CLASS of ‘75 PREPARE FOR 50 YEAR REUNION by Sophie C
Reunions don’t have to be cheesy and tainted with embarrassment. We are branded with an image of reunions like they are in movies (where no one’s ever working the job they say they are) but do school reunions really have to be like that?
At heart, a reunion is used to celebrate milestones in life, with the completion of old chapters followed by the opening of new ones. Therefore, on the 21st of June 2025 the Class of 1975 will reunite in a poignant event, as past students reminisce over their fond school experiences and reconnect with old friends at The Cleveland Bay, for their 50th year reunion.
So, Class of 1975, would you like the opportunity to relive the best years of your childhood with the people who made it as carefree as it was? Events like this really are a once in a lifetime experience. The busyness that life throws at us shows that sometimes we need to step back and reflect on our special years alive. This is a wonderful way to reconnect with your younger selves, through the people around you who shaped the person who you have become, at the time when it mattered most. Afterall, people say that you learn the most about yourself in your young adult years.
On 21st June 2025, the Class of 1975 will reunite in a poignant event, as past students reminisce over their fond school experiences and reconnect with old friends at The Cleveland Bay, for their 50th year reunion.
You are still crafting your future, so why not now make it time to celebrate your past?
WHAT’S CHANGED?
Despite plenty of change at this school over the years, Mr Cowan, who has worked here for the past 25 years, says some things remain the same. Such as the “passionate teachers who care deeply about the subjects they teach and the students they support; a feeling that the school community are in it together and always striving for better; fantastic students - this has not changed and I feel lucky to have worked here for so long. The buildings have changed, the spirit and camaraderie remain the same!”
Miss Openshaw, who is a former student who now teaches at Egglescliffe, said, “I love it here. I’ve worked in a few different schools, but it was always the plan to come back here. I’ve got such fond memories of being here as a student, and I think it’s great that I get to offer some of the same fantastic opportunities that I was given, to the pupils here today. Egglescliffe is quite unique as a school and my experiences here made me want to start a career in Education.
“I feel lucky to have attended this school and I’m proud to work here. Although, it is very strange seeing some of my former teachers that are still here. I still can’t get used to calling them by their first names (and it’s been over 20 years)!”
She remembers that she was in Gagarin and Lovell house blocks and they used to have specific buildings for the Houses. The Main Reception was the conservatory near the Main Hall and there was no Student Services. The Sixth Form block was an old building near the astro turf.
“We didn’t have TVs for the boards in classrooms,” she added, “we had overhead projectors! You’d be surprised at how much hasn’t changed though! Mr Watson taught me science and Mrs Harland taught me maths. I am really fortunate that I had a fantastic experience at school. My favourite memories were the Ski Trip with Mr Rudd and Mr Latcham, Lanehead PE trip with Mrs Gratton and Mr Ferguson and all the amazing sporting opportunities we had.”
As adults, you often tell your children to ‘not wish your life away’, as you know first-hand how fast the time travels. Currently for me, being in Year 11 poses the harsh reality that my years at school are nearly over. Becoming older, I am learning that we should stop sprinting for the end result. We have the opportunity to take in every moment as it runs by us in a flash, to appreciate the process as much as we can.
It is time to think about the future, which is hard not knowing what it holds; you can only ever plan so far. However, every person who has a dream is a living example of what their future could be. Every day you craft your future by living in the present and at every turn there is always a choice.
The life of Danielle Rowe as featured in our alumni spotlight, and many others, proves that anyone really can be anything and that your years at school massively shape your future.
Everyone should make the most of their education and, putting aside grades and scores, the heart of school’s aim is to support its students and show us an open world, brimming full of our futures.
If you are a former student or member of staff from Egglescliffe School and you have a story to share, please email us at: egglescliffealumni@gmail.com. We'd love to hear from you!