The way we were ....... back in 1984!

See how many classmates you can still identify and name!

 

On Sunday, 28 June 2026, nearly 70 years after we first met at Hendon County Grammar School, a group of us gathered for what was probably our final full classmates' reunion. Carole (née Morris) and Reg Edward once again generously hosted us at their beautiful home in Hertfordshire.

Carole and Marion kept the cost down by preparing all the catering themselves. Little did we know, when the reunion was planned well over a year ago, that it would coincide with the middle of a heatwave, making the task of catering for 33 people considerably more challenging than anyone could have anticipated.

From the moment the first guests arrived, it was clear that this was going to be a special occasion. Conversation flowed effortlessly as old friends recognised one another and picked up where they had left off, sometimes decades earlier. Our year group seems to have forged a remarkable and lasting bond, and everyone genuinely enjoyed catching up on the news, memories and experiences that have shaped our lives.

Fortunately, by Sunday the worst of the heat had eased, and the pergola that Reg had thoughtfully erected provided welcome shade, allowing everyone to relax in comfort. The lavish cold buffet, with its wonderful variety of delicious food, together with plentiful refreshments—both alcoholic and soft—was greatly appreciated. The invitation may have been for lunch, but by 6.00 p.m. some of us were still happily chatting away!

It is always fascinating to discover where life has taken people. There was much laughter, plenty of reminiscence and, inevitably, a few stories that had grown better with age. We agreed that, although not every memory of Hendon County Grammar School was a happy one, it gave us a sound education, confidence and, for many of us, the foundation for successful and fulfilling careers—even if that was not always immediately apparent.

Many of us thought that EW would have been proud to see what became of his pupils had he still been with us on Sunday.

Now, of course, many of us are enjoying a well-earned retirement. As members of the same academic year, it is no secret that we are all approaching—or have already entered—our ninth decade. There are definite advantages. We've earned the right to say exactly what we think. We can forget names without embarrassment—it's no longer a failing, it's expected! We no longer feel the need to rush, because by the age of 80 we've learned that most things can wait. Above all, we understand what really matters: not the places we've visited, the things we've achieved or the money in the bank, but the people with whom we've shared our lives. We all shared a formative and unforgettable chapter of ours together.

Our sincere thanks are due to Reg, who has been an absolute star throughout. He helped with the administration, finances and banking, shopping, moving furniture, putting up the pergola and countless other jobs behind the scenes. This was also the third time that Carole and Reg have opened their home to us, and I am sure everyone would wish to join me in thanking them both for their exceptional generosity and hospitality.

Carole and I should also like to express profound thanks to those of you who contributed to the food and drink. This made our job that much easier and we certainly appreciated the tasty salads, magnificent fruit platters, cherries, lots and lots of nibbles, wines and soft drinks, cheese and biscuits that many of you brought along.

This was very probably our final reunion on this scale. Carole and I are both, as they say, knocking on a bit, and although every minute was worthwhile, organising an event of this size is undeniably hard work—especially when a heatwave decides to arrive just at the wrong moment!

That said, there is no reason why this should be our last opportunity to meet. Smaller gatherings, lunches or restaurant get-togethers are perfectly possible, and I hope many of us will continue to enjoy each other's company for as long as we can.

Thank you to everyone who came and helped make the day such a happy, memorable occasion. It was a wonderful celebration of friendships that have endured for almost seventy years.