School reunion at Manor Barn

The idea for the reunion happened eighteen months ago when former Bexhill Grammar school student Sally Chelmick compiled a '50 things to do before I'm 50' list.

Initially her idea was to plan a get-together with former six form students who attended Bexhill Grammar at the same time between 1976-78.

However, Sally, who also attended Claverham Community College said the idea "grew and grew," until the reunion party ended up encompassing friends and teachers from both Bexhill Grammar and Claverham - many of whom hadn't seen each other for over 30 years.

People travelled from various world-wide destinations, including the USA, Nigeria and China, to attend the event and Sally, who now lives in Bournemouth, said it was great to see everyone and to find out what direction their lives had taken:

"One girl is now a QC, another is a GP, one chap is a film actor and director, another is an architect, and even a few are still uni students at 50!"

The party was a great success and Sally said along with chatting and catching-up they all enjoyed deep south music performed by local band The Cajun Dawgs, dancing to Witchdoctor Discos, and a buffet.

An entertainment quiz, based on the 70's and 80s', written by Sally, was presented by ex-Bexhill grammar school student, Pete McGrath, who had flown in from Germany where he now lives and works.

And there were a few surprises in store, Sally said:

"I couldn't believe it, the teachers all looked the same age as us! But it was just like being 18 again, with the boys propping up the bar and the girls dancing the night away!"

Many attendees beat the volcanic ash cloud to attend the event but due to differing airline policies at the time, former Bexhill Grammar student, Diane Stephenson had two false starts from her home Brisbane, Australia.

However, with two days to spare, she finally took off and received a big cheer at the party.