Old Wymondhamians

Dear all,

The July OW 100 club draw was carried out on Wednesday 17th July 2024 at The Kings Head in Bawburgh.

This month’s winners were: -

Nick Robinson - £60 - resident of Leconfield – East Yorkshire [& Vice Chairman of the Old Wymondhamians!]

Melvyn Sims - £60 – Melvyn used to live in Wroxham but we know that he has moved but we have no details of where to!

If anyone can help in locating Melvyn, it would be greatly appreciated, in order that we can send him his winnings.

&

James Roberts - £30 - resident of Drayton, Norwich

Steve & I were joined by Neil Sparrow, Stephen Shurety, Clare Marshall [Cooke], John Herring, Geoff Lewis, William Trevethick, Colin Farrington, Sandra Howard, Joy Hetherington, Andy Bowcock, Eileen Wyatt [Pearson], Mike Hammond, Enid Stanbrook-Evans, Joanna Voelker [Bassingthwaighte], Jane Harvey [Bassingthwaighte] & making his debut, David Tilson.

David kindly carried out the draw for us.

The Kings Head had been alerted to our attendance and had reserved an area for us to congregate in.

As usual, it was a convivial evening gathering with different generations of Wycol Alumni finding lots in common.

_______________________________________________________________

The August OW 100 club draw will be held at The Star in Lessingham – NR12 0DN [twixt Happisburgh & Stalham] on Wednesday 28thAugust 2024 at 7.30pm.

Over the years we have been berated for not visiting our Wycol Alumni brethren located in North East Norfolk.

Hopefully this will help redress the balance & appease the “locals”!!

Take care all,

Phil Robinson – OW 100 club administrator

A glorious Norfolk summers day for our gathering at at the College yesterday. I hope everyone enjoyed the reunion as much as I did, and as always a big thank you to those who attended and also the hard working members of the committee who helped make this event such a success.
Geoff Lewis

From Phil Robinson

Dear all,

The June OW 100 STAR club draw was carried out on Friday 28th June 2024 at the OW Golf supper at Dunston Hall Hotel, Norwich.

This month’s winners were: -

Lorna Bailey [Stewart] - £500 – resident of Marlingford, Norwich

Bryan Newman - £250 – resident of Bishopsteignton, Teignmouth, Devon

&

James Roberts £100 - resident of Drayton, Norwich
Around 35 Alumni & partners were in attendance again and it was encouraging to see familiar faces from previous events all looking so well.

The draw was kindly carried out by Mike Herring.

Hopefully some photos will be forthcoming soon.


The July OW 100 Club draw will be held at The Kings Head in Bawburgh on Wednesday 17th July at 7.30pm.

www.kingsheadbawburgh.co.uk

This will be the pre-cursor to the BBQ & campus tour organised for the following day i.e. Thursday 18th July 2024.

For further details of the BBQ & Tour please contact Geoff Lewis - [email protected]


Take care all,

Phil Robinson – OW 100 club administrator
__________

ADVANCE NOTICE

The August OW 100 club draw will be held at The Star at Lessingham – NR12 0DN [twixt Happisburgh & Stalham] on Wednesday 28th August 2024 at 7.30pm.

Over the years we have been berated for not visiting our Wycol Alumni brethren located in North East Norfolk.
Hopefully this will help redress the balance & appease the “locals”!!

Country pub/ restaurant and B&B in Norfolk - The Kings Head Bawburgh 'Norfolk Dining Pub of The Year 2019'. 2 AA Rosettes. 4 AA Gold Stars for our B&B in Norfolk. 'Tastiest Food & Drink' & 'Community Pub Of The Year 2019'.

ROYAL NORFOLK SHOW
26/27June 2024

Wymondham College are delighted to be hosting a stand once again at the Royal Norfolk Show this year.
The weather is looking good for next week and would love you to come to their stand to meet the wonderful staff and Principal’s Council.
Talented musicians are lined up to play and numerous activities for children to get involved with.

There will be representatives from The Old Wymondhamians on the stand, so please swing by & come have a chat.

