On the sunny afternoon of Friday, 31st May, the picturesque grounds of Truro School Prep were filled with nostalgia and joy as Old Truronians who attended or worked at the School before or around 1975 reunited for a delightful Tea Party. This special event provided a unique opportunity for past students and teachers to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate their shared history of days at both the Prep and Senior Schools.
The reunion was set against the charming backdrop of Truro School Prep (previously known as Treliske School), with its historic building and beautifully maintained gardens serving as a reminder of the School’s rich heritage. Attendees were warmly greeted by the Head of Truro School Andy Johnson and the Head of Truro School Prep Rob Morse CO89. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement as old friends and colleagues spotted familiar faces and exchanged heartfelt greetings.
As the Tea Party commenced, the atmosphere was buzzing with animated conversations. Old Truronians alike shared stories of their school days, recounting amusing anecdotes, significant milestones, and the occasional mischievous escapade. Photo albums, memorabilia brought by attendees and of course, the Truro School Archive, served as conversation starters, sparking memories of colleagues, friends, school plays, sports days, and classroom antics.
Head of Truro School, Andy Johnson extended his heartfelt thanks to all who attended and commented that the current strength of Truro School was due to the strong engagement from within the Old Truronian community. One of the highlights of the afternoon was a touching speech by Rob Morse, current Head of Truro School Prep and Old Truronian from 1989. He spoke of the deep sense of community that comes with being associated with the School, the achievements of its students, and the enduring values that have continued to guide Truro School. He welcomed Old Truronians to visit the Prep school when the children were in term – to see for themselves the brilliance of the children, of how accomplished, polite and mature they are.
It was wonderful to welcome back some OTs for whom it was their first time back since leaving. Namely, David Osborne CO57 who returned after 66 years, having attended Prep and Senior between 1947-1958. From his era and also in attendance was Peter Greenslade CO66 who remarked that he remembered Prep exactly as it was back in the late 50s and early 60s when he was at the School.
Among the former pupils were teachers who were warmly welcomed back. We were delighted to see John Cornish (Head of Economics, Business Studies and Politics and Assistant Head of Sixth Form 1989-2012), Patrick Buxton (Teacher of Mathematics 1981-2011), Tim Tall (CO72 and Teacher of DT 1980-2014), Colin Taylor (Teacher of Science & Geology 1960-1967), Myra Shore (Pentreve Housemistress 1979-1991), Dave Richards (CO64 and School Caretaker 1969-2007), Dennis Keam (Head of DT 1962-1998), Alan Johnston (Teacher of French 1963-1999) and Rev John Johnson (School Chaplain 1989-1997).
Huge thanks of course to the catering team who prepared an abundance of delicious treats, including scones with clotted cream and jam, delicate sandwiches, and an assortment of cakes. The catering team had gone above and beyond to ensure that the spread was both visually appealing and delectable, adding to the atmosphere of the event.
As the afternoon drew to a close, many attendees expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect and reflect. As the Old Truronians departed, they carried with them not only cherished memories but also a renewed sense of connection to Truro School.
“Just a short email to say thanks for the wonderful afternoon last Friday at Truro School Prep. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. Topping it all was the display of memorabilia, especially the photos of my former colleagues. Those present at the event were some students and staff members from my years at the school who I clearly remember and recognise.”
“Many thanks for your successful get together at Treliske yesterday. We thoroughly enjoyed the Reunion Tea Party… also please pass on our good wishes to all at Treliske, a place I had not been to for 70 years.”
Truro School is part of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST)
MIST Registered Office: 66 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LH
Charity No. 1142794
Company No. 7649422