Kent School Association

That'll teach me for not logging onto the Kent Website for a while and adding my vote for the location of next reunion! Blimey it'll take 3 days to travel there knowing those windy small lanes of North Wales even with Lewis Hamilton driving. It'll be quicker and easier to sail there! It's less hassle and faster to fly to Australia and that includes changing flights! After a full heavy Kenty weekend followed by a 10 hour journey just to get out of Wales - sorry folks, not this time for me. I'm in no doubt it's a very scenic and beautiful journey...but I'll need a helluva lotta persuading go. Think I'll stick to the unofficial mini-reus. (Only 48 sleeps Caz!!! XXX)

Sorry we won't see you there Lyzz. The hafan y mor parc is the Haven flagship parc, it offers great group discount and the facilities we require. We decided on it for that reason and also to give the faithful from up north a shorter journey for a change. We've done the south west (minehead) and the east (Skegness),in an ideal world we would always ot for the middle of the country, but unfortunately most holiday parks are on the coast so it seems only fair to sread the venue around a bit...... The committee are always open to ideas for venues please let us know if you have any ideas.....Wouldn't it be great if one of us had a relative with a large stately home in the midlands going spare ;-)
Hope to see you there, it'll be worth the journey, they all have been so far.x.

Cheers,
Gerrie.x.

I think Haven must have a fleet of flag ships! I was taking the family to Haven in Exmouth (also a flag ship park)or Weymouth - and funnily enough when I looked at their details it said " out Flagship site..." it reminds me of Schooch " We're flying the flag" etc.

I'm sure however that where ever the committee decide it will be a great weekend - it would be really nice if more than the "same old faces" actually could make it. A word to those who think that they won't know anyone.
A unique thing about Our School is that we all arrived not knowing anyone - for the first five minutes at least. If the last reunions are anything to go on then you won't be left alone or feel out of place. Kent School is our common bond and sharing our memories with those who were actually there rather than those who look at us as if to say " yeah - right! your making this up" makes a lot of difference - and also fills in gaps in our memories!
So - make an effort - if you don't like the venue idea, like Lizzy, tell the committee now, while in the early planning stages rather than do nothing and then say "well I would have gone but...." I know, from my time on the committee that they work incredibly hard to make the reunions happen so give your support - join in the discussions and help them make this reunion the great success it should be. Love to all PJ

Thanks Gerry and PJ for your comments.

Gerry I completely understand and agree about having the reunion further up North to allow people travelling from the North to have a shorter journey time, but surely somewhere like Blackpool or Whitby would be more concenvenient to a much wider audience? Even though the distance would be further for the few of us travelling from the South, it would definitely be quicker with faster roads etc as well as being quicker and easier for many in the North too. These are just my thoughts and I'm sure others have different views, but I do think accessibility will be an influencing factor for a number of potential ex-Kent party goers.

I must point out that it's been a good few years since I travelled to North Wales so the road infrastructure may have improved dramatically since then, but my memory is of lots of twisting single carriageway with little opportunity to overtake the dawdlers.

Blackpool or Whitby are both good, I will research, any ideas anybody as I don't know either area at all........
Cheers.

I know Blackpool all too well (please dont ask)! The good thing is, its motorways all the way, right into the place (M55).
The bad thing its BLACKPOOL!! But in light of the fact it is a kenty re-u, should be perfect! Kiss me quick hats, sticks of rock, the BIG ONE rollercoaster and you can stand on the 'beach' & watch the turds roll in off the cold north sea! Am I selling it?
Lots of Love - Blackpool Tourism Board.

you sell it well but can you find somewhere for about 100 folk to stay....at a reasonable price?????

where we can all be togevveeer.x.x.x.

Haven have 2 resorts in Blackpool and 1 in Lake district.
Hoseasons have one in Blackpool too.
Starting to sound like an expert now, mind if I crawl back under my rock?

