Lifelong School Friends Maintain Annual Reunions Since 1998

A quintet of school friends, who first met upon commencing school in 1959, have consistently held yearly reunions since 1998. They recently marked their 25th gathering at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. These five women, who were raised in Darlington, remain connected over 65 years later, despite residing and working across the nation, and are now aged 70 and 71. The group comprises Caroline Velvick, Emmi Checkley, Angela Jasper, Claire Townend, and Jane Walker, who shared the same school class from the age of five until 18. Collectively, they have 10 children and 11 grandchildren, having provided mutual support through various life experiences. Notably, three members married farmers, three pursued careers as teachers, and two attended Liverpool University together. Currently, Caroline resides in Wetherby, Emmi in Nottingham, Angela in North Yorkshire, Claire in Manchester, and Jane near Rochdale. The Yorkshire Sculpture Park, situated near Wakefield, serves as the consistent annual venue for their gatherings. Caroline commented on their connection, stating: “It’s just an amazing bond and friendship that’s very special.” She added, “When we’re together we never stop talking because there’s so much to say. There are so many miles that we have travelled together and coming to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park is wonderful.” Emmi has preserved the program from the group’s initial visit to the park in 1998. She expressed that being with her friends provides a sense of comfort, eliminating concerns about her words or actions. Emmi remarked: “We know each other so well there are no airs and graces. They’re wonderful friends.” Emmi further explained the purpose of their meetings: “We meet to find out what everyone’s been doing for the last year and about their families. We’ve all had children and grandchildren now.” She clarified, “We don’t always just talk about the past, we talk about what’s been going on in the last year.” The group’s cohesion extends beyond their yearly gathering, maintained through a WhatsApp group, the exchange of Christmas cards, and the acknowledgment of significant life milestones. Jane commented on their communication, stating: “You wouldn’t believe how many messages we send but meeting every year we still have six hours’ worth of conversations together.” Claire and Caroline share a unique connection, having been born in the same hospital in adjacent beds, meaning they have known each other since they were three days old. Claire attributes the group’s strong bond to their shared experiences from a young age. She stated: “That’s very rare in this day and age to go from kindergarten to sixth form without changing schools. So I guess we have more of a bond than most children do these days.” She continued: “I think it’s a sign of true friendship. You all go off in your life, have your families, work hard and then you come back when you have less to do. We’ve all moved back together. We have our own time now.” Jane considers the Yorkshire Sculpture Park the optimal location for their reunions, citing both its geographical convenience and its environment. She explained: “It’s lovely and relaxed. We can hog a table for a full day if we want to. I really look forward to coming here.” She added: “We’ve been known to have champagne for special birthdays and cake. “We’re making dates for next year already.””