After a moment's silence had been kept for Bill Shipley and other Old Bridlingtonians who had died since the last reunion, Grace was said by John Blythe and then lunch was taken incorporating an upmarket version of Newmarket bangers and mash.

Afterwards, in his opening remarks, branch secretary Tim Kench expressed great pleasure in welcoming the increasing numbers present.

Chairman Clive Thompson proposed the loyal toast.

Unfortunately his successor Stephen Shipley was unable to be present, so Peter Hardy stepped into the breach.

He proposed the toast to the Old Bridlingtonian Club on Stephen's behalf using material provided by Stephen and augmented by Peter's own input.

The response was given by club president Roddy Watson, who provided an entertaining and authoritative account of the history of the Cambridge branch.

Chairman-elect Dominic Thompson proposed the toast to the school and staff, recalling thought-provoking memories of his time at Bridlington School.

The response was given by Bridlington School deputy headteacher Paul Atkinson.

Paul outlined the strides forward the school had made in recent times but pointed out that yet another headteacher would be selected in the near future following the resignation of John Wilson, who was moving on to take up a post at County Hall.

Afterwards, there was the customary reminiscences and conversation lasting well into the late afternoon.

Future events for this year:

A golf competition in September at Bridlington Golf Club, Belvedere (contact Roger Thorpe on 678200 or Tony Kerr on 608157 for details).

Sheffield branch reunion on October 17 (contact Eddy DeBrouweron 0114 2308691 for details).

The Old Bridlingtonian Club Annual Reunion Weekend in Bridlington on December 11-13 December (contact Chris Garbutt on 605514 for details).

It is hoped people who started Bridlington School in either September 1969 or September 1999 will try to attend the gathering in the Marine Bar from 8.30pm on the evening of Friday, December 11.

Membership information can be found on the club's website www.old-bridlingtoniansclub. org.uk or by telephoning John Wresdell on 01377 254441.