1973 45th UK REUNION
Not howling wind nor torrential rain could keep the UK-based Class of 1973 from a braai to celebrate their 45th reunion
Class of 1973 - the UK cohort
As the road ahead shortens, there is an almost subconscious driver to increase the frequency of reunions from the usual decade gap, to something which more realistically reflects the best attendance of the surviving classmates.
Steve and Audrey Hofmeyr bravely and generously opened their beautiful home on Saturday September 22nd to nine of Steve's classmates with six wives/partners who now live in the UK - and Zandy Bicket and Cormac Petit who flew in especially from the USA and The Netherlands respectively to celebrate our 45th reunion.
The weather was as terrible as the collegiateness and hospitality was amazing. If you think it's only a boer who can make a plan, you've never been to Guildford, Surrey - or met Steve Hofmeyr. A variety of umbrellas and other colourful waterproof coverings, not all entirely fit for purpose, prevented the braai from flooding and the pre-lunch Castles and Windhoeks, biltong and boerewors kept ODs dry(ish) - or at least not conscious of the being wet.
The ageing process has not been that unkind and we managed without name tags. Noise levels increased steadily during the day and by the time we all left, there was agreement that maybe even a five-year gap is too long; not because of impending mortality, but why postpone the certain fun and happiness we all so much enjoyed for longer than necessary?
Those who attended and in the photo above:
Back: Zandy Bicket (School), Nicky Bicket (Founders), Ceu Esteves, Giles Arnold (School), Cenwein Wilson, Fiona Gibson, Anthony Gibson (School), Steve Hofmeyr (Ogilvie)
Middle: Marleen Harvey-Kelly, Charles Harvey-Kelly (Ogilvie), Michael Mills (School), Allan Gasson (School), Bruce Wilson (Gray)
Front: Audrey Hofmeyr, Rosemary Gasson and Cormac Petit (Ogilvie)
The SA-based 1973s celebrate at The Mitre on 14th December 2018.