The very first students from a school in Ipswich have been invited to reunite with old friends they may not have seen for more than 65 years.
In September 1958, Thurleston Secondary Modern opened its doors for the first time, welcoming in a whole new batch of students from Whitton and Castle Hill.
Located in Defoe Road in Ipswich, the school later became Thurleston Secondary School and is now known as Ormiston Endeavour Academy.
The new first years were excited to take the first steps in their secondary school careers, peering nervously around the brand-new building before being introduced to the headteacher, Mr Bower, a man whose voice would stop students in their tracks if he caught them running down corridors.
“It was a really happy time for the school – I don’t think there was anyone there who didn’t like it,” said Jenny Hare, nee Emment, who is organising the school’s 67-year reunion, set to take place in September.
Mrs Hare continued: “We had lovely teachers. Our first teacher, Mr Rutherford, he was wonderful. He stayed in touch - we used to see him in town, and he would always remember our names. He was lovely.”
Mr Rutherford taught geography, and went on to publish a memoir about his life.
From playing netball and other sports against schools in the Alde, Deben, Orwell and Stour vision to performing in the school play of ‘San Marino’, Mrs Hare and many of her contemporaries cherish their memories of Thurleston.
A school reunion for the class of 1958 is being held on September 6 at Claydon Community Centre.
Following on from the success of their 65-year reunion in 2023, Mrs Hare and the other organisers are keen for as many of their former classmates to attend as possible, to reconnect with old friends and teachers alike.
Would you like to attend? Contact Jenny Hare on Facebook or by calling: 07577199721
