We held a ‘final’ reunion on 17^th October 2019 at Jesus College. Attended by 26 people, an important part of the event was the launch of the book of the website and its presentation to the four Colleges from which the biggest groups of volunteers had been  drawn, Clare, Homerton, Jesus and St. Catharine’s.

There was no opportunity to take a group photo (the children were easier to marshal than this group of talkative and hard of hearing adults) but some small group photos were taken. A list of attendees is below. The book was given to all who came and sent to those who had provided their mailing address. The aim was to send a copy to all who had contributed to the site or were mentioned in it. However, the print run was limited so it is a matter of first come, first served for those who send their postal address.

It was clear from the outset that the title of the event was a misnomer. Former volunteers, meeting for the first time after 50 or 60 years, exchanging memories of camps, updating each other on the course of their careers, the details of their families and so on were not going to limit themselves to this ‘final’ meeting. Contact was made and more reunions will follow. It also became clear how subjective memories are, especially after 50 years. 

The website has never claimed to be comprehensive, dependent as it is on contributions from former volunteers and because so few of the original formal camp reports have survived. The meeting served to prompt further memories and apologies sent by those not able to attend also generated further material for the site. This leads us to emphasise that the site remains open for new contributions even after the publication of the book. Although the site will not be maintained on a daily basis, would be contributors should follow instructions on the site to have their piece included. 

The publication of the book, which is drawn entirely from the site, has raised the suggestion  that what is needed is some systematic research leading to an accurate history. This would develop accurate timelines and draw together all the threads of CHV’s development, most of which are already known, as well as fill out some of the background stories such as what happened to CRI? And who was F-D? Such an exercise is beyond the resources of those who have been involved in the initial project but perhaps you know of an energetic social historian looking for a fascinating PhD subject!

 

At the event were:

Peter Watson
Cynthia Watson
Daniel Watson
Tony Watts
Emily Williams (representing Jesus College)
Laura Kenworthy  (representing Homerton College)
Tiina Rajamets
Tiiu Rajamets
Ian Cooper
John Grundy
Bruce Huett
Angus Tulloch
Mervyn Bramley
Liz Bramley
Roger Catchpole
Richard Dales
Marianna Du Plat Taylor
Philip Seddon
Debbie Seddon
Celia Iley (Charning)
John Colquhoun
Ned Tozer
Mrs Tozer
David Beeby
Ann Beeby
John Rignall