50-year pact reunites friends (From Gazette Series)

50-year pact reunites friends

ON the first Sunday morning in July 1955, three young men from Dursley stood at the top of Cam Peak.

David Wood, David Millman and John Giddings, all 18, had been friends since school and often spent time together up on the Peak.

But this Sunday was different. All three had received conscription papers for National Service and had no idea when they would be together again. In a solemn moment they vowed to meet on the same spot in 50 years' time. God willing they would all be there on the first Sunday of July 2005.

The following day David Millman left Dursley for the Royal Army Service Corps and Cyprus. He was soon followed by David Wood, who joined the RAF and was sent to Malta and John Giddings, who joined the Wiltshire Regiment.

With National Service behind them, the trio kept in touch, but were engrossed in getting to grips with busy lives.

David Wood, worked for W H Smith in Dursley and then joined Baileys News Ltd (part of the former Bailey Newspaper Group) as retail director. David Millman, who worked for Forest and Orchard Nurseries (now Wyevale) at Falfield, moved to the sales department of Hoffmans in Stonehouse, and John Giddings, who worked for the family business C A Giddings of Long Street, Dursley, set up County Cuisine Catering Services.

Remaining friends over the years, all three remembered the promise to meet up on Cam Peak in 2005.

David Millman hadn't taken any chances and reminded his friends back in January that 2005 was the year.

And on Sunday - the first Sunday in July 50 years on - the three were up on Cam Peak, reminiscing and sharing a bottle of sloe gin, accompanied by David Wood's wife Maureen, and John Giddings wife, Ann.

"I considered myself fortunate to be there after 50 years," David (known to friends as Henry) Wood told the Gazette.

"It was a wonderful moment."

To mark the occasion John (known as Dan) Giddings' wife Ann read a poem.

Many years ago in the mists if time Three young men who were in their prime Put on their boots and climed Cam Peak They made a vow to repeat this feat In fifty years, if not too weak. Today's the day, they are fit and hearty So to the top and have a party Don't try it again it would be too silly Drink a toast to them all, Dan, Henry and Milly

John Giddings spoke for everyone when he said: "It took me longer to walk up Cam Peak this time than it did in 1955."