Looking back to the summer of 1950, the Centenary Celebrations at Bradfield included at the end of the Greek Play, the singing of the 91st Psalm led by the Bishop of Reading. It brought back many treasured memories for those who were there. This photograph captues everyone involved as Bradfield rolled into its 101st year.

Back in 2019 David Bollans (C 49-53) recalled his memories to us when he received his Bradfieldian magazine in the post and saw the article about Greeker being saved.

David remembers: "It is 70 years next summer when as a member of the Chapel Choir, I sang the 91^st Psalm as part of the Centenary celebrations. My first term and my “nurse” on my first or second day tried to persuade me to fluff the required audition, in order to avoid being roped in!  I had to give up my membership of several fine choirs after 64 years, when my vision faded. I have sung more than once from my copy of Hayden’s Creation that cost 5/6d as the choir sang exerts with the Reading Symphony Orchestra in Big School in about ’52. It was been an amazing experience thanks to Dr. Arnold; Head of Music, up in the “music cells” over College Gateway!"

Hearing about the College's plans for the 175th anniversary in 2025, the Headmaster received a letter from Timothy Lever (F 49-52) who said "I should like to thank you for notification of the celebrations next year of the 175th annivesary of the foundation of the College. It may amuse you to learn of my surprise when reading of these celebrations, as I was a member of the Chapel choir which took part in the celebrations of the Centenary back 75 years ago. I found myself wondering where 75 years had gone! May Bradfield carry on for another 175 years."

James Allcock (F 48-53) also commented on the planned celebrations and said "I am naturally interested as I took part in the centenary pageant in the Greek Theatre." He also added his feelings about post-war Bradfield being "a bit more spartan just after the war. However, I do remember the character and behaviour of the men who had fought in the war. I think particularly  perhaps of Philip Stibbe who taught me and we (and others including David Owen (A 51-56)) set up the  1952 society: Never once did he make reference to his wartime experience as a prisoner of the Japanese; there was no showing off. He, and others with him, were men of good character, humble and dedicated to the teaching of boys. My admiration for him and others is undimmed."

Former Head of School George Burne (A 48-53) remembers of 1950 "Hills was the Headman always dressed in his gown with white bow tie and we prayed a lot for the Founder Thomas Stevens."

The gallery beneath this page includes the programme for the Centenary Commemoration Services in The College Chapel which took place on Saturday 24th June and Sunday 25th June 1950.

More detail about the Stained Glass Artist Mary Eily de Putron who designed the Centenary Founders and Bishops windows in College chapel here

Wondering if any other OBs have any memories of this event as we approach our 175th anniversary in 2025?