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Stamp of approval – star joins classmates at reunion
Ex-pupils of the former Plaistow Grammar School staged their reunion to mark the school’s 90th anniversary on Saturday – and it included a surprise visit from Newham’s own superstar actor Terence Stamp.
Terence, 77, a veteran of more than 60 movies, attended the school and is one of Plaistow’s famous sons.
The actor, who played the archvillain General Zod in the Superman films, enjoyed every minute of the reunion…and spoke to pupils from his own and many other years.
Plaistow Grammar in Prince Regent Lane closed in 1972 and went on to become Cumberland Comprehensive. It is now the home of NewVic Sixth Form college,
One of the pupils, Len Filtness, organised the reunion Central London and it was the fifth gathering in as many years since one to mark 40 years since many left the school.
The anniversary lunch and afternoon was at the Holiday Inn, Bloomsbury.
Pupils from many years attended as did six teachers.
It was an excellent gathering, and a lovely surprise that Terence turned up. He even wore a blazer with the PGS badge on it.
He told us he had found an original badge that was a bit frayed and had then had it recreated by his tailor.
+Former pupils Lesley Knight, Lesley Grainger and Colin Grainger with Terence Stamp
He laughed and was reminded – quite a few times – of the day he returned to the school at the start of his career in a pink suit to open one of the school summer fairs in the 1970s.
He told us that he even wore the blazer on a recent garden party where guests were allowed to display badges of their former regiments.
Those who asked about the “Plaistow regiment” still failed to pr0nounce Plaistow correctly!
Pictures: Colin Grainger, Lesley Grainger
I have never heard of a reunion of Plaistow Grammar School ex pupils and would love to hear about any of those I was at school with! Maureen Green, Sally Grey, Tommy Driscoll.I joined the school in 1952.
Peter Edwards, I joined the school in 1953 till 1958. Others were John Fink, John Maddison, Albert Prin, Ann Warwick, Cyril Tandy, Alex Mcdonald, Roger Freestone, Marcia Tennant, Ann Childs (married Roger Freestone I believe). If any of those listed are interested you will find me on Facebook.
Peter Edwards, I joined the school in 1953 till 1958. Others were John Fink, John Maddison, Albert Prin, Ann Warwick, Cyril Tandy, Alex Mcdonald, Roger Freestone, Marcia Tennant, Ann Childs (married Roger Freestone I believe). If any of those listed are interested or those I have forgotten you will find me on Facebook.