I lost no time in ‘booking in’ before laying out my now 8 folders of memorabilia including School Magazines, letters from the Headmaster, School Photos and many articles and photographs. After enjoying the conviviality of a number of Old Boys we changed for Dinner – many wearing their Old Boys ties in the Old Boys' Association design.
There were 26 Old Boys and 2 spouses who sat down to Dinner. Roger Emmett read a very appropriate ‘grace’ before we were seated. The food was of very good standard and consisted of:
- Prawn Pate with brown bread and butter, salad garnish, sauce and lemon
- Roast Beef and huge Yorkshire Puddings and gravy, accompanied by roast and boiled potatoes, cheese cauliflower, sliced carrots, and other mixed vegetables
- Apple Slice for dessert
- Coffee or Tea to finish. On the table was a plentiful supply of wine, I had Merlot – there was a white wine but most people had the red.
After Dinner as is our tradition there were a number of speeches – some prepared and some ad lib. Alwyn Hawkes started off by asking for the appreciation of all for the work I have done in bringing together many people through the presence of my school website on the internet. There was a sustained and warming show of applause. I thought a brief nod in recognition as they toasted me would be sufficient but I was encouraged to say a few words in response. I spoke of the manner in which I came to set up the site (you can read this on the Homepage of the site.) This very nicely led into saying that George Cooper is the person who actually arranges these all-years reunions. It had been that suggested a collection be taken to show George just how much we appreciated his endeavours and I presented him with an envelope containing the money. Although George may have felt slightly embarrassed I am sure he will know how much he is appreciated.
Clifford Jones said a few words and Laurie Markes echoing how only through Google and my website had he heard about our Reunions. Al then told a very humorous story about ‘The Last Old Boy’ decrepit and on a Zimmer frame, with failing eyesight visiting Sherborne for one last time – this linked to remembering those old boys who have already attended their last reunion and whose lives have already been brought to a close.
Following more wine etc. much humour and more reminiscing the party ended sometime after 1:30am. There was not an official photograph this year but a number of photographs were taken.
