OB Day 2023 archive display

Offering a similar ‘menu’ as last year’s successful Archive display, the 2023 OB Day archive display included a range of textiles and photographs that evoked the Christ College eras of those attending. Memories were sparked and stories shared as old friends and new viewed the various artefacts on display in the Clive Richards Room, with this year’s stars including items donated by H E D Griffiths, J F T Eddershaw and K D Owens.

H E D Griffiths (Orchard 1936-45) played hockey for Wales in 1951. He kindly donated his shirt to the Archive in 2016. With his family he was able to see it again on Sunday. Playing first for Wales against Scotland, he wore red against Holland in the same season. Harold was astounded to learn that, as the first Hockey International for some while, the school was given a ‘half-holiday’ in recognition of his Welsh selection. 

We were also delighted to see J F T Eddershaw (School House 1948-51), whose race walking vests were also on display. John donated his GB and Welsh vests to the Archive in 2011. He competed for Wales on ten occasions between 1973 and 1980, and for GB on three occasions between 1970-1979. We believe John is the only Old Breconian International Race Walker. Tell us if you know differently.

Another star of the day was K D Owens (Orchard 1955-61). Ken donated his Harris tweed jacket to the Archive in 2012. It just about fitted him then, and we were all happy to discover that it still just about fits him now.

Along with communications to parents in 1957 from A D D McCallum (Head 1956-62), the jacket represents changing times: the introduction of 'Central Feeding', a new Classroom Block and a new uniform. The Harris tweed jacket was worn by boys in the Michaelmas and Easter terms from 1957 to 2000.

As well as a full range of House and team photographs, also on display was a slideshow of photographs from the 1950s into the 1960s. These included a very special group of photographs believed to have been taken by the members of the Photographic Society. We have put the photographs in Galleries for your enjoyment. Also recently added to the Galleries are two galleries of Gilbert and Sullivan productions: 1958-1964 and 1966-1972.

Christ College Archive is well-established within the school now. But the carefully packed items only come alive when they are shared. Happily, amidst the general hubbub of nostalgia could be heard conversations about floods, drama productions, tennis courts, blazers, and the shifting location of the ‘Quad’.

2023 OB Day was a day of stories and memories, often sparked by the items on display. Memories were vividly recalled and information generously supplied. We are looking forward to following various trails prompted by Sunday’s conversations. There are more stories to tell in future posts but, for now, we’d especially like to know more about the Photographic Society in the 1950s.

Let us know in the Comments if you have something to share or, if you have a longer story to tell, contact Felicity.