CLASS OF 1977 VIRTUAL REUNION

Following on from the ‘50 years after’ reunion in 2020, we continued the newly-annual Zoom call on 12th September 2021. This was for the cohort of ‘boys’ who started in 1970 (O levels ’75, A Levels ’77). Pleasingly, there were 16 of us this time - an increase on the previous year.

Those who could not make it in 2020, caught us up on what they had been doing for the 40 (plus) years since we all left WGS; careers, families and ups and downs. There were tales of business success, then failure, then recovery. Discovering art therapy, eco homes, dark skies and new ventures and projects. Reminiscences of drag acts, musicians from the 1980’s at the Lord Raglan, Blakenhall Cubs, smelly curtains at gang shows, and coming across an old boy dressed as Santa.

We speculated about those who we could not reach, talking about possible ways to contact them. We remembered those who have passed and listened to those who have faced significant personal challenges since we last caught up. There was talk of music, art, mathematics, science and fond reminiscing of the teachers who had inspired us. And, of course, the Wolves. It was a free flowing, yet very respectful and fun, chit chat (not much talking over each other!). It was as if we had only seen each other last week and were eager to hear each other’s stories. One OW even donned his school scarf and tie, in an unconventional manner, and read from the 1975 red book.

After almost two hours of friendship, amusement and irreverence, where everyone got a chance to speak, we resolved to convene again next year at 10am on Sunday September 11th 2022. I look forward to seeing them all again, plus hopefully a few more.

The ‘50 years after’ WhatsApp group remains open all year; some like to post, some like simply to observe. Whichever your preference, if you were in the same year group, please join by visiting the link below. We will post details in the group of how to join the Zoom meeting 2022: https://chat.whatsapp.com/ BZhdsCNSbyc9EQSPTTcCK8

Attendees: Mark Wheeler, Martin Ratcliffe, Nick Hough, Peter King, Martyn Russell, Chris Ball, Spike Humphrey, Tim Phillips, Andrew Tyler, Julian Hayward, Adam Fleet, Alan Wright, John Hyatt, Antony Hopkins, Steve Morris, Jon Rice.

Honourable mentions also to Paul Fabian and Phil Clarke, who have joined the WhatsApp group.

Martyn Russell (OW 1977)

It’s great to see a group of OWs reuniting each year and shows that WGS really is a community that continues beyond School. If you would like our help with organising a reunion, or in reaching out to your old classmates, please do get in touch.