Reunion sparks plan for festive get-together

GOOD TIMES: St Bedes Peterlee Class of 1984. Picture courtesy of Dean Armstrong of Silver Star Images

The gathering, for St Bede’s Catholic Comprehensive School’s Class of 1984, was so successful that another is planned for near Christmas.

The event, held at Peterlee Catholic Club, in Grampian Drive was organised by former pupils Maria Pegman, Joanne Gilfoyle (nee McAvoy) and Michael English.

Dawn Bellingham, who is in the RAF and has recently returned from Afghanistan, travelled to the event, as did Louise Close (nee Taggart), who is now based in Milton Keynes.

The majority of the other attendees have stayed close to home, and have settled in Peterlee, Seaham and Murton and other parts of East Durham since leaving the school, which is based in Westway, Peterlee.

Maria, a 46-year-old mum-of-four who lives in Easington Colliery and work’s at a butcher’s shop, said: “It was quite a good turnout. It was brilliant, a really good night.

“Everybody enjoyed themselves and we are hoping to have a get-together near Christmas – everyone is trying to find a date when they are free.

“A few more people said they would go to the next one.”

Maria added that other people who turned up on the night included Christine Sproates, husband-and-wife Anne Marie and Jonathan Luke, who have been together since school, Michelle Healey, Paula McKenna, Louise Johns and Maureen Rowe were among the schoolpals who turned up on the night, which featured a disco and buffet.