FROM THE ARCHIVES
MEET THE ARCHIVE VOLUNTEERS
A big thank you to David Dyson( Former Staff 88-18) and Leanne Maycock( Former Staff 15- 25), who give their time and energy to helping out in our School Archives.
From cataloguing historic records and precious materials to assisting with research projects and enquiries, their hard work makes a huge difference in preserving our history and keeping important milestones and special stories alive for everyone to enjoy. Look out for them at OP events or in School if you are visiting.
MEMORIAL PAVILION 70TH ANNIVERSARY
Seventy years ago on 1 October 1955, Sir Percy Simner( 1892-1897) formally opened the Memorial Pavilion, which together with the adjoining field was paid for by generous donations from OPs and friends of the School. Colonel Sir Percy Simner KCB, DSO, TD was also an OP and a founder member of the OP Club( now the OP Association) in 1897, and so it was fitting that this very distinguished person should perform the ceremony in the absence abroad of fellow OP Richard Annand VC( 25-32).
Percy Sands, Headmaster from 1915 to 1944, then unveiled the two memorial tablets in the Pavilion which list more than 100 OPs who died in the two World Wars – the School’ s Rolls of Honour.
With the speeches over, assembled guests and pupils then watched an exhilarating rugby match between an OP XV and the School XV – it wasn’ t until June 1957 before the ground was fully matured for cricket!
On each Remembrance Sunday since its opening, wreaths have been laid in the Memorial Pavilion, as a mark of respect and to remember all those OPs who made the ultimate sacrifice.
It is fitting therefore, that on the occasion of the Pavilion’ s 70th Anniversary and in the year of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, new research has led to significant revisions to the School’ s original Rolls of
Honour and facilitated connections with the family of OP William McLellan( 1926-1929) KIA. Read on for full details!
OP William McLellan
POCKLINGTON SCHOOL MARKS 70 YEARS OF MEMORIAL PAVILION AND REVISITS ROLLS OF HONOUR
Pocklington School held its annual Armistice Day service on Tuesday 11 November 2025 at the Memorial Pavilion, a landmark dedicated to Old Pocklingtonians who gave their lives in both world wars. This year’ s ceremony attended by pupils, staff, OPs and guests, carried special significance, marking 70 years since the Pavilion was opened in 1955 and 80 years since the end of the Second World War.
Assistant Head, Gareth Hughes addressed the gathering, recalling the legacy of Sir Percy Simner, a former Head Boy, founder of the Old Pocklingtonian
Association, and decorated First World War officer, who presided over the Pavilion’ s dedication in 1955. The memorial appeal following the Second World War not only funded the Pavilion but also provided the school’ s First XI cricket pitch. Today, the Pavilion remains a solemn tribute, housing the names of all Old Pocklingtonians who fell in service.
The ceremony also highlighted the enduring importance of remembrance beyond history. Gareth Hughes praised the Royal British Legion’ s Poppy Appeal, which continues to support veterans and their families with rehabilitation and care.“ Remembrance must include not only the past, but also the needs of the present,” he said.
This year’ s observance introduced a major update to the school’ s Rolls of Honour. Originally unveiled in
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