On 19th September, CCHSG had the pleasure of welcoming back a group of alumnae who first joined out school community in 1976.  Led by Dr Stubbs, the visitors enjoyed a nostalgic tour of the campus, marvelling at how much the site has been transformed, over the decades.  While many areas have completely changed, to support modern learning, stepping into enduring spaces, like the main hall, and gym, instantly sparked fond memories, shared stories, and a wonderful delebration of our lasting school community. 

 

We always love reconnecting with past students.  Please get in touch with us, vis kstubbs@cchsg.com, if you would like to receive our alumni newsletter.

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50 Years of Memories  Karen Ainley, 1976-'83

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Fifty years ago, just as the first Apple computer appeared, and ABBA's Dancing Queen hit the top of the charts, a bunch of bright-eyed hopefuls began our CCHS journey.  Some joined a little later along the way, but, together, we became the Class of 1976-'83.

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Half a century later, we were back.

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Our reunion began with a morning visit to the school, prompting plenty of "Do you remember...?" moments.  We were also delighted to catch up with our brilliant English teacher, Mrs Davidson, who inspired so many of us, and helped set us on our way.

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Our only sadness, on our tour round the school, was that the hooks were our gym bags once hung have been replaced by... toilets!

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Today's pupils enjoy some fabulous facilities - a considerable improvement on the demountables that passed for our 6th form accommodation and classrooms.  Character-building, we like to think.

 

In the evening, we reconvened at Colchester Officers' Club, for more memories, laughter, and the reassuring discovery that old friendships can pick up remarkable easily, after decades apart and, naturally, no one looked a day older!

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Huge thanks to my co-conspirators on the organising committee:  Karen Butler, Angela Culhane, Denise Farrow, Caroline Greaves and Bernadette Peddell, for bringing everyone together.

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Fifty years on, fashions, hairstyles, and school buildings may have changed - but thankfully, the laughter hasn't.

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