FORMER classmates from Henry Beaufort School returned to the school last weekend, 40 years after they left in the long hot summer of 1976.

The older and wiser, and occasionally stouter, former teen friends had a tour of the school and saw how it had changed over the years, but still had the opportunity to bring the memories flooding back.

Organiser, Ann Cochrane (nee Woodward), said: “Talk revolved around the teachers, school trips, misdemeanours and the good friendships that were forged and it seems, are still strong.

“We would like to thank Sue Humphrys for her time in facilitating the tour. After the school tour the group adjourned to the March Hare where they were joined by Neil Cooper.

“The chat about the good times continued over lunch and drinks and we raised a glass to absent friends and of course Mr Hubert (former headteacher) who sadly died last month.

“Some of us then made our way into Winchester to continue with an evening meal and were finally joined Richard Sellars and Colleen Eason (Mahoney).

“I would like to thank everyone who came from far and wide to make the day a great success.

“Here’s to the next one.”

Attendees to the event included: Ricky Smith, David Whalley, Keith Deere, Sue Green (Mortimer), Elaine Haskell-Dominey, Hilary Treweeks (Williams), Jean Ratty (Oliphant), Sue Wright (Pickard, Sharon Eva Gorton, Wayne Johnson, Ann Cochrane (Woodward), Sue Mortimer (Caton), Helen Hamilton, Steve Pretty, Gill Mitchell (Base), Phillipa Airey (Puckering) and Chris Adolph.