Sad news via Phil Robinson

Richard Watton

We have had this message from Caroline Harrison, who is in contact with Kris Watton (Richard's wife) to advise the following:-

I think that you probably already know that Richard has been really ill recently and passed away yesterday early morning (18th June).

There will be a small service at our local church and any of his friends from school would be very welcome to come, there is a big hotel near to the church in our village if anyone would like to stay, please let us know.

The date is 16th July at 2 pm.

Richard was in York from 1965-72, following which he had a long career in the RAF.
On retirement, he went to work for Panavia in Germany and settled near Munich.
He did attend a couple of small get togethers in North Norfolk a few years ago, and then sadly his health deteriorated.
If anyone wants to send a card, Caroline has the address and contact details.

REUNION REMINDER
Just to remind everyone, there is still plenty of time (and spaces) if you want to join us on 18th July. The 100 Club draw will be at the Kings Head, Bawburgh NR9 3LS on Wednesday 17th followed by the school tour and barbeque from 11.00 on the 18th starting at the College office (by the main entrance). All welcome, irrespective of the years you were at the College either as student or staff, bring your partner as well. Cost of the tour and barbeque is £20/head. Send me a PM or email [email protected] and I will provide payment details.

The May 2024 OW 100 club draw was carried out on Wednesday 29th May 2024 at The Kings Head in Norwich.

This month’s winners were: -

James Roberts – resident of Norwich- £60.00

Bob Rowell - resident of Matlock - £60.00

&

Alison Counsell [Birchall] – resident of Empingham, Rutland - £30.00

Steve & I were joined by Tony Lake – and that was it! So having had an almost record turnout in April, Tony was our only attendee this month……….
No matter as we found plenty to chat about as Tony has been a staunch supporter of the OW’s for many years and is a regular attendee at the OW Golf Day.

_________

The JUNE STAR Draw will be held on Friday 28th June 2024 at Dunston Hall Hotel on the outskirts of Norwich as part of the OW Golf Dinner.
If you wish to play or just join us for supper, please contact Bob Rowell - [email protected]
Our meal is served at 7pm and the draw takes place at the end of supper.

Hope to see some of you there.

Phil Robinson – OW 100 club administrator

OW College Tour & BBQ date – a note from Geoff Lewis

REUNION TOUR/BBQ REMINDER

I have finally got a price for the catering from the College for the reunion so we can now move forward and start collecting payments.

The cost this year is £20.00/head for the barbeque.
Sadly the College have decreed that we can neither sell nor consume alcohol on the premises this year (shades of our schooldays then!) but soft drinks will be available.

The 100 Club draw will be held at the Kings Head in Bawburgh on Wednesday 17th July at 7.30pm which will give people the opportunity to catch up over a drink

We will then meet at the College on Thursday 18th July at 11.00 for a College tour courtesy of John Mewse followed by the barbeque on Kett Lawn.

All OW's plus partners are welcome. Over the past couple of years we have had participants from a broad spectrum of years and be assured that, whatever era you were at the College, you will be made most welcome.

For payment details please initially contact me via email at [email protected].

Please note that the bank account details are different to those for previous events. This is due to shortened timescales & we have had to streamline the payment process.
So please do not make a payment using previously supplied details.

We look forward to seeing you in July

Geoff Lewis (1965/72)

From Claire Moore

From Phil Robinson

Dear all,

The April 2024 OW 100 club draw was carried out on Thursday 25th April 2024 at The Olde Windmill in Great Cressingham.

This month’s winners were: -

Aubrey Hammond – resident of Hethersett - £60.00

Carole Arnold – resident of Norwich - £60.00

&

Bob Brown – resident of Tavistock, Devon - £30.00

Steve & I were joined Sandra Howard; Jennie Foster [Clarke]; Steven Bishop; Simon Turtle; Beverly Sennett [Millard] & husband Richard; Guy & Lynne Pettit [Semmens]; Neil & Liz Bishop [Sasada]; Mike & Chris Glister (visiting from Canada); Chris Parnham &, making their debuts, Don & Pam Fulcher [1963-68] (from Leyland, Lancashire) + Clive [Burt] & Judy Lancaster [1961-1968] (visiting from Australia).

Don & Clive kindly carried out the draw for us.

