The 60s Group History
Thursday 18 July 2024 - Despite some worries about if enough people would attend the event this year, a sunny day welcomed 33 Old Boys to The Castle for our 2024 event. However, this was the last one which Khalil will attempt to organise and much work was done by Pat Gibbon to arrange and organise the accommodation at The Castle and the afternnon buffet. Pat also arranged for a short visit to the mansion which was attended by many of the group. For the first time the group welcomed many more later era old boys many from tulk and so there were people from every era of the school from the ealy 1950s to the very end of the school. All agreed this was probably the best ever of the Summer Reunion events and was something that needed to be continued alongside the many smalleer groups of boys from specific times of the school.
Those who attended in 2024 included the following although there were also 6 people who are not named there - do you know who they were???
Michael Morley - OT410 West, Pat Gibbon - OT676 Tulk, Nick Roberts - OT695 North, Khalil Lawry - OT762 North, Roger Neill - OT790 North, Nicholas Bennette - OT830 Tulk, John Chapman - OT841 North, Chris King - OT908 , orth, Stephen Turner - OT922 North, Colin Blowers - OT947 North, Chris Blowers - OTT15 North, Dennis Pocock - OTT92 West, Marc Wadsworth - OTT166 Tulk, Tim Christopher - OTT186 Tulk, Graham Deane - OTT189 Tulk, Neil Harvey - OTT196 Tulk, Philip Kyte - OTT209 Tulk, Simon Wade - OTT230 Tulk, Clive Morris - OTT233 West, Nigel Arkieson - OTT240 North, Ian Govier - OTT255 North, Peter Wink - OTT298 Tulk, Anthony Mitchell - OTT329 North, Trevor Olney - OTT365 West, Derek Green - OTT487 Tulk, David Green - OTT511 Tulk, Roger Farmer - OTT652 East
Thursday 20th July 2023 - One again the group gathered for another day at The Castle and also a short visit to the Mansion organised by Khalil Lawry though his firends who are resident there. A great was day enjoyed by all but Khalil now having had a heart attack and working without thesupport of his good friend the late John Burrow, found the work and organisation of the event too stressfull and so has aked that more people to take the reins for future events.
Visit to the Mansion May 2022
Organised jointly by the late John Burrow and Khalil Lawry, our visit to the Mansion on 19 May proved to be a huge success.
Through interaction from our FaceBook page, the 1960s & 70 group managed to gain a huge amount of interest for the event from old boys, with a high proportion of those from the 1970s, a group that OSOBS has been trying hard to reach out to for many years with seemingly little success! We think the occasion proved to be a testament to the beliefs of John and Khalil that more could be done to attract later era people to social events, and the results from their dedication in arranging this event have proved them to be correct.
The day started at the The Castle in Ottershaw then moved to Ottershaw Park for a visit to the Mansion which had been facilitated by the residents Aya and Motoki Hirai who joined them for the afternoon. After the mansion visit the group returned to the Castle and were joined by Aya and Motoki and estate historian John Athersuch who now lives in the Bothy. Over a buffet and drinks, there was much reminiscing and several old acquaintances re-established with several people indicating they wanted to have more similar events in the future.
An interesting observation made by some of the younger attendees was that many of the later era old boys are still working and so mid-week events were far more problematic for them which is perhaps why they have not attended previous events! With this in mind a weekend event sometime in the future is being considered.
There is a large gallery of photos below of the group both at both The Castle in Ottershaw and also during their tour of the Mansion. Our thanks to Mark Toynbee, Jules Boag and all those who submitted the images to the Facebook page where they and many comments by those who attended are recorded and can be viewed from this link.
We need to thanks Ian Govier who after learning that John passed away so suddenly, stepped in to help with organisation and support.
Anyone interested in joining the group please visit the Facebook page or look on the OSOBS website for news and information about the group and activities.
