Welcome back Class of 1976!

What a delightful day it was to welcome back the Class of 1976. Despite the sporadic downpours that punctuated the day, our former classmates all arrived prepared for a trip down memory lane. Armed with umbrellas and ready for the next shower, we headed out to the playground. The weather certainly didn't disappoint; just as we were reminiscing about the location of buildings back in 1976, the heavens opened once again. Our group promptly made a beeline for the next stop on our walk – the Harrison Centre – where we could continue sharing memories in slightly drier surroundings.

Inside the Harrison Centre, our group marvelled at just how modern the building is and how different it is from the library of their day – what is now known as the staffroom in the Main School. For those wondering what the Old Library was doing at the time, it was pulling double duty as both a gym and theatre space!

Our former pupils were joined by two of our RGS Foundation Ambassadors, Ethan E and Lola S, who shared their own experiences of life as RGS Sixth Formers. Having access to such an impressive study space was clearly appreciated – and, by all accounts, the hot chocolate is pretty good too.

As the rain briefly relented and even allowed the sun a cameo appearance, the Class of 1976 gathered for a photo opportunity at Aubs Way before heading to what was perhaps their most frequently visited school location: Broadfield House and its lawn.

There, we shared plans for the forthcoming Andy Paul Sport and Activity Centre, prompting plenty of discussion about how school sport has evolved since their day, when rugby tended to dominate the sporting landscape.

PMH then welcomed our guests for a hearty lunch in the dry. They were also treated to a goodie bag containing an RGS quiz, pen and, perhaps most intriguingly, their original admissions record card from when they joined the school. Many had never seen these before and greatly enjoyed comparing photographs and details from decades ago. The quiz sparked some healthy competition, although we were careful not to make it too easy! We also included a 350 Commemoration keyring in each goodie bag, which prompted one of our former pupils to produce his own 1975 Tercentenary keyring – still in remarkably good condition. Naturally, we asked how it had managed to survive 50 years looking so immaculate. The answer was delightfully simple: his father, who was Chair of the PTA at the time, had a sizeable stash of them at home, and this particular keyring had spent most of the past five decades in storage. In fact, it only earned its place on a set of keys in 2025 – making it arguably one of the newest 50-year-old keyrings in existence!

Headmaster Shaun Fenton stopped by to welcome the group, answer questions about life at the school today, explain how many pupils now fall under the RGS umbrella, and discuss the differences between sport in 1976 and sport in 2026. For those wanting to know how the school has grown - in 1976 there were around 700 pupils, today the count is approximately 1200 at RGS, with 1500 in the prep feeder schools and 300 at RGS Surrey Hills....not to mention our overseas counterparts!

John Payton (RGS 1969-1976) spoke warmly of the Reigatian network, commenting that "the Reigatian community really spreads far and wide and has more members than any other school I have heard of." His words were warmly received by both Mr Fenton and the team at the RGS Foundation.

Tracey Thornton, RGS Foundation Executive, also spoke about the Reigatian Hub and the many ways our community can stay connected and get involved.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for such an enjoyable day. We hope you keep us updated on your next reunion now that so many of you are back in touch – preferably with slightly less assistance from the weather forecast!