Survivors of the Parkes High School first year intake of 1958, partners, and others collected along the journey - gathered in Parkes on the weekend to celebrate their collective 75th birthdays as the basis of another school reunion.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The group has remained in contact since the major Parkes Centenary year celebration in 1983.
Former Rees Avenue resident David Keane pointed out a couple of years ago that the fact they would all turn (or were about to turn) 75 years of age in 2021 was the perfect excuse for another re-union.
Led by their very efficient organiser, Claire Dean (nee Hathway), old classmates came from as far afield as Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and many parts of NSW.
An informal dinner gathering and 'catch up' at Parkes Leagues Club on Friday night got the program underway, followed by an early morning 'nine holes' on the now beautiful Parkes Golf Course. This outing brought back memories of fun times on the old sand green course in the late 50s/early 60s.
READ MORE NEWS STORIES:
Bob Aitken, 1962 school captain with Laraine Jones (nee Dean), sought approval and worked with current School Principal Sandra Carter for a nostalgic visit and box lunch on Saturday.
The principal warmly welcomed the group and led an excellent tour of the school and grounds, explaining many of the changes and new resources in some detail.
Saturday afternoon provided something original when David Keane researched the colourful history of Parkes' hotel industry - from the late 1800s - and led a 'pub crawl' with a difference from the Star Hotel down Clarinda Street.
Saturday night at the Railway Hotel provided the weekend highlight.
Claire, Marie Bloodworth (nee Woolfe) and Laraine decorated the dining room with colour and a superb gallery of school day photographs - class groups down the years and famous sporting teams!
There was a fitting finale when Claire was invited to cut the 75 years birthday cake.
Some people met for breakfast on Sunday morning and others took the opportunity to visit family and/or tour town.
Those who took part in the reunion included Bob and Ann Aitken, Garry and Chris Asgill, Keith Bleechmore, Marie Bloodworth, Jim and Gwenda Brokenshire, Claire Dean, Chris Eggeling, Grahame and Anne Feletti, Lindsay and Patty (nee Eggeling) Hill, Geoff and Margaret Horler, David Keane, Laraine Jones (nee Dean), Mick and Maureen (nee Dumesny) Leary, Meryl Lees (nee Harriot), Brian Lynch, Neil and Helen (nee Orr) MacGregor and Graham Ware
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
Bookmark www.parkeschampionpost.com.au
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Instagram