It was interesting that five members of the College 1st XV from 1972/73 were in attendance!

Phil Robinson, Simon Turtle, Guy Pettit, Chris Parnham & Mike -

Only 51 years ago!!

The staff at The Old Windmill looked after us well & provided a separate room/conservatory where we could all spread out to continue our chats after some had partaken of supper in a more confined area.

_____________

The May OW 100 club draw will be held on Wednesday 29th May 2024at The Kings Head on Magdalen Street in Norwich at 7.30pm.

https://www.kingsheadnorwich.com/

The Colegate Car Park [NR3 1HS] looks to be the closest to the Kings Head for those driving into the city.

Hope to see some of you there.

Phil Robinson – OW 100 club administrator

__________________________________

JUNE – Friday 28th June 2024 at Dunston Hall Hotel on the outskirts of Norwich as part of the OW Golf Dinner.

If you wish to play or just join us for supper, please contact Bob Rowell - [email protected]

This will be the OW twice yearly STAR draw.

___________________________

OW College Tour & BBQ date – a note from Geoff Lewis

REUNION UPDATE

I have finally got a price for the catering from the College for the reunion so we can now move forward and start collecting payments.

The cost this year is £20.00/headfor the barbeque.

Sadly the College have decreed that we can neither sell nor consume alcohol on the premises this year (shades of our schooldays then!) but soft drinks will be available.

The 100 Club draw will be held at the Kings Head in Bawburgh on Wednesday 17th July at 7.30pm which will give people the opportunity to catch up over a drink

We will then meet at the College on Thursday 18th July at 11.00 for a College tour courtesy of John Mewse followed by the barbeque on Kett Lawn.

All OW's plus partners are welcome. Over the past couple of years we have had participants from a broad spectrum of years and be assured that, whatever era you were at the College, you will be made most welcome.

For payment details please initially contact me via email at [email protected].

Please note that the bank account details are different to those for previous events. This is due to shortened timescales & we have had to streamline the payment process.

So please do not make a payment using previously supplied details.

We look forward to seeing you in July

Geoff Lewis (1965/72)

Home page - Traditional Real Ale Pub - The Kings Head Norwich The Kings Head A Friendly traditonal Ale House offering an ever-changing selection of top quality ales from East Anglian Microbreweries.

From Geoff Lewis

REUNION UPDATE
I have finally got a price for the catering from the College for the reunion so we can now move forward and start collecting payments.
The cost this year is £20/head for the barbeque. Sadly the College have decreed that we can neither sell nor consume alcohol on the premises this year (shades of our schooldays then) but soft drinks will be available.
The 100 Club draw will be held at the Kings Head in Bawburgh on Wednesday 17th July which will give people the opportunity to catch up over a drink, and we will meet at the College on Thursday 18th at 11.00 for a College tour courtesy of John Mewse followed by the barbeque on Kett Lawn.
All OW's plus partners are welcome, over the past couple of years we have had participants from a broad spectrum of years and be assured that whatever era you were at the College you will be made most welcome.
For payment details please initially contact me via PM or email at [email protected]. Please note that the account details are different to previous events, as due to shortened timescales we have had to streamline the process so do not make a payment using previously supplied details.
We look forward to seeing you in July

We have just been informed of the sudden passing of Kate [Catherine] Hallett [nee Bowden] on 15th November 2023.
Kate was at Wycol from 1961 to 1967 & in Wi******er house and lived in Waterlooville, Hampshire.

From Geoff Lewis

REUNION/BARBEQUE JULY 18TH

I am pleased to announce that this year's reunion and barbeque will take place on Thursday 18th July at the College. All ex pupils and partners welcome, there are no stipulations on specific year groups nor anniversaries this year so please join us if you can. Further details to follow, but we will meet at 11.00 for a College tour followed by barbeque and general natter on Kett lawn. We will also tie this in with the 100 Club draw at a venue TBC on the night before with accommodation for the long range visitors.

Quiz night 8th March 2024 7pm
Wymondham College Prep School
Teams of 8 (organised by PSA)
More details below .
Open link to buy tickets .

