Whitland School Reunion, Carmarthenshire

Death of Dorothy Molly Davies

2011-05-31T16:07:00.000-07:00

I am sorry to have to post that I read of the death of Dorothy tonight.

She passed away on 29th May 2011 and will be buried at Templeton Church on 4th June.

We spent much time together at school and kept in touch for quite a few years afterwards.

We had also become re-acquainted before our 2007 Reunion and Dorothy was able to attend our last Reunion in 2009.

Below is Dorothy's Obituary from the Western Telegraph of 29th June 2011:

MISS DOROTHY MOLLY DAVIES
(Known as Dee) NARBERTH
A large gathering attended the funeral service at St. John’s Church Templeton on June 4th, to pay respects and celebrate the life of Miss Dorothy Molly Davies (known affectionately as Dee).

Dee was born at the Rising Sun Farm, Templeton on July 9th 1956. Her love of children determined at an early age where her career would take her. She attended Templeton C.P. School and Whitland Grammar School, before continuing her education at Hereford College of Education where she obtained a B.Ed. Degree. She then spent a year in Denmark, teaching English, prior to her first teaching appointment at Tavernspite C.P. School. From there, she progressed to Deputy Head at St. Aidans V.A. School and later was promoted to Head Teacher at the same school.

Dee retired early due to ill health approximately five years ago. After her retirement she did voluntary work with the Red Cross and was always more than ready to help friends and family.

She was the much loved daughter of Mavis and the late Hubert Davies and sister of Ruth and Stephen. Dee’s whole life existed around her work as a teacher. She would go to no end of trouble to help any child with any problem.

The service was conducted by the Rev. Peter Lewis, assisted by Rev. Michael Rowlands. The organist was Mrs. Norma Lewis. Because Rev. Michael Rowlands had known Dee for many years, it was he who paid tribute to the vast contribution Dee had made to education within the county. He emphasised that Education in Pembrokeshire would be the poorer for her passing.

Principal mourners were Mrs Mavis Davies (mother); Ruth and Steven Price (sister and brother-in-law); Stephen and Debbie Davies (brother and sister-in-law); Amy, Adam and Lauren Davies (nieces and nephew); Molly and Ron Cook (aunt and uncle); Matthew and Robert Cook (cousins); Mrs Joan Cole (Mr Fred Cole unable to attend); Michael, Nigel, Nicola, Melanie, Shirley Cole, Pam and Gwyn Thomas (cousins); Irene, Lance and Judy Davies.

The bearers were Robert May, Lyndon Belt, Rhys Davies and Michael Bowen.

There were family flowers only but donations, if desired, may be made to St. John’s Church, Templeton or the Intensive Care Unit at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest c/o Mrs. Mair Bowen, Menai House, Station Road, Kilgetty, Pembs.

More Contacts

2011-03-04T02:17:00.001-08:00

Have now got the contact details of Hugh Salmon and Judith Long.

Whtiland Grammar School's Athletic Team - 1950

2011-02-17T12:00:00.000-08:00

From the Carmarthen Journal 1 Dec 2010 - Past Snaps

Wayne Davies Update

2010-07-01T13:09:00.001-07:00

Have had email today from Wayne's brother Byron.

Byron was able to give me more information on when Wayne passed away and I have updated his entry below - http://whitlandreunion.blogspot.com/search/label/In%20Memory%20-%20Wayne%20Davies

Views on the 2009 Whitland Grammar Reunion

2009-03-28T07:02:00.000-07:00

Please leave any comments and messages here - whether you came or couldn't make it.

Anything from who it was good to see or memories rekindled.

If you have any photos please e-mail them on as I'd like to include them on the blog.
Also please cast a vote (top right) for what you want next time.

Photographs & Report from Reunion - March 2009

2009-03-28T06:43:00.001-07:00

Well thanks to all of you who made the effort to come along.

As you can see from the photographs below we were 21 this time.

Philip and Susan of the Rugby Club in Whitland had kindly given us the room and also put up posters and bunting for me (as well as some 'then & now' pictures - which I might put up here - so watch out!). We had a whip-round to donate to theri club funds.

We didn't have a buffet this time and just had nibbles - a good idea as it turned out as Mary wasn't able to come along at the last minute and I wasn't sure if I'd be there either - so a sensible decision. It also saved having to spend all night collecting money.

