Reunion History
In the Days that Followed
The first group to meet up was probably those working in the City. A couple of Lunchtime meetings were held at the "Cock & Woolpack in Cornhill. The group included Bill Ansell , Don Carter, Stuart Cresswell, Derek Kinsley, Geoff Pearson and Doug Morris.
As each insisted on providing a round of drinks it made for an uncomfortable afternoon in the office. As an outcome it was decided to consider the alternative of an evening function and Stuart and Doug set out to find suitable premises.
The result was the first of the organised Reunions. It was held at the "George" George Court, Charing Cross on 14th December, 1971. 35 attended for a sit down meal with a humorous address by the notable Alan Simpson.
During the subsequent years Reunions have been held at a number of venues:-
Nation Liberal Club, Whitehall, "Ship & Shovel" Charing Cross, "Cheshire Cheese" Little Essex Street, "Aristocrat" off Baker Street and RFU Twickenham (Rugby Club 50th Anniversary).
To these has been added a new venue "The Theodore Bullfrog Public House" Charing Cross, arranged by Colin Chapman. It provides comfortable facilities for the increase in numbers attending.
Separately an attempt was made to hold a Reunion for those who had attended the Girls/Boys grammar Schools. This was an impressive enterprise undertaken by Arthur Freakes with assistance from Ron Mead and Doug Morris.
The first took place in April 1981 and was held at the Worman Trust Sports Club, Hayes, Kent. The same venue was used for the following year. Further gatherings were held from 1983/1987 at the Merton Hall, South Wimlbledon.
On two occasions attendance exceeded over two hundred. Unfortunatley the administration became too demanding to be effectively undertaken..
During the intervening years there have been other select meetings:-
Cricket matches, Weddings, Birthdays and still ongoing WAG's(Wives &Girlfriends), FoB (Friends of Brian Hewson).
On 16.10.16 the WAGs gathering was at the original 2000 venue "Derby Arms" Epsom Downs.
In between time, other venues have been the "Park Place" Beefeater Mitcham, "Mill House Harvester Mitcham and Mitcham Golf Club.
Clearly the fraternal spirit reflects the bonhomie induced at the respective Grammar Schools.
DHM E & O E
Tribute to Arthur Freakes
Arthur Freakes masterminded the joint (Boys and Girls) Reunions in the 1980s and organised the arrangements. The OM addresses were supplied from Doug Morris's trusty card index which he still has today. Arthur went to great lengths to obtain OMG addresses. In addition to sourcing the venues and circulating the event he provided the catering. He undertook the cooking with the assistance of local friends. All this while running a car hire business, including vintage cars for filming. He took part in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Rally in we believe, a Panhasar. Ron Mead and Doug Morris helped out on the night. Unfortuanately, it became overwhelming for one person and the event came to an end. Bearing in mind that both School were still ongoing and the potential for growth was enormous.
