Here is a Video and some Images taken at the CSTS 50-year anniversary reunion, held on a very hot day at the former site of the CSTS School in Pampisford Road.

Organised by Igor Andronov (Started at CSTS September 1961 Form 1J).

Igor's narrative:

"Sometime in May of 2018, I realised that for those of us who started at CSTS in 1961 and left after 'A' levels, it would be 50 years since we left the school. I checked the School Calendar, conveniently archived on the CSTS website and saw that the last day of term in 1968 was the 23rd of July. So, it seemed that a bit of a get-together of ex pupils (and staff) to celebrate the event might be the thing to do. I didn't think that it should be a reunion exclusively for the year that started in 1961. It would be good to see anyone that was at the school, at whatever time, and clearly all wives, partners and friends would also be welcome.
I planned that we would meet at 3pm on Monday July 23rd, outside what was the Windsor Castle Public House and which is now the South Croydon Toby Carvery. From there, depending on the weather and the willingness of the participants, we could do the short walk up to Pampisford road and the site of the school, then return via Haling Grove, about a mile and a half. On return we would be able to avail ourselves of the Toby Carvery (and bar) facilities for drinks and if anyone was interested, dinner in the evening.
The biggest problem was contacting ex pupils, as I only had a very few email addresses I added all the email addresses that had been left on the publicly accessible guestbook of the CSTS website, that gave me a total of 120 addresses, which I thought would be a good start. I sent the invitation on the 26th of May, I immediately received 36 undeliverable messages and then over the next few days some responses came back. Several were from those that now lived overseas, some just could not come, and a few said that they would be there.

On the day there were eleven ex-students and five partners, we met at the appointed time, had fun trying to recognize each other and then most of us walked up to the school, some who had mobility difficulties, drove up and met us there.

Once we had arrived and inspected what remains of the school, a short section of the front wall, a very grand fake blue plaque which had been made by Tim Ecott was affixed to the wall and photographs taken. After much merriment, including being questioned by a passing Croydon Councillor who wondered what the hell was going on, we returned to our starting point via Haling Grove, the local park, where more pictures were taken en-route.

Back at base, drinks were ordered, life stories told, old friendships rekindled, new ones made. A good time was had by all.

Should we do it again? Most certainly, and perhaps next time we will walk the length of the old cross-country course, we had thought of doing it this time, but it was a scorching hot day. Honestly, it was!"

Videos and Images courtesy Igor Andronov and David Bailey.

Some Images courtesy Tim Ecott.

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