In late August, a small group of Old Suttonian leavers from the early 1980s gathered at Buck’s Club in Mayfair (the original home of 'Buck’s Fizz') for a reunion lunch. There should have been Old Suttonians representing other houses in attendance, but the ‘irregularities’ of the rail system prevented that. Therefore, everyone was from Westminster, even the delighted guest of honour, John (‘Jock’) McCormick (Staff 1964 - 2005) who was also the resident Westminster House Tutor for a spell.

Jock remembered and recognised almost all of the group, having taught some, coached several in successful squash teams and met others at many OS gatherings. He was especially pleased to meet again brothers, Simon Thomas (1980 W) and Robin Thomas (1983 W). Jock and Simon recalled a phone call from Simon’s time at University urgently requesting help with a Roman history dissertation!

The reunion was a great, thoroughly enjoyable occasion - several had come some distance to be there - and was prolonged for most with visits to some of Guy Beckett (1980 W)’s favourite pubs. Guy was well placed to lead the visits, as he worked in the brewing industry for a number of years, as Marketing Manager of Larkins Brewery, Chiddingstone, founded by Bob Dockerty (1960 M), which celebrated its 35 Year Anniversary in 2021.

Photograph above: Back row: Robin Thomas (1983 W), Alastair Court (1983 W), Rupert Easter (1981 W), Julian Watson (1980 W), Hugh Court (1981 W), Guy Beckett (1980 W). Front row: Matthew Jackson (1981 W), Simon Thomas (1980 W), John McCormick (Staff 1964-2005).