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At Bethany, we’ve always believed that our school is more than just a place of learning—it’s a foundation for lifelong connections and cherished memories. This belief was beautifully affirmed last Sunday as we welcomed back the Class of ’95 for a heartfelt reunion that celebrated not just their shared past but the enduring friendships and strength of community that define the Bethany spirit.
Dan Rookwood and John Fenech, who are both part of the Class of ’95, recount their recent reunion.
When we started organising the Class of 95’s 30-year reunion, we knew it was going to be a special if bittersweet day. But last Sunday’s get together back at Bethany far surpassed expectations.
This reunion wasn’t just about clinking a glass and seeing who has changed beyond recognition (is that really you, Paul Stevens?) and who has hardly changed at all (hello, Brennan Alkin). It was about celebrating the enduring bonds formed at a School that has truly shaped who we all are.
It was also a poignant, perspective-sharpening reminder of the fragility of life as the gathering was centred around one of our great mates, Mark Chandler, who is courageously battling terminal cancer.
We’d initially made tentative plans to celebrate the 30th anniversary in the summer but brought it forward for Mark – who has always been the life and soul of our party – while he’s still well enough to enjoy such occasions. “Terrible circumstances under which to hold a reunion,” said Mark, “yet I’m so unbelievably glad it happened.”
And what a turnout: 16 out of 22 lads (for ours was one of the last all-male year groups at Bethany) assembled at short notice – a testament to the affection we all have for Mark and also for the school.
Some, like Alex Pemble, have stayed local and now have a child at Bethany. Others travelled from further afield, including Paul Guiney, who flew in from Cork, and Miles Banner, who drove down from Middlesbrough. Those who live abroad and couldn’t join in person – like Neil Robinson, John Johnson, and Will Butler – sent video and text messages. As did several teachers, including our headmaster Mr Harvey, chaplain Rev Rookwood, Mount housemaster Mr Holmes, Head of Sixth Form Mr Hart Dyke, Head of Geography Mr Gould, English teacher Mr Cullen… and some IT teacher by the name of Mr Healy who back in the 90s taught us how to use these new things called computers.
Thirty years on, Mr Healy is the only remaining member of staff from our day and has, of course, now risen to become Headmaster. So we dropped him an email out of the blue. “Dear Mr Healy, don’t know whether you remember us but…” His response was incredibly generous.
With his help, the plan came together seamlessly. He gave us the use of a Bethany minibus and a driver called Robert to surprise Mark at his house in Folkestone and bring him to the School where all his old mates were waiting.
While some of the group have stayed in close touch over the years, for others – tracked down via social media and Interpol – it was the first time they’d been back since the day they left. But it’s funny how easily everything soon slips back into place, including the old nicknames, the old banter, the old stories. As Mark said later in the WhatsApp group: “To see Chat [Simon Chatterton], Chris [Hawes] and Miles [Banner] again after so many years of not seeing them but still being able to pick up as if we’d last seen each other a month ago was a real feel-good moment as well as a privilege!”
After breakfast in the dining hall, we were given an excellent guided tour of the School by Andrea, Mr Healy’s PA – a literal walk down memory lane as the memories came flooding back. And yet so much of the School felt unfamiliar, built after our time.
The newer facilities look fantastic – the indoor pool, the gym, and especially the performing arts centre. Those old changing rooms with their distinctive aroma have been converted into a library while Pengelly boarding house has been upgraded into a carpark. With the grounds dusted in sparkling frost on a crisp dazzlingly bright winter’s morning, Bethany can rarely have looked better.
Back when we were at school, the local pub where anyone could get served – even clearly underage Bethanians with laughably poor fake IDs – was The Peacock. And so, it felt only right to return to a place of happy if hazy memories for a Sunday roast. Out came the school memorabilia and the old photo albums (thank God social media did not exist in the 90s) for a three-hour game of “D’you remember when…?” There were tears of laughter and, as we said our goodbyes at sundown, a few tears of sadness too.
The banter and the sharing of photos and memories continues in the group chat. Recalling the video messages from staff, Mark said: “Mr Healy talked about the Bethany values and Mr Harvey talked about Bethany being so much more than academic success and the fact the School wants to prepare you for life. Well, for me, our reunion showed that Bethany is also about lifelong friendships, where deep bonds are formed that provide foundations for a lifetime. Keep the memories alive, lads, and make sure you meet again before too long.”
We will, Mark.
Dan Rookwood and John Fenech
Bethany Class of ’95