WOMEN from around the world will descend on Crediton on Saturday, July 17, for centenary reunion celebrations to be held in the town to mark the anniversary of Crediton High School for Girls.

The programme begins with tea and coffee available in the Boniface Centre from 10am before a Service of Thanksgiving at Crediton Parish Church, which will start at 11am.

The service will be led by the Rector, Rev Nigel Guthrie, assisted by an ex QES student, the Rev Ken Hext.

Lessons will be read by Dr Jane Richards OBE and Mr Eddie Bayliss, who has been a stalwart of previous Crediton High School for Girls reunions.

The service will be followed by a ticket only lunch at the Boniface Centre. All the tickets have been sold for the lunch. Lunch will also be available at Richie's Bistro, across the road from the church, but this should be booked by contacting reunion organiser, Mrs Joy Taylor on 01626 891842 or email: [email protected]">[email protected] . Please note, however, space is limited at Richie's Bistro.

Those who do not book are asked to make their own arrangements for lunch.

The Boniface Centre will house an historical exhibition about Crediton High School for Girls, which is being staged by Ann Cann and Robin Langhorne.

Items are invited for loan for the exhibition. Copies of two publications, "Memories of Crediton High School" and "Life After Crediton High School", will be available to purchase at the Boniface Centre and it is hoped commemorative mugs and key rings will also be on sale.

From 2.30pm to 4.30pm, the West Wing and the Boarding Houses will be open for visitors to tour their former classrooms, by courtesy of QECC principal, Richard Newton-Chance and his boarding house staff.

From 3pm, tea and celebration cake will be available at the Boniface Centre.

A celebration cake, made by Mrs Marian Hubble (nee Reed), will be cut.

St Lawrence Chapel will also be open all day for visitors, courtesy of Mr and Mrs Dunhill.

Dorothy Webb (nee Webber), who is helping organise the reunion, told the Courier: "It should be a really good day.

"Crediton High School for Girls was in existence until the late 60's when it went comprehensive.

"We have people coming from across the UK to attend the reunion and one lady coming from South Africa.

"Some former members of staff will be coming as well.

"We hope to see a lot of people there but we know more than 150 are coming already.

"Anyone else who would like to come along that has not already said they are coming should get in touch with us as soon as possible.

"Either contact Joy Taylor (number above) or myself on 01392 424012."

Alan Quick