As I said before all ideas gratefully received.......the haven places in Blackpool were looked at and there is a reason for not choosing them which I can't recall but will let you know asap.....hoseasons?????? will take a look and see what they have.....stay out from under the rock........and shine.......x.

I've just had a look at the Pontins page
http://www.pontins.com/centres/blackpool/

some weekends there look quite good value - and its a kenty sort of place too?

The 2007 WBS/WGS (those boarding schools in Hamm) reunion was at the Norbreck Hotel in Blackpool and is believed to be the major factor in the low turn out.It was a hotel thing and most would have preferred a hotel in the middle of the country as people from the South didn't have an easy time getting there.

Here in North Yorkshire where men are men and sheep are worried there is little to do during the long dark nights which last from late August to early June. Do you want me to look into a reunion venue around the Whitby/Scarborough location and report back? I know we are looking for cheap and cheerful but you seem to get a lot more for your money up here in the North - Dave

ps - I've just heard that Tom Tom have recalled 150,000 units as England could not be found anywhere in Europe. Hahahahahahahahahaha - I'm a legend in my own lunchtime!

And also - there is not a chance in hell that I would go to Blackpool!

I would love to go to a reunion, sadly no one has the idea to do one here in Germany. I live in Essen NRW only 1 hour's drive from Kent school & RAF Wildenrath. I cant attend any reunions in Britain, too much responsabily ( 3 Kids, 5, 7 & 13. 1 dog and a Hubby). The least I have a few good years left in me......maybe 2010? or later?

we went to germany last year......stayed in Holland and had a visit to the school, Mr Lacklison, did a fab barby in his back garden........brill time had by all......
Well if nothing else we have started a debate.....and it's damn good to see so many people on here.....Dave any research would be gratefully accepted.And Caz has helpfully reminde me that we avoided the Haven sites that only had caravans and went for the chalets just cos we thought the beds would be bigger and the chalets would be more noise proof!!! Do we make noise????
Keep the feedback coming folks!!!Looking at Pontins PJ!!!! Cheers.x.x.x.x.

Oooops forgot to say, are we really hotel reunion people....???? Your thoughts please.x.x.

ohhhhhh................................Ok. I only found the site this year.(sadlookonface) Ohwell.................... missed my chance then.

so - why not go back to Germany? I had to miss out due to funding issues - and I know others couldnt make it....just a thought. After all why not put all the contacts/organising stuff to good use? I might even be able to drag my brother along! I think this can of worms is great! love PJ

Well, well, well.. i turn my back for a couple of days and return to a full on debate!
It's great to get some hearty feedback, but i didn't quite expect this.
As you may know we source deeply into the possibilities for venues for our hard crew of devoted Kenties and welcome with open arms those who would like to share the experience and meet like-minded people.
We try to take into consideration location, value for money, entertainment, comfort, facilities and overall Kentie factor (i.e how many elbows will fit across the bar!!)
This time round we thought we'd try something a little different but keep within the traditional Re-Union spirit. We do listen (and read), and we are now sourcing other venues as requested. We can't make any promises, but will do our up-most to accommodate as many suggestions as possible. That is why we put surveys out to get your ideas and thoughts. The Re-unions are organised by ex-Kenties, for ex-Kenties and are for your enjoyment. Sometimes it takes a little juggling until we feel we have it just right. But please understand that although we are looking at nearly a year and a half away..(not counting the sleeeeps just yet).. there is a lot of background shuffling going on too. Booking the venue is just the tip of it and we do need the support to secure our places as soon as possible to make sure we can accommodate as many people as we can.. we like to keep our Kenties happy ;)
So for now...we will delve deeper into your suggestions and see how they compare in all areas and get back to you as soon as we can... we are trying.
OK.. back over to you..
In a bit xx

I think the committee do a fabulous job in organising the reunions and they did ask us all to complete the surveys as to what we wanted and when so if you didn't respond by the date requested then you'll have to either like it or lump it!!!!!!!!! If you attend you'll have a fab time and if you're not there then you won't be missed as we all have far too good a time to be worrying about who's a party pooper and thrown the teddy out of the pram!!!!

