1949-'56 Reunion
Della Parker (Nixon), 1943-56
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
On Saturday 9th September 2023 we had a reunion of our year at CCHS. This year we are all 85 years old and Elspeth Griffin (James), our head girl, felt people were no longer afraid of Covid so it was worth having a go!
She drew up a list of 17 people with their phone numbers and email addresses for me to use. I decided on phone calls and had a really lovely time chatting to old (very old!) friends. Brenda Baker (Tomkin) added two more with whom she was in touch – Jennifer Burnett (Marsh) and Mavis – now Anne? (Jones).
​
The numbers accepting reached 15, which was marvellous, but I panicked! I had booked ‘The Cricketers’ at Eight Ash Green because the food is good, the car parking easy and it’s near the A12. I panicked, because once numbers reach 12, their menu choices have to be given in advance! I don’t know how to send attachments to a group! There was a huge choice of both main and lunch meals! My son saved me! (How grateful we are for the younger generations!) People’s choices came flowing in and with a few phone calls all was ready. Fourteen of us met together that Saturday! How is it that we feel so happy and relaxed with people we really only knew as children?
Our first reunion was at Greyfriars when we were all 60 years old and the building was an adult education college. Since then we’ve met a few times at ‘Beth Chattos’ and ‘The Harvester’!
​
Many old friends have died, some haven’t the mobility to travel, or the ability to drive – but we will try again next year!
​
Interestingly, 4 of us had been in the Pre, which was then fee-paying. However, when the 1944 Eduction Act came in, it became free, but no children entered, which made the year younger than us the last of the Pre. We did have to ‘pass’ the 11-plus to continue at CCHS.
​
Some of us re-visit Greyfriars for a meal or a coffee. Structurally, inside and out, it has hardly changed. Form rooms are now bedrooms and our Pre form room is now the bar!
​
So here’s to Saturday 14th September 2024! Hopefully we “Will Meet Again”.
​
​