Well, well - another eventful evening was had at St John's and then later at the Green Man - for some of us anyway. (More about the wimp later, who made trivial excuses about driving to France early next morning!!)

Having missed last year because of my Father's death at the great age of 92, I looked forward very much to my 2nd Old Harlovian's reunion.

On Friday, I e-mailed Roger Beck and wrote - "It's the reunion tomorrow are you coming or what?" Shortly after the phone rings and Roger is up for it.

I last saw Roger in 1970 at the christening of his son. We made contact a year or so ago through Friends Reunited on the HC site and had spoken several times on the telephone, but had not managed to meet up.

Several phone calls later and obtaining Michael Dyke's telephone number from Phil Alexander to pass to Roger and it was sorted, he was coming. Excellent! Chris McCready was on route from France and Phil had loaded his gallon bottle of whisky in his car and was on his way. Prospect of a very boozy evening indeed!

I arrived at the Green Man at about 3.30 p.m. and Phil Alexander and Mac (Calcutt?) were propping up the bar. A family size G&T was very soon despatched followed by a couple more. Better slow down or I will not be fit for the evening. We decided to take the booze up to the church to save lugging it up there later on, then changed out minds as I said I would drive us, ditch the car and pick it up next day.

We decided to go up anyway and had a wander round with Mac on the site of the old school, pointing out landmarks and reminiscing. Mac left in 1951 and was head boy at the school. He said to me "Where you there when I was?" Cheeky bugger, I was 4 when you left mate!! Mac also had a little difficulty in remembering how old he was. He went from about 63 to 70+ in 4 guesses. Anyway Mac, you looked great, however old you are!

Mac then went to buy some wine from an off licence and came out with a packet of fags. "I don't smoke, but what the hell!" (Smoked like a chimney all night.)

Back at the Green Man, McCready puts in his appearance, (more drink). Billing arrives (more drink). I decide to stop this drinking business and retire to my room for a shower etc.

I am in the middle of a phone call to Barbara (she who must be obeyed) and there is a hammering on the door and a familiar voice booming out "Open up Hugh Jones - Roger Beck here!!"

Both of us eyed each other over (there is considerably more to eye over for both of us than 34 years ago!) Yet behind the added bulk that the years (and excessive eating and drinking) had provided, there was the same Roger and, I think he saw the same Hugh. (It's true what they say - leopards don't change their spots do they!)

The years slipped away and it was like old times. Really great to see you Roger, let's make it an annual event until we are too old and daft to recognise each other!

I had taken a family size G & T to the room and was delighted to give it to Roger whilst I finished getting ready, I think that may have been the G & T that would have pushed me over the edge!

Down to the bar and then another pleasant surprise, Chris Dadson turned up, looking exactly the same as I remembered him. Well how could he after nearly 40 years? But he did. I had thought that Chris was joining us for the evening, but only learned later that he had another engagement that evening, but had driven some 50 miles just to say hello. Thanks Chris, it was great to see you, if only for a few minutes. I hope you will be able to make it next year!

Shortly, we were off to St John's. I had offered Mac a lift, but could I find him? Anyway, we eventually left without him. I had his booze in the boot so I thought I would be a bottle to the good if he failed to show. No such luck. He was waiting for us at St. John's. Got a lift with someone else. Cheers Mac.

Prior to the dinner and to saying grace, a short silence was observed for those Old Harlovians who had fallen in the two world wars*, which I personally think should be observed annually. For it was their sacrifice that gave us our heritage.

Enough solemnity - back to the event. The service was good, the food excellent, the company superb and the drink was plentiful. The stories ebbed and flowed. The smokers amongst us made repeated trips to the churchyard and more stories passed back and forth.

Gentlemen, I apologise - too much wine, beer and gin had passed through my brain and bladder for me to remember any of them. Please send to the webmaster any that you can remember. I think Chris McCready is working on a message board for the site, so we can add our own offerings for all to see.

I would just like to iterate my personal thanks to Chris McCready for his efforts in creating and maintaining the Old Harlovians website. Please make as much use of it as you can and send photos, reports and amusing stories. The school will only last as long as we remember it. Our lives are made of memories. Please share them. Well only the ones that won't get you arrested!

Our thanks must also go to all of the committee for organising a great event and for all their hard work. The AGM was ably conducted as ever, by Roger Pyle and assisted by Michael and Tony with their usual professionalism. There were a few comments by one of the more awkward members of the ensemble relating to the dates of the reunion. It was duly settled and status quo was maintained. Alternate months were settled on. See you on May 21st next year.

Roger then asked all former head boys to stand - and quite a few did. Congratulations to those who did. (Including you Mac)

Then Roger asked that all those who had 6 from Dick stand up. Most of the room did! Except you McCready - you always were a goody two shoes, apart from your sexual fantasies with that photo of Hayley Mills that you kept under your mattress! (Hayley Mills! - I ask you.)

Anyway. All too soon the evening came to a premature end at St John's and it was time to say cheerio for another year. Not for the residents of the Green Man however and Roger Beck, who had arranged to stay at his sister Sally's in Woodford.

We all wandered off back to the Green Man laden with un-consumed alcohol for more partying. A certain Mr William Billing informed us that he had to travel to France in the morning and had to go straight to bed. None of us believed him, but blow me down, he went straight up the wooden hill. William Wimping is his new name. 2 years ago, he and I were the last men standing.

There was a party in progress for someone's 80th birthday. At this point your attention is drawn to the photograph that has Louisa from Loughton, sat on McCready's knee - I think it was his knee.

Mac was not long up before he retired for the evening leaving myself, the two Rogers - Beck and Brickwood, Phil Alexander and Hayley Mills No. 1 fan Chris McCready to proceed to drink as much as we possibly could. Roger had arranged for his sister Sally to pick him up at 12.30. She duly arrived and stayed with us until 2.45 am. What a girl!

It all got a bit hazy after that. I was the only one who made breakfast from our gang. Bricky and McCready were staying down the road at another hotel, but failed to show next morning. Phil came down at about 10.15 a.m. having missed breakfast and then Roger turned up from Woodford and managed to sweet talk copious amounts of toast out of the kitchen staff who had stopped serving breakfast!

We then bumped into "Louisa from Loughton" and the son of the 80 year old birthday boy and had a good old chat with them, before we said our goodbyes. It's OK Chris, Amanda has nothing to fear, you were well behaved.

What a very pleasant weekend. Here's to next year.

See you on Saturday 21st May 2005.

* see In Memorium. webmaster