A group of former students who came to Oxford from the Indian subcontinent to study recreated a school photo from 55 years ago. 

The New Hinksey School alumni, who are now based all around the world, came together to recreate a photo of when they had arrived in the UK and an English class was set up for them.

One of these students, Alvat Kartara Garewal, decided to get everyone together again on Friday, June 10. 

READ MORE: Student charity Oxford Hub celebrates 15th birthday

Oxford Mail: Photo of students taken in 1967 at New Hinskey School.Photo of students taken in 1967 at New Hinskey School.

The 63-year-old driving instructor managed this, with the exception of one friend who died, represented instead by his son, one woman who couldn't be located, and one man who was ill.

He said: "The moment itself was full of emotions, bringing back lots of memories.

"My gratitude is towards the school for allowing us to gather and we were giving a grand tour of the school. This is now another memory to cherish.

"My thanks to all who made this possible."

These pupils were at the time, 1967, aged between 8 - 12 years old, living in and around the Hinksey area.

The alumni, now in their 60s, are all successful in their lives and fondly remember their time at the school. 

Oxford Mail: Recreated photo 55-years-later at New Hinskey school. Nshtro Raj, Mohan Masih, Bruce Lal (standing for his deceased father Kashmiri Lal, Hans Raj, Darsho Banta, Sarwan Suraina, Alvat Garewal, Albert Baker, Mercy Massey (from left to right).Recreated photo 55-years-later at New Hinskey school. Nshtro Raj, Mohan Masih, Bruce Lal (standing for his deceased father Kashmiri Lal, Hans Raj, Darsho Banta, Sarwan Suraina, Alvat Garewal, Albert Baker, Mercy Massey (from left to right).

Head Teacher Mrs. Charlotte Haynes: "It has been fascinating hosting this group of ex pupils from 55 years ago.

"It is heartwarming to know that they have such fond and vivid memories of their first school in the U.K., and how they felt so supported to learn English by the New Hinksey Primary School community.

"It was a pleasure to hear their stories and to find out what they have all gone on to do in their lives."

Read more from this author

This story was written by Shosha Adie. 

She joined the team in 2022 as a digital reporter.   

To get in touch with her email: Shosha.Adie@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter: @ShoshaAdie

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