Last weekend, the Class of 1996 gathered in the Pavilion to reminisce and catch-up 30 years after leaving Ipswich School. The turnout was great, with many of the cohort and former teachers in attendance. There were around 40 OIs who came to reunite with their former classmates, some had travelled from as far as New Zealand. Everyone caught up over some drinks and a buffet lunch in the Pavilion, followed by a group photo and a few words from Head, Nick Gregory.

We headed out for a tour of the School starting at Great School which is currently set-up for exams - this prompted some memories of exams being taken back in 1996. We headed upstairs via a few classrooms to the Library, and then headed to the Chapel, along the Heritage Corridor, and to the Dining Hall where 1996's head boy, Daniel Crewe (OI 1989-96) and head girl, Nicola Carnaby (OI 1994-96) got a photo in front of the Heads of School honours board. There were lots of stories and memories recounted as we made our way around the grounds.

We even managed to catch-up with 1996's Head Girl, Nicola Carnaby (OI 1994-96) and asked her a few questions about her time at Ipswich School. 

1) What A-levels did you do at Ipswich School?
Geography, Chemistry and Biology

2) What did you do immediately after Ipswich School?
I read Geography at Hertford College, Oxford.  My final year dissertation looked at the impact of CCTV on the Geography of Crime in Ipswich Town Centre - I had input from the Suffolk Police and many local stores and it ended up winning a University Prize (!).

3) What are you doing now?
After Oxford, I began a career in Broadcasting - firstly utilising my Geography in Audience Research for the BBC World Service before moving into the domestic side of the BBC and ultimately segueing into Strategy & Development.  I was fortunate to work for brands as diverse as CBeebies, Strictly to Attenborough and iPlayer.   I now offer independent strategic brand consultancy across many different industries.

4) What is your stand-out best memory from School? 
The Geography field trips stand out in my memory but also have many amusing memories of less-than-successful Chemistry and Biology experiments; I was often the only girl in the class.

5) Who was your favourite Teacher?
Mr. Welbourne who championed me and provided the motivation for me to go on to study Geography at a higher level.  Despite being in retirement, he is still very easy to wind up...!

6) What was your favourite School dinner? 
I had packed lunches but used to think the tuck shop was great :)

Overall, the sun was shining and a lovely time was had by all in attendance.