Grey Main School reunion

We flew across the Alps just over a week ago, Sis and I, to our primary school reunion. There wasn't a lot of snow even though it had snowed a couple of times in the last couple of days. Our cousin was taking the train through and I thought he would have a spectacular trip with snow about but he said there was very little.

The weather was very kind to us and we had a day or so settling in and strolling around reminiscing. On Friday evening we had a meet and greet at a local restaurant attached to a brewery. It was a nice evening, with drinks and nibbles. I enjoyed it to an extent but was a bit disappointed that I never saw anyone from my class. Most people were in groups and Lorraine and I were by ourselves. I felt like we were a couple of little old ladies stuck in a corner. A couple of people came over and chatted, some came over and took the remaining chairs from our table but no-one invited us to join them. We stayed about an hour and then walked back to our motel. This photo was taken in front of a large picture of our old school entrance. Assemblies were held here until the hall was built. 

The restaurant is a nice place and pleasant to eat in and we ducked in one day as we were going past just to have a soft drink. 

Saturday was ANZAC Day and our intention was to be up in time to go to the Dawn Parade before going to the service at the school's old Memorial Gates. We slept in! But we made it in plenty of time for the school service and were shown to seats in the front because I have hearing problems, someone had remembered that from the evening before. School pupils attached poppies to the gates, one for each pupil who had perished in the two World Wars. It was quite a moving service with soldiers names, numbers and some personal details read out. This was mostly done by the pupils with one or two descendants reading as well.

When it was over, and we'd caught up with one or two people we walked over to the Cenotaph and then a block down to the RSA (Returned Services Association). Later we went to the cemetery and put poppies on Grandad's grave.

 

The afternoon saw us at the school, in a completely different place to where it had been before. Luckily our shuttle driver when we arrived was kind enough to do a short detour and showed us where it was, not far from the motel at all so we were able to walk. I met a girl outside who recognised me, she'd been friends with my best friend at school and so we hung around with her for the rest of the weekend. It was nice to have someone else to chat to and laugh with. We laughed a lot over the course of the weekend.

An ex teacher/principal (I'm not sure which) rang the old bell that had called us all to our lessons all those years ago. She was privileged - it was only the boys who were allowed to ring it back in the day. 

Then we were all sent around to the playground where the eldest ex pupil (96) cut the cake with help from the youngest pupil and one of the senior girls.

The delicious cake, it had been cut by the time I got to take a photo..

The junior Kapa Haka group entertained us...

...followed by the senior Kapa Haka group.

Afterwards afternoon tea was put on by the Parent Teacher Association and it was delicious. We also had an opportunity to wander through some of the classrooms, look at old photos and some old journals. There was a dinner on Saturday night but it was out of town so we didn't attend as we had no transport. No one had let us know there would be a shuttle until after we had registered. 

On Sunday we found ourselves back at the school for a delicious brunch. I only had the fruit and a cup of tea, oh and a piece of cake,  but I was cheeky and asked if I could have a croissant to take back to the motel for later. I was given two!  One of each of the different fillings :) So one for me and one for sis. There was hot food as well. They did a terrific job feeding us all. Farewells were said and all too soon it was all over.

A week after we arrived we were down at the railway station awaiting our shuttle through the mountains to Christchurch, the first leg of our trip home.

So, apart from a slight disappointment at the beginning of the celebrations I really enjoyed myself.

We also spent time with my cousin doing things but I think I've rabbited on enough for one post, that can wait for another day.

Keep well,

 look after yourself,

 until next time, 

Diana