"We carried on where we left off all those years ago," said one, while "It was rugby that brought us together and still does," said another. These and other voices echoed through the Giltar Hotel, Tenby, on Easter Saturday.

This was the setting for a dinner attended by those Greenhillians that played rugby and attended the old Grammar School from 1949 to 1961 before it went Comprehensive. The evening was arranged by Tom Nicholls, who did the detective work in tracking people down and putting together a commemorative brochure covering the personnel that played and coached the rugby teams in the above years.

The guest speaker was Maurice Palmer, a native of Llangwm and well known in Pembrokeshire rugby circles. He played for Haverfordwest Grammar School, Welsh Secondary Schools (captained them on the Dragons tour to South Africa in '56) and gained a blue at Oxford in 1960. His fund of stories and self-deprecation were received with continuous laughter and approval from the listeners.

An example of the latter was walking through Llangwm after winning his rugby blue dressed in the university pullover and cravat. A local with cigarette hanging from his mouth said: "Is that you Maurice? Hardly recognised you. Did my best but couldn't see you in that boat, boy!"

Of the 32 dinner guests, the greatest number were from the over 70s, who seemed to have kept in touch with each other. Astonishing after so long were the instant recognition of some who had not seen each other since school days.

It was hoped that Denzil Thomas, who headed boys PE at the end of the Grammar days, would be able to attend, but ill health prevented him from doing so.

However Mark, the son of Dudley Nicholas, a much revered English teacher and rugby master at Greenhill, was there. It was Dudley that gave many of those present their first experience of the game, one that was based on enjoyment and fun, the lasting ingredients for a lifelong love of the game.

After an appetising meal, stories of the past resounded through the hotel. Some stayed on and picked the best ever Welsh team. Some measure of agreement was reached, but only some! Even the Lions party was contemplated, but not too many Welshmen seemed to have made the starting 15.

The evening was memorable with some suggesting it should be a yearly event. One said we should meet in 50 years time!

At the dinner, Grace was said by Peter Williams. Maurice Palmer was introduced by Carey D'Arcy and thanked by Tony Chiffi.

Tom Nicholls, the organiser would like to thank all the sponsors for supporting the evening.

Those who attended were: Roger Howells, Phillip Howells, Tom Nicholls, Peter Williams, Anthony Galvin, Alec Hart, Mike Thomas, Derek Mount, Mark Nicholas, Alan Franklin, John Y. Philips, Tony Chiffi, Philip Jenkins, John Joseph, Mike Rossiter, Michael Griffiths, Cecil Evans, Maurice Palmer, Peter Davies, Maurice Lillwall, Carey D'Arcy, David Harries, John Rees, John Tasker, Neville Hunt, David (Doc) Williams, Terry Gill, Brian Rees, Chan Thomas, John Richards, Robert Colley, John Tudor Griffiths.

Carey D'Arcy