Girls answer 40th anniversary reunion call

Scores of ‘Old Girls’ are planning to return to Solihull School on 22 June for a gala reunion to celebrate the arrival of the first female students 40 years ago.

Solihull School Old Girls at their 25th anniversary reunion in 1998

Solihull School Old Girls at their 25th anniversary reunion in 1998

They will include alumni now living as far afield as Australia and Canada who, in 1973, changed the profile of the all boys’ independent school by joining the Sixth Form. Almost 100 former pupils have already confirmed their attendance.

Solihull School, in Warwick Road, was founded in 1560 and became fully co-educational in 2005. Organisers are hoping many more of the 1,350 girls educated at the School over the years will also be able to attend.

Headmaster David E J J Lloyd, together with the School’s Director of Development and Alumni Relations Alison Bond and former teachers, will be on hand to welcome guests, and current Sixth Form girls will offer guided tours of the School’s magnificent modern facilities – including the impressive newly opened Denis Tomlin Archive Room.

The packed all-girls afternoon of activities will include matches between the Old Girls’ and the School’s hockey and netball teams, a choral performance by the Junior School, and the opportunity to reminisce over a strawberry tea.

The day will conclude with a gourmet buffet dinner at the Old Silhillians’ Clubhouse on the Warwick Road, Copt Heath, with the School’s jazz band ‘Saxophony’ and rock & roll band ‘Freehold’ providing entertainment.

Julia Skan, one of the event organisers, said: “Solihull School’s former girls are looking forward to this major anniversary event as a time to reminisce and strengthen their links with each other and the School.”

Malcolm Lawrie, Communications Director for the Old Silhillians’ Association, added: “I would urge all former girl pupils who haven’t done so to register their contact details at www.silhillians.net so that everyone has the chance to receive an invitation.”

Booking forms for both the daytime and evening activities are available at the ‘Solihull School Girls Reunion 2013’ site on Facebook or at www.silhillians.net/the-osa/osa-events/girls-reunion-2013.

Tickets for the evening are priced at £25.

Further details are available from Julia Skan by emailing [email protected] or calling 07708 701000.