Reminiscing the past - part 2

My trip to the UK allowed for an opportunity for my wife and I to go and visit the places I grew up. Some of these houses, schools, towns are places I've not been back to for many years and all of them were new to my wife. I'll write some separate posts on the general sight seeing as this post focuses upon my years living in the UK.

After Cherhill my parents moved to Kemble to be closer to the schools my siblings and I attended.

During the time my parents lived in Kemble I attended Rendcomb College, a boarding school for 11-18 year olds with the final 2 years being co-education. The school has since now expanded to include pre-school and ages below 11 years old, fully co-education and also day students. As a fee paying school it has needed to adapt to the changing economic environment and it is good to see the school continues to thrive.

The main original school building which was originally a large mansion built in 1865 by the Goldsmith family. Rendcomb College was founded in 1920 by Mr. F. N. H.Wills.

Walking into the main entrance it becomes clear that there have been some changes in the ~20 or so years since leaving Rendcomb. The statue of King Saul still dominates the entrance hall (and he is still missing one of his big toes) however the large snooker table is gone.

The Stable Courtyard is much the same and is still the main location for teaching Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

The Old Rectory looks the same however it's use has changed to no longer be the exclusive home of year 1 and year 2.

The Arts Block looks the same however with Mr Burden retiring wood-working is no longer taught at Rendcomb which is a shame. Many families who sent their children to Rendcomb will have wooden stools, bowls and other items made in Mr Burden's classes.

Stable House and Lawn House, which were built during my final couple of years at Rendcomb remain although their uses have changed a little.

Looking back, Rendcomb College was a defining moment in my life, the 7 years spent there were those that most shaped me into who I am now. I would love to be able to go back to the age of 11 and redo those 7 years with what I know now, some things would be a little different!