1961 — the year John?Kennedy became the 35th US President, the Vietnam War officially began, and the Beatles played the Cavern Club for the first time.

Fifty years on, students who started at Tavistock Comprehensive in that year are getting together again. A celebratory reunion lunch is being planned to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the class of '61.

A dinner will take place at the Terrace Restaurant in Tavistock on Saturday May 7, to coincide with the Tavistock Comprehensive annual reunion taking place at Tavistock Town Hall that evening from 7pm.

All those from the class of 1961, including those who joined that year group subsequently, are invited, and the organisers would love to see as many former classmates as possible.

Organiser Maureen Toland (formerly Trebilcock) said: 'It's so difficult getting hold of people, but we're really looking forward to it'.

Maureen has fond (and not so fond!) memories of the period: 'We had to trudge up to Bannawell Pool for swimming lessons in an icy pool — no heating in those days! Many of us only managed ten minutes in the pool before getting "cramp"!

'We always seemed to be raising money for a new swimming pool at the school with events during our lunchtime. The new pool was never built in our day but at least it was there in time for our children to use it, so all the fundraising was worth it in the end.

'The Ballroom Dancing Society was a favourite, and listening to the music of an up and coming group called the Beatles!'

Anyone interested in joining their celebratory lunch can contact Maureen on 01822 612643, or e-mail her at [email protected]">[email protected] Alternatively, you can contact Chris Jones (formerly Prouse) on 01208 873356, e-mail [email protected]">[email protected], call Anne Calendar (formerly Smith) at 01822 612845, or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]