It was a shame a few people couldn't make it - either for medical reasons or because of a clash of dates. Anyway despite being only about half the numbers of last time I thoroughly enjoyed the evening (possibly more so than the first). It was completely different - but I appreciated being actually able to chat to people properly this time - something which I didn't get to do before as there was so many of us.

Anyway I wore red and navy in homage of our old uniforms - never been worn before because as soon as I see the two colours together I think 'Whitland'!

It was great to see Dorothy and Barry who hadn't been able to come in 2007. Once again time just flew. I didn't get home till almost 1am - and I wasn't the last to go - I'll mention no names but you both know who you are!!

Thanks for sparing me phone calls yesterday - what with being so tired and starting to lose my voice I wasn't up to much of anything.

Still I would say it was another resounding success - just to see old friends brought back together and chatting as if never apart is thanks enough for the work put in.

Please leave comments and also vote for what/when you want another get-together (people were asking when the next one was going to be on Friday night!!).

Mary pointed out earlier that 2012 will be the 45th anniversary of when we joined Whitland - however whether people want to wait three years or just have one in between is up to you all - just leave your votes and we'll go with the majority decision.

Ruth (Phillips) & Patsy (Allen)

Elizabeth (Penn) & Huw Davies

Gerdda Howells & Iona Morgan

Margaret (Thomas)

Patsy (Allen) & Jan (Clayton)

Dorothy Davies & Gareth Richards

Huw Davies

Patsy (Allen)

Brian Jones & Barry Reynolds

Lloyd Evans, Gareth Richards & Brian Jones

Randel Lewis, Aled Jones & Lyn Davies

Elizabeth (Penn) & Dorothy Davies

Ken James

Lyn Davies, Robert Watts, Nev Stocking & Elizabeth (Penn)

Mr & Mrs Eurig Thomas

Then & Now

2009-03-23T14:18:00.001-07:00

THEN (1973) & NOW (2009)

Can you help??

2009-03-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

We have no contact details for the people below - do you know where they are?

No contact details:-
THELMA DURBRIDGE (Germany)
CHERRY MAGGS
ALAN SAVOURY
ANNA MICHELLE STEVENS
ALAN DAVIES
GILLIAN MORSE
PETER JOHNSON
SUSAN JONES
SUSAN RAYMOND
JANICE REES
HILARY SMITH
GAYNOR JONES
ANNE REES

2009 Press/Publicity

2009-03-03T02:42:00.000-08:00

Radio Pembrokeshire/CarmarthenshireMonday 23rd March - just been interviewed by Pembs Radio - should go out after 11am and also this pm. Also on Carmarthenshire Radio too so it might reach a few more people!

Cardi Bach - We have a nice feature in the March 09 issue. Great picture of the old school from a postcard and a write-up. Will try and get it mentioned again in the papers before the 27th!!

Western Telegraph - 12th February 2009
Well we again had a colour photo in the papers - this time the Western Telegraph.Pity they keep using the same one of us in 6th form - but its the only one really as those long b/w ones would never fit!! And the red uniform does catch the eye!

Tenby Observer 30th January 2009
Well another picture and write-up - this time with a black and white photo - but should catch someone's eye.

Carmarthen Journal 28th January 2009
Well I wrote the other post before reading the paper! We were given a large section which included the 6th Form group pic (sorry guys!) and a write up underneath. At least the sight of us in those red blouses and socks will catch peoples' eyes (yes it IS in colour!!). (I gave them a link to here and let them choose their own photo for publicity.)

Whitland Grammar's 6th Form 1973

2007-05-26T07:17:00.000-07:00

Didn't we all look great in those red socks??

From L to R starting at:-

Back row:-Lyn Davies, Glyn Thomas, Meirion Thomas, Huw Davies, Euros Evans.

Next row:- Richard Thomas, Brian Jones, Hugh Salmon, Tim Donovan, Wayne Davies, Nevil Stocking, Peter Johnson, Ken James.

Next row:- Ruth Phillips, Linda Griffiths, Caroline Mustoe, Dorothy Davies, Elizabeth Penn, Patsy Allan, Rosalind Holt, Helen Davies, Susan Williams, Yvonne Lewis, Beryl Evans, Susan Jones.

Next row:- Judith Long, Catherine Fieldhouse, Iona Morgan, Nesta Lloyd, Rosetta Fusco, Mr G.Harries, Jean Thomas, Janice Rees, Lyn Jenkins, Sarah Thomas and Janet Clayton.

