The first 'event' was a combined 70th birthday celebration and the 2009 reunion of the 'Class of 1950'. This took place at the Grimstock Country House Hotel near Coleshill, Warwickshire on Saturday May 16th.
56 contemporaries, other Aston friends, two former teachers, their wives and partners came along for drinks, a speech from me, a meal and - considered by all to be a highlight of the evening - a performance by the school's Jazz Ensemble: eight lads, six of whom had left school the day before and who played their hearts out. No sooner had they finished than they were surrounded by admiring old boys, one of whom told them they were better than a well known professional jazz band he had seen the previous week.
Photos of the occasion can be seen here.
I had asked my guests not to bring presents but instead, if they felt so inclined, to donate money to the school. They have donated £806.00, an amount by which I feel greatly humbled. Thanks to you all.