Cromer 2021
Although our 2021 Cromer Weekend was again hit by CV19, it still went ahead and the following report has been written by Pat Gibbon:
After a long drive up from the centre of civilisation, taking care to avoid the old age pensioners who had ‘accidently’ super-glued themselves to the tarmac of the M27/M11 as you do), and traversed the ubiquitous road works on the M11, we drove into Cromer. This was third time we have visited this quaint Norfolk seaside town and it was looking splendid as it bathed peacefully in the late afternoon sun. Mrs G was driving in her white Hyundai and sped towards the White Horse Inn, she was forced to stop by the local traffic cop, a numpty in his flash high speed vehicle (See Picture). Accompanied by his fierce Police Dog, we feared for the hefty fine he might impose upon us, poor old folks. Our blood pressure immediately dropped to normal, as we realised who the driver was… yes, our very own Event Organiser, Khalil. He had driven at breathtaking speed to greet us.
After a glass or two of alcoholic beverage to settle our nerves, he invited us to his home to sample his culinary skills. 6.30pm saw us drive into his estate to be greeted by Khalil and his beautiful Zakhir, who proceeded to lick us to death. The menu consisted of avocado with salad and crab followed by a chicken casserole, mashed potatoes, carrot and petit pois peas, finishing with a chocolate gateaux and tech cream. As a host, I must admit, the boy did well and we had a great evening.
The following day, John Burrow and his delightful wife Julia arrived mid morning. Because both Khalil and John use walking sticks, they did not go with us. John last saw the 1940’s Festival 2 years ago and enjoyed it. This year was a scaled down due version due to Covid restrictions but next year, he is hoping it will be back to being the full-blown event. In the afternoon - John, Julie and Khalil drove the 10 miles to the Broads and took out a small boat, stopping at a local hostelry on route and had a dwink or three. Meanwhile, Mrs G and I drove to nearby Holt where the Sheringham 1940’s Festival was centred. We had a blast. (See Pictures). Upon arrival, we were greeted by staff whom had embraced the era. All were dressed in 1940’s civilian gear, We saw the steam train arrive at Holt station where hundreds of visitors were similarly attired in both military and civilian attire. In particular, the ladies looked stunning in wonderful frocks of the day, with hairstyles to match and amazing shoes. In a large field set aside, were forty odd military vehicles of every description, a Spitfire (See Picture) in great condition, gun emplacements, men and ladies in uniforms of the allied nations and scores of stalls selling vintage clothing. At the far end, a stage had been erected for the swing bands and singers like the Andrew Sisters singing wartime songs.
In the afternoon, we caught the Steam Train to Sheringham where more people dressed for the event. That evening, Khalil had booked us all into Lily Mai’s restaurant in Cromer. Another great meal and evening was spent.
The following day, Khalil, John and Julia had a full roast lunch where we were staying, at The White Horse in Cromer whilst Mrs G and myself visited the Cromer Amazona Zoo. We loved seeing the S.American animals… peccaries, otters, capuchins, spiders, snakes, flamingos, rheas, caimans, ocelot and tapirs, to name but a few. It was a shame several people had to cancel, being unable to make it due to conflicts with other engagements and changing circumstances.
Our thanks to Khalil for organising the event. It was wonderful to catch up with friends and thankfully; the unpredictable weather was in our favour. Khalil added: To add to Patrick’s description there are some valuable lessons learnt in organising such an event. To sort where folk may meet up for a drink and meal – giving everyone the chance do things alone or in smaller groups – make sure all know what is available locally etc. A good place for a Saturday evening gathering, meal and too again for a Sunday lunch. Patrick and Angelica did a number of visits - Holt – Sheringham – Cromer – the Zoo and an animal sanctuary. John, Julia and I were a little less energetic. When we met to eat – the laughter and chattering prevailed and all got on so well with a lot of teasing between we boys!
