An old boy’s reunion for former pupils of Selwyn House Preparatory School, Begelly, is due to take place today (Thursday).

Former England and Sussex cricket captain Ted Dexter and actor George Cole, of Arthur Daley fame, are two of the distingushed former pupils of the school, which was evacuated from St Johns Wood, London, with the outbreak of World War Two.

The school was first established in part of the Clarence Hotel on Tenby’s Esplanade, but it moved to Begelly House in 1946.

Many of the boys have not met for 45 years, since an old boys’ dinner was held at the Lion Hotel, Tenby, on April 24th 1967, when the school closed.

Today’s get-together will raise funds to help restore the tower of adjacent St Mary’s Church, Begelly, where many of the boys worshipped.

Organiser Dennis Reed, of Trevayne Farm, New Hedges, said: “We are keen to hear from all fellow students and welcome them to join us at this splendid event and share some wonderful stories.

“We propose to assemble at St Mary’s, where the Rev Sarah Geach will conduct a celebration service – then, by kind invitation of Mr and Mrs Neil Machin of Begelly House, to walk the school grounds and witness some of the magnificent craftsmanship of Mr Machin, a talented woodcarver.”

Co-organiser, Richard ‘Jumbo’ James added that there would be a wine reception and buffet lunch at Kilgetty RAOB club.

“We are aiming to reunite as many old boys as possible.”