The Old Swanne Inn: A 64-Year Tradition
Every month is an opportunity for Kim Bright, David Day, Brian Wells, John Collins, and Michael Stephens to meet up for a pint at The Old Swanne Inn in Evesham. This monthly gathering has been a cherished tradition for the past 64 years, with some of the friends even traveling from as far as South Africa to attend the “lads’ night.”
A Bond Forged in School
The roots of this enduring friendship trace back to their time at Prince Henry’s School in Evesham, where the group first met in 1953. Even after they graduated in 1960, they knew they didn’t want to say goodbye. Instead, they decided to continue meeting for a pint on the first Tuesday of every month.
A Band of Brothers
Now in their 80s, the group describes themselves as feeling like a “band of brothers.” Michael Stephens reflects on their monthly gatherings, saying, “We talk about all sorts of stuff, reminisce. I never thought for one minute we’d still be here doing it all these years later. I feel that perhaps we would be letting the others down if we didn’t turn up.”
Newcomers Embraced
David Day, a relative newcomer to the group, joined the monthly drinks 22 years ago after relocating from London to Evesham upon retirement. He recalls how the familiar faces and shared nostalgia instantly transported him back to his boyhood days. “When I returned after a long gap of 40 years, it was just like we’ve been drinking the night before,” Day reminisces.
Brian Wells, who travels from Cheltenham with his schoolmate John Collins for the monthly meetups, emphasizes the comfort of seeing familiar faces and engaging in casual conversation. “It’s just nice to see the familiar faces and chew the bit. I’m not a very chatty person as a rule, I just enjoy listening to this lot rabbiting on,” Wells chuckles.
The Value of Face-to-Face Interaction
Despite the prevalence of digital communication tools, the group emphasizes the irreplaceable value of meeting in person. Brian Wells encourages young people to prioritize face-to-face interactions over digital communication methods. “More often than not, they’re just talking individually on their phones to their phone group chat, rather than face to face,” Wells observes.
Conclusion
The enduring friendship of Kim Bright, David Day, Brian Wells, John Collins, and Michael Stephens serves as a heartwarming reminder of the power of longstanding connections and the joy found in simple traditions. Their monthly gatherings at The Old Swanne Inn in Evesham are a testament to the enduring bonds forged through shared memories and laughter.
FAQs
How long have Kim Bright, David Day, Brian Wells, John Collins, and Michael Stephens been meeting monthly?
The group has been meeting monthly for the past 64 years since their time at Prince Henry’s School in Evesham.
What keeps the group coming back month after month?
For Kim Bright, David Day, Brian Wells, John Collins, and Michael Stephens, the camaraderie and shared memories make their monthly gatherings at The Old Swanne Inn a cherished tradition that they wouldn’t miss for the world.