Compiled by Jim Briggs
In Summer 2003 the members of the EHGS Smartgroups Alumni web site decided that efforts should be made to celebrate the centenary of the School, which opened in March 1905.
The first, preliminary, arrangements were drawn up in July 2003. The following message was posted to both the Smartgroups and other OEs where an e-mail address was known.
"2005 is the centenary of the foundation of the school. About 450 past students are registered with the school alumni web-based message board at http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/ehgs A group within these 450 is in the process of organising a whole school reunion in May 2005. This is a preliminary message to all OE's where I have an e-mail address and who aren't part of the Smartgroups.
Preliminary report from organising group:
"Date: Spring Bank holiday weekend 2005 (Friday 27 May to Sunday 29 May). We did think about the Centenary date itself but that's in March and the weather may not be so kind as it ought to be in May. We also thought about keeping it to one day but as some of us will be coming a long way, it seemed a shame to settle on a single day. You can always dip in and out as the fancy takes you".
In the event, the Reunion mainly took place on Saturday 28th May 2005. Two couples came from Australia; other people came from Florida and Frankfurt. In all, over 100 people attended, many only coming for the evening part of the programme. The programme itself was.
10.00
Meet at Langdon School for a stroll around. Refreshments supplied by
the School, along with a warm welcome.
11.30 Gather at the Town Hall school for guided tour and freedom to
roam at will. Followed by a tour of the Town Hall. All buildings
seemingly splendidly cared for.
13.00 Break for individual lunches.
14.30 Guided tour of West Ham United stadium, including the home and
away tem changing rooms - what a difference between the two! Apparently
all teams only give their guests less than sumptuous facilities - it
doesn't do to make the visitors too welcome!
17.30 Meet at the East London Rugby Football Club. Socialise - the
first occasion when we all started to get together and look at
memorabilia that some people bought with them. There was even
opportunity to see past School Captains, i.e. Ian Buckmaster and Robin
Sharp in their school jackets. They still fitted - just!
18.30 Powerpoint presentation by Jim Briggs on the History of the school
19.15 Buffet supper - really good one too! After the meal the
socialising continued until the evening ended about 23.15.
On Sunday 29th, as part of the normal morning service at St Michael's, Manor Park a special OEs element was added including the singing of the School Song! Afterwards all were invited then to visit the Blakesley Arms (near Manor Park Railway Station), whose landlord has EHGS connections.
The gathering at Langdon
WHU. The Bobby Moore stand
At the ELRFC. Andrew Fotheringham, his uncle, Ernie Wootton who started at EHGS in 1932, and Jim Lewis from Florida.
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Recorder report of the Reunion, about a week after the event. Recognise yourselves and all those pranks?
Jim Briggs