Short History of Whitland Grammar School

2007-05-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

(Photographs taken from Efailwen to Whitland Vol 1. the girls in Form VI appear to have white blouses and gymslips, not sure what the girls in Form V are wearing - it looks like coloured shirts and gymslips)

The 1847 report on Welsh education noted a school in a dwelling house in Whitland, described as “a small mud walled miserable hut” which was kept by an infirm old man, where a small number of pupils were taught. Doubtless this master was Job Rees listed in the 1841 Census.
The state system was inaugrated in 1870 and Whitland Primary School was opened in 1875 as Llanboidy and Llangan Board School. The same building, with extensions, is still in use.
In 1896, following the Welsh Intermediate Education Act (1889), the town gained a mixed secondary school for 100 pupils. Subsequent expansion and re-building, and the change to grammar and now comprehensive, reflect the history of secondary education in this period.
Whitland was the last grammar school in Wales.
Dyffryn Taf Comprehensive was established in 1989 as a result of the reorganisation of secondary education in the Narberth/Whitland/St Clears area and the closure of Whitland Grammar School and Ysgol Gruffydd Jones.
Dyffryn Taf is located on the site of the old Whitland Grammar School. The oldest part of the school is the 1896 block. The original school has been added to over the years with extensions built in 1908, 1960s, 1970s, 1989/90 (English/Welsh/Library), 1991/92 (Technology), 1993/94 (PE area) and more recently 2000 (The new Maths Block).
The school is set in some fourteen acres of playing fields (recently drained) which provide an impressive play area for our pupils and allows for a wide range of sporting activities.

(Taken from the Whitland & Dyffryn Taf websites.)

From Efailwen to Whitland 1976 - Vol 11

The school was in temporary premises in 1894 and moved to its present site in 1897.

The first premises may have been Aeron House - adjasant to Tabernacle Chapel.

Many children who attended had to board in Whitland.

Bursaries were available for poorer children -but they were not to exceed 20% of the total number of children.

The first name on the register of 23rd October 1894 was John Morgan Harris Rees, who leftin 1899. In 1908 he was a Methodist Missionary in Assan, India.

The number of admissions from 23/10/1894 to 26/5/1910 (151/2yrs) were 536.

In 1900 there was room for 60 boys and 40 girls.

The building consisted of an assemby room/hall, one boy's classroom, one girl's classroom, chemistry room and a kitchen or laundry.

Pupil Numbers

1899 - 35

1956 - 300

1969 - over 500

Head Teachers

Evan Jones - 1894

David Stanley Richards

Trevor Thomas

E.C.Davies

George Bancroft

D.R.Newsome

Records Available at Carmarthen Record Office

http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/cccapps/english/school_records_index/school_records_index.asp
Whitland Grammar
Governor's Minutes - 1909-1930
Registers - 1894-1969

Western Telegraph 16th May 1990

Very few schools have made the transition from intermediate school to a grammar school before finally securing comprehensive status last year (1989).

The school, which depended financially on a maintenance grant and pupil’s fees, was first opened in 1897 after £2000 was raised from public subscriptions. Five pounds was donated by the fun fair which each year visited the town and gave part of its profits to local charities.

St Clears was considered as a possibility for the site of the new school but Whitland was favoured because of its rail junction, which provided better facilities for children from the Taf Valley. It was also central to both Pendine and Cwmbach, which were not served by a railway.

Forty girls were among the 100 pupils admitted, which was very uncommon, because at that time it was not considered necessary to educate girls.

The first entry in the Admissions Register was John Morgan harries Rees, the son of a Whitland stationer, who in 1908 became a Methodist missionary in India.

Between 1900 and 1910 the average intake of pupils was 30.

The first headmaster was Evan Jones who had previously run the school at its first site at Aeron House near Tabernacle Chapel.

Local history has it that before his appointment as headmaster of the new school he was having trouble with unruly children at Aeron House and in order to secure the post of headmaster he was advised to ‘use a bit more of the cane’.

For the first few years he was assisted by a science master, S.Stephens; a headmistress Miss R.Evans; an arts master W.Jones and a music mistress Miss Cooke.

In 1921 he was succeeded by Davis Stanley Richards, who had previously been a science master at the school. The teachers, who felt the job should have gone to a senior master, walked out in protest at his appointment. However they were eventually persuaded to come back to work after talks with a senior master.

The first extension came in 1912 when the domestic science room was built. Further buildings were put up in 1932, and in 1959 the school hall was built, following criticism, of the lack of this facility, in a school inspector’s report the previous year.

