Barnstaple Boys Secondary Modern School reunion 2025 looks set to be the biggest yet

The annual reunion of Barnstaple Boys' Secondary Modern School returns on June 7 and promises to be the biggest yet as against all odds, the number of former students attending continues to grow.

It is a remarkable achievement when you consider the school in Derby Road operated from 1939 to 1972 and many of the ‘Old Boys’ who attended in their distinctive green and black ties are now in their 70s, 80s and even 90s.

This year’s reunion at Barnstaple Rugby Club is on Saturday, June 7 and is expected to be the biggest yet thanks to the dedication of organisers on both sides of the Atlantic who are keen to find even more alumni from their old school.

The reunions have been running for a quarter of a century and were originally begun by Gerald Thorne when he and a few friends decided around their 60th birthdays it was time to organise a school reunion.

Gerald stepped down in 2023 but the reunions have been driven to even greater heights in the past few things, thanks to the efforts of an ‘old boy’ now living in Los Angeles.

Paul Harris has been promoting the reunion all the way from across the Atlantic, aided by the work of another alumnus, Terry Trump, whose book Pursue Excellence chronicles the rich history of the school.

With Terry's permission, Paul has skilfully accessed and even colourised archival images from the book, gaining widespread attention for the reunion through social media.

Above: Blacksell’s alumnus Paul Harris now lives in LA but has been helping to drive the popular reunions for Barnstaple Boys Secondary Modern School in recent times. Credit: Paul Harris

Closer to home, Derek Parnell and Tony Freeman, two other former students who still reside in Barnstaple, plus the artistic skills of old boy Mike Deakin now living in Bideford have been instrumental in coordinating the annual gatherings. Their combined enthusiasm and effort have drawn increased interest and participation year after year.

Barnstaple Boys' Secondary Modern School endured for more than three decades at Derby Road, first under the tenure of headmaster Percy Heppenstal – who it is alleged had a fondness for the cane – and later under Edward Blacksell.

During Mr Blacksell’s time in charge the school was often referred to as ‘Blacksell’s Academy’ or affectionately by students, ‘Blacksell’s Academy for young thugs’.

Any ‘young thugs’ or ‘old boys’ who attended the school between 1939 and 1972 and would like to get in touch or go to the June 7 reunion are very welcome.

Those who use Facebook are invited to join the Barnstaple Boys Secondary Modern School 1939-1972 page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/blacksells

Alternatively they are welcome to call Tony Freeman on 01271 850255 or email or email freeman.pa@icloud.com