Thanks for your numerous emails, and apologies for my tardy response.

I would very much like to come to the reunion. However, the proposed date of 19th November could present a problem, as I am doing the lighting for a show in Irchester in November.

The date for that show has so far not been finalised, but last year's show was in the corresponding week of 15-20 November.

The answers to your questions are currently -

1. Don't know, but I would like to be kept informed.
2. Accommodation not required.
3. Even if I cannot come myself, I could probably provide accommodation for one (or a couple) form afar, if he/they are prepared to do the 60 mile/1.5 hours trip from here (Wigtoft, near Boston, Lincs).
4. Not likely to bring a partner.

I will let you know if I am able to attend on 19th November as soon as possible.

Malcolm

Dear Graham,

Thank you for your kind message. Yes, HMS Vanguard was a remarkable experience. I think we all hated it at the time but mysteriously enjoyed it in retrospect and seemed to be drawn back in the next year

.

The bad news is that after all it looks as if I can’t come. I had fully intended to do so and it looked as if it worked well but I have had the date of a concert moved so I have to now conduct Mahler on November 18 and then start rehearsals for The Magic Flute later that weekend. So, sadly, I can’t come. I think it’s a terrific idea and I would love to have been there. It’s interesting that all the people I recognize from the photographs are those I played rugger and cricket with. I must have been comatose at other moments.

I really am sorry.

All best wishes,

Richard.

I received your e-mail through Friends Reunited and I apologise for the delay in answering. You will see from my e mail address that I live in Australia, in fact in Launceston, the second city of the State of Tasmania and have done so since the start of 1972. I will fill you in on details when you let me know if this message has got to you.

I remember you very well, in fact you used to let me borrow your bike to cycle to Wilby for our swimming lessons in P.E. What a fine fellow you were! I looked at your marvellous web page and the wonderful memories came flooding back. I would love to attend the reunion, but although I do visit the U.K. at intervals, I will not be there then. I noticed some of the names of those who will attend, and how I will miss not catching up with them again. Those early years at such a fine school have had an indestructable influence on me. We were so lucky to be together at such a time and it is only with the hindsight of the years that I can realise that.

Although having said that, one of my lasting memories is how scared I was of Jake Dunning in my first term at the school and how precise we had to be in our work and knowledge. I really saw what a fine man he was when I joined the school Scout Troup which he ran together with Mr Stanley, the music master.

Jake was a man of unimpeachable integrity who always worked hard for the boys and only really became annoyed when people fell below the standards of honesty, openess and hard work. I actually still have my exercise book from that first term, it must be a museum piece.

He must have influenced me, because when I went to London University, what did I do? Geography of course, and then spent the next 35 years teaching it.

Perhaps a little bit of Jake resides in the knowledge that some of my past pupils have now?

Please let me know if you get this message and at least I will not be an "unknown" on the list of boys on 50 years ago'

Kind regards

Peter

Dear Graham

Firstly many apologies for the long delay in contacting you again, but secondly and more importantly I want to wish everyone the best of times at the reunion. You, David and no doubt a few others have done a magnificent job in bringing people with a common experience together to share their lives once again.

The time we spent at WGS was one of those defining period in our lives, although of course we were much too young to realise it at the time. We all have a great deal to be grateful for, not least those formative years spent with really fine teachers who had seen some of the worst aspects of humanity in the World War, yet did not lose their faith in the human spirit and passed on to us their hopes for a better and more compassionate world. I hope  we have justified that faith.

I will miss not being with you all. It would have been so good to se the boys beneath the grey hair, if there is any and the wrinkles, mostly caused by merriment I am sure. I wish you and everybody associated with the reunion good luck and the most satisfying and enjoyable time at an event which is unique and which would never have taken place but for the hard work and dedication of those who have made such a Herculean effort.

Kindest regards

Peter

What a surprise to get your message via Friends Reunited concerning the 'year of 55' reunion and even more of a surprise to see the existence of the website. Goodness me that brought back some memories.

I would be very interested in attending the reunion but there is one potential fly in the ointment and that is a trip outside the UK by the wife and I at the end of the year. Our dates are not confirmed yet but I'll certainly take into account the reunion date if possible. Will let you know later if able to attend.

You were probably correct in your first message to me concerning attending a party where I used to live. To help you recall, I lived in Knox Road opposite St Marys Church and between Vivian Road and Melton Road. Am I right in thinking you lived not too far from there?

As is inevitable there were certain school colleagues who one was more friendly with than most and I was disappointed to see that the whereabouts of three of them are unknown, Lionel 'George' Bean, Roger Cobley, and Michael 'Gingerbreadman' Ginders. However, there was one person, Stephen 'Jumbo' Day, whose whereabouts does appear to be known. Anything you could provide me with to enable me to contact him would be very appreciated. The last I can recall is that he was a Police Sergeant in Northampton. I do know where Michael Ginders moved to in Suffolk and will try and find enough info so you can get in touch with him.

Sorry to be so long-winded with my reply and hope to hear from you again. Will let you know about November anyway as promised.

(please note correct spelling of Bryan, not as on website!!)

Best wishes

Bryan