The club, which celebrated its 20th Anniversary in September 2005, was started in
1985 by five 'old boys' who joined Chandos around 1954. Membership in 2007 numbers about seventy.
Latterly, members and occasionally past teachers have met-up annually to share reminiscences. Mr Hatchard used to attend meetings when he was alive. The last ex-teacher to attend gatherings was Mr Howard Crawley – but he is now in his mid-90s and in poor health (in 2006).
Photos of the November 2006 Re-union
Membership is now open to 'old girls' that attended Chandos too.
For more information on the club and its events contact Brian Speight: bs@europa-mgt.co.uk
Some ruminations from Brian's Christmas Message 2007:
" ... Well, I retired this year, perhaps you did too. If not, then you soon will be, by
definition, a member of the 54 club. We have all come to that age when
according to the government we officially retire. In one respect it can be
seen as being just another year older, and if you think young then you are
young, so what you may ask? On the other hand there is also a mental switch
which kicks in and reminds you that another aspect of your life has finished
and you are now onto the next stage.
Even if you continue to work there
is still this new dimension to your life, if only reminded when you receive
your pension at the end of the month. Whilst I'm looking forward to new
horizons, I cannot help but also look back and undertake a little introspection
on my working career. It seems in one respect only a short time ago that I
started work.
I can remember in some detail the early stages of my work
and study. People I met, their influence, places I found myself in, and lessons
learnt. My memories then following other events in my working life far too much
to reflect on in this newsletter. Anyway perhaps they are best enjoyed on my
own in my mind and imagination. Certainly some very deep images come to the
senses both positive and negative, but I have to say without hesitation, no
regrets.
One other thought while reminiscing - I think we were a lucky
generation. I know it was not easy for our parents to raise us especially with
the hardships presented by the war. Yet there were also some benefits as well
which protected us from many of the issues faced by young people today. Some of
the clearly defined values, standards, respect and authority gave us the
foundation on which to build our lives. Our old school also gave us a framework
with which we could make sense of the world around us. Which leads me back to
the fact that at school we sat down and dined and here we are now 50 years
later many of us still dining together and enjoying the occasion. Not bad for a
bunch of guys who had no special privileges, benefits or opportunity, accept
for each other in the class room and sports field. But I think I'm
philosophizing too much, and hear you cry; stop! I welcome your thoughts on the
subject if you care to share them with me.
In the autumn we had a
wonderful 54 club reunion in a new restaurant which offered by general concensus excellent food and service. We also enjoyed a wonderful cabaret due to
the generosity of one of the club members who asked to remain anonymous, that
does not however stop me from saying thank you on behalf of all those
attending, for providing the show it added much to the evening. Thank you for
the gesture it was much appreciated. ... "