From the Archives: Memories from Fifty years ago

Was that your Mum’s Triumph TR7 turning into College Road?

The summer of 1976 remains etched in British history as one of the most intense, prolonged heatwaves and droughts on record. Temperatures across Somerset frequently soared past 32°C (90°F) for weeks on end. The School chronicled;

“The summer term - the term which sees masters desperately striving to finish '0' and 'A' level courses, and pupils desperately (or not so desperately) bracing themselves to face the looming threat of GCEs.

There were, of course, other events in the summer term. The first major occurrence was the SCF walk. In dismal, rainy weather some 200 walkers from the School undertook the 21 mile course, raising over £1,000 for the Save the Children Fund.

The School did very well in winning two outside prizes; the Athletics team won the Somerset Schools Shield, whilst Chris Neave won a shield at the CCF district shooting competition.

On Ascension Day a visit was made to the County Ground to see part of the match between Somerset and the West lndies.

On the arts side, some went to see Shakespeare's Much Ado about Nothing, the highlight of the trip being the breakdown of the coach at Chippenham in the early hours of the morning.

The half-term ended on 1st June, far too early especially for the ‘0' and 'A' Level candidates. The weather proved, as in the previous years, to be too strong a distraction for many would-be workers, and for twenty days the pool and lawns were favourite haunts.

The early month was highlighted for the Middle-School by a visit to the Bath & West Show, but on Saturday 19th a long-awaited event took place - the official opening of the new science block by Sir Alec Merrison of Bristol University.

As the exams dwindled to a finish, the glorious weather was put to greater use. On the 22nd Barclay's Bank competed with the School's cricket, tennis and swimming teams.

The sun reached a deadly peak in time to catch the unfortunate members of the CCF walking and camping on Exmoor, though all recovered in time for the Expeditions Day on the Tuesday, when forms could be found scattered throughout Southern England.

July arrived and its final five days, Baron Bolligrew, the Middle School Play, was a great success. On the 2nd the swimming sports were held. On the following day the Old Wellensians flocked to the School for sports and the School Chamber Orchestra made a successful visit to the Wigmore Hall, London. The Cathedral was the setting for a School Choir and Orchestral Recital on the Monday.

Finally, on Tuesday 6th the term ended with JS Sports and School Open Day, colourful and busy with parents' cricket and tennis matches; Earl Waldegrave presented prizes and gave a speech on Cedars Lawn, held there due to the heat of the Sports Hall - as it was most of the tea melted on your plate! A fitting end to such a summer term - probably the driest and hottest in the School's history.”