URGENT UPDATE: Over 50 alumni from the 1970 graduating class of Armidale High School gathered for a heartwarming reunion on November 15, 2023. This significant event, held at the Armidale Bowling Club, marked 55 years since their graduation, with classmates coming from far and wide, including Hervey Bay, Sydney, and Brisbane.
Organisers Margaret Adams, Barbara Sauer, and Christine Martin shared that meticulous planning over six months led to this unforgettable evening. They expressed joy at welcoming 54 classmates and their partners, despite many facing health issues and family commitments that kept others from attending.
Reflecting on their school days, attendees relived cherished memories of sporting events, school camps, and formals. One standout memory was the school’s first-grade rugby league team reaching the finals of the University Shield. “Five buses set out loaded with the AHS cheer squad, only for one bus to break down at Uralla,” the organisers recalled, sharing a laugh about the adventure that ultimately led them to the game just in time.
The reunion also celebrated 50 years since the opening of Armidale High School in 1969, a monumental milestone that brought together ex-students from the early 1920s onwards. The celebration featured a grand ball, barbecues, and sporting events that rekindled friendships and memories.
Attendees reminisced about the competitive spirit of intra-school sports between houses like Chandler, Dumaresq, Oxley, and Salisbury. They shared stories of boarding life at the St John’s Hostel and Church of New England Girls’ Hostel, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of their classmates.
As the night progressed, Phillip Batty and Nanda Fraser had the honor of cutting the celebratory cake, while Ms. Martin donned her high school uniform, adding a nostalgic touch to the evening. Informal gatherings at the White Bull and breakfast at NERAM rounded out the weekend, fostering deeper connections among former classmates.
The organising committee committed to remembering those who have passed, ensuring their legacy within the class remains alive. As the evening concluded, many expressed hopes of not letting another decade pass without reconnecting.
This reunion not only served as a trip down memory lane but also as a reminder of the bonds forged during formative years at Armidale High. The warmth and joy shared among attendees underscore the importance of community and friendship, a sentiment that resonates deeply as they enter this new chapter of their lives.
