We Did Our Homework on the Bus was launched on Saturday 1 October with a memorable afternoon event at the old school and an equally memorable evening event (which ironically some were struggling to recall the next morning) at Sidcup Rugby Club.
After writing the book and deciding to have a launch and social event, it quickly became clear I could not organise everything on my own which is when a little committee of old boys was formed. For about three months prior to the launch we met every week via zoom and I’d like to thank each member individually.
Bert Moniz (St Mary’s 1954 to 1962)
From his home in Wilmington, Delaware, Bert organised our meetings and chaired them. He was a fantastic and enthusiastic supporter of the whole project and offered wise counsel at every juncture. Bert flew in specially for the launch event and provided an invaluable role on the day, managing the parking at the school and assisting people with special access requirements.
Phil McCarthy (1970 to 1977)
Dr Phil as we called him offered his services early on and his calm and composed ‘bedside manner’, honed during his many years as a GP was a real asset. Phil was the liaison point with the church and the diocese. He arranged the Book of Remembrance and the Mass for Old Boys at St Lawrence’s. He also managed the procurement of the St Mary’s lapel badges, earning him the job title: ‘Church and Merch’.
Paul Geradine (1971 to 1978)
Paul was one of the very first people I tracked down, way back in 2019 and from the outset he took a close interest in the project, supplying many memories of school and a great deal of memorabilia. He offered his services for the launch and I repaid his generosity by giving him the hellish job of being in charge of finance, managing the budget and overseeing the bank account set up specially for the event. He performed this role – and continues to do so – brilliantly and uncomplainingly. Paul also liaised with the caterers and was the driving force behind the evening event at Sidcup RFC.
John Arundel (1972 to 1979)
An amazing fixer and solution finder who seemed to have an answer to every challenge thrown at him. Whether it was administering the project spreadsheet which grew in size and complexity as the weeks passed, to sourcing crockery, envelopes and packaging solutions, to liaising with the college and working on the logistics of the whole day, John’s endless enthusiasm, energy and glass half full attitude drove the project on from start to finish.
Steve Willis (1972 to 1979)
An avid supporter of the project from its earliest days Steve masterminded the look and feel of the day. I basically threw about 1000 photographs and items of memorabilia at him and asked him to produce a display which he did and which proved a winner on the day. Steve was also the official photographer and his group shots in the evening at the rugby club were a highlight. He also played a leading role in the logistics of the event.
Tony Walton (1977 to 1984)
A late signing in the transfer window, Tony made an excellent contribution. Given the role of meeting and greeting people on arrival at the college and overseeing the registration process with the equally excellent Simon Pajak, Tony ensured people were welcomed to the event in the way we wanted.
The repayment for their labours is coming in the shape of a curry!
We cannot forget the excellent Tony Damer who hosted the event with great finesse and a small army of helpers including Lisa and Alice Eastley, Holly Horton, Julie Walton, Amy Lonergan and Denise Williams who all mucked in to keep everything moving on the day.
Well done to all these worthies ! And well done Matthew for acknowledging all the invaluable hard work that went on behind the scenes to make the occasion a fantastic success (worthy of the book) and give those of us for whom “midnight has already struck” a wonderful memory . Thank you all.
Mick O’Hara (1958 intake)