In October 2017 we welcomed back the class of 1977 for our now firmly established tradition of the ‘sleepover’ reunion.

Rallied with great enthusiasm by Diana Brooks née Thomas were a group of Old Girls, most of whom were returning to Prior’s Field for the first time in forty years. Armed with old uniform, photo albums, and quite a lot of champagne, 19 OGs arrived on a Friday evening, excited to see each other again. As the noise levels grew the reminiscing began.

The Sixth Form House where they were to stay was completely at their disposal. The group prepared supper in the kitchen, talked about old times in the common room and danced in the Loft room until the early hours. The en-suite bedrooms they enjoyed were, somewhat to their relief, rather different from the dorms of their day.

On Saturday morning, fortified by a PF continental breakfast, the girls were ready to see the rest of their school. In Oak Hall, they were joined by additional day guests. More joyful remembering ensued over coffee. Soon the group were off on a tour starting in ‘Private Side’, including the Head’s office and the ‘aquarium’ rooms above, before delving further into the school and their memories.

Girls looking at boarding bedrooms

‘It’s hard to believe that it’s the same school.’

Stories were shared, some unrepeatable, and the laughter continued as they explored their old boarding rooms, 'Maid’s Landing', 'Covered Way' and the Assembly Hall – where they remembered a screening of The Graduate which shocked some of their parents at the time.

The group then spent time in the Old Library where memorabilia and photos from the archive, featuring many of them, were displayed. The girls were quick to start their ‘homework’ to name the people in their year-group photos and spot their own appearances in copies of The Prior’s Field Magazine of the day.

Time in the PF Archive

All were ready for lunch which was enjoyed in the Dining Room. This had not altered much but the alumnae were very impressed by how much the food had changed. A delightful three-course meal did much to lay to rest the school cuisine of the 1970s which had lingered long in their memories.

Catching up over lunch

A great day was had by all, including former teacher Mrs Ingram and Mrs Brown who enjoyed seeing Prior’s Field through the Old Girls’ eyes. An exhausted but contented group vowed to meet more regularly. Diana Brooks MBE said: “It is hard to believe that it’s the same school. The facilities are superb, the accommodation is modern and the food is fabulous”.

We have availability for this year's reunion on Friday 22nd October - Saturday 23rd October 2021, so please get in touch if your year would like to get together!