AddThis SmartLayers

School days revisited

A silly season story of reunions and school day memories is hitting the regional press as journalists log on to the Internet sites that can put them in touch with old chums.

Many of the newspapers run columns for lost friends to get in touch both in the paper and on their websites.

But one service, friendsreunited.co.uk seems to be taking the country by storm.

Hooking up with old mates could well be this year’s big hit, along with the fad for 70s and 80s nostalgia.

Gloucester Citizen news editor Matt Holmes tried his luck and suffered mixed emotions as he surfed the site.

And at the Derby Telegraph, features writers Amanda Volley and Simon Burch went head-to-head in a debate on why it’s useful – and who it’s useful for…

Amanda told Telegraph readers: “The fear of looking dull by comparison hasn’t stopped me pursuing old mates for all I’m worth.

“Whether you loved or loathed school, you can’t resist having a peek to see if anyone you used to know is now Pope.

“It was great to share memories of our old school. It made me feel nostalgic, warm, young. How could people deny themselves this pleasure?”

Simon countered: “When I left school 10 years ago I knew there would be people I’d see again and others, sadly and not so sadly, I’d never see again. That’s life.

“I don’t trust the site because I’m a firm believer that any form of school reunion is only best for people with something to prove.

“Because they know people only know them as they used to be, they’re desperate to show off what they’ve become.

“No-one surely would sign up for the site if they were lagging behind in life and so you only read good things about people.

“Nostalgia is the buzzword at the moment… but it’s a bit sad to have to raid your past for friends just because technology says you can.”

Matt, from the Citizen, said: “Suddenly a list of names appeared on the screen, and with it a tumbling of childhood emotions came flooding back – the lead pencil chewer now happily married, my best mate who beat me at running (I’ve never forgiven him) – and the girl who broke my heart when I was six years old, Sara White.

“It was with mixed emotions that I read Sara’s entry – the svelte girl of my dreams of yesteryear is now happily married with two children.

“I was later cheered to find a note from my old mate Jonathan Topping. Just the sight of his name filled me with nostalgia. He was a popular lad on account of his father’s job with a cigarette company and because he had a private playroom above his garage – the scene of many a conquest.”

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]