In 1948 the school’s gymnasium was refurbished and dedicated as a memorial to those Old Cerdics who died during the 1939-1945 World War.   Rolls of Honour for those who died during both wars are mounted in the school chapel and their names are read out each year, usually by an Old Cerdic, at a special remembrance service.

The OCA is represented at all major school events and Old Cerdics are welcome to visit the School at any time, although access can some times be difficult during holiday periods.  By tradition Old Cerdics are involved in the governance of the School and the present Chairman of the governing body is an Old Cerdic. A number of Governors are parents of YOCs.

Old Cerdics are in contact with each other across the globe and small groups meet up informally on a regular basis.  However, there are two formal gatherings each year.  The main event, held in Chard in June, and preceded by the Annual General Meeting, is the annual dinner/dance encompassing the entire school community, including Old Cerdics.   The event follows the school’s annual Summer Fayre held on Monmouth Lawn to which all Old Cerdics are invited. A rolling programme of other social events is also held during the weekend.  More information

Over the years reunions have also been held in London and the Home Counties.  For the past few years Old Cerdics have met in March at the Maidenhead Rugby Club in Berkshire for lunch. This has now become a popular on-going event.

A newsletter, published by the School, containing articles of interest relating to both the School and the OCA is mailed to all members worldwide at the beginning of each year.  There is a section devoted to news of former pupils and staff.

In 2007 the OCA was largely instrumental in the publication and launch of an authoritative history of the School, ‘ CHARD SCHOOL – Three Centuries of History’.  Researched, written and compiled by Derrick Warren, himself an Old Cerdic.  This is a comprehensive account of the school’s long history dating right back to 1671 when William Symes gave his Manor House to the Portreeve and Burgesses of the Borough of Chard for a piece of gold ‘for the education and bringing up of youth in virtue and learning’.  Copies of this definitive history can be purchased from the School.  More information 

From humble beginnings in 1954 the Old Cerdics Scholarship Fund, initiated by Headmaster Lawrence Powell to mark the 25^th anniversary of the founding of the OCA, supports the School in awarding bursaries. Two awards are announced annually by the Headmaster at the school’s Prizegiving in July – ‘The Old Cerdics Academic Bursary’ and following the death of Lawrence Powell in 1998 ‘The Lawrence Powell Music Bursary’.  The fund also provides an annual bursary towards school fees for the sibling of an Old Cerdic.  Many of the prizes and cups awarded at the Annual Prizegiving bear the names of former pupils some dating back to the 1930’s.

Whilst the OCA is a financially stable and viable organisation, it relies entirely on voluntary contributions none the less, both annual and ‘one-off’ donations.  Annual donation forms and further details can be obtained from either the Hon.Secretary or the Headmaster at Chard School.  A printable version can be found at the bottom of this page.

In accordance with the Scholarship Fund’s charity status gift-aided donations can also be made directly towards the Old Cerdics Scholarship Fund, in which case a Gift Aid Declaration Form confirming the donor is a UK tax payer should be completed.

There continues to be very close links with the School and the present Headmaster, John Stotesbury is currently Vice President and Chairman of the OCA Committee.  Staff are automatically Honorary Members whilst teaching at the school. Some eighty years on the original aims and objectives are still very much in force today. Membership of the OCA is open to all former pupils and past teachers of the school.   Parents subscribe to the Association whilst their children are pupils at the school and upon leaving they become Young Old Cerdics (YOCs), assuming full membership at the age of 25.