The reunions for the Gurney girls and the Henderson boys could be coming to an end. Derek James reports.

After more than a dozen years, during which so many school friendships have been rekindled, the reunions for the Gurney girls and the Henderson boys could be coming to an end.

The old school names disappeared many years ago, but the memories are still warm in so many hearts thanks to these parties.

But now the organisers, Pat Breeze and Margaret Paternoster, are thinking about calling it a day, so unless new people come forward, the reunion on January 22 could be the last one.

'Neither of us are getting any younger,' said Pat. 'And although we love the reunions, we think it is time we stepped aside,' said Pat, formerly Pat Turner, who has been helping to run the gatherings for about five years.

The reunions were first started more than 12 years ago by Margaret Paternoster and Vi Panetta – just for the Gurney girls.

I have always written about them and the publicity helped to get the parties up and running. They turned into annual events which have raised thousands of pounds for charites and good causes.

The Gurney girls reached out the hand of friendship to their old neighbours, the Henderson boys, a few years ago and the reunions flourished.

'We all had a great time at the last one a year ago and raised more than �600 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance,' said Pat.

Pat makes the point that although people love to go to the reunions, they need some more organisers to come forward.

'Margaret helps me so much, but she thinks it will be her last year and so do I as well,' said Pat.

If you were a Gurney girl or a Henderson boy then please head for Chapel Break Community Centre, on Saturday January 22 from 7pm to 11pm.