08.09.2005

Five former Chelsea School students celebrated their diamond jubilee anniversary with an emotional reunion at the school in Eastbourne.

Mary Evans (née Bown), Jean Baker (née Coster), Jacquelyn Langridge, Joan Parr, and Audrey Ward (née Philbrick), qualified as teachers of Physical Education in 1945, when the school was located in Borth, Wales, as a result of wartime evacuation.

The Chelsea graduates listened intently as Paul McNaught Davis, Head of Chelsea School, described developments over the last 60 years. Staggeringly, student numbers have increased tenfold since Borth, rising from 100 to 1,000 this year. In addition, the school now offers a far wider selection of courses, ranging from Recreation and Leisure to Sports Journalism.

During a tour of the facilities, the feisty five leapt at the opportunity to test drive the latest sporting equipment and frolic in the new mirrored dance studio. One of the ex-students even turned backwards somersaults, demonstrating, with considerable agility, that age is but a number if you're truly young at heart.

The ladies could not help but compare such modern facilities to those available in the 1940s. They recalled cycling to the local schools in Borth laden with hoops, bean bags and skipping ropes to use during teaching practice. They also remembered giving lessons on the beach, commenting fondly on their need to mark out the games pitches after every tide.

From start to finish, the former students shared memories, exchanged news, and eagerly absorbed information about the school today. Most importantly, the day was thoroughly enjoyed by one and all.

For more information about the University of Brighton's Alumni Association, go to www.brighton.ac.uk/bga

Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022