Rhubarb 2024

ST EDWARD’S

1937

With the threat of invasion, at the Warden’s invitation the Headmaster Kenneth Harding (OSE), staff and 90 boys of St. Bede’s Preparatory School, Eastbourne, arrived in Oxford to share the School premises for the duration of the war. 34 pupils would remain at Teddies to complete their education, after the remainder returned to Eastbourne.

Cowell’s and Segar’s moved into a new block ‘big enough to house 98 boys, two Housemasters and one House Matron’.

in 1945.

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Cowell’s and Segar’s Boarding House Blocks being built in 1936.

St. Bede's School, Eastbourne pupils doing PT in front of the Warden's House 1943.

1938

In 1939 OSE occupied Presidential posts for Rugby Football (G. Hollis 1939-40), Cricket (E.J.H. Dixon 1937-39) and Rowing (A.G. Slemeck 1939) at Oxford University.

The School Rugby XV and Cricket XI won all their respective inter school matches, the Rowing VIII had a memorable victory over Radley at Henley Royal Regatta then lost out narrowly against Eton.

1940

1939

Six air-raid shelters were erected in the Quadrangle, the Warden’s Garden and the Corfe gardens, was fitted with electric light. Prominent brickwork in the School was painted with white stripes for guidance during blackouts.

Wilfrid Cowell Gates were opened by HM The Princess Royal at Gaudy, leading from the School to the Woodstock Road.Wilfrid Cowell had been the longest serving teacher ever at the School and had died the previous year.The costs involved were covered by an appeal.

Erection of a windmill in the Lower Field to assist with drainage.

The Princess Royal accompanied by Harold Rogers (OSE) after opening the Cowell Gates in 1939.

School purchased two steel air-raid shelters, each accommodating 50 people.

Two of the wartime shelters in the Quadrangle, circa 1943.

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