I sincerely hope once we learn to co-habit our planet with Covid next year’s event will be almost full-scale again and so much more to interest many as tourists. Couple that with meeting up with a number of ‘Old Boys’ and their spouses/partners for an evening get together and then lunch the next day before driving home. It really was an enjoyable weekend – cheers all for making it all so very positive ….. looking forward to seeing Julia and Angelica again xxx Pat looks lovely in his German costume!
See you next year!!!
Thursday 18 July 2019
Our group met up again for the tenth time. The weather was kind again allowing us to spend most of the time outside where we sat chatting for most of the afternoon. Although several regulars had already said they would not be able to attend, gratifyingly the numbers were swelled by an equal number of new faces Those attending were Graham Dean OTT189, Pat Gibbon OT676, Ewen Summers OT702, Malcolm Alison OT742, Khalil Lawry OT762, Nick Parsons OT771, Phil Atfield OT785, Roger Neill OT790, Josh Lovegrove OT812, Nicholas Benette OT830, David Smith OT831, Andre Scruton OT866, Terry Walker OT886, Brian Cockerill OT898, Stephen Turner OT922, John Young OT934, Colin Blowers OT947, Chris Blowers OTT15, Dennis Pocock OTT92, Peter Lewis OTT364 and Robin Eve OTT706. Alas missing from the event was one of our organisers, John Burrow who was in hospital. The members present signed a get well card for him. Thanks once again to OSOBS for paying for a splendid buffet during the afternoon and thanks also to John Burrow for providing attendees with caps and a small gift as a memento of the occasion.
Thursday 21 July 2010
The first meeting was quickly nicknamed "Oetts Boys" as all were from North House. We enjoyed a wonderfull summer afternoon and early evening chatting and recalling events of our school days and generally catching up with what we have all been doing since our school days. It was such good fun we decided to try and repeat the event on an annual basis. Those attending that first meeting are pictured below and were: Nick Parsons, Roger King, Khalil Lawry, Jonathan Lovegrove, David Turner, Nick Roberts and Gary King.
September 18-20 2020.
Alas our planned "Weekend in Cromer" event was almost wiped out by the Coronavirus restrictions. However, keeping to the rules, a few did manager to attend and although the main events in Cromer had been cancelled. Despite everything, those who manage to arrive enjoyed a great weekend, a report on which appears in the latest edition of The Gazette and on the 60s group Facebook page.
Thursday 16 July 2020.
Our meeting was in doubt almost from the onset of the year with the announcement of the Coronavius pandemic. It soon became clear that our normal venue would be ill suited due to to a social distancing issues and so an alternative was sought. Not knowing if we could actually have an event, our organisers Khalil Lawry and John Burrow set about looking for a place where social distancing would not be an issue, yet be within easy transport reach and have a car park. They decided on Peppone's Sicillian Restuarant just outside Farnham which offered ample space with indoor and outdoor facilities and so with fingers crossed they proceeded to make arrangements and email invitations sent out to all members of the group . Many boys registered their apologies for not coming with several being within the highly vulnerable categories yet in the event the following boys managed to attend Khalil Lawry, john Burrow, Trevor Olney, Stephen Turner, Chris Blowers, Rod Wheeler, Jim Roberts, Nick Bennett, John Young, Peter Mackie, Dennis Pocock, ,Peter White, Malcolm Alison, Gary King and Roger Neill who were all presented with new OSOBS baseball caps supplied by John Burrow. They reported the food and venue were perfect and a great time had by all - complete with a rendition of "My Boy Lollipop" from Millie Lawry - see video here!
Thursday July 15 2021.
This year our annual event was held again at Peppone's Sicillian Restuarant and was heavily subsidied by OSOBS. Despite the extended CV19 restrictions the reunion attracted many new faces - and not all from the 60s and 70s! We were joined by peole from the very earliest days of the school and many from the later times making this a true all Old Boys' event. OSOBS officials Malcolm Alison and Nick Bennet were was were thanked for the generousity of the sponsership by the event organisers. By the time the group photo was taken some people had already left so alas it is not a complete record of all those there although we now know those who attended were: Malcolm Alison and his partner Linda; Geoff Ashcroft; Philip and Nina Atfield; Nick Bennette; Chris Blowers; Colin Blowers; John Burrow; John Chapman; David Chrichton; Pat Gibbon; Malcolm and Joanne Goram; Ian Govier; Gary and Janet King; Khalil Lawry; Roger Neill; Trevor Olney; Angus and Elaine Palmer; Dennis Pocock; Nick Roberts; Rod Wheeler; John Young; and, finally, Stephen Turner and his wife Xiaoyu.
