Some Enchanted Evening

 October 1958. My dad was continuing his architecture degree at Newcastle University after his three years in Cambridge...

Arrangements were made by my fellow student, Ken, through his girlfriend, Valerie, for me to meet one of her nursing colleagues at SNEC (Saturday Night Entertainment Committee at Newcastle University).  We set off for the Union and made straight for the Bun Room and the bar because I needed a bit of Dutch courage.

What I didn't know at the time was that in the far corner of the room sat another architecture student colleague of mine, Chris Rainford, with his wife, Maria and her sister, Eileen Brennan. Although they had spotted us as we walked in, Ken hadn't noticed Chris in the tightly packed room. After downing a pint of beer, we decided to move up to the lounge bar to meet up with Valerie and her friends. Chris, Maria and Eileen had seen us move and decided to follow us with a view to meeting up. I can, of course, now reveal that Eileen had expressed a wish to meet us but that is her story! 

For my part, I was preparing myself for my blind date with a second pint of beer, when in walked Eileen with Chris and Maria. I was now in a position to see who was walking towards the bar. I had met Maria before, however Eileen took me by surprise. She was not only very attractive but stunningly dressed, setting her apart from the crowd. Her sophistication and poise were immediately evident with her raven hair, closely-fitted black and white checked dress and high-heeled shoes. I took in all this in a matter of seconds from a distance of several yards across the room.

Eileen in 1958.

By this time Ken was on his feet, inviting the other group over. After introductions, we settled around the table. Eileen and I soon got into animated conversation. I discovered she had a professional career as a trained singer as well as working as a tracer in an engineering research station.

At the end of the evening I took my chance and invited Eileen to the Rag events the following week. She accepted and there began our tentative relationship which ultimately blossomed over the next few months. 

I don't think I ever did see the nurse I was supposed to meet.