The echoes of shared memories filled the corridors of Farnham College recently, as a group of former students gathered to celebrate their ongoing friendship and how far they’ve all come since their school days.
These alumni attended the college in the 1960s and 70s, then known as Farnham Grammar School, a place that shaped their lives and futures. Decades later, they returned – some travelling from as far afield as Australia and Sweden – to reconnect, reminisce and explore a collection of school archives they helped preserve.
A legacy spanning centuries
Founded in 1585, Farnham School, which later became Farnham Grammar School for boys, has a legacy almost as old as the town itself. Centuries later, generations of young minds have passed through its doors and pursued a wide range of successful careers in business, science, the arts and public service.
In 1973 the Grammar School evolved into what is now Farnham College, but the school’s spirit and the friendships that were formed there never truly faded.
Room 304: A living archive of memories
At the heart of the reunion was Room 304 in Morley Court, a modest space with a powerful purpose: celebrating over 100 years of history and preserving both important archives and treasured memories. Thanks to the vision and dedication of alumni Roger Edgell and the late Cyril Trust MBE, this room has been transformed into a mini museum.
From old photos and school magazines to trophies and old school caps and ties, the shelves are lined with documents and artifacts dating back to the early 20th century. It’s a treasure trove of the school’s past, carefully preserved by those who lived it.
The archives also serve as a powerful way to commemorate those we have lost. Memorial Tablets dedicated to alumni and staff who lost their lives in the two World Wars, line the stairwell just outside Room 304.
The museum was officially unveiled in 2021, marking the beginning of what is now a cherished space for both visiting alumni and current students to explore. During this recent reunion, the group of alumni gathered in the room, laughing over school photos, rediscovering long-forgotten stories in old editions of The Farnhamian (the old school magazine) and reflecting on the teachers and classmates who left their mark.
Brotherhood that transcends borders
What makes this group of alumni remarkable is not just their commitment to remembering the past, but the community they’ve maintained over half a century later. Though the Old Farnhamians’ Association formally dissolved in 2022, the bonds remain unbroken. Through a still-active website and ad hoc reunions like this one, they continue to support each other and keep their history alive.
The fact that alumni made the journey from opposite sides of the globe to attend this gathering speaks volumes about the strength of those connections. It’s a powerful reminder that the relationships forged in education and the shared experiences extend well beyond the classroom.
Education: A force that endures
This reunion wasn’t just a walk down memory lane. It was a living testament to the lifelong impact of education – how it shapes who we are, the friendships we keep and the values we carry forward.
At Activate Learning, we’re proud to look after Farnham College today, standing on the shoulders of institutions like Farnham Grammar School. As we prepare students for the future, it’s wonderful to witness the loyalty and love that past generations still feel for their school.
Roger Edgell said: “All those visiting, many for the first time since their schooldays, have been pleased and encouraged by the aims of the mini museum, which has endured for some years now.
“I very much hope that Activate Alumni can assist in forging alumni partnerships with more recent Farnham College learning, since there is a very pertinent history of fondness for the place from those of us who attended the Grammar School all those years ago.
“I have no doubt that by working with the Farnham Education Foundation, Activate Learning is well placed to develop its relationship with alumni on a strong footing for the foreseeable future.”
To the lovely group of Farnham alumni: thank you for reminding us that a school is more than a building – it’s a community. One that can last a lifetime.