60 Years On (1959–1963)

On 15–16 March, the College welcomed back those who started the third form in 1959 for their 60 Years On reunion. This year’s reunion coincided with the Pipe Band Centenary, which saw guests enjoy an amazing showcase of talent and history of the Pipe Band at the Founders’ Day Assembly. Guests were then treated to lunch in Strowan House, with boarders in the group noting the standard of food had improved dramatically in 60 Years.

The Highland Games began after lunch, and with over 1400 students, staff and Pipe Band Centenary guests in the quad, was interrupted by the terror attack in Christchurch, sending the College into immediate lockdown. After a few hours of lockdown in Strowan House, the Rector kindly offered the 60 Years On guests the use of her home, so they could salvage the reunion event scheduled for that evening. It wasn’t until watching the news at the Rector’s home that the full severity of what had occurred in the city was realised.

The reunion dinner went ahead on the Saturday evening, and was a huge success, from the service and food, to the company and stories shared. It was a fabulous occasion to engage and reconnect with one another, something the guests valued even more after the events that had unfolded the day before. Thanks to Doc Sidey, Peter Smith and Peter Sturge for organising a fantastic reunion weekend.