Keep up the good work committee - you are all fab!!!!!!!

I don't think there is any teddy throwing - just some lively discussion. As I said before it would be great if as many people as possible went to justify the terrific work the committee do on our behalf. The reunions are always fantastic, but there are so many people who say after the event “If only I knew” or “I wish I had gone” maybe this thread will encourage some of those hovering on the edge. Love PJ

Not that bothered where it is as it always involves a flight and a rental car for me, most important is that I end up at the Kent School,Hostert reunion and not the Queens School,RheinD one as the latter would really suck.

hihihi.........I take my hat off for you Steve, love the Komment.....hihihihi....lol "respekt" That would REALLY suck!!

Kent v Queens? fight? we would Whup their ass any time! our reunions always ROCK! PJ xx

Steve... if you ended up at a Queens Re-U then your internal Kentie sat-nav needs re-programming!
How you could you possibly miss the smell of anticipation, the sound of riotous partying and the taste of that first pint waiting for you at the bar???
Shame on you Mr Graham!! LOL.. ever done a parachute jump?? Just ask the pilot to kick you out where the Kentie rabble make a human chain of letters on the beach!!

SEEING AS THOUGH LAST YEARS REU AT THE SCHOOL WAS FANTASTIC,I'D GO BACK DEFFO FOR THAT ONE.DON'T KNOW IF CENTER PARCS WOULD HAVE US BACK THOUGH !!!!!!HANDS UP IF YOU CAN REMEMBER BOY ??POOR LAD WENT THROUGH HELL .I STILL HAVE THE "SPOON" ASWELL ...I WISH THAT WAS CAPTURED ON VIDEO...YOU'D ONLY HAVE TO SHOW IT ONCE AND I'M SURE PLENTY WOULD SIGN UP.....AND TO ENDING UP AT QUEENS!!!! WELL I PROMISE WE WOULDN'T DISOWN YOU FOR THAT LONG !!TAKE CARE FOLKS////O

Caz-The only Queen's school people I was ever aware of were the ones trailing in my wake during the 200m sprint in the inter-school sports so I wouldn't go to their reunion. Just tell me where the Kent reunion is and when, and I will figure out the airport/train/car hire bit myself.For the record I don't use Sat-Navs
as I get into arguments with them.

Ha .. nice comeback!!
I did say internal sat-nav, not the "you missed the junction now turn round you fool and get it right next time and listen to me" contraptions! Having said that.. i still use a map when Steve starts arguing with ours!!

Forgot to say... Don't worry.. when the location is booked.. full transport links, post-code and map will be on the site. No doubt our webmiester will provide an indepth detailed guide for all your travelling needs! 'Fraid it's down to you for the flight details though.

The most important thing this time is to get more people to attend. I'll relaunch the friends reunited message to millions facility immediately.

Bless you Schmed.. You are an angel!! Muchly appreciated. We can only send newsletters and updates to those registered on this site. It would be great to see more friends we haven't met yet and welcome them into our throng.
And to everyone else.. spread the word to all your contacts..let's make this Re-U another one to remember for the kentie archives!

Caz - instead of internal/external Sat-Nav, i'll just follow the voices in my head, that got me to the last 3 reunions(but didn't warn about the speed trap on the outskirts of Duesseldorf).

Well I think Pwllheli is an absolutely excellent idea.

From: Susan in North Wales !!!!!

Webmeister speaking - This is why we have a messageboard! Great thoughts and a fabulous vibe about getting the next party started. Haven't noticed any toys flying hereabouts - it seems like an orderly coming together of minds. Typical Kentie crew! Talk of beer and dancing and we're all like Pavlov's dogs ...

I think Caz has done a truly excellent job researching and re-researching to get us the most chalet-filled, northern, exciting looking prospect for our next bash - almost worth the wait! I've already plotted the directions in Google maps and programmed my internal sat-nav (my blokey brain) to find it without assistance when the time comes.

