March Update

1951 Starters - 70th Anniversary

Maggy Skipp (Smith) has been in touch to put us straight about the 1951 Starters: 

"I have seen many guesses about how many pupils started in February 1951 so as it is our 70th anniversary I would like to set the record straight, there were 32 boys and 32 girls chosen. Two coaches picked us up on that first day, I was from King’s Lynn and first on our coach, we picked up one boy or one girl as we travelled through various villages on our way to Wymondham. On arrival our names were called and we were allocated a dormitory - 16 and 18 for the girls 26 and 28 for the boys – until it came to Rae Fuller who was given a boys number but turned out to be a girl which caused a bit of laughter – so there were 31 boys and 33 girls. I have the original photo of the first girls which is on the ‘51 page, all named and there are 33 of us".

Sadly due to the current situation, any plans the College had to celebrate the 70th Anniversary will not now happen.  It is hoped that the OWs may be able to put together an event in mid-October, but we will have to wait and see how things go.

We have received sad news of more alumni who have left us: 

Andrew Bawden – 1967-74  Andrew passed away on 25th January aged 65.

Louis Gidney -  Louis arrived at Wycol in September 1951 and left in the summer of 1958. He passed away peacefully in a care home in Fort William,  having formerly lived in Strontian in the Scottish Highlands.

Stephen Wilson – 1969 – 1975

 Kevin Dobson sadly passed away from cancer in July 2020, aged 61 - he was a student in New Hall from 1970-1978.

 Elga Carol Brodie passed away in July 2019, aged 81 - we believe he was a student in the 1950s.

 Roger Garrard

We received the very sad news that Roger Garrard has passed away.  The following is the announcement that appeared in the Eastern Daily Press on 22nd December ...... GARRARD ROGER JOHN Died peacefully on Wednesday, December 16th, aged 92 years. Beloved and loving husband of Brenda, adored father of Jane and Guy and treasured grandfather of Sara. Private family funeral. A service of remembrance and celebration of Roger’s life will be announced post-covid. Donations, if desired, for Wymondham Methodist Church may be sent c/o Eirlys Johnson Funeral Services, 87 High Street, Watton, IP25 6AW.

  In the Heritage Room we came across a folder of photographic slides showing all aspects of “Wycol Life” – classroom; sports; general views; 6th form socials. They were taken by a professional photographer, Graham Hiles, and were for a future prospectus. We think it was 1986 although are happy to be corrected. If you were a pupil in 1986 you might appear so have a look and if you can provide any names or dates we would love to hear from you. There are four separate pages and links can be found as follows:  Hiles1, Hiles2, Hiles3, Hiles4

OW Golf Day and Reunion 2021

A note from Bob:

"Following the cancellation of this year's Golf Day and Reunion, my hotel contacts have been very understanding and helpful and I have provisionally rebooked for the first weekend in July next year.  2021 is the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the College and we hope there will be some event at the College to which we are invited.  My hotel contact is aware of this and when we have confirmation of a date it will hopefully enable us to rearrange the date of our Golf Day and Reunion if necessary.  You will recall it was the 50th Anniversary in 2001 when we had our first Golf Day and Reunion.     

Best Wishes - keep safe, Bob" 

For previous updates please click here.