STUDENTS from the class of 49-54 at Barrow Girls Grammar School came together 70 years after first joining the school.

Former student Renée Roddie, 82, from Walney, said: “In early September 1949 a group of 80-90 11 and 12 year olds from the Barrow and Walney area met each other for the first time.

“Fast forward to the summer of 1989 when a letter appeared in the local Evening Mail asking if we remembered Vera Powell née Williams, who lived in Shropshire and would like to get in touch.

“Following this letter a group of former students met at the Castle House in Bigger Bank armed with photographs, details of names, addresses and phone numbers where possible.

“It was decided upon to meet at the Abbey House Hotel and approximately 40 were able to attend along with some former members of staff who lived locally.

“On that occasion it was decided to hold the event annually as it is so easy to lose touch if anyone moved house, and of course ladies usually change their surname in marriage - sometimes more than once.

“For the next few years we met on the third Sunday of October and enjoyed scones with jam and cream and cream cakes which were not good for the waistline.

“In about 1999 we decided to have Sunday lunch on the third Sunday in October which has been enjoyed by the members attending.

“My husband, Raymond, compiled a comprehensive list of the names and addresses and also wrote the annual letter with the menu on the reverse side.

“These were written and sent out by early August and some had to be posted to Sweden, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.”

Over the years Renée has found great interest in finding lost girls ‘like Miss Marple’, although she describes it as disappointing when she finds out a member has passed away.

She said: “There are about five that we have not been able to get in touch with as they may be abroad.

“North America and New Zealand were mentioned but no confirmation has been received. We will no doubt raise a glass to them and enjoy a slice of cake decorated with the school badge.

Renée has decided that this year, the 70th reunion, will be the last of it’s kind. She said: “It is becoming increasingly difficult for some for mobility, travel, and maybe accommodation. It has been an enjoyable experience over the years contacting the ‘old girls’ and meeting them again wherever possible."