FORMER classmates who met on the steps of their school almost 70 years ago reunited for a celebration luncheon.

Pupils who started Harwich County High School, which was based where the Mayflower Primary School is, in 1950 celebrated a reunion at the Tower Hotel last Saturday, September 14.

The former pupils, who are now in their 80s, enjoyed a meal and catch up at the hotel before going on a tour of the school.

Sam Woollard, who attended the reunion, said: “Old school apparel was worn by two former pupils - a rather moth eaten and ink stained tie and a well preserved original green and red scarf.

“Entering through the boys’ doors these ex-pupils were delighted to see the fondly remembered parquet flooring was still in good condition and the tiled walls and cast iron radiators were still present in the classrooms.”

The class of 1950 has been meeting every few years since 1999 when Shirley Carman took it upon herself to contact as many of the original 70 pupils as she could.

Over the years more than 50 pupils have attended one or more reunions and they have kept in contact by pen and ink as well as email and Facebook.

The latest reunion was organised by David Young with the Tower Hotel.

Organisers plan to run another reunion in the future as long as there are sufficient numbers able to attend.