We had a query this week about an old College Hymn including the words ‘When to the scenes of our boyhood returning, backwards our footsteps shall wander alone. Strong be our joys and long be our yearnings, as we remember the days that are gone.‘

After consulting with our Chaplain and some other long serving members of staff, it seems that the hymn is called "Praise to our God, who with love never swerving" by Dr Herbert B. Gray, a Bradfield College Headmaster and Warden 1880-1910. It is also known as "Swervers" or "Dr Gray's Hymn".

Interestingly, there seems to be more than one tune and more than one version. The version that the College uses today, seems to be based on a melody by John Goss and no longer includes the last verse which Robin Elliott (B 54-59) in the USA remembers singing at Bradfield.

The fifth verse was found online listed with a version of the hymn on the Hymnary website which appears to be set to a different melody by Edward J Hopkins.

How many Bradfieldians remember the melody you used to sing or indeed the words of this hymn?

Do you remember when it was sung?