Club 50th Anniversary).

To these has been added a new venue "The Theodore Bullfrog Public House" Charing Cross, arranged by Colin Chapman. It provides comfortable facilities for the increase in numbers attending.

Separately an attempt was made to hold a Reunion for those who had attended the Girls/Boys grammar Schools. This was an impressive enterprise undertaken by Arthur Freakes with assistance from Ron Mead and Doug Morris.

The first took place in April 1981 and was held at the Worman Trust Sports Club, Hayes, Kent. The same venue was used for the following year. Further gatherings were held from 1983/1987 at the Merton Hall, South Wimlbledon.

On two occasions attendance exceeded over two hundred. Unfortunatley the administration became too demanding to be effectively undertaken..

During the intervening years there have been other select meetings:-
Cricket matches, Weddings, Birthdays and still ongoing WAG's(Wives &Girlfriends), FoB (Friends of Brian Hewson).

On 16.10.16 the WAGs gathering was at the original 2000 venue "Derby Arms" Epsom Downs.

In between time, other venues have been the "Park Place" Beefeater Mitcham, "Mill House Harvester Mitcham and Mitcham Golf Club.

Clearly the fraternal spirit reflects the bonhomie induced at the respective Grammar Schools.

DHM E & O E