Old Barnardian 70's Leavers Reunion

It was Back to School... 43 1/2 years after leaving!



The Old Barnardians, as alumni of Barnard Castle School are known,  had their annual Summer Gathering and invited as many leavers from the 1970's to come as possible. Sadly, due to a falling out of a previous headmaster with the Old Barnardian's Club, contact had been lost with many. Nevertheless we had a pretty decent turn out, about 70, I think, with, over the Friday and Saturday 14 from my year.

We assembled in the new Sixth Form centre where we were greeted by the new headmaster, and then had a service in the chapel...



...with an excellent and witty sermon from the former chaplain, and freeman of the town, John Moore.

We were then offered tours of the school. No more lines of beds in big dormitories, but individual rooms for the now somewhat rather fewer boarders.

Lunch in Big School..



...was supplemented by a display of material from the school archives...



with lots of old photos, programmes from old school productions and the House log books. It was fun trying to collectively identify people in the old photos....



One thing I had completely forgotten was that I had acted as House Scribe for a few terms before I left.

Then it was on to watch the cricket and enjoy the beer tent.



Pete Fenwick, who had joined us in the Old Well the previous evening wasn't there, but his beer was. And very good it was too!



And here is a photo of almost all of the December '75/July '76 leavers...


It was a great day of catching up with old friends and shared memories. Roll on the next '70s reunion! You can see more of my photos of the day and excerpts from the archives on Flickr.