A veritable galaxy of talent gathered once more on 13th November at Congham Hall for an invited gathering of OLs and sportsmen to a lunch superbly organised by Ted Barnes. Team players from a decade covering the late 50s and early 60s were well represented. In the room were two Head Boys, 4 House Captains, 5 1st XI Hockey players (one an England selector), 9 First XI Cricket players (2 subsequently played County Cricket), 6 First XI Football players an O.B.E. and a former Head.
Over coffee Ted used photographs on a screen from the OLA Archive to welcome those able to attend this year and his elder brother, John (Alf) Barnes, had recorded his apologies for absence with a warm and appreciative message to us all. John has subsequently donated his old School Blazer, lovingly preserved over all these years, to the OL’s Archive.
The private dining room at Congham Hall
We then assembled for lunch at a table suitable for the Long Room at Lords! In between courses there were short but amusing contributions from Don Ayre (who had entrusted the Archives Manager with his comprehensive K.E.S. album for 12 months), Bob Childs and our Secretary, Marc Starling. Additionally, Michael Walker was able to pass round and share details of the 1937 Gold Medal which is the property of the Trustees. Patrick Staines also shared one of the three Victor Ludorum Medals awarded to ‘Bunny’ Bayfield in the 1920s. He plans to present this to the OLA for safe keeping and future access. I would encourage members to read or re-read the beautifully composed and illustrated article by Patrick on Mr Bayfield in our Staff Biographies section of the website.
As the autumn light faded those travelling home began their journeys with old or new reminiscences and friendships, having thoroughly enjoyed this reunion.
Bob Childs, December 2024.
