Penrith Reunion 2014: 70 Years On

Evacuated to Penrith 1 September 1939, Penrith evacuees reunited at The George Hotel, Penrith, September 2014

From L-R: John Coxon (41-47), Ian Alexander (36-45), Peter Burnett (39-49), Douglas Peacock (38-45), Peter Dickinson (39-48), Bryan Stevens (44-49), Brian Jones (42-48), Gordon Pringle (37-46), Jim Coulson (42-49), Graham Little (40-45), Howard Temperley (41-51), David Boll (48-49), Effie Smith (41-46), Chris Emmerson (36-47), Stanley Ashman (41-52), Derek Williams (39-48), Allan Jeffery (39-49), John Harrison (40-47), Brian Phillips (37-47), Eddie Dahlin (38-47), Bernard McStay (39-49)

By Bryan Stevens (44-49)

So the ‘Final Penrith Reunion’ of 2009 turned out not to be so final after all.Thanks mainly to the endeavours of Allan Jeffery (39-49) 21 of us, plus sundry camp followers, gathered at The George Hotel, that fine old hostelry, which reassuringly changes so little over the years, except that some find the stairs steeper than they need to be.

“Rather like 1939 all over again: no one knew what was going to happen next.”

Peter Burnett (39-49) Allan Jeffery (39-49)

There was only one ON from around this time: Dr Eddie Dahlin (38-47), whose first contact this was since leaving the school. Some of us carried on the Friday evening, and some the next morning. Rather like 1939 all over again: no one knew what was going to happen next, but after much collaboration we went our separate ways on Saturday, some to revisit old haunts or old contacts, some to take a cruise on Ullswater or Derwentwater, others apparently just to moon around. The weather couldn’t have been more idyllic and the inmemorial hills were just as we always picture them in memory, perfectly mirrored in the lake. Later we returned to ‘The George’ for group photographs (acknowledgments here to Howard Temperley (41-51)) dinner, and brief reminiscenses from Allan Jeffery and Peter Burnett (39-49). Allan, presumably under the influence of wine, nobly offered his services for yet another reunion, should there be a demand. There were murmers of appreciation, and a suggestion that 2015 might be a more realistic aim than 2019. When we dispersed on the Sunday it was with a palpable sense that it might not after all be for the last time. Nor will it be. Allan has already made a booking for Saturday 12 September 2015. “Bring it on”, as they say.

Meanwhile, the thanks of all of us to Allan for his initiative and his patience.