70 Years On
This year, we were especially mindful of those who were not attending the cocktail party, and instead a “meet and greet” was organised at Aikmans, Merivale. While this was a bit noisy, it wasn’t long before we were contributing to most of the noise with our own camaraderie and tales of happenings over the intervening years. This proved to be a great ice breaker for the weekend, with the College cocktail party attendees joining the group towards the end of the evening. The school tour on Saturday was appreciated by all and the group photograph showed the 60 Years On celebrations to be well attended and the attendees in fine fettle. This was followed by lunch, which was most enjoyable, even if our meat carver (who shall not be named!) was replaced by the College chef so as to get the troops fed in time for dessert and coffee. The evening activity was dinner at Embers restaurant at the Papanui Club. This was also well supported by Old Boys and wives, commencing with drinks and nibbles and much reminiscing. The main meal – beef, lamb and chicken slow cooked and finished over an open fire pit, then served with all the necessary extras – was innovative and of excellent quality. The tables were set up in groups of eight rather than long tables to give a more intimate and social setting. Following the main course was a variety of desserts. There was much mingling and sharing memories and stories about past and present times, and by the end of the evening the atmosphere was comparable to a large family having its 60 year reunion. The entire weekend was most enjoyable, a great success, and concluded with the traditional Chapel service and its magnificent choir singing and music from the organ.
The weekend was sunny and warm, and Christchurch was at its best. Nineteen Old Boys had registered, and with wives and partners we numbered up to 25 at times. The class of 1950 kicked off the reunion with a win in the Old Boys’ Race at Athletics Day. That was followed by the CCOBA AGM, and a splendid cocktail party at College. Saturday morning saw some of us attend the moving ceremony in Chapel, when the new stained glass window memorial to Jock Hobbs was officially dedicated. Wonderful memories followed as we toured our former Houses. After the obligatory photograph, we thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of sitting at the top table with Executive Principal Garth Wynne for a magnificent lunch. The first real chance we had to sit and chat as a group came on Saturday night when we met at a local restaurant for an excellent evening meal. Sunday lunch at Riccarton House was a highlight. The weather was great as old friends renewed acquaintances. The beautifully restored old building was somehow very suited to a gathering of semi- restored octogenarians! We even had representation at the Chapel service on Sunday evening. A sincere thank you to the school and the Old Boys’ Association for such a lively and stunning weekend, spent renewing friendships and recounting shared memories. Inevitably, there were moments of sadness that so many were unable to be present for a variety of reasons. On the other hand, we were grateful so many had made a real effort to contribute to the occasion. We look forward to another reunion in five years. Bill Unwin (5899), Richard Studholme (5893), David Elworthy (5843) Back row: John Acland, Michael Johnston, Harry Little, Hiatt Cox, Richard Studholme, Gary Brown Middle row: Angus Park, Richard Cottrell, Bill Unwin, David Elworthy, Duncan Macfarlane, Ken Kissling Front row: Simon Beaven, Richard Roberton, William Black, Julian Thorpe, Jim Gerard, John Laing
Richard Ballantyne (6986), Chris Bell (6992)
College Issue 38 2020
111
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