Old Pangbournians from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s returned to College on Saturday 10 October for a special day of reunions, memories and celebration.

Pangbourne Parade provided a wonderful opportunity to welcome back OPs celebrating their 50, 60 and 70-year reunions. Joined by their guests, the group enjoyed a memorable day reconnecting with the College, catching up with old friends and sharing stories from their school days.

The day began with coffee and conversation with Head, Oli Knight, with some guests also attending a service in Chapel before gathering to watch the Parade. A particular highlight was seeing four OPs, one representing each of the four Divisions, given the honour of inspecting their former Division. Kingsley Borrett (1956) represented Harbinger, Charles du Cane (1956) represented Macquarie, Robert Williamson (1966) represented Illawarra, and Sir William Gibbons (1966) represented Hesperus. It was a special moment, bringing their own Pangbourne experiences full circle and celebrating the enduring connection between past and present generations of Pangbournians.

After a delicious roast lunch, the reunions continued with a look through items from the College archives. These prompted plenty of fond memories and entertaining anecdotes, while a tour of the College offered the chance to see how much has changed over the intervening decades.

For some, the day was also an opportunity to reconnect with people they had not seen since leaving College. One attendee reflected:

“I hadn't met either of the other 56'ers, probably since we left 70 years ago. That seems a very long time ago, but a good source for nostalgia.”

The programme also gave guests an insight into the College today, including how Pangbourne is adapting to the changing opportunities and challenges facing young people. One OP commented:

“Much has changed, and very much for the better, one cannot but feel that all is well and today’s College has moved with the times – and having listened to Oli’s short talk at lunch, is now probably ahead of its time, something that other schools should be envious of.”

Yet, while much has changed, the sense of belonging that makes Pangbourne special clearly remains. As one guest reflected:

“We always felt that we were a Family Regiment and the loyalty and comradeship was manifest. Maybe I am a sentimental old fool but I very much feel the same when I return to the College. For many reasons I have a great affinity and nostalgia for the old place.”

The feedback from the day was overwhelmingly warm, with one attendee summing it up simply: “The lunch was delicious, the company and conversation great.”

Another guest praised the care taken in organising the reunion, describing it as “a very enjoyable day” and thanking the team for their “warm welcome” and for making them feel “for a short time part of the Pangbourne family.” Others described the occasion as “a memory to be cherished” and asked that their thanks be passed on to the team for their attention and welcome.

One guest even flew in especially for the occasion – a wonderful testament to the enduring connection many feel with Pangbourne.

Above all, the day was a reminder that being Pangbournian is a lifelong connection. The College may evolve with each generation, but the friendships, shared experiences and sense of community endure.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the occasion so special. We look forward to welcoming more members of our community back to Pangbourne soon.