Page 30 - The Badger - Issue 8

THE BADGER Celebrating 125 Years of The Downs
Old Downian Reunion Afternoon
On Saturday 24th May, the School and the Downian Society together arranged a wonderful Reunion Afternoon, which drew nearly two hundred guests back to The Downs, some for the first time in many years.
In his welcome speech, the Headmaster generously invited us to wander at will throughout the afternoon. First stop for most was the display of
archive material in the Upper Dining Room (formally known as the Boys’ Hall) which transported visitors back to their schooldays, and many an exclamation was heard as folk found photos of friends they had known in shared events they had perhaps forgotten.
During the afternoon, the Downian Society held its Annual General Meeting, and, surely a highlight of the day, The Downs Light Railway was steamed up and provided, as it always does, a distinctively Downian backdrop to the occasion: a focus for memories and a forum for reconnection and shared recollection. Some Old Downians even relived their youth by riding the train around Brock Meadow, driven by current pupils of the School!
Having spent much of the week before threatening all sorts, in the end, the weather played ball and we were able to enjoy a lovely tea served on the Boarders’ Lawn.
Thank you to everyone who came back to The Downs to make this such a wonderful event. A special mention to Mr James Turtle, our oldest Old Downian
of the day, who travelled from Liverpool for the occasion. James started school at The Downs in 1946! We also recognise Jose, Javier and Jazmin Misiego, who flew all the way from America just for the reunion! Many Old Downians also made considerable road journeys from all over the UK to be there. It was a particular pleasure to welcome Mr Philip Hoyland, who kindly made some opening remarks, and his brother, Richard.
We would like to thank everyone who came on the day. Whether from a few villages away or from way across the ocean, your presence was appreciated and contributed to a most enjoyable and highly memorable afternoon, enriched, we felt, by a lovely mix of Old Downians from across the years, including a number whose own children are now Downians, and members of staff both past and present. It was a real Downs School family occasion, and appreciative thanks go to all involved in arranging it.
Aedificandum Est!
Stephen and Roz Robinson
(Hon ODs: Staff 1989 - 1998)
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