Memories of Brighton College Junior School 1950-1954

In March 2006, I had the pleasure to attend the 100th Anniversary Dinner of the founding of Durnford House. While at the College, I made a quick visit to the Junior School (JS) now long since situated where St. Mary’s Hall used to be some fifty years ago. I was profoundly shocked and saddened to realize from what turned out to be a very short visit that the JS that my brother, Brian, and I used to know, had totally ceased to exist.

Read more »

Leo Mckeague (S: 1988-91)'s Daughter Christened at Brighton College

My daughter Lillie-Louise was christened at Brighton College on the 11th December 2005, after which we all had a few drinks in Cafe de Paris.

Read more »

Remembrance Sunday at Brighton College 2005

The Service of Remembrance at the College is essentially based around music and readings, including personal accounts of those whose lives were affected by war on and off the fighting fields. It is a demanding occasion for the College and Prep School Choirs and other musicians, but it is also an opportunity for deep reflection for the congregation which, as always, was made up of current pupils, parents, current and former staff and Old Brightonians. This year, the Chapel was bursting at the seams and it was fitting in this, the 60th anniversary of Armistice Day but also the 160th anniversary of the founding of Brighton College and Dr Seldon’s final term.

Read more »

REPORT: OBA Sponsored College Rugby and Netball Tour of South Africa 2005

All the efforts in planning and training were put under threat by doubts over our departure day due to the strike by South African Airways. A phone call at 11am on the morning of departure gave us the go ahead. The tour was up and running. However, another obstacle awaited us is Johannesburg in the form of passport control, which took two and half hours to clear. This put enormous pressure on catching our connecting flight to Cape Town and only the pleadings of an old man and the size of the party allowed us to win the day and board the plane half an hour late.

Read more »

12 things you didn't know about Brighton College

Some terrifically fascinating facts about Brighton College include...

Read more »

Cricket Dinner - Celebrating 150 years of College Cricket

This year we are celebrating the 160th anniversary of Brighton College’s foundation, and both the Headmaster and the Old Brightonian Association are very keen to celebrate this occasion fittingly. Hence there will be a number of events arranged at the school to mark the achievements of Brighton College, events which we hope will enable Old Brightonians of all ages to renew past associations and friendships.

Read more »

REPORT: A Celebration of 150 years of College Cricket

150 not out and still with plenty of gas in the tank would be the best way to present Brighton College Cricket today. We as a school have had an enviable record in cricket since the early 1980’s and it is great to see that this still the case in 2005.

Read more »

A PERSONAL JUBILEE 3

“I am he that came out of the army.” (I Samuel 4. 16)
posted - 17th June 2005

Many Old Brightonians I have met during my retirement have memories about their experiences in the CCF and I thought this third – and final – instalment of reminiscences over the last fifty years should deal with the Corps and why I became involved.

Read more »

Brighton College Girls Make History

The College made history this month by playing two girls, Holly Colvin and Sarah Taylor, in the College 1st XI fixture against Wellington.

Read more »

When did you last visit us?

We know that the time you spent here at Brighton was important time to our Old Brightonians, so if you would like to come and revisit your old school and see what's changed, please book in for a tour with at least a days notice by emailing us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We would love to see you. 

Please note that if you do not book in for a tour you will not be allowed on campus. 

Read more »

A PERSONAL JUBILEE 2

“I have been young, and now I am old.” (Psalms XXXVII; 25)
posted - 28th January 2005

In the last issue of the Pelican I wrote about the Remembrance Service in November 2004 and the changes since my first in 1954. I had been appointed in January of that year to help with the four members of the Sixth Form who were taking Latin at A Level. Norman Frith, a Classical Exhibitioner at Corpus Christi, Cambridge, had started the course but found it too much of a commitment in addition to his duties as Head of the History Department.

Read more »

"Picasso At The Theatre" - Burstow Gallery, 1982

Prior to a recent show in London, Pablo Picasso’s “Le Train Bleu” curtain was last seen at Brighton College as part of the Brighton Festival of 1982. The 10.3 x 11.7m curtain formed the centrepiece of The Burstow Gallery’s “Picasso and The Theatre” exhibition organised by Gavin Henderson (L.1960-65 and later overall Director of The Festival) and assisted by my father, Nick Bremer (Director of Art 1969-2000). The show attracted 7,200 visitors to the College – “The publicity is beyond price” Headmaster Bill Blackshaw proudly told the Council.

Read more »

REPORT: Brighton College 160th Anniversary May Ball

It may have taken 160 years but Brighton College finally knows how to throw a really good party! After a rainy start to the day it was decided to abandon the planned Reception on the Lawns, opting for the safety of the Great Hall. Around 450 guests filed past the ‘living statue’ to enjoy a glass or two of Champagne as the College Swing Band demonstrated why it is in such high demand. Street entertainers mingled among the dinner jackets and gowns to create a truly joyous atmosphere. 

Read more »

REPORT: OBA Annual Dinner to Celebrate 30 Years of Girls at Brighton College

More than 80 ‘old girls’ celebrated 30 years of co-education at Brighton College at a special dinner on Saturday 29th November 2003. Speakers included Bill Blackshaw, the former Headmaster who introduced girls to the College and Lucinda Harris (F. 1973-75) who was one of the first girls to join the school. Jane Haviland (F. 1979-81), currently President of the Old Brightonians Association and the first lady elected to this post, also spoke.

Read more »