At one time there were several temporary buildings to cope with n influx of children after the girls’ church school in Carmarthen was closed.

The Whitland school started off with four teachers, but at its peak when there were nearly 600 pupils the teaching staff numbered 33.

On the same site as the school there was a senior centre run by Clodwyn Phillips, who now lives in John Street Whitland.

The senior centre, which was linked to the Primary school, catered fro pupils who didn’t come up to grammar school standard. Before it was opened those children would have remained at primary school until they were 15.

The centre closed in 1966 when Ysgol Gryffydd Jones of St Clears was opened.

In 1949 T. Trevor Thomas succeeded D.S.Richards as headmaster. He remained at the school until 1969 when the headship went to E.C.Davies.

The last headmaster of the grammar school was George Bancroft, who was appointed in 1971.When the school turned comprehensive last year ((1989), Dr Keith Davies, a former pupil, was appointed headmaster.

In the last few months several new buildings have been put up to cater for the extra pupils who now attend the school.

Many of the children are currently taught at Ysgol Gyffydd Jones in St Clears, but they will all move to the Whitland campus once building work has been completed.

The former secondary school will then become one of the largest primary schools in the area.

The article (Then and Now No 487) was written by Debbie Bland with thanks extended to George Bancroft for his help in compiling the article and to Mary John of John Street Whitland for the laon of the old photograph.

The following is from a book written by Eric Williams of The Grove, St Clears -

Reflections of a Country Vet

Eric went to Whitland Grammar in 1934 - he wore a grey shirt with navy blazer and badge, short grey trousers, knee grey stockings with a red and blue tie and navy cap and badge - and they would 'touch their cap'.

Girls wore navy tunics (gymslips) over white long sleeved blouses with black stockings.

Ties were not compulsary during the summer term.

The day was from 9am-3.45pm and they sat two to a desk - the boys on one side of the room and girls on the other.

The teachers wore academic gowns.

The headmaster was D.S.Richards (physics) - known as 'Oiseau' (French for bird).

James Mathias taught History - he was the father of the famous composer William Mathias.

E.C.Davies taught Geography, known as 'Dai Bach' - he also took the boys for P.E.

Tom Rees was 'Tombey' who took French.

James Llewelyn taught Welsh and was called 'Llew' or 'Garibaldi'.

A Miss G.M.Evans took Geometry, Algebra and Biology and was called 'Ginger'.

Frank Goddard - 'Jouey', took Chemistry.

Miss Jones 'Tubby' - took music and Cookery.

Austin Thomas did Woodwork - 'Austin Bai'.

Miss E.A.Roberts - 'Miss Bobs', took English.

At the end of each term there were 'terminal' exams.

There was a shop across the road which sold sweets - Miss Caros.

The following is a bad copy of an old one that was in the Carmarthen Journal on 17 August 2011:

North Road Whitland In Quieter Times!

2007-05-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the small little tuck shop half way down where we all used to squeeze at break times?

The Original Grammar School

2007-05-26T07:08:00.001-07:00

Three Dedication Plaques on Original School Buidings

Girls and Boys Entrances

Original Old School

Old Postcard of Whitland Grammar School

1938 postcard

how many remember reading the stone that commemorated John Phillips (of Clydach Vale) who gave the land on which the school was built in 1896?

The above two photographs came from - http://www.peoplescollectionwales.co.uk

Floor Tile from Whitland Abbey

2007-05-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

Sheep and flag used on school badge - from a medieval floor tile found at Whitland Abbey.

In Memory - Wayne Davies

2007-05-26T05:01:00.000-07:00

IN MEMORY

WAYNE DAVIES

DIED 13 January 2001

(had four children - Adrian, Beth, Aaron and Olivia.)

2007 -Organising, Thanks & Funding

2007-05-26T04:46:00.000-07:00

Organisers of First (07) Reunion
Just to let you that the original idea came from Mary Harries. Working in Barclays Bank Carmarthen she sees plenty of people.I (Ruth Phillips) have helped with the advertising and organising of the venue and school. Also been tracking people down with the help of Liz and Glyn (plus many others of course who have helped with information).

Thanks
I'd like to thank Mary, Glyn and Liz for helping me track down all of you.
Especially Liz who has helped me out no end with the teachers names and contact details.
This has been a group effort as its not the sort of job one person can do on their own and we've only been able to trace so many due to combined efforts - so thanks again.
We're sorry for the few we couldn't locate but we may track them down by next time!!!

