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News > Alumni News > A band of brothers return to The Docks

A band of brothers return to The Docks

The B.O.O.B.s are a colourful and gregarious Band of Old Boys from the 1950s who meet twice yearly for an extended Sunday Lunch, and on 1 October 2023, the venue was again The Docks in Selattyn.
16 Oct 2023
Written by David Pickup
Alumni News

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1950's OOs

Originally called The Cross Keys, this 17th century drovers' inn became a pub as we know it around 1840, and it was not until later that it became known by locals as The Docks. There is much conjecture as to why and how this name came into being, but the most important thing to remember is that it is not a Dry Dock, and by the end of the afternoon the table was littered with empty bottles, with appreciative smiles all round!


Orders are taken.

The eleven contemporary Old Oswestrians and their wives gathered together for an afternoon of good food, wine, and camaraderie, interspersed with reminiscences from the past which never seem to pall with age. Consisting mainly of boarders from the fifties, but with a sprinkling of local Old Boys, the enthusiastic revellers converged on Selattyn from the South Coast, the Midlands and the North of England for a very convivial few hours in the vicinity of their alma mater.


Time to tuck in.

Old Oswstrian and landlord Shaun is related to the late Roger Howell, OO, who was one of my classmates during the fifties. We were looked after splendidly by Shaun and his staff, although the meeting was tinged with sadness at the loss, since our last meeting, of two much loved wives. They will always be remembered with fondness.

Time sped by quickly, which is always a sign that people are enjoying themselves, and the convivial gathering came to an end at 5 pm. We plan to return in April of 2024 for more of the same, and a smattering of random photos can be seen below.

 

Photo gallery

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