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Report on 2010 reunion at the
Sculpture Park
'Dude' I went to Bretton Hall in the
60's, what is your excuse?'
Click here for images of
the event (more to follow)
Well, we didn't set out to be a
reunion for 1966 to 72, but that's how it ended up, with
'drop outs' from other year groups because of their unease due
to not knowing enough other former students.
Unfortunate, but that is how it was. How to
rectify this situation will now be up for discussion, or
even, should we bother? My opinion is still that
we should be open to groups from all ages to be
sustainable. Time is running out for us kids from the
late 40's and 50's?
I'm back up in Tobermory again now, and
trying to pull together the strands of the last reunion.
I think a resounding success, by all accounts, and
certainly enjoyed by all.
The Friday night session in the Bull
at Midgely was attended by about 20 people and a
good evening was had by all. I think that for
those attending from a distance, this extra evening
makes the journey a bit more worthwhile. It also
allows a bit of time to settle in after travel.
Anyway, this will be on the itinerary for next year.
So, 7pm in the Bull on the 13th May 2011!
On Saturday afternoon, the staff from
the Sculpture Park took us around the exterior of some
of the buildings, with discussions about the building's
futures. They also took us into the Arts Education
Archive, which it is hoped to develop over the next few
years. A fascinating collection of work from quite
a large time scale. Images, click here
Interestingly, an Alumni from 1958 to 61 was also
meeting on that day, but just for a chat and a cuppa.
We invited them to join in on the afternoon session.
Hence, some rather older faces in the crowd (besides my
own) A visit was also made to Kennel Block, or the
KB Bar as it was known as by later groups.
This area holds very fond memories for almost all of us.
It was here that we had our folk club and dances.
It was here that we formed relationships and sometimes
succeeded, and other times not. For me, the sound
of 'Jet Plane' and a blond called Paula from another
year group came to mind. I was certainly not alone
in contemplation of the past. Enough of that
stuff!
During the rest of the day, groups
could be seen wandering around the lake, and sneaking
past the security guards located around the Mansion.
The evening session started at 7 with
drinks in the Sculpture Park Restaurant and the meal was
served at 8.30. We were pleased to see two of the
staff attending, in particular, Dr Alyn Davies, the
Principal of Bretton during our time, along with his
wonderful wife. They still look like we remember
them. How do they do that?
The meal was a 'hot fork buffet', but
the best one that I have ever had. No complaints
there, apart from John Wood, who wanted a real pudding,
not fresh fruit salad. Well, there is always one,
but I have to agree with him. Next year we will
fix that! Whilst on the John Wood subject,
one of the highlights of the evening was the after
dinner 'poetry' by John. A very interesting
observation was to watch our attendees to see who got to
the 'punch line' or the poem before John read it.
There really are some twisted minds out there!
John has published two books of his poetry, which I can
thoroughly recommend, if, like me, you like a good laugh
at the human condition (all bits of it). I will
try and find out where to buy the books from. It
is now compulsory that John attends next year's event.
During the after meal session, Martin
Snow handed out some very fine 'T' Shirts (modelled
right) and some very useful key rings made from
Piano hammers. Martin is a 'top line' piano
restorer in Boston Mass. Thanks Martin! a
great thought dude! Come back again soon, and
don't forget the wife! I won't. Musical
interludes were provided by Rich Keys, John Stones, John
Tudor, my pal Bob from Australia and myself. The
lack of a sound system will need to be addressed next year, as
the acoustics were really difficult. John Stones has
offered a small P.A. and mic next time. If that
fails, we will get a bigger system, and so on.
Hopefully also, some of the people who can perform and
missed this year will attend. No excuses next time
Ric!
Finally, I forgot to do Wilde Mountain
Tyme---so very sorry! Jill Bury has the
responsibility of reminding me!
Thanks to Moira Long and Dianne for
their help in organising the event!
Hope to have others involved in the
admin next time. Hopefully, Sue Gidman (Batchelor),
who was involved with the big reunion of 1988
If you have a further report to add to
this, then please do so?
See you all next year!
Images from
2010 |
Notices
Click images to enlarge
I will wear nothing else
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