Issue 504 – A final farewell to the George Ward School

Nostalgic memories of times gone by filled the corridors and classrooms of the George Ward School last Saturday, when former teachers and pupils signed the attendance register for the last time.

The school opened its doors to past and present staff, pupils, and friends for a trip down memory lane before the new replacement Melksham Oak Community School opens next week.
People travelled from across the country to say farewell to the school, including George Ward’s daughter Marion Ward, who had travelled from Ross-on-Wye for the occasion.
The George Ward School opened in September 1953 as Shurnhold. It was the first post-war secondary school in Wiltshire. George Ward himself served as the first Chairman of Governors from the opening of the school until he died in February 1969.
Robert Tucker started teaching at the school in 1959 and was head of music for 34 years. On Saturday, he travelled from his home in Porlock for the event. He said, “It is very sad to come back and see the condition of the place but also very positive because I have met lots of old pupils and colleagues and shared memories - a lovely experience.
“It gives me tremendous happiness and pride to look back on the time I spent teaching at the school, particularly looking at the achievements of all the students, the orchestras and the bands.”
One of Robert’s former pupils is James (then known as ‘Jimmy’) McGee, who was a pupil from 1954 to 1958. James went along on Saturday with his brother Chris, a pupil from 1961 to 1964, who had travelled from Nottingham for the event.
James said, “I actually helped dig out the school swimming pool, but it was later covered over. Myself and some mates were the first into the pool because we climbed over the wall late at night and dived in!”
Chris added, “One popular thing to do back then was to throw all the desks and chairs into the swimming pool at the end of the year. I never did it myself though!”
Peter King was head of English for the first 21 years of the George Ward School. He said, “It’s good to see some old members of staff and also all the pupils I used to teach. There have been a few that have remembered me but I haven’t remembered them.”
Christine Deadman, chair of the governors said the day was a great success. “There was a huge turnout and people who came had a fantastic time meeting old friends, teachers, and pupils.
“Everybody who came was invited to sign a register with their details, which is going to be passed on to the heritage office in Chippenham.
“I’m amazed at how many people came along. People travelled from Nottingham, Birmingham, Wales, and London. It was really interesting hearing about people’s memories and how much pride they had in where they went to school.”
Liz Dimond, of the George Ward School Association said, “Thank you to the thousands who came. The whole day had a wonderful atmosphere with such a mix of generations all sharing their stories, gruesome and otherwise! Even the fire alarm during the final assembly didn’t ruin the day, in fact, it wouldn't have been a final day at George Ward otherwise - good to know some things never change!
“If anyone had loaned the school photos or memorabilia we will hope to contact you to return it to you this week, however please feel free to contact us on dimonde@melkshamoak.wilts.sch.uk to arrange collection. Please note that we will be transfering any remaining information to the Swindon and Wiltshire archives at Chippenham in a couple of weeks.
“The assocation would like to thank all those who have attended any events and wish Melksham Oak Community School a smooth opening and much success for the future.”

PTA members Amanda Marshall and Pat Cooper serve up refreshments to former pupils Poppy Cooke (nee Rivers) (pupil from 1953-’59) and Adrian Price (pupil from 1955-’59).

Finance officer Penny Boyce, chair of governors Christine Deadman, and governor Sarah Stead with commemorative George Ward School mugs.

Caroline Welfare and Tracey Benison catch up with their former English teacher Peter King.