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Just passing this on... 2020 school magazine "Past and Present", old scholars version (we only get part of it).

I was particularly struck by this news brief on page 11:

"Arthur Chapman, Brown Shaw and Noel Clarke were spotted in Hillsborough recently having a celebratory lunch. Noel celebrated his 90th birthday in August. Let there be rejoicing throughout the land!"

Power to you gentlemen, great to see you are all still going strong!

George

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I'd just like to add to messages that others have sent by email with my good wishes to all of you for 2021. As we get older and still in the grip of a nasty virus pandemic I wish you health. With age we should have learnt more and I wish you wisdom. And those two qualities are probably more important than most, so I wish you contentment :-).

I have attached here a gem of a book that another old scholar has pointed out to me. A book by our headmaster, Arthur Chapman: "Memoirs from ten decades". An easy and very interesting read. Enjoy!

OK class, here's the playlist submitted by your classmates to date relevant to our current situation. Thanks Maggie, George, John, Marty, Anne, Frank, Pam, Brian, Madeline, Jane, Tim, Helen, Jenny, Robert, Alma, Julie, Jane!

1. Queen and David Bowie “Under pressure”:
   https://youtu.be/YoDh_gHDvkk
2. Metallica “Nothing else matters”:
   https://youtu.be/tAGnKpE4NCI
3. Pharrell Williams “Freedom”:
   https://youtu.be/7oE1SYlEcVg
4. Handel Messiah Overture first performed in Dublin April 13 1742:
   https://youtu.be/9YYvyznsqe8
5. Horslips “Everything will be alright”:
   https://youtu.be/1X816WjTl6w
6. Aslan “Crazy world”:
   https://youtu.be/fDtVbWzZatw
7. Bill Withers “Lean on me”:
   https://youtu.be/f7P8wusL1Z0
8. David Bowie "Changes":
   https://youtu.be/IJSv6JXKS_I
9. America "A horse with no name":
   https://youtu.be/oEHBTjIYejE
10. Electric Light Orchestra "Mr Blue Sky":
    https://youtu.be/aQUlA8Hcv4s
11. Gloria Gaynor "I will survive":
    https://youtu.be/ARt9HV9T0w8
12. Killers "Mr Brightside":
    https://youtu.be/gGdGFtwCNBE
13. Andrea Bocelli "Amazing grace":
    https://youtu.be/-0l5dGiaXCo
14. Gerry and the Pacemakers "You'll never walk alone":
    https://youtu.be/OV5_LQArLa0
15. British Sea Power "Man of Aran":
    https://youtu.be/iBDPuPqtDKw
16. Captain Tom and Michael Ball "You'll never walk alone":
    https://youtu.be/wUP-ty-Tj5E
17. John Prine "Sound of the speed of loneliness":
    https://youtu.be/eFvenjll1Bk
18. Winifred Atwell "The black and white rag" ("Pot Black" theme tune, remembering Gruk):
    https://youtu.be/-nXUPHR17FI
19. The Undertones "Teenage kicks":
    https://youtu.be/PinCg7IGqHg
20. Prince "Purple rain":
    https://youtu.be/TvnYmWpD_T8
21. Jimi Hendrix "Angel" (Gary Moore cover):
    https://youtu.be/raZWhRYfhMo
22. Pink Floyd "Comfortably numb" (Dave Gilmour at Pompeii):
    https://youtu.be/LTseTg48568
23. Pink Floyd "Wish you were here":
    https://youtu.be/NE2mQfq_j8A
24. Led Zeppelin "Stairway to heaven":
    https://youtu.be/GPkwsZ5N_Qg
25. The Police "Don't stand so close to me":
    https://youtu.be/EuuX_t3c_2A
26. Van Morrison "Into the mystic":
    https://youtu.be/cpPSBzGEklE
27. Simon and Garfunkel "Bridge over troubled water":
    https://youtu.be/WrcwRt6J32o
28. Rolling Stones "You can't always get what you want" (from "The world at home concert"):
    https://youtu.be/N7pZgQepXfA
29. Lindisfarne "All fall down":
    https://youtu.be/GVBq1nQDGfs
30. Drake "God's plan":
    https://youtu.be/xpVfcZ0ZcFM
31. Neil Young and the Band "Helpless":
    https://youtu.be/J2z7LXpAX3Q
32. Lindisfarne "No time to lose":
    https://youtu.be/UgLs2w_po84
33. Lindisfarne "Fog on the Tyne":
    https://youtu.be/tm_KZSYSiGc
34. The Cars "Who's gonna drive you home":
    https://youtu.be/xuZA6qiJVfU
35. Journey "Don't stop believing":
    https://youtu.be/1k8craCGpgs
36. Miley Cyrus "The climb":
    https://youtu.be/NG2zyeVRcbs
37. Ellie Holcomb "Do not worry":
    https://youtu.be/QhbK2GpbKTY
38. Jonny Cash "These things shall pass":
    https://youtu.be/6rFHEbf4Gnw
39. Mumford and Sons "Guiding light":
    https://youtu.be/K9jmjXDQ5MQ
40. The Kinks "Days":
    https://youtu.be/tuUoSuO_hfg
41. Elton John and Kiki Dee "Don't go breaking my heart":
    https://youtu.be/z0qW9P-uYfM
42. Friends School Lisburn Orchestra "Spring 2020 concert":
    https://youtu.be/Xsux0khlc4Y
43. Don McClean "American Pie":
    https://youtu.be/iX_TFkut1PM

From: anne.moody2@btinternet.com
Date: 17 April 2020 at 13:12:14 GMT+4
Subject: Playlist

Great choices!

I have a more relaxing choice!

I heard this for the first time in probably 40 years!

Please don’t smirk... it’s America's "A horse with no name"!

It go’s on forever but just listen, relax and breathe!!

America "A horse with no name": https://youtu.be/oEHBTjIYejE

Take care,

Anne

X

From: Martyn Bird
Date: 17 April 2020 at 12:17:02 GMT+4
Subject: Re: Love from BC

Some great choices coming up here. When the Thursday NHS Clap was announced, I immediately thought of Tina Turner's "Simply The Best". I then reworked some of the words and sent them to a tribute act, as you can see, I'm no Bernie Taupin.

https://www.facebook.com/254498794572749/posts/2946904831998785/

As an aside, for those of you in NI, I am on the third leg of 4 NHS virtual climbs. Having completed Scafell Pike on Wednesday and Snowdon yesterday, I'll be doing Donard today and Nevis tomorrow so keep a look out for me :). I don't have a sponsorship page but feel free to text CLAP to 70507 to date a fiver to the NHS.

I think my personal song choice would be Bowie and Changes.

David Bowie, "Changes": https://youtu.be/IJSv6JXKS_I

Stay safe everyone, Martyn

From: "Barr, John"
Date: 17 April 2020 at 00:10:44 GMT+4
Subject: RE: Love from BC

Bill Withers (recently passed away)—Lean on me

Bill Withers “Lean on me”: https://youtu.be/f7P8wusL1Z0

From: George Munroe
Date: 16 April 2020 at 19:30:26 GMT+4
Subject: Re: Love from BC

You’re a star Maggie. Thanks for the inspiration!

Best wishes to you and Vick. Thoughts with you in all you’re going through and doing. Admire your spirit and so proud to be part of this unique class that you are such a key member of.

Some great songs there too. Class video from Cecile. And cool diverse mix of tracks to help us through and bind us with the great equaliser and medicine of music.

I’m not just as cultured as some but here’s a couple I’ve shared with my girls over recent weeks.

Horslips “Everything will be alright”: https://youtu.be/1X816WjTl6w

I saw them perform this in the Sir William Whitla Hall at Queens in the late 70s and the words have come back to me through many a crisis ever since, not least since the current pandemic hit us.

Aslan “Crazy world”: https://youtu.be/fDtVbWzZatw

A song my eldest daughter introduced me to (or more correctly a former boyfriend of hers). A sentiment that reaches across all human experiences and transcends the reality of where we are and what the world might do to us.

Come on class of 76, any more songs that can help get us through these crazy times...

Stay safe everyone and thanks again for all updates.

George

From: Maggie Thompson
Date: 15 April 2020 at 21:59:55 GMT+4
Subject: Love from BC

Dear Friends,

Isn’t it wonderful to know we’re thinking of each other during this time - how cool is that? Julie, you are amazing and an inspiration, your bags, each with their own unique heart, are a perfect metaphor for this crazy Corona Virus Era. Thanks to others too for their messages and to you George for your efforts to keep us connected.

