Barnard Castle welcomes back alumni of the 1940s

Around 90 Old Barnardians visits their alma mater for a long-overdue catch up

Posted by Stephanie Broad | June 01, 2016 | School life

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• #alumni
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• #sixth-form-centre

Old boys travelled the length of the country for a reunion with classmates many returning to their school for the first time in more than 70 years. 

Around 90 Old Barnardians descended on Barnard Castle School for a day-long celebration involving a tour of its latest facilities, a chapel service, spectating at a cricket match between students and the MCC, lunch and a long-overdue catch-up. 

Memories came flooding back for the old boys, who left Barnard Castle School in the 1940s and 50s and are now in their 80s and 90s. 

Organised by school archivist and Old Barnardians Club secretary Dot Jones, former students travelled from as far away as Pembrokeshire, Scotland and London for the reunion. 

“I have wanted to hold a reunion for years and our new sixth form centre provided the perfect setting,” she said. 

Former pupils are kept informed of developments at school, but for many it was the first time in decades they were able to see first-hand its latest facilities, such as the brand new sixth form centre, preparatory school science block and senior school sports facilities.

The recently-opened sixth from centre was built in an exercise yard which many Old Barnardians recalled being the scene of countless football and cricket matches and, during the winter, a skating rink.

Barnard Castle School headmaster, Alan Stevens, said: “What a fine day for school friendship and cricket. 

“When Dot suggested the 1940s and 50s leavers’ reunion I thought it was a great idea and we expected around 15 guests. So we were delighted when 90 managed to join us. 

“Going through our archives we found the housemaster’s notes, which reported one student’s troublesome behaviour including wearing slippers in chapel and playing cricket during prep. Two years later he left an accomplished and splendid fellow, which very much sums up what we are still doing today.” 

www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk