Doug - sorry I will not be able to attend yet again as I will be on a Danube river cruise on 15th Sept. Best wishes for an enjoyable day.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1954-59

Current location (optional) Shirley, Croydon

Just a reminder, sent to the 'Keighley News' and, hopefully, 'The Telegraph and Argus'.

Doug


ANNUAL REUNION OF THE FORMER
KEIGHLEY BOYS’ GRAMMAR SCHOOL

For over twenty years now the resumed reunions of the former KBGS have been taking place in one form or another. The School ceased to exist, in reality, when it moved to Oakbank in 1964, even though for a year or two the old name lingered on. The official Old Boys Association continued to operate for some years after, but it too was finally wound up in the early nineteen-eighties.
After a hiatus of a dozen or so years an initiative launched by three or four individuals, among whom the sports journalist and cricket commentator, Don Mosey, led to the establishment of the present series of reunions. Their organisation, as a biennial event, was taken on for the next ten years by Robert Bracken, a former Head Boy of the School. On reaching his eightieth birthday, having done a fair stint at bringing together fifty or so old boys each time, Robert ‘retired’, and shortly after that it was decided to make the reunions an annual event. It should be said, however, that the reunions could not happen at all if it were not for the generous provision of a venue by Keighley Rugby Union Football Club – originally, the ‘Keighlians’, the KBGS Old Boys’ rugby club.
Whilst a good fifty per cent of attendees live in the Keighley area, others come from further afield. The popularisation of the event has been greatly facilitated by the creation of the KBGS website (kbgs.com) by Chris Firth, son of ex-old boy Colin Firth. This thriving on-line community has helped ensure the continuance of the reunions, bringing in former pupils even from Australia. Nevertheless, each year, new ’old boys’ turn up from the Keighley area, having learned – late in the day – about the reunions! Each of these factors has contributed to ensuring a very long ‘after-life’ of the School itself, whose physical existence, even, has now been obliterated – during this present year, in fact.
The 2017 reunion will take place, as usual, at the KRUFC club house at Utley, on Friday 22 September, from mid-day to late afternoon (with lunch around 1pm). Details of the event can be found on the KBGS website (or by contacting the present organiser, Doug Thompson, on 017687 44988 or allen.d.thompson100@gmail.com). Failing contact, if you are interested, just turn up on the day, you and your spouse/partner will be made very welcome. Regrettably, as the ‘organisation’ has no funds of its own we do have to make a charge for the excellent buffet lunch.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

Hi Doug, Just to let you know that your 'piece' appeared in this week's Keighley News(Sept 14), on page 17, for anyone interested. David

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley(still)

A number of people asked for a copy of last year's reunion group photograph. Rather belatedly - for which, apologies - Gill and I found the list and have printed copies for everyone who requested one. We shall bring them to the 'do' on Friday. The price is 80 pence per copy.

To date we have 37 people coming on Friday and we look forward to seeing you all, once again.

All good wishes,

Doug and Gill

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

Hi Doug,

I'm on my way in fifteen minutes. - a day early but I want to catch up with several friends in the Keighley area later today.
I was speaking with a KBG old boy, Brian Wilcock who lives in Vancouver a couple of days ago - he'll be 84 tomorrow. I'm afraid that he is now housebound but his memory serves him well. He recalls his contribution to the sporting life of the school with pride. He and William Shuttleworth came second in the three legged race on two consecutive years - 1944 and 1945! He sends his best wishes.

Current location (optional) Norfolk

Just got back from the reunion and need to say what a good do it was.
Maybe a slight reduction in numbers but the quality of conversation was all there still.
Thanks Doug & Gill
P.S. I'll give my badge back when we next meet, Gill - promise.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1958-65

Current location (optional) Leeds

Some Reunion pics posted this morning, naturally under "Reunions".

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria