Bournemouth's Hinton Firs Hotel provided the perfect setting for the first reunion of Bevin Boys from the Southern Counties.

Fifty gathered t o reminisce of the times nearly 60 years ago when they were conscripted to the coal mines as part of the war effort.

It was particularly poignant for two Bevin Boys who had arranged to meet again for the first time in 58 years. When Peter Knight, from Chichester, heard that Dave Moody, of Southampton, was to attend, he was delighted that they should be meeting again.

The last time they saw one another was in 1944 when they lodged in the same Durham hostel.

In complete contrast, Walt Harrison, of Fordingbridge, came to the reunion, not expecting to meet anyone from all those years ago.

But he recognised the man selling draw tickets in the foyer of the hotel; this turned out to be Phil Yates, of Winchester, who trained at the same colliery in Pontefract and both lodged at the Castleford hostel.

The reunion, organised by joint representatives of the Southern Counties, vice-president Warwick Taylor, of Beaminster and Mr Yates, was so successful that another is already planned for September 10th, 2003, at the same Bournemouth hotel.

This will be a special reunion for Bevin Boys, as next year will be the 60th anniversary of the first conscription of young men to the mines in December 1943.

* Further details from Warwick Taylor, on 01308-861488, or Phil Yates, on 01962-854472.