50 Years On (1971–1975)

The second 50 Years On Reunion for 2021 was hosted at the College on Friday 18 – Saturday 19 June, this time for the group from 1971–1975.  We had 39 Old Collegians and their partners in attendance to catch up, reminisce and relive their time at St Andrew’s.  For some, it was their first time back, and many of them commented on how amazing the facilities are, and how many areas were unrecognisable from their time here.

Friday night was the Cocktail Party, which saw many of the group seeing each other for the first time since they left.  There were plenty of photos on display in the Strowan House staffroom of their achievements during their time at St Andrew’s. There was many a laugh and tales to be told as these Old Collegians remembered these special moments, and the stories came flooding back.  After the bar closed, many of the group decided that ‘the show must go on’, and off to No. 4 they went till the early hours of Saturday morning!

On Saturday morning, several of the group watched the 1st XV defeat Waimea Combined Schools, where Rob Mulholland (OC 1975) also had the honour of presenting the jerseys to the players. 

The Reunion Dinner on Saturday night was generously attended once again, despite a few tired Old Collegians!  We were treated to a brilliant rendition of the Haggis Blessing, by Alex McLaughlin (OC 1975), and we were mesmerised by his Gaelic lilts as he pulverised the Haggis with his sword.  Some very funny speeches and stories from Peter Chamberlain (OC 1975) and Ken McKenzie (OC 1975) followed and the laughter could be heard well into the night.  A big thanks to Peter Chamberlain and Rob Mulholland for all their help making this a fabulous event.