On Friday 17th October, Old Malvernians from the Class of 1985 gathered at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in Knightsbridge, London, to celebrate an incredible milestone: 40 years since they left Malvern.
Organised by Patrick Latchford (8.80-85), the evening gathered together 47 OMs, many of whom had not seen each other since school.
The evening was a relaxed affair, allowing the old boys to reconnect over drinks and canapés, with reminiscing, laughter and stories flowing freely throughout the night. “I think it is fair to say that within minutes of everyone assembling, and if the din and laughter was an indicator, 40 years evaporated and it could have been a social we might have had ‘uptown’ in Malvern all those years ago”, Patrick told us.
As well as people travelling from all parts of the UK, two OMs came from the US, two from Brazil and one from Ethiopia, and Patrick reliably informs us there were at least 20 others that wanted to be there but could not make the evening. Every house was represented though Brian Rusling shouldered the sole responsibility for School House! With such an excellent turnout, and the Malvernian Society proudly supported the evening, this event really demonstrated the strength of the Old Malvernian community and the lifelong friendships formed at the College.
Patrick continuted: “I’m pleased to say that another reunion of some of our group is already on the cards as, Tim Coles and Richard Delingpole, have reignited a grudge match, long dormant, of whom would be the victor of ‘The Ledder’ (that muddy test of endurance) and there are a number of others that intend to race next year. I can also confirm that this isn’t a ‘drinks biased’ challenge as the talk continues on the group in the cold light of day. For all those interested, Tim Coles has appointed and backed himself as chief coordinator and favourite!”
Here’s to many more reunions for the Class of ’85 and we can’t wait to see who does win the Ledbury Run challenge next year!
If you are planning a reunion for your year group, please get in touch with us to see how the Malvernian Society can support you.
Thank you to Edmund Blok (8.80-85) for the photographs.
Photos:
No.1: Craig Sharp, Richard Duerr, Stephen Wilkinson, Tim Duerr, Anthony Rissbrook
No.2: Michael Allen, Jason Courage, Steve Dowson, Dave Temple-Morris
No.3: Chris Smart, Robert Ellison, Robert Buckland
No.4: Charlie Collings, Simon Shaw, Nick Pritchard-Gordon, Sean Brickell, Tom Brough
No.5: Duncan Ferguson, Mark Lechmere, Will Dawe
No.6: Martin ‘Nils’ Pratley, Simeon Duckworth, Tim Coles, Ed Brown, Craig Newman, James Loweth, Hugh Ryecroft
No.7: Angus Whiteman, John Barker, Duncan Southall, Kumaran Ramanathan
No.8: Back row: Jonathan Beecham, Christian Arntsen, Patrick Latchford, Paul Reynolds, Giles Foden, David Morris, Roger Downey, Rupert Carter. Front row: Edmund Blok, Mark Hayter, Kim Scott-Clark, Steve Fox-Hulme
No.9: Simon Crawley-Boevey, Dick Delingpole
SH: Brian Rusling
Full group
This was a fabulous event. Patrick Latchford did an amazing job of putting it together, staring with an email invitation to join a WhatsApp Group (yeah, I know… do you really need to be part of another one of those?…but trust me, it works) and then gently nudging everyone into action. These things don’t just fall into place on their own. Motivating people who in most cases haven’t had any contact with each other for 40 years is not easy. And I think a lot us there went through the same thought process: “Do I really want to see THAT LOT again? What do I have in common with them any more? Will I even recognise anyone, or they me?” Needless to say all these misgivings melt away in minutes. 40 years has been long enough to turn us all into fairly decent human beings. A drink or two helps peel back the years, making you realise that our time spent together at Malvern is easily enough to have in common with each other despite radically different life experiences since then.
Getting half of our entire year together was an amazing achievement. Thanks Ed and Kim for the brilliant event photographs, and thanks so much to the Malvernian Society for supporting this gathering.
Congratulations for all that make effort to be together ! Ana
Great job Patrick Rushford. An impressive turnout (wow! #8) Sorry I could not be there. Ed