Former Chichester Girls’ High School students from 1951 sought for annual reunion

Women who started at the school in 1951 have been meeting up regularly for an annual reunion since 1980 and would still love to get more of the 'girls' on board. The group meets annually and each member takes it in turns to host, with Anne Foxley-Harris, née White, from Bognor Regis having the honour this year.

The gathering took place in her house and garden on a warm summer day and everyone enjoyed chatting over old times. Anne Scicluna, née Gilbert, said: "All the ‘girls’ started their attendance at the school in 1951 and as many as possible meet each year at the home of one of the group.

"This year, for various reasons, fewer than usual were able to attend, nonetheless it was a very happy occasion, with many memories, reminiscences and laughter taking place, and former school friends and teachers remembered, as well as some of the scrapes we got into!

"We all really look forward to meeting up each year and wish we could make contact with more from our school year but of course, when girls get married they often change their names, so this does make it more difficult to trace our school friends.

"Pat Alderton usually does the organisation and makes contact with us all. We chat about some of the memories we each have of the school, the teachers and our friends from that time, wondering where many of them are now. And, of course, we all know each other’s ages!”

This year's gathering included Carol Madgwick (Humphrey), Ann Hanrahan, Linda McNab (Rogers), Anne Foxley-Harris (White), Doreen Edwards (Mitcheson), Judith Porter (Long), Cynthia Dutfield (Goddard), Margaret Holdstock (Simmonds), Anne Scicluna (Gilbert) and Pat Alderton.

The group, who come from Chichester and Bognor Regis, would love to hear from any girls from 1951 at Chichester Girls’ High School who have not yet been contacted and would like to meet up next year. Last year, they celebrated their 70th anniversary of starting at the school and they hope for many more reunions to come. Telephone Pat Alderton on 01243 822615 for more information.