Armed with a blank piece of paper, a pen each and plenty of great memories we set about compiling a list of those friends who might easily be traced.  We knew that many of our old school chums had joined the Forces – to locate them was relatively simple.  They, in turn had maintained contact with their friends, the net widened and the ‘Mark One Tal Handaq Database’ took shape.  Over the period of the next few months it was encouraging to receive calls from ex Tal Handaq pupils who lived in all corners of the Globe.  It was clear that the idea of a reunion attracted great support.  Bernard and I therefore began finalising plans for the first Tal Handaq Reunion to be staged at Northwood on Saturday 25th September 1993.

The function was attended by 189 people, some of them spouses, but there was not a dry eye in the house!  To witness the fun generated by friends who had not met for more than 30 years was a tremendous reward for the effort we had put in.  Stacks of memorabilia was on display.  Photos of the happy Malta days were out in abundance.  The day was fabulous – testament to the fact that to hold a reunion was the correct decision.  Following that first reunion I received numerous requests to do it all over again in 1994.  It turned out that so many people needed more time to meet more old chums and to recall more old stories.   So it happened again at Northwood exactly a year to the day after the first function.  Attendance grew to 264 and we realised we were ‘on a roll’.

When Tim & Viv Daly joined the Reunion Committee in 1997 their broader knowledge of computer systems and the Internet facilitated the worldwide search for more ex-TH personnel.  The database continued to grow as it has done ever since – there is now a grand total of 1370 names on the list.  It was agreed to hold the next reunion at Bicester on Saturday 26th September 1998 and then to stage big events every 3 years with mini-functions in between.  That gave rise to the Duns Castle Reunion 18th–20th February 2000.  When asked where we should go next the response was unanimous – MALTA!

And so, thanks to the tireless efforts of Viv and Tim, the ultimate dream of a week in Malta took shape.  When the party of 69, in specially hired old buses, drove through the Tal Handaq school gates on Saturday 16th September 2000 the emotion was overwhelming.  For me this was the most moving experience as it represented the culmination of 8 years’ work, the persistence of the Committee of Four, the friendship and support of so many colleagues bonded by memories of happy times in their youth.

I will never forget that special moment, the way the school had not changed – only the shrubs had grown into trees - and the sheer joy on the faces of all present.  The School Hall was exactly as I had remembered it.  Only a disco glitter ball had been added.  To walk around the classrooms and school grounds was wonderful.

Dear old Geoff Randall was in his element in the Chemistry Lab for that is where it all began for him.

Even the present Headmaster and his staff were overtaken with the thrill of the day and joined in the celebrations.  In order to secure the friendship between the school past and present Ronnie Attard, the current Headmaster of Liceo Vassalli, presented us with a pottery vase which had been made in the Tal Handaq art class by one of the current pupils.  This vase will be exhibited at all future reunions and will serve as witness to the bond of friendship that exists between all who enjoyed life at Tal Handaq.

To the other members of the Committee and to all of you who have supported us so loyally in all we have tried to create I extend my heartfelt thanks for making it all worthwhile.  I hope to see you at the next reunion which will be held at Colerne, Wiltshire, on 22nd September 2001.