Funding for 2007 Reunion
Just to let you know we collected £298.50 from the buffet money and raffle. This was spent as follows:- Buffet (£250) school visit (£20) cakes (£18) postage (£5.75) red display card (£2.37) sweets and dishes (£5.11) - a total cost of £301.23. Not bad as we were only down £2.73 - I thougth it might have been worse!! We should have run at a profit but had about ten people and spouses drop out during the last few days after booking.

2007 Reunion Booklet?

2007-05-26T04:44:00.000-07:00

Memento of evening - Whitland Grammar School Booklet.

Jean had the idea of everyone completing an A4 sheet with details of their life, jobs, family etc.

She will need a small photograph of yourself on the night to use in her booklet.

This we can do on the night and take lots of pics to include as well.

Update July 07 - Jean is still short of a few sheets so I may have to get back to some of you before she can proceed.

Girl's Uniforms 60s/70s

2007-05-26T04:33:00.000-07:00

When we joined in 1967 it was still compulsory for the girls to wear the school beret (but fading fast).

We had the red and navy scarves with the sripes running lengthways - made of wool type material - some people were still using the old style knitted scarves with alterate red/navy stripes.

The school tie was of diagonal red and navy stripes. We had plain navy gymslips for the first two years - with thick red blouses and v-neck jumpers or cardigans. Red socks (or think red tights) were worn with flat black shoes. We used the traditional leather satchels and a kit bag for P.E. After form two (now year 8) we were allowed all round pleated navy skirts that we rolled up at the waist to make shorter.

During the summer we had a flared gingham type home made short sleeved dress of white and lilac check.

Later we had straight mid blue cotton dresses with a tie belt and short sleeves.

In the sixth form we had a two piece - navy skirt with two inverted pleats back and front and a collarless jacket - we also had a different school badge and a plain navy tie with a small school crest.

We were supposed to wear the traditional navy school mac.

For P.E we had red short sleeved shirts and navy shorts -or the big navy knickers!

Reunion Cakes 2007

2007-05-26T04:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mary for ordering and collecting them, and to my neighbour Sue James who has also been to the 'gram' and who helped me pick out the designs from the many I'd done on the pc!!

Those Who Attended our First Reunion March 2007

2007-05-26T03:39:00.000-07:00

RUTH PHILLIPS, MARY HARRIES, ELIZABETH PENN, JEAN THOMAS, LLOYD EVANS, ALED JONES with partner, ERYTH HUGHES, LYN DAVIES, HUW DAVIES, JANET CLAYTON, IONA MORGAN, GLYN THOMAS, SUE WILLIAMS, ROSETTA FUSCO, YVONNE DAVIES, CAROLINE MUSTOE, RHYS PHILLIPS, CHRISTINE HAYES, EURIG THOMAS with partner, ROSALIND HOLT, KEN JAMES, SARAH THOMAS, FIONA CARROLL and friend, GERDDA HOWELLS, LINDA THOMAS with partner, BRIAN JONES, GERAINT BOWEN, NEV STOCKING, ROBERT WATTS, CATHERINE FIELDHOUSE, GARETH RICHARDS, PATSY ALLAN, MARGARET THOMAS, ROBERT THOMAS, KEITH THOMAS, ROB KING and partner, TIM DONOVAN, Mrs J.James, Mr & Mrs A.Jones, Mrs M.Bowen, Mrs L.Williams. (47)

07 Press Report

2007-04-24T02:33:00.000-07:00

Tenby Observer

Had a nice write-up today on page four of the Tenby Observer - plus three pictures (of female teachers and cakes). Sorry its not on the net so can't give you a link.Have also got a report in the Western Telegraph (2nd May), none in the Carmarthen Journal I'm afraid - I did send it in.

New Pics, Linda and Ahmed 2007 - Thanks Very Much

2007-04-23T14:30:00.000-07:00

Rob and Linda (was it a good joke??)

Ruth and Linda

Group at School
Group at School

Girls Groups (plus Geraint!!)

Huw and Linda

Mary sorting her raffle money!!

Boys Group

Linda, Mrs Williams and Mrs Bowen

Rosalind, Gerdda, Janet, Mary and Linda

Boys Groups
Linda, Patsy, Mary, Rosetta and Yvonne (just!)Girls Groups

Eurig, Jean, Linda and Mrs Eurig ThomasRuth, Jean, Tim and Linda

Thanks to their daughter Mari who e-mailed all these to me tonight - glad you know what to do!!

