On Tuesday 24th February 2026, six OL stalwarts gathered in the smoking room of the East India Club in St James’s, London. As one by one each arrived and proceeded across the room, it was amazing that no difficulty was experienced in recognising anyone.

Shortly after, we went down to lunch in the splendid dining room and settled at our table. While wine was poured, choices were made for starters and main courses. As the club member, I had previously selected the wines.

Suffice it to say that lively discussions and reminiscences lasted until about 3:30pm, when we trooped out in good order to the front steps of the club for the inevitable photograph. Although Martin had very kindly brought his camera and volunteered to take this photograph, one of the doorkeepers stepped in so he could be included in the image.

Those attending (from left to right) were: Robert P. Norrie (1958), Martin M. Black (1958), Michael J. Hastie (1958), R.J. Antony Paterson-Fox (1959), Iain M. Murray-Lyon (1958) and Alastair B. Langlands (1958)

The first reunion dinner of these year groups was the brainchild of James (Jim) B. Ball (1958), and it was first held in 1993 in Edinburgh. It was followed every five years by another, until just before Jim’s death in 2021. This was the second 'southern' reunion held at the East India club.

Antony Paterson-Fox (1959)