These photographs, and the account by Mike Cox, I take to be early June 2008….

Well I had a great laugh.

I arrived about 6pm after a slog up the M1 on a friday afternoon to be told at first I wasn't booked in eeek! It soon transpired KR and Big Mart had already checked in and were ensconced in the bar.
JK and Reg arrived shortly after from their ramble and we waited for GL while sipping on Manchesters finest ale. We decided that before we had too many we would do a tour of the old place and check out the changes.
The highlight of course was the banister leading to the junior dorm which was virtually unchanged and the loose piece which we all used to flip as we walked up or down was still there. We also bumped into John Prior who was in the 1st year when we were in the 3rd year (I think). He is working there as the wedding manager.
GL finally arrived and so we carried on sipping Manchester finest and recalling a few tales from the early 70's and updating each other on what we had been up to.
At about 1am JK and Reg went back to Stockport and we continued on in the bar until 2am and afterwards for a Single Malt midnight feast back in our rooms in the junior dorm

Those involved were myself, Martin Donachy, Gerry Lyng, Keiran Ruttledge, Reg Higgins and Jonathon Kempsey

After a decent breakfast we went for a 3 hour "Ramble" over to Lyme Park which was an adventure especially for the overweight ones! We passed Jacksons farm and the haunted House amongst other places. After lunch KR and I played 9 holes of golf before I had to retire completely knackered virtually in need of hospital attention!
Needless to say KR whooped me
In the evening went down to Bolli for a curry and a beer or two. However we decided to pop in to see Savio House at Ingersley for a nose about. There we met up with Fr Hugh Preston and caught up with a bit of gossip particularly about his brother Francis who is out in Jerusalem at a particularly difficult time. A few of the lads also heard about Pat Kenna who died a few years ago suddenly of a heart attack. He was always a very decent lad and with him and Big Al passing that was a sobering moment.
The curry was excellent and the beer after in the Poachers Inn was refreshing. Big Mart found a friend....a bit of a dog actually ....well it was a Gordon Setter. He has 2 back in Scotland so he felt at home.
Back at Shrigley for a few night caps we bumped into John Prior again (drinks on the house…result! ) and we decided to retire early at 2am after hearing about KRs exploits with women in his younger days....that was enough to make your eyes water.....with laughing.
After another good breakfast on Sunday morning we took a picture by the Dominic Savio replacement – a naked nymphette and we parted company. Well almost, KR went home to his folks before flying back to Kerry and Big Mart and GL came to my mum and dads place in Bolton for a spot of lunch before going our separate ways.
Excellent weekend. Thoroughly good fun and very relaxing. Thanks to everyone for coming.

Kind Regards
Mike Cox