Annual Reunion 2009
June 2009 at Sibford School
Report by Chris & Pat Grimes
This was a new departure, coinciding with the School’s Open Day and Sports Day, instead of the traditional week-end. The focal point for Old Scholars was a newly acquired marquee, erected on the games field, which provided a warm welcome to all.
The marquee was blue and white, with windows and sporting the Old Scholars’ flag, and inside it one could find photographic displays and records of Reunions going back a very long way. Sustenance in the form of tea & coffee was an alternative to the very busy French Café run by the PSFA (Parents Staff and Friends Association).
 Hugh Maw was our special guest who had hoped that many pupils who had been at the School under his headship would be there. There were certainly several from his era who had either never been back or had left it a very long time to return, and there were many others who we were able to catch up with after many years. This was the first time for several years that Old Scholars had met with the School in session, and it was hoped that it would attract younger old scholars; unfortunately this did not seem to be the case this time. There was, however, a lot of interest from parents and others which might generate future attendance.
A lot was happening on the campus on this glorious day. Apart from all the exhibitions there was maypole dancing by the Junior School, a jazz band playing and a pig roast for those who were hungry.
Now, on to the nitty gritty: the A.G.M. where we approved the new Constitution which, mainly, hands over the administration of the financial side of SOSA to the School.
We are delighted to know that our new President and Vice President are Richard Hughes and Paul Frampton.
Over 50 of us stayed on for the evening meal, 
many more did not. It was really excellent: four course silver service provided by the school’s caterers.
Bryony delivered an unusual President’s Address, showing us artefacts given to her by prisoners where she was Quaker Prison Minister and told us of the circumstances leading to the gifts. Our guest speaker Hugh Maw, replying to the Address, reminisced about the escapades of some of the students from his time as Head and their achievements later in life. This was warmly received. To round off the day we went outside to the car park for Rockets just as it began to rain. This, of course, only lasted for the duration of Rockets.
Although Sunday was not part of the Reunion, about a dozen who had stayed overnight at local B & Bs, attended Meeting for Worship at the Gower and inspected the improvements to the Meeting House, including a brand new kitchen, and a few went across the road to the Wykham Arms for lunch, rounding off a memorable occasion.
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