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chilli-quiz-night-tickets-821215466567?aff=oddtdtcreator

From Gesa Beales

Dear Friends,
Thank you very much for your kind messages of support.
The service to celebrate John's life will be held at Isham Church, on Monday January 22nd, at 1.00.
(NN14 1H; parking is very limited; try Middle & South Street or the Lilacs PH, at the bottom of Church Street)
The wake will be held at Wellingborough Golf Club, NN9 5AD.
Please let me know whether you will join us for the latter, so that catering may be arranged; you are very welcome.

Regards,

Gesa and Family
[email protected]

From Adrian and Jonathan H***e

Anne’s Funeral will be held at Wymondham Abbey at 11am on Friday 19th January .
All welcome .

Sadly the start of the New Year doesn’t bring any better news…….

We have just received this from Kevin Ireland:-
It’s with great sadness that I write to report the death of my brother, Malcolm Ireland, on the last day of December 2023.

As those who knew him would testify, Malcolm was something of a force of nature. He attended Wymondham College from 1964-72. He was never much of an academic but had the distinction of playing rugby for the First 15 for four years, as well as gaining an England cap in his final year. The 1972 school annual report records:

“Ireland was, of course, an inspiration throughout; his skill, speed and aggression about the field were uncompromising and like all good captains he led his team from the front. His eventual award of an England Under 19s cap against Scotland was fully deserved…”.

Malcolm spent the majority of his working life in IT for a bank. After leaving Wymondham College he played rugby for Norwich, amongst other teams, and devoted considerable time to coaching. For many years after moving to London he volunteered as a scout master and enjoyed leading camping trips back to Norfolk.

His death was totally unexpected and followed a visit to the gym, indicating that he was feeling fine until his heart suddenly gave in. He was a loving family man and leaves his wife, Geraldine, and two children, now with their own families. He will be greatly missed by all of us.

Malcolm Ireland 1953 - 2023

There will be many from Salisbury house & the year groups above & below him that will be shocked & sadness by this news.
As Kevin says, “Malcolm was a “one off””..

Appended is the 1971/72 Wycol 1st XV of which Malcolm was captain.

1st XV 1971/72

More sad news I’m afraid.

We have just received this from John Beales wife, Gesa:-

My husband, John Beales, died early this morning. [Fri 29th Dec 2023].
He was a pupil at Wymondham College from 1952 until 1959 and learned to enjoy rugby and cricket under Mike Rees's tutelage.
His success at A-levels enabled him to study geology at Nottingham University and to take up a post as biology teacher, later Head of Department at Wellingborough School.
In later years he enjoyed many WC reunions, including annual golf games.

& this tribute from Mike Herring:-
John was in my year and house (East) when we joined WC in 1952. He was a good athlete, rugby player and cricketer. He became a teacher and in 2003 he joined myself and a few of my family on an Aussie tour to the rugby World Cup. My grandson, who was 11 at the time, still remembers him fondly because of the time he spent with him investigating the flora and fauna of Australia. It was partly John's influence that made him choose a career in biology after Uni.

A really nice guy and someone it was a pleasure to spend time with. We will miss him.

John was also a former Old Wymondhamian Committee member [as well as serving as Chairman].
As Gesa says, he regularly attended the OW Golf Days and appended is a photo from the 2017 event:-
http://wcremembered.co.uk/jpegs6/golf145.jpg
David Bligh – John Beales – Mike Herring

wcremembered.co.uk

We have just received the sad news of the passing of Anne H***e.
Her husband, Adrian, has written the following:-
I am very sorry and sad to let you know that my wife Anne H***e, former teacher and deputy housemistress, and joint president with me of the Old Wymondhamians, passed away at the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital on 23 December.
Anne came with me to the college in 1974 when I took up an appointment as head of history. She served the college between the late 1970s and 1994, teaching French, English and History part time, and later was given responsibility for special educational needs. As well as being a teacher at the college, she also served as a matron in Peel and Cavell, later becoming Cavell’s deputy housemistress when I was housemaster.
Most importantly Anne researched the story of the American Hospital that existed on the site of Wymondham College during World War Two – a story about which little was known when we joined the school in 1974. She collected many photos of the hospital, and this led to our writing and publishing a book ‘Wartime on a Country Estate 1943-45’ in 2020. During her research Anne contacted a number of former hospital personnel and their families, some of whom became friends and made the journey from the United States to visit the site.
She also provided text and photographs for the information boards which form part of the history trail around the college site, and for the chapel heritage centre.
A funeral notice will be posted in the Eastern Daily Press in due course.
Yours sincerely
Adrian H***e
Former Housemaster, Wymondham College
Joint President, Old Wymondhamians

I know how much time & effort that both Anne & Adrian put into recording the history of the Morley site – not just the Wymondham College element.

