Last chance to see Bognor school before bulldozers move in

One-time science teacher Dave Gadd is arranging his latest reunion to mark the final days of the building on Pevensey Road.

The nostalgic get-together will take place on the evening of June 19, 2010.

The building will then be due for demolition as a result of the new Bognor Regis Community College being completed on the other side of the playing fields.

Mr Gadd, 72, said: "The reunion will provide a final opportunity for ex-pupils to look around the building where the first intake began their secondary education some 50 years ago.

"Many former pupils and staff have already been contacted through the

mailing list at previous reunions and through Friends Reunited.

"Even at this early stage, around 90 have responded positively and additional replies arrive daily.

"Those attending will be contacted nearer the date, with full details, when they have been finalised."

Bognor Regis Grammar School opened in 1958 and closed in 1967 as it

amalgamated with The William Fletcher School, on Westloats Lane. The new school became Bognor Regis Comprehensive School and later changed

its name to the current community college title.

Its lower school occupies the former grammar school site, but the building will disappear once the new community college is ready for occupation as part of a 40m redevelopment of the campus.

"I'm not too upset about the building going," said Mr Gadd. "It's served its purpose. When it opened, it was magnificent. Everything in it was new and wonderful."

The latest reunion will be the fifth, and perhaps final one, to be held by Mr Gadd. It is sure to be the most emotionally charged with the building's days numbered.

The previous evenings between 1991 and 2004 have attracted about 100 former students and staff each time.

* Anyone who wants to attend the reunion, and has yet to be contacted, can contact Mr Gadd by email [email protected] or post to: 116 Harbour View Road, Pagham, Bognor Regis PO21 467, tel: 01243 264667.