Thornton A House Reunion 8th and 9th June 2001
Organised by: Barclay Hankin (27-36) Richard Swan (35-43) Roger Eades (53-61) Andrew Harding (58-65).
Thornton A House Photo 2001
Back: Tim Pavey, John Waring, Robin Kinloch, Michael Marland, Simon Pott, Spencer White, Bob Brindle, Clive Kerridge, Alistair Babbington
Middle 1: Chris Bruce-Jones, Hugh Tunbridge, Gerald Davies, Bob Bruford, Jonathan Osborne, Graham Jenkinson, Peter Lee-Wright, Peter Duff
Middle 2: John de Nordwall, Richard Theakston, Peter Ironmonger, Roger Eades, Jim McTurk, John Ironmonger, George Dearsley, George Spradbrow, Geoff Byham
Middle 3: Martin Steggalls, Alan Frost, Haylor Lass, Geoff Richards, Noel de Jongh, Julian Hastings, Charles Ellis, Nick Sebright, Rod Stuart
Middle 4: Andrew Harding, Ivor Jones, John Rose, Graham Dalziel, Roger Steggals
Front: Richard Swan, Michael Swan, John Page, Edward Timms, Peter Britton, George Shiells, Chris Bayley, Sydney Lightman, Dick Williams, Leonard Beeson, Robert Seeley, Barclay Hankin
Thornton A Marching in to Lunch
The Thornton A Reunion was held on the 8th and 9th of June 2001 and followed the successful format developed and supported by the Partnership Office.
Fifty six Old Blues, ranging from the 1930's through to the 1970's, together with 24 guests met up in the Thornton A dayroom at the beginning of a superbly enjoyable gathering. We were welcomed by the current Housemaster Sean O'Boyle and roll call was taken by Charlie Beringer, House Captain. (Some of us were thrown by Charlie's use of Christian names!)
There was plenty of memorabilia to review, letters to read from those unable to attend and we were pleased to welcome previous Housemasters Jack Page and Ron Lorrimer.
There were too many highlights of the day to mention here but I will focus on three; marching in to lunch, the tour of the House and Evensong in Chapel.
For Lunch Parade we were well drilled beforehand by Major Peter Britton who needed all of his army experience to get us into reasonable order. Marching through the Quad with the Band playing brought back memories to us all. The self-service lunch that followed was complimented as a great improvement on yesteryear.
The tour of the House was nostalgic for all. The dayroom was still recognisable with the same woodblock floor, some of the original tables and benches and the two corner studies now minus their open fireplaces. The lockers had, however, gone. Upstairs the dormitories and lavends were much changed with new levels of privacy and comfort.
Evensong was well attended and the Lessons read by Michael Marland and Spencer White. The singing by the Chamber Choir of Senior Pupils was greatly enjoyed and appreciated and our thanks go to Peter Allwood and his choristers.
The day ended with a reception followed by a most hospitable dinner in the Court Room.
Speaking for myself, and I am sure all other attendees, it was a day of great nostalgia, renewed friendships and many memories. Our special thanks go to the housemasters and boys for their hospitality and to Anne Sartain and the Partnership Office team for their excellent organisation.
Would any Thornton A Old Blues interested in attending an annual lunch please get in touch with Andrew Harding or the undersigned.
Roger Eades. Email him