The Class of ‘81
Friday went to see a play called Billy Boy about a bonfire builder. I so dislike bonfires that I thought I might benefit from understanding this subculture. My takeaway was it is an outlet for testosterone- and alcohol-laden lads more than anything political or sectarian. But of course the drug gangs (AKA paramilitaries) use it to their end--whipping up identity politics in a way that suits their various illegal enterprises.
Saturday off to Derry first for a long chat with my old friend Julie then for a class reunion. It was fun catching up with lots of different people about everything from their dogs to a PhD one guy is doing in the education of police (he is ex-army and helped train police in Afghanistan). One of the themes was retirement – some are retired, some are in no hurry to retire, some are segueing into retirement. Of the group below, five live in England or Scotland.
![](https://northdownmuse.ghost.io/content/images/2023/04/IMG-20230425-WA0003.jpg)
Our last reunion was 10 years ago, when attendance was three times higher and we had a sort of disco. Not sure why but I enjoyed the smaller, quieter affair. I stayed the night at the hotel where the event was held, the White Horse Inn in Eglinton. I was appalled that that cost 150 pounds. For a nothing special hotel. But Derry has become such a tourist destination that I guess capacity lags demand.
Sunday I had a lovely visit with Mary then headed home. I played a few holes of golf but the course was so crowded I gave up.
21-23 April