Mini Reunions

The four Old Boltonians have been meeting regularly since the late 1980s when they found themselves all living in London. David and Henry go back to Form 3A2 in 1965-66 and all four were in the Sixth Form together in the late 1960s. The picture was taken by Rebecca Seddon (née Good, Class of 1973, Girls’ Division).

Standing (left to right): David Brookes, Harry Lane, Keith Washington, Robin Magee, Alan Nimmey, John Wright Seated (left to right): Tony Castledine, Ernie Marsh, David Allen, Robin Simmons, David Fielding, Glenn Sutton, John Shuttleworth, Mick Taylor, Ted Wood

“As in 2019 we gathered at the Ridgmont House, Horwich, an excellent venue ‘far from the madding crowd’, and enjoyed several hours renewing friendships and sharing memories whilst partaking of some superb food and a glass of wine or two! After a brief rest, most of us reconvened at the nearby Jolly Crofters to continue the celebrations into the evening. “After reuniting at the 2015 100/500 Year Anniversary Grand Reunion Day at School we pledged to hold biennial reunions – for as long as we could! Sadly, two of the original group have died: Alan Brookes and Lord Peter Smith. Sickness prevented some attending this year, moving house others, and David Gregory, who lives in Cape Town, was prevented by Covid-19 restrictions – luckily Alan and Aracelis Nimmey were able to travel from their home in Bordeaux. We were also pleased to welcome two special guests: former teacher and scoutmaster David Allen and his wife, Margaret. “Thank you to Robin Simmons for taking many superb photos, now on his website, and to Robin Magee for once again taking charge and organising the day. “We all now look forward to ‘Reunion-2023’ – God willing! If any readers of the same vintage would like to join those of us still able in two years’ time, please contact Robin Magee via the school Development Office.”

After School, Tim took up a Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship at the Royal Ordnance Factory in Blackburn, Tim (left) and Peter get reacquainted while Peter went on to the University of Liverpool. The pair last saw each other at School Sports Day in 1966 (Peter winning the 440 yards, 880 yards, and mile races) then lost touch owing to their diverse careers. Earlier this year, Tim mentioned Peter to his wife and she managed to find him on social media. The two old School mates made contact and arranged to meet up for lunch in Oxford. Tim says: “So, after 55 years, we got together again in May this year and chatted together for a few hours about what had happened to us both in the intervening years! A magical afternoon, with our wives meeting for the first time, along with my sister, Rosalind, who was also at Bolton School and knew Peter back in the 1960s. We have met up again since then and have promised to keep in touch.”