On Thursday, the Foundation was honoured to welcome back Cheam old boy Martin Ellwood, now 88, who began his time at Cheam just four days before VE Day in May 1945. Martin shared vivid and moving memories of the lead-up to, and atmosphere surrounding, VE Day at Cheam. Over lunch, he recalled the entire school gathering around the wireless in what was then the Lounge (now the Dining Room) to hear Churchill’s historic address. Afterwards, the boys built a giant beacon bonfire in the school grounds, which burned for three days. That evening, Headmaster Harold Taylor fired flares from the West Porch and the boys, in their dressing gowns, assembled once more to listen to the King’s speech to the nation. It was a privilege to hear Martin’s powerful recollections — a remarkable first-hand account of such a significant moment in Cheam’s history.
12 May 2025 
