We welcomed back over 40 scholars who had been at Bearwood in the 1990’s and two of the young ladies who left in 2003. We started the day with our usual short chapel service officiated by Stewart King the resident Chaplain at Bearwood and Edward McCall who was an organ scholar and left Bearwood in 1994, played the organ for us. Martin Barnes who usually plays the organ for our service joined us . I am sure he and Edward had lots to talk about with their interest in organ music.
The reception followed and the present Headmaster and Dr and Mrs Belcher joined us. Dr Belcher met many of the scholars who had been at Bearwood when he was Headmaster, so there was plenty of reminiscing and lots of laughter. We then went to the dining room for an excellent buffet lunch, provided by the catering staff.
After lunch I arranged with Keith Lovell for those who wished to see the Hovercraft and do some sailing on the lake to meet up with him and Stewart King. I also arranged with Major Tucker for those who wished to go over to the Army Cadet Unit to look at the new developments which are now in place, including the firing range. Both these activites some of them had been involved in whilst at Bearwood but since then of course things had improved and been developed. They were all very interested in all the improvements and from their comments on returning they obviously proved popular venues. John Hann opened up the Memorabilia in the John Stannard room and although some of the items were not of their era, they did enjoy meeting up with John again.
The two ladies who brought their little toddlers with them I took along to see the new kindergarten which is situated where the medical centre used to be. They were warmly welcomed by Julia, the manager of the Kindergarten. The little ones enjoyed looking around and enjoyed playing with toys and seeing the two pigs, named Marmalade and Chutney, two baby goats. Hens and the duck which are part of the animal section.
We had tea at around 4.30 and from feed back they all thoroughly enjoyed meeting up again. Thank you to all those who came to the Reunion and wherever you are I hope you all keep in touch in the future.
Confirmed attended were: The present Headmaster - Stephen Aiano Dr Richard Belcher (the former Headmaster) and Mrs Belcher Mike Watts President Old Royals Association Sylvia Lambert Vice President Old Royals Association Brenda Harrison Reunions Secretary Old Royals Association Former Scholars: Edward Bowen and Anne Wilson (1991) Dr Jones from Pittsburgh USA 1990 (Nelson House Captain)and Mrs Jones Axel Plumer from Germany (1996) John Harding from Australia (1963) Caspar Atkinson (1994) and Mrs Atkinson and family Adam Goodman 1993 Towabola Hassan 1993 Gavin Fisher 1993 Richard Jackson 1993 Richard Jakeman 1993 Julian Bass 1996 Jordan Lane 1996 Jenny Linsell 2003 Georgina Stephenson 2003 Samantha Cox 1998 Victoria Gibson 1909 Edward McCall 1994 and Mrs McCall and family Lionel Baden Emma Peden Martin Barnes 1973 Samson Omonua 1990 Toby Mayers 1990 Thomas Ransome 1996 Tom Stevens 1995 Peter Hogben 1994 Peter Adamson 1995 Nick Finlay 1996 Sadie Cothell 1998 Roger Vestey 1996 Andrew Durrant 1997 Adam Fathers 1995 Khador Mattar 1992 Towebow Hassan 1994 Robin Parsons 1996
Nicholas Wright who left in 1991 sent his apologies but he was going on to be on active service. He is serving in Afghanistan and will be there until November. I spoke to his fiancee and we all hope he will return safely.
Do any of you know of any other Old Royals who are on active service?
BRENDA HARRISON REUNIONS SECRETARY
Would you be interested in a "West Country Reunion" for former pupils of the Royal Merchant Navy School/Bearwood College?
I was a pupil from 1948 - 1957 together with my twin Sister Pennie and my brother Tony 1943 - 1948 and sister Shirley 1943 - 1951.
I am now retired and living in Northam, Nr Bideford in North Devon.
If enough people show enthusiasm I shall endeavour to look for the venue- lay on a buffet and arrange an enjoyable time reminiscing and chatting about "our old school days". I am looking at possible Saturday dates in late September, early October but need to 'test the water' so to speak so if you are interested, please get in touch with me.
I can be reached by email at john@todd8070.freeserve.co.uk, or by phone on 01237 421942.
Give it some thought - it could be fun.
Best wishes,
Pamela Todd (nee BOOTH)
