FORMER wartime pupils evacuated from a Harrogate boarding school 75 years ago are returning to the Lake District hotel which became their home for the next seven years.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, Ashville College was forced to relocate when the school was commandeered by the Air Ministry.

After considering a number of options the then headmaster, Joe Lancaster, plumped for The Hydro Hotel, Bowness-on-Windermere, where the boys and teachers remained until 1946.

And to mark this milestone, pupils who spent their school years living, and learning, in Windermere, will be gathering for a weekend of celebrations and reminiscence to commemorate the 75th anniversary of their evacuation.

Ashville College Headmaster Mark Lauder - together with six pupils dressed in the uniform of the day – will be arriving in Windermere as their wartime counterparts did, via a steam train and boat.

Nick Breton, president of the Ashvillian Society, the organisation of former pupils, said: “ “The evacuation to Windermere is a hugely important part of Ashville’s 137 year history, and each year a small reunion of former pupils is held to keep the spirit of Windermere alive.

“This year’s gathering is hugely significant, and for many it is the first time they have made the journey to the Lakes in three-quarters-of-a-century. I’m sure it will be a very emotional few days.”

On the Saturday the 70-plus guests will partake in a drinks reception where displays from the College archives of 1939–46 will be on show before sitting down to a black tie dinner, followed by speeches. On the Sunday, a Service of Thanksgiving will be led by Catherine Frieze, Ashville College’s Assistant Chaplain.