Has it really been a year?
A group of 1972 starters pictured at last year’s reunion. Back row, left to right, Chris Miller, Ralph Clayton, John Arundel, John Battison, Steve Willis. Seated, left to right, Chris O’Neill, Mark Primarolo, Kevin Moynihan, Nick Panizzi, Andy Hafford
It’s hard to believe but it’s exactly one year since the launch of We Did Our Homework On the Bus when a few hundred old boys and girls of St Mary’s Grammar, St Joseph’s Convent and the amalgamated St Mary and St Joseph’s gathered at the old school on Chislehurst Road.
I know they say time flies but, really, where has that year gone?
It was a joyous occasion where many people who had not seen each other for years - more than 60 years in some cases - came together for a day of unashamed nostalgia.
Here are just some of the comments we received after the event: Only a year late!
“What a brilliant occasion. Well done to the team for organising the event with precision and delivering a memorable occasion.” (John Watson, 1964)
“Well done to everyone for putting on such a great show” (Mike Spink, 1971)
“Thank you for the event and the work done in helping bring back so many friends together.” (Paul Daly, 1971)
“Terrific day, splendid occasion - well done to all involved - and the crowning glory is, of course, the book” (Tom Ryall, 1954)
“Congratulations. The organisation and book production were brilliant. The turnout was quite extraordinary with people from far and wide. Absolutely fabulous.” (Dom Watson, 1968)
“Great evening. Everyone enjoyed themselves. Enjoying the book immensely.” (Jamie Burland 1971)
“Congratulations on such a great event. The book is a tour de force. Enjoying it immensely.” (John Hennessy, 1958)
“A massive thank you for organising such an incredible event. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting old friends, the nostalgia of reconnecting with the fabric of the building and the grounds through to learning so much more about St Mary’s history.” (Martin Sampayo, 1978)
“Congratulations on what was a fantastic day. It had a wonderful vibe that continued into the evening.” (Joe Brock 1973)
“Well done on a truly fantastic event. Both the book and the day were faultless.” (John Geraghty, 1968)
“Thank you very much for Saturday. Excellent organisation, great turnout and splendid cake!” (Martin Harrison, 1965)
“An excellent day that everyone should be proud of.” (Nick Panizzi 1972)
“I thoroughly enjoyed the whole gathering, laughed and smiled and sometimes just sat with some of my old friends, looked round the room and absorbed the moment.” (Michael Brown, 1973)
“It was an amazing event for all - really enjoyable.” (Tony Deans, 1970)
“Frances and I had a most enjoyable few hours at the book launch/reunion. The organisation was exemplary.” (Richard Henderson, 1958)
“A brilliant day and night.” (Kieran Morris, 1977)
“Thanks for such an amazing launch event. It all ran so smoothly, was constantly entertaining and stimulating. Gosh the memories and images it nourished.” (Cedric Sander 1958)
“The time just flew, chatting to classmates and to pupils older and younger.” (Ralph Raison, 1969)
“A belated but massive thank you for an excellent reunion afternoon and evening on Saturday. It was great to meet up with classmates I hadn’t seen for 50 years or so and chatting like it had only been last week.” (Graham Harvey-Browne, 1967)
“The absolute highlight of the year. Myself and Buck (John Hennessy) enjoyed it immensely.” (Mick O’Hara, 1958)
This is just a very small selection of the many emails received.
The committee which made it all happen and the year they joined: top row, left to right, Bert Moniz (1954), John Arundel (1972), Tony Walton (1977). Bottom row, left to right, Steve Willis (1972), Phil McCarthy (1970), Paul Geradine (1971)