There was a more organised 40th Birthday Reunion in 1986, but it was in 1996, the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the College, that the present ReunionWeekendwas formulated. For some time the Reunion date had been fixed for June, when the students had gone and accommodation was again available. The Golden Jubilee Reunion was a lavish affair, carefully planned over several months, invitations being sent to as many old students as could be contacted, and even advertisements in the national press. About 400 old students came, many staying overnight, and the Saturday evening buffet was followed by a dance to the music of the re-constituted College Jazz Band of the 1960s. A fascinating and well-researched book 'Bognor Regis College – the First Fifty Years' was compiled from student reminiscences, history and photos, and on the Sunday morning there was a Celebration with readings, a religious element, and of course, the singing of ‘Jerusalem’ in the packed Assembly Hall.

This set the pattern for future reunions – although the Sunday Celebration was a one-off – and the overnight stay has expanded into two, or even three nights for those who wish a longer stay ‘behind the wall’. Out of over 150 members of the OSA – two still coming from the 1946 intake, and the youngest from 1970 – about 60 will usually be there for the Saturday lunch and the AGM.

The Bognor College Old Students’ Association is flourishing, under the invaluable leadership of our President and former College Principal, Barbara Smith, However, we are an ageing society, even though each year we revert to being young students again (in our minds, at least!). An injection of ‘new blood’ would be more than welcome, so if you are on old student of Bognor College and would like to join the Golden Oldies at our Reunion, you will find us a very welcoming and friendly crowd.