50 Years On (1970–1974)

On Friday 21 May, we welcomed around 40 Old Collegians back to St Andrew’s College for their 50 Years On Reunion.  This reunion was for the Class of 1970–1974, which was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 restrictions. 

Friday night saw many of the group turning up for a tour of the College before the Cocktail Party.  There was many a ‘green eye’ seeing the facilities the students of 2021 have access to, compared with those available during their own time at the College. The Cocktail Party was a great opportunity for some who had not been back to the College in 50 years to reminisce with old friends. It was wonderful witnessing the solid friendships that St Andrew’s creates that stand the test of time. 

On Saturday afternoon, the group had the opportunity to attend the St Andrew’s College 1st XV versus Christchurch Boys’ High School 1st XV rugby game, playing for the Bill Thompson Memorial Shield. After a jersey presentation and pep talk by the Old Collegians to the players, a three-peat victory happened….for the first time in 50 years!  A fantastic day for the College and a wonderful spectacle for our Old Collegians to witness. 

At the Reunion Dinner we were treated to a delightful recital of Burn’s poem, where John Stevenson bravely addressed the haggis. This was followed by an entertaining toast from the 1974 Head Prefect, Gordon McCormick. Thank you to Rod and Mirani Keillor for their beautiful Black Quail Estate Pinot Noir they generously donated for this special occasion.

To end the reunion, a moving chapel service was well attended, where we remembered those from the group who were gone, but not forgotten. A massive thanks to Andy Munro for all his help with this reunion weekend.