THE annual meet up of old boys and girls from a Slough school later this year will mark an extra special occasion.

The Old Paludians Association will celebrate its 100th anniversary at its next annual general meeting in July.

The group, a popular association of former what is now Upton Court Grammar School pupils and staff, boasts around 750 active members – aged from 18 up to 105.

Jean Tyler, who attended the school from 1950-56 and is now chairman, said: “The fact we are celebrating shows the type of school we are. It’s brilliant. People love to get back together and love looking at the photographs on display at the school.” Organisers are looking to make the 100th meeting a special one, with lots of old items on display. The group choir will entertain guests.

Mrs Tyler added: “It’s a great opportunity for archivists to get out a lot of the materials and old registers and books. We don’t have as many youngsters as older people, but it seems to be something people pick up when they have retired and have more time.” The school, then called Slough Secondary, first opened its doors in January 1912. By 1915 a number of masters and senior boys were serving their country in World War One and it was suggested by headmaster W Francis Smith to set up an old boys and old girls association, named the Old Paludians.

In 1936 it was split into groups for men and women, with sports clubs including football, hockey and tennis also set up. In 1988 the group held its first reunion for 50 years for both boys and girls.

A life membership costs just £5. For more information email chairman@oldpaludians.org or visit www.oldpaludians.org – which includes more than 180 school class photographs dating back to the 1920s.