Back to the Eighties with the Classes of 1985 and 1986

Welcoming back the Classes of 1985 and 1986 was great fun, with nostalgic touches bringing the 1980s to life. A sequin-covered table featured classic 80s party snacks including penny sweets such as flying saucers and Midget Gems and the pièce de résistance: a traditional cheese and pineapple hedgehog.

As our former classmates arrived, the 80s came roaring back to life, with a soundtrack worthy of any nightclub of the era! For some, the reunion had already begun over lunch, making a full day of catching up, while others were stepping back through the school gates for the first time in 40 years.

The reunion even drew an international crowd! Mike Lloyd (RGS 1981–1986) flew in from New York, Rob Booth (RGS 1978–1986) made the journey from Canada, and Chris Smedley (RGS 1978-1985) came all the way from Australia, building the occasion into his holiday. It was wonderful to see just how far our former classmates had travelled to be part of the celebrations.

Visitors closer to home included Lucy McCulloch (RGS 1984–1986) who dazzled us with the dress she wore to her 18th birthday party: a gorgeous green slip dress with ruffled sleeves. A true vintage gem, it was so timeless that even Anna Wintour would have been clamouring to see it grace the catwalk! Having missed the 25-year reunion, Nick Wood (RGS 1978–1985) was keen to reconnect with old friends and make new memories. Steve Pilgrim (RGS 1978–1986) spoke of the lasting connection he feels to RGS and how his school days helped forge friendships for life. It was wonderful to see so many former pupils come together to reminisce, share stories and relive old memories in the school’s newest space, The Harrison Centre, which having been built in 2018, many had never seen. The reunion offered a fitting backdrop - forging days gone by with a present backdrop for reconnecting with old friends, ahead of work beginning later this year on the Andy Paul Sport and Activity Centre.

At the heart of the evening was a carefully curated photo presentation, bringing together school photographs, memorable moments and familiar faces from the teaching staff. Alongside snapshots of Christmas in 1985, it offered a fascinating look at life in the ’80s, from the completion of the M25 and the opening of the MetroCentre to the debut of Super Mario Bros. and Boris Becker’s remarkable Wimbledon win at just 17.  Interspersed among the school photographs, guests received their own admission record card on arrival, sealed in a mystery envelope. As they eagerly tore them open, surprise and delight followed as familiar photographs and details from their childhood school days were revealed, sparking memories and conversations across the room.

Whatever sparks the nostalgia, the ’80s clearly still hold a special place in our hearts. With the decade enjoying a revival in popular culture, from Stranger Things to retro-inspired fashion and music, Saturday night was a joyful reminder that some things never go out of style. At RGS, the Class of ’85 and ’86 proved that you can still have a fabulous time, ’80s style!

One thing we could all use a little more of is time. Time with loved ones, time to enjoy a holiday, catch up with friends, finish a project or finally take up that hobby we’ve been meaning to try. It’s precious, and although there always seems to be something to fill it, we’re often left wishing we had just a little more.

Perhaps that’s what makes certain moments so special. School days give way to new adventures, children grow up, holidays come to an end, and life moves through its many chapters. Yet the memories we make along the way stay with us, connecting us to people, places and moments that have helped shape who we are.

One of the most special moments was seeing former pupils reunited with their teachers. A huge thank you to John and Jane Manfield, David Jones, Dai Bader, Stu Nicholson and Alan Reid for returning to welcome everyone back and reconnect with the generations of pupils they had once taught.

Simply Red captured this feeling beautifully in Holding Back the Years, a song that reflects on childhood memories, growing up and finding our way forward. It’s a reminder that while we can’t hold on to time, we can treasure the memories it gives us — and sometimes, the best thing we can do is pause, look back with a smile and enjoy the moment we’re in.

Headmaster Shaun Fenton joined the celebrations to welcome back our former pupils, reflecting on how each generation paves the way for the next, while keeping the values of RGS at the heart of everything we do.

Jonny Hylton (RGS 1992–1999), RGS Foundation Director, spoke fondly of his own connection to the school and the role it has played in shaping his journey. He highlighted how everyone can contribute to the RGS community, whether through their time, expertise or simply by staying connected.

Our doors will always be open to former pupils, and we look forward to welcoming our reunited classes back to RGS again soon!

Saturday night proved that the ’80s could return to RGS with just a few key ingredients: glow sticks, a rainbow-lit disco ball, a generous helping of nostalgia and, of course, a cheese and pineapple hedgehog!