Well, we did it! On 26 May 2009 a group of rather excited but apprehensive former class members met for the first time in forty five years in some cases and forty seven in others. We met at the Brent House Restaurant on a bright and sunny day. It was somewhat emotional as we all surreptitiously eyed each other to try to make out what the passage of time had done. Some were instantly recognisable and others so as soon as they spoke and all felt the years roll away as we reminisced.

The routes people had taken to get there varied geographically. Ann Cox (nee Stevenson) had come the furthest - from Anglesey in North Wales. John Packer had travelled from Eye in Suffolk.  Sally Sheppard (nee Berrington) came with her husband, Gerald from East Sussex.  Tom Biss and Frances Hilson (nee Tyler) had made it from Plymouth and near Exeter respectively. Pam Slocombe (nee Sheppard) had driven from Wiltshire whilst David Jones and Victor Long had come (independently) from Portishead. The others had nearer journeys to travel in terms of mileage but all had long psychological distances.

Many had interesting lives to report. Pam Slocombe is now a published author of eight books and she kindly gave us all signed copies of her 'Mark a Somerset Moorland Village' - a detailed study of Mark from its earliest settlement. John Packer MBE was Chief Executive of Norfolk County Council until his retirement. Arthur Thompson started out as a trainee computer programmer and since then has had an interesting and varied career. Mainly computer industry based, he moved on to management and then ownership of his own companies in far flung places such as Romania and Taiwan prior to retirement. He also owned a kit car company.  Chris Duckett is a successful farmer and renowned Somerset cheese maker. Jeni Skidmore (nee Grimstead) started as a florist and then went on to own and run Stone Allerton Post Office. Victor Long owns and runs a pub, The Ship, which he built himself.  Daphne Ireland (nee Hain) had been the long serving secretary at Kings of Wessex School. David Jones retired as an inspector in the Bristol Police Force with responsibility for organising the policing of major events such as Glastonbury Festival. Tom Biss, after having a life in management in industry, was a Senior Lecturer in Business Studies at Plymouth Business School which is part of Plymouth University. Sally James (nee Bird) owns and runs a large caravan site at Berrow and Brean. 

We had all raised families and contributed in various and unsung ways to local communities. Some have had sadness and emerged stronger, some are undergoing sadness currently but all made it to an event that delighted and gave food for thought.

I have attached a group photo which we took after our lunch. I have added the names to aid identification!

Sally Sheppard, 22 June 2009

Brent House Reunion, 2009

Once again a very enjoyable reunion was attended by around 100 Old Sexonians on July 6th. Sadly,this was the last reunion to be organised by Ann and Shirley and, on behalf of all those who have ever attended one of their well organised events, I would like to say a great big 'Thank You' for all the work they've both put in to making them a big success. Thankfully, Cynthia Dean and Daphne Ireland along with Jeni and Jackie Skidmore have volunteered to organise next year's event - many thanks to all four of you!  (Cynthia tells me that next year's event has already been booked for Monday, July 5th.)

Once again it was lovely to see Isobel Rendell attending at the ripe, young age of 102! She was presented with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers by Ann McLaren - we all look forward to seeing you next year, Miss Rendell.

Thank you to all those who brought in photos for me to copy and the odd magazine to summarise for the website. I was really quite glad to see fewer offerings this year as I actually had some time to speak to people! - I'm still hoping to see a good number of photos next year, please raid those old photo albums!

Cynthia Dean informed us of School Association money that was still left in bank accounts from the 1970's. At the time of writing efforts are being made to relieve the banks of this 'forgotten' money so it can be put to a good use. There will be an announcement on the Home Page when I hear any news.

Colin Mitchell, a pupil from the 50's turned up all the way from Australia and sent me the following photo, taken at the reunion, of members of the class of 1950. Colin was on a long tour of Europe and didn't intend to return to Oz until September. Colin doesn't seem to think he'll be visiting the UK again.