Too Cool For School

I was put into a children’s home at 3 months old and spent most of my primary school years being shunted from one school to another: Plat Douet, Halkett Place, Le Squez and finally Grouville.

I was either shunned or teased mercilessly by pupils. You see, primary school can be a brutal place if you don’t fit in. Children at that age have no concept of tact. Being reminded endlessly that I was unwanted, hated or naughty did little for my confidence. With no parents to guide my personal development, I was totally lacking in social skills and my attempts to interact with other children were clumsy and bullish.

I was often excluded from playgroups and in virtually every class, was sat by myself away from other kids or put right in front of the teacher’s desk so they could ‘keep an eye on me’. Despite this, I did manage to make a few friends, albeit they tolerated me more so than actually liked my company.

I’ve long wanted to catch up with my old friends but, as always, life gets in the way. So, when a school reunion was planned, I jumped at the chance to see my old friends with whom Id shared memorable times, even though it meant a round trip of 16 hours by car and ferry.

The night itself was one of the most eagerly anticipated nights of this year. As I approached the venue, a frisson of excitement enveloped me. As I walked through the door, there in front of me were dozens of familiar faces, all a little older, most instantly recognisable, some not so. To walk through the door and be greeted with a resounding “Steve Goodchild!” was magical. Moving around the room, I hugged and greeted old friends.

For some of those, it was a chance to put right past misdemeanours, for others, a chance to rekindle close friendships. Sadly also, it was an opportunity to remember those that had passed away. Its heart-breaking to remember those people as children, no longer with us.

I had a wonderful evening. My only regret was that, in an island so small, where no-one lives more than 6 miles from town, so few made the effort to turn up. But for those that did, it was a fantastic night. We talked about past adventures, shared memories and unrequited love. I spoke to one friend who, previously unknown to me, is now stepfather to the daugher of my much loved and missed cousin Timmy who passed away two years ago. To another, we whiled away the evening reminiscing on past adventures down Gorey with a close friend Tom. To one girl I spoke of how much I have loved her secretly from afar for years unbeknownst to her.

The room reverberated with similar stories and the audible hum of excitement buzzed between us.

All too soon the evening was over and, for me, it was especially poignant, because I was returning to the UK and the chance to stay in touch was slipping away. Talk moved towards the next reunion and even the chance to meet up for a Christmas knees up.

I for one sincerely hope this happens – for me....less time outside smoking and more time indoors reminiscing - a proper reunion.

My good friend Andy Godfray

Kathryn and my very special friend Tara

Michelle, Kathryn and Tara