A Remarkable Reunion

This month's article is based on another photograph taken at Forncett school, 74 years later than last month's 1914 photo. It was taken at a quite remarkable reunion that was held at the school on Saturday 14th April 1988 when nearly 100 ex-pupils gathered to reminisce, to share stories and to look back at old photographs. The event was organised by Peter Thrower (far right in the photo) with help from his wife, Pauline, and Daphne Coleman. Peter was born in Forncett in 1937 and lived at Rose Cottage in Forncett St. Mary (now part of Kingsmuir). Daphne was born in 1931 at Church Cottage, next to the church in Forncett St. Mary. Later in life she lived in Mill Road, and she worked at Forncett school for 18 years between 1975 and 1993, first as a dinner lady and later as caretaker. Peter and Pauline now live at Great Moulton and both have a huge fund of knowledge relating to Forncett during the 20th century.

Peter decided to contact former classmates after looking at an old school photo and wondering what had happened to them all. The ex-pupils, who had attended the school between 1935 and 1950, came from all over England and included Freddie Hodd from Kent, who was evacuated from London to Forncett during the war. The oldest in the group was Jack Savory who was born in 1924.

In the afternoon the guests packed into the school to look at memorabilia, amongst which was a photo of the 1947 football team, nine of whom were at the reunion. Also present was ex-teacher, Mrs. Valerie Cann who started her career at the school in 1945-46.

Many of the individuals in the photos have been identified, but if any Forncett residents see their relatives in the pictures then please Contact us.

In the evening the party continued with a buffet reception at Forncett village hall and it's clear from the photos taken at the time that everyone had a very enjoyable time. 

The event was also widely reported in the local press and its success was a huge tribute to the magnificent organisation by Peter, Pauline and Daphne.

With special thanks to Peter and Pauline Thrower, without whom this article could not have been written.