Priestlands School class of 79 reunion sees former classmates fly in from around the world

AS SCHOOL reunions go it was pretty spectacular. Over a hundred people attended the ‘Class of 79’ Priestlands get together with some former pupils flying in from Canada, Australia, America, Thailand, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Ireland.

Organiser Colin Whitlock was “overwhelmed” with the attendance, saying: “When I started planning this back in February, I could never have hoped that so many people would come. It has been absolutely fantastic reconnecting with so many former friends and tonight has just been wonderful.

“There has been a lot of laughter and sharing of memories. I am hoping that people will stay in touch as a result of tonight.”

The former classmates got together at Pennington social club to enjoy ‘70s disco 50 years after they all started at the Lymington secondary school. The diverse paths people had taken was a talking point with former classmates sharing how their lives had panned out and their memories of school days.

In a speech to those present, Colin, who now lives in Thailand, referenced the fact that the ‘70s were famous for strikes, a heatwave and Saints winning the FA Cup.

He praised former classmates for turning out for the momentous occasion: “The last school reunion was 27 years ago at Wellworthy’s Club, and it is wonderful to see so many people from that reunion here to join us tonight.”

He also thanked friend Tracy Ritchie for her “absolutely awesome support” by helping to make the night such a success. Despite currently being treated for cancer, Tracy threw herself into contacting nearly every member of the school intake to ask them to come.

Colin said: “I was absolutely thrilled that Tracy agreed to help. Her immense popularity and determination have certainly resulted in many agreeing to come.”

He said it was partly thinking about Tracy’s battle with cancer that spurred him into organising the reunion saying: “Whilst in Thailand I was thinking about Tracy and her struggles, noting the 50 years since we joined Priestlands, and without a doubt the passing of a great friend of mine and hers, Gary Cornwell, who had helped us organise the last school reunion, were the driving factors.

Tracy herself was delighted with the turnout: “I am so pleased so many have come. It has been absolutely great to see people I used to know and share memories. There has been a lot of laughter.”

Sadly, 11 former school mates have passed away, with those present raising a glass in their memory. Donations to cancer charity Going for Bust raised £165 which Colin presented to the shop at the weekend.

His and Tracy’s efforts were praised by many who attended the evening with one saying: “Absolutely fantastic night. Spent the night chatting and laughing.” Another said: “A lovely evening catching up – thank you so much to Colin and Tracy for all your incredible hard work in pulling it all altogether. Till next time!”

To donate Going for Bust visit: www.goingforbust.co.uk