Although a little late, I have pleasure in sending you all my greetings and good wishes for the New Year, new century and new millennium. (In spite of some past estimates of teachers' ages, I don't often get a chance to do that!) It is my hope that the future will deal kindly with you and bring you joy and, if difficult times arise, you will have support to find a way through them.

Since my previous letter, your committee has been active in seeing to the establishment of our Association. We have opened a bank account under the guidance of our treasurer, David Robinson, and we hope that as many as possible will want to add £10 to the balance by joining the Association. It is not our intention to be a 'money grabbing' institution but there are bills to be paid for newsletters such as this and for setting up the activities in which we wish to engage - and for which we are open to further suggestions. A membership/information form is enclosed - please use it. We need your support. If you've already joined perhaps you could persuade someone else to do so!

We have begun to plan a further reunion, which will take place on 13th October 2001. Please reserve the date, and, if you have contact with any former pupils or staff of the school, pass on the message and details of the Association.

Some of our more energetic members are organising a football match. If you are unable to take part your support and your presence would be much appreciated. Please try to be there! I regret that my football 'shorts' though they are still in my wardrobe, are likely to remain there!

You will find elsewhere in this newsletter fuller details of our hopes and plans. Please read them carefully and support us in what we are hoping to do to make the organisation live.

It was a great pleasure to attend a reunion of the 'Wymondhamites', that pioneering band of stalwarts who braved early mornings, long journeys, lessons in Nissen huts and even a blizzard to get TGS off to a good start. I wish to record here my thanks to Angela Wynne and David Cooke for organising the 'do'. It was good to meet old friends and look at old photographs. Maybe it will give encouragement to those from other time bands in our history to do something similar - in which case, the data which we are assembling about the whereabouts of former pupils may be of use.

One somewhat saddening note to come from that event was the reporting of the deaths of some of our number and we remember them with much affection. It is my belief that this, in some way, represents a widening of the influence of TGS and that we can look forward to an even greater 'reunion'.

My best wishes to you all

Yours sincerely

A reunion was held at the Maids Head Hotel on Saturday 14th October 2000 for all pupils who attended TGS when the school was housed at Wymondham College. This meant that quite a long bus journey had to be made every day for the first three years (1955-1958). Over 30 former pupils attended, some travelling many miles for the occasion - Stefan Youngs from the States, Roy Easter from Norway and Roger Culverwell from Jersey. The reunion marked the 45th anniversary of the school. These were very special years for the pupils of that time and it was good that Philip Ball and other staff were able to attend.

David Cooke and Angela Wynne welcomed everyone on arrival with a glass of wine. A table of memorabilia, including a school cap and tie and many old photos caused a lot of interest and much reminiscing.

David Cooke said a few words, which was followed by a superb buffet. While everyone sat and enjoyed the food more reminiscing went on. On leaving the Hotel you could hear people saying how they were looking forward to the next reunion. Alan Cross managed to get some photos, which are on the TGS website.

With the success of this last reunion David and Angela are now thinking about a 50th Anniversary 'bash' in the year 2005. If you know of anyone who attended the school during its first three years perhaps you could let the Association Secretary have their details.

Martin Cocking, who attended TGS between 1971-76 died on 10th September 2000. His parents words in the local paper were 'suddenly at home'. Martin much enjoyed the reunion last year and is remembered fondly by his former school friends.

David Cracknell died last November following a long struggle with cancer. David was at TGS from 1965 to 1972 and went on the University College, London. He had completed 25 years with BT just before his death.

"Memories of schooldays are usually mixed, in terms of staff, or lessons, or other activities, or contemporaries. It is often the last, which are most abiding. Yet the overlap between people in one's own year and those a little older or younger is also a contributor to making each of us what we become! With such a platitude I wish well to the organisation, primarily because I wish well to all the individuals who comprise it, and to all former students from TGS."