Here in British Columbia (pop 5.1m) we have had 1517 positive cases with 69 deaths. We lived through the SARS epidemic in 2003 and we seem to have learned from that. Overall Canada has a 2.4% mortality rate compared to the UK’ 12.8% and Belgiums’s 13.4% Ireland, with a pop of 4.8m has 11,407 cases and 406 deaths. I also track New Zealand where my younger sister lives. They have a population of 4.7m with 1386 positive cases and 9 deaths so far. While imperfect we have years of learning from all the data being collected and I trust we will continue on the trajectory of making Health Care a Human Right.

Last year I was diagnosed with an motor neurone condition which is being treated with immune suppressants, so I’m in a vulnerable group. Its hard for me not to run around helping others as I usually would, so I’m finding new ways, sharing plants from our garden and talking to folks struggling with mental health issues on the phone.

Our daughter Cecile (formerly Caila) was in London rehearsing for a band tour when travel restrictions were applied. She flew to Victoria rather than LA where she has been based for the past several years. She has been sound engineering in our converted garage and released a new single last week. Aptly named Pick up the Phone listen at: https://youtu.be/p7RsqVcCxrk

Here are a few other pieces that offer me music therapy right now...

Queen and David Bowie “Under Pressure”: https://youtu.be/YoDh_gHDvkk

Metallica “Nothing Else Matters”: https://youtu.be/tAGnKpE4NCI

Pharrell Williams “Freedom”: https://youtu.be/7oE1SYlEcVg

Handel Messiah Overture first performed in Dublin April 13 1742: https://youtu.be/9YYvyznsqe8

Stay well, love from Maggie

Dear All

It's heartwarming to read all the messages and to hear what everyone is doing in these strange times.

Other than shopping for elderly/vulnerable neighbours I can't claim to be making much of a difference, unlike many of you.

We are very lucky to live in a village on the edge of the countryside, and to be able to take our permitted daily exercise in the fresh air with only the birdsong for company. Life has definitely slowed down.

Let's all stay safe and sane, and hope this will be over sooner rather than later.

Jane

All

I hope you are all keeping safe and well?

I thought I would share something non-covid with you to show you the beauty of Bella (26 weeks) and Horsham, West Sussex countryside :-) —stay safe!

Clive

Dear all

You would think with all of this spare time at home it would be ideal to get on with projects on the 'To Do' list. However I have found it hard to get motivated and knuckle down.

One thing that did give me a focus over the Easter weekend was a request to help make scrub bags for healthcare workers. These bags are filled with contaminated scrubs at the end of a shift and put straight into the washing machine. I was glad to see the back of them when they were collected this morning by the NI Scrubs team (but they left me with more fabric to make a further batch!!)

I hope you have all managed to keep healthy thus far.

Best wishes!

Julie

Having been happily retired for a year am back on the pharmacist register and working in Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Struggling to remember anything but I expect it will all come flooding back ………. hopefully not too late to be any use.

US nephew stranded with me. Was studying in Spain but got here just before shut down.

On the plus side he managed to get to Anfield for the last match before all this hit.

Hi everyone,

Great idea to be in touch.

We are well in Wiltshire, Jackie working from home and Oli and I trying to out-do one and other on the fitness front (I am losing badly). Daughter Alex is locked down in a school devoid of students in Austria along with 5 other ex-pat staff.

Please keep safe everyone so that you you will not need the brilliant services of George, fantastic work Sir.

Take care All,

Martyn

Thank you for getting in touch!!

Hope all is well with everyone.

Stay safe! Hopefully we can get together when all this is over...

Yes hopefully everybody keeping well, I have been keeping myself busy and along with my team we have created a fully functioning ventilator prototype in just over 2 weeks.

If you want to see a video it is in LinkedIn page.

Best regards, George R

Been in public health for 35 years and had always hoped that I would get to retirement before one of these balloons went up—so much for that !

Yes I agree—working from home is more stressful :(

Hope everyone stays safe and well,

Frank

So following Anne’s good example... and something Julie suggested we should do also—update each other on how we are doing.

Christine and I are still working in Abu Dhabi. Based at our apartment for over three weeks now. Curfew every evening, though day time movement is not as restrictive as Dubai where you need a permit to go anywhere. Working from home is exhausting and it’s like an 11 hour marathon, constant stream of communication. But we are healthy and everyone at home seems to be too. So nothing at all to complain about. Hope you are all well also. Stay safe!

George

It's been a while but a global pandemic draws us together

Anne forwarded the below to the classof76.net web site. Thanks Anne!

Dear All, Just a quick message to check that wherever you may be that the class of 76 are all safe and well. Stay safe. XXX Anne Moody (nee Bennett)

With a follow up:

Just to repeat my message to everyone in the Class of 76!

I hope each and everyone of you and your families are safe and well.

I think that when we all come out the other side a reunion will definitely be in order!

Keep well stay safe!

Love, Anne, X

Sylvia Elliott passed away this week. I don't have any further details at present. Sylvia looked so happy and full of life at our 40 year anniversary reunion two years ago. It is a shock to realise that she is no longer with us. Sincere sympathies to all her family and close friends, not least our classmates who were closest to her.

George and I had a mini-break in London last weekend, 16-18 June, and took this opportunity to meet up with some of the London contingent of Class of 76 on Friday evening... here's a few photos of our meetup.

Great to meet Barbara, Tim (and wife Angela) and Clive again.

We had brilliant weather, food and drink and the craic was great!

As is becoming custom, some of us gathered to watch the final day matches of the Six Nations rugby union tournament.

First up the Italians probably did a bit better than the 29-0 defeat at the hands of the Scots suggests, but no real surprises here.

Next, the French match with the Welsh boys turned out to be a real nail-biter—full time on the clock and France five points down but with possession and close to the Wales line... and that's how it stayed for another 20 minutes until the French scrum finally pushed over the line and converted to a 20-18 victory.

Thanks to a poor start with Scotland and a very unfortunate tussle with Wales in their penultimate match, Ireland were in no position to win this year. That certainty had already been earned by their final day opponents, England. Unbeaten through all of 2016 and right through the tournament, on an all time high, poised for a record two six nation grand slams in a row, this last match was going to be a walk over for the English... ha, not so fast!

The proud Irish dominated throughout, the Dublin crowd spurred them on, every one who wasn't English was treated to sheer rugby delight as we stopped the visitors in their tracks, 13-9 to Ireland!

Sure, we didn't win the tournament, but we created one mighty upset and ended up second.

We had to celebrate afterwards, we had six from the class at dinner: Michael, Adrian, David, Vicky, Julie, George, joined by partners Rosemary, Charan, Christine and young Eva. And a great evening was had by all, even those who weren't too interested in rugby!

On the afternoon of Saturday 1 October 17 Classof76-mates met at FSL for a tour of the school.

We were shown round by the current school Principal, Stephen Moore, a graduate in French and German from Oxford University and the first non-Quaker Principal at FSL. We lamented the disappearance of the Silo, the Victorian swimming pool and Harding House. However developments have been most impressive, for instance a state-of-the-art music department equipped with recording studios, mixing in a MAC suite and fully sound-proof classrooms. The newest classrooms have touch-screen 'blackboards' like giant ipads and built-in desk furniture for teachers.

After the tour we were invited into the Archive Room where our former Principal Arthur Chapman had displayed artefacts of interest to our year, namely sample record cards, photographs, newspaper articles and Past & Present magazines and a box of limited edition LP records of FSL Choir of 1976. Most precious of all was a bible dating back to 1610, presented to FSL in the 1800s by the owner of the land on which the school now stands.

-----------------

Simon Gilbert sent photos from the visit. View them in the gallery:

http://www.classof76.net/cgi-bin/gallery?instanceID=3

(and Maggie Thompson forwarded the group photo of all who attended).

Also Simon forwarded two photos of the reunion dinner...

• one was taken when I was giving a wee speech and it looks like I've a chin like Bruce Forsyth—I haven't!
• the other of those who refused to leave the bar until 03:30am :-)

It was great to meet you all.

Christine and Julie have been working to add and label photos taken last Saturday evening. All photos can be viewed by selecting the "Photos" section of this web site from the menu above. Christine's message:

Hi all,

It was great to meet some of you at the 40th Reunion dinner on Saturday.

I took some photos during the evening... here is the link to about a third of them that I think are the best:

      http://www.classof76.net/cgi-bin/gallery?instanceID=2

Thanks to Julie for keeping me right with the names :-).

