There was a wonderful, friendly buzz in the air as we gathered for our Bede’s Prep School Coffee Morning. The small group created a wonderfully intimate atmosphere filled with laughter, warmth, and shared memories.

From the moment the coffee was poured, conversation flowed effortlessly as Old Bedians reconnected and looked back on their prep school days. Guests spent the morning sharing recent life updates, reminiscing over cherished moments, and celebrating the unique spirit and traditions of Bede’s Prep.

Connections formed as prep school pupils in the '70s and '80s clearly stand the test of time. Whether catching up for the first time in decades or meeting as regulars, it was as if time had stood still. Before long, everyone was joking about the teachers who once intimidated them—and fondly recalling those they still keep in touch with today.

Simon - "A fantastic morning spent catching up with old friends, and new ones, from the Prep School. Lovely to sit in the restaurant at the Hydro Hotel and look out on the same view as we all used to see from many of the higher up classrooms. We all enjoyed sharing stories - PP's many wonderful antics, games over at The Hollow, tearing down the main staircase at high speed to get to the dining room, wonderful teachers and great classmates. Looking forward to the next reunion, so we can riminess about a truly golden era at St. Bede's Prep School."

Paul - “Some of my best memories of St Bede's were the summer plays which were amazing productions and Peter Pyemont tried to get everyone involved.“

Andrew - “It was great to meet up with some of my peers from time at St Bede’s. It’s amazing how from one memory shared a conversation just rolls out with so many heart warming stories shared. I have so many memories of St Bede’s it’s hard to find a particular memory that stands out. Boarding is probably the standout experience of my time probably because it’s very unique for its time. The fourth/ fifth/ sixth form boarders slept in Holywell Mount and Wednesday night was hot chocolate night. Two of us regularly helped Mr Christopher Pyemont get everything ready. During this time of preparing everything he would chat with us about that day’s football or cricket matches and I think through these conversations found a way of hearing how we were doing. I found those times were special as I didn’t have a dad at home and he had such a great way as our housemaster, of also being that father figure.”

Chris - "It was great to attend my first ever Bede's alumni event at the Hydro Hotel where we had the chance to reminisce about our days at the Prep School. It brought back many happy memories from both my and my children's time at the school, and I am sure that those of us that remember tobogganing down the “slope" in the snow on trays and bin bags are glad that health and safety was different in the 80's!" 

Beyond looking back, the gathering was a great opportunity to look ahead. Attendees shared enthusiastic ideas and feedback for future alumni events, setting an inspiring direction for keeping our former pupils connected moving forward.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and made the coffee morning such a success. We are already looking forward to welcoming even more of you back to our next event very soon!

We’re busy planning our next Prep School alumni event for February 2027! Join us for a delicious supper and a nostalgic tour of the school grounds. If you'd like to be a part of it, let us know. We can't wait to share plenty of laughs and reconnect over fond memories!

More details to follow.