Thought I would write you a report of the Old Harlovians reunion which took place at the church on June 8th.

I arranged to meet my first school pal from Harlow, Brinsley Robert Gear (who left in 1961) in Harlow on Sat at noon by the lych gate. Bryn didn't fancy coming to the reunion as it was a suit do (not into suits are you Bryn?). I hadn't seen Bryn since 1963 when he came back to visit. We had been pals from 1956 to when he left in 1961, but kept in touch up until about 65.

I arrrived early and was hanging around and rang Bryn on his mobile. "Where are you?" I said. "I think I am standing behind you across the road!" Came the reply. I turned round and there he was - (weren't you Bryn!). I must say you have looked after yourself a lot better than I have Bryn!

The years rolled back and we spent a most enjoyable afternoon, talking over old memories and looking at family & school photos. We wandered round the estate (where our school used to be) and found that the hedgerow which ran alongside the top field was still in place, together with several trees, (including the one which used to be in Dick's garden). These gave us our bearings and our imagination did the rest.

Thanks for coming Bryn and making my day a great one.

Bryn and I parted company about 5pm. Bryn had to head off back to Swindon. I went to the hotel (The Green Man) down through the High Street past Marigolds playing fields. There was a message waiting for me. Mr Philip Alexander will meet you in the bar. I went in to the bar and looked around, then saw this vaguely familiar person playing the fruit machine. That was it. Family sized gin and tonics and whiskies.

After about 3 family size G & T's Chris McCready rolls up (all his red hair now snow white !). More family size. Then we get ready and meet back in the bar at about 6:45 pm. More family size. We then spied several people who we thought much older than us, but who had the same ties on so we presumed they must be Old Boys too. Intros all round, then off up to the church for the do.

It was great to see that all the school silverware had been kept (the Victor Ludorum etc). Also loads of old school photos. Chris is in the process of setting up a web page and when he does we will let you know the address and we can have our very own site!!

We were very much the younger era, although there were a few there who I remember other than Phil & Chris. Keith Warder (good runner). Ed "the Ted" Cheshire, Norman Jackson, Robin Lemale-Fawssett, Michael Dyke and Richard Baldry. One chap, Bill Billings actually knew McCready's dad from the RAF, which was an amazing coincidence. He was good, old Bill (he stayed up drinking till the end!)

At one point some chap said to me "Hugh Jones, I don't remember you." I looked at his badge, he left in 1946, the year before I was born! - No wonder mate!

I had a rather interesting conversation late on with Robin Lemale-Fawssett. It went something like this:-
Robin: "What's your name then?"
Me: "Hugh Jones"
R: "Where you from?"
M: "Liverpool"
R: "I knew a Hugh Jones from Liverpool, wanted to be a journalist."
M: "Yes that's me, I wanted to be a journalist."
R: "No, this guy was from Liverpool."
M: "Yes, that's me - Hugh Jones from Liverpool, wanted to be a journalist."
R: "Do you remember my Mother?"
M: "Pardon?"
R: "We took you across London once, didn't we?"
M: "Sorry, I can't remember that."
R: "Surely you remember my Mother, blonde hair, quite good looking."
M: "??????" " How many have you had mate?"

And then the conversation almost started all over again. Thanks for rescuing me Chris!

All too soon the official dinner was over and people were saying their goodbyes. Not so the intrepid trio:- Jones, Alexander & McCready (the JAM boys). We gathered up our unfinished wine and whisky and made off back to the Green Man where about 10 Old Harlovians were staying. Then the drinking started in earnest (didn't it Phil??)

Chris, Bill Billing and I finally gave in at 3:45 am. Phil went up a little earlier having had sufficient of the grape and grain to start a vineyard and farmyard with!

The next morning I was determined to have a cooked breakfast and managed to get downstairs at about 9am. Some of the older boys were there (including a very seedy Bill Billing), but wait! Where were Chris and Phil? - Nowhere to be seen!!

Phil eventually staggered down (after they had finished serving breakfast of course). We had copious amounts of iced water and black coffees to calm the trembling hands, together with numerous cigarettes and trying to remember when we had fallen over and what had actually happened the night before. Why did you give those Spanish people so much of (y)our whisky Phil?

Well McCready had to be telephoned in his room at about 11 am. "Wha - what time is it?" "Oh my God 11am!!" "Ive missed breakfast haven't I?" "I'm starving." "I'll have a shower and be down in 10 minutes."

Three very shaky people, (but at least I have been fed!) set off in search of food. Unlucky. It is Old Harlow and it is Sunday morning and the locals don't seem to want to feed visitors. We went in to 3 pubs, The Crown, The Marquis of Granby and the good old Chequers. None of the buggers had any food. We were all still over the limit from the night before so we had to have Lime juice & soda and diet cokes until we were fit to drive home.

All in all, A thoroughly good time was had by all. I know I enjoyed it and thanks for your company, Bryn, Phil and Chris. The reunion next year is on 17th May. Those who can, please try and make it. It would be great to see any of you again.

Hope this raised a smile and brought back a memory or two.

Best wishes

Hugh