Essex Lunch – Colchester – 11 May 2026

On 11 May 2026, an Essex Lunch was held at the Colchester Garrison Officers’ Club when 14 Old Framlinghamians and their guests enjoyed a tasty 3 course lunch in a private room.  This was the first Essex gathering that had been held for 9 years and was supported by OFs living in Essex, Suffolk, London, Cambridgeshire and Somerset.  Chris Essex (K67-75) had travelled up from his home near Bath to attend.  It was a joyous gathering with much good humour and many reminiscences.  All present positively supported a suggestion to hold another similar gathering in Essex in the future.

Those attending were: Geoffrey Balls M74-79; Chris Bellamy G54-64; David Carr S67-74; Andrew Cobbold S75-81;Maggie Dougherty; Simon Dougherty G60-67; Ruth Elwood P80-84; Chris Essex K67-75; Jon Ford S58-62; James Mehta S67-75; Roland Nice G48-55; Norman Porter K50-57; Michael Smy S57-66; Ivan Stedman G50-55.

Our thans to Simon Dougherty for reviving and organising this return of an Essex gathering.

Picture below is Jon Ford with Norman Porter and organiser Simon Dougherty

Pictured below on  the left from l to r are Roland Nice, Michael Smy, David Carr and Ivan Stedman

Pictured below on  the right are Geoffrey Balls and Andrew Cobbold

Finally below from left to right are Ruth Elwood, James Mehta and Maggie Dougherty