Ex-pupils of Bridgwater Grammar School for Girls, who will all be sixty this year, gathered for their ’Diamond’ year re-union at the home of Sue Watts, nee Hooper, on Saturday, July 27th. Memorabilia on display included school photos from 1965 onwards, berets, house badges, satchels, ties, sashes (remember those gymslips?), original haikus written by class 3A and times logged for 100 yards and hurdle races by 3alpha for House points – happily for most, a suggested re-match was rained off. Our photographer, Penny Moore, even wore her original gym top!

Sheila Milburn, retired teacher, was guest of honour and a recording of her playing the piano accompanied the singing of the school song. How much more relevant were the words “Many now are scattered far, others from this world are passed” than when sung over forty years ago. However, the school motto from the last line, ‘Meliora Sequamur’ – Let us seek better things, still resonates.

The chatting, exchange of reminiscences and news, fun and laughter were continual and old friendships and contacts renewed. Many had travelled considerable distances, some from other countries, to attend and make it such a memorable and happy occasion. Thanks go to all who helped track down ‘old girls’, brought cuttings or photos or otherwise helped to make the gathering such a joyful event.

Standing on stairs, starting top left and working down to the bottom, left to right: Sue Watts (nee Hooper), Sue Baxter (nee Wass), Kerry Trout (nee Thompson), Jan Collingwood (nee Gillinder), Pam Lucas (nee Jenkins), Nettie Stokes (nee Kingston), Mary Palk (nee Jones), Carol Evered (nee Butt), Lindsey Allen (nee Richards), Frances Pankiewicz (nee Wills), Wanda Rossiter (nee Moltan), Liz Bamji (nee Millard), Jenny Parrinello (nee Stone), Judith Wardlaw (nee Brookfield).

Standing, left to right: Lynn Henderson, Penny Shaw (nee Humphris), Liz Smith (nee (Bibby) Halse), Carol Ashton (nee Walton), Liz Bettles, Susi Woodhouse (nee White), Gail Wickstead (nee Court), Rose Clarke (nee Dyke), Nikki Saunders (nee Trzos).

Seated, back row, left to right: Karen Linwood (nee Williams), Sheila Milburn (music teacher), Mary Reece.

Seated (front row), left to right: Chris Pulsford (nee Gibbs), Sue Pow (nee Hanney), Caroline Wilkins, Anne Arnold (nee McConville), Angela Farmer (nee Burt).

Penny Moore was the photographer.

Based on information supplied by Kerry Trout.