It is 40 years since the then-Headteachers of Charters School, The Emmbrook School and Maiden Erlegh School combined their energies and funds to purchase a derelict property in the village of Tirabad in the Brecon Beacons from the Forestry Commission, to be developed as an outdoor pursuits Centre for use by the three schools. In 1971, school staff and parents formed working parties and travelled from Berkshire to Wales to improve and decorate the property and, ever since, groups of students from the three schools have regularly visited the Centre for residential week-long visits, taking part in activities such as caving, canoeing, climbing, walking, etc. Representatives from the three schools and Centre staff past and present celebrated the 40th anniversary with a party at the Centre on Saturday 22 October, pictured above.

Richard Pilgrim, Co-Headteacher, and currently the Executive Trustee of the Tirabad Residential Educational Trust, said, “It was great to see so many people connected with Tirabad enjoying the 40th celebrations – we were delighted that Peter Hood, the very first Warden of the Centre, was able to join us. Richard Carter, the only surviving Headteacher involved in the purchase of Tirabad in 1971, sent a lovely message of greeting, giving his memories from the early days of the Centre. Tirabad provides life-enhancing experiences for all the students who visit and many ex-students still talk of their visits there long after they have left school”.