After an intense six month telephone and email campaign by Leigh Kealton and John Balderson, the Class of 1965 matriculants met at The Johannian Club for their sixtieth anniversary reunion lunch. The turnout was excellent, with a similar number of apologies received from those who were unable to attend. We must also acknowledge the support given by Zelda Siphenuka from the OJA.
Leigh opened the proceedings by presenting a small token of thanks to Zelda for her support, after which the MC, Ray Dearlove, welcomed everyone present, including several wives and partners who had travelled from across the world including Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Ray also read the names of the 1965 classmates who had passed away, a solemn and reflective moment.
The attendees were:
John and Peta Balderson
Erik and Jean Bjornsgaard
Mike Brown
George Cunningham
Ray and Margaret Dearlove
Dave Gear
Phil Harries Jones
Lester Hedgcock
Roger Jefferson
Leigh and Jan Kealton
Clive Lucas Bull
Ron McGregor
Martin and Gillian Pilcher
Lindsay and Diana Robertson
Mike and Penny Strong
Ron White
John and Roselle Yeats
Ann Henrey
Lynne Collins
The Executive Headmaster, Stuart West, then gave an incisive and interesting update on the school. We wish him well as he begins his new career. John Balderson thanked Stuart warmly and commented on the many challenges that Stuart and the staff face every day of the year.
Shelley Roberts gave an inspirational presentation about the need to support the school and briefed the group on the current giving drive.
After some witty comments, Ray opened the floor for attendees to share their stories, prompting many memorable war stories to be told and retold. There was much humour and laughter. At one point an attendee was spotted receiving a free consultation from the three doctors present, namely Phil Harries Jones, John Yeats and Ron White.
All agreed that it was an excellent lunch, and Leigh, John and Zelda are to be warmly congratulated for making it all happen.
— Ray Dearlove (Hill 1965)