Very sad……..

From Phil Robinson

Some of you that know me know that, since full retirement, I have become a keen walker and, with a friend, have recently completed Peddars Way [Knettishall Heath/Thetford to Holme next Sea – 46 miles] & the Norfolk Coastal Path [the Hunstanton to Cromer part only – 46 miles].
These have been undertaken in stages varying from 6 to 12 miles [depending on my physical fitness at the time!].
Whilst walking solo the other day, I pondered whether there would be any interest in establishing some form of “Wycol Walkers/OW Ramblers” for those resident within Norfolk [&/or the surrounding counties]?
The idea would be for people to suggest walks in their locale [which would preferably be circular & end up at, or close to, a suitable hostelry!!].
My thoughts would be that these could be spring/summer/autumn events – maybe at monthly intervals for likeminded Wycol Alumni.
Just a thought at this time, but if you are interested, then please contact me.
Cheers,
Phil Robinson
[Salisbury/Fry 1966-73]

Dear all,

The December OW 100 club draw was carried out on Tuesday 5th December 2023 at The Queen of Iceni in Norwich.

This month’s STAR prize winners were: -

Heather Gill [Starck] – resident of Magdalen, King’s Lynn - £500

John Head - resident of Hethersett - £250

&

Dorothy Pymer [Mann] - resident of Dunholme, near Lincoln - £100

Heather was actually in attendance, so we were able to hand over the cheque in person [photo in comments ) – thus also saving a 2nd class stamp!!!.

Dorothy is a former Wycol teacher.

A nice pre-Xmas bonus for them all.

Steve & I joined the “60’s bunch” at their usual pre-Xmas gathering.

Those in attendance were Philip Wade, Alan Bridges, Alan Corrigan, Eileen Wyatt [Pearson], Jenny Childerhouse, Anne Watkins [Wright], Heather Gill [Starck], Sandra Hornigold [Leeks], Ian Ray, Sandra Howard, Michael Flatt, Michael Linsdell &, making his debut, Jonathan Wyatt.

Jon W kindly carried out the draw.

As usual, it was a convivial lunchtime gathering with different generations of Wycol Alumni finding lots in common.

The January OW 100 club draw will be on Wednesday 24th January 2024 at The Red Lion in Eaton/Cringleford [NR4 7LD].

https://www.redlion-eaton.co.uk/

We acknowledge that it is two draws in a row in the Norwich area, but we try & keep wintertime draws close to main roads due to the possibility of icy/snowy weather.

Wishing everyone a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a healthy New Year.

Perhaps a New Years resolution would be for those non-members to join the OW100 club!

Phil Robinson – OW 100 club administrator

Home Book a table or accommodationPlease telephone or email for all enquires. Telephone: 01603 454787Email: [email protected] Booking.com - Click hereGoogle ma...

From Geoff Lewis

A group of us are meeting up for a spot of lunch and a natter on Thursday 23rd November at the White Hart Royal Hotel in Moreton in Marsh at 12.30.So far William Trevethick, John Herring,Kev Emmerson, Georgina Beaumont,Gill Thompson and myself are coming.

If you would like to join us, email me at [email protected] and I will add you to the table reservation

Sad news from Tony’s daughter Sue

- Tony Pyle [1955-1959] died on Oct 10th 2023.
He and Anne [McCafferty - also Wycol (1954-1959)] were ever present at the OW Golf events and occasional visitors to the OW 100 club draw venues.
Tony’s funeral is at St Nicholas Church, East Dereham at 11.30 am on Monday 30th October 2023

Dear all,

The October OW 100 club draw was carried out on Wednesday 18th October 2023 at Darbys in Swanton Morley.

