Catching up

Warning - this is rather an indulgent post, as it's just about a group of friends who met as young girls in 1967. Pure chance, or the machinations of some administrative department, brought us together in Clough Hall at Edge Hill College at Ormskirk. In 1970 we were let loose on the world as fully fledged, but inexperienced teachers. Most of us stayed true to our training for the next few decades (the government definitely got it's money back), but one of us veered off in a different direction (eg farming!). We've all kept in touch and met up whenever we can (easier for the teachers than the farmers). Now mostly retired grandmothers life is changing, but we're know that we haven't really changed a bit. We can almost pick up conversations started over 40 years ago.

Last Friday was a big "do you remember when" day, as we had A Bit Of A Do at Strickley. Amazingly 10 "girls" and their partners (two couldn't make it from Switzerland and Wales) gathered in the sun at Strickley. The weather was very kind to us (though we did have a Plan B) and we spent the whole day outside. Everyone brought contributions to the feast and the day began as it continued, with food, drink and talking. There were several keen photographers amongst us and by the end of the day I had a large folder of files. These are just a few to give a flavour of the day.

After a relaxing lunch we took a guided tour of Strickley. The former teachers were as excited by travelling in the trailer as the primary school children that visit us.

After more food and drink (this time it was tea and cakes) we were ready for some sport. No one was allowed to just sit on the sidelines as Dave organised a Croquet tournament with a draw not dissimilar to that for the FA Cup.

There was plenty of constructive criticism from the spectators.

After early rounds, quarter finals and semi finals, a grand final was played out. There was no trophy, just the "honour" of hosting next year's Garden Party - so maybe that's why Henry won - or maybe it was his magnificent stroke play and follow through.

Such exercise demanded more food and drink.

A wonderful sunset after a wonderful day.