Chris Essex (K69-75) writes : It was great to see over 50 attend this reunion at the College on a baking hot day, to renew old friendships and in the Dining Room that held so many memories for all of us particular around shacking!
I provided some statistics on pre 1970 leavers. I directly emailed 354 and also posted an invite to over 100 more for whom we only have a postal address and no email address, including some who were in attendance. We have a staggering 865 OFs who left before 1970 for whom we have no contact details at all, some of whom may sadly no longer be with us. The names of a dozen who it had recently been discovered were dead were read out.
Sadly former SOF President Jon Ford (S58-62) was not able to join us because in his words “he’s had a better offer” – the cardiac ward at West Suffolk Hospital! Also Douglas Thomson’s (K53-61) car had broken down on the way from Cumbria and John Newson (S52-60) had had a “bump” in his car the day before.
I highlighted the venerable occupants of Table No 1 – Roderick Cooke (90 earlier this year), Wally Binder (91 in 8 days time), Jasper Garnham (92 next month) and the “Father of the House” was John Taylor who left Fram 76 years ago this month in 1950 and was 93 earlier this year.
Finally there was a special mention for the furthest travelled – this was Ian Hardaker-Jones who had travelled up from Devon – more than 300 miles.
Norman Porter’s latest book “Homage to Heroes” was available to pick up if pre-ordered or to purchase. The book was design by Chris Keeble who was also present.
Finally, whilst it wasn’t possible to have any member of the College staff present at the lunch today to say a few words, it was much appreciated that Tim Cope, who is currently housemaster of Kerrison, had broken off from his holiday to give an excellent tour of the College after lunch.
Those attending, in surname order, were Roger Askew (K52-56) , Wally Binder (K48-51) , Nigel Bower (G58-68) , Nigel Burnip (S58-65) , Peter Chillingworth (S51-55) , Robert Clayton (G50-57) , Roderick Cooke (K46-54) , Simon Dougherty (G60-67) , Chris Essex (K69-75) , Jasper Garnham (R48-53) , Andrew Gooderham (K51-58) , Ian Hardaker-Jones (R64-69) , Christopher Keeble (S53-59) , John Ling (S49-56) , Colin Maxwell (G62-68) , Norman Mayhew (R48-56) , Andy Mayhew (R53-60) , Robert McKibbin (K65-67) , Andrew McLeod (S56-65) , Jonathan McLeod (S59-68) , Ian Piper (G52-60) , Norman Porter (K50-57) , Richard Porter (G54-59) , Michael Smy (S57-66) , Christopher Sneath (K51-56) , Ivan Stedman (G50-55) , John Taylor (S43-50) , David Trafford (K52-60) , Gerald Western (S52-57) , Colin Wigg (G48-54) , Lawrence Wright (S63-68)
Above is a group photo of all attendees in the Dining Room.
Below is the largely unchanged Dining Room beforehand
Below is a picture of the recption area set up at the entrance to Paul’s Court to pick up the all important name badges and to view Norman’ book.
Now some pre lunch photos in Paul’s Court, starting on the left with Colin Maxwell, Anne Bower, Nigel Bower, Jonathan McLeod and Ian Hardaker-Jones. The second photo shows Hilary & John Ling with Michael Smy.
Next is “father of the house” John Taylor and then a photo of Chris Keeble, Ivan and Ann Steadman
Next is Maggie and Simon Dougherty with Lawrence Wright, followed by Margaret Mayhew, Chris and Liz Sneath
The final 3 pictures beforehand are of Robert McKibbin, Roger Askew and Andy Mayhew, followed by Scarlett and David Trafford, followed by Richard Porter with his wife and son.
Picture of Table 1 – clockwise from left – Thelma Cooke, Roderick Cooke, Eunice Binder, Wally Binder, Meriel Garnham, Jasper Garnham, John Taylor,
Picture of Table 2 – clockwise from left -Liz Wigg, Colin Wigg, Margaret Mayhew, Norman Mayhew, Hilary Ling, John Ling, Ann Chillingworth, Peter Chillingworth
Picture of Table 3 – clockwise from left -Chris Sneath, Liz Sneath, Ivan Steadman, Ann Steadman, Moria Cogdell, Robert Clayton, Norman Porter, Roger Askew
Picture of Table 4 – clockwise from left – Scarlett Trafford, David Trafford, Ian Piper, Suzanne Piper, Chris Keeble, Scilla Western, Gerald Western, Andrew Gooderham
- Picture of Table 5 – clockwise from left – Kerwin Porter, Trisha Garner, Andrew McLeod, Andy Mayhew, Richard Porter, Updesh Porter
Picture of Table 6 – clockwise from left – Simon Dougherty, Maggie Dougherty, Robert McKibbon, Susan McKibbon, Michael Smy
Picture of Table 7 – clockwise from left – Colin Maxwell, Carol McLeod, Jonathan McLeod, Nigel Bower, Anne Bower, Lawrence Wright, Ian Hardaker-Jones
And finally Chris Keeble was the only one to come in a vintage car – ex-race Austin Healey.
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