There’s something quietly magical about reconnecting with an old friend and realising that, despite the decades that have passed, the connection remains as strong as ever. That’s exactly what I experienced when I reunited with Bas, my old schoolmate from Bembridge School on the Isle of Wight, after more than forty years apart.
Our conversation swept us back to our school days in the late 1970s and early 1980s, offering a vivid glimpse into British boarding school life that felt uncannily reminiscent of Hogwarts—long before Rowling imagined hers. The distinctive house ties, the train and boat journey to reach the school perched dramatically on a cliff edge—the parallels were striking.
What stood out most was how formative those years were. Bas reflected on how the experience fostered independence: “You have to sort of think on your own.” I agreed—it taught me self-reliance and emotional control, helping me understand that I could shape my own life.
The physical environment loomed large in our memories: immaculate grounds, creaking floorboards in Old House, and freezing dormitories where ice formed inside the windows. These shared hardships forged deep bonds, creating a sense of belonging that transcends time and geography.
We laughed about the elaborate nickname culture—almost no one went by their real name. It was a kind of private language, reinforcing our place in a unique world.
Music was another lifeline. From ABBA (Bas’s favourite) to The Jam, Queen, and Ultravox, these bands became the soundtrack to our adolescence. “It got me through,” Bas said—and I knew exactly what he meant.
We reminisced about traditions like the Island Walk—a 30-mile overnight trek—and swapped ghost stories that once kept us awake. Though Bas now lives in Australia (with a “slight twang,” as I teased), our friendship felt untouched by time.
This reunion reminded me that some friendships don’t fade—they simply wait to be rekindled. And when they are, it’s like coming home.
Longtime Ago people 
Leave a comment