The Final Penrith Reunion

The latest reunion of Old Novos who were evacuated to Penrith during the Second World War was held in Penrith between 1st and 3rd September 2009. The reunion, held 70 years to the day after the beginning of the evacuation, was a most enjoyable occasion when men, now in their late seventies and eighties, looked back on those days of long ago when we were uprooted from home and the school to what, for most, was a completely new and strange environment.

Our three days consisted of a low key gathering at The George Hotel on the evening of 1st September. The following day an old open top bus was hired which took a party to Keswick in what proved to be somewhat inclement weather with consequent crowding on the lower deck. Several of the party enjoyed a boat trip on Derwentwater whilst others preferred to remain in the town and sample its attractions. On the evening of 2nd September the highlight of the reunion was a dinner held at the George Hotel attended by some 45 former evacuees and 30 of their ladies. Here old friendships were renewed and reminiscences of our days in Cumberland were revived and relived. One of our guests was the present headmaster of the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School who invited us to visit the school. It was sad that Dr Trafford, the headmaster of RGS was unable to join us; however Michael Barlow, the president of the Old Novocastrians’ Association attended. Many among our number took the opportunity to visit old haunts such as the hostels where they stayed, several of which are now residential care homes. One wonders how many of us will return to our former residences for a second story. Others went out to the lakes and hills where so many of our free time expeditions took us. The Beacon Pike which stood out so clearly above the town during the 1940’s has now all but disappeared surrounded by 70 years growth of trees. All that remains of Lowther Castle is a roofless shell. The town has expanded in all directions and new industrial and residential estates are on every part of its periphery. Christ Church Parish Rooms where classes were held is now the Freemasons Hall, and the whole area is served by the M6 motorway. However, the core Penrith which we knew during our stay is still there and makes any visit a memorable and rewarding experience.

The reunion, as the previous ones since the fifty year gathering in 1989 was very effectively organised by Geoffrey Orde (40-49) to whom we must record our most grateful thanks. He is determined not to organise another. The depredations of time ensure that the numbers grow smaller on each occasion. No doubt individuals passing that way will relive their memories, but I think that seventy years is probably a good time to draw a line under Penrith.

S G Ashman (41-52)

Pictures published with kind permission of Derek Horn. ©Derek Horn. Donald Gascoigne (36-46) writes: On the Wednesday of the reunion Geoff Orde (40-49) (or Geoff “Awde” as reported in The Cumberland and Westmorland Gazette) had arranged a coach trip to Keswick, followed by sailing on Derwentwater. The weather was disappointing but that did not dampen our enthusiasm, even sitting on the foredeck and not in the cabin, where the less hardy sat. In the evening we very much enjoyed the dinner at the George Hotel, with many old boys and wives being present.

On Thursday a few were up early for breakfast; others had too much of the hard stuff, or were just tired out. For once, Bill Weeks (35-44) was talkative, not as on the last occasion when he stood alone at the bar. Do not be offended by this remark, Bill!

Finally, we cannot thank Geoff enough for the hard work he has put in over the years arranging these events. Sorry it is to be definitely the last he will organise – his words. We must also think of Anne his wife, long suffering and uncomplaining, who sits quietly in the background.