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.  

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