I missed out on Germany too - so there may yet be another mini-reunion for folks who could not make the last one (or want to do it all over again).

As ever ... watch this space!

Thank you webmiester!!
I am working on other suggestions as promised.
We do like to ensure that all the essential factors are ticked and double ticked!
We may put the foundations into place, but it's all of you who attend that build a memorable Re-union! No matter where it may be.

Steve... see how the voices in your head can get you into trouble?? I've stopped listening to mine, i can get into enough trouble by myself.. tee hee hee.

I would just like to add to an earlier point. You might not know anyone before you get there but you DEFINATLY do 5 minutes later. Having joined in on two mini reunions all I can say is, great people, great minds and full on Kentie spirit. Count me in where ever we end up. Have sat nav and car and can travel.

I think we need a (mini) re-union to discuss the (maxi) re-union.

Book me a place on the mini reU to discuss the maxi reU - or the mini reU to discuss the mini reU to discuss the maxi reU or the min.....well count me in any way! Thank you Caz and Di for the supportive emails and phone calls over the past few days you are as always true stars and great friends. Getting my smile back! Love ya all PJ

Well, as Caz has already said, I turn my back for a short while and look what happens!
Just to reiterate a couple of points - we are a committee not a dictatorship so we would always listen to any views raised by anybody. Obviously, any thoughts or decisions made up to now have been done with the general good uppermost in our minds and with the thought that it was time for another get-together 'oop north'. We have already thought long and hard about options and Caz has done loads of research to get us to the position we are currently in. We need somewhere that has the right price but also the right attitude (and won't throw us off-site as soon as the drinking begins). That said, it is great that this point has generated so much interest. We would much rather spend a lot of time researching every available option to ensure that not only do we get the best deal but that as many people as possible come and are as happy as possible. We want as many people to come as we can get. To that end, the more input we can get, the better, as we stand far more chance of achieving the aim of satisfying as many as possible. Keep the views coming as we would hate to organize something that nobody comes to or people moan about. Remember, we the committee are purely here to arrange things for you, not just for ourselves. Again, that said, the time comes when a decision will have to be made and even though it may not perfectly suit everybody, I would hope that people will still come along and have the sort of great time that only we can! I can't deny that living on the south coast makes driving to anywhere in the north a bit of a mission but I would do anything and go anywhere to go to a Kentie reunion and I would hope that everybody else would feel the same. Please give us your feedback to ensure that we have as representative a set of views as possible but, if we don't go along with your particular idea, please come along anyway - you know it will be worth it!!

looking forward to getting a date for any sort of REU in the new year 'lets get this party started .....'

isn't Caz having a birthday party in January? I'm sure I've read the details somewhere? Can you fill in the missing bits for me?

It would now appear that Caz's 19th 21st birthday get together is an ideal time to CONFIRM where the 2009 big reunion will take place. If you want your say then may I respectfully suggest that you attend and speak out or up or whatever. Thereafter, hold your own (or something like that) and let the committee get on and put together another fantastic do. If the truth be known Kenties can do it anywhere and in fact we are know to do it everywhere!

Ha.. dare we leave you in suspense till my B'day gathering in 53 sleeeeeeeps!!
All info is on the planner and on the B'day board and i respectfully request attendance.. lol.. cheers Dave!
Please let me know as soon as poss if you will be able to come either on the board or mail me direct..Just so that i can get a little more organised. Thank you.
Other than that.. as soon as we have all the boxes ticked and comparisons on the Re-U..you'll all be the first to know!!
In a bite x

Hello to everyone, Reunion 2009. All it needs to contain is the following items; Beer, bed and some and most of all Kenties!!! Travel...not a problem. Having had the pleasure of two reunions and Nick's 40th well need we say more. Looking forward to the next one, keep up the good work see you all soon. All I need is some notice to book my flights. Oh did I mention we need some beer!!!! Stu GYPD