40 Years On (1983–1987)

On Friday 23 June–Saturday 24 June we welcomed 37 Old Collegians and their partners back to St Andrew’s for their 40 Years On reunion.  The guests had come from around New Zealand, and several had come from overseas, including London, Vanuatu and Australia, to see their old friends. For many, this was their first time back to the College since they left in 1987. It was wonderful seeing them reminiscing about their time here and rekindling temporarily forgotten friendships. They were joined at the Cocktail Party by their former teachers Roland Burrows, Mike Woodlock, Joe Leota, Rex Livingstone and John and Jill Irving, who enjoyed sharing some of their own memories of these chaps!

Saturday evening’s dinner was well attended, despite the unfortunate timing clash of a rather important Crusaders’ Super Rugby final but it didn’t deter from what was a wonderful evening.

Jonathan Wells delivered his usual passionate Address to a Haggis, flanked by whiskey and haggis bearers, Barry Paterson and Michael Inkson. MC, Mark Tavendale, provided the group with some live scoring throughout the proceedings for those whose phone wasn’t hiding under the table. Andrew Cordner shared a moving Grace with the group, and Russell Faulkner (Head Boy, 1987) gave a thought-provoking Toast to the College. Rector, Christine Leighton spoke about the current happenings around the College and delighted in announcing the final score of the big game to the Crusader-rich crowd which topped off a fabulous weekend.

Thank you to all those who were able to join us for a very successful 40 Years On and we look forward to seeing you back in 2033.