For many, trying to organise a catch-up trip to the pub with
friends can be a mammoth effort but lessons could be learnt from this group of
pals, who have been meeting for a pint every month for over six decades.

Kim Bright, David Day, Brian Wells, John Collins and Michael
Stephens are regulars at The Old Swanne Inn, in Evesham, with some travelling
from as far as South Africa to make the monthly “lads’ night”.

The “lads” first met at Prince Henry’s School in
Evesham in 1953 and when they left in 1960 they got together for a farewell
pint, but did not want to say goodbye.

Instead they arranged to have a regular pub gathering on the
first Tuesday of every month. The group, all now aged in their 80s, said they
felt like a “band of brothers”.

“We talk about all sorts of stuff, reminiscence. I never
thought for one minute, we’d still be here doing it all these years
later,” Stephens said.

“I feel that perhaps we would be letting the others down if
we didn’t turn up.”

Cheers to them!

• You can find out more about Kim, David, Brian, John and Michael on BBC Sound