As mentioned last month, it is 20 years [22nd October 2003] since the Old Wymondhamians 100 club was established.
In that period the draws have been carried out as follows:-

Norfolk Pubs – 203 [going through the list there aren’t that many that we have visited more than once but some are, sadly, no longer in existence]
WCA/OW Committee meetings – 11
Golf Dinners & Reunions – 15
Phone [during Covid] - 12

This month’s winners were: -

Alan Bridges - resident of Long Stratton - £60

Andrew Counsell - resident of Empingham, Rutland - £60

&

Hayley Strivens - resident of Morley St. Botolph - £ 30 [&, I think, our closest member to Wycol!!]

The attendees were Andrew Dickinson, Leon Andrew, Ian Ray, Michael Flatt [making his debut], Colin Leaford, Jerry Linden Ball, Anne Bradley [Ashworth] & Jennie Clarke.

Thanks to Ian for organising the group photo with one of the bar staff [who looked a bit wobbly on the chair as she strove to get high enough to take the photo!].
Michael F is missing from the photo as he had already departed!

The more observant of you will note that Steve Read does not appear as an attendee!
This was because he had Wed 25th Oct in his diary and was sitting at home whilst we were ensconced in Swanton Morley!
This was partly my fault as I changed the date after having an initial discussion with Steve about the 25th!

Andrew kindly carried out the draw.

Interesting that six of the nine attendees were from Salisbury/Fry!
Darbys was very accommodating & some dined before & during the draw.
In chatting with Colin, the new landlord, he said that he has two grandchildren at Wymondham College!
___________


The November OW 100 club draw will be at The Chequers at Thompson [close to Watton] on Wednesday 22nd November 2023 at 7.30pm

https://thompsonchequers.co.uk/

We last visited in September 2005, so a return is long overdue!

Take care all,

Phil Robinson – OW 100 club administrator

________


PS – the annual “60’s bunch” Christmas get together is set for Tuesday 5th December 2023 at The Queen of Iceni in Norwich
We will again be joining them to carry out the December OW STAR draw [Prizes of £500; £200; £100].
The masses usually start gathering at noon – all are welcome to join in.

Dear all,

The September OW 100 club draw was carried out on Wednesday 27th September 2023 at The Romany Rye at East Dereham.

This month’s winners were: -

Susan Moore [nee Furbank] – resident of Middleton, King’s Lynn

David Banks – resident of Heacham

&

Jerry Linden-Ball - resident of Aylsham

The more observant of you might have noticed that this month we have three winners in our “normal” draw! This is because we now have around 135 members [although 13 of those have second numbers] &, in order to maintain the 60/40 split between OW funds & winnings, rather than keep increasing the monthly sum, we have decided to add an extra prize. Thus we are able to spread the winnings to a few more members.

So, whilst Sue & David will have cheques for £60 each, Jerry will have one for £30.

Steve & I were joined by David & Geraldine Howard, Simon Turtle, Chris Parnham, Bev & Richard Sennett [Millard], Sandra Howard, Leon Andrew and, making their debuts, Gill Thompson [Norman] & Andrew Dickinson.

Gill kindly carried out the draw.

It was another enjoyable evening remembering our time at Wycol & all the stories that that generated. It is amazing the recall that many have of events from nearly 60 years ago [a bit more for David, as he started in 1951!]

The Romany Rye was really busy for a Wednesday evening but that is what you expect at a Wetherspoons establishment. The venue itself was a bit of a warren but we all managed to find each other eventually!

______

On 22ndOctober 2023 it will have been 20 years since Steve & I started meeting at various Norfolk hostelries to carry out the Old Wymondhamians 100 club draw!

In that time over £110k has been raised of which over £60k has been allocated to various deserving causes at the College and the remainder distributed as prize monies.

To celebrate this momentous occasion, we have decided to revisit our very first venue – Darby’s at Swanton Morley on Wednesday 18th October 2023

https://darbys-pub.co.uk/

Darby’s had been closed for a few months but has now reopened and looks to be as inviting as ever.

Those of you that are still not members, please contact me so that we can enrol you in the OW 100 club.