By default, the photos are displayed as small thumbnails. Select anyone to view a larger photo in a slideshow. Your computer should allow you to use the left and right arrow keys appropriately to move through the slideshow. Select outside the photo area to go back to view the thumbnails.

However, if you just want to view those photos that a certain person is in, before you go into the slideshow, use the option labelled 'Tag cloud' (below the 40th reunion main heading on the page) to view the list of names. Once you select a name, the page will refresh to display the thumbnails of the photos that person is in.

If you know I took a photo of you and it's not on the site and you'd like to see it, just email me and I'll forward it to you.

Or if you have any photos you'd like to add, please don't hesitate to forward to Julie (julie.smyth@classof76.net) or myself (christine@classof76.net). Or if you would like to add them to the site yourself, I can set up access for you, just say.

All the best, to the next time we meet, love,

Christine

BTW for those who don't recognise my name, I'm George Munroe's partner and, as you may have seen from the web site, been part of the Class of 76 running team since it started.

Thanks to Paul Roberts who hunted out this photo, scanned it and forwarded it for inclusion on the web site!

Select the photo to view the large photo and see if you can recognise someone you knew... even if it's just yourself!

Or if it's too small, select this larger photo:

http://www.classof76.net/classof76/documents/blog-000788-20161002210942.jpg

And an important memory from George Redpath about this photo:

I would like to claim copyright on the photo Paul posted, as I believe I took the photo. At that time my interest in photography was developing and I just acquired my first SLR, a Minolta SRT. It was of course second hand and there was a knack to getting the shutter to operate correctly. If the shutter release was not pressed firmly the mirror would lift, making a noise, but the shutter wouldn’t open, and no photo would result. After I had taken the photo, Bouncer offered to take a photo with me in it, but he didn’t have the knack, hence I am not in the photo.

Presented on the night of the 40th reunion celebratory dinner on 1 October 2016 at Ramada Hotel, Belfast...

Forgive the intrusion... I'm Christine, George Munroe's partner... I'm a youngster here by all accounts. I'm 23 (not really, 54!)... but I think 23 (or thereabouts) is the age we all see ourselves in the inside!

With fear and trembling you've arrived all today.

Perhaps you're wondering would anyone recognise you... though surely to goodness "Julie Smyth" would. But more importantly...

• how would anyone remember you
• what embarrassing moments or photos would they expose
• would they think you look better now than you did then or vice aversa!

Then you may be wondering about your classmates, the ones that stood out, in those days "you thought would never end"... (George bet me I couldn't put lyrics into a song in this speech somewhere :-)...

• what came of the heart throb Michael Snoddy, would he still have that athletic physic and continue to excel in his sporting prowess
• what about "Dinger" Bell, was there any hope for him, would he be a dropout or would he surpass your expectations? or
• the reserved, nerdy George Munroe... would he be a stuffy professor (sorry for those that are! :-) or be a respected businessman or a bit of both?

Who knows?

Does it really matter!?

You've come a long way - 40 years - you've had your highs and lows - regrets and precious, cherished moments - victories and disappointments.

Maybe your school days were the best - or maybe for you the worst!

But, boy, hasn't 40 years gone fast!

No matter the life or the outcome - we are here to celebrate your lives - you've got thus far!

Sadly, some are no longer with us so, in our celebrations, we raise a glass to them and to you.

God bless you all,

Class of 76

Thanks to Beulah for her memories and update, priceless!

Please pass on my best wishes to everyone at the reunion. Sorry I can't be there but I wish you all a great night.

Some memories to share

• Pranks during 'Big Dave's A-level Biology classes—we once told him we were just getting some grass for the locusts, then everyone went AWOL for the whole biology class until the bell rang.
• Ivan and John sabotaging Ian and Hugh's dissection, and vice-versa, by cutting out key organs—it escalated to blazer pockets and ties being sliced off (actually, I think it was Ivan and Ian who were the culprits but as I remember, Hugh got whacked by Big Dave for it). Vicky Hodge and Jane McVea might remember!
• Mr Jamieson's first geography class from the air; flying over the drumlins (basket of eggs formation) and throwing up.
• The upper-sixth fun charity mixed-rugby match; Arthur Chapman banned a mixed scrum but we duly ignored him.

Life after Friends' School

• BSc (Hons) at QUB; PhD Wales; post-docs at Saint Andrews and then Cambridge University, lectureship Durham University; currently A/Professor in Neuroscience, University of Otago, New Zealand.
• Married to Nigel (also university academic) with one daughter Bethan (16 years old) who we are blessed to have after six miscarriages.

More memories and an update from Sandra (can anyone remember the occasions of all the photos):

Sorry I won’t be there tomorrow but we go on holiday early on Sunday morning.

After seeing others post photos I have located mine and have attached some together with a recent photo! The black and white one was in the Belfast Telegraph after the new school library was opened.

Memories of Friends

• Geography lessons with Miss Andrews who tried to analyse our personalities by the colours we used on our maps
• Chemistry lessons with Mr Kinkead handling mercury and radioactive materials and all sorts of weird and wonderful experiments and explosions
• Physics lessons with Mr Boyd who didn’t think girls should be doing physics
• Further maths and Scripture Union events with Mr Hunniford
• Everyone setting fire to paper in their desks with a student French teacher

Life after Friends

I went to UEA in Norwich and did Maths. Then went to London and qualified as a Chartered Accountant. Met my husband Jon there and had our first child there. Moved to Manchester in 1990 and had our second boy. I now work part-time as Finance Manager for a small charity called BASIC-Brain And Spinal Injury Centre in Manchester.

I go back to Lisburn every couple of years to visit relatives. When I was there last year I managed to meet up with Vicky Hodges, David McCabe, Gilda Gourley, Kathy Farnham and Tracey O’Neil.

Have a great night!

Sandra Savage (Ingram)

Simple memories and a poignant thought from Jane:

First memory... sitting beside Jane O'Sullivan doing... was it an entrance exam?

Last memory... discussing life and times... and rugby with John Barr every morning.

Would you all take a moment though to remember those who didn't make it this far. Carolyn McMahon died before we even left school... just pause and be grateful for everything we have achieved.

Many of the class have been in touch expressing their best wishes for our reunion tomorrow and mentioning memories of our school days. Below I've passed on comments from Pamela (Hutchinson) Sainsbury and Ian Dring.

Many thanks to all the rest of you who cannot join us tomorrow but have forwarded your best wishes for the occasion—Anne, Jane, Barbara, and many more!

Pam forwarded the following update to keep you all informed:

I wish I could be there. I would love to see the school again, and all my old buddies, but am back in Africa again. Funnily enough I was in Belfast last week, but the cost of changing my return ticket was quoted as $899 USD so this was not on. Also I need to be in Cape Town for a meeting on Monday so it would have not been feasible. I will try to send you a short summary of what I have been up to and send a photo but in case I run out of time here is a summary:

• I am a retired lawyer
• I have lived in Harare Zimbabwe for 30 years
• I have been married to Gavin for 31 years
• Two boys 27 and 25

People can find me on Facebook.

Who remembers Latin cricket with Hector Simpson? If right you got a seat by the window, radiator, if wrong on the other side of the room. And him throwing the blackboard rubber when he was cross with you. He wouldn’t be allowed to get away with that in this nanny state day and age!

Amo, Amas, Amat etc.

Hope the reunion goes well and look forward to seeing the pictures.

Regards, Pam Sainsbury (Hutchinson)

Ian has compiled a document for you all to let you know what he's been up to and mention some of his lasting memories of Friends. See "Dringo's story" by selecting the PDF document link below.

A reminder of activities inside and outside school.

The newspaper print may be fading, but the memories never will now!

A selection of newspaper cuttings from the scrapbooks!

For any of you who, for whatever reason, have not signed up for the 40 year reunion dinner on Saturday, please remember that you are still very welcome to join us at any stage without having dinner:

• come along to the school tour at 15:00 at front of school on Saturday
• have a drink with us in the Ramada before dinner from 17:00 on Saturday
• have a drink with us after dinner at the Ramada from around 21:30 (Green room)

No need to confirm, just turn up and surprise us!

The new Principal of the school, Stephen Moore, has kindly offered to host a tour of the school on Saturday 1st October. He will be there at 3pm to open the main gates so that cars can park in the drive. He suggests meeting at the main door (remember the red-brick entrance to the Head's office?) and he will show us a new building and recent refurbishments in the original buildings. This will take approximately 40 minutes. I will mention this tour to Arthur Chapman in case he wants to see you again.

People coming from the hotel or the airport without a car, let's try to match you up with someone who is driving a car to get you back to the hotel. Let us know.

