Twenty one years on from the first reunion, we met for lunch on Friday 11 September 2026 at the “Hand in Hand” in Wimbledon. Eleven made it on the day with a few last minute withdrawals as unforeseen circumstances took care of five potential attendees. Still going strong, we managed to confuse the pub with their own complex meal ordering system while rubbishing just about everything from our education to all aspects of modern life. It is what binds us together. One from the provinces was scandalised by the cost of parking in the street outside, others had used various complex itineraries to get to the meeting from Paris, the West Country, Yorkshire and the home counties. A new innovation, Richard Wilson in the South of France joined in virtually with WhatsApp video courtesy of John Simmonds’ phone. Our carers started collections around 2:30 but a few stayed on with one for the road and they were carried out later.
Follow up messages included “Yesterday was good fun-thank you for organising” and “Thank you also for organising yesterday’s bunfight. Very enjoyable and good to see some familiar faces again. Our opportunities to gather in this manner will eventually diminish so it’s important to take advantage whilst we can“. So a date was set for next year at about the same time, and this will be communicated soon so that diaries can be updated in good time.
Messages
YES
I plan to join you on Friday 22nd but not on Saturday
Kevin Heffernan
I certainly intend to be there. However I only get back from Holiday the night before (airlines willing) so if I am not there , please accept my apologies.
Mike Bird
I hope to be there!
Ken Eggleston
I plan to attend the reunion and am looking forward to it. Thankyou and your team for organising it all.
Peter Ashby
Maybe
Much as I would like to come on Friday 11 September I need assistance to travel. My son escorted me last year but he lives and works in central London. He is with a language school & would need a day off. I will see what we can do.
Mike Lattimer
Sadly, at present it seems unlikely that I will be able to make it. I have an appointment that morning in North London. But things can change! This will be the first time in several years that I may well be unable to come.
Ed Cousins
No
Thanks for the info but no can do. Have a good time, all of you.
John Dickson
Regards
Sorry, as usual away abroad for my birthday. Have a great time.
Harro Hopfl
I regret that I won’t be attending due to limited mobility plus long distance! Best regards to all.
Bernie Edwards
I regret to say that I won’t be with you all next Friday. No particular excuse other than lethargy induced by months of heat this summer. I hope that all you who manage to make it have a good get together and lunch and plan a future event. If anyone has the technological know -how, perhaps a Teams meeting could be set up so that absentees could at least say Hello.
Best wishes to all.
Richard Wilson
Not sure whether or not I’ll be able to make it this time, so better say not. Thanks for organising and regards to all on the day.
Bob Macdonagh