AWAY DAY TO WILTSHIRE

Association President, Keith Symons OBE together with his lovely wife Jean, entertained a group of Old Rydeians, friends and family to an "Away Day to Wiltshire" on Sunday the 2nd May. Sandwiched between days of rain, hail, clouds and biting winds the Sunday in question dawned bright and warm. How could this be? - quite incredible luck and all the more surprising given that Chairman Steve Keen was in attendance and the sun is only ever meant to shine on the righteous!

We assembled in Keith and Jean's beautiful garden in Wilton where champagne and conversation chased each other amongst the spring and early summer flowers.

A few chilled glasses later and it was my great pleasure to invite Nick England, current Headmaster, to present Keith, a Headmaster of days gone by, with a framed and mounted picture portraying the Normandy Landings which celebrate their 60th Anniversary next month and in which Keith served so honourably. It was an absolute delight to see Keith so obviously touched by this gesture on behalf of all of us present. Another quaff of champagne bubbles and it was on to the aptly named 'Emblems' restaurant overlooking the Fovant Downs for a splendid lunch. All our appreciation and thanks g to Keith and Jean for organising everything so immaculately and for their and their family's kindness and hospitality throughout such a beautiful day and lovely occasion.