Barnstaple ‘Old Boys’ give something back to their school reunion venue

The former ‘young thugs’ of are well-known for their annual school reunions at Barnstaple Rugby Club – but most people probably don’t realise they are volunteering their time there every week too.

The school in Derby Road operated from 1939 to 1972 and many of the ‘Old Boys’ who attended are now in their 70s, 80s and even 90s.

This hasn’t dented their enthusiasm for school reunions and the former members of ‘Blacksell’s Academy for young thugs’ as they used to call themselves are currently gearing up for their 26th annual reunion on Saturday, June 13.

What you likely didn’t know is quite a few of the loyal band of brothers turn out at the rugby club come rain or shine every Tuesday to tackle whatever maintenance jobs need doing - clearing gutters and drains, repairing the stands - even refurbishing the ladies’ toilets!

All are volunteers, many of them former players as well as ‘Blacksell’s’ alumni, now putting their hard‑earned skills to work to keep the club in the finest condition.

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Their efforts help support a club that is the envy of the West Country - five pitches maintained by a dedicated grounds crew, five men’s teams, a women’s team, a thriving junior section, a large clubhouse with three bars and an extensive free car park.

All of it requires constant care and attention, much of it carried out quietly and without fanfare by these volunteers. Their work likely goes unnoticed by the hundreds of supporters who turn up each week to cheer on the teams.

The former pupils of Barnstaple Boys’ Secondary Modern School, they later went on to learn a wide range of trades before retiring. This remarkable pool of experience, from carpenters and electricians to builders, engineers and gardeners, is now being put to use to help the club.

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Their old school endured for more than three decades at Derby Road, first under the tenure of headmaster Percy Heppenstal – who it is alleged had a fondness for the cane – and later under Edward Blacksell.

During Mr Blacksell’s time in charge, the school was often referred to as ‘Blacksell’s Academy’ or affectionately by students, ‘Blacksell’s Academy for young thugs’.

The 26th annual reunion will be at Barnstaple Rugby Club on Saturday, June 13 and will be attended by many former students still living in Barnstaple or North Devon, as well as from across the country and even overseas.

If you went to Barnstaple Boys’ Secondary Modern School up to 1972 and would like to attend, or find out more, please email Tony Freeman on freeman.pa@icloud.com