As early as 1906,during Miss Larner's years as Headmistress, there appeared to be a bond of friendship between herself, her staff and former pupils. The relationship was further encouraged by the new Headmistress, Miss Broadbent, who organised social evenings with her staff and former upper form pupils who were always invited to these occasions.

As the School began to grow in numbers so did the number of former pupils enjoying these evenings and for a long time it was felt that an Old Girls' Guild should be formed comprising of all girls who had been pupils at the School. So, on November 24th 1917, the 70 Old Girls present elected a committee and the Old Girls' Guild was set up.

Seventy members was a very good response as the School had only been in existence for 31 years and the sixth form numbers were often no more that six in total.

At the first committee meeting held in January 1918 it was decided that the annual subscription should be 2/6d (12 1/2p) a magazine be published in the Autumn of each year and a gathering be held annually. These rules set out so many years ago do still apply though changes have occurred as the years progressed. The annual subscription is now £3.00 and our magazine is published in January or February of each year.

At the 1997 AGM is was agreed that the "Gathering" should be changed to Re-union and the first Spring Re-union took place on March 28th 1998. The Guild's first magazine was published in 1918 and with the exception of 1920 one has been published every year up to and including 2007. Bound copies of the magazine can be seen at Skipton Reference Library.

The School opened in 1886. For many years there was no school uniform though the pupils were expected to wear a straw hat with a hat band of red, green and white with a school badge. These colours were later adopted for the Old Girls¿ blazer and winter scarf, in spite of the fact that the School colours had been changed to navy and gold.

The first blazers were put on display at the AGM held in February 1926. Members of the Guild wore their blazers and/or scarves with pride and were always pleased to identify other Old Girls. Sadly the blazers and scarves are no longer available but it is possible that some current Old Girls still have and wear one of these scarves.

In 1926 the Guild's membership had reached 300.

It has always been the Guild's policy to support the School and thereby the girls and many gifts have been made to the School throughout the years. The Guild even purchased the land we all know as "The Hollow". At our 2006 Spring Re-union the Guild presented a beautiful oak lectern to the School. Several of the School's annual prizes are sponsored by the Guild and the Guild has also presented the School with a portrait of each of its former Headmistresses following her retirement from office.

Our members meet twice each year, for the Spring Re-union and Autumn Luncheon and new members of the Guild are always most welcome.

Autumn Lunch 2008

A record number of old girls and friends together with the current head, Janet Renou, attended the annual Old Girls' Guild Autumn Lunch which this year was held at Skipton Golf Club. We were also pleased to welcome Miss Auty a former pupil, teacher and president of our Guild. This was our first visit to the Golf Club but I am sure that it will not be our last.

We had an excellent lunch, very generous portions, and first class service whilst enjoying plenty of chatter and splendid views from the panoramic dining room. We had several glimpses of the steam train wending its way through the autumn countryside.

Judging from all the favourable comments I am sure that a good time was had by all.

If you would like to join us next year and you do not receive our magazine, please contact Helen Platt on 01302 785792 for an invitation.

1960 Reunion

We are hoping to arrange a Reunion, probably in 2009, of girls who joined the School in 1960, together with those who entered the sixth form from other schools in 1966. Anyone interested in attending please contact either Hazel Ingham (nee Goulding) tel: 01535 637466 or Deborah Jones (nee Holmes) tel: 01423 507238