Back in December 2023, Alan Poulton (OL 1954) requested a reunion event for the remaining classmates from the Class of 1954. after long conversations it was decided to extend the reunion to all former students who left between 1950 to 1960, calling it the ‘Golden Era Reunion’.

It was a delight to organise and host the event at John Lyon on Thursday 23rd May, with the weather in our favour it made for a beautiful afternoon for our three Prefects, Jack, Adam and John to give their tours. Witnessing OLs come together and reunite with old classmates after all these years reminds us the importance the Lyonian Association and Alumni network contributes in making such gatherings take place. The wonderful camaraderie and the incredible stories of the past, gave us a real insight into what School life was like over 50 years ago.

The tours were followed by a beautiful afternoon tea with finger sandwiches and fresh scones, provided by our wonderful catering team. All the attendees and partners/guest reminisced looking through the archive and interluded into the afternnon, the guests were treated to two stunning solo performances from Year 8 students, Soma playing the violin and Aly on the piano. As a treat, Alan also took to the piano with everyone joining in for a rendition of Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll meet again’…  and we hope we will do very soon!

Thank you to all that attended and for all the lovely words of gratitude:

It was good to meet up with old friends from my era, together with those from previous and later years. It made it even more enjoyable having our wives included. We also enjoyed the skilled performances of two of the schools' young musicians.  Clair in particular was impressed by the level of their playing, since she studied both violin and piano at Trinity College in her younger days. D Milsom, OL 1957

The event was a huge success and one I was so pleased we were able to attend.  Wow, has the school come on from my days in the 1950’s – to 1962.  The facilities are stunning, the performance by the two youngsters with the violin and piano just amazing.  Our two hours at the school were a delight from start to finish and you even got the weather to behave.  Well done and thank you again. M Simmons, OL 1962

Many thanks for organising that very special "Golden Era" Reunion yesterday - we came away with that warm feeling that it had been a great success..... and didn't us "OLD-UNS" look great! A Poulton, OL 1961

Thank you all so much for entertaining us at our Old School Yesterday. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit. What a contrast to 1954; no comparison! Thank you for the delightful spread you put on for us and to the youngsters who entertained us so admirably. Please pass our thanks to your Head for allowing us the opportunity to all meet up with old friends on this Golden Era Reunion. J Bredemear 

A beautiful poem written by Martin Sexton, OL 1958

A GOLDEN ERA REUNION
A joyeous reunion with our old school society
Tea, scones,  no alcohol, a sojourn of sobriety
But meeting folk from 60 years back
Reminiscing over the afternoon’s snack
Originating from the same taught stable
Swapping a lifetime’s stories, we were able
Remembering sporting achievements
Past forgotten friends and bereavements
A happy babble of conversation
Punctuated by musical renderings of today’s new generation
THANKYOU to all who contributed
This was the first, next year’s repeat already mooted
Let us hope to all be here
Same time, May time,but next year