On Friday 23 September, 60 stalwart souls celebrated the 40 year reunion of the Class of 71 school leavers. The event was held in the Piper Pavilion, a relatively new and modern venue, adjacent to the Assembly Hall. The evening kicked off with a tour of the school hosted by Tony Ashdown, an ex-boarder, now the Director of Community Relations at the School. The changes apparent were quite remarkable, and the cause for much nostalgic comment.
Upon return to the Pavilion, the numbers swelled and the volume of conversation increased, and it was clear that all were loosening up and enjoying themselves, quite possibly due to the brethren starting to recognise each other! A group photograph was taken and the dinner commenced after Grace led by Dave Thiem our past Captain of School and current Christian Minister. Jim McBride welcomed the guests, which included our youngish/old Headmaster Geoffrey B Bean and masters Ian Houston, Frank Kitto and Bern Basedow. Geoffrey gave his usual polished and interesting speech, connecting our time at school with that era’s unique events such as the pop music culture and the Vietnam War. Established society values were certainly put under great pressure during this period, and this consequently increased the workload on the staff to maintain school standards.
Richard Heddle in turn spoke eloquently on his time at school giving an insightful account of the times. Phil Sanders made sure the evening moved along at a cracking pace conducting many interviews with the roving mike. It was generally agreed he has missed a lucrative career as a games show host! Peter Crouch gave an update on the Old Collegians Association and presented 9 ties to those who travelled from interstate, a wonderful effort on their part. The food and wine were excellent, and an enjoyable evening had by all. For a while there we were all 17 again!
The evening’s programmed events closed around 11pm, with calls for more frequent 5 yearly gatherings. Apologies to Tony Ashdown, who was to give an update on the School, but was forgotten in the impending mayhem. The poor convener decided to get while the gettin’ was good! Many decided to kick on at the Kent Town Tap Hotel, another long standing tradition.
The evening could not have been made possible without the tireless, enthusiastic efforts of Mary Ann Standish, Executive Officer of the Old Scholars Association.
Jim McBride
