We recently received the following email from Reg Hunn, a pupil at Borden from 1944 - 1950, triggered by the obituary of Frank Nicholls,providing an insight into life at the school and beyond 60 years ago.
In an idle moment today whilst at a loose end , and for an inexplicable reason, I decided to look up the school on the web.
On studying the site I noted with sadness the passing of Frank Nicholls a while back.
Comment received from Martyn Calder re "John Ford - Obituary". To see full article and comment click here
We are sad to report the passing away of John Ford on April 22nd, peacefully at Medway Hospital, after a long illness.
Old Bordenians will be interested in the forthcoming challenge being undertaken by pupils and staff. They are trying to raise as much money as possible for a charity which is very close to our hearts since we received the news about Harold Vafeas's (Headmaster) illness last summer (http://websites.bordengrammar.kent.sch.uk/site/index.php?option=com_rubberdoc&view=doc&id=427&format=raw). If you are able to support this in any way they would be very grateful.
The 1970 Speech Day Programme has been provided to us for publication. If visitors of the site have any BGS school memorabilia that they wish to share, please send it to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Stephen Lynas has supplied us with a couple of photos from the Annual Dinner, held on 23 March, together with a school photo of the Form 5A in 1967. Amazingly, Stephen has also been able to supply all the names on the school photo!
Below is this year's seating plan - look out for Old Boy colleagues (Denis Jarrett's place was taken by John Bishop):-
Chris Laming reports:-
A move to the UK Paper clubhouse for the OBA annual dinner appeared to prove a popular choice with attendees, many of whom complimented the Association on the choice of venue and the quality of food and service.
This picture (in 4 parts) was published on the old website, but was not suitable for inclusion in the relevant Website Digest. I am reproducing here to ensure its continued availability to Old Boys!
This article continues Bryan Short's history of the School.
Grave Irregularities
Mr. Bond proceeded with his work at the School. Staff were recruited. Advertisements placed in newspapers throughout the County brought in pupils, and the School roll rose. Clause 51 of the Scheme required the Head Master to provide the Governors with a written report on the School's progress. Mr Bond produced his first report, covering the year October 1878 to October 1879.
Comment received from Frank Hales re "Don Prichard - Obituary". To see full article and comment click here.
It is with great sadness that we report the death of Jonathan Brownridge on 22nd October 2012 at the age of just 56. Jon was at the School from 1967 until 1974 before going on to study Physics at Imperial College having been inspired to do so by John Macrae, and their shared passion for physics ensured that they remained firm friends.
Jon was an enthusiastic member of the OBA and attended many of the Dinners up until 2011. He kept in touch with a group of his contemporaries and many of those were among the almost 200 strong congregation at his funeral which was held on 1st November 2012.
This article has been reproduced from 2009 in advance of publishing further chapters of the history of the school.
Founding a School in the 1870s
The founding of Barrows Boys School (as it was first called) began, continued and ended in controversy, culminating in the resignation of the entire Governing Body in 1880.