David heads search for class of 1980

A FORMER Royton and Crompton School pupil turned detective to track down peers from across the globe.

David Bird, from Royton, set about finding his school year from 1980 to invite them to a reunion 30 years on.

His efforts have been so successful he’s traced nearly 200 former pupils of the 270 of that year group and sent invites to as far away as New Zealand, America, Canada, Singapore and Spain. Ten teachers and the head of year are also set to attend.

He’s now looking for Chronicle readers help in finding as many people as possible for the get-together at Heyside’s Moss Inn on June 19, from 7pm.

It’s taken a year for Mr Bird to organise and has resulted in a group of former classmates meeting at the pub on the first Wednesday of every month to plan the event.

He said: “In February, last year, we had a reunion for just my class as we found out my teacher had not been well so we got together to cheer her up a bit. It was a roaring success with 98 per cent of the class attending.”

Mr Bird was persuaded into organising a celebration for the whole year group to mark the 30th anniversary.

He said: “We compiled a list of as many people we could think of in the whole year and then tried to find them. It got to the stage where we decided to meet up once a month.

“Small pieces of information have led to us finding more and more people.

“I have spent hundreds of hours but it’s been really successful and we’ve found two thirds of the year group. I have thoroughly enjoyed it.

“People from all over the world are coming. It’s not often you get more than 150 people from 30 years ago in the same room.

“People are really enthusiastic about it and they can’t wait. It will be a great do.

“It’s also really diverse as we have gone on to very different jobs and lead very different lives.”

To find out more or provide information call Donna on 07563-249 658 or e-mail randcreunion1980@yahoo.co.uk.