S
I watched everyone enjoying last Saturday's Reunion, I thought how
appropriate it was that David Jeans should have emphasised to us in the School
Chapel that the really important things in life are the things that last.
S
I watched everyone enjoying last Saturday's Reunion, I thought how
appropriate it was that David Jeans should have emphasised to us in the School
Chapel that the really important things in life are the things that last.
The sound of laughter and happy conversation that filled the Dining Room and the Assembly Hall surely left no-one in any doubt that the friendships made many years ago during schooldays at the Lewes County Grammar School for Boys are certainly among those things that last.
A good deal of work had been put into preparation for the Reunion and it was very rewarding for us that the whole programme should run so smoothly. Many commented on the delicious buffet lunch complemented by the cheerful and efficient bar service.
As before, the School Chapel was filled to capacity and, together with several old familiar hymns, 'Floreat Lewesia' was sung with great gusto! The service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance was led by Rev Dick Field and the address was given by Rev. David Jeans. The organ was played by David Cotton, whose skills ably demonstrated the quality of the instrument that has recently been fully refurbished using monies from the Memorial Chapel Fund. The retiring collection amounted to £1405 and a further generous donation from an Old Lewesian who wishes to remain anonymous is expected to double this amount thus enabling the Chapel Trustees to proceed with confidence to the next project that will see the altar drapes renewed in time for the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Chapel in 2010.
A large majority of those present welcomed the opportunity (offered by the Sussex Downs College) to make a nostalgic tour of the old Lewes County Grammar School buildings. Although these buildings will soon be demolished as part of the redevelopment plans of the Sussex Downs College, we now understand that demolition is now not expected to take place before 2010 - so there may yet be an opportunity for a second 'final' visit!
News of the appointment of Ivor Wycherley as the first President of the Old Lewesians Organisation was received with unanimous approval. For more years than he (or we!) care to remember, Ivor has been the principal motivator and organiser of all Old Lewesian activities. Without his work and enthusiasm it is unlikely that Old Lewesians would still be meeting together - in some cases - 70 years after they first met as schoolboys at the Lewes County Grammar School for Boys. The OLO could not have a more appropriate person to serve as President, an honour that is richly deserved.
[Editor: Note that Ivor is sporting his pre-war "Old Lewesians" blazer which he has lovingly preserved for the past seventy years. This is probably the only surviving example of its kind. Perhaps we should bring it back into fashion and wear it at future reunions! That would be sensational - what a spectacle!]
And so to the White Hart Hotel, where 97 diners enjoyed an excellent meal and listened to a host of colourful and amusing anecdotes about the LCGS delivered by several Old Lewesians representing those who attended the school during each of its four decades.
At close to 10.30 pm proceedings were brought to an end and another busy Reunion was over but - guess what? - it's only two years now before the Chapel celebrates its 50th birthday! So . . . shall we do it all again in 2010? Put your thoughts on the Reunion Forum.
John Davey
11th September 2008