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The 2006 Old Tudorian reunions
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60 years at Wykham Park
Leavers before 1962, Wednesday 28th June 2006
On Wednesday June 28th Tudor welcomed back 32 Old Tudorians who left the school before 1962; it produced a mixture of those who had been at Burnt Norton and Wykham Park. Many had wonderful stories to tell and we learnt how some had arrived at the school only to find themselves scrubbing floors which were filthy after army occupation. |
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In typical Tudor style it was a most glorious day; how many of you remember that wonderful view across the park when the sun is shining? The OTs were welcomed by Wendy Griffiths, Harriet Granville, the Head Girl, Deputy Head Girls, prefects and myself. We had drinks on the terrace followed by lunch in the ballroom, a short concert (a mixture of poetry, sketches, singing, dancing and instruments) and then tours of the school for those who felt they could manage it. The following ‘thank yous’ will best sum up the day: |
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“It was the greatest privilege to be back to celebrate 60 years at Wykham Park; looking back it seems like yesterday that we were newly arrived and looking with awe at our unfamiliar surroundings!”
“The weather was perfect, the lunch delicious and we were very spoilt by the beautiful little Tudor rose trinket bowl.”
“The concert was charming and even moving in parts, especially when one girl was playing the harp, a small girl tackling a large instrument with great ability and sensitivity.” |
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“When we got to the swimming pool it suddenly reminded me of how, when we arrived, we had to spend days scraping off lime scale from the original pool before it could be used; an instance of something long forgotten that suddenly came back.”
“I arrived at Burnt Norton literally on the day that the Second World War broke out aged 8 and stayed there, doing the move to Banbury, until I was 16.”
“Thank you for a wonderful day. I may not come back but I shall never forget and just wish I had daughters to follow the tradition.” |
Leavers between 1963-1999, Thursday 29th June
On Thursday 29th June, following the lunch for the more senior Old Tudorians, it was now the turn of those who had been at Tudor between 1963 and 1999. Wendy Griffiths and the Old Tudorian Association welcomed Old Tudorians to drinks at The Fleming Collection in London; this included a private viewing of Divided Selves: The Scottish Self-Portrait from the 17th Century to the present day. We have to thank Mr Roddie Fleming for allowing us to use his wonderful gallery, for his very kind hospitality and generosity in providing lovely eats and champagne. |
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The evening was very special and judging by the decibel levels reached (as only Tudor can) was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. It was particularly disappointing that many who had tickets were unable to attend the evening. Several did let us know that due to unforeseen circumstances they would not be able to come but sadly many did not. As tickets were limited it did seem a shame that so many were wasted………perhaps others might have been able to use them!
A huge thank-you to Heather Holden Brown and Charlotte Duncombe who made all the arrangements; without their enthusiasm the evening would never have taken off or been so spot-on in organisation. |
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Leavers between 2000-2005, Saturday 16th September
Saturday the 16th of September was reserved for the ‘young’ Old Tudorians (2000-2005) who in contrast to the rest were invited back to Tudor for as much action as we could persuade them to produce!
The day started with a University Fair, designed to help those at Tudor who are already thinking about gap years, university and careers. We have to thank the brave twenty who made the early start to come and chat to girls about their experiences. 15 universities were represented in all, covering a wide range of courses. |
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Later in the day we held a University Forum; a panel of OTs, chaired by Harriet Granville, who took questions from the Vth and VIth form girls. Nine universities were represented which produced such diverse answers to a wide range of interesting questions. The answer that brought fits of laughter from the room was to the question on accommodation…’one room of minute proportions with facilities down the corridor’ in contrast to that of the Oxford student who enjoyed ‘a sitting room, bedroom and bathroom.’ An example of some of the questions were: |
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‘Do you think you should choose the course or university first?’
‘Do you think a gap year is beneficial or not?’
‘Were you involved in sport or music…..did you enjoy doing it?’
‘What was your accommodation like?’
‘Was it possible to study abroad as part of any of your courses?’
‘How was the work actually structured at the university you went to?’
The University Forum was followed by drinks in the Front Hall where, by this time, many more OTs had gathered. Most had picnics in the grounds afterwards and once again the chatter could be heard far and wide. |
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In the afternoon, for those who were game, Netball and Hockey matches were played against the school teams. There were many takers for the netball but we did need to borrow a goalkeeper and a couple of backs for the hockey team. I think the school won both matches but next time they will need to watch out, we will be better prepared. It would have been nice to have tennis players….if only to please me!
SCB | |
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