Friends Maintain Monthly Pub Gathering for Over Six Decades

Kim Bright, David Day, Brian Wells, John Collins, and Michael Stephens uphold a monthly tradition of meeting for a pint at The Old Swanne Inn in Evesham. This gathering has been a highlight in their calendars for the past 64 years, with some members traveling from as far as South Africa to attend the regular “lads’ night.” The “lads” first met at Prince Henry’s School in Evesham in 1953. After leaving school in 1960, they convened for what was intended to be a farewell pint. However, instead of parting ways, they decided to establish a consistent pub meeting on the first Tuesday of every month. Now all in their 80s, the group members described their bond as feeling like a “band of brothers.” Mr. Stephens reflected on their enduring tradition, stating, “We talk about all sorts of stuff, reminiscence. I never thought for one minute, we’d still be here doing it all these years later.” He added, “I feel that perhaps we would be letting the others down if we didn’t turn up.” David Day, who joined the monthly drinks 22 years ago after retiring to Evesham from London, considers himself a newcomer to the group. Mr. Day recounted that upon joining, the familiar faces and sense of nostalgia immediately transported him back to his boyhood days. He remarked, “When I returned after a long gap of 40 years, it was just like we’ve been drinking the night before.” He further noted, “It didn’t take very long to pick up again on what everybody had been up to and feel comfortable chatting to people about it.” Brian Wells travels from Cheltenham each month with his former schoolmate, Mr. Collins. Mr. Wells expressed his enjoyment of the gatherings, saying, “It’s just nice to see the familiar faces and chew the bit.” He also commented on his personal demeanor, stating, “I’m not a very chatty person as a rule, I just enjoy listening to this lot rabbiting on.” The group collectively affirmed that despite the numerous communication methods offered by technology, nothing surpasses the moments and memories created during their in-person meetings. Mr. Wells encouraged younger generations to gather more frequently, observing, “More often than not, they’re just talking individually on their phones to their phone group chat, rather than face to face.”