OPAR2000

Annual Reunion 2000
An Annual Reunion and AGM for former pupils of Slough Secondary School, Slough Grammar School, Slough High School & Upton Grammar School took place from 11:00-17:00 on Saturday 11 March 2000 at

Slough Grammar School, Lascelles Road, Slough, SL3 7PR

Secretary's Report
"Reunion 2000 proved to be a landmark occasion - the 85th Anniversary of the Association's founding; the publication of the long-awaited book written by Peter Bennett (SSS 1930-1936) and other Old Paludians; more members than ever before attending - and the sun shone brightly. It was a tight squeeze to fit 153 into the canteen for lunch but most seemed to take it in good humour. Jean Tyler (Ireland SHS 1950-56) with the help of David Rogers (Head of Classics) and Chris Theobald (Head Boy) had put together an extra large display of archives in the Hall which drew the usual crowds with much of the material being displayed for the first time.

The afternoon session began with a presentation of the School website by Suki Ajimal (Maths & IT Master) and 2 pupils Amy Kidston and Tess O'Neil. We had a preview of the new 'virtual reality tour' being launched the following week - Slough Grammar School is believed to be the first school in the country that visitors can wander around without leaving their homes.

Chairman Kathy Clark (Jamieson SHS 1942-1948) welcomed some 230 members, including former staff, the loyal older members, a member from Vancouver and one from France. This year, in consultation with the President, Mrs Lenton, it was the turn of the Library to receive the Old Paludians gift - a cheque for £500 - thanks to the generosity of members. Each book purchased will carry a special bookplate indicating it was a gift of the Old Paludians.

Jean Tyler told how the book "Recollections of SLOUGH SECONDARY SCHOOL and THE OLD PALUDIANS as remembered by Peter Bennett and others" had been pieced together; Peter said a few words of thanks to the contributors and then presented Mrs Lenton with 2 copies for the Library. She was also given a copy of the book "Slough - a Century of Change" co-authored by former pupil Peter Burgess (SGS 1949-54).

Mrs Lenton then spoke of the School's continuing success story. Now a Foundation School, it was oversubscribed despite being the largest grammar school in Slough with over 1000 students (350 in the 6th Form alone) and a total of more than 100 staff. Future plans include refurbishment of the canteen and the introduction of a cyber café. Millennium projects involve the making of a stained glass window and a Book which aims to contain a page on everyone coming to the School in this year 2000. Today's students value their heritage; they are eager to honour the traditions of those who went before them and they aim to look forward in the same spirit.

David Rogers was delighted with his unexpected gift from the Old Paludians in recognition of his immense help with the archives; he had planned on staying at the school for 2 years - now after 37 he was about to retire! He said visitors always left with the impression that the school was a happy, friendly place, one of warmth and communication - embodied, surely, by the attendance at each Reunion, a gathering which exudes warmth and this, too, shines out from the pages of our new book.

All in all it was a very happy and successful day - we had lived up to our reputation of each Reunion being better than the last."

Photographs


Back Row: Marian Payen (Scull); Alyson Coney (Skinner); Jill Mansfield; Diana Morriss (Hammond); Jean Tyler (Ireland 1950-56);

Middle Row: Christine Taylor (Scott); Evelyn Sargeant (Day); Enid Matthews (Watkins); Anthea Fowler (Bailey); Angela Clifford (Rix); Marjorie Toogood (Smith); Pamela Mackey (Shelton-Smith); Jillian Stewart (Rider);

Front Row: Susan Cheale (Clarke); Jeanne Stevens (Anderson); Janet Rogers (Badnell); Miss Stella Saunderson; Pam Robinson; Valerie Cowdery (Wallis); Eileen Brooke (Sirey);