Take care all,

Phil Robinson – OW 100 club administrator

________

PS – the annual “60’s bunch” Christmas get together is set for Tuesday 5thDecember 2023 at The Queen of Iceni in Norwich

https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/norfolk/the-queen-of-iceni-norwich

We will again be joining them to carry out the December OW STAR draw. The masses usually start gathering at noon – all are welcome to join in. Time to dust off the bus pass!

The Queen of Iceni - Pubs In Norwich - J D Wetherspoon The Queen of Iceni is a Wetherspoon pub in Norwich, Norfolk. Our pub offers a range of real ales, craft beers and freshly ground Lavazza coffee. Breakfast is served until noon, with our full food menu available until 11pm.

NEW VENUE -September 100 Club draw

A couple our mid-Anglia based members have advised that The Gemini, which was the intended venue for the September OW 100 club draw on Wed 27th Sept., will be closed for refurbishment from 10th Sept to 7th October, thus forcing a change of venue.

We have decided upon The Romany Rye, a Wetherspoons establishment in the centre of Dereham.

https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/norfolk/the-romany-rye-dereham

Hope to see some of you there.

Phil Robinson
OW 100 club administrator

The Romany Rye - Hotels In Dereham - J D Wetherspoon The Romany Rye is a Wetherspoon hotel in Dereham, Norfolk. Our pub offers a range of real ales, craft beers and freshly ground Lavazza coffee. Breakfast is served until noon, with our full food menu available until 11pm.

David Everett – this sad news from his wife, Jan:-

I am writing to tell you the sad news that Dave died peacefully, on 9th August 2023, at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. He had a haemorrhagic stroke and it all happened very quickly. Thank you for keeping in contact with him over the years. He enjoyed meeting up with and hearing about Wymondham friends, even though he couldn’t take an active part in recent years due to ill health. Please would you pass on the news to any that remember him at a convenient time.

Plus this from Bob Rowell:-

David last attended our Reunion in 2016 and I have spoken to him on occasions since. He left the College in 1959 a year after me but in 1957/58 season we played in the 1st College Rugby XV. He was an accomplished rugby player and athlete.

From looking through the WCRemembered website, David was one of the “Guinea Pigs” – those intrepid pupils who arrived at the inception of Wymondham College in April 1951.

Summer Reunion and BBQ 2023

From Phil Robinson

The July OW 100 club draw was carried out on Wednesday 19th July 2023 at The Bird in the Hand at Wreningham.

This month’s winners were: -

Richard Ross– resident of Mangreen, Norwich

&

Jack Smith - resident of Tunbridge Wells

Cheques in the sum of £60.00 are on their way to the winners

Prior to the draw, six of us had a sumptuous supper at the pub – Geoff & Fiona Lewis, John Herring, William Trevethick, Kevin Emmerson & myself.

Afterwards we were joined by Steve Read, Steve Bishop, Colin Farrington, Sandra Howard, Neil & Liz Bishop [Sasada] and, making a brief appearance, was Stephen Farthing.

The draw was kindly carried out by Geoff.

The following day [Thurs – 20/7] another bunch of Alumni [47 I think] attended the college for a tour around the campus & a super BBQ. There was good spread of year groups represented and everyone seemed to enjoy the occasion.
Much thanks to all involved in the organisation of this event and we look forward to doing it all again next year!!
________

The August draw will be held at The Locks Inn Community Pub at Gelderston [near Beccles] on Wednesday 23rd August 2023 at 7.30pm.

https://www.thelocksinn.com/

The last time that I visited this establishment, there was no mains power available & the electricity was provided by generators! Hopefully that has now changed!

It will also be interesting to see who takes up the challenge of arriving by any of the alternative modes of transport mentioned here!:-

https://www.thelocksinn.com/visit-us

As the pub sits in the north side of the River Waveney, we can maintain our self-imposed regulation that we only visit hostelries in Norfolk! Just!

The Locks Inn, Geldeston The Locks Inn is a family-friendly, remote riverside pub at the limit of the navigation on the River Waveney with good (but not fancy) food, quality ales from local breweries and a wide range of musical events. In 2020, the community pulled together, purchased the pub and set it up as a Community Be...