In Dorset and Sussex - 29 June 2008

 

 

This was the third year in succession that four of my old school (Sherborne) tennis team have got together during Wimbledon fortnight.  This year, however, it started somewhat differently.  Gill lives near Wimbledon and Kate dropped me there as I’d sadly put my back out and she didn’t trust me with all my suitcases on the underground!  Lucky me!

 

Gill has held a number of positions on the School Board for many years and had to attend a meeting down at the school in Dorset the following day – the start of our reunion in Sussex – which meant that we’d be delayed.  We set off early, Gill attended her important meeting, and I was treated to a magnificent tour of the old school and a chance to catch up on all the things that have changed since I saw it last in 1960!  Many things have, and it’s very impressive.  Not much change to the school stage and the Greek motto though!

 

 

It’s very good to know that next year marks the occasion of a special reunion (Gaudy) at the school for the ten year period covering the departure of all four of us.  We’ve made a date to go together and to round up as many of our old friends as we can to make sure they come too!

 

At the end of a very full day, including playing tennis on ‘the Fronts’

 

 

where we played so many school matches all those years ago, we set off together to our reunion, this time at Pip and Mike’s house in Emsworth, the burial place of Sir Peter Blake.

 

By this time it was getting quite late but our wonderful hosts had waited patiently for us.  Mike was ready with the Pimms and, although Bub was unavoidably delayed, the usual reminiscences began and we had a fabulous evening.  Pip qualified at a cordon bleu college so we were treated to a wonderful dinner.  And the next day the sun came out so we had our beautiful breakfast al fresco. 

 

 

Bub duly arrived and we sorted through the old photos and took another one to show the passage of time although, looking at this healthy, sporting lot, we still look hard to beat – (by any four of the same vintage!).  And we set aside a bit of time to watch some tennis too!

 

 

The next day it was time for sad farewells – again – but we’ve already planned our reunion for next year so we can anticipate yet another great get together.