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News > Your Stories > Love, Laughter and Golden Syrup

Love, Laughter and Golden Syrup

This year’s Easter Reunion was especially heart-warming as we welcomed back several Old Scholars whose Sidcot days shaped not only their futures—but their families.
9 Jun 2025
Written by Sarah Simms
Your Stories

Among the returning alumni were Brian and Maggie Hole (Classes of 1964 and ’65), who first exchanged handwritten notes across the aisle during prep. What began as a quiet friendship bloomed into something more—and by 1968, they were married in Weston-super-Mare, with their reception held at none other than the Sidcot Hotel. Maggie later returned to the School as a secretary. Their children, Erica and David, grew up hearing stories of Sidcot life, full of friendship, mischief, and love.

Also joining us were Jackie and Edmund Penning-Rowsell, who first met at School, later becoming Head Girl and Head Boy in 1964. Jackie recalls expecting Edmund to join her for a walk one spring afternoon—only to watch him stride off alone! Despite the false start, the pair got together later that term and were married in 1968. Their secret to lasting love? “Avoid the golden syrup with dust on top,” they laughed—an inside joke from the old Sidcot refectory days.

It was a joy to see these couples strolling through the School grounds once again, alongside their Reunion classmates. Their stories remind us that while Sidcot is a place for learning, it’s also a place where lifelong bonds are formed—and sometimes, love finds its way through prep notes, prefect duties, or even dusty tins in the pantry.

As always, we were delighted to welcome back our Old Scholars and hope to see many more of you at future reunions—whether you're reconnecting with old friends, revisiting favourite haunts, or reminiscing about the magic of Sidcot beginnings.

Are you a Sidcot love-story? If so, please get in touch with us at alumni@sidcot.org.uk and we would love to hear from you!

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