AROUND 70 former pupils of Priory Heath Secondary Modern School came together for a reunion at the Golden Hind pub in Ipswich.The event, which was the third reunion of the school pals, was organised by Brenda Phillips (nee Clarke), Joan Goodchild (nee King) and Pauline Girling (nee Hunt).

AROUND 70 former pupils of Priory Heath Secondary Modern School came together for a reunion at the Golden Hind pub in Ipswich.

The event, which was the third reunion of the school pals, was organised by Brenda Phillips (nee Clarke), Joan Goodchild (nee King) and Pauline Girling (nee Hunt).

Mrs Phillips, 67, said: "It's lovely to see everyone and what is nice is that everyone is pleased to see each other."

Now aged in their 60s and 70s, the pupils attended the school now known as Holywells High School in the 1940s and 1950s.

Within sight of their old school entrance, the old friends gathered in the function room of the Golden Hind pub to catch up on old tales.

Among the old memories discussed was bike rides to Castle Hedingham and Clacton-on-Sea.

Hazel Roosa (nee Warren), 68, grew up in Felix Road with her sister Olga Woltering (nee Warren), 71, before the pair moved to America in the 1950s.

They have both made occasional return trips to Suffolk and were told about this event by lifelong friend Rita Benneworth (nee Lawrence), 69, of Bucklesham Road, Ipswich.

Mrs Roosa, who lives in New York, said: "I keep in touch with my friend Rita and it was her who told me about this. We've killed two birds with one stone by coming over here because we've also got a family wedding to go but it's great to see everyone.

"It's lovely to see so many old faces. Every class should do it!"

Mrs Woltering, who lives in Marietta, Georgia, added: "This is my first reunion and it's great that it's right opposite the school where we finished."