Pupils of the sixties meet up to remember school days

Ripon Grammar welcomed back the class of 1961-68 for a tour of their old classrooms, assembly hall, dining room and even the examination hall.

The former students, who also got to see the new sports hall and humanities and sixth form blocks, enjoyed tea and cakes in the library, where they looked through old photographs and were joined by their former chemistry teacher, David Postlethwaite.

The group included the acclaimed cellist Stephen Orton, who studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama after RGS and went on to play all over the world, including Sydney Opera House and New York’s Carnegie Hall.

Susanna Bettley, daughter of the then headmaster, Mr Atkinson, studied Russian at Durham University after RGS and travelled from Fuertaventura for the reunion on Saturday.

Colin Yarker, who has lived and worked in Japan since 1979 and runs the International Business Bureau in Tokyo, was one of the driving forces behind the reunion.

He said: “I am amazed how many people we managed to get together.”

About 20 former students, who also came from all over the UK, including Devon and Surrey, enjoyed a three course dinner at Ripon’s Spa Hotel, followed by drinks at the One Eyed Rat. They met at Fountains Abbey the following day.

One of the organisers, Jacky Tarleton, who went on to teach in Zambia and Kent after reading English at Durham University, said: “From the tea and cakes in the library, the welcoming banner, photos and other memorabilia, to the fascinating school tour, it was a wonderful trip down memory lane.”

Jacky, who brought along some of her old school exercise books, including some from Mr Postlethwaite’s chemistry lessons, said: “People are taking many fond memories back to their far-flung homes.”

She added: “Stephen Orton proposed, at the end of the dinner, that we should all meet again in Ripon in three years’ time – a proposal that was heartily endorsed.”

Ripon Grammar School is holding a big school reunion for all those who attended the school in the Sixties on July 2.

As well as tours of the school, there will be an early evening function with food and bar.

For further information, contact Dave Cotson on [email protected]