More post-reunion musings

Richard is Head of Media Production at the University of Portsmouth so his job is normally producing and directing such events, he's not normally ever seen behind the camera - so we were indeed very honoured!! He thoroughly enjoyed doing it and was looking forward to the opportunity to see some of the people that I have been banging on about!! Anyway of the 47 viewings I think I've seen it about 6 times since we put it up on You Tube yesterday. It is indeed so moving and I think captures the sentiment of the afternoon (and the last 40 years) very well. Alas there wasn't enough time to spend with all the lovely people we went to Yugoslavia with, nor enough time to talk to Brian Manners, who doesn't appear to have changed at all, although I know that he has been through hell and high water and it was looking doubtful if he would be able to attend. I hope it wasn't too much of a strain for him and that he really enjoyed the event and we didn't let him down too much with our wobbly voices!!! (and some miming!!)
It would be lovely if we could do all this again but with more time and perhaps a meal thrown in as well, perhaps we should investigate some sort of overnight or weekend event - maybe next year - somewhere in the Lyme area, so we can throw in a few visits to old haunts etc too? Do you have any suggestions of such a place which could encompass a main room for singing and eating with accommodation not too far away? I don't mind coordinating or helping to organise such an event!!
Do keep in touch.
All the best
Sue

I've just read the last reflections on the blog, and I think what stands out for all of us is how much we have to thank Brian Manners for. He gave us the music which has stayed with us down the years, and he inspired us to sing these glorious madrigals. If you know of any way in which to pass our love and these messages on to him, please please do so. Watching the video has brought it all back and I felt quite choked. My absolute favourites are the Bluebird and Amaryllis, but even the school song is so very stirring. Watching Mr Manners playing the keyboard there, and knowing now how much it meant to him has made it all the more special. His face when he told us all to 'smile' at the beginning of each song was a treat to see. I remember him doing that ever time we rehearsed.
On a technical note, I managed to download the video onto my hard disk using a Firefox plug-in specially for downloading youtube videos from the Firefox browser. Sue mentioned another one, so I'm sure there are plenty of options for different browsers. However, what happens then is that it is reduced to a manageable size (990mb) and that will most definitely fit onto a DVD, so if anyone wants a DVD, they can do it this way. I expect the quality is not quite as good as the original, so Sue's offer might appeal to some of you more, but I have found that it's fine on my laptop which has a 13 inch screen.
More later, and let's keep the blog going. I love it that we are all in touch this way and by email!
Love and hugs
Val




[Adrian apologised for leaving Sarah and Val to find their way to Harcombe after the reunion.]…Val and I did not really get lost. Your house was just not where we thought it was!!! We went to look for Rhode Hill etc and it was all fine and jolly.
I have seen the You Tube video and think that it is fantastic. Richard has put a great deal of hard work into it and it is a marvellous memory for us all. I will be sure to keep in touch.Much love, Sarah W in sunny Botswana XXXXX


Sarah's photographs follow: