A journey north

[Guest]

Tomorrow I'm meeting up with two friends who live in various parts of London. We were at school together and rarely see each other, although we are in contact via FB. The reason for this is that we are taking the train up to Nottingham to meet with other former classmates and attend the funeral of our old history teacher.

The last time we all met together was over ten years ago and five of our former teachers joined us for the reunion. Miss A was one of them. She hadn't changed very much at all, still elegant and still with the trademark cashmere cardigan draped over her shoulders. We all exchanged stories of our careers, marriages, children and grandchildren. It was a lovely day.

Sadly her health declined and she suffered from Altzheimer's Disease although Mrs B, another of our teachers visited her regularly and said that she always responded to talk of her first form (us) as she held us in special affection. The notice of her death was in the cathedral bulletin, she was 80 and after her retirement she had been very active with all sorts of charitable work until this nasty disease took hold.

So - the day will be a mixture of sadness and farewell and a chance to meet up again with old friends. It's sad that distance means that often we lose touch with people and even close friends gradually disappear.

[Glammanana]

MIni a day of mixed emotions indeed what a lovely thing to be doing as her first form though,your teacher sounds a lovely persv thon and I bet she was proud of her girls from her first form,even though distance is a problem sometimes we always have our fond memories don't we ?

[Nanto2girls]

Bittersweet day for you then Minny. Will be nice to catch up with old friends, but also pay your respects to your former teacher.

[Plantaholic]

I am sure Miss A would loved to know that her students were there to pay their last respects.

[Elisi]

Yes, a mixture of emotions today Minny but somehow when these life events bring us together, we never forget the time spent with those with whom we share the day.

[Gemini]

Although certainly a sad occasion, Minny, I hope spending time with your old friends is pleasurable. I'm sure your teacher would be honoured that you all made the journey

[Oma]

I echo Gemini,s words , I'm sure she as GEM said would be honoured xx

[grannyjules]

I hope the day goes well and you come back with memories of happier times.

[Qwerty]

As Nan2 has said a bittersweet day but good that you could attend the funeral of a much loved teacher and good to catch up with old friends of course its sad that the reason for meeting was a funeral but I am sure she would be proud of you all

[Daisy]

MS - I think it's lovely that you've not only remained friends with old school chums, but also some of your teachers. You must have been a very special group for MissA to hold you all in such affection. I hope her funeral is a fitting tribute to a dedicated teacher. I wonder what she would think about the modern-day teaching of history?