The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A reunion of classmates from more than 50 years ago will happen thanks to the hard work of one of the pupils.
Dennis Woods spent the final five months of 2015 trying to trace former colleagues from the 1960 Upper Class Five at The Peele School in Long Sutton.
And his dedication paid off when he was able to track down details of all 32 pupils, including one who lives in Australia.
The majority of former pupils – and even a couple of ex-teachers – are expected to attend the get-together at The Peele Community College (as it is now).
One of the tutors – Frank Pentney – is only ten years older than the 1960 alumni and was delighted when Dennis turned up on the doorstep of his home in Tydd Gote just before Christmas with an invitation.
The reunion organisation was tough but enjoyable and rewarding for Dennis.
“Someone put it on Facebook for me and I even got one reply from Australia,” he said.
“The rest of it was really was by word of mouth. It was a case of going around and talking to people who I knew still lived in the area.”
He added: “The invitations all went out over Christmas. Everyone I spoke to is very keen so hopefully we’ll get a good turnout.
“We’ll get together and reminisce.”
Dennis, of Highgrove, Long Sutton, is well known in the town, having been a postman there for many years. At other points he was a home insurance agent and a paint sprayer, going on to work for David Lefley’s garage in Holbeach.
With his ex-classmates aged about 70, Dennis thought it was an opportune time to try and arrange a reunion. Sadly, he discovered a couple of them have passed away.
One ex-pupil who has already pledged to be at the event on April 23 is Joyce Taylor, who was too shy to be in the class photo featured here – and so took the picture!
Dennis said: “I want to say a big thank you to The Peele Community College, which is allowing us to use their facilities free of charge.
“I’m really looking forward to the day. I feel it’s been worth the effort and many of the people who are on that photo feel the same way.”
Anyone wishing to get in touch with Dennis should call 01406 362954.
