The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly as guests chatted, caught up with familiar faces, and enjoyed the chance to reconnect with the School.

The event also provided an informal opportunity for attendees to meet the new Head, Becky Lovelock. Becky spent time speaking with guests, listening to their insights and memories, and gaining a sense of the community shaped by staff over many decades. In a short address, she shared her first impressions of the School and outlined her vision for the future, whilst expressing appreciation for the dedication and service of all those present in helping to define its character and ethos.

The timings of the event coincided with the School’s break time allowing a number of current staff members to drop in to say hello, adding to the sense of community and connection.

The Head Boy and Head Girl along with other members of the Prefect team were on hand to serve refreshments and talk to guests, before leading tours of the School for those who hadn’t visited for a while.

Former staff member Andrew D’Arcy said: “I thoroughly enjoyed it and was so pleased to see so many old friends and familiar faces. Please pass on my thanks to all concerned for the organisation of a lovely hour of reminiscing.”

Sue Sumner also shared her thanks: “It was a great social occasion; it’s lovely to still be included in the ‘team’ … It was good to hear the Head’s vision for the future.”

Those who attended were:

Rosemary Anderton, Psychology, 2005-2018

Paul Bennett, Bursar, 2003-2021

Richard Bond, Geography, 1993-2021

Stephen Bosworth, MFL, 1975-2004

Sue Bosworth, EAL, 1987-2011

Sharon Chiverton, Biology, 2010-2023

John Cullen, Maths, 2002-2018

Andrew D'Arcy, Catering & Hospitality, 1983-2021

Jan Danby, PE/Sport, 1992-2016

Alan Dennis, Head of Lyndhurst, 1997-2009

David Dyson, Chemistry,1988-2018

Angie Edwards, Librarian/Archivist, 2000-2024

Pete Edwards, Art, 1980-2013

Stephen Elliott, Chemistry, 1984-1988

Dave Galloway, MFL,1999-2021

Peter Horne, Chemistry, 1982-2018

Ann Lawson, Chemistry, 1989-2015

Leanne Maycock, External Relations, 2015- 2025

Iain McDougall, Geography, 1986-2013

Marion Peel, MFL, 1989-2024

Robert Peel, Biology, 1972-2011

John Peel, History, 1980-2006

Alec Ramsden, Physics, 1976-2004

David Rumbelow, History, 1968-2006

Sue Rumbelow, Lyndhurst                              

Chris Solomon, History, 1968-2003

David Stanton, Maths, 1969-2001

Sue Sumner, Lyndhurst, 1989-2010

Chris Thornton-Holmes, Singing, 2013-2018

Andrew Towner, PE, 1992-2025

David Watton, Business & Economics, 1987-2016

Janice Whatford, Head’s PA, 1999-2013

Derek Whilesmith, Classics, 1959- 1994