From Southend……..

(By Jack Campling, 7th Lustrum 2003)

Thirty Years is a long time in anyone’s life and for me, it all started when I was already an ex-Tabler by a few years. When a trip to Holland was proposed in 1971, I was particularly keen to be involved for whilst in the R.A.F.. I was stationed at Brüggen and Eindhoven with mostly Dutch staff. For nearly two years I lived as a native in Roermond and Eindhoven. My Dutch was limited to useful phrases which got me about and through the shops but I did know something of your then social practices as my wife’s next door neighbour in England was “Henny” who met her soldier towards the end of the war on the end of Nijmegen Bridge, which he was guarding. We had visited and stayed with her large family and knew such do's and don'ts as only eat bread and butter with a knife and fork, not your fingers and similar, to us, rather strange ways of living.

Our Table looked upon me as knowing it all, which I didn't, but was I going to miss what I was certain would be a grand bash? No I was not. My only contribution was the assertion that the hospitality would be superb; and so it proved to be.

We found ourselves staying with Hans and Alice Classen with whom my wife, sadly no longer with us, and I remained in touch right through until today. Unfortunately, with their stays in the South of France and my movements we had not actually got together since the last Table visit to you and I am delighted that this event gives me to opportunity to further that friendship.

The original visit is now dulled by the mists of time, like my Dutch, but as well as the inevitable meals, parties, visit to an old windmill and the consumption of gallons of booze, the most permanent memory is of the James Last LP Beach Party which must have been played right through on at least 20 occasions over those three days and greatly contributed to the exciting yet relaxed atmosphere which we will always remember. Several of our original party who might have come are abroad on holiday but whether I am the only Old Boy to join your celebrations or not, I know that I bring the good wishes of all that I have spoken to, now almost all retired and scattered all over England.

By way of compensation, my son, Nigel who was 106 Chairman in 96/7, is now himself over the top, yet will also be with our party; so it goes on with National and International fellowship of the very best kind.

I will bring to you the best wishes and congratulations of Southend-on-Sea 41 Club from our Chairman and all our members and look forward to a memorable visit.

Jack Campling.

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