Last week, thirty Old Boys from the 1950s and 1960s enjoyed a rare opportunity to visit the site of their beloved prep school. Rokeby was located on The Downs in Wimbledon until 1966 when it moved to Kingston. We were given a very warm welcome and tour by Mr Andrew Hammond(Headmaster of Hall School Wimbledon, which is the current occupant of the site). The Victorian buildings were recognisable and familiar but much has changed within of course. There was plenty of reminiscing and some boys had not seen each other since 1955! We were treated to brilliant talks from our guest speakers, James Roche (1956) and Michael Lewin (1962).
James founded The Roche School in Putney and Michael has been Head of Classical Guitar at the Royal Academy of Music for over 30 years. Also among the group were two professors and figures from business and law. After exploring the old Rokeby, the reunion continued over a delicious dinner at the Crooked Billet pub on the edge of Wimbledon Common. It was a joyous evening and the question of whether Rokeby friendships stand the test of time was answered emphatically!
We look to the next gathering of the ROBC. Floreat Rokebeia!
Richard Collyer-Hamlin (1987) – Chairman, ROBC