We were delighted to welcome John Swann, and his wife Anne, on their visit to Trent College this week.  They were travelling across the region from their home in West Sussex, tracing the places connected with John’s uncle, Larendon (Larry) Swann, who attended Trent College between 1909 and 1912. Thanks to the school’s early census records, we were able to confirm Larry’s time at Trent and share details of his school connection. A member of the 2nd Queen Victoria Rifles, Larry was killed in action in France on 4 September 1915, aged just 19 years old. His name is remembered on the Barbetti engraved War Memorial in the school Chapel.

John (right) with Anne and Ken Pye

The visit also revealed further family connections. John was delighted when we could confirm that his grandfather, F.W. Swann, had also attended Trent between 1882 and 1888.  Archive records show that he was an accomplished pupil, representing the school in both the Football 1st XI, where he was awarded Colours, and the Cricket 1st XI. He was also a member of the School Choir and received a Speech Day prize in recognition of his contribution to school life.

John was quite amused to read in some of the school records which had been researched and identifed in the archives by volunteer archivists David Pinney and Rosemary Dobbin, that his grandfather’s performance in cricket was: Disappointing bat, fair out-field, promising bowler. And in football: Promises to become a really first-rate back with more experience; powerful kick; good tackler.

David and Rosemary had also uncovered records relating to John’s father, J.R. Swann (Hanbury, 1926–1931).  John told us the story of his father’s connection with one of Trent’s best-known former pupils, Prince Alexander Obolensky; They were close friends and Obolensky would often spend the school holidays with the Swann family.

During their visit, John and Anne enjoyed a tour of the school, time in the Chapel to view the War Memorial, and an opportunity to explore the specially prepared display of archive items.  Also invited along to join them was John’s former Geography teacher, Ken Pye.  They thoroughly enjoyed catching up as they walked around school and enjoyed refreshments in the school's nostalgic classroom, and home to the Old Tridents Society committee, the Fenn.

What began as a journey to explore the family’s connection with Larry Swann became an opportunity to uncover the stories of three generations of Swanns at Trent. The visit brought together historical records, personal memories and some unexpected discoveries, offering a glimpse into the people and friendships that have shaped the school’s history.

John and Anne expressed their gratitude to David and Rosemary for the time spent researching the family archive and preparing the display, which provided so much new information and insight into their family’s long association with Trent.

    
LtoR: Anne and John Swann, David Pinney, Ken Pye, Rosemary Dobbin              Ken Pye examining the 1930 school photograph