September 2008

Former pupils of Shebbear College, many with partners, gathered at the school recently (August 30) for the second major event of the year to celebrate the Centenary of the Old Shebbearians’ Association.

They began arriving early for tours of the new and old parts of the 167 year-old college and later sat down to a splendid four course dinner. The oldest former pupil to attend was Ron Coombe, who arrived at the school as a young boy from Portland, Dorset, in 1934.

Also there was Tom Danby, a former England Rugby International who was a much-loved master at the college for nearly 30 years. With him was his wife, Penny, who was secretary to the late headmaster Jack Morris for many years , and their Old Shebbearian son Peter. They made the journey from Kent.

Presiding over the historic event was Braunton-born Norman Venner, a retired restaurateur from North Wales , one of four brothers to attend the school. Two were at the dinner. He was elected President of the Association at the centenary dinner and reunion in London in January.

Mr Venner thanked the 71 quests for attending and promised a memorable evening “reliving good, and in some cases, not so good memories!”

He thanked Headmaster Bob Barnes for allowing the college dining hall to be used for the occasion and Mrs Jane Down, of Black Torrington, wife of an Old Shebbearian, mother of two Old Shebbearians, and a Governor of Shebbear College for her hard work in helping to arrange the event.