The Old Retfordians Association (ORA) has existed in various formats over the years for former pupils and staff of the King Edward VI Grammar School, Retford and the King Edward VI School, Retford. It has recently been revived with a new Council and Constitution. It has members spanning seven decades from the early 1950s.
They would like to attract new members by publicising and emphasising that camaraderie, the ability to revive old school friendships, and having fun in reminiscing about adolescence, is something worth pursuing.
That is briefly expressed as “The purpose of the ORA is to maintain a spirit of comradeship between its members” in the new Constitution of the Old Retfordians Association 2021.
As well as organising annual reunions, they also hold quarterly Zoom meetings, the next being Wednesday 19th January 2022 at 8.00pm. There is a link on www.oldretfordians.org.uk, where you can freely register as a member.
Also on the web page are lots of old photos of the school, its staff, and pupils over the years. There are also copies of the school magazine, The Retfordian, which are also available to read at Bassetlaw Museum.
There is also a Facebook page ‘King Edward VI Grammar School, Retford, Notts’ where you can also register. This is separate from the website and ORA, though obviously connected by subject. The Facebook page is also open to ex-High School girls as well as ex-pupils from other Retford schools.
Membership of the ORA doesn’t grant membership of the Facebook page and vice versa, although acceptance would be guaranteed following separate applications.
Personal contact can also be made by emailing the Secretary ORA, Peter Holdsworth (1955-62), at oldretfordians@gmail.co.uk