60 Years On (Classes of 1962⁠–1966 and 1963⁠–⁠1967)

More than 70 Old Collegians returned to St Andrew’s College on 17 – 18 March for their 60 Years On Reunion. Their three days of reminiscing and celebration got underway with their attendance at the traditional Founders’ Day Assembly and Highland Games, which was a great occasion of noise and colour. The Rector, Christine Leighton, spoke at the Assembly to some of the highlights and milestones that happened when these Old Boys were here, including the opening of Gym 1 and the Castle Hill Mountain Lodge. They were all present for the 50th Jubilee in 1966 and the arrival of Mr Ian Galloway in 1962, a position he held for 21 years.  To read this address, please click here.

Friday night saw a tour of the College and a lively Cocktail Party. It was wonderful to show Bill Gardner and Blair Stockwell (OC’s 1967) their names on the Centenary Sports Wall in Gym 2. Bill represented New Zealand in skiing and Blair in cycling. Bill also completed a timed run at the World Cup Bobsled Championships held at Lake Placid, New York, in 1969. Blair competed in four consecutive Commonwealth Games between 1970 – 1982  and won a bronze medal at all but one. He also attended the 1972 Olympics in Munich.

Some found the return very emotional, having not been back since they left the College at the end of their schooling. There were photos on display of their time here and lots of stories were told amongst the old friends gathered. The Class of 1962 also produced three King’s Counsels’, Nick Davidson, Peter Whiteside and Philip Sapsford, who had travelled from Switzerland for the occasion.

On Saturday night, 90 guests were present for the formal dinner. The evening was emceed by Bruce Bascand (OC 1967) and an hilarious Toast to the College, along with a beautifully sung Scottish Lament was delivered by Philip King (OC 1966). Stuart Eyes (OC 1967) had followed Blair’s cycling career and had collected newspaper articles that had been written about him. Stuart presented these to a very humble Blair during the speeches. During Christine’s speech, she surprised Pip Hall (OC 1967) with a 13 Years On badge, for completing 13 years of education here, although a slight misdemeanour during his 7th Form year meant he wasn’t able to fully complete the whole year!

The weekend was rounded out with a chapel service on Sunday to remember those who had gone before us. A fabulous time was had by all over the three days and thank you to those who helped find our missing Old Collegians, making this a very successful and special 60 Years On Reunion.