Old Penwithians Reunion 2009

Old Boys Look Forward to School Centenary in 2010

Nearly sixty old boys of the Penzance/Humphry Davy Grammar School turned up at the Queens Hotel on 29th December for the annual reunion, on what turned out to be quite a wet night. Oldest old boy present was Dr Arnold ‘Derry’ Derrington of the 1933 entry who was accompanied by his son David (57). There were also a number of brothers: Martin and Robert Tutthill, Stephen and Simon Rodda, John and Andrew Coak, Kevin and Nicholas Marston, and Jamie and Patrick Dunn. Once again memories were jogged by a computer slide show of all the old school photographs held by the association which had been set up by Bill Burnett, former member of staff at the school. Old boys were also given the opportunity to add missing names. Simon Rodda (77) brought along a CD of the school song recorded on the balcony in 1969. It is the intention to re-work it and make some copies.

Reunion Group Photo 2009

In his remarks Andrew Coak, the Association Secretary made special reference to the work of John Richards and his family in editing and printing the newsletter and thanked Bill Burnett for the work he continued to do on the school photographic archive which was now available on the “Picture Penzance” website see link on “Gallery” page.  He reminded everyone that 2010 would mark the Centenary of the founding of the School and that the year would be celebrated with a number of events. Many of these he was delighted to say were being organised by the present Humphry Davy School who themselves had been in existence for 30 of the 100 years. The first event would be an Open Afternoon at the School on Saturday 23 January starting at 2.00pm with a tree planting ceremony in the school grounds to mark the Centenary. This would be followed by Exhibitions of the past and present, music recitals, refreshments and to end the school’s Big Big Band. Everyone would be welcome and any old boys with memorabilia for the exhibition, particularly old uniform items, school sport wear or documents should contact Paul Tyreman at the School (01736 363559).The Centenary Year would end with an Old Penwithian Centenary Dinner on 29 December in the Queens Hotel. Details of this had already been circulated to life members of the Association. This would also be the Annual Reunion for 2010.

 Old Boys Chat at Reunion 2009

Martin Tutthill (54), Simon Mitchell (67), Phil Knight (59) and Robert Tutthill (59)

The evening ended with the customary, and once again particularly hearty singing of the School Song accompanied by Dr Nick Marston on the piano. A vote of thanks was made by Gerald Jenkin (50) to the Secretary Andrew Coak for the effort he had put in over the years in keeping the association going and for the organisation of the Centenary Dinner. He asked all Old Penwithians to support him and the dinner at the end of 2010.

Any old boy or member of staff who would like details of the Centenary Dinner on 29 December 2010, or life membership of the Association, or would like to receive a copy of the newsletter ‘New Penwithian’ should contact the Secretary.