ROSA Pre-Christmas Lunch on 23rd November 2013

ROSA’s ‘pre-Christmas’ lunch once again proved to be a very successful event for our old scholars.  Given the proximity of the Croydon Park Hotel to East Croydon Railway Station meant that our members could either drive and park at the Hotel or travel via train or bus.  The number attending this year’s lunch reached 39; not a bad turnout and it was nice to see so many members from a wide age range.

Oscar’s restaurant surpassed itself with the range of dishes on offer.  There was so much to choose from as they cater for many tastes.  I selected the fish, as I did not want to get too bloated (no pun intended).  Wine was kindly provided by ROSA. This, in conjunction with the quality of the food and ambience of the restaurant made it a very enjoyable afternoon in the company of former friends and contacts from Reedham.

In addition, Richard Link, Paul Julius and Christine Suett from the Reedham Trust attended which demonstrated the close relationship between both organisations.

Having just viewed “Operation Crossbow” on BBC’s 4th channel, I was determined to speak to Wing Commander Mike Mockford OBE.  The TV programme examined photographic reconnaissance operations during WW2 when Wing Commander Mike Mockford and his colleagues planned and subsequently flew over Germany photographing key installations so that the Royal Air Force could target them, thus shortening the conflict.  I informed Mike and his wife Shirley, that I had found the programme very interesting.  I had been surprised and extremely proud to discover that one of our Old Scholars (Shirley Spooner 1947-53) was married to Mike Mockford who was a key member of personnel responsible for this vital operation during the war.  Well done, Mike!

The Croydon Park Hotel had proved once again to be an excellent place to locate this event and I look forward to another enjoyable ‘pre-Christmas’ lunch this year.

The Young Ones

Those attending the Pre-Christmas Lunch included: Hazel Cox, Derek Pearce, Anne Parry, Chris Montriou, Tanya Rocks, Bob & Monica Eastabrook, Noel & Pamela Hoath, Ron & Doreen Thomas, Keith Bullard, Stan Smith, Keith Traill, Richard Link, Mike & Shirley Mockford, Tali & Pauline Atvars, Dan Tiwari, Mandy Murie, Derrick & Janet Smith, Joan McGill, Nora Jeeves, Garry McQueen, Billy Hodges, Ranji Tiwari, Byron Butler, Tony Paige, Felicienne Blenman, Paul Julius (Reedham Trust Chairman), Christine Suett (Reedham Trust Secretary), Barbara Holmes, Christine Hord, Albert & Joyce Pollington, Anne Broekstra and Linda Lestourgeon.