The Shrigley Old Boys held their reunion weekend at Savio House recently, with lunch at the former Salesian school, now Shrigley Hall Hotel, near Macclesfield. Old Boys and their wives & partners came from all over the UK and Ireland, and were joined by our Provincial, Fr Fr Gerry Briody SDB, and the Savio House team and community. Tom McCormick described the highlights for the Old Boys' blog.

As usual, Bro Michael Winstanley was there to welcome us just as he was when I was in the 60’s at Shrigley. After a delicious supper I unpacked while the early birds headed to Shrigley for just one drink with the Scottish contingent who were staying there.

On Saturday morning we were joined at mass by the new Salesian Provincial Fr Gerry Briody, a fantastic start to the day. We then headed down to the cemetery at Bollington, joined by Fr Provincial, for a very touching service with many personal memories. It was great to hear how the deceased Salesians and their memories and influence live on.

We then headed for lunch to Shrigley. It still seems very strange to approach through the new drive rather than the old via the gatehouse (which is still there). After a wander around the grounds (excluding the golf course), saying hello to St Patrick on his island, I was joined at lunch by Bro Michael and Fr Provincial. As usual conversation and memories proved to be very fruitful. We then headed for the afternoon meeting at which we had a very useful conversation with Fr Provincial on the future. Bernard as usual managed all of this with his enthusiasm of all things "Shrigley". We then paid our traditional visit to the Cemetery at Shrigley (photo above). I must admit I missed Fr Albert's thoughts on the residents. However they were well remembered by others who were there.

We then headed to Savio where we were treated to a curry before the main event: "The Concert", as only old Shrigley boys can put on (Concert Party pictured above). MC Martin McArthur, who could do the Oscars anytime provided the highlights of the weekend. Greg Bell along with a very dodgy piano provided and excellent musical accompaniment throughout the evening. Tony Quinn provided us with his own comic, Scottish version of Shakespeare which has to be heard to appreciated. Michael McManus minus his guitar provided us with some old tunes plus a very original song. One of the volunteers, Clara from Germany entertained us on the clarinet. Michael Pratter, another Scottish old boy, gave us a rendition of the Rolling Stones number Ruby Tuesday. Tony Galcius gave us a very moving extract from his autobiography, on his first impressions of Shrigley in 1941. The concert ended with usual sing song, the Salesian Hym and Auld Lang Syne.

The next Reunion will take place at Savio House on 8 - 10 September 2017