15 people have expressed an interest in the tour, anyone extra is very welcome, no need to register!

http://friendsschoollisburn.org.uk/

I've selected the playlist you'll see in the PDF document linked below as reasonably representative of the music during our class of 76 years at Friends. I've tried to cater for all tastes—tracks that will make some cringe and others squeal with delight (well maybe).

Bringing this along on Saturday evening to play in the background provided it doesn't take away from a pleasant ambiance!

Now I wonder what our esteemed music aficionados of our school years would think of this mix... Robert B, David W...

George

I just recalled today that at the 30 year anniversary dinner quite a few photographs were taken and we managed to pull them together on Flickr using the "fslclassof76" tag. (We didn't have our own web site then).

You can still see all those photos using the following web address:

https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=FSLclassof76

Of course we've probably all slowed down a bit and won't be dancing around like that on Saturday. (Is that a challenge).

George

Who knew we had so many poets in our midst? Cheer yourself up with a smile at these...

A few photographs from Past & Present magazine featuring your classmates.

Was that hairstyle really tolerated by Mr Gillespie!

Was Michael really that short at one stage!

Can you spot the picture that has the left to right assignments the wrong way round?

How come Jenny B doesn't look any different than she does today?

Can you spot which girl stands out with the best makeup?

Wasn't that a formidable looking rugby team, first XV 1975-76!

Sporting stars of the past we salute you!

Select the PDF document below to view our menu options. All those attending should select their desired starter, main and dessert in the next few days. To make your selection please visit the following page and type your name against the starter, main and dessert you would like:

http://bit.ly/classof76-40-dinner

Thanks!

George

Date: Wed, 6 Jul 2016 23:10:03 +0000
From: Julie Smyth

The death has occurred of: JAMES GREGORY (GREG) MISKELLY

July 4, 2016 at his home, Woodside, Seymour Hill, Dunmurry, aged 58 years, dear father of Louise and Ruth, much-loved son of Doreen and Alex, loving brother of Robin and wife Anne and uncle to Cathy and Marc.

Funeral Service in Ronnie Thompson's Funeral Church, 20 Ballinderry Road, Lisburn, BT28 1UF on Thursday at 11.00 a.m., followed by burial in Lisburn New Cemetery Blaris.

No flowers please. Donations, if desired, for N.I. Chest, Heart & Stroke, cheques payable to Ronnie Thompson Donations Account, c/o address as above.

Will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by the entire family circle.

Date: Thu, 7 Jul 2016 05:57:24 +0100
From: Chris Swain

He was a character and as mad as a box of frogs. He was one of those people who we all remembered from our school days. Quite possibly the most brilliant multi talented person I have ever known but not without his troubles.

Date: Thu, 7 Jul 2016 06:04:40 +0100
From: George Munroe

Definitely a character we could never forget. From an amazing rendition of "Bridge over troubled water" on wee Mick's piano in the wooden huts, to setting off bangers holding them between his teeth in front of the assembly hall main outside entrance. Sad news.

Sent: 07 July 2016 08:30
From: Brian W Lavery

Very sad news to hear but thanks for telling me. I have fond memories of Gruk, from jumping off a roof with an umbrella parachute (landing bottom first), to getting into battles with me on the rugby field. Great guy, one of the best. He was a distant relation too, second cousin or something like that.

Date: Thu, 7 Jul 2016 11:00:58 +0100
From: Chris Swain

Hearing the stories is leaving me feeling a bit responsible for his reputation.

I dared him 50p that he wouldn't light the banger in his mouth and then was "bricking" it when he did it.

Also the umbrella stunt. It was my fishing umbrella. I told him I had jumped off our flat roof at home .... and Gruk being Gruk thought that sounds good ... bring it into school for me to have a go!!

Good memories

Date: Thu, 7 Jul 2016 14:37:12 +0100
From: Michael Snoddy

Definitely one of our characters, very sad, I expect there will be many more stories to be heard at our reunion.

Friends School Lisburn
Class of 1976
40 year anniversary reunion

Plans are now in place for our 40th anniversary reunion:

Saturday 1 October 2016
18:30 for 19:00 dinner
RAMADA PLAZA BELFAST
117 Milltown Road
Shaws Bridge
Belfast
BT8 7XP IE
www.ramada.com/hotels/ireland/belfast/ramada-plaza-belfast/hotel-overview

We have booked a room with a set dinner menu, including several choices, which will be forwarded closer to the time.

Those travelling from outside Northern Ireland may wish to book accommodation in this hotel. The venue is close to walks along the river Lagan, Barnett Demesne, Minnowburn, Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon park, Belvoir forest park.

If there is enough interest we can meet on Saturday afternoon for a walk and coffee at the Lock Keepers Inn, or any other agreeable activities during the weekend. Please also feel free to prepare an address for the class on any relevant subject if so inclined -- our entertainment on the evening will be self served! The hotel bar will also be available.

If you would like to bring your partner then they are very welcome!

We've agreed a set cost for the event at £35 per person to cover dinner courses and room booking. To confirm your place all you need to do is pay the £35 as soon as possible. You may do this online at:

www.paypal.me/mungeo

(Or if you prefer get back to us about an alternative method of payment).

I hope as many of you as possible can make it. Looking forward to seeing you all again!

Hope everyone is well!

Following a chat over coffee this morning, Michael, Adrian and I decided we should definitely try to mark the occasion of our 40th anniversary of leaving the old school and all going our separate ways. No doubt some of you have been thinking the same. We do not feel we have any monopoly in organising this, so if anyone would like to step up and do the honours then we'll help in whatever way we can. However in the event that the year just starts to slip away and any opportunity for a reunion bash with it, we thought we'd start the ball rolling and try and gauge the interest. We talked about a few possibilities this morning. So if you are interested in meeting that bunch you spent every working day with for seven of the most formative years of your life, then please indicate by replying to this message.

1. First we need to know how many of you might attend: yes or no and with or without a partner?
2. Then we need to know your preferred time: Friday, Saturday, what month?
3. And what about the venue: hotel, close to Belfast/Lisburn, golf club, anywhere else?
4. Mix with other activity options: walk, golf, hike, …?
5. Fancy staying overnight: a hotel close to airport, some possibly only joining for dinner, chatting over a drink to the wee hours, breakfast the next morning and time to talk to everyone?
6. Other thoughts?

Let us know, time is marching on! And if you know anyone from the class who doesn't receive this then please pass this message on and let us know their email address if possible.

Regards to all, George, Michael, Adrian

[Use the "Contact us" section above or email George, Michael or Adrian]

Seems only fair to announce that Michael and I have decided that we won't be taking on that mantle of running to raise funds for a selected charity again this year.

We've been doing that for the past seven years, involving Jenny, Barbara, Adrian and many more of the class of 76 as supporters. It's been great and we've raised somewhere around £14K. However, with Adrian announcing his retirement from running at the end of 2015 and my own increasing demands on time from a new role at work, we're going to step down from formal fund raising.

That doesn't mean we'll be stopping running of course. Michael has more full marathons planned and I'll certainly be doing at least the usual quota of half marathons through the year, always remembering the adage "you don't stop when you get old, you get old when you stop" :-).

2016 is the 40th anniversary of class of 76 leaving Friends School to all go our separate ways. Hopefully, somehow, we will get a reunion organised at some stage during the year, but that may mean some of the class stepping up to help with the organisation.

But even if that doesn't happen, many of us will continue to meet informally at coffee in Dobbies, occasional dinner get togethers, at Wallace Park during Saturday morning's park run, on the golf course, and elsewhere.

It's good to keep in touch and when I can I'll add updates to this site, and you can too!

We did it. A very hot day, lots of runners on the road, but we all finished!

Another exhilarating, and at the same time humbling, experience, to be part of such a massive throng—over 50,000—all intent on reaching that finish line in memory of someone special or simply to raise funds for a really good cause they believe in.

Sure, yer man Mo raced on and showed everyone up by finishing in just under an hour (ugh). And we did try to catch him, but there were just too many joggers in the way. But that wasn't what the day was about at all.

Delighted to report that on this special year of fund raising, in memory of Gordon Bell, the classof76 team has now raised a total of £2,252 for Belfast Activity Centre, exceeding our target of £2,000. A big thanks again to all who have contributed. And if you intended to, but didn't get around to it, then we'll be keeping the web page open for another few weeks:

www.justgiving.com/classof76

Thank you!

It was the perfect evening for a run… light breeze, dry and not too sunny. And the half marathon course had changed from the hilly route around Ravernet to a much smoother ride out towards Moira and back by Culcavy.