July 19th 2018
Saw yet another successfull meeting - again at the Castle in Ottershaw. The weather was really kind to us again and seven new people turned up. Some people started early with lunch at the pub and were quickly joined by many others making a total of 24 people in all - we think! Most went on a trip around Ottershaw park where outside what was once the gym and underground passage, several of us started talking about Graham Reynolds and recalling some of his mannerisms - at that time little knowing that he had died that very same day. At one point, three lucky members of our group, Ewen Summers, Richard Wilson and Pat Gibbon were spontaneously invited into the mansion by one of the residents. Pat recalls the following:
We entered through the main front doors, still impressive and walked up the marble staircase. It all looked grand. You will all probably remember Mr. Foot's or Mr. Dodd's Study at the top of the grand stairs, and the slow walk one had to make, and the wait outside his door, with your heart pounding, to eventually be allowed to enter before being belittled and punished for a serious misdemeanour. Those bloody stairs that I spent many hours during my House Duties in East House, French polishing and dusting it to pristine condition. We went up in the lift to the first floor but it was situated at the top of the stairs, turn left by the Headmaster's study and walk a few meters along the landing to our host's beautiful apartment. It was beautifully presented with modern opened planed kitchen, lounge and dining area and Oak Parquet Flooring throughout. Leading off this room, the doors opened up on to the balcony overlooking the formal gardens and a commanding view over the fields and trees towards Missen's Farm (now The McLaren Headquarters and Factory). Ewen Summers (former North House boy before being exiled and transported to the colonies, namely Tulk House, as I was. After enjoying the view, and with his big, beaming smile, he turned to his left and pointed out the window immediately to our left, as being the window to his dorm. We spent about 15 minutes with our charming lovely hostess whilst we quizzed her on her personal life and her life at Ottershaw, whilst relating a few school related experiences of our own. Just out of interest, she was wearing shoes with Killer Heals (please see picture). Knowing the prices of local apartments in historic surroundings, I estimate the property would cost over one and a half million with high maintenance costs too, a snip at the price!.
Those who attended included many regulars Nick Roberts, John Burrow, Khalil Lawry, Ewen Summers, John Young, Dennis Pocock, David Robertson, Stephen Turner, Pat Gibbon, Malcolm Alison, Nicholas Bennette, Josh Lovegrove and Byron Bogowski. -We also welcomed several new attenders including, Richard Wilson, Graham Deane, Roderick Wheeler, Roger Neill, Jim Pennington, Roy Pennington and Chris Blowers. However if we have missed anyone out, please let our IT manager know. Missing this year were David Turner and his wife Eleanor, who were some of our founder members - David having sadly died ealier in the year. Glasses were raised to his memory.
27th July 2017.
This time the event had been arranged by Khalil Lawry and John Burrow and attracted a record 22 people - of which four attended for the first time ever. The weather was not quite so kind to us as in previous year but it did not stop everyone having a great time. We were saddend about the death ealier in the year of one of our founder members, Roger King, and glasses were raised in his memory.
On July 15th 2016
We met for the seventh time - again at The Castle in Otteshaw. Those attending; John Chapman, Dudly Dixon, John Young, Stephen Turner, Kalil Lawry, John Burrow, Pat Gibbon, David Turner, Richard May, Josh Lovegrove, Andre Scruton and Colin Blowers. Arriving too late to be in the group photo was regular attendee Dennis Pocock. Also there was David Turner’s wife Eleanor and Josh’s two daughters Eva and Ana Lovegrove who had been forced to come along due to other family commitments back in Spain. Our thanks once again to John Burrow for arranging the venue and the food and to OCOBS for footing the bill for the buffet.
