There is something rather special about returning to your old school. Familiar buildings, well-remembered corridors and even a particular view across the grounds can bring memories back surprisingly quickly, while the changes made since leaving can offer a fascinating glimpse of how the school has evolved.

Over the summer months, we were delighted to welcome Old Tridents, from three time periods, back to Trent, each with their own stories to tell and memories to revisit. From reunion weekends to long-awaited first returns, these visits were a wonderful reminder of the enduring connections that Trent alumni have with their old school.

Class of 1982: 50 years since they left Trent

Speech Day 1982
LtoR: Jim Clark, Matt Harvey, Simon Smith, Chris Newbold, Dale Misseldine, Paul Baker, Tony Lymn

In May, it was a pleasure to welcome Chris Newbold, Matt Harvey, Paul Baker and Tony Lymn to Trent as part of their plans for a 50th anniversary reunion weekend.

A tour around the school campus provided plenty of opportunities to reminisce, with memories stirred by familiar surroundings and the "stunning" grounds. For Chris, arriving in the Visitor Lounge brought back a particularly vivid memory: the room had once been the study of Mr Anthony Saddler, Second Master and Latin teachers.

The friends remembered Mr Saddler as a "firm but fair" Deputy Head and teacher, but it was his role as their football coach that prompted the fondest memories. "He was a top bloke who found the right balance between discipline and care and was both liked and respected because of it." Chris Newbold. 

It was especially poignant to hear these memories, as we since learned the sad news of Mr Saddler's passing on 3 July 2026.

The group continued their walk through the grounds in the sunshine, taking in the school terrace, Warner Library, school fields and looking out towards the Catterns Astro, from the Prince Obolensky building's balcony, before arriving at the Chapel, one of the most memorable and frequently visited places on campus for generations of Trent pupils.

They were also impressed to see the redevelopment of the school's original dining hall, now home to the Devonshire Library. Their visit finished with some time in The Fenn, where a light lunch was accompanied by a selection of photographs and magazines from the School Archives.

The archive material provided yet another opportunity to reminisce, bringing back people, places and moments from their time at Trent.

It was a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning, and we were delighted to be part of such a special reunion weekend.

A family connection: David and Karen Shelton

We were pleased to welcome David Shelton (Wright House 1953-56), brother of former Old Tridents Society President, the late John Shelton, and his wife Karen when they called in during a return visit to the local area, also in May.

Their visit provided an opportunity to reminisce about David and John's school days and to remember John's considerable contribution to the Old Tridents Society over many years.

For the Alumni Office, these visits are about more than simply showing alumni around the buildings. They provide a chance to reconnect with people, stories and memories, and to hear first-hand about the contribution that generations of Old Tridents have made to the life of the school, OT Society and the wider Trent community.

Class of 1988: rediscovering the old and new Trent

In June, we welcomed John Cole, Samantha McCool (nee Crompton) and Helen Bower (nee Glaves) from the Class of 1988.

Their visit had been a long time coming. The friends had originally planned to get together in 2020 to celebrate their 50th birthdays but were prevented from doing so. This was their first opportunity to come together since then.

For Samantha, the return was not entirely unfamiliar. She has visited Trent several times over the years, including hosting her wedding reception in 2007. For John and Helen, however, this was their first visit back since leaving in 1988, and they were keen to see some of the developments they had previously only read about in our alumni newsletters.

There was plenty of the 'old Trent' to rediscover. They revisited their boarding houses, returned to the Chapel and walked along familiar corridors, with memories coming back as they went.

But the visit was also an opportunity to see just how much has changed since their school days. They explored the Prince Obolensky Dining Hall, the Swallow building, now home to the English and Maths departments, and the Devonshire Library as well as the school's newest addition of a dedicated Careers Centre.

Their tour also finished in the Fenn, where archive photographs, magazines and other items from their school days provided another opportunity to look back.

John summed up the experience: “It was such a special visit for us, filled with happy memories at every turn. We were able to see so much of both the old and the new Trent, from my old room in Blake to a fantastic tour of Martin, and it all meant a great deal to all of us.”

“The new buildings and additions are truly impressive, and it was lovely to see how thoughtfully everything has been developed.”

The archive collection proved to be particularly meaningful: “The archive photos and books in the Fenn were an especially meaningful touch and brought back so many moments from years gone by.”

John's wife also joined the visit. Although not an Old Trident herself, she found the tour fascinating and was particularly impressed by the school she encountered: “She was really impressed with how clean, neat and tidy the entire school was.”

Reflecting on the day, John added:

“We are very grateful for the time, care, and hospitality. It was a day we will treasure for a long time.”

Come back and see what has changed

Each visit is different, shaped by the memories and interests of the alumni returning. Some want to find their old classroom or boarding house; others want to revisit the Chapel, see where they spent their free time or simply walk through the grounds again.

For others, it is just as fascinating to see what has changed; the buildings, facilities and spaces that have appeared since their school days.

The School Archives add another dimension, helping to bring memories to life through old photographs, magazines and school publications. Often, a photograph can prompt a story that had not been remembered for decades.

We are always pleased to welcome Old Tridents back to Trent, whether returning individually, with a group of friends or as part of a reunion. If you are planning to be in the area, or would like to organise a reunion visit with your former classmates, do get in touch with the Alumni Office.

There is always a warm welcome waiting at your old school, and you may be surprised by just how much comes back to you when you walk through the gates.

Our next visitors are the Class of 1991, who we are looking forward to welcoming for a 35 year anniversary reunion BBQ: CLICK HERE for details.