George and Michael set off with caution on the half marathon, gradually winding up and finishing with respectable times of around 1:52 and 1:46 respectively.

Adrian and Christine took on the established 10K course and both finished in less than 1:25.

All tired but very satisfied at the end of the evening on a run that is always that little bit extra a challenge owing to the evening start after a day's work.

Our fund raising for this year is now almost totalling the target of £2000 (just £60 or so to go). But that doesn't mean we're going to stop encouraging donations! Two more runs to go: at Rathlin in August; and the final season meet at the Great North Run in Newcastle in September.

So please, plenty still to sponsor and encourage if you haven't yet contributed to a great cause in memory of Adrian and Charan's Gordon.

www.justgiving.com/classof76

Thank you!

Our marathon endeavours on Monday went very well. Weather was just about right, enough sun to make sure those of us who were waiting at a changeover point didn't get too cold while waiting, but not so hot to make the running difficult.

Michael was attempting to run the whole 26.1 miles for the first time AND HE DID, with a finishing time of just over 3:53.

We let Michael do the first two stages of the relay to give the relay team a good start.

George joined Michael at the start of the third stage for the long haul all the way up the Antrim Road. Christine took over at "Gideon's Green" (beside Hazel Bank park on the lough shore). Adrian took over from Christine at Corporation Street in town for the last stage.

George drove into town to meet and run with Michael again for the last few miles up the Ormeau Road and back down the Ravenhill to the finish at Ormeau Park. Adrian came over the line at 4:18 which sets a new team relay record for us. So everyone well pleased.

And the fund raising has now reached £1500. See:

www.justgiving.com/classof76

A big thanks to everyone who has helped so far!

Next stop—Lisburn Half Marathon on 17 June!

The Old Scholars are having a golf day at Edenmore on Friday 26 June at 2pm.

A few of us thought it might be an opportunity for a get-together with some of the Class of 76. If you're interested, let us know!

Our 2015 fund raising is going great... £1050 so far for Belfast Activity Centre -- so just over half way to our target!

Many thanks for the generous donations to date. For those of you who would like to give us another boost before the marathon on Monday the page is at:

http://justgiving.com/classof76

Remember Michael is running the whole 26.1 miles this year while Adrian and I will be doing different legs of the relay. We hope to be at Cutters Wharf after the race on Monday afternoon so please feel free to call for a drink.

Some of us will also be at Dobbies on Saturday morning for a late breakfast around 10:30 (after Wallace Park Run). We'll be talking about a couple of other activities this year... everyone welcome :-).

The fast improving Easter weekend weather may have had something to do with it, but on arrival in Ballyliffen there was a pervasive relaxed and friendly vibe about the place. Runners gathered informally in front of the main street Ballyliffen hotel, chatting, stretching, topping up with a few more dregs of energy drink. Approaching 13:00 the runners slowly separated from friends and family to line up on the road. Without much razzmatazz we all started walking when someone somewhere said so, then a gentle jog as the pace picked up and strided out as the throng loosened and spread out along the route.

And what a route. On turning right out of the village, golf course to the left, the view opened out to reveal the northern tip of Inishowen—fields of sheep, the smell of burning peat, the vista stretching out to glimpses of white tossed blue sea towards and beyond Malin Head, with hills and mountains poking out of the damp tinged mist that had overstayed from the morning's fog as it struggled to avoid sizzling by a hot sun. Under a misty spangled blue sky we had a fresh breeze keeping us cool on the welcome downhill of the first couple of miles towards Trawbreaga Bay to the east.

At three miles or so George decided the pace was just a little punishing on the first of the longer uphills, while Michael maintained a steady cadence. But the pain was always secondary as every country lane bend and hill brow brought more startling scenes—vast untouched beaches with receded tide, and then, further north, juggernaut breakers smashing on rocky coastlines.

It seemed six miles were behind us in no time and there was just one long hill to go before the descent to Pollan beach and the final two mile stage. And what a sight as we came down towards the west coast, a hazy cloak covering the distant stretch of the beach, making the end undecipherable, with a continuous trail of tired bodies trundling forward over the wet sand with a restless sea licking erratically at their feet when least expected.

At last coloured banners came into focus at the finish. The relief was overwhelming and the last few hundred yards tough but wonderfully satisfying.

An awesome run. Should be a classof76 annual event. Although we must persuade Michael not to do the Londonderry park run the same morning in future so that he's able to stay awake in the evening for a few more drinks :-).

So, hot on the heels of getting our 2015 fundraising web site up and going, Michael and I are seeking sponsors for our first event of the year: the Ballyliffen 10 mile coastal challenge, taking place this Saturday, 4 April on Donegal's lovely Inishowen, not far off the most northerly point of the island and probably the most windswept too!

If you would like to help us get off to a flying start then we'd love to see you along the way. But if it's a bit far for an afternoon drive you could always give a little on the fund raising page at:

justgiving.com/classof76

More on the Ballyliffen event at:

www.visitballyliffin.com/about-ballyliffin/ballyliffin-coastal-challenge/

Many thanks!

George

It took a little longer than usual to get this year's fund raising page organised but we're now up and running:

justgiving.com/classof76

We'll use this all year as we participate in a number of running and other events—any of which the whole class is invited to.

In 2015 we are raising funds for Belfast Activity Centre (BAC), based in Barnett's Park on the outskirts of South Belfast. This is a very special effort in memory of, and in celebration of, the life of Gordon Bell—son of fellow class team member Adrian and wife Charan, and brother of Julie. BAC is the organisation that organised adventures for Gordon, not allowing disability with Cerebral Palsy to prevent him from full participation in adventures that delighted him during his brief 25 years before succumbing to severe complications in his condition last October.

Please give generously, and point others to the fund raising page above, so that others can continue to benefit as Gordon did. The JustGiving donation process is secure and easy—you can use Paypal or a credit/debit card, and if you're still working then you can allow gift aid to go straight to BAC.

Many thanks all.

We had an enjoyable get together last Saturday, 27 December, in the restaurant of Dobbies in Lisburn.

Sorry that some who had planned to come along couldn't make it.

It was also too icy in Wallace Park for the weekly Park Run to take place so all of us (except one :-) stuck to various Christmassy hot drinks and gave the enticing fry a miss!

Amongst other things we talked about a few activities for the coming year that everyone is invited to participate in. These will include:

• Walk from Newry to Portadown along Newry canal in early Spring
• Mini golf tournament and dinner for non-golfers and golfers at Lisburn Golf Club
• Rathlin run on Saturday 29 August—in addition to usual Belfast marathon relay (May), Lisburn half marathon (June), and Great North Run (September)
• Triathalon, if we can find one that allows a relay team, so that different individuals can do the running, cycling and swimming

We also recalled that we will have left FSL 40 years in 2016 and are thinking about another "reunion" dinner. In anticipation of this we'll be studying a few old school photographs and trying to identify anyone who isn't already on our email list. We'll probably do this some Saturday morning over a coffee at Dobbies and the more of us there the better!

And to improve and widen participation in sharing news, some of the team will be setting up and managing a Facebook page which will probably be used for announcements relating to the Class of 76 from now on.

In the picture, from left to right: Michael, Adrian, Julie, Chris, Anne, George.

Happy New Year everyone!

Just as he did last year, Michael had enrolled again for the Belfast Half Marathon on Sunday 14 September, exactly 7 days after the Great North Run.

After an hour's delay in the start due to a traffic accident on part of the course, the field were on their way along a new route through the city, starting and finishing at the spacious show grounds at the King's Hall complex.

Conditions were very good for running, just a bit of sun starting to dominate on the later stages.

Michael came storming home across the finishing line in his Action for Children running vest in a remarkable time (all things considered) of around 1:51.

An extra push for the class of 76 running efforts this year! Well done Michael.

The usual apprehensive rise around 07:00 on the morning of the run. A tightly controlled breakfast and anxious stroll to the metro for the journey into Newcastle and the start of the biggest race in any year. A 45 minute endurance of being forced to feel what it's like to be inside a tin of sardines, then have a few more zealous runners squeeze in some more. Finally release at Haymarket and the swarm of people like ants covering every possible walking space from the metro escalators into the street and around and through the university all the way to the gathering crowd and noisy outside broadcasts at the starting line.

The sun had its hat on. It was hot! The massive displays around the kilometre long starting pens warned it was not a day for personal bests, to drink plenty, and take it very easy.

