The Oakers is the name of the group of ageing juveniles, who meet on the first Tuesday of every month for lunch at The Boot, in Sarratt. Most of the ‘members’ are Old Millhillians, but some are ‘Honorary’, such as long-serving retired teachers, fund- raisers and bottle-washers. It is said that once an Oaker, always an Oaker.

There are those who have been to lunch just once, and those who attend regularly. Many of us live moderately close to The Boot, but some live ‘up north’, ‘down south’, Wales, Manchester, Lincoln, Turkey, South Africa, U.S.A, Australia, France, Portugal ...and Sarratt!

The group formed years ago, when four chaps had lunch at a pub in Chipperfield, Herts, but then decided to go to another pub called the Royal Oak. That’s how the name of the Oakers was born. We have had a few sad times when an Oaker has passed away, but the present total is now 120. Fortunately they don’t all appear at once, but the Christmas Lunch, which is held on a Monday in the middle of December, is always well-attended, usually over 40.

The monthly meetings range from a dozen to a score. The cost (at present at least) is an all-in £30, which covers the first drink at the bar, a two course meal, coffee and wine. The lunches are full of memories, bonhomie, and some outrageous jokes usually told by the rapporteur.

The attendees range from: The President of the Club, Past Presidents, the present Chair and past Chairmen, an array of former Rugby, Cricket, Hockey, Squash, Golf and Tennis players (some are still playing), giants of industry, lawyers, doctors, teachers, media chaps and the odd thespian.

So, if you wish to join this motley crew on the first Tuesday of the month, contact the rapporteur and thespian: Gerry Westoby on wescam21@aol.com Happy days!

Gerry Westoby (Ridgeway 56-61)