The sunny autumnal weather possibly contributed to the large attendances of old boys families and friends. The two minutes silence followed by mass at the war memorial were I felt most fitting tributes to those who died not only in the two world wars but also more recently in for example Iraq and Afghanistan. The singing of the Pater Noster in Latin to the rousing yet sombre tune I have only ever heard at Jesuit boarding Schools was especially moving.
Some pictures:
The above shows the war memorial mass being celebrated by two members of the BU one of whom was I believe a White Father Missionary.
I avoided including pictures of those attending mass in the photos but the attendance was I'd estimate well over 200.
The 'new wing;' (above right) is now of course not so new but some happy days were spent there as a boy.
Beaumont was unusually granted military colours by the army and these were formally presented to St Johns whose head master Mr Giles Delaney treated us all to a lunch together and some wine after the presentation. Chris the headmaster of Donhead another local Jesuit prep school, who had driven his wife and himself with mrs maytrees and myself to Beaumont, enjoyed the friendly banter with Giles matching the happy relationship between the 2 Jesuit prep schools.
Catching up with peoples' lives and trying to identify people some of whom I last saw as boys many years ago was interesting and fun too.
John Lipscomb who taught me maths (or tried to) at Beaumont introduced me to his wife, daughter and grandson - fittingly now himself a St John's boy.
My close Beaumont friend (John) from 1967 to the present time was not present - very sadly his wife (Katherine) died from cancer 6 days ago. May she and all of the fallen RIP.
Another very interesting post, Jerry. The "New Wing" continues to look as new as ever!
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