The starting gun arrived sooner than anticipated again and we were off. Settling into a rhythmic daze, swept along in a tide with almost 60,000 other individuals, all determined to see through a commitment they'd made, no matter what the pain.

Adrian, Christine and myself did take it easy, Michael blasted his personal best by several minutes! Michael's ever improving time was 1:47, the rest of us were over 2 hours.

However the good weather meant it was much more pleasant at the finish and we gathered at the Action for Children marquee in the charity village to enjoy a very satisfying cuppa and kitkat in the warm late Summer sun, followed by the annual leg massage (for everyone except me!).

Another job well done and we're immensely satisfied :-).

Many many thanks to all our supporters, it wouldn't be nearly as worthwhile without your kind donations for our selected charity every year.

All FSL class of 76,

The world's greatest half marathon is on Sunday 7 September. The spectator-lined course covers 13.1 miles from Newcastle, across the iconic Tyne Bridge and onto the picturesque coastal finish in South Shields. It will be broadcast live on BBC TV...

... and Adrian Bell, Michael Snoddy and George Munroe (you went to school with them 40 years ago :-) will be participating as FSL Class of 76 to raise funds for "Action for Children".

So far this year we've raised almost £900, but we want to take this total past £1500 during the next month. Please help, if you haven't already, with any contribution -- small or large -- and help these old timers hit the target again in 2014!

http://virginmoneygiving.com/classof76

THANK YOU!

George

Yes, definitely life in the old dogs yet!

We all finished our race with respectable times, some the best on this Lisburn route ever. And that was on a searing hot evening when we expected to falter and struggle up and down those hills.

Many thanks to all who have supported with donations and the much appreciated moral support through messages and on the spot cheer.

Now setting our sights on early September and the Great North Run, the highlight of another running year and a chance to hit that target of £1500 for "Action for Children".

We'll be out with a few hundred others on Wednesday evening next week on the roads around Lisburn, continuing our drive to raise at least £1500 towards "Action for Children" this year.

Michael and I will be facing the challenge of one of the hardest half marathons around-far too many hills! Adrian is following on the 10K route. If you're about do look out for us in our bright orange and yellow running vests (see pictures below) and give us a cheer to help keep us going!

The start and finish of races is in front of Lisburn LeisurePlex, starting about 19:00 and finishing when we're done :-). If you're there do say hello or join in-the fun run would be a great starter to get (back) into running!

Thanks to all who have contributed to this great cause to date. Fund raising page at if you would still like to contribute:

http://virginmoneygiving.com/classof76

Another success!

Despite dire weather at times (sorry you got the short straw there Michael) we finished in a very respectable time (for our age) of under 4.5 hours.

And the celebratory meet up at Cutters Wharf was thoroughly enjoyed by all!

Next challenge is Lisburn half marathon and 10K on evening of Wednesday 18 June. Fund raising continues for "Action for children" at:

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/classof76

Thanks to all who have contributed so far and helped us over half way to target amount this year!

George

We're just about ready to start raising funds again for our selected 2014, locally active, charity. This year we've chosen "Action for Children", a long standing charity that focuses on supporting vulnerable and neglected children and young people through a broad range of activities.

Our online sponsorship page is at:

http://virginmoneygiving.com/classof76

Michael, Adrian and myself will definitely be going for all of the "Belfast marathon relay", "Lisburn half marathon" and "Great North Run" races. If any of you can be part of this please give us a shout about running with us for part, or all, of any of the these or other events (there are short stages in Belfast relay, and 10K and fun run options in Lisburn) or donate something small to bolster the fund raising. You could also point sponsors to the online page. Let me know what you're doing and I'll update the notes on the page!

The photo is one that Michael forwarded showing our running vests from the past six years, running for: Foyle Hospice; Chest Heart and Stroke; Cancer Research; Alzheimer's Society; Marie Curie; and Action for Children.

Taking the school motto "Quae sursum aunt quaerite" (seek those things that are above) a little literally, the school recently took on a challenge to send a pupil into space.

You can watch film of the whole project, including launch, spaceflight, return to earth, and sea pick up on this youtube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glsVDUdPLm8&feature=c4-overview&list=UUlFCXfx3Waa7jY6D0jys7aA

Well done Matt! Another extraordinary documentary.

This was possibly one of the worst weather Great North Runs in its history. Instead of sweltering sun and blistering road we had decidedly cool and overcast weather with bouts of gales and downpours!

Still, not as bad as the raging storm that some had predicted the evening before. And tough conditions didn't put the team off at all. Michael and I came in with another two personal bests while Adrian and Christine followed with very respectable times, all things considered. And everyone enjoyed a soothing massage at the end thanks to those lovely welcoming people in the Marie Curie charity tent (all except me of course, who cried off to an early hot shower instead :-).

The main race on Sunday followed an enjoyable Saturday afternoon in Newcastle/Gateshead watching the Junior Great North Run and Gateshead City Games and a visit to the cafe in the Sage building.

And we met up with some old Great North friends around the race and had our own celebratory dinner and drink in South Shields afterwards. A great weekend!

We have now reached a grand total of £1615 raised for Marie Curie Cancer Care - see http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/classof76. Thanks to all who have donated so generously!

And we're going to keep that funding page up just a little bit longer-for anyone who might still want to give a little to the cause-as Michael (whom we strongly suspect has been bitten by some kind of "running bug") has signed up for *another* half marathon in Belfast next Sunday (22 September). So if you're spectating on that occasion don't forget to give him a big cheer!

George

Sunday 15 September sees us facing the 13.1 miles from Newcastle to South Shields in North East England as our third and last 2013 fund raising event for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Michael and Adrian have been attending a few Park Run events to get into the mood (see http://www.parkrun.org.uk/wallace/ -- a great way to spend Saturday mornings). George has been up early while on holiday and clocking up miles before breakfast!

Our target fundraising of £1500 is just £65 short of being hit, so if you'd like to help us with a few quid then please just go to http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/classof76, it only takes a minute or so.

Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to date.

Look out for us on BBC 1 on Sunday 15 September from 09:30 to 13:30.

...and what a relief to finish that one!

Sunny hot summer evenings may be lovely for spectators but definitely not for runners! But we made it and have the medals to add to the collection, despite anguish and pain at the finish. Although the 2 hours 3 minutes or so times were quite respectable for "class of 76ers".

Marie Curie fund raising effort now up to £1335.00—just £165 off the target with the Great North Run still to come in September.

Donation link:

http://virginmoneygiving.com/classof76.

Thanks to all who have donated to date!

The weather was perfect for it... not too hot, light breeze, and only a sniff of rain that came to nothing.

Michael worked his way towards the top athletes at the starting line and crossed it less than a minute after the gun.

Steady pace right through the first two stages to hand over to Adrian at Hillview street and the start of what is unarguably the hardest leg of the relay up the gruelling Antrim Road hill.

Glen, Michael's neighbour's son and 35 years our junior, joined the race here also, taking advantage of our spare race bibs to fulfill an important plan and pace us old ones as a bonus.

Glen went sailing past George at Gideon's Green one hour later and George set off in hot pursuit. They both caught the 4 hour race completion marker runner with his purple balloon after 10 minutes.

A consistent stubborn hammering the tarmac for another 70 minutes or so saw us cross the finishing mats with a time of 3:51:10 on the big clock above the line. The best one yet!

A wonderfully restful afternoon at Cutters afterwards, settling for extra pints and sauce smothered burgers rather than venturing up the stairs to the restaurant. A great time was had by all before heading off 6 hours later for a well deserved early night :-).

Next challenge is Lisburn half marathon/10K/fun run on Wednesday 19 June.

Big thanks to everyone who has donated so generously so far. Almost £1200 for Marie Curie to date. If you haven't given anything yet and would like to then just visit the following web page:

http://virginmoneygiving.com/classof76

Hopefully see some of you in Lisburn—feel free to join the team and help raise more by taking part in any of the runs on 19 June (fun run is easy :-).

That's the first one completed... the Belfast marathon relay. Well done to George Munroe, Adrian Bell and Michael Snoddy. George and Michael did two legs but Adrian did the arduous 7.1 mile run in the middle. Lovely day though, cool and dry, not like other years. See photo of a cheerful 'Dinger' at his finish of the third leg!

Donations now at £1175 for Marie Curie Cancer Care: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/classof76

The next race is the Lisburn half marathon on 19 June and then on 15 September the Great North Run.

We're just about set to start raising some funds for a selected charity again this year. We've chosen "Marie Curie Cancer Care". Some of us have had first hand experience recently of their remarkable work and the big difference they can make at difficult times.

