Reunion of the 40-somethings

Life begins at 40, they say, but a group of former Uckfield Secondary School pupils plan to do some serious reminiscing before stepping into a new era.

They are focussing on their schooldays, particularly their first year at the secondary school, way back in 1974, and to make it easier to swap stories are planning a reunion on September 14.

Mrs Beverley Butler, maiden name Savage, was chatting via email with a former classmate found through the website Friends Reunited and mentioned the idea of a joint 40th party. Now she finds herself organising one.

So the hunt is on for about 225 people thought to have joined the school in '74. 'All of us will be celebrating our 40th birthdays in the school year from September and thought it would be good to share a party,' said Mrs Butler, of Furnace Way, Uckfield.

She has asked the friends she remains in touch with to list all the people they remember and has 170 names so far, but she knows there are more to come. She is telephoning and emailing people she hasn't seen or spoken to for 25 years and says it is a wonderful experience.

The party will be held at the community college and anybody interested in finding out more can contact Mrs Butler on 01825 761523.

LEFT: Using her computer to track down old school pals Mrs Butler, with a picture of herself from secondary school days. 08086