OB Reunion
Tuesday 10 May 2005

One of the best aspects of the informal London Drinks is that you never quite know who you’ll bump into. Sure, there are regulars like Matt McCabe (Hampden 1976-80), Nicholas Allan (Hampden 1970-75), Alex Bremer (Ryle 1979-83) - and Bob Soar (Durnford 1963-68) who made it even though he had to get back to Sheffield the same evening.

But when someone walks in and you just know they’re meant to be on the other side of the world, it does throw you a bit! Georgia Watts (Fenwick 1989-91) was a surprise addition to the group, having sworn everyone who knew she was in the UK to secrecy. She was on a brief trip home from New Zealand where she is working as a designer and photographer. Also representing the 1991 vintage were Nina Humphries (Fenwick), Bruce Josyfon (Leconfield) and Ayan Panja (Hampden).

Among other first timers at London Drinks were Clive Hall (Aldrich/Ryle 1976-81) who is the OBA Squash Rep (keen squash players please get in touch!) and Graham Macfarlane (Bristol 1973-8). Tim Loadsman (Leconfield 1951-57) is Secretary of the OBA and made a day of it in London and we were pleased to have him join us. Rachel Smith (Fenwick 1998-90) had to depart after a brief stay as she was due to make the first of two major appearances in the Brighton Festival the following day.

Absent friends were also remembered – the Manager of The International brought in a fax from Bill Kerr (Chichester 1971-73) apologising for not being able to join us but inviting contemporaries to get in touch. If you remember Bill, who is now based in Seaford and works in publishing, please get in touch by email: K1919btopenworld.com – I’m sure he would be pleased to hear from you!

I am grateful to everyone who continues to support these informal gatherings and remind others who have not been for a while or have never been at all, that you are always welcome. So too are spouses, partners, friends, colleagues... the emphasis is on informality, socialising and networking. I hope to see more new and familiar faces at our next gathering at the same venue on Tuesday 11 October.

David Gold, OBA President
School House 1986-1991

More information available from Fiona in the OB office or David Gold by email: dgold@brightoncollege.net.