Online donation page at: http://virginmoneygiving.com/classof76

Michael, Adrian and myself will definitely be aiming for all of the "Belfast marathon relay", "Lisburn half marathon" and "Great North Run" races. Jenny has a big question hanging over a knee injury at present. Chris Swain is coming out for a drink with us in two weeks time and we'll be coercing him to do his bit. Julie Smyth might even have a go if we can get her in the country at the right time. And Barbara might come out of retirement and don the running shoes again!

But any of you can be part of this! Run with us or donate something small to bolster the fund raising. You could run a stage in the marathon relay with us, or do the half marathon, 10K or fun run in Lisburn in June, or even go for broke and run the Great North Run in Newcastle with us in September by applying under the Marie Curie charity banner. Then it's just a matter of pointing sponsors to the online page and let me know what you're doing so that I can update the notes on the page!

If anyone wants to join in or talk about adding other events in this effort, join us for a drink in the Four Trees, Moira, Friday 29 March (Good Friday), 20:00. Or just get in touch by email or web site.

Good value substantial breakfast, pleasant spacious surroundings, free parking and not too far away. Thanks Dobbies for hosting our Christmas 2012 class of 76 mini get together!

A couple of hours passed very quickly as we caught up on this and that and enjoyed each others company.

From left to right in the photo: Chris, Vicky, Davy, George, Adrian, Julie.

Maybe some more of these in 2013...

We rounded up this year's classof76 running for charity in Newcastle at the Great North Run, with personal best times all round for Michael, Adrian and myself (and my Christine too, who helped raise a few more quid for the cause).

A cloudy and at times wet morning was just about perfect for running the Gateshead to South Shields course. We were "high-fived" by Mo Farah and Greg Rutherford at the start, spurred on by a double salute from the Red Arrows and by the encouragement of around 50,000 other runners, all with a driving, and often personal, purpose for finishing the race.

I can report that Michael is definitely getting back to school day form, Adrian has been totally converted, and I'm just about holding on!

So all in all we managed to raise £1700 for Cancer Research (http://www.justgiving.com/classof76) from over 50 donations, following our marathon relay in May (with Jenny and Michael's son Devin), Lisburn runs in June and Great North Run just over a week ago. Enough events now until next year!

Hoping some more of you will join us in 2013: "you don't stop when you get old, you get old when you stop" :-).

Getting ready for the Great North Run over at Newcastle on 16 September, two weeks on Sunday.

Adrian, Michael and myself will be running as the classof76 volunteer runners to conclude this year's fund raising for Cancer Research with a grand finale of a half marathon each.

Our target has been £1500 and we're currently at £1180. So we need another £320. If you haven't already made a donation this year then please consider pledging any amount, however small, on our fund raising page at:

just giving.com/classof76

Look out for us on TV :-).

Many thanks!

George

Weather atrocious, but finishing time the best yet!

The news said that parts of the UK had lower temperatures over this May holiday than during Christmas and it certainly felt it! Wind and rain were icy cold and there was no hanging around after running or flopping on the rain sodden muddy grass to recover!

Adrian started the charge at City Hall, getting over the line about 8 minutes after the starting gun. Jenny picked up after 6 miles, then handed over to George at Hillview Street after her 3.5 mile sprint through the city centre. George stormed up the Antrim Road with close to a personal best for his 7 miles and handed over to Michael's son Devin at Gideon's Green. Devin faced the full force of wind sea and rain along the 5 mile coast route into Dargan and Corporation Street where Michael took over for the last stage along the Lagan, Ormeau Road and Ravenhill.

Official finishing time for Classof76 team was 4 hours and 12 minutes. Taking off the 8 minutes or so before Adrian crossed the line brings that down to 4:04 or so. Not bad for 76-ers!

A welcome drink and full meal were enjoyed by all at Cutters Wharf afterwards, amidst reminiscing about bygone days at Friends!

Next challenge is Lisburn half marathon or 10K on 20 June. Sponsorship page still open raising funds for Cancer Research. Over £1000 raised so far. Please give a little if you haven't to date and big thanks to all those who have been so generous. See: justgiving.com/classof76.

Jenny, Adrian, Michael and George would be delighted if any of the class could them after the marathon relay run on Monday 7 May at Cutters Wharf around 14:00, as they have a celebratory drink and bite to eat!

Just a few days to go until the 2012 Belfast marathon and the classof76 relay team are ready for action again!

This year we are raising money for Cancer Research. To do so some of us are participating in three events: Belfast marathon on 7 May; Lisburn half marathon on 20 June; and the Great North Run on 16 September.

Our fund raising page is at: justgiving.com/classof76 and it's very easy to make a small donation.

Thanks for any consideration, every little bit helps! And big thanks to those who have contributed already.

Cancer Research is one of the world's leading charities dedicated to saving lives through research, continually discovering new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. As well as world-class research, the charity provides timely relevant information for patients, health professionals and the public, and influences public policy to keep cancer at the top of the health agenda. (See: http://aboutus.cancerresearchuk.org/).

Donating with justgiving.com is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details will not be passed to anyone. Donations go directly to the charity and Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation. It's the best way to donate... we raise more, whilst saving time and costs for the charity.

As I write we have a total of £616 already raised and hoping to exceed our target of £1500 before we finish all events.

My nephew Matthew Good has helped the school put together a promotional video.

Well done Matthew and the team! And haven't things changed at the old place!

On 27 December 2011, Julie, Chris and George (with Christine) took a two hour hike around Dundrum Bay through Murlough Nature Reserve.

It was a blustery but invigorating day, despite almost losing Julie's dog Sam a couple of times!

Finished off with a late Subway lunch in Newcastle.

What seems to have become an annual mid year meeting in London occurred again on Thursday 23 June.

A few of the usual crew couldn't make it this year, but Timothy, Rodney, Julie, Aileen, Barbara and George had a lovely evening over dinner and chat on South Bank once again.

I'm delighted to report that we have hit and exceeded our target amount of £1500 for Alzheimer's Society following the relay team's Belfast marathon event.

Well done to all involved?relay team and generous sponsors!

See: www.justgiving.com/classof76

I've always been one to take photos of people when they least expect it, so here's a couple.

Michael Snoddy looks like he's having second thoughts about doing his leg of the Marathon while waiting for George. Then when George arrived a few minutes later, he came in pretty fast and took Michael by surprise! So there was no time for thinking then and he ran off... while George collapsed at Gideon's Green.

Well, it was a hot day and I think we all got a bit of sun tan. Afterwards we noticed Michael had especially... he had the Belfast Lough run... sun in his face and the cool wind to boot!

Great day had by all and although a little slower than last year, everyone had run longer distances than last year so it was a brilliant achievement... roll on next year!

Well, amidst the usual apprehension as to whether these bodies were still up to it, we just did it, and we did it well!

It was a great day! Weather was gorgeous—sunny but with a fresh breeze. Everyone in the team finished their stage in a faster average time than earlier years. We've also almost hit the target for the fund raising for Alzheimer's Society (Class of 76 Justgiving) and with a few more donations still to come, it looks as though we'll get there.

And most important we had a great reunion over a few drinks and a meal at Cutters Wharf afterwards.

Well done everyone!

The official time was 4:31:15. That's actually a bit slower than last year but doesn't account for lost time before crossing the starting line and the fact that Barbara wasn't there this year devouring miles on one of the longer stages, and so slower members of the team had a lot more to do.

There are official photographs online and for sale at Marathon Photos. You'll see Jenny at the end of race, Christine near the beginning and one of Michael along the lough shore stage.

I've added a few of my own photos below and expect the rest of the team may be uploading more here soon!

This is the third year that the Friend's School Class of 76 relay team have entered the Belfast Marathon. This year we are raising money for the Alzheimer's Society. Unfortunately Barbara can't make it this year so without more volunteers from Class of 76 to run with us, we've got a friend of the team to enrol. Speed will not improve by her inclusion but hopefully the donations will keep coming in. All the best guys!

If you'd like to encourage us along by donating, just go to Class of 76 Justgiving site. Many thanks.

On December 27 a group from the class met at Hillsborough forest car park and had a very enjoyable stroll around the lake. Lots of catching up, fresh air, coffee and buns in town afterwards.

The Smith clan was out in force as were the Snoddys! Adrian had son Gordon out to meet us all and it was great to see Jenny, Julie and Chris too with Christine and I.

See if you can recognise everyone in the photo.

Julie and Clive got to the terrace outside Festival Hall at South Bank a little early and by the time Christine and I were arriving it had started to rain (in London, middle week of June, ugh). So Julie sent text to say they had moved inside.