Friday 17th July 2015.
Our sixth meeting took place at The Castle in Ottershaw on - alas a number of our regulars were unable to attend but we did see several new faces and so our group eventually numbered 16 - a really good turnout Those there were John Young, David Robertson, Stephen Turner, Colin Blowers, John Chapman, Malcolm Alison, Khalil Lawrey, David Tuner and his wife Eleanor, Josh Lovegrove, John Burrow, Peter Mackey, Ricky May, Byron Bogowsky, Denis Pocock, Peter Gay, Andre Scruton and Pat Gibbon. Thanks to the OSOBS footing the bill, and John Burrow arranging things, we all enjoyed a buffet lunch and one again the weather was kind to us.
Thursday 17th July 2014
The fifth meeting was once again at The Castle in Ottershaw. This venue had been used two years ago and was regarded as highly suitable. Despite all our planning the day almost ended in disaster as there were so many delays on the motorways due to accidents that several people arrived more than an hour late and one was not able to get there until almost 6pm. Despite the delays, we all soon settled down to an afternoon of fun and chat. The day was perfect again – so most of our time was spend outside. We were lucky to have Graham Reynolds with us who although an old boy was not of our era but he was certainly a member of staff of our era. It was clear the he enjoyed the day immensely and many recalled the PE and Geography classes he took – he even brought along his copy of the “Sketch Map Geography” which so many of us remembered from our school days. He also brought some photos of various activities, some of which will appear soon in the Gazette and on the website. Our thanks must of course go to John Burrow for arranging sandwiches for us. Thanks also to those who arranged lifts etc for those unable to travel my themselves and to those who introduced more people to our group. Those who attended were: David. Turner(821). Ewen Summers(702), Nicholas Bennette(830), Roger Chesher(666),Malcolm Alison(742), John Chapman(841), Khalil Lawry(762), Brian Stahelin(819), John Burrow(749), Nick Roberts(695), Stephen Turner(922), Colin Blowers(947), David Robertson(590), Josh Lovegrove(812), Rick May(931), Graham Reynolds(47), Byron Bogawski(793) and Pat Gibbon ( 676).
Thursday July 19th 2013
Our fourth year several of our original people were unable to make it but several new faces arrived - those who turned out at the White Hart in Godstone were: Malcolm Alison, Peter Gay, Khalil Lawry, Stephen Turner, Byron Bogowski, Richard May, Colin Blowers, Pat Gibbon, Nick Roberts, Gary King, John Chapman, John Burrow, Nick Parsons, David Turner and his wife Eleanor, Roger King and myself, Josh Lovegrove.
Thursday July 19th 2012
By our third year our numbers had increased to include people from all houses and this particlar year we met at The Castle in Ottershaw. We also enjoyed a visit to the old school at the invitation of one of the residents at the mansion - those in the the picture below formed part of our group but some people did not arrive in time to visit the mansion but those who met up that year included: Malcolm Alison, Geoff Ashcroft, Nicholas Bennette, Colin Blowers, Byron Bogowski, John Burrow, John Chapman, Peter Gay, Gary King, Roger King, Khalil Lawry, Jonathan Lovegrove, Nick Roberts, David Robertson, John Shillito, Brian Stahelin, David Turner, Stephen Turner and Tony Walker.
Thursday 21 July 2011
In our second year we met again at the White Hart at Godstone and the following people pictured below attended: John Chapman OT 841, John Burrow OT 749, Roger Chesher OT 666, Roger King OT 882, Khalil Lawry OT 762, Nigel Coulson-Stevens OT 842, Nick Parsons OT 771, David Turner OT 821, Nick Roberts OT 695, David Smith OT 831 & Jonathan Lovegrove OT 812.