Alumni Event

It all started with a random comment from the Head earlier in the year—’when all the building works are finished, it might be nice to invite some Old Boys in to see what’s been done’.

Fast forward to 30th September, after some frustrating delays in getting scaffolding down, over 350 former students and staff (including two previous Headteachers, Geoff Wybar (2000—2018) and Peter Read (1985—2000) and the son of Peter Sanderson, Headteacher (1978—1985)), friends and neighbours ‘assembled in Hall’ for the first Alumni event for many years. Some had travelled long distances to attend, the longest being from Arizona! Our oldest visitors were 91 and attended the school in the 1940s—our youngest were children of students who had left more recently. After a short welcome from the Head including the singing—with considerable gusto and for some for the first time for many years— of the School Song, and the School Prayer read by Mr Dunne, our longest serving teacher, our visitors toured the school to see what had changed. Some of the very many items from our archives were on display in the Hall corridor which obviously brought back many memories. Some also took the opportunity to watch the rugby match against Ravenswood on our pitch (we lost 26-19) and the National League basketball match against Dover (we won 100-39) in the Sports Hall. Followed by a lunch in the Pavilion Restaurant, many memories and stories were enjoyed, friendships renewed and with promises to meet again soon. Our wonderful School musicians entertained everyone during lunch. From comments made on the day and subsequently on LinkedIn and messages to the School, the day was a real success. If you want to see more pictures and to keep in touch, please join the Gravesend Grammar Professional Network on LinkedIn. A huge thank you, too, to members of the Head Student Team, 6th form students, members of the CCF and Duke of Edinburgh participants for the help they gave on the day, as well as to the Restaurant staff who provided a tasty lunch and our Site and Cleaning staff for their efforts in preparing the School for inspection. Consule Cunctis!