I caught Julie at the bar and offered to carry drinks over to the table as she paid (I offered to do that also but she let me wait until later :-) but she refused to tell me exactly where Clive was sitting, insisting that I should go see if I recognised him after 38 years... in a massive hall that was jam packed with hundreds of people having a Friday evening drink or listening to a concert in the centre of the hall.

Well, guess what, I walked straight to him! Hasn't changed a bit!

That was the start of a very very enjoyable evening. Clive and I gave each other our past 38 years in a nutshell, amidst reminiscences of Hector Simpson's Latin classes and moving in and out of the "slums" or sitting on the front bench of Popeye's Chemistry class with Julie and wondering who was being asked the question... not too mention clandestine love notes that used to float around involving these two class mates (not me though!).

Rodney then arrived as we ordered another two bottles of the Pinot Grigio and caught up with him. Nice iPad :-). It's amazing how short a time 38 years can seem.

Of course, of prime importance to Clive was resolution of the third form History exam debacle, where he claimed I illegally pipped him at the post to first place in the form with 87% against his 84%, having gained that extra 3% from him as the answer to a question I hadn't completed myself! Needless to say, I don't mind sharing first place, and we have reached a confidential agreement on the matter and it may be publicised that Clive Noblett did achieve joint first place in the 1972 classof76 summer History exam with 84%. It's important.

We retired to a nearby restaurant. It was Julie's birthday so we let her choose her favourite steak house, which proved to be a good choice for us all. Rodney's Nora joined us shortly after that and to a shared mix of starters and sweets and delicious steak, we all thoroughly enjoyed the craic together over another bottle of white and one of red (at least).

Unfortunate that we couldn't have stayed longer as we were not short of things to talk about. I can assure all members of the class that some of your old classmates have had some very interesting jobs and been involved with some very important people. But then, you'll need to come along to dinner to find out more :-).

I'm really looking forward to the next one!

George

(PS sorry about the lousy quality of the photos, only had phone with us, a Nikon next time maybe).

The "classof76" Belfast marathon relay team have done it again, and this year 27 minutes faster than the 2009 time, completing the marathon distance in 4 hours and 18 minutes.

This year the fund raising target of £1500 for our selected Northern Ireland good cause, NI Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS) has been achieved, again using the justgiving.com web site.

A big thank you to everyone who donated to this worthy cause! "Each year in NI almost 10,000 people die from chest, heart and stroke illnesses. Almost all of our families have been affected. NICHS is committed to caring for today and finding a cure for tomorrow. All funds are raised in NI and used for work in NI."

After the marathon this year, the team met at Cutters Wharf for a very enjoyable meal together. Everyone relished the running challenge and is as determined as ever to be back again next year.

Dear everyone,

Last year, I took the massive step of parting with £50.00 to become a life member of the Old Scholars Association.

When my "Past and Present" arrived in the post (free to all members of the Old Scholar Association) I knew it was money well spent. Little has changed in its format, the "News Briefs" section is still there with snippets about past pupils and staff alike. Births, Deaths and Marriages, which unfortunately this year included the untimely death of our own Richard Burton.

The Old Scholars Association hold various nights through out the year, including BBC Gardeners Question Time, Presidents Evening and a Golf outing at Lisburn Golf Club.

I have attached an Application Form for those may wish to add their support.

Best wishes to all.

Michael

[If you decide to join it's just a matter of completing form, writing cheque for £50 made payable to Friends School Old Scholars Association, and posting both to: Friends School Old Scholars Association, Friends School, 6 Magheralave Road, Lisburn, BT28 3BH]

Thank you to everyone who sent good wishes to Jenny Boyd MBE!

We had a great party and as you can see by the photos, Jenny was surprised!

Probably like a lot of people, I hate my photograph being taken but as we were not snap happy on the evening, the only one we had of Jenny wearing her medal included Susan and myself.

It was just great that Jenny and husband Danny, Jane and husband Martin and Maggie Thompson were able to join us for the celebrations.

Julie Smyth and Timothy Smith met Jenny in London for lunch during her trip to the Palace!

She had a fantastic time.

I will see if she will let me scan in her official photo and send it to you all!

We've uploaded a few photos of the evening, also accessible in the Photos section.

Regards to all,

Diane and Susan

Some of us decided to try and walk off a Christmas dinner with a walk in the mountains and a lovely stroll it turned out to be!

Julie Smyth and Jenny Long formed the vanguard as we scaled the icy slopes heading for the summit tower on Meelmore. They were followed by Adrian Bell and George Munroe with a few other good friends.

The ground underfoot was never totally dry but no rain or snow fell during the walk and with good visibility the views from the upper slopes were tremendous.

A great time was had by all, walking for around four hours, with a welcome hot cuppa at the Meelmore Lodge afterwards.

More photos in the Photos section.

George

Proposed route on Monday 28 December...

walk along the Ulster Way from Meelmore Lodge to valley between Meelmore and Meelbeg

up this valley and through gap swinging left towards Bearnagh

climb over the top of Bearnagh and down to Hares Gap

follow Brandy Pad back to Trassey Road and Meelmore Lodge

Suggestions

ready to walk at 09:00 if possible

estimated round trip time: 5-6 hours

can shorten route in bad weather by cutting out Bearnagh

good sturdy walking boots recommended

bring complete waterproofs

pack lunch and 1-2 litres drinking water or similar

Starting point

Meelmore Lodge

52 Trassey Road

NEWCASTLE

County Down

BT33 0QB

car parking charge of £4 per car (up to 10 hours)

confidence of some security for vehicles

facilities to hand

Google location maps

directions from Dundrum

latitude and longitude for sat nav: 54.218027, -5.973816

On Tuesday 28 July, 2009, Julie managed to pull a small group together for a lovely evening over dinner alongside the Thames in Central London.

Barbara Frank, Brian Lavery, Timothy Smith, Rodney Turtle all made it following Julie's invitation as well as George Munroe and partner Christine, who were over at the time giving a course in London.

A few others of the London "classof76 chapter" had been invited but unfortunately were unable to make it due to other commitments. These included Clive Nobblett whom George desperately wanted to meet face to face to resolve a 37 year old dispute over a third form history exam result!

The evening included pre dinner drinks on the riverside terrace at Southbank, then a meal at a nearby restaurant with great views up and down the Thames, and a nightcap at a bar close by. All of this was accompanied by good craic and recollections of fond (or not so fond) memories of Friends School, and chat about where we have all ended up. Most enjoyable!

I can confirm that Julie and Barbara are as lovely as ever, Brian's jet black curls have faded slightly, Timothy exhibits commendable sartorial elegance these days, and Rodney is more athletic than I ever remember at school.

More photos in the Photos section.

(George, who had a great time)

The event was the Lisburn 10K and half marathon held on Wednesday 17 June.

Michael finished the 10K run with a very respectable time of 55:44 and George stumbled over the finish of the half marathon in just under 2 hours! (well, he was a bit jet lagged after travelling from the States on Sunday evening).

The photo shows George's third daughter Zoe (who also did the 10K).

Congratulations to all those who took part in the Marathon relay team on 4 May!

The official time was 4 hours 45 minutes, but I know the changeovers weren't as smooth as we'd hope. So let's say it was 4 hours 30 minutes... for our first go, that's a sterling time.

More importantly, we've raised almost £2500 for the Foyle Hospice (well above our original target). Well done! Thanks to all who have donated. If you'd still like to donate, it's not too late, see: Classof76 JustGiving site.

Still gathering some photos together of the event and afterwards, see the Photos section of this site.

Now here's to the next challenge... ideas welcome!

Everyone,

Michael and I had a chat over Christmas and have decided we are going to enter a "Class of 76" relay team in the Belfast Marathon this year, Monday 4 May.

So we're hoping some of you will join the team, otherwise we'll be running a half marathon each!!!

If enough of us are willing to give it a go then we'll maybe enter two or more teams.

We would also like to use the occasion for "Class of 76" to raise some funds for a local charity (we haven't decided which one yet).

There are details of the length of the relay's five stages (varying from 3.5 to 7.1 miles), changeover points and full route map at the following link:

Belfast Marathon stages for the relay teams

We can make use of specially laid on buses to take team members to changeover points or, if any of you are not running and would like to volunteer as helpers to ferry the runners, we may not have to stand around for so long!

We could also decide on a meeting point in Ormeau Park at the end of the race and (if able :-) go for a celebratory drink and bite to eat afterwards!

OK, who's game for it!

George