Ruth's Photos From 2007 Reunion

2007-04-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

Our two Whitland cakes

More views of our cakes.

Mrs Bowen (Domestic Science) cutting our cake.

Mrs Bowen again.

Mr Arfon Jones (who wrote Sqr Root on his name badge?? Wasn't me!)

Jean (Thomas), Tim Donovan and Linda (Thomas) - what did he say Jean?

Mrs M.Bowen, Mrs L.Williams and Mrs J.James.

Catherine (Fieldhouse) and Rosalind (Holt)

Yvonne (Davies), Rosetta (Fusco) and Sarah (Thomas)

Mrs Ruby Jones

Ruth (Roberts), Jean (Thomas), Tim Donovan and Linda (Thomas)

Iona Morgan, Elizabeth (Penn) and Sarah Newlin

Lyn Davies and Mary (Harries)

Nevil Stocking

Christine (Hayes) and Patsy (Allan)

Our three Roberts - King, Watts and Thomas!

Part of 'girls' group - not the offical pic I'm glad to say!

Ken James, Glyn Thomas and Gareth Richards

Huw Davies and Brian Jones

Susan (Williams) and Janet (Clayton)

Margaret (Thomas)

Caroline (Mustoe) and Robert Watts

Rhys Phillips and Aled Jones

Gerdda (Howells) and Eryth (Hughes)

Lyn Davies and Fionna (Carroll)

Keith Thomas, Lloyd Evans and Geraint Bowen

Views on the 2007 Whitland Grammar Reunion

2007-04-01T05:02:00.000-07:00

Please leave any comments and messages here.

Anything from who it was good to see or memories rekindled.

If you have any photos please e-mail them on as I'd like to have a section for those too!

Whitland Reunion Report 2007

2007-04-01T04:35:00.000-07:00

Well if I remember correctly we were 47 people at The Roadhouse on Friday night - don't be offended if I've missed you out - its not intentional!

The evening whizzed by in a haze and it was 11pm before we knew it. There was so much going on and so many to speak to - I didn't have a chance for a good chat with anyone!

Hopefully some of the numerous pictures taken will come out and as soon as they're processed or received I'll be putting them up here. So if anyone has any digital ones please e-mail them to me for inclusion -so that we can all share them.

Dan at The Roadhouse had offered a disco but there was so much noise on the night we'd not have heard the music anyway!

Jean gave out sheets to compile for her little memento booklet but I've not heard how many contributed yet.

For those of you who weren't able to come - the evening started with a trip round the school (I couldn't go so perhaps someone else will tell us what it was like!).

Then it was all back to The Roadhouse by 8pm - everyone was given a name sticker (some had changed quite a bit!) - and after 35yrs some of our memories weren't as sharp as they could have been. A few clever souls wore their old school tie, badge or scarf - a great idea.

We'd decorated the room with red and blue balloons, had two of the long school pictures and the 6th form group on display and done a school banner to go round the buffet table - plus badge decorations on the tables - with dishes of kiddies sweeties - remember those flying saucers??

I said a few words to thank people for coming, and to remember those who couldn't make it - then handed over to Huw Davies who did a toast to Wayne Davies who had passed away about 7yrs ago.

Rob King then said a few words and had us in stitchces with his impromtu comic routine and then gave me a lovely basket of flowers - thanks Rob - (felt a bit guilty afterwards as Mary had been involved from the start with the reunion too - so sorry Mary).

Then I tried to get everyone into the buffet room - a difficult task as they were so engrossed in their conversations!
Whilst people actually helped themselves to food - I and others were taking pictures - hopefully some will show us in a good light!

Mary meanwhile was going round selling raffle tickets (thanks to all who donated prizes).

We'd got two cakes with the school badge on which we got Mrs Bowen (Domestic Science) to cut - she was most unimpressed that we'd bought them and not made them ourselves (only joking!).

Linda's husband very kindly 'volunteered' to take some group photos - these had to be done in two batches - boys and then girls - trying to get everyone into their places was worse than herding sheep - you couldn't stop them talking long enough!

Towards the end we had few verses of the old school song - expertly sung and remembered - nearly good enough for your choir competitions Euros!!

Before we knew it our lifts were arriving at gone midnight - I finally got home about 12.45 - feeling very tired but pleased that everyone had seemed to enjoy themselves.

The trouble was I was so busy I didn't get to chat to people much - so the next time I'll make sure everyone pays in advance and does their own name badges so I get more time for the gossiping!!