Last Saturday, Walhampton opened its doors to over 220 past pupils and former members of staff for the launch of the school’s new alumni.
 
The event marked the first significant reunion of the old boys and girls of Hordle House, Hordle Walhampton and Walhampton.
 
In glorious sunshine, Headmaster Titus Mills, warmly welcomed guests to the school. Heads of School, Connor Williams and Alicia Pearson-Chisman, followed Mr Mills’ welcome with a touching poem, ‘An Old Fashioned Welcome’.
 
Over a delicious lunch on the Front Lawn, alumni from across three generations, shared stories and experiences, laughed a lot and shed the odd reminiscent tear with their classmates, friends and past colleagues.
 
Tours around the school revealed the significant changes that have taken place over the years, including the removal of the climbing rope hanging from the first floor balustrade which boys used to climb up and over as part of their PE lessons!
 
The homely and modernised boarding facilities were much admired, along with the refreshed Pre-Prep and beautiful ‘Owl Corner’ play area.
Wanders around the boating lake and through the hundred acre grounds brought back nostalgic memories for many.

‘A huge thank you to everyone involved with the celebrations.  Both Ed and I had a wonderful time catching up with old colleagues and former pupils.  We enjoyed walking round the grounds and the tour of the main house – it brought back very happy memories.’ Jane Rhys, staff at Walhampton 1970s.
 
Some of the alumni, from Hordle House school, had never before set foot in Walhampton, but were drawn in by the warmth of the greeting and the beautiful building and grounds.
 
Robert Ward, pupil of Hordle House in the 1980s reflected:
‘It was a memorable afternoon that I will cherish as fondly as I do the memories I have of Hordle House. There is something rather special about my memories of Hordle, something I can’t really explain and even though the premises were different today, I felt like I was coming home.’
 
If you are, or know of, an alumnus of Hordle House, Hordle Walhampton or Walhampton, please do get in touch with our Alumni and Development Officer, Samantha Allen, s.allen@walhampton.com