Recollections of Blaisdon Hall
Summer 2007 - After Mass
Father Sean with Mike's book of Poems in his hand
After Mass we all congregated around the Salesian grave to say a prayer and Father Sean read out a Poem by Mike O'Brien from his book of Poems entitled 'Intimations', which spelled out the effect that visiting the Salesian grave each year had on him and on so many of us. Mike's poem is in the Blaisdon Book "A Tribute to the Salesians of Great Britain"
A picture of the bucolic charm referred to in Mike's poem read by Fr Sean
We remembered especially those Old Boys who we lost recently: Pat Murphy and most recently, Gordon Robertson. Fr Sean related how the congregation at the Mass he celebrated for Pat were amazed that nine Blaisdon Old Boys were there to say there good byes to Pat after more than 50 years. Pat and his dear wife were regulars at the Blaisdon Reunions, until his failing health made this impractical.
John O'Driscoll, who kindly attended Gordon's funeral on behalf of all of us, read out a poignant poem that was read at the funeral of Gordon, which is a timely reminder not to leave things too late as "the music will not last for ever" *To read the Poem Click here
Dave Drummey and John O'Driscoll, 2nd from left who represented Blaisdon Old Boys at Gordon's funeral
We sang the now customary "Salve Regina" (Hail Holy Queen). Charlie handed out small cards with the words of this Latin Hymn and it seems we soon will all be singing this again off by heart, as we used to do at Blaisdon and Enfield.
Outside St. Michaels Church Blaisdon after Mass
We were delighted to have Brother Joe Adams and Liz Evans . Sadly Brother Alan Garman, now 91 years old, was not well enough to come with them. Please remember him in your prayers.
After this wonderful and typical Salesian start to our annual Reunion it seemed the ceremonies, both inside and outside St Michaels were holding people back from making their way down to the Blaisdon Village Hall for the meal.