Ex-pupils gather for a Findon reunion

Former students descended on the Village House Hotel, in The Square, Findon, from far and wide.

Organiser Bob Fell, 75, of Fairfield Way, Ashington, said: “Some came down from Norfolk, Northamptonshire and from across southern England.

“The oldest ones went to school in the 1920s. There were quite a few in their 80s, nearly approaching 90.

“I rounded them all up as best I could, speaking with one person who led me to another.

“We had around 80 people turn up, we collected a lot of old photographs.

“It was excellent actually. It’s informal and we don’t have speeches or anything, but once we start talking you never stop.

“We didn’t have such fond memories of some of the teachers. It was a pretty rough old school. There were no facilities there up until the drainage came to Findon in the 1960s.

“There were still bucket lavatories; it was pretty crude. The boys’ playground was all muddy. I enjoyed my time with all the children there, I got on really well with them.”

Bob’s great-grandfather moved to Findon in 1874 and all six of his children went to the school.

Bob’s grandfather was there the day the new school opened in 1875.

Bob continued: “This was my fourth year and I will be doing it next year, God willing.

“We all had food and drink, and it’s a lovely place to be. People are saying you’ve got to do it next year. It gets everyone out and they seem to enjoy it.”

If you would like to share photos and memories from your school days, please get in touch.

• Send your memories and photos to James Connaughton, via email to [email protected], send them by post or pop into Cannon House, Chatsworth Road, Worthing, BN11 1NA. Telephone 01903 282351.