Braunton class of '78 reunites after 46 years

The former pupils of Braunton School’s class of 1978 have gathered for their first ever reunion after almost half a century.

The get together took place on Friday, November 15 at The Mariners Arms in Braunton and for some of the ‘1978 alumni’ it was the first time they had met their old classmates since they left school 46 years ago.

Braunton School has of course seen many reunions but the class of ’78 never quite seemed to get around to it, so earlier this year Donna Charman (nee Walker) and other former pupils began searching for those who had gone through the school between 1973 and 1978.

There was quite a response as people still living locally and some now living very far away got in touch – and an impressive 41 of them turned up for the reunion, organised by Donna and fellow former classmate Ruth Phillips.

The 1978 leavers were at the time the biggest ever year group at the school and they started their secondary education careers two years after it became a comprehensive under Trevor Hickman.

The reunion was hailed a great success and a good opportunity to catch up, while £120 was also raised for Children in Need.

Donna and Ruth organised the venue, with help from Ben Byrom, who put some music on for the night – recreating his role as DJ at school discos.

Now it is hoped to repeat the get together again in two years’ time when the group are all turning 65.

Donna said: “Despite the difficulty in trying to find everyone, using the internet, Facebook, word of mouth and the local newspaper articles, we managed to find I would say 80% of our year, many spread across the Country let alone the world. Sadly, we were surprised how many had passed away.

“Ruth and I were a little worried, but really pleased in the end with the turnout. Everyone seemed to mingle without any need for anything organised and we all got together for a group picture and pictures with our house classmates.

“It was so lovely seeing some people I hadn't seen in 46 years.”

Philip Milton, one of the class of ’78 ‘graduates’ added: “We are hoping that between now and the next one we shall be able to touch base with those who we were unable to contact this time around.

“It was a great opportunity to meet all these men and women who were children when we last met many of them.

“Some of course have stayed friends throughout but lovely to hear the stories of what people have been doing in their lives and how they have progressed.”

Ben Byrom commented: “Oh what a night! After 46 years of wondering where did we all go, what did we get up to? Well, 41 old faces from the 150 that left in 1978 arrived for a well-deserved catch up rekindling old memories of those school days, teachers and subjects.

“We heard of the few that sadly are no longer with us and remembered them fondly. We have lost total touch with about 40 of our old classmates, so the search is now on to complete the old school photo for the reunion of the class when we will be 65. Look forward to seeing you all again.”