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Old Berkhamstedian's Dinner
After the moving chapel service for JAD and Mary Rose Farley, most people moved to Deans’ Hall for the OB’s dinner. A total of 83 people sat down for the dinner, which was the largest attendance for many years. Everyone was able to see the new-look Deans’ Hall in all its splendour, very different from when I was at school in the 60s, and the mezzanine floor did not even exist.
It was great to catch up with old friends over pre-dinner drinks and then sit down to a splendid three-course meal. The wine flowed, as did the conversation, with lots of laughs on the way. Keith Goddard (Ad ’62) had turned wooden bowls and other items from the old Acacia tree that had stood in Gravel Quad. These were on sale beforehand and made £734. They were part of the raffle prizes as well, and the raffle made £500. The bulk of this money has gone towards the renovation of Sister Cottingham’s gravestone.
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When we were all replete it was time for the speeches, but these were not the usual rambling sort. Brigitta Case (née Norris, NS ’80), the OB President, called John Rush (Sw ’59) up to the microphone, much to his surprise. John was first mentioned in the minutes of the Committee Meetings on 15th March 1979 and has served diligently, almost without interruption, ever since. He is now retiring from the Committee as Treasurer, and Brigitta presented him with a book which has every front page of the Daily Telegraph from that momentous day until now.
Liz Richardson, Headteacher, Berkhamsted Girls, made an interesting and moving speech about her time at the school. She talked about all the great times she had experienced, particularly in her relations with the pupils.
The evening concluded with long goodbyes and promises to keep in touch.
Peter Willson (Co ’66)
