“Oft as we can we’ll come back again

Here oft you will find us

For the Green and the Gold we’ll ever uphold”

Approximately 125 years ago, on Court Street at a building by the name of Samaritan’s Lodge, 12 children walked through the doors and began a legacy that would change the face of post-emancipation Bermuda for ever.

From humble beginnings on Court Street, to a location just off St John’s Road, and now a sprawling campus, the “Green and Gold” has prevailed. Not only prevailed but thrived through the exploits of those who have walked through those doors as youngsters, and then four or five years later, walked out those very same doors poised for leadership.

Whether it be in the fields of athletics, academics, creative arts, medicine, education, business, civic organisations, representing Bermuda globally, and yes politics, there is one term synonymous with discipline, drive and success: Berkeleyites.

Anyone who is a Berkeleyite, no matter which year of graduation, is a member of one of the biggest families in Bermuda. There is not a day that can go by that Berkeleyites do not cross paths in one way or the other.

Not to mention those high school sweethearts, who are still together to this very day. With the advent of WhatsApp chat groups, one could easily say that Berkeleyites are together daily.

On September 6, the Berkeley Educational Society and the Berkeley Institute invite Berkeley alumni and friends of the Berkeley to a 125th anniversary reception. The event will be held at the Berkeley Institute from 6pm to 8.30pm.

Tickets, available Berkeley Educational Society members, the Berkeley Institute Office and on Ptix.com, are only $25 for general admission, and $20 for students and seniors (65 and older).

It promises to be a wonderful evening of remembrance, reflection and, most of all, revival of the biggest school rivalry.

Much to the ongoing chagrin of one Robert K. Horton, it is almost certainly going to be a night to remind people of the unmatched academic and athletic success record of the mighty Gold House.

Respice finem.

• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him on WhatsApp at 599-0901 or e-mail at carib_pro@yahoo.com