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June has been busy with Rugby Reunions. On Queens Birthday Monday June 7th the traditional College House vs Niger House (New Plymouth) took place, Stu, Sally and I helped Maurice Gloyn and John Morrison organize a 1961 College House/Niger House Team reunion. Maurice was Head Boy of College House in 1961. We had about 25 people attend a morning tea before the game and then the after match in the College House dining room after the game. Sally put together a commemorative booklet for them. It was so good to watch friendships being renewed between PNBHS College House Old Boys after lengthy absences.

From left to right; John Morrison, Greame Cowley, Hamish McNeil, Ron Sisson, John Palairet, Don Harris, John Mayo, Trevor Prime, Maurice Gloyn, Neil Rae, Alastair Brown, Rodney Wilson, Murray Dalziel, Paul Stuckey.

The weekend of June 18th and 19th were busy days, but we thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with these reunion boys. We had two groups for reunions, in one the 1971/72/73 1st XV teams met and the other 1980/81 1st XVs. Various functions over the weekend were attended by the majority of these boys. An assembly with the current 1st and 2nd XV’s on Friday morning was addressed by Barry Wright from the 71-73 team and Bruce Lochore captain of the 1980 team. Many words of wisdom were passed on to the boys from these two, practical advice that we hope they listened to and remember. The teams then toured the school starting over in the newly renovated grandstand changing rooms that were blessed that morning in readiness for the 1st XV on Saturday, this project has been a dream of Bruce Hemara coming to fruition. Bruce was part of the PNBHS 1973 team. Friday night Stu, Rachel and Sally caught up with the 1980s boys at Speights Ale House then the 1970s boys at The Fat Farmer. Saturday morning saw us host Brunch in the College House Dining Hall for both teams, our White Jersey Club supporters that wished to attend, a handful of current 1st XV parents and school rugby sponsors, 70 in total. We braved the Hamilton game in the rain and wind. The warmth of the Northern Bowling Club for refreshments after the game was well received. Saturday night the 1970s boys met in the College House Function Room for their team dinner, this was thoroughly enjoyed by all and it was great to see so many wives attend the various functions as well and it was great to watch people get together who had not met up for 40 years or more. The 1980’s team had their dinner down at Aberdeen on Broadway. When we turned up there it was good to listen to the stories flowing and seeing so much laughter! We hope that both teams enjoyed reconnecting with PNBHS.

We have received many positive emails and notes from attendees of all three rugby reunions in June.