CORONAVIRUS CONCERNS: BRIGG SCHOOL REUNION GOES AHEAD BUT THE ATTENDANCE SUFFERS

 

A reunion arranged for former Brigg school pupils went ahead at the weekend despite the current Coronavirus alert, but about 30 per cent of those who were due to attend didn't do so.
The annual dinner organised by the Briggensians' Association for former pupils and staff of Sir John Nelthorpe School, Brigg Girls' High and Brigg Grammar was enjoyed by those who still turned up at Elsham Golf Club on Saturday, March 14, where a three-course meal was served.
They listened to a very informative and illustrated talk by David Horsley - a pupil at Brigg Grammar School (BGS) in the 1960s, who went on to university and then into teaching.
Globetrotting David has taken thousands of wildlife pictures across the world, from the South Atlantic to Madagascar, and shared some of his favourites with dinner guests.
There were penguins pictured on the big screen being watched by some of us wearing our 'penguin suits'!
David also shared memories of BGS masters in the 1960s who had inspired him, including Derek Appleyard, John Slack, Gerry Longden and Jack Moore.
Brigg's Clive Thompson, as chairman of the Briggensians, welcomed guests from the top table, while toastmaster John Hastings led former Grammar School pupils in singing the Grammar School song, Fortitudine.
Although the words were printed on the dinner card, it was interesting to see that a considerable number of 'old boys' could still remember the verses - 50 or more years since they left the school. And they were word perfect.
The school song pays tribute to Sir John Nelthorpe, who founded Brigg's first 'free' school in the mid-17th century.
Not to be outdone, some former Brigg Girls' High School pupils then sang their old school song, which turns out to be a familiar hymn.
A raffle was held, with Clive thanking everyone for supporting this fundraiser in aid of the association, which has been going since the 1920s.
Having returned to Brigg after the dinner, some of us visited town centre pubs.
Despite the Coronavirus alert, they were doing good trade at the Black Bull and the Dying Gladiator when we called in.
However, on Saturday night many people being reluctant to shake hands - a precautionary measure with the Coronavirus alert being in place.
No offence was being taken, and we noticed the 'elbow bump' being employed as an acceptable alternative.
Unsurprisingly, Simon Church, now living in Western Australia, didn't travel thousands of miles for his old school's dinner.
However, he emailed us over the weekend to say the situation Down Under is similar to the UK, with restrictions in place at cricket, basketball and football fixtures amid concerns about spreading the virus.

Briggensians' chairman Clive Thompson, of Brigg (